United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2001
Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2001 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act, respectively, to prohibit certain employee group health plans or related insurances providing both medical-surgical and mental health benefits from imposing mental health treatment limitations or financial requirements unless comparable limitations and requirements are imposed upon medical-surgical benefits. Exempts specified small employers from such requirements. Requires a General Accounting Office study of such requirements' effects upon health insurance costs, access, and quality.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2001
Reserve Component Tax Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a business or trade deduction the expenses of a member of the reserve component of the U.S. armed forces in connection with such service. Makes such deduction available to itemizers and non-itemizers. Establishes related reserve component business-related employment and self-employment credits.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2001
Freedom From Behavioral Profiling Act of 2000 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to prohibit financial institution disclosure of consumer marketing and behavioral profiling information for the purpose of marketing nonfinancial products, unless: (1) the institution has notified the consumer in clear and conspicuous format; and (2) the consumer has affirmatively consented in writing.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2001
Medicare Education and Regulatory Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) concerning: (1) prospective application only of certain regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) certain requirements for judicial and regulatory challenges of regulations. Requires the Secretary, with respect to Medicare audits, except when clear and convincing evidence exists of fraud or similar fault, to give a physician, provider of services, or provider of ambulance services (physicians or providers) the option of entering into: (1) an arrangement to offset alleged overpayments against future payments; or (2) a repayment plan with its carrier or fiscal intermediary to recoup such an overpayment. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to recoup an overpayment or to impose a penalty during the period in which a physician or provider is appealing a determination that such an overpayment has been made or the amount of the overpayment. Prohibits carriers, absent cause, from demanding the production of records or documentation before paying a Medicare claim. Amends SSA title XI with respect to prohibited extensions of remuneration to a Medicare-eligible individual to influence a choice of provider, practitioner, or supplier. Excludes from the meaning of remuneration any waiver of copayment made in a written, mailed communication with existing patients. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) construction of hearing rights related to decisions to deny or not renew a physician enrollment agreement; (2) the post-payment audit process; (3) definitions relating to physicians or providers; and (4) the right to appeal on behalf of deceased beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XVIII to require carriers, fiscal intermediaries, and contractors to conduct education programs (funded from the Medicare Integrity Program) for physicians and providers on billing, coding, cost reporting, and documentation regulations and procedures. Outlines provisions with regard to certain information requests from physicians and providers. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the inclusion of regulatory costs in the calculation of the sustainable growth rate with respect to the costs of physicians' services. Prohibits the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) from implementing any new evaluation and management documentation guidelines under Medicare, unless it: (1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed guidelines by organizations representing physicians; (2) has established a plan that contains specific goals, including a schedule, for improving use of such guidelines; (3) has completed a minimum of four pilot projects to test such guidelines; and (4) finds that specified objectives will be met in the implementation of such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2001
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should designate the week of March 18 through March 24, 2001, as National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week; and (2) parents should learn about the dangers of inhalant abuse and discuss those dangers with their children.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2001
National Energy Security Act of 2001 - Mandates Federal studies and reports to Congress regarding specified national energy needs and resources. Prescribes research and development programs pertaining to designated energy technologies. Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water and Frontier Royalty Relief Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or eliminate the royalty or net profit share set forth in leases in the Western, Eastern and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Mandates that: (1) Federal oil or gas royalties accruing to the United States under any lease or permit be paid in kind in oil or gas; and (2) such royalty-in-kind oil be transferred to the Secretary of Energy to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 (sic) - Mandates transfer to a State, upon its request, of Federal authority over oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within the State. Directs the Secretary, when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil or natural gas reach certain levels, to grant a specified credit against the payment of royalties on oil and gas exploration and development on Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf in order to encourage those activities. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Establishes Federal grant programs for incentive payments for nuclear energy technology and research. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Prescribes leasing guidelines for the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) for private sector oil and gas exploration, development, and production, including rights-of-way and easements for oil and gas transportation. Establishes Federal grant programs for: (1) local governmental use of alternative fuel vehicles; and (2) residential renewable energy. Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 2001 - Delineates mandatory factors for consideration by Federal agencies in connection with hydroelectric power licensing procedures. National Electric Reliability Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve an Electric Reliability Organization, which shall adopt standards for the reliable operation of a bulk power system. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Practices Act of 1978 to repeal the requirement that an electric utility enter into a new contract to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to requirements governing cogeneration and small power production. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Deems State actions to support emission-free electricity sources to be control measures meeting Clean Air Act requirements and included in a State Implementation Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2001
National Energy Security Act of 2001 - Mandates Federal studies and reports to Congress regarding specified national energy needs and resources. Prescribes research and development programs pertaining to designated energy technologies. Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water and Frontier Royalty Relief Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or eliminate the royalty or net profit share set forth in leases in the Western, Eastern and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Mandates that: (1) Federal oil or gas royalties accruing to the United States under any lease or permit be paid in kind in oil or gas; and (2) such royalty-in-kind oil be transferred to the Secretary of Energy to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 (sic) - Mandates transfer to a State, upon its request, of Federal authority over oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within the State. Directs the Secretary, when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil or natural gas reach certain levels, to grant a specified credit against the payment of royalties on oil and gas exploration and development on Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf in order to encourage those activities. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Establishes Federal grant programs for incentive payments for nuclear energy technology and research. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2001 - Prescribes leasing guidelines for the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) for private sector oil and gas exploration, development, and production, including rights-of-way and easements for oil and gas transportation. Establishes Federal grant programs for: (1) local governmental use of alternative fuel vehicles; and (2) residential renewable energy. Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 2001 - Delineates mandatory factors for consideration by Federal agencies in connection with hydroelectric power licensing procedures. National Electric Reliability Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve an Electric Reliability Organization, which shall adopt standards for the reliable operation of a bulk power system. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Practices Act of 1978 to repeal the requirement that an electric utility enter into a new contract to purchase or sell electric energy or capacity pursuant to requirements governing cogeneration and small power production. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Deems State actions to support emission-free electricity sources to be control measures meeting Clean Air Act requirements and included in a State Implementation Plan. Energy Security Tax Policy Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish tax incentives, including tax credits, with respect to: (1) oil and gas production; (2) offshore oil and gas vessels and structures; (3) emission reductions and efficiency improvements in coal-based electricity generation facilities; (4) early commercial applications of advanced clean coal technologies; (5) prepayments for natural gas; (6) electric power; (7) spent nuclear fuel storage; (8) energy efficiency; (9) alternative fuels; and (10) renewable energy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Designates the headquarters offices of the Peace Corps, wherever situated, as the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters. Amends the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Act of 2000 to require the Director of the Peace Corps to ensure that references in Peace Corps documents to the World Wise Schools Program be references to the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program. Provides funding to the University of Georgia to support the construction of the Paul D. Coverdell Building at the Institute of the Biomedical and Health Sciences at the University.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2001
Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Eligibility Reform Act of 2001 - Provides for the eligibility of individuals who enlist in the regular armed forces for advanced training under the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (SROTC) program. Makes the general monthly pay rate applicable to active-duty personnel the pay rate for a regular component cadet or midshipman on active duty for field training or practice cruises. Increases from 27 to 35 the maximum age for participation in the SROTC financial assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2001
Social Security Number Privacy Act of 2001 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require the Federal functional regulators to promulgate regulations restricting the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers by financial institutions. Prohibits a financial institution from selling or purchasing a Social Security number or Social Security account number in violation of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Strong Character for Strong Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities in partnerships to design and implement State and local character education programs incorporating the elements of caring, civic virtue and citizenship, justice and fairness, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness, as well as any other elements deemed appropriate by the members of the eligible entity, and any additional elements defined after consultation with the schools and communities served.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2001
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce maximum capital gain rates for qualifying five-year and ten-year gains (aggregate long-term capital gain from property held longer than five or ten years, respectively).
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Collegiate Learning and Student Savings Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit private higher educational institutions, in addition to currently permitted State institutions, to establish qualified tuition programs; and (2) exclude from gross income such program distributions used for qualified higher education expenses. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt qualified tuition programs from the definition of an investment company.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
State and Local Government Participation Act of 2001 - Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require Federal officials, prior to making environmental impact statements on proposed actions and legislative proposals, to obtain the comments of Federal and State agencies and county and local governments (currently, Federal agencies) which have jurisdiction or special expertise with respect to involved environmental impacts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2001
Student Privacy Protection Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) that receive ESEA funds to: (1) develop policies regarding in-school commercialization activities in consultation with parents; and (2) provide notice to parents regarding such policies and any changes to such policies, including locally developed exceptions. Prohibits such SEAs and LEAs, unless they have given an explanation and obtained parents' written permission, from: (1) disclosing data or information gathered from a student to persons or entities that seek such disclosure to benefit their commercial interests; or (2) assisting or permitting by contract such persons or entities in gathering such information for such purpose. Allows locally-developed exceptions to such consent requirements. Allows SEAs and LEAs to use certain ESEA funds to enhance parental involvement in areas affecting children's in-school privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Stealth Tax Prevention Act - Amends Federal law relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to include in the definition of "major rule" any rule that is promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service and whose implementation and enforcement the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget finds has resulted in (or is likely to result in) any net increase in Federal revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2001
Urges the President, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make the problem of subsidized Canadian lumber imports a top trade priority to be addressed immediately; (2) take every possible action to end Canadian lumber subsidy practices through open and competitive sales of timber and logs in Canada for fair market value; and (3) if Canada does not agree to end such subsidies, provide that they be offset in the United States, enforce the trade laws with respect to subsidized and dumped imports, explore all options to stop unfairly traded imports, and limit injury to the U.S. lumber industry.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of war, Federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) Federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20 percent of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2001
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001- Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Prescribes procedural guidelines for both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and State access to records of a holding company (including subsidiaries, associates, and affiliates) of a public utility or natural gas company. Instructs FERC to promulgate a final rule to exempt specified holding companies from such access requirements. Requires FERC to exempt any person or transaction from such access requirements if it finds that regulation of such person or transaction is irrelevant to the jurisdictional rates of a public utility or natural gas company. Retains the jurisdiction of FERC and State commissions to determine whether a public utility company or natural gas company may recover in rates any costs of affiliate transactions. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) the United States; (2) a State or its political subdivision; and (3) a foreign governmental authority not operating in the United States. Grants FERC certain Federal Power Act enforcement powers. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal its conflict of jurisdiction guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2001
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2001 - Permits retired members of the armed forces with service-connected disabilities to be paid both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. Repeals a special compensation program for certain severely disabled military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act with regard to the treatment of absentee ballots of uniformed and overseas voters to ensure the acceptance and counting of any valid absentee ballot from an overseas voter with respect to any election for Federal office, regardless of whether such ballot contains a postmark, if the ballot was: (1) mailed or otherwise delivered to the appropriate State election official on or before the election date to which the ballot refers; and (2) received by the appropriate State official not more than ten days after the date of the election to which the ballot refers. Amends the Federal criminal code to provide sanctions against anyone who knowingly gives false information for the purpose of establishing the date an absentee ballot of an overseas voter is mailed or delivered. Amends Federal armed forces law to authorize the use of buildings on military installations and reserve component facilities as polling places in any Federal, State, or local election for public office. Permits the States to make certain facilities available for such use as well. States that if a military installation or reserve component facility was made available as the site of a polling place with respect to an election for Federal office held during 2000, the same or comparable site shall be made available for use as a polling place with respect to any general election for Federal office to be held in November 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2001
SBP Benefits Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends Federal provisions concerning the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to adjust the basic SBP annuity amount for surviving spouses age 62 or over of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent, for months beginning on or before the enactment of this Act (current law); (2) 40 percent of such pay, for months beginning after such date and before October 2004; (3) 45 percent, for months beginning after September 2004; and (4) 55 percent, for months beginning after September 2011. Adjusts similarly the authorized percentage amounts of SBP supplemental annuity authorized for such spouses. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate adjustments in the computation of retired pay deductions for such supplemental annuities made necessary by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Public Safety Medal of Valor Act- Authorizes the President to award, and present in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer cited by the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. States that the Public Safety Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. Establishes a Medal of Valor Review Board to select candidates to receive the Medal from among applications received by the National Medal Office. Establishes within the Department of Justice a National Medal Office to support the Board and establish criteria and procedures for the submission of nominee recommendations for the Medal. Repeals provisions of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 establishing the President's Award for Outstanding Public Safety Service and the Secretary of Commerce's Award for Distinguished Public Safety Service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
National Electricity and Environmental Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, chemical feedstocks, and transportation fuel; (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies; and (3) implement a power plant improvement initiative program demonstrating commercial applications of advanced coal-based technologies applicable to new or existing power plants including co-production plants, which must advance the effectiveness, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond that which is in operation or has been demonstrated on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for investment in: (1) a qualifying clean coal technology unit in an existing coal-based electricity generation facility; and (2) early commercial applications of qualifying advanced clean coal technologies. Sets forth formulae for determining tax credits for unit production of both kinds of technologies. Exempts the installation of a qualifying system of continuous emission control from new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act. Grants a ten-year exemption from any new or increased emission control requirements for the specific pollutant controlled by such a system to any existing coal-based electricity generating unit on which it has been installed, if the system meets or exceeds the specified standard of performance for new stationary sources. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a financial risk pool for a limited time to offset the modification costs resulting from the failure of qualifying advanced clean coal technology to achieve its design performance. Cites conditions under which credits for emission reductions and efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generating facilities of electric cooperatives or publicly owned electric utilities may be treated as offset credits. Entitles the Tennessee Valley Authority to aggregate certain clean coal technology credits and apply them as a credit against obligations for annual returns on the appropriations investment and annual repayment sums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2001
Self-Employed Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for 100 percent of a self-employed individual's health insurance costs for himself or herself, spouse, and dependents, unless such individual participates in an employer-maintained health plan. (Current law provides for a phased-in 100 percent deduction and disallowance upon participation eligibility.)
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2000
American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 - Title I: Removal of Barriers to Housing Affordability - Housing Affordability Barrier Removal Act of 2000 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize FY 2001 through 2005 appropriations for (consolidated) State and local grants for regulatory barrier removal. Makes consortia of local governments eligible grantees. Requires grant use in coordination with the local comprehensive affordability strategy under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. (Sec. 103) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to state that the regulatory barriers clearinghouse shall be established within the Office of Policy Development of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. Title II: Homeownership for Working Families - Authorizes the Secretary to insure refinancing of home equity conversions for elderly home owners. Provides for: (1) specified transaction disclosures; (2) waiver of counseling under specified conditions; (3) fee limitations; (4) single premium reduction; and (5) an actuarial study to determine insurance premium adequacy. Includes housing cooperatives in the demonstration program of insurance of home equity conversion mortgages for elderly home owners. Directs the Secretary to waive up-front premiums for mortgages used for costs of long-term care insurance or health care. (Sec. 202) Amends the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 to authorize FY 2001 appropriations for self-help housing providers. Makes certain nongrant fund advances by an organization eligible for reimbursement. Revises fund recapture provisions. Title III: Section 8 Homeownership Option - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide a single grant home ownership downpayment option (in lieu of monthly payments) under the section 8 housing assistance program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes a public housing agency providing tenant-based section 8 housing assistance to provide assistance for a qualifying disabled family that purchases a home which will be owned and occupied by one or more members of such family. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 303) Authorizes FY 2001 appropriations (with a 50 percent matching requirement) for home ownership programs under the section 8 home ownership demonstration program. Title IV: Private Mortgage Insurance Cancellation and Termination - Private Mortgage Insurance Technical Corrections and Clarification Act - Amends the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 with respect to the definition of "cancellation date" to replace "amortization schedules" with, and define, "amortization schedule then in effect" for purposes of adjustable rate mortgages. Includes balloon mortgages within the definition of "adjustable rate mortgages." States that if a residential mortgage loan is modified (with mortgagor-mortgagee agreement) the cancellation date, termination date, or final agreement shall be recalculated to reflect such modifications. (Sec. 404) Extends mortgage insurance cancellation rights beyond the cancellation date for a qualifying borrower who is current on required payments. (Sec. 405) Revises the automatic termination date with respect to a mortgagor who is not current on payments as of the mortgage termination date. States that the cancellation or termination of private mortgage insurance shall not affect the rights of any mortgagee, servicer, or insurer to enforce any accrued obligation for premium payments. (Sec. 406) Revises and defines specified terms. Title V: Native American Homeownership - Subtitle A: Native American Housing - Establishes the Lands Title Report Commission to facilitate home loan mortgages on Indian trust lands. Terminates the Commission one year after its initial meeting. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 502) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to make permanent the Indian housing loan guarantee authority. (Sec. 503) Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) restrict the Secretary's authority to waive housing plan requirements to not more than 90 days; (2) permit the Secretary to waive local cooperation requirements upon a good faith showing and agreement to make certain payments in lieu of taxes; (3) permit assistance to Indian families that are not low-income upon a showing of need; (4) eliminate separate housing plan requirements for small tribes; (5) permit the Secretary to waive certain environmental review requirements under specified conditions; (6) permit reservation housing assistance for specified full-time Federal, State, county, or tribal law enforcement officers; (7) revise audit, review, and hearing provisions; (8) prescribe a funding formula for housing authorities operating fewer than 250 units based on an average of FY 1992 through 1997 allocations; and (9) repeal the requirement regarding the certification of compliance with subsidy layering requirements. Subtitle B: Native Hawaiian Housing - Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to add a new Title VIII, Housing Assistance for Native Hawaiians. Directs the Secretary to make block grants to carry out affordable housing activities for Native Hawaiian families on or near Hawaiian Home Lands. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (defined as the agency or department of Hawaii responsible for administration of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920) only if the Director of the Department has submitted a housing plan that meets requirements under this Act, unless otherwise waived by the Secretary. Sets forth plan terms, conditions, and requirements, including a condition that, to the extent practicable, the Department use private nonprofit organizations in the planning and development of such housing. Provides for plan review by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions regarding the treatment of program income, project labor standards, and environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Limits assistance for affordable housing activities under the program to low-income Native Hawaiian families, with specified exceptions for: (1) certain home ownership activities; and (2) assistance to non-Native Hawaiians if the presence of the family in the housing involved is essential to the well-being of Native Hawaiian families and the housing need cannot be met without assistance. Describes eligible affordable housing activities. Sets forth program requirements, including the development of policies governing rents, home buyer payments, eligibility, management, leases, and tenant selection. Sets the maximum monthly rent or home buyer payment at 30 percent of the monthly adjusted family income. Directs the Secretary, in instances of substantial Department noncompliance, to terminate, reduce, or limit payments. Authorizes the Secretary, in addition to such actions, to refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action. Sets forth review, auditing, and reporting requirements for the Secretary and the Director. Provides for discretionary audits by the Comptroller General. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2005. (Sec. 514) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize the Secretary to guarantee up to $100 million in loans from approved lenders in each of FY 2001 through 2005 to provide access to sources of private financing to Native Hawaiian families who could otherwise not acquire housing financing because of the unique legal status of the Hawaiian Home Lands or as a result of a lack of access to private financial markets. Authorizes loan guarantees of up to 100 percent of unpaid interest and principal. Provides that a loan will be used to construct, acquire, or rehabilitate not more than four-family dwellings that are standard housing and located on Hawaiian Home Lands for which an approved housing plan to provide affordable home ownership housing applies. Sets forth eligible lender categories. Limits loans to 30-year terms. Permits the Secretary to guarantee a loan only upon determining that there is a reasonable prospect of repayment. Establishes a loan guarantee fee. Authorizes loan transfer and assumption, subject to governmental supervision. Provides for lender disqualification for specified violations, and civil monetary penalties for intentional violations. Establishes a Hawaiian Housing Guarantee Fund for the purpose of providing loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2005. Directs the Secretary to establish safety and quality standards for housing financed under these provisions. Title VI: Manufactured Housing Improvement - Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to define specified terms. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to establish manufactured home construction and safety standards in accordance with the consensus standards development process (provided for by this Act). Directs the Secretary to contract with: (1) a temporary administering organization to appoint the initial members of the consensus committee and administer the consensus standards development and related procedural and enforcement processes; and (2) a subsequent administering organization for the development of Federal standards and related procedural and enforcement regulations. Establishes the consensus committee which shall provide the Secretary with periodic recommendations respecting Federal manufactured housing construction and safety standards and related procedural and enforcement regulations. States that committee members shall represent producer, consumer, and general interest and public official interests. Sets forth related administrative provisions. (Sec. 605) Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Requires manufacturers to provide approved design and installation instructions with each manufactured home. Requires, within specified deadlines: (1) the consensus committee to develop and submit to the Secretary proposed model manufactured home installation standards; and (2) the Secretary to develop model standards. Requires an opportunity for public comment prior to such standards' issuance. Prohibits a State or manufacturer, during the five-year period beginning with the enactment of this Act, from establishing manufactured home installation standards that provide less protection than existing standards. Directs the Secretary, not later than the expiration of such five-year period, to implement in a State that has not adopted a similar program a program which provides for: (1) installation standards and designs and instructions that meet or exceed model standards; (2) installer training and licensing; and (3) installation inspection. (Sec. 606) Directs the Secretary to submit cost information to the consensus committee. (Sec. 607) Includes among research and testing activities: (1) encouraging government-sponsored housing entities to implement secondary market securitization programs for manufactured home loans; and (2) reviewing the programs for Federal Housing Administration manufactured home loans. (Sec. 608) Makes it a prohibited act to fail to comply with the Secretary's installation standards in any State that has not adopted a State installation program. (Sec.609) Authorizes the Secretary to collect manufacturer fees, and sets forth their permitted and prohibited uses. Establishes in the Treasury a Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund. Requires inspection and monitoring work to be carried out by independent contractors.. Requires the Secretary to continue funding States with approved plans at levels not less than those existing immediately prior to enactment of this Act. (Sec. 610) Directs the Secretary to establish a dispute resolution program within five years of the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 611) Eliminates the manufactured housing annual reporting requirement. (Sec. 612) Sets forth effective date provisions. (Sec. 613) Sets forth savings provisions, including certain contract duration provisions. Title VII: Rural Housing Ownership - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary to provide guarantees for rural housing loan refinancing. (Sec. 702) Increases from $2,500 to $7,500 the amount of a rural housing repair loan that needs to be evidenced only by a promissory note. (Sec. 703) Makes limited partnerships eligible for farm labor housing loans. (Sec. 704) Sets forth project accounting and recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 705) Extends the rural designation of certain areas until the 2010 census. (Sec. 707) Makes Indian tribes (as defined by this Act) eligible for the multifamily rental housing loan guarantee program. (Sec. 708) Establishes civil and criminal penalties for rural housing program equity skimming. Authorizes the Secretary to impose civil monetary penalties and prohibit renewal or extension of loan or assistance agreements for program violations. (Sec. 709) Amends Federal criminal law to include such equity skimming under money laundering provisions. Title VIII: Housing for Elderly and Disabled Families - Affordable Housing for Seniors and Families Act - Subtitle A: Refinancing for Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly - Directs the Secretary: (1) to approve prepayment of indebtedness, including refinancing under specified conditions, provided the project sponsor continues to operate the project on terms at least as advantageous to tenants as required under the original agreement; and (2) upon refinancing, to use at least 50 percent of the resultant savings in a manner that is advantageous to the tenants. Subtitle B: Authorization of Appropriations for Supportive Housing for the Elderly and Persons With Disabilities - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for supportive housing for the elderly. (Sec. 822) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for supportive housing for persons with disabilities. (Sec. 823) Authorizes FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for: (1) grants for service coordinators for elderly and disabled residents of certain federally assisted multifamily housing; and (2) contracts for congregate services for certain federally assisted housing. Subtitle C: Expanding Public Housing Opportunities for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities - Part 1: Housing for the Elderly - Amends the Housing Act of 1959, with respect to supportive services for the elderly, to make for-profit limited partnerships eligible program participants. (Sec. 832) Permits owners to use mixed funding sources for amenities and other design features. (Sec. 833) Expands acquisition authority. (Sec. 834) Authorizes project reserves to be used to reduce the number of dwelling units by retrofitting unmarketable units. (Sec. 835) States that no provision of law shall be construed to prohibit commercial operations in a project location that benefits project residents. Part 2: Housing for Persons with Disabilities - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to make certain for-profit limited partnerships eligible recipients under the supportive housing for persons with disabilities program. (Sec. 842) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act with respect to the supportive housing for persons with disabilities program to permit owners to use mixed funding sources for amenities and other design features. (Sec. 843) Provides that tenant-based assistance may be provided through a qualifying public housing agency or a private nonprofit organization. Limits tenant-based assistance to 25 percent of fiscal year program assistance. (Sec. 844) Authorizes project reserves to be used to reduce the number of dwelling units by retrofitting unmarketable units. (Sec. 845) States that no provision of law shall be construed to prohibit commercial operations in a project location that benefits project residents. Part 3: Other Provisions - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to permit service coordinator services to be provided to low-income or elderly persons living in the vicinity of specified federally assisted housing. Includes telemarketing fraud protection among the services provided to elderly residents of federally assisted housing and under the supportive housing program. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish related service coordinator guidelines. Subtitle D: Preservation of Affordable Stock - Amends the National Housing Act, as amended by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, respecting rental and cooperative housing for lower- income families, to eliminate certain restrictions on owner retention of excess charges, including retention and use of certain previously collected excess charges. Title IX: Other Related Housing Provisions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the insurance-eligible loan term for manufactured home lots to 20 years and 32 days. (Sec. 902) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, respecting enhanced section 8 voucher assistance, to: (1) include within the definition of "eligibility event" any termination or expiration of a contract for rental assistance during any fiscal year after 1994; and (2) provide that a maximum payment adversely affecting assisted families shall not be considered reasonable. (Sec. 904) Permits section 8 assistance to "grand-families." Title X: Federal Reserve Board Provisions - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to authorize the Board to acquire sites or property. (Sec. 1002) Revises the positions of Board members on the Executive Schedule (increasing their salary levels). (Sec. 1003) Revises Federal Reserve System semi-annual reporting requirements. Title XI: Banking and Housing Agency Reports - Federal Reporting Act of 2000 - Makes a specified provision of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 (reporting requirements included on a list prepared by the Clerk of the House of Representatives for the first session of the 103rd Congress) inapplicable to certain monetary policy, banking, and housing reporting requirements under specified Acts (Sec. 1103) Sets forth specified report coordination requirements respecting: (1) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (2) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (3) the Comptroller of the Treasury; (4) the Export-Import Bank; (5) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (6) the Federal Housing Administration. (Sec. 1104) Amends the: (1) Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to eliminate certain activity and fiscal authority reporting requirements of the Export-Import Bank; and (2) Federal Deposit Insurance Act to eliminate the requirement for a semiannual report on activities and efforts of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Title XII: Financial Regulatory Relief - Financial Regulatory Relief and Economic Efficiency Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Improving Monetary Policy and Financial Institution Management Practices - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA) to: (1) repeal savings association liquid asset requirements; and (2) permit a savings and loan holding company, with the prior approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, to acquire more than five percent of the voting shares of a non-subsidiary savings association or non-subsidiary savings and loan holding company. (Sec. 1203) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to repeal deposit broker notification and recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 1204) Amends the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act to prescribe expedited procedures permitting a national bank to: (1) reorganize as either a bank holding company, or as a bank holding company subsidiary; or (2) merge with subsidiaries or nonbank affiliates. (Sec. 1205) Amends Federal banking law to increase from one year to three years the term of the national bank director. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to exempt a national banking association from the 25-member limit on the number of members of an association's governing body. (Sec. 1207) Amends Federal banking law and the FDIA to: (1) repeal the mandate that the purchase or acquisition by a national banking association or depository institution of its own capital stock to prevent loss upon a previously contracted debt be disposed of within six months from the time of purchase; and (2) provide that if an institution acquires its own stock to prevent loss upon a debt previously contracted for in good faith, such transaction shall not be deemed to be a loan or discount on the security of its own capital stock. (Sec. 1208) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to increase from 90 percent to 100 percent of fair market value the permissible valuation of readily marketable purchased mortgage servicing rights that may be included in calculating an insured depository institution's tangible capital, risk-based capital, or leverage limit, if the Federal regulatory agencies jointly find that such an increase will not adversely affect the deposit insurance funds or the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions. Subtitle B: Streamlining Activities of Institutions - Requires that Federal banking agencies work jointly to develop: (1) electronic filing and public dissemination of depository institution status reports (call reports); and (2) uniform formats and simplified filing instructions for such reports. Subtitle C: Streamlining Agency Actions - Amends the FDIA to: (1) repeal the mandate that Federal banking agencies develop jointly a method for supplemental disclosures in required Federal filings of the estimated fair market value of depository institution assets and liabilities; (2) authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish the interest rate for or make post-insolvency interest payments to creditors' claims against the receivership estates of insured Federal or State depository institutions following satisfaction by the receiver of the principal amount of all creditor claims; and (3) mandate that Federal banking agencies jointly submit an annual report to certain congressional banking committees regarding differences in accounting and capital standards used by such agencies (currently such reports must be filed by the agencies individually). (Sec. 1224) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to extend the deadline for the Finance Board's issuance of regulations respecting Federal home loan bank capital standards. Subtitle D: Technical Corrections - Makes technical corrections to related Acts. (Sec. 1233) Amends Federal banking law to: (1) authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the citizenship requirement for a minority of the total number of directors sitting on the board of a national bank; (2) declare it is unlawful for the Comptroller to hold an interest in any national bank; and (3) repeal specified capital and surplus requirements for national banking associations. (Sec. 1234) Amends the International Bank Act of 1978 to modify examination requirements pertaining to establishment and operation by a foreign bank of Federal branches and agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2000
Municipal Utility Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning arbitrage to exclude from the definition of "investment property" a prepayment by an issuer of bonds in order to ensure the supply of a necessary commodity to a governmental unit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2000
James Madison Commemoration Commission Act - Establishes a James Madison Commemoration Commission and an advisory committee to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison. Prescribes the duties of the Commission, including, in cooperation with the advisory committee and the Library of Congress, to: (1) direct the Government Printing Office to compile and publish a book containing a selection of James Madison's most important writings and tributes to him; and (2) plan and coordinate symposia that will be devoted to providing a better understanding of James Madison's contribution to American culture. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by February 15, 2002, on its recommendations, including regarding disposition of historically significant items donated to it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2000
Criminal Justice Integrity and Law Enforcement Assistance Act - Title I: Post-Conviction DNA Testing in Federal Court - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize an individual imprisoned for conviction of a criminal offense to make a motion for the performance of forensic DNA testing on evidence that was: (1) secured in relation to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in such conviction; and (2) not subject to the DNA testing requested because the testing technology was not available at the time of trial. Provides an exception when there is no reasonable possibility that such testing will produce exculpatory evidence. Prohibits the destruction of biological material during the 30-month period authorized for such testing. Title II: Convicted Offender DNA Index System - Convicted Offender DNA Index System Support Act - Requires the: (1) Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and implement a plan to assist eligible States in performing DNA analyses of samples collected from convicted offenders and to pay for such analyses, in order to eliminate the backlog of convicted offender DNA samples awaiting analysis in State or local forensic laboratory storage; and (2) Attorney General to develop and implement a plan to assist eligible States in performing DNA analyses of crime scene evidence in casework for which there are no suspects, in order to eliminate that backlog. Requires the FBI Director to develop and implement a plan to eliminate the backlog of crime scene evidence awaiting DNA analysis in FBI forensic laboratory storage. Authorizes the Director to expand the combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) to include information on missing persons. Provides for the DNA identification of Federal, District of Columbia, and military felony offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2000
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require imported door hinges and parts (except metal forgings and castings imported for further processing into finished hinges and door hinges designed for motor vehicles) to be marked with the English name of the country of origin on the exposed surface of the hinge when viewed after fixture by means of die stamping, cast-in-mold lettering, etching, or engraving.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2000
Reservists Tax Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the deduction, as a trade or business expense, of certain expenses of members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces incurred while away from home in connection with such service.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. Conditions such use on the State's grant application including a certification that the State has an established a forensic science laboratory or forensic science laboratory system or a medical examiner's office that meets specified requirements, including accreditation requirements. Establishes a forensic sciences improvement grant program. Directs the Attorney General to award such grants if specified conditions are met, including that any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's office funded uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures. Sets forth requirements regarding applications, allocation of funds, permissible uses of grants, and administrative and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the elimination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) convicted offender database sample backlogs and for other related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000
Skilled Nursing Facility Care Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to the SNF market basket update for FY 2001 and 2002 from minus one percentage point to plus four percentage points. Sets forth a special rule for payment for covered SNF services for FY 2001. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) reexamine the SNF market basket percentage that was used in making the update to the first fiscal year under the PPS for SNF services; (2) make adjustments to payments under such PPS for covered SNF services furnished in FY 2002 to reflect any necessary adjustments to such payments appropriate as a result of such reexamination; and (3) publish for public comment a description of whether the Secretary will make any adjustments pursuant to this Act and, if so, their form.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify its rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to: (1) prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels (as well as co-channels and first- and second-adjacent channels); and (2) prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if such applicant has engaged in the unlicensed operation of any radio station in violation of FCC radio licensing requirements. Prohibits the FCC, without specific authorization by Congress, from: (1) eliminating or reducing such minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; or (2) extending the eligibility for low-power FM stations beyond those organizations and entities proposed in MM Docket No. 99-25. Invalidates any previously issued low-power FM station license that does not comply with such rule modifications. Directs the FCC to conduct an experimental program to test whether low- power FM stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if such stations are not subject to the minimum distance separation requirements. Requires the FCC to: (1) publish test results and allow an opportunity for public comment; and (2) report test results and FCC recommendations on reducing or eliminating minimum distance standards to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2000
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to water pollution under the total maximum daily load program. Declares that such rule shall have no effect.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2000
Social Security Number Privacy Act of 2000 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require the Federal functional regulators to promulgate regulations restricting the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers by financial institutions. Prohibits a financial institution from selling or purchasing a Social Security number or Social Security account number in violation of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2000
Medicare Access to Ambulance Services Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restructure the payment rates for ambulance services, air and ground, and establish a prudent layperson standard for emergency ambulance services Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on rural areas and the cost of providing ambulance services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Geographic Adjustment Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the payment formula of the prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services, to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to adjust the proportion of each hospital's costs attributable to wages and wage-related costs (labor cost component) on the basis of the most recent data available on the hospital. (Currently the Secretary is required to make such adjustment based only on an estimate of the labor cost proportion of all hospitals involved (subsection (d) hospitals).) Exempts hospitals in Puerto Rico from the changes made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Authorizes the President, on behalf of Congress, to present a gold medal to General Wesley K. Clark, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during the military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000320_200.jpg)