Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]

Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]

United States · Official source

Records

5,925 records where Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 198 (106th)passed

Expressing sympathy for those killed and injured in the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Greece and commending Turkey and Greece for their recent efforts in opening a national dialogue and taking steps to further bilateral relations.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1999

Expresses sympathy for those killed and injured in the recent earthquakes in Greece and Turkey. Commends, encourages, and supports recent efforts by Greece and Turkey to improve bilateral relations.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 196 (106th)passed

A resolution commending the submarine force of the United States Navy on the 100th anniversary of the force.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999

Commends the past and present personnel of the submarine force of the U.S. Navy for their technical excellence, accomplishments, professionalism, and sacrifices. Congratulates them for the 100 years of exemplary service that they have provided the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that, in the next millennium, the submarine force should continue to constitute an integral part of the Navy, and to carry out missions that are key to maintaining the Nation's freedom and security as the superior submarine force in the world.

Bill· SS. 1660 (106th)referred

Stalking Prevention and Victim Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999

Stalking Prevention and Victim Protection Act of 1999 - Rewrites stalking provisions of the Federal criminal code. Prohibits and sets penalties for stalking an individual, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or within Indian country. Deems a person to be stalking an individual if the person, on two or more occasions: (1) engages in any conduct that results in the individual's reasonable fear of death or bodily injury to that individual or to a member of that individual's immediate family; and (2) knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such conduct results in that fear. Directs the court, at the time of sentencing for such offense, to issue an appropriate protection order designed to protect the victim from further stalking by the convicted person, which shall continue in effect until the victim communicates to the court that the order is no longer needed. Requires the judicial officer, where a stalking violation is charged and the person has a prior conviction for a crime of violence under Federal or State law, to order the detention of the person before trial, if that conviction was for an offense against the same victim as in the current charge or a member of that victim's family, or if that conviction became final less than five years before the conduct constituting the alleged stalking violation took place. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate sentence enhancement for a defendant convicted of stalking where the defendant has a prior conviction under Federal or State law of a crime of violence against the same victim as in the current offense or against a member of that victim's family.

Bill· SS. 1655 (106th)referred

Rural Hospital Flexibility Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999

Rural Hospital Flexibility Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the criteria for designation as a critical access hospital to: (1) modify the 96-hour restriction on acute care to an average of 96 hours; and (2) repeal the requirement of subjecting requests for waiver of the 96-hour restriction on a case-by-case basis to a peer review organization or equivalent entity.

Bill· SS. 1653 (106th)open

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act Amendments of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act Amendments of 1999 - Amends the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (the Act) to expand the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's authority to accept and administer private gifts within the Departments of Commerce and the Interior. (Sec. 3) Increases the Foundation's Board of Directors from 15 to 25 members, including the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Foundation to have its principal offices in Washington, D.C. (as currently provided), or in the bordering counties of Maryland or Virginia. Sets forth conditions for the Foundation to: (1) acquire and convey property, including agency approval; and (2) invest and deposit Federal funds. Revises provisions relating to agency approval of acquisitions of property and of conveyances and grants. Sets forth limitations relating to the Foundation's: (1) reconveyance of real property; and (2) expenditures for printing services or capital equipment. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for the Departments of Commerce and the Interior to carry out activities under the Act (conservation or management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources). Authorizes the Foundation to accept funds from a Federal agency under any other Federal law to further its conservation and management activities. Sets forth matching funds requirements. Prohibits Foundation grants from being used for litigation expenses or for lobbying Congress. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes the Foundation to perform any function for which authority is provided to the National Park Foundation by specified Federal law.

Law· SS. 1638 (106th)enacted

A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the retroactive eligibility dates for financial assistance for higher education for spouses and dependent children of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the retroactive eligibility dates for financial assistance for higher education for spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty.

Bill· SS. 1625 (106th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a special reclassification rule for certain old agencies as new agencies under the home health interim payment system.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1999

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a special reclassification rule for certain old home health agencies located in Penobscot County, Maine, as new home health agencies under the Medicare home health interim payment system.

Bill· SS. 1579 (106th)referred

Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1999

Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act - Makes permanent a program to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling to veterans to overcome psychological trauma which resulted from a physical assault or battery of a sexual nature, or from sexual harassment, which occurred during active miliary service (under current law the program authorizing such counseling expires in 2001). Allows such program to include appropriate treatment. Requires a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health professional (currently, the Secretary) to determine when such counseling and treatment is necessary. Requires the dissemination of information concerning the availability of such services to affected veterans. Includes as eligible for such care and services certain current and former reserve personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete the design and updating of public service announcements and other appropriate means of communication concerning the availability of such services and to submit to the congressional veterans' committees examples of such communications; and (2) report to such committees on program implementation. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to report jointly to the congressional veterans' and defense committees describing their collaborative efforts to ensure that military personnel are informed upon their separation from service about sexual trauma counseling and treatment programs available through the Department.

Bill· SS. 1570 (106th)referred

SCHIP Improvement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

SCHIP Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to promote identification of children eligible for benefits under, and enrollment of children in, the Medicaid program and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under titles XIX and XXI, respectively, of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 2) Amends NSLA to provide a limited waiver of a confidentiality requirement, for persons directly connected with the administration of a State plan for Medicaid or SCHIP, for the purpose of identifying children eligible for benefits under, and enrolling children in, any such plan. Makes such waiver applicable with respect to the agency from which the information would be obtained only if the State and the agency so elect. (Sec. 3) Amends CNA provisions for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC program) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to establish a demonstration project, in not more than 40 local agencies in not fewer than two States, under which costs of nutrition services and administration (under the WIC program) shall include the costs of identification of children eligible for benefits under, and enrollment of children in, State plans for Medicaid and SCHIP. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate for Congress the costs associated with implementing such project, including Federal and State costs per child enrolled in such State plans. (Sec. 3(sic)) Amends NSLA to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to carry out State plans to involve eligible entities in the identification of children eligible for benefits under, and enrollment of children in, State plans for Medicaid and SCHIP. Provides that the following are eligible entities: (1) a school or school food authority participating in the school lunch program under NSLA; (2) an institution participating in the child and adult care food program under NSLA; (3) a local agency participating in the WIC program under CNA; or (4) any other nongovernmental social service provider. Includes the WIC demonstration project established under this Act among authorized uses of such grant funds. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide a specified amount of funds to the Secretary for each of FY 2000 through 2003. Entitles and directs the Secretary to accept such funds, without further Act of appropriation.

Bill· SS. 1536 (106th)open

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 - Title I: Amendment to Title I of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add certain definitions. Title II: Amendments to Title II of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises the duties of the Administration on Aging. Provides for a set of performance outcome measures to be used for planning, managing, and evaluating activities performed and services provided under the Act. Reauthorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging. Title III: Amendments to Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes appropriations indefinitely for making grants relating to: (1) supportive services, (2) senior centers; (3) congregate nutrition services, (4) home delivered nutrition services; (5) in-home services; and (6) special needs. Authorizes appropriations for a nutrition services incentive program. Authorizes a State to require or permit cost sharing by recipients for all direct services, with specified exceptions, provided for in the Act. Expands the list of supportive services for which grants to States are provided. Establishes grant programs for support services for family caregivers, education and training related to programs for older individuals, and pension counseling projects. Title IV: Amendments to Title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Repeals provisions regarding training, research, and discretionary projects Title V: Amendments to Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish projects to place community service employment program participants in unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors. Reauthorizes the community service employment for older Americans program. Title VI: Amendments to Title VI of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Makes the authorization of appropriations for title VI of the Act indefinite, with exceptions. Establishes programs for grants to carry out vulnerable elder rights protection activities and for a Native American caregiver support program. Title VII: Amendments to Title VII of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Revises provisions regarding the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Title VIII: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments.

Bill· SS. 1534 (106th)referred

Coastal Zone Management Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1999 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to modify several definitions and the Act's statement of national policy. (Sec. 6) Extends provisions authorizing management program development grants. (Sec. 7) Allows grants to States for administering the State's coastal zone management program (administrative grants) to be used for developing and implementing coastal nonpoint pollution control program components. (Sec. 8) Allows resource management improvement grants (resource grants) to be used (among other authorized uses) for: (1) important coastal habitats that have not been designated, under specified provisions, for preservation or restoration; (2) redevelopment of deteriorating and underutilized historic waterfronts and ports designated in the State's management program, under specified provisions, as areas of particular concern; (3) coordination and implementation of approved coastal nonpoint pollution control plans; and (4) work, resources, or technical support necessary to preserve, restore, enhance, or create coastal habitats. Replaces provisions relating to State matching funds (regarding this or other Federal programs) and limiting the amount of grants with provisions requiring: (1) a State that chooses to fund a project under this paragraph to submit a combined application for administrative grants and resource grants and match the combined amount of such grants in the ratio required in administrative grant provisions; and (2) that the Federal funding for the project be a portion of the State's annual allocation under administrative grant provisions. Allows resource grants to be used to pay a State's share of costs required under any other Federal program that is consistent with the purposes of this paragraph. Allows a State to allocate (in addition to currently- authorized recipients) to any reserve in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System a portion of any resource grant to carry out the purpose of this paragraph. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist States (currently, States and their local governments) in identifying and obtaining from other Federal agencies (currently, from other sources) technical and financial assistance in achieving the resource grant objectives. (Sec. 9) Requires that Coastal Zone Management Fund loan repayments be: (1) retained by the Secretary (currently, retained by the Secretary as offsetting collections) and deposited into the Fund; and (2) available to the Secretary, subject to appropriations Acts, for the purposes of this Act and transferred to the Operations, Research, and Facilities account of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to offset the costs of implementing the Act. (Sec. 10) Modifies the objectives of coastal zone enhancement grants. Removes provisions directing the Secretary to retain between ten and 20 percent of the amounts appropriated to implement administrative grants and resource grants provisions to implement enhancement grants provisions. (Sec. 11) Authorizes grants to coastal States to assist in specified community and local activities (community grants). Requires: (1) a State that chooses to fund a project under this paragraph to submit a combined application for enhancement grants and community grants and match the combined amount of such grants in a specified ratio; and (2) that the Federal funding for the project be a portion of the State's annual allocation under enhancement grant provisions. Allows a State to allocate to a qualified local entity amounts received by the State under this paragraph. Directs the Secretary to assist States and local entities in identifying and obtaining from other Federal agencies technical and financial assistance in achieving community grant objectives. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct a program to develop and apply innovative coastal and estuarine environmental technology and methodology through a cooperative program; and (2) make extramural grants to conduct the program. (Sec. 13) Modifies the required contents of a currently-mandated continuing review of the performance of coastal States regarding coastal management. (Sec. 14) Allows (currently, requires) the conducting of the "Walter B. Jones Awards" program to promote excellence in coastal zone management by identifying and acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in the field. Modifies the source of the funds involved. (Sec. 15) Sets forth the nature of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a reserve if (among other criteria) the Secretary finds that designation will provide opportunities for education, interpretation, training, and demonstration projects (currently, for public education and interpretation). Revises the matters required to be included in the Secretary's guidelines for System research, education and resource stewardship (currently, for System research). Includes in the actions the Secretary must take to promote and coordinate System use for research establishing partnerships with other Federal and State estuary management programs to coordinate and collaborate on estuarine research. Authorizes grants for educational, interpretive, or training activities as well as for research and monitoring. Removes the dollar limit on the assistance provided for acquisition of lands and waters for any one reserve and allows certain nonfederal costs to be used to match the Federal share. Modifies other limits on the grants. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements, financial agreements, grants, contracts, or other agreements authorizing a nonprofit organization to solicit donations to carry out System purposes and policies; and (2) accept donations of funds and services to carry out System purposes and policies. (Sec. 16) Modifies various reporting requirements. (Sec. 17) Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions of the Act. Removes a provision prohibiting the use of Federal funds received from other sources from being used to pay a State's share of costs under enhancement grant provisions. Increases to three years the limit after which unobligated funds revert to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to make reverted funds available to States under the Act (currently, available for grants under the section for which the reverted amount was originally made available). Allows Federal funds allocated under the Act to be used by grantees to purchase Federal products and services not otherwise available. Requires that appropriated amounts, except for amounts appropriated under administrative costs provisions, be available only for grants to States and prohibits their use for other program, administrative, or overhead costs of NOAA or the Department of Commerce.

Bill· SS. 1528 (106th)open

Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard.

Bill· SS. 1563 (106th)open

INS Reform and Border Security Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

INS Reform and Border Security Act of 1999 - Title I: Immigration Affairs Agency - Establishes within the Department of Justice the Immigration Affairs Agency which shall consist of: (1) the Office of the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs; (2) the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications; and (3) the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs. Amends specified Federal laws to repeal authority for: (1) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (2) the office of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization; (3) compensation of assistant commissioners and district directors; and (4) special immigrant inspectors. Authorizes appropriations for the Agency. (Sec. 102) Establishes within the Agency the Office of the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs. Establishes within the Office the position of General Counsel. Establishes within the Agency the position of Chief Financial Officer. (Sec. 103) Establishes within the Agency the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications, which shall be headed by a Director of Immigration Services and Adjudications. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Bureau's structure should be based on the organization of the Social Security Administration. Establishes within the Bureau the positions of: (1) Chief Financial Officer; (2) Regional Commissioners; (3) Area Directors; and (4) Field Office Managers. Establishes within the Bureau: (1) Service Centers; (2) an Office of Quality Assurance; (3) an Office of Professional Responsibility; and (4) an Office of the Ombudsman. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Establishes within the Agency the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs, which shall be headed by a Director of the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Bureau's structure should be organized with the "best practices' of other Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Establishes within the Bureau: (1) the position of Chief Financial Officer; and (2) an Office of Professional Responsibility. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 108) Provides for the transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel. (Sec. 109) States that (prior to the effective date of this title) nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize or require transfer or delegation of any function of: (1) the Executive Office for Immigration Review of the Department of Justice; or (2) the Attorney General's litigation authorities. Title II: Personnel Flexibilities - Amends Federal law with respect to personnel provisions of the Agency, including: (1) personnel flexibilities; (2) specified pay authority; and (3) senior executives' performance awards. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Associate Attorney General for Immigration Affairs to provide voluntary separation incentive payments. Sets forth related provisions. (Sec. 204) Requires the Directors of the Bureaus to establish employee training programs. Title III: Additional Provisions - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the expedited processing of specified nonimmigrant and immigrant applications, visas, and petitions; and (2) establish an electronic filing pilot program for certain temporary workers. (Sec. 303) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to extend the increase in Border Patrol agents and support personnel.

Bill· SS. 1547 (106th)open

Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to establish a class A license for qualifying low-power television (LPT) stations. Requires notification of LPT licensees of the requirements for class A designation. Requires requesting licensees to submit to the FCC a certification of eligibility based on the requirements of this Act. Requires the FCC to: (1) grant such certification absent a material deficiency; and (2) act to preserve the contours of LPT stations pending final resolution of such applications. Allows an LPT station to submit an application for class A designation only within 30 days after final regulations are adopted. Defines as a qualifying LPT station one which, during the 90 days preceding the date of enactment of this Act: (1) broadcast for at least 18 hours per day; (2) broadcast an average of at least three hours per week of programming that was produced within the market area served by such station or the market area served by a group of commonly controlled stations that carry common local or specialized programming not otherwise available to their communities; and (3) complied with other requirements applicable to LPT stations and, after the date of its license application, complies with the FCC's operating rules for full power television stations. Allows the FCC to treat non-qualifying stations as LPT stations under this Act if public interest, convenience, and necessity would be so served. Provides that: (1) the FCC is not required to issue any additional licenses for advanced television services to the licensees of class A television stations; and (2) the FCC shall approve such license applications proposing facilities that will not cause interference to any other broadcast facility authorized on the date of the filing of the class A advanced television application. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt Federal provisions concerning the allocation and assignment of new public safety services licenses and commercial licenses. Prohibits the FCC from granting a class A license to an LPT station operating between 698 and 806 megahertz, but requires the FCC to provide to LPT stations assigned to and temporarily operating within such bandwidth the opportunity to meet the licensing requirements.

Bill· SS. 1539 (106th)referred

Child Care Facilities Financing Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to eligible intermediaries to deposit into child care revolving funds for technical and financial assistance to eligible recipients to pay the Federal matching share of costs of acquisition, construction, or improvement of center-based or home-based child care facilities or equipment, or for the improvement of related management and business practices. Authorizes appropriations.

Law· SS. 1482 (106th)enacted

National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to modify the Act's findings, purposes, policies, and definitions. (Sec. 5) Revises sanctuary designation standards. Removes a requirement that the Secretary of Commerce (as part of the environmental impact statement required by the Act) draft a resource assessment report. (Sec. 6) Changes designation and implementation procedures, including: (1) requiring a resource assessment; and (2) allowing changes to designation terms by following procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (currently, only by the same procedures by which the original designation is made). Modifies the circumstances in which the Secretary may withdraw an entire designation. (Sec. 7) Adds to the list of unlawful activities: (1) the offering for sale, purchasing, importing, or exporting of any sanctuary resource; and (2) provisions specifying activities that constitute interference with enforcement of the Act. (Current law makes interference unlawful, but does not specify what acts constitute interference.) (Sec. 8) Empowers officers authorized to enforce the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to arrest any person on reasonable cause to believe that the person has interfered with enforcement. Makes interference punishable by fine or imprisonment. Authorizes the Secretary bring a civil action to assess and collect any civil penalty for which a person is liable for violation of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to subpoena electronic files. Allows, in any action by the United States under the Act, process to be served where the defendant is found, resides, transacts business, or has appointed an agent for service or process. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct, support, or coordinate (currently, directs the Secretary to conduct) research, monitoring, evaluation, and education programs. (Sec. 11) Mandates public notice before the Secretary identifies any activity subject to a sanctuary special use permit. Requires a permittee to have insurance or an equivalent bond (currently, to have insurance). Authorizes the Secretary to assess and collect special use permit fees for the fair market value of the sanctuary resource (currently, for the fair market value of the sanctuary resource and a reasonable return to the U.S. government). Allows, for nonprofit activities and for activities the Secretary considers to be beneficial to the system, waiver or reduction of certain fee portions or acceptance of in-kind services in lieu of fees. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to apply for and use grants from Federal, State, regional, interstate, or local agencies, foundations, or other persons to carry out the purposes of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use by agreement the personnel, services, or facilities of Federal, State, or local agencies on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis to assist in carrying out the Act. (Sec. 13) Makes a vessel that injures (currently, that is used to injure) a sanctuary resource liable in rem. Declares that nothing in specified Federal laws limits the liability of any person or vessel (currently, of any person) under the Act. Directs the Secretary to request the Attorney General to begin a civil action against any person or vessel that may be liable for response costs and damages. Sets a statute of limitations on actions for response costs and damages. (Sec. 14) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 16) Changes the function of sanctuary advisory councils from assisting to giving advice and recommendations to the Secretary. (Sec. 17) Allows the Secretary to solicit and accept monetary or in-kind contributions from official sponsors of the national program or of an individual sanctuary for the use of, including the sale of items bearing, the symbol of the national program or a sanctuary (currently, for the use of the symbol). Allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization authorizing it to: (1) assist in the administration of the sponsorship program; (2) use the symbols; (3) solicit persons to be official sponsors; (4) collect the statutory contribution from the sponsor; and (5) retain not more than five percent of the collected amounts to offset the organization's administrative costs in soliciting sponsors, transferring the remainder to the Secretary.

Bill· SS. 1480 (106th)open

Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity (SPICE) Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity (SPICE) Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (SPICE Drug Benefit Program) (SPICE program) (redesigning the current Medicare part D (Miscellaneous Provisions) as Medicare part E (Miscellaneous Provisions) to establish a voluntary SPICE program, administered by the SPICE Board which also operates a Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity Office established within the Department of Health and Human Services, under which all individuals entitled to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits and enrolled in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) shall be provided access to coverage of outpatient prescription drugs that meet specified requirements. Grants such access via either enrollment in a Medicare+Choice (Medicare part C) plan, enrollment in a SPICE Medicare supplemental policy, or enrollment in a group health plan, all as defined by this Act. Provides for described financial assistance for covered beneficiaries for them to obtain enrollment coverage, with such assistance varying depending upon beneficiary income. Vests the Board with outreach and other specified duties, such as establishing procedures for enrollment and enhanced financial assistance with regard to eligible Medicare beneficiaries and the SPICE program, and conducting certain ongoing studies, as well as a study and report to Congress on permitting an alternative outpatient prescription drug benefit package under Medicare supplemental health insurance policies (Medigap) provisions. Outlines requirements for the offering of SPICE program coverage, which include prohibiting pre-existing condition exclusions with respect to coverage and allowing use of reasonable cost containment methods. Establishes in the Treasury the SPICE Trust Fund, consisting in part of amounts from the taxes imposed on tobacco and tobacco-related products and from the on-budget surplus, to be available only for expenditures to carry out the SPICE program. Makes appropriations and authorizes appropriations. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to include with Medigap policy comparison information for Medigap policies, information on the SPICE program for purposes of State grant application plans for State-wide health insurance, counseling, and assistance grants. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a variety of excise taxes on specified tobacco and tobacco-related products, as well as with regard to the manufacture or the importation of roll-your-own tobacco, and to make modifications to certain tobacco excise tax provisions, such as placing a restriction on importation of previously exported tobacco products.

Bill· SS. 1487 (106th)referred

Excellence in Economic Education Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Excellence in Economic Education Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a program for excellence in economic education under title X (Programs of National Significance). (Sec. 1) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the National Council on Economic Education (the grantee), a nonprofit educational organization. Requires the grantee to reserve certain amounts for States that do not have designated recipients. Requires the grantee to use one-quarter of the grant amount (after such reservation) to: (1) strengthen and expand the grantee's nationwide network on economic education; (2) support and promote training of teachers who teach a grade from kindergarten through grade 12 regarding economics, including the dissemination of information on effective practices and research findings regarding the teaching of economics; (3) support research on effective teaching practices and the development of assessment instruments to document student performance; (4) develop and disseminate appropriate materials to foster economic literacy; and (5) coordinate activities assisted under this Act with activities assisted under of ESEA title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). Requires the grantee to use of three-quarters of the grant amount (after such reservation) to award grants to State economic education councils, or in the case of a State that does not have a State economic education council, a center for economic education (a recipient). Requires that such a grant pay for the Federal share of the cost of enabling the recipient to work in partnership with one or more specified educational entities for one or more of the following purposes: (1) collaboratively establishing and conducting teacher training programs that use effective and innovative approaches to the teaching of economics; (2) providing resources to school districts that want to incorporate economics into the curricula of their schools; (3) evaluating the impact of economic education on students; (4) conducting economic education research; (5) creating and conducting school-based student activities to promote consumer, economic, and personal finance education, such as saving, investing, and entrepreneurial education, and to encourage awareness and student achievement in economics; (6) establishing interstate and international student and teacher exchanges to promote economic literacy; and (7) encouraging replication of best practices to encourage economic literacy. Sets forth requirements for recipients in carrying out teacher training programs under this Act. Encourages the grantee and recipients, in carrying out assisted activities under this Act, to: (1) include interactions with the local business community to the fullest extent possible, to reinforce the connection between economic education and economic development; and (2) work with private businesses to obtain matching contributions for Federal funds and assist recipients in working toward self-sufficiency. Sets forth requirements for Federal and non-Federal shares, grantee and recipient applications, reserved funds for States without recipients, and reports. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 1489 (106th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment to States of plot allowances for certain veterans eligible for burial in a national cemetery who are buried in cemeteries of such States.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to the appropriate State or local political entity a $150 burial plot or interment allowance for the burial of any veteran who is: (1) eligible for burial in a national cemetery; and (2) buried in a cemetery that is used solely for the interment of persons so eligible and that is owned by such State or political entity.

Bill· SS. 1494 (106th)referred

Electronic Commerce Extension Establishment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Electronic Commerce Extension Establishment Act of 1999 - Amends the National Bureau of Standards Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance for the creation and support of Regional Centers for the Transfer of Electronic Commerce Technology (Centers). Requires the Centers to be affiliated with any U.S.-based nonprofit institution or organization that applies for and is awarded financial assistance under this Act. Outlines objectives of the Centers, including aiding small businesses, especially those located in rural areas, in identifying and adopting electronic commerce technologies and business practices. Defines "electronic commerce" as the ability to buy, sell, and deliver goods and services through computer networks. Requires such Centers to: (1) establish electronic commerce demonstration systems for technology transfer; and (2) transfer and disseminate research findings and Center expertise to companies and enterprises, particularly small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial support to a Center for such activities and objectives. Outlines application requirements for such assistance. Requires Centers receiving assistance to be evaluated during the third year of operation by a panel of private experts. Requires a positive finding from such panel before a Center may receive such assistance for its fourth through sixth years. Requires independent review of a Center every two years after the sixth year, to be conducted under procedures established by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. Provides Center funding limitations. Requires the Secretary to publish a proposal for the assistance program provided under this Act, as well as a final program. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 1473 (106th)referred

Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Enhancement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1999

Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to revise additional grants requirements, providing for: (1) additional State entitlements to grants for designated qualified empowerment zones and qualified enterprise communities as well as for strategic planning communities (currently not provided for); (2) specified funding for such additional designated qualified empowerment zone State grants (according to urban or rural status) as well as for additional designated qualified enterprise community State grants and strategic planning community State grants; (3) direct grants to the governing bodies of eligible Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations, subject to certain conditions; (4) use of grant funds for revolving loan fund loans to residents, institutions, organizations, or businesses that hire disadvantaged adults and youths; and (5) environmental review to ensure that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable Federal law are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of grant funds under SSA title XX additional grants provisions.

Bill· SS. 1463 (106th)referred

Microenterprise for Self-Reliance Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999

Microenterprise for Self-Reliance Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth congressional findings and policy, including that: (1) the development of microenterprise (including micro- and small enterprises) is a vital factor in the growth of developing countries and in the development of free, open, and equitable international economic systems; (2) it is in the best interest of the United States to assist the development of microenterprises and of enterprises of the poor in developing countries; and (3) the support of microenterprise can be served by programs that provide credit, savings, training, and technical assistance. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the President to provide grant and other assistance for programs to increase the availability of credit and other services to microenterprises (including small enterprises) lacking full access to capital, credit, and training through: (1) grants to microfinance institutions; (2) loans and guarantees to credit institutions; (3) training, technical assistance, and other support (including training programs for lenders and microentrepreneurs); and (3) policy and regulatory programs at the country level. Sets forth certain grant requirements and micro- and small enterprise assistance eligibility criteria. (Sec. 6) Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to establish: (1) a monitoring system that provides, among other things, for performance goals for microenterprise development grant assistance; (2) eligibility criteria for determining which entities shall carry out activities receiving credit assistance; and (3) a U.S. Microfinance Loan Facility to prevent the bankruptcy of microfinance institutions caused by natural disasters, war or civil conflict, national financial crisis, or other short-term financial movements that threaten the long-term development of such institutions. Authorizes appropriations (earmarking a specified amount to cover certain subsidy costs). (Sec. 7) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the most cost-effective methods for increasing the access of poor people to credit, other financial services, and related training. (Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Administrator of AID and the Secretary of State should seek to support and strengthen the effectiveness of microfinance activities in United Nations (UN) agencies, such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the UN Development Program (UNDP), which have provided key leadership in developing the microenterprise sector; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury should instruct each U.S. Executive Director of the Multilateral Development Banks to advocate the development of a coherent and coordinated strategy to support the microenterprise sector, including an increase of multilateral resource flows for building microenterprise retail and wholesale intermediaries.

Bill· SS. 1462 (106th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and cosmetic Act to permit importation in personal baggage and through mail order of certain covered products for personal use from Canada, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations permitting individuals to import into the United States from Canada, in personal baggage or through mail order, prescription drugs for personal use. Allows importation of such product if: (1) the intended use is appropriately identified; (2) the product is not considered to represent a significant health risk; and (3) the individual seeking to import the product affirms that it is for personal use, seeks only to import enough for personal use, describes the product and identifies its importer, and provides the name and address of a licensed health professional responsible for treatment with the product or provides evidence that the product continues a treatment begun in a foreign country. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on such permitted imports.

Bill· SS. 1452 (106th)open

Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999

Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Revises related fee provisions to: (1) apply such fees to manufactured home manufacturers (currently fees apply to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers); and (2) establish in the Treasury the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.

Law· SS. 1438 (106th)enacted

National Law Enforcement Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1999

National Law Enforcement Museum Act - Authorizes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to construct a National Law Enforcement Museum in the District of Columbia. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from permitting construction of the Museum unless sufficient amounts are available to complete construction. Provides that the United States shall pay no expense incurred in the establishment or construction of the Museum. Terminates construction authority seven years after this Act's enactment date unless construction begins before such date.

Bill· SS. 1399 (106th)open

Department of Veterans Affairs Nurses Appreciation Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999

Department of Veterans Affairs Nurses Appreciation Act of 1999 - Amends Federal provisions relating to the pay of health care personnel within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs to require the rates of pay for registered nurses and certain other health-care positions within the VHA to be adjusted annually by the same percentage as those generally applicable to Federal employees. Provides that whenever after October 1, 2002, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that such rates of pay are inadequate to recruit or retain high-quality health personnel at such a facility, the Secretary shall adjust such pay to achieve consistency with the rates of compensation for corresponding non-Department health-care positions in the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor market area of that facility. Provides for the automatic statutory adjustment to such rates of pay whenever an annual Federal pay adjustment becomes effective.

Bill· SS. 1369 (106th)open

Clean Energy Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1999

Clean Energy Act of 1999 - Sets deadlines by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) is directed to: (1) promulgate a final regulation to establish a schedule of limits on the quantity of certain pollutants that all covered generation facilities in the aggregate nationwide shall be permitted to emit in each calendar year; and (2) determine the generation performance standard for such pollutants per megawatt- hour of electric production by covered generation facilities for the next calendar year. Prescribes guidelines for an annual individual emissions allocation formula. Instructs the Administrator to: (1) establish a system for the accurate monitoring of the quantity of each pollutant annually emitted by a covered generation facility; (2) compare the quantity of a pollutant emitted annually by a generation facility with the individual emissions allocation applicable to the facility for the year; and (3) issue emissions credits to a covered generation facility for reduced pollutant emissions. Sets forth a penalty schedule for noncompliance by an owner or operator of a covered generation facility required to submit an emissions credit. Prohibits a generating plant from emitting specified pollutants if the Administrator determines, upon review, that an emissions rate of specified pollutants in excess of the generation performance standard can be reasonably anticipated to cause or contribute to significant adverse local impacts. Establishes a civil penalty for noncompliance. (Sec.5) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Electric System Public Benefits Board (the Board). Requires the Board to establish at a financial institution the "National Electric System Public Benefits Fund" to provide matching funds to support specified State public service energy programs. Prescribes funding guidelines and implementation. (Sec.7) Sets forth renewable energy portfolio standards for a nonhydroelectric facility that generates electric energy for sale (covered generation facility). Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to: (1) establish standards and procedures for certification by a covered generation facility to a purchaser of electricity regarding the amount of electricity generated by renewable and non-renewable energy sources; (2) issue renewable energy credits to covered generation facilities; and (3) maintain records of all renewable energy credit issued and all those sold or exchanged by a covered generation facility. Imposes a civil penalty upon a covered generation facility for noncompliance. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal its provisions governing cogeneration and small power production facilities. Retains: (1) the validity of contracts entered under such provisions; and (2) FERC jurisdiction to ensure continued status of such facilities and specified exemptions under those provisions. (Sec.8) Requires an electric company to allow a retail electric customer to interconnect and employ a net metering system using specified equipment. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) net metering accounting and measurements; (2)electricity supplied exceeding electricity generated; (3) electricity generated exceeding electricity supplied; (4) unused credit; and (5) safety requirements. (Sec.9) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a disclosure system enabling retail consumers to knowledgeably compare retail electric services; (2) promulgate regulations in consultation with a specified interagency Federal task force governing disclosures of emissions and electricity generation data. Deems failure of a retail company to accurately disclose such requisite data as a deceptive act in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Grants the Secretary enforcement powers. Precludes a State or political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any emission standard or limitation that is less stringent that mandated by this Act.

Bill· SS. 1333 (106th)open

Promoting Housing Affordability for Working Families Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Removing Barriers to Housing Affordability Title II: Removing Barriers to Use of FHA Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Program Title III: Home Investment Partnerships Program Title IV: Community Development Block Grants Promoting Housing Affordability for Working Families Act of 1999 - Title I: Removing Barriers to Housing Affordability - Requires proposed and final agency rules to include analyses of their impact upon affordable housing availability. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop model housing impact analyses. (Sec. 102) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize direct appropriations for State and local grants for regulatory barrier removal. (Consolidates State and local grant provisions.) Authorizes a State or local government to use grants to establish a Barriers to Housing Affordability Council. (Sec. 103) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to make affordable housing barrier removal eligible for community development block grant assistance. (Sec. 104) States 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: Removing Barriers to Use of FHA Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Program - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to enlarge areas and median prices for purposes of single family housing mortgage insurance eligibility; and (2) extend the manufactured home lot loan term. Title III: Home Investment Partnerships Program - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to make uniformed employees or teachers who are employees of a participating jurisdiction eligible for the home investment partnerships program. Title IV: Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to make uniformed employees and teachers who are employees of a participating metropolitan city or urban county eligible for community development block grant home ownership assistance.

Bill· SS. 1327 (106th)open

Foster Care Independence Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999

Foster Care independence Act of 1999 - Title I: Improved Independent Living Program - Subtitle A: Improved Independent Living Program - Amends title IV (Grants for Dependent Children) Part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prescribe State plan contents pursuant to which a State may apply for funds from its allotment to establish an independent living program providing education, training, employment services and financial support for young adults leaving foster care. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop performance measures and a data collection system. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Related Foster Care Provision - Increases the amount of assets allowable for children in foster care. Subtitle C: Medicaid Amendments - Grants States the option of providing Medicaid coverage for adolescents leaving foster care (independent foster care adolescents). Subtitle D: Welfare-To-Work Amendments - Makes children aging out of foster care eligible for welfare-to-work programs. Title II: SSI Fraud Prevention - Subtitle A: Fraud Prevention and Related Provisions - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to subject representative payees to liability for overpayments made after a recipient's demise. Instructs the Commissioner of Social Security (the Commissioner) to establish an overpayment control record under the representative payee's Social Security account number. (Sec. 202) Provides for recovery of overpayments of SSI benefits from lump sum SSI benefit payments. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Commissioner to employ certain statutory debt collection practices to collect delinquent accounts. (Sec. 205) Sets forth additional rules relating to collection of overpayments from individuals convicted of crimes, including: (1) a ten-year period of ineligibility for persons failing to notify the Commissioner of overpayments in months in which the beneficiary is a prisoner or a fugitive, or fails to comply with a repayment schedule for such overpayments; and (2) continued collection efforts against prisoners. (Sec. 206) Sets forth a statutory mechanism for the treatment of assets held in trust in order to determine the resources of an individual in connection with SSI eligibility. Deems the corpus of a revocable trust established by an individual as a resource available to such individual. (Sec. 207) Revises guidelines governing criteria to deny SSI eligibility in connection with disposal of resources for less than fair market value. (Sec. 208) Prescribes administrative procedures for: (1) imposing penalties for false or misleading statements; and (2) excluding representatives and health care providers convicted of violations from participation in Social Security programs. (Sec. 211) Directs the Commissioner to: (1) study and report to certain congressional committees on possible measures to improve fraud prevention and administrative processing; (2) include in the annual budget an itemization of the amount of funds required to support efforts to combat fraud committed by applicants and beneficiaries; and (3) conduct periodic computer matches with Medicare and Medicaid institutionalization data. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Commissioner to require applicants or beneficiaries to authorize access to information held by their financial institutions in order to ascertain benefits eligibility. Subtitle B: Benefits for Certain Veterans of World War II - Adds a new SSA title VIII (Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans) to provide monthly benefits for each month to certain qualified World War II veterans who reside outside the United States, including veterans of the organized military and guerrilla forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Makes appropriations for such benefits. Title III: Child Support - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to repeal: (1) authority for the 90 percent Federal matching grant to the States for laboratory costs for paternity establishment; and (2) the hold harmless provision for State share of distribution of collected child support. Title IV: Technical Corrections - Sets for technical corrections relating to amendments to the Social Security Act made by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Bill· SS. 1332 (106th)referred

Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999

Father Theodore M. Hesburgh Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Father Theodore M. Hesburgh in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 1318 (106th)open

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make matching grants to States to supplement State and local assistance for the preservation and promotion of low-income housing. Sets forth eligibility requirements for: (1) projects with Department of Housing and Urban Development-insured mortgages; (2) projects with section 8 project based assistance; (3) projects purchased by residents; and (4) rural rental assistance projects. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 1310 (106th)open

Home Health Equity Act of 1999

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.

Bill· SS. 1303 (106th)referred

Reforestation Tax Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999

Reforestation Tax Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to a taxpayer who has a qualified timber gain in an amount equal to the qualified percentage of such gain. Decreases the amortization period for reforestation expenditures.

Bill· SS. 1291 (106th)open

Skilled Workforce Enhancement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1999

Skilled Workforce Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide small employers with a highly skilled trades training credit.

Bill· SS. 1263 (106th)referred

Hospital Outpatient Preservation Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999

Hospital Outpatient Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to limit temporarily the reductions in Federal payments under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Provides for the retroactive effectiveness of this Act as if included in B.B.A. '97.

Bill· SS. 1265 (106th)referred

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the Class I milk price structure known as Option 1-A as part of the implementation of the final rule to consolidate Federal milk marketing orders.

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.

Bill· SS. 1264 (106th)referred

Educating America's Girls Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999

Educating America's Girls Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to: (1) ensure education technology and teacher training programs are targeted in a manner that addresses the unique needs and different learning styles of all students, including girls; (2) gather data on often hidden offenses and provide schools with resources for programs to prevent sexual harassment and abuse; (3) collect data on high school athletic participation by girls; (4) establish dropout prevention programs to keep pregnant and parenting teens in school; and (5) reauthorize the Women's Educational Equity Act (WEEA). (Sec. 2) Requires that attention be given to the incorporation and use of technology to enhance teaching and learning, under specified ESEA requirements relating to school improvement, professional development, teacher training, and educational innovation. Requires schools to give attention to professional development that incorporates technology used to improve teaching and learning. Requires professional development activities to include instruction in the use of technology. Adds technology to the list of core subject areas for the National Teacher Training Project grants program. Requires authorized professional development activities to incorporate effective technology for meeting the educational needs of diverse groups of students. Includes technological innovation as a higher education activity to improve teacher education programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to take into special consideration the different learning needs for and exposures to technology for all students, including girls and students who have economic and educational disadvantages, in carrying out ESEA titles I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards), II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program), and III (Technology for Education). Requires the Secretary, as well as applicants and grantees, to provide for such special consideration to be given under specified programs, including: (1) such Technology for Education programs as national challenge grants, regional technical support and professional development, educational technology product development, and Star Schools grants; and (2) the Fund for the Improvement of Education (part A of ESEA title X Programs of National Significance). (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Technology, to award matching grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible consortia to develop or redesign programs to prepare prospective elementary and secondary school teachers to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) High Technology for Girls Act - Amends ESEA to provide for programs to encourage students, including young women, to pursue careers and higher education degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, under ESEA requirements for professional development activities, national teacher training projects, and technology for education. (Sec. 5) Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Grants Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) or other public or private entities to train teachers and administrators in identifying and preventing sexual harassment. Authorizes appropriations. Amends ESEA title IV (the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994) to include high rates of reported incidences of sexual harassment and abuse on the list of examples of objective data which an SEA is required to consider in determining which LEAs have the greatest need for additional funds. Includes, under authorized uses of grants and contracts under Governor's programs, developing and implementing strategies and programs to greatly reduce the incidence of sexual harassment and abuse and to encourage positive and respectful interactions between girls and boys. Requires LEA drug and violence prevention programs to be designed, for all students and employees, to greatly reduce the incidence of sexual harassment and abuse. Includes sexual harassment and abuse among the types of school violence for which the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is required to collect data to determine frequency, seriousness, and incidence. (Sec. 6) Amends the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 to require NCES to collect and disseminate statistics on the participation, by gender, of secondary school students in elective physical education and athletic programs. (Sec. 7) Amends ESEA title V part C (the School Dropout Assistance Act) to direct the Secretary to give additional special consideration to grant applications that include provisions that emphasize mentoring and other support services for pregnant and parenting teenagers. Revises implementation or expansion plans for ESEA title XI coordinated services projects to include: (1) an assessment of the needs of children requiring specialized comprehensive services such as students who are pregnant or parenting; and (2) strategies to ensure addressing the health and welfare needs of families with pregnant or parenting children in school. (Sec. 8) Women's Educational Equity Act of 1999 - Renames, reauthorizes, and revises ESEA title V part B (currently the Women's Educational Equity Act of 1994) (WEEA). Directs the Secretary to report: (1) to the President and Congress on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation; and (2) to Congress on evaluation, materials, and programs under WEEA. Extends the authorization of appropriations for WEEA programs.

Bill· SS. 1250 (106th)referred

Veterans' Long-Term Care Enhancement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999

Veterans' Long-Term Care Enhancement Act of 1999 - Includes noninstitutional extended care services within the definition of medical services authorized to be provided to eligible veterans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assisted living services to a veteran who is eligible to receive hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care, and to the spouse of such veteran. Requires such veteran and spouse to agree to reimburse the United States for the cost of such care. Repeals provisions authorizing respite care for such veterans. Directs the Secretary to carry out three pilot programs to determine the feasibility and practicability of various methods of meeting the long-term care needs of eligible veterans. Requires each program to be carried out at two Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Requires services provided to include a comprehensive array of health care services and other services that meet such needs, including case management services. Directs the Secretary to emphasize the provision of preventive care services, including screening and education. Requires one pilot program to be carried out: (1) directly through facilities and personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) through a combination of Department facilities and personnel and services provided under cooperative arrangements with public and private nongovernmental entities; and (3) through cooperative arrangements with non-Department entities. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) payment for services under the pilot programs; (2) required data collection; and (3) annual reports from the Secretary to Congress for the duration of the programs. Terminates such programs three years after their commencement.

Bill· SS. 1232 (106th)open

Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999

Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act - Applies this Act to retirement coverage errors that occur before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to erroneous retirement coverage determinations that were in effect for less than three years of service after December 31, 1986. Title I: Description of Retirement Coverage Errors to Which This Act Applies and Measures for Their Rectification - Subtitle A: Employees and Annuitants Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, but Who Were Erroneously CSRS Covered or CSRS-Offset Covered Instead, and Survivors of Such Employees and Annuitants - Permits any Federal employee or former employee, who should be (or should have been) Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) covered, but who is erroneously CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) covered or CSRS-Offset covered instead, to elect to: (1) be FERS covered instead; or (2) remain or instead become CSRS-Offset covered. Permits an employee affected by such an error that has been corrected to elect to be CSRS-Offset covered instead. Authorizes, if an individual elects to be CSRS-Offset covered, all employee contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund (TSF) made during the period of FERS coverage, and any earnings, to remain in the TSF. Makes ineligible for elections under this paragraph individuals who: (1) received a payment ordered by a court or provided as a settlement of claim for losses resulting from a retirement coverage error unless such payment is waived or repaid; or (2) received a refund of retirement deductions or distribution under specified Federal civil service provisions. (Sec. 102) Permits annuitants (and survivors of employees) who should have been FERS covered but were erroneously CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered to elect CSRS-Offset or FERS coverage. Provides for a reduced annuity for annuitants or survivors who elect CSRS-Offset coverage. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for employees with respect to previously-received settlement payments. Provides for CSRS-Offset coverage for annuitants or survivors who do not make elections and for whom corrective action was not taken before any time limitation prescribed by this Act. Subtitle B: Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, CSRS-Offset Covered, or CSRS Covered, but Who Was Erroneously Social Security-Only Covered Instead - Requires employees who should be (or should have been) FERS, CSRS-Offset, or CSRS covered but are (or were) erroneously Social Security-Only covered to be covered under the correct retirement coverage effective as of the date of the coverage error. Provides that if the error has been corrected, the previous corrective action shall remain in effect. Subtitle C: Employee Who Should or Could Have Been Social Security-Only Covered but Who Was Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered or CSRS Covered Instead - Requires employees who should have been Social Security-Only covered but were erroneously CSRS covered to be CSRS-Offset covered, subject to a right of election. Permits such individuals to elect CSRS-Offset or Social-Security-Only coverage. Requires individuals who do not make an election to remain CSRS-Offset covered. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to promulgate regulations authorizing individuals to elect CSRS-Offset or Social Security-Only coverage if an error was previously corrected. Subtitle D: Employee Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered - Authorizes FERS-ineligible employees who should have been Social Security-Only, CSRS, or CSRS-Offset covered and were erroneously FERS covered to elect to remain FERS covered or be covered under the coverage that would have applied in the absence of the error. Requires individuals who do not make an election to remain FERS covered. Permits contributions to the TSF made during the period of erroneous FERS coverage and all earnings to remain in the TSF in the case of employees who elect coverage other than FERS. Requires OPM to promulgate regulations authorizing individuals covered by this subtitle to make elections if an error was previously corrected. (Sec. 132) Sets forth provisions regarding individuals who were prevented from electing FERS coverage as a result of being erroneously FERS covered. (Sec. 133) Makes this subtitle effective as of January 1, 1987. Subtitle E: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS-Offset Covered, but Who Was Erroneously CSRS Covered Instead - Requires employees who should be (or should have been) CSRS-Offset covered but are (or were) erroneously CSRS covered to be covered under the correct coverage effective as of the date of the error. Subtitle F: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered, but Who Was Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered Instead - Requires employees who should be (or should have been) CSRS covered but are (or were) erroneously CSRS-Offset covered to be covered under the correct coverage effective as of the date of the error. Title II: General Provisions - Directs Government agencies to take appropriate measures to promptly identify and notify individuals affected by a retirement coverage error of their rights under this Act. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements with respect to service credit deposits in cases where: (1) a FERS covered employee was erroneously CSRS or CSRS-Offset covered and made a service credit deposit under CSRS and there was a subsequent retroactive change to FERS coverage; or (2) an employee owed a service credit deposit, there is a subsequent retroactive change to CSRS or CSRS-Offset coverage, or the service becomes creditable. (Sec. 205) Sets forth provisions regarding TSF treatment for individuals described by Subtitles A and B of title I of this Act. (Sec. 207) Bars an agency from placing an individual under CSRS coverage unless: (1) the individual has been employed with such coverage within the preceding 365 days; or (2) OPM has agreed that the agency's coverage determination is correct. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the OPM Director to: (1) extend deadlines for making elections under certain circumstances; (2) reimburse expenses incurred by an individual with respect to settlement of a claim for losses resulting from a coverage error; (3) compensate an individual for monetary losses that are a direct and proximate result of such an error, excluding claimed losses relating to foregone contributions and earnings under the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and other investment opportunities; and (4) waive payments otherwise required by this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Provides for conformity with this Act of the Foreign Service and Central Intelligence Agency retirement systems. Title IV: Tax Provisions - Provides that no Federal retirement plan shall fail to be treated as a qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code by reason of any action taken under this Act. Excludes from individual gross income any amount attributable to a direct transfer under this Act between funds or any Government contribution to any fund or account. Title V: Miscellaneous Retirement Provisions - Includes as creditable service of a Federal employee or Member of Congress for purposes of FERS provisions a period of service (other than any service already creditable under FERS, any military service, and any service performed in the employ of a Federal Reserve Bank) that was creditable under the Bank Plan (the benefit structure in which employees of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System appointed on or after January 1, 1984, participate), if the employee waives credit for such service under the Bank Plan and makes a payment to the TSF equal to the amount that would have been deducted from pay had the employee been subject to FERS during such period of service (together with interest on such amount computed). Excludes from participation in FERS any employee or Member who has separated from civilian service after having been subject to the benefit structure for employees of the Board appointed before January 1, 1984, and having at least five years of civilian service (other than any service performed in the employ of a Federal Reserve Bank) creditable under such benefit structure, except for such persons who subsequently enter a position subject to FERS provisions. Makes provisions regarding creditability and certain former Board employees applicable only to individuals who separate from service subject to FERS on or after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 502) Treats as a separation from Government employment, for purposes of the TSP, any transfer from a position that is subject to FERS, CSRS, or any other retirement system under which individuals may contribute to the TSF through withholdings from pay, to a position that is not subject to any of them. Applies the amendments made by this section to transfers occurring before, on, or after this Act's enactment date. Considers, for transfers occurring before this Act's enactment, the date of transfer to be this Act's enactment date.