Defence

Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1999

Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 1999 - Amends civil forfeiture provisions under the Federal criminal code (the code) to direct that at trial: (1) the Government have the burden of proving that the property is subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence; and (2) the claimant have the burden of proving any affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence. Specifies that no party shall be required to establish that it is able to meet its burden of proof until the time of trial, with an exception for summary judgment motions. (Sec. 3) Requires the Government, whenever property other than real property is seized by a Federal law enforcement agency or is turned over to such an agency by a State or local law enforcement agency for the purpose of forfeiture under Federal law, to commence administrative forfeiture proceedings against the property pursuant to the customs laws within 60 days after the seizure or turnover unless the Attorney General has filed a civil forfeiture complaint, or included the property in a criminal indictment, before such period has expired. Requires the seizing agency, upon commencing administrative forfeiture proceedings, to send notice of the proceedings, together with information on the applicable procedures for contesting the forfeiture, to each party known to the agency at the time of the seizure to have an ownership or possessory interest, including a lienholder's interest in the seized property. Directs that, if the identity or interest of a party is not determined until after the seizure but is determined before a declaration of forfeiture is entered, such written notice and information be sent to such interested party not later than 60 days after the determination of the seizing agency of the party's identity or interest. Requires the Government, if it does not send notice of a seizure of property to the person from whom it was received and no extension of time is granted, to return the property to that person without prejudice to the Government's right to commence a forfeiture proceeding at a later time. Directs that if the property is returned herein, neither the seizing agency nor any individual agent shall be held liable for the failure to provide notice. Specifies that the Government shall not be required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess. Authorizes the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, or the United States Postal Service, as applicable, to waive such notice requirements for good cause. Allows any person entitled to such notice who does not receive such notice to file, within two years after the date of final publication of notice of seizure of the property, a motion to set aside a declaration of forfeiture under the Tariff Act of 1930, which motion shall be granted if the moving party: (1) had an ownership or possessory interest in the forfeited property and the Government knew, or reasonably should have known, of that party's interest and failed to take reasonable steps to provide such party with notice of the forfeiture; and (2) did not have actual notice of the seizure within sufficient time to file a claim within the time period provided by law. Directs: (1) the court, upon granting such a motion, to set aside the declaration of forfeiture as to the interest of the moving party pending forfeiture proceedings in accordance with the Tariff Act, which proceedings shall be instituted within 60 days of the entry of the order granting the motion; and (2) the Government, if at the time such a motion is granted the forfeited property has been disposed of by the Government in accordance with law, to institute forfeiture proceedings against a substitute sum of money equal to the value of the forfeited property at the time the property was disposed of, plus interest. Makes a motion under this Act the exclusive means of obtaining judicial review of a declaration of forfeiture entered by a seizing agency. (Sec. 4) Rewrites provisions of the Tariff Act to authorize a person claiming a seized vessel, vehicle, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage (vessel) to file a claim with the Customs Service at any time after the seizure, provided that the claim is filed not later than the later of 30 days after the first publication of notice of seizure, or the deadline set forth in a personal notice letter received by such person. Requires the claim to be signed by the claimant under penalty of perjury and contain a brief statement of the nature and extent of the claimant's ownership interest in the property. Requires a person filing a claim to post bond to the United States in the sum of $5,000 or ten percent of the value of the claimed property, whichever is less, but not less than $250, with sureties approved by the Customs Service. Specifies that no bond shall be required if the Secretary approves a claim filed in forma pauperis. Directs the Customs Service to transmit any such claim filed, with a duplicate list and description of the articles seized, to the U.S. attorney for the district in which the property was seized, or any other district in which a forfeiture action may be filed. Allows the U.S. attorney, after reviewing the matter, to decide to return the property to the claimant or to reach an appropriate compromise agreement with the claimant (otherwise the U.S. attorney shall proceed to a condemnation of the merchandise or other property or proceed to include the merchandise or other property in an appropriate criminal indictment). Directs the appropriate customs officer, if no claim is filed or bond given within 30 (currently, 20) days, to declare the vessel forfeited. Specifies that a cost bond otherwise required by the Tariff Act shall not be required if the claimant: (1) pledges real or personal property having a value greater than or equal to that of the bond that would otherwise be required as security against the costs of the Government; (2) provides, in any case in which the pledged real or personal property is subject to a Federal or State recording, certificate of title, or registration statute, documentary proof evidencing the ownership of the property by the claimant or pledger; and (3) files an affidavit under penalty of perjury setting forth the value of the property and stating that the claimant is the owner of the property. Allows the U.S. attorney, once the claim is referred to the U.S. attorney under the Tariff Act, to ask the court to review the facts set forth in the affidavit filed. Authorizes the claimant, at the conclusion of the case, to move for return of the cost bond, or to rescind the property pledge, and the court to grant such motion if the court finds that the claim was substantially justified. Directs the Government, if the court denies such motion, or if no such motion is made, to retain the bond to the extent necessary to recover its costs and return the balance to the claimant. Allows the Government, in the case of a property pledge, to: (1) serve upon the claimant an assessment of its costs, which assessment shall be collectible as a debt owed to the Government; or (2) foreclose on the pledged property to recover its costs. (Sec. 5) Directs the Attorney General, in any case in which property has been seized or restrained by the Government and a claim has been filed, to: (1) file a compliant for forfeiture within 90 days (with an exception) or include a forfeiture count in a criminal indictment or information, or both; or (2) return the property pending the filing of a complaint or indictment. Authorizes the Government to apply to a Federal magistrate judge in any district in which venue for a forfeiture action would lie for an extension of time in which to comply, which shall be granted based on a showing of good cause. Allows such extension to be made ex parte where the filing would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation, prosecution, or court-authorized electronic surveillance. Sets forth provisions regarding the filing of a claim and answer, and a motion to dismiss a complaint for forfeiture. (Sec. 6) Amends the code to authorize a person with standing to challenge the forfeiture of seized property to file a motion for the return of the property. Directs the court, if such motion is filed, to conduct a hearing within 90 days and order the release of the property, pending trial on the forfeiture and entry of judgment, unless: (1) the Government establishes probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture, based on all information available to the Government at the time of hearing; (2) the Government has filed a civil forfeiture complaint against the property, and a magistrate judge has determined there is probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest in rem; (3) a grand jury has returned an indictment that includes an allegation that the property is subject to criminal forfeiture; (4) the party filing the motion had notice of the intent of the Government to forfeit the property administratively, and failed to file a claim to the property within the specified time period; (5) the property is contraband or other property that the moving party may not legally possess; or (6) the property is needed as evidence in a criminal investigation or prosecution. (Sec. 7) Directs the court, if the party filing a claim in a civil forfeiture case is not charged with any criminal offense in a related criminal case, and the court enters judgment for that party, to order the Government to pay costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the claimant, with exceptions. Provides for sanctions for frivolous claims. (Sec. 8) Directs that all civil forfeitures of, and interests in, real property proceed as judicial forfeitures. Makes the administrative forfeiture provisions of the Tariff Act inapplicable to the forfeiture of real property. Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) real property that is the subject of a forfeiture action from being seized before entry of an order of forfeiture; and (2) the owners or occupants of the real property from being evicted from, or otherwise deprived of the use and enjoyment of, real property that is the subject of a pending forfeiture action. Directs the court in which a civil forfeiture action is pending, in lieu of issuing an arrest warrant in rem, to issue a notice of complaint for forfeiture, which shall be served on the property owner and posted on the property. Specifies that the posting of such notice shall be sufficient to give the court in rem jurisdiction over the property. Provides for constructive service if the property owner cannot be served because such owner is a fugitive or resides outside of the United States, and efforts at service are unavailing. Sets forth provisions regarding seizure prior to entry of a forfeiture order, post- seizure hearings, actions not considered seizures, and scope of applicability of this section. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to authorize compensation for damage to seized property if the claimant is not convicted of a crime for which the claimant's property interest would be subject to forfeiture and if other specified circumstances apply. Specifies that damage to property occurring in the course of carrying out a lawful law enforcement function may not be construed to be the result of negligence unless the function was carried out in an unreasonable manner. (Sec. 10) Amends the code to prohibit the forfeiture of the interest of an innocent owner in property in any judicial action under any civil forfeiture provision of the code, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), or the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Defines "innocent owner" with respect to: (1) a property interest in existence at the time the illegal act giving rise to forfeiture took place, as an owner who did not know that the property was being used or was likely to be used in the commission of such illegal act, or upon learning that the property was being used or was likely to be used in the commission of such act, did all that reasonably could be expected to terminate or prevent such use of the property; and (2) such an interest acquired after the act giving rise to the forfeiture took place, as a person who establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence that the person acquired the property as a bona fide purchaser for value who at the time of the purchase did not know and was reasonably without cause to believe that the property was subject to forfeiture. Makes an innocent owner defense under this section an affirmative defense. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the release of seized property pending trial to avoid hardship under specified circumstances. (Sec. 12) Directs the court, upon motion of the United States, to stay a civil forfeiture proceeding if the court determines that civil discovery or trial could adversely affect the Government's ability to conduct a related criminal investigation or the prosecution of a related criminal case. Directs the court, upon motion of a claimant, to stay the civil forfeiture proceeding with respect to that claimant if the court determines that: (1) the claimant is the subject of a related criminal investigation or case; (2) the claimant has standing to assert a claim in the civil forfeiture proceeding; and (3) continuation of the forfeiture proceeding may infringe upon the claimant's right against self- incrimination in the related investigation or case. Authorizes the court to determine that a stay is unnecessary if a protective order limiting discovery would protect the interest of one party without unfairly limiting the ability of the opposing party to pursue the civil case. Prohibits the court from imposing a protective order as an alternative to a stay if the effect of such order would be to allow one party to pursue discovery while the other party is substantially unable to do so. Sets forth provisions regarding presentations ex parte and under seal, court orders to preserve the value of property, and applicability of standing determinations. (Sec. 13) Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, upon entry of judgment for the claimant in any proceeding to condemn or forfeit property seized or arrested under the Federal criminal code, the CSA, or the INA, the United States shall: (1) be liable for post-judgment interest; (2) not be liable for prejudgment interest, with an exception; and (3) not be required to disgorge the value of any intangible benefits nor to make any other payments of interest or other compensation to the claimant not specifically authorized. (Sec. 14) Rewrites code provisions regarding search warrant requirements for civil forfeiture. Authorizes the seizure of property by the Secretary of the Treasury or the United States Postal Service in the case of property involved in a violation investigated by such Secretary or Service. Requires that any such seizure be made pursuant to a warrant, which may be issued by a magistrate judge, except that a seizure may be made without a warrant if: (1) a complaint for forfeiture has been filed in the district court and the court has issued an arrest warrant in rem based upon a showing of probable cause; (2) there is probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture and the seizure is made pursuant to a lawful arrest or search, or another exception to the Fourth Amendment warrant requirement would apply; or (3) the property was lawfully seized by a State or local law enforcement agency and has been transferred to a Federal agency. Authorizes issuance of a seizure warrant by a judicial officer in any district in which a forfeiture action against the property may be filed under judicial code provisions, and executed in any district in which the property is found, or transmitted to the central authority of any foreign state for service in accordance with any treaty or other international agreement. Directs the judicial officer to command the officer to seize, within a specified time period, the property specified in the warrant. Requires any motion for the return of property seized to be filed in the district in which the seizure warrant was issued. Allows a party with standing to challenge a seizure and forfeiture to move to suppress the use of the property as evidence on the ground that the Government lacked probably cause at the time of the seizure. Specifies that suppression of the property as evidence shall not affect the Government's right to proceed with a forfeiture action based on independently derived evidence. Authorizes the Attorney General, if any person is arrested or charged in a foreign country in connection with an offense that would give rise to the forfeiture of property in the United States, to apply to a Federal judge or magistrate judge in the district in which the property is located for an ex parte order restraining the property subject to forfeiture for not more than 30 days, except that the time may be extended for good cause shown at a hearing. Requires the application for the restraining order to set forth the nature and circumstances of the foreign charges and the basis for belief that the person arrested or charged has property in the United States that would be subject to forfeiture, and to contain a statement that the order is needed to preserve the availability of property for such time as is necessary to receive evidence from the foreign country or elsewhere in support of probable cause for the seizure of the property. (Sec. 15) Authorizes the court, before or after filing a forfeiture complaint and on application of the Government, to: (1) enter any restraining order or injunction of the CSA; (2) require the execution of satisfactory performance bonds; (3) create receiverships; (4) appoint conservators, custodians, appraisers, accountants, or trustees; or (5) take any other action to seize, secure, maintain, or preserve the availability of property subject to forfeiture. (Sec. 16) Provides that, at the conclusion of the trial and following the entry of a forfeiture verdict: (1) the claimant may petition the court to determine whether the excessive fines clause of the Eighth Amendment applies and, if so, whether the forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the offense; (2) the claimant shall have the burden of establishing that the forfeiture is grossly disproportional by a preponderance of the evidence at a hearing by the court without a jury; and (3) if the court determines that the forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the offense, the court shall adjust the forfeiture to the extent necessary to avoid the constitutional violation. (Sec. 17) Authorizes the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, or their designee, in any investigation relating to the seizure or forfeiture of property, to issue in writing and cause to be served a subpoena for evidence. Makes provisions of the code (regarding obstruction of civil investigative demands), the Right to Financial Privacy Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act applicable to this section. (Sec. 18) Dismisses with prejudice the claim of any claimant in a civil forfeiture case, or any related criminal forfeiture case under CSA, when the claimant refuses to provide certain financial records located in a foreign country when it is within the claimant's capacity to make such records available. (Sec. 19) Modifies code provisions regarding disclosure of matters occurring before a grand jury to allow a person who is privy to grand jury information to disclose the information to a Government attorney for use in connection with any civil forfeiture provision of Federal law. (Sec. 20) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a Federal district court judge or magistrate to open to inspection by, or disclosure to, Federal officers and employees who are personally and directly engaged in specified activities of tax return information available in connection with a civil forfeiture investigation or proceeding. (Sec. 21) Amends the Tariff Act to provide that, in the case of forfeiture, the statute of limitations shall be within five years after the time when the existence of the property and the involvement of the property in the alleged offense were discovered (but retains the current standard of five years after the time when the alleged offense was discovered). (Sec. 22) Amends the code to expand the scope of provisions regarding the destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure to cover seizure for forfeiture and to explicitly cover real property. (Sec. 23) Revises code provisions regarding civil forfeiture of fungible property to permit invocation of such provisions only if the action for forfeiture was commenced by a seizure or arrest in rem within two years of the offense that is the basis for the forfeiture. Makes such provisions inapplicable to an action against funds held by a financial institution in an interbank account unless the account holder knowingly engaged in the offense that is the basis for the forfeiture. (Sec. 24) Amends the CSA to provide that in any action with respect to the forfeiture of seized currency the finder of fact shall determine the nexus between the currency and the drug trafficking offense based on the totality of the circumstances. Lists factors which the finder of fact may consider in making such determination. (Sec. 25) Amends the code to authorize the use of forfeited property to pay restitution to any victim of the offense giving rise to the forfeiture, including, in the case of a money laundering offense, any offense constituting the underlying specified activity. (Sec. 26) Amends the judicial code to provide that a person who, in order to avoid criminal prosecution, purposely leaves U.S. jurisdiction, declines to enter or reenter the United States to submit to its jurisdiction, or otherwise evades the jurisdiction of the court in which a criminal case is pending against the person, may not use the resources of the U.S. courts in furtherance of a claim in any related civil forfeiture action or a claim in third party proceedings in any related criminal forfeiture action. (Sec. 27) Requires a foreign nation seeking to have its value-based confiscation judgment registered and enforced by a U.S. district court to first submit a request to the Attorney General or his or her designee (Attorney General) which shall include specified information, including a summary of the facts of the case and a description of the criminal proceeding that resulted in the value-based confiscation judgment. Directs the Attorney General to determine whether to certify the request, which decision shall be final. Permits a foreign nation to file a civil proceeding in U.S. district court, if the Attorney General certifies a request, seeking to enforce the foreign value-based confiscation judgment as if the judgment had been entered by a U.S. court, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 28) Amends the judicial code to authorize the Government, if a forfeiture of property is authorized in connection with a violation of an Act of Congress and any person is charged in an indictment or information with such violation but no specific statutory provision is made for criminal forfeiture upon conviction, to include the forfeiture in the indictment or information. Directs the court, upon conviction, to order the forfeiture of the property in accordance with procedures set forth in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. (Sec. 29) Amends the CSA and the code to provide for uniform civil forfeiture standards. (Sec. 31) Rewrites INA provisions regarding the bringing in and harboring of aliens to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of the gross proceeds of a violation, and any property traceable to such conveyance or proceeds. Specifies that standards under the code shall apply to civil forfeitures under the INA, with an exception for duties imposed upon the Secretary of the Treasury under the customs laws. Sets forth prima facie evidence that an alien involved in the alleged violation had not received prior official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, or that such alien remained in violation of law.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding support for nongovernmental organizations participating in honor guard details at funerals of veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of each military department, in providing material, equipment, and training for members of veterans organizations and nongovernmental organizations for the support of veterans' funeral honors details, should: (1) include uniforms needed for such participation; and (2) provide such uniforms without charge upon a showing of financial need.

Alphonso Maldon, Jr., of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Frederick F. Y. Pang, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 October 1999

John K. Veroneau, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Sandra Kaplan Stuart.

United States · United States Senate · 4 October 1999

Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999

Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional veterans' committees, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House (the entities) a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the processing of claims for veterans' compensation and pension. Requires such plan to include the training of claims adjudicators and the enhancement of accountability standards to improve the timeliness and accuracy of such claims processing. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan within 60 days after its submission. Allows for plan modifications, but requires prior notification to the entities followed by a 30-day waiting period. Requires biannual reports from the Secretary to the entities assessing plan implementation.

Recognizing the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library in Tuscola, Illinois, as a National Korean War Veterans Museum.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1999

Recognizes the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library in Tuscola, Illinois, as a National Korean War Veterans Museum.

Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1999

Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 1999 - Provides that: (1) any person who engages in conduct that violates specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or specified articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (conduct constituting certain Federal violent crimes), and thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury to, a child who is in utero, shall be guilty of a separate offense (but prohibits imposition of the death penalty for such offense); and (2) the punishment for that separate offense shall be the same as that provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother. Specifies that a violation of such provisions does not require proof that: (1) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying offense was pregnant; or (2) the defendant intended to cause the death of, or bodily injury to, the unborn child. Directs that if the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall be punished as provided under the Federal criminal code for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being. Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency; (2) for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.

Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999

Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 1999 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" to include all aspects of religious observance, practice, and belief unless, after initiating and engaging in an affirmative and bona fide effort, an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate a religious observance or practice without undue hardship (action requiring significant difficulty or expense) on the conduct of the employer's business. Prohibits deeming an accommodation by the employer reasonable if the accommodation does not remove the conflict between employment requirements and the religious observance or practice. Excludes, in certain circumstances, a defense that the accommodation would be in violation of a seniority system. Prohibits requiring payment of premium wages for work performed during hours to which premium wages would ordinarily be applicable if work is performed during those hours only to accommodate religious requirements of an employee.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding East Timor and supporting the multinational force for East Timor.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999

Congratulates the people of East Timor for their heroic vote on August 30, 1999. Recognizes the overwhelming expression of such people in favor of independence. Commends: (1) the United Nations (UN) Security Council for passing a resolution authorizing a multinational force to address the security situation in East Timor; (2) Australia for its readiness to lead the multinational force for East Timor (and welcomes the participation of other nations); and (3) UN Mission in East Timor personnel. Expresses: (1) support for a rapid and effective deployment throughout East Timor by the multinational force; and (2) approval for the United States to assist in this effort. Condemns the violent efforts of the East Timor militias and elements of the Indonesian military to overturn the results of the vote. Notes the failure of the Indonesian Government to guarantee the security of the people of East Timor and such Government's responsibility to restrain such elements and paramilitary forces. Calls upon the Government of Indonesia to: (1) recognize its responsibilities as a member of the UN and a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to cooperate with appropriate UN authorities in the restoration of order in East Timor; (2) allow unrestricted access to refugees and displaced persons in West Timor by relief agencies; (3) hold accountable those responsible for the violence, human rights abuses, and atrocities; and (4) cooperate with the international community in establishing an international commission of inquiry to investigate human rights abuses in East Timor.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2436) to amend title 18, United States Code, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice to protect unborn children from assault and murder, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1999

Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H.R. 2436 (protection of unborn children from assault and murder).

Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1999

Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Amends Federal employee provisions to include the following as an employee, for purposes of authorized enrollment under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: (1) a member of the armed forces who began service before June 7, 1956, and retired after a minimum of 20 years of such service or by reason of a service-connected disability; and (2) the surviving widow or widower of such member. Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide FEHB coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member entitled to military retired or retainer pay who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member who is entitled to Medicare hospital insurance benefits; and (5) a family member of such member. Repeals a provision prohibiting coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services for persons entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Act.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2000, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1999

Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for continuing projects or activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, which were conducted in FY 1999 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (3) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000; (4) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000; (5) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2000; (6) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000; (7) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (8) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (9) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000; (10) the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (11) the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000; and (12) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000. Continues funding of projects or activities at the current rate of operations and sets forth limitations on such funding. (Sec. 106) Provides funding under this resolution until enactment into law of any covered appropriation or the applicable appropriations Act (without any provision for the covered appropriation) or October 21, 1999, whichever occurs first. (Sec. 115) Continues certain activities authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 through the date for which funding is provided under this resolution. (Sec. 116) Sets the rate of operations for reimbursement of past losses for the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund at $11.5 billion. (Sec. 117) Continues specified authorities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation through the period of this joint resolution. (Sec. 118) Authorizes the use of funds to initiate or resume projects or activities at a rate exceeding the current rate to achieve Year 2000 (Y2K) computer compliance and for implementation of business continuity and contingency plans. (Sec. 119) Makes a specified amount available for decennial census programs for the period covered by this joint resolution. (Sec. 122) Extends, until November 1, 1999, a certain provision of law that allows fewer than three members of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States to constitute a quorum.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2000, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1999

Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for continuing projects or activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, which were conducted in FY 1999 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (3) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000; (4) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000; (5) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2000; (6) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000; (7) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (8) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (9) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000; (10) the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000; (11) the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000; and (12) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000. Continues funding of projects or activities at the current rate of operations and sets forth limitations on such funding. (Sec. 106) Provides funding under this resolution until enactment into law of any covered appropriation or the applicable appropriations Act (without any provision for the covered appropriation) or October 21, 1999, whichever occurs first. (Sec. 115) Continues certain activities authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 through the date for which funding is provided under this resolution. (Sec. 116) Sets the rate of operations for reimbursement of past losses for the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund at $11.5 billion. (Sec. 117) Continues specified authorities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation through the period of this joint resolution. (Sec. 118) Authorizes the use of funds to initiate or resume projects or activities at a rate exceeding the current rate to achieve Year 2000 (Y2K) computer compliance and for implementation of business continuity and contingency plans. (Sec. 119) Makes a specified amount available for decennial census programs for the period covered by this joint resolution. (Sec. 121) Applies the date specified in Section 106 of this resolution, in lieu of October 1, 1999, as the date of termination of a prohibition on the issuance of a notice of final rulemaking with respect to the valuation of crude oil for royalty purposes. (Sec. 123) Extends, until November 1, 1999, a certain provision of law that allows fewer than three members of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States to constitute a quorum.

A. J. Eggenberger, of Montana, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2003. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 24 September 1999

Jessie M. Roberson, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2002, vice Herbert Kouts, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 24 September 1999

HOPE for Africa Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1999

HOPE for Africa Act of 1999 - Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) for the majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa to be able to benefit from new trade, investment, and other economic opportunities provided by this Act, the pre-existing burden of external debt of sub-Saharan African countries must be eliminated; and (2) only significant debt relief will allow operation of local credit markets and eliminate distortions currently hindering development in sub-Saharan Africa. Title I: Cancellation of Debt Owed by Sub-Saharan African Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, with specified exceptions, to cancel all concessional and nonconcessional loans made, guarantees issued, or credits extended by the United States to sub-Saharan African countries. Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the cancellation of debt. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of State to notify foreign governments that have outstanding loans, guarantees, or credits to the government of a sub-Saharan African country that it is U.S. policy to forgive all such debts and that such foreign governments should do the same. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress a plan to advocate the cancellation of debt owed by sub-Saharan African countries to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), including proposed instructions to the U.S. Executive Directors of such financial institutions to use the U.S. vote to advocate that such institutions: (1) unconditionally cancel all debts owed by a sub-Saharan African country to such institution; and (2) provide that until all debts owed have been unconditionally canceled, require that any future loans not be used to finance in whole or part the implementation of any agreement which requires the country to pay more than five percent of its annual export earnings toward the servicing of foreign loans. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress on the amount of debt owed to any U.S. person by any country in sub-Saharan Africa and include a plan to acquire each debt obligation owed to each U.S. person. (Sec. 105) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999 to require the International Financial Institution Advisory Commission to advise the Secretary of the Treasury and report to Congress on the viability and desirability of having each indebted sub-Saharan African country repay foreign loans in their currency. (Sec. 106) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of each sub-Saharan African country should allocate 20 percent of its national budget, including the savings from cancellation of debt owed by it to the United States, to other foreign countries, to the IMF and the World Bank, and to U.S. persons for the provision of basic services to individuals in their respective country, as provided for in the United Nations 20/20 Initiative; and (2) prior to the unconditional cancellation of debt owed by sub-Saharan African countries, each such country should not pay in any calendar year an aggregate amount greater than five percent of the export earnings of the country for the prior calendar year. Title II: Trade Provisions Relating to Sub-Saharan Africa - Directs the United States, pursuant to the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, to eliminate existing quotas on textile and apparel exports to the United States from Kenya and Mauritius within 30 days after each country demonstrates that it: (1) is not ineligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences of the Trade Act of 1974; (2) does not engage in significant violations of internationally recognized human rights; (3) provides for the enforcement of certain internationally recognized worker rights; and (4) takes adequate measures to prevent illegal transshipment of goods. Directs the President to continue the no quota policy for each of the other sub-Saharan African countries that are in compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 201) Provides that, when the quota for textile and apparel products imported from Kenya or Mauritius is eliminated, the quota for textile and apparel products from China for each calendar year shall be reduced by an amount equal to the volume of imports of all textile and apparel product from all sub-Saharan African countries into the United States in the preceding calendar year, plus five percent of that amount. Requires the Secretary of Labor to determine, and report annually to Congress on, whether or not each sub-Saharan African country is providing for effective enforcement of internationally recognized worker rights. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on the growth in textiles and apparel imported into the United States from countries in sub-Saharan Africa in order to inform U.S. consumers, workers, and textile manufacturers about the effects of the no quota policy. Directs the President to provide an additional benefit of 50 percent tariff reduction for any textile and apparel product of a sub-Saharan African country: (1) that meets the requirements relating to human rights, workers rights, and illegal transshipments; and (2) that is imported directly into the United States from such country if the business enterprise, or a subcontractor of the enterprise, producing the product is in compliance with specified conditions. Sets forth specified conditions for the import of textile and apparel goods into the United States, including goods from a sub-Saharan African country. Sets forth penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act. Directs the U.S. Customs Service to monitor and the Commissioner of Customs to report annually on measures taken by sub-Saharan African countries that import textiles or apparel goods into the United States to prevent unlawful transshipment of such goods and circumvention of this Act or any agreement regulating trade in such goods between such country and the United States. (Sec. 202) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to provide duty-free treatment for articles set forth in the product list of the Lome Treaty that are the product of a beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African country, and in compliance with certain human rights requirements, if the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Extends duty-free treatment to products from beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African countries through September 30, 2006. (Sec. 203) Grants a U.S. citizen a cause of action in the U.S. district court to seek compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with the requirements of this Act. Title III: Development Assistance for Sub-Saharan African Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that the HIV- AIDS epidemic and other conditions have caused countless deaths and untold suffering among the people of sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 302) Directs the Agency for International Development (AID) to provide capacity building assistance through participatory planning to private and voluntary organizations involved in providing assistance for sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 303) Prohibits military assistance to sub-Saharan African countries. (Sec. 304) Revises critical sectoral priorities provisions to give priority to: (1) increasing food security by promoting agriculture policies in sub-Saharan African countries; (2) improving health conditions in such countries by emphasizing HIV-AIDS prevention and treatment programs; (3) providing increased access to voluntary family planning services, including access to prenatal healthcare; (4) improving education and vocational education, with particular emphasis on primary education and vocational education for women; and (5) developing income-generating opportunities, including development of manufacturing and processing industries and microcredit projects. (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator of AID to report semiannually to Congress on: (1) how, and to what extent, AID has consulted with nongovernmental organizations in sub-Saharan Africa regarding the use of long-term development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries; (2) the extent to which such assistance has been successful in capacity building among local nongovernmental organizations and in increasing food security and access to health and education services among the people of sub-Saharan Africa; and (3) how, and to what extent, such assistance has furthered the goals of sustainable economic and agricultural development, gender equity, environmental protection, and respect for workers' rights there. (Sec. 306) Declares that amounts appropriated to the Development Fund for Africa shall be appropriated to a separate account for such Fund. Title IV: Sub-Saharan Africa Equity and Infrastructure Funds - Directs the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to initiate one or more equity funds in support of infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa, including basic health services (including AIDS prevention and treatment), hospitals, potable water, sanitation, schools, electrification of rural areas, and publicly-accessible transportation. Title V: Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Export-Import Bank Initiatives - Directs the President to establish an advisory committee to assist the Board of Directors of OPIC in developing and implementing policies, programs, and financial instruments with respect to sub-Saharan Africa, including with respect to equity and infrastructure funds established under this Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to revise provisions establishing an advisory committee to require such committee to assist the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States in developing, among other things, financial instruments with respect to sub-Saharan African countries. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the accession of sub-Saharan African countries to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. (Sec. 602) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it is in the interest of the United States to take all necessary steps to prevent further spread of infectious disease, particularly HIV-AIDS; and (2) individual countries should have the ability to determine the availability of pharmaceuticals and health care for their citizens, particularly with respect to the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriated to any Federal agency to seek the revocation or revisions of any sub-Saharan African intellectual property or competition law or policy designed to promote access to pharmaceuticals or other medical technologies. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, subject to the availability of appropriations, to take steps to ensure that: (1) at least 20 full-time Commercial Service employees are stationed in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) full-time Service employees are stationed in at least ten different sub-Saharan African countries. Title VII: Offset - Prohibits the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from carrying out research and development (R&D) activities relating to the performance of aircraft (including supersonic aircraft and subsonic aircraft) unless the Administrator receives full payment for such activities from the private sector.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to permit the Secretary of Transportation to waive noise restrictions on certain aircraft operations.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1999

Amends Federal aviation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide a procedure under which a person will be exempt from stage 3 noise level restrictions and be permitted to operate a stage 1 or stage 2 aircraft in nonrevenue service to or from a U.S. airport in order to: (1) sell the aircraft outside the United States; (2) sell the aircraft for scrapping; (3) obtain modification to such aircraft to meet stage 3 noise levels; or (4) test aircraft engines if the aircraft takes off and lands at an airport located at a former military installation closed or realigned under specified law.

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop within the Department of Veterans Affairs a system for collecting payments under the Medical Care Cost Recovery Program that utilizes collection practices similar to private collection practices, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1999

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a proposal for a system within the Department of Veterans Affairs for the collection of payments from third party payers under the Department's Medical Care Cost Recovery Program which shall utilize procedures similar to those utilized in the private sector for the collection of payments from third parties for health care costs. Requires the Secretary, for an interim period, to collect payments under the Program solely through contracted private entities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the proposed system within three years after the enactment of this Act, and to implement the system 90 days thereafter. Authorizes appropriations.

Preservation of the United States Military Chain of Command Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999

Preservation of the United States Military Chain of Command Act of 1999 - Prohibits U.S. armed forces from being placed under the command or control of any foreign national for participation in a United Nations (UN) operation: (1) unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such forces will not be involved in combat; or (2) if the operation is authorized under chapter VII of the UN Charter. Prohibits U.S. armed forces from participating in conjunction with or in support of a UN operation unless specified requirements are met. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report biannually to the appropriate congressional committees on the service units of U.S. armed forces under the operational or tactical control of a foreign national, whether in an established regional alliance like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or in an ad hoc military coalition.

A bill to require the closure of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico upon termination of Armed Forces use of training ranges on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, involving live munitions impact.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999

Requires the Secretary of Defense, upon the termination of the use of training ranges on the island of Vieques for live munitions impact involved in the training of U.S. armed forces, to transfer the missions, personnel, and assets of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, to the continental United States and close such naval station. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer any counter-drug mission to a forward operating location outside the continental United States that is also outside of Puerto Rico.

Sudan Peace Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999

Sudan Peace Act - Declares that Congress: (1) condemns violations of human rights on all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan), the ongoing slave trade there, and the Government's increasing use and organization of "murahalliin", Popular Defense Forces (PDF), and regular Sudanese Army units into raiding and slaving parties in Bahr al Ghazal, the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile regions; and (2) recognizes that the use of raiding and slaving parties is a tool for creating food shortages as a systematic means to destroy the societies, culture, and economies of the Dinka and Nuba peoples in a policy of low-intensity ethnic cleansing. (Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of Congress that it: (1) declares its support for the efforts by U.S. executive branch officials to lead in a reinvigoration of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-sponsored peace process; (2) calls on IGAD member states, the European Union, the Organization of African Unity, Egypt, and other key states to support such process; (3) urges Kenya's leadership in the implementation of the process; and (4) views any such diplomatic efforts toward resolution of the conflict in Sudan are best made through IGAD and that the President must not create any process which could be viewed as a parallel or competing diplomatic track. Authorizes the Secretary of State to utilize Department of State personnel for the support of: (1) the secretariat of IGAD; (2) the ongoing negotiations between the Government of Sudan and opposition forces; (3) any peace settlement planning to be carried out by the National Democratic Alliance and IGAD Partners' Forum (IPF); and (4) other U.S. diplomatic efforts with respect to Sudan. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, acting through the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, should take specified actions to increase pressure on the combatants involved in the war in Sudan. (Sec. 7) Imposes certain trade and financial sanctions against Sudan, subject to waiver on national security grounds, until the President determines, and certifies to Congress, that it has: (1) fully committed to and has made progress toward a peaceful solution to the war or has otherwise committed in a good faith effort with both northern and southern opposition toward a solution to the conflict based on the Declaration of Principles reached in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 20, 1994; (2) made substantial progress in controlling the raiding and slaving activities of all regular and irregular forces, including PDF and other militias and murahalliin; (3) instituted reforms with regard to providing basic human and civil rights to all Sudanese; and (4) ceased aerial bombardment of civilian targets. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that such sanctions should be applied to include the sale of stocks in the United States or to any U.S. person, wherever located, or any other form of financial instruments or derivatives, in support of a commercial, industrial, public utility, or government project or transaction in or with Sudan. (Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should organize and maintain a formal consultative process with the European Union, the United Nations Security Council, and other relevant parties on coordinating an effort within the UN to revise the terms of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) to end the Government of Sudan's veto power over OLS plans for air transport relief flights. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should continue to increase the use of non- OLS agencies in the distribution of relief supplies in southern Sudan. (Sec. 10) Directs the President to develop and report to Congress on a contingency plan to provide, outside UN auspices, the greatest amount of U.S. Government and privately donated relief to all affected areas in Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile, in the event the Government of Sudan imposes a ban on OLS air transport relief flights. (Sec.11) Supports the President's ongoing efforts to diversify and increase effectiveness of U.S. assistance to populations in areas of Sudan outside of the control of the Government of Sudan, especially the long-term focus shown in the Sudan Transition Assistance for Rehabilitation (STAR) program with its emphasis on promoting democracy, self-reliance, and actively supporting people-to- people reconciliation efforts. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 12) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should assess the humanitarian needs in the Nuba Mountains, Red Sea Hills, and Blue Nile regions of Sudan, and respond appropriately to those needs. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the President, for purposes of minimizing diversions of food assistance and to insulate noncombatants and the relief operations which serve them from combatants in areas outside the control of the Government of Sudan, to provide such assistance directly to the National Democratic Alliance or other groups engaged in the protection of civilian populations from attacks from regular government forces, associated militias, or other paramilitary groups supported by the Government of Sudan. Sets forth certain limits on, and eligibility requirements with, such assistance.

East Timor Self-Determination Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1999

East Timor Self-Determination Act of 1999 - Declares that: (1) Congress recognizes that the Government of Indonesia took a positive step by agreeing on September 12, 1999, to the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to East Timor; and (2) the purpose of this Act is to encourage such Government to take such additional steps as are necessary to create a peaceful environment in which the United Nations Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can fulfill its mandate and implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status. Prohibits the provision of multilateral and bilateral economic assistance (except humanitarian assistance), or military assistance, or the licensing or delivery of exports of defense articles or defense services (except in connection with the international peacekeeping force) to the Government of Indonesia or East Timor. Urges the President to continue to coordinate with other countries, particularly member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1999

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 - Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes FY 2000 appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) veterans' compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits; (2) veterans' insurance and indemnities; (3) veterans' housing, education, and vocational rehabilitation loan accounts; (4) veterans' medical care; (5) medical and prosthetic research; (6) medical administration; (7) the General post fund, national homes; (8) departmental administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction; (12) the parking revolving fund; and (13) grants to States for construction of extended care facilities and cemeteries. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes FY 2000 appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for: (1) public and Indian housing; (2) the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds; (3) drug elimination grants for low-income housing; (4) revitalization of severely distressed public housing; (5) Native American housing block grants; (6) Indian housing loan guarantees; (7) establishment of an Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development in HUD; (8) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; (9) community development block grants; (10) brownfields redevelopment; (11) the HOME investment partnerships program; (12) homeless assistance grants; (13) housing for special populations; (14) the Federal Housing Administration; (15) the Government National Mortgage Association; (16) housing policy development and research; (17) fair housing activities; (18) the Lead Hazard Reduction Program; (19) management and administration; (20) the Office of Inspector General; and (21) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 204) Amends the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act to provide for allocation of resources for housing for persons with AIDS to States that received an allocation in a prior fiscal year for having more than 1,500 AIDS cases outside of a metropolitan statistical area with a population exceeding 500,000. Repeals a minimum grant requirement under such Act. (Sec. 205) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend the Secretary of HUD's authority to enter into certain risk-sharing agreements to determine Federal credit enhancements for loans for affordable multifamily housing. Extends to FY 2000 a provision that increases the number of units to which those agreements may apply in FY 1999. (Sec. 206) Authorizes eligible low-income housing project owners to: (1) prepay mortgages on such projects; and (2) request voluntary termination of a mortgage insurance contract with respect to such a project, notwithstanding certain requirements under the National Housing Act. Permits mortgage prepayment or contract termination only if: (1) such prepayment or termination is consistent with the terms of the mortgage on, or insurance contract for, the project; (2) the owner agrees not to increase rent charges for any project dwelling during the 60-day period beginning on the prepayment or termination; and (3) the owner provides notice of intent to prepay or terminate within a certain time period, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 209) Amends provisions of the National Housing Act regarding payments of claims on defaulted mortgages with respect to multifamily housing units and health facilities to allow full (in addition to partial) payment of claims under one or more mortgage insurance contracts in connection with certain mortgage restructurings. (Sec. 210) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct owners responsible for determining a participant's eligibility or level of benefits to require families receiving certain HUD family income matching information to disclose such information. Includes families who receive such information and dwell in units receiving certain project-based assistance within the list of families subject to the disclosure requirement. (Sec. 211) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to delete a provision regarding an emergency reserve and set-aside funds under the section regarding the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds. (Sec. 214) Establishes compensation ceilings with respect to funds provided for the Public Housing Operating Fund and the Youthbuild program. (Sec. 216) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of HUD to establish income ceilings, with respect to eligibility for public housing or project-based Section 8 assistance, that are higher or lower than 30 percent of the area median income based on findings that such variations are necessary because of unusually high or low family incomes. (Sec. 217) Requires the Comptroller General to certify to Congress on a quarterly basis on the cost of time attributable to the failure of HUD to cooperate in any General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation with regard to HUD activities. Directs the Secretary of HUD to reimburse GAO for such costs from the salaries and expenses account. (Sec. 218) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to allow funds made available for home investment partnerships to be used to preserve housing assisted or previously assisted with Section 8 assistance. (Sec. 219) Exempts public housing agencies in Alaska and Mississippi from certain membership requirements for their boards of directors under the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Sec. 220) Requires the Secretary of HUD to transfer the administration of the Small Cities component of the Community Development Block Grants program to the State of New York, to be administered by the Governor. (Sec. 221) Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to renew project-based rental housing contracts under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 at up to market levels. Directs the Secretary to: (1) offer to renew expired section 8 contracts at up to market levels in low-vacancy areas or areas with concentrations of elderly or disabled families; and (2) establish certain market rents. Authorizes ten-year section 8 contract renewals. (Sec. 222) Amends Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for enhanced voucher assistance for certain families in projects where mortgages have been prepaid, mortgage insurance contracts have been terminated, or Section 8 rental assistance contracts have expired or been terminated. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 to provide for Section 8 enhanced voucher assistance for certain tenants in housing where Section 8 assistance is not renewed. Amends the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 to provide for Section 8 enhanced voucher assistance for certain tenants in housing where mortgages have been prepaid or insurance contracts have been terminated. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes FY 2000 appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (3) the Department of the Treasury for community development financial institutions; (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (5) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (6) the Office of Inspector General; (7) the Court of Veterans Appeals; and (8) the Department of Defense for Army cemeterial expenses. Appropriates funds for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for: (1) science and technology activities; (2) environmental programs and management; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) buildings and facilities; (5) Superfund; (6) the leaking underground storage tank program; (7) oil spill response programs; and (8) assistance to States and Indian tribes for environmental programs and infrastructure. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Environmental Quality; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for: (1) disaster relief; (2) disaster assistance direct loans; (3) salaries and expenses; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) emergency management planning and assistance; (6) a specified emergency food and shelter program;(7) the National Flood Insurance Fund; and (8) the National Insurance Development Fund. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2000: (1) a certain ceiling on obligations issued under the national flood insurance program; and (2) the authorization of appropriations for certain studies. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the International Space Station, launch vehicles and payload operations in support of the space shuttle program, science, aeronautics, and technology research and development, mission support, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the National Credit Union Administration's Central Liquidity Facility; (4) the National Science Foundation for research, major construction projects, science and engineering education and human resources programs, salaries and expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (6) the Selective Service System. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 423) Bars the use of funds made available in this Act to carry out a specified executive order regarding federalism. (Sec. 426) Prohibits the obligation of funds provided in this Act after February 15, 2000, unless each agency that receives such funds provides justifications to the Appropriations Committees for all salary and expense activities for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 427) Amends the Fair Housing Act to require prospective complainants, before filing a complaint involving a published notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates a preference or discrimination with respect to the sale or rental of housing, to serve a prospective respondent with notice of the alleged violation to allow remedial action by the respondent. Prohibits an administrative action from being brought by the prospective complainant if the respondent acts to cease publication of the alleged item in violation within 72 hours of receipt of notice or prior to the next publication, whichever is greater. Bars civil actions by aggrieved persons under the same circumstances.

Ute Economic Opportunity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1999

Ute Economic Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to direct the Secretary of Energy to administer Oil Share Reserve Number 2. Requires the Secretary to enter into: (1) a cooperative management and resource assessment agreement with the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation for the management, administration, and development of the Reserve; and (2) an oil and gas lease with such Tribe to explore, prospect, conserve, develop, use, operate, market, and sell the petroleum of such Reserve. Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with such Tribe with respect to minerals other than petroleum and other commodities. Provides funding. Waives requirements of presidential and congressional approval and consultation prior to contracting for an oil shale reserve with respect to the agreement, assessment, or administration required under this Act.

To authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Andrew J. Smith for acts of valor during the Civil War.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1999

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Andrew J. Smith, posthumously, for his actions during the Civil War on November 30, 1864, while serving as an infantry corporal in the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry during the Battle of Honey Hill in South Carolina.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the referendum in East Timor, calling on the Government of Indonesia to assist in the termination of the current civil unrest and violence in East Timor, and supporting a United Nations Security Council-endorsed multinational force for East Timor.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1999

Congratulates the people of East Timor on their participation in the August 30, 1999, popular consultation and commends United Nations (UN) Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) personnel for their support. Recognizes the expression of the people of East Timor in favor of independence from Indonesia. Condemns the violent efforts of East Timor militias and elements of the Indonesian military to overturn the results of the vote and notes the failure of the Government of Indonesia to guarantee the security of the people of East Timor. Calls upon such Government to: (1) recognize its responsibilities to cooperate with appropriate UN authorities in the restoration of order in East Timor; (2) allow unrestricted access to refugees and displaced persons in West Timor and to guarantee their safety; and (3) hold accountable those responsible for the violence, human rights abuses, and atrocities. Expresses approval of: (1) the U.S. decision to suspend military relations with, and the sale of military weapons or equipment to, the Indonesian Government until order is restored; (2) Indonesia's belated decision to allow a UN Security Council-endorsed multi-national force into East Timor; and (3) U.S. logistical and other technical support for deployment of such force. Urges Indonesia to accept the rapid deployment of this force and to cooperate fully without preconditions, expresses support for a rapid and effective deployment, commends Australia for its readiness to lead the force, and welcomes the participation of other nations. Urges: (1) the United States to consider additional measures to end the current civil unrest and violence in East Timor; and (2) the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly to expeditiously ratify the August 30 vote and to otherwise speed the transition to full independence for East Timor. Recognizes that an effective U.S. policy for the region requires both an effective near-term response to the ongoing violence in, and progress toward independence for, East Timor and a long-term strategy for supporting stability, security, and democracy in Indonesia and East Timor.

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 1059) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2000 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1999

Waives all points of order against the consideration of the conference report on S. 1059 (Department of Defense and Department of Energy defense activities authorization).

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.

Victims Restitution Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1999

Victims Restitution Fairness Act - Amends Federal law to require the Secretary of Defense: (1) before purchasing a product listed in the latest edition of the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) catalog, to conduct market research to determine whether the FPI product is comparable in price, quality, and time of delivery to products available from the private sector; and (2) upon determining that an FPI product is not comparable, to use competitive procedures for the procurement of the product (and in conducting such a competition, to consider a timely offer from FPI for award in accordance with the specifications and evaluation factors specified in the solicitation). Specifies that the Secretary shall not be required to: (1) purchase from FPI any product that is a national security system or that is integral to, or embedded in, a product that is not available from FPI; or (2) make a purchase from FPI in a total amount that is less than the micropurchase threshold. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for permanent eligibility of former members of the Selected Reserve for veterans housing loans.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999

Extends permanently (currently ends on September 30, 2003) the eligibility of certain former members of the Selected Reserve for veterans' housing loans.

To amend the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to provide for the retention and administration of Oil Shale Reserve Numbered 2 by the Secretary of Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999

Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to direct the Secretary of Energy to administer Oil Share Reserve Number 2. Requires the Secretary to enter into: (1) a cooperative management and resource assessment agreement with the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation for the management, administration, and development of the Reserve; and (2) an oil and gas lease with such Tribe to explore, prospect, conserve, develop, use, operate, market, and sell the petroleum of such Reserve. Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with such Tribe with respect to minerals other than petroleum and other commodities. Provides funding. Waives requirements of presidential and congressional approval and consultation prior to contracting for an oil shale reserve with respect to the agreement, assessment, or administration required under this Act.

To impose an immediate suspension of assistance to the Government of Indonesia until the results of the August 30, 1999, vote in East Timor have been implemented, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors to the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension of financial assistance of any kind to the Government of Indonesia (except humanitarian assistance to it or East Timor). Expresses the sense of Congress that such institutions should withhold the balance of any undisbursed approved loans or other assistance to the Government of Indonesia. Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to Indonesia for: (1) economic and development assistance, except subject to the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications; and (2) military assistance. Prohibits the licensing of exports of defense articles and defense services to Indonesia. Urges the President to coordinate with other countries (particularly member states of the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum) to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including urging other countries to take measures similar to those contained in it. Imposes such prohibitions on the Government of Indonesia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) a safe environment exists for the return of Timorese who were forced to flee the militia-led violence; (2) the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can resume its mandate pursuant to the June 11, 1999, authorization by the UN Security Council, without threat or intimidation; (3) steps have been taken to implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status; and (4) the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia is conducting itself in a manner consistent with its responsibilities to its citizens and its international commitments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strongly support the authorization of an international peacekeeping force for East Timor.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the referendum in East Timor and calling on the Government of Indonesia and all other parties to the current civil unrest in East Timor to assist in any attempts to immediately terminate the paramilitary's campaign of violence and terror and comply with the overwhelming results of the August 30, 1999, popular consultation.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999

Commends the people of East Timor for their perseverance to cast their vote on the future status of East Timor in a democratic manner. Congratulates them on their exemplary participation in the August 30, 1999, popular consultation. Condemns: (1) the post-election violence carried out by paramilitary groups against United Nations (UN) personnel and the people of East Timor; and (2) the assaults upon refugees seeking protection in churches, the International Red Cross, and other places of sanctuary. Expresses concern about the imposition of martial law by Indonesia in East Timor. Calls for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in which thousands of refugees from East Timor are blocked from receiving food or medical care. Reaffirms U.S. concern for the human suffering inflicted on the East Timorese. Demands an immediate halt to the violence and a peaceful transition to independence for East Timor. Encourages: (1) efforts on behalf of the UN to put pressure on the Government of Indonesia to attempt to control, disarm, and disband the militias in East Timor; (2) efforts by the UN envoys in Indonesia to express the international community's outrage over the violence in East Timor and to make plain to the Indonesian Government its responsibility to restrain paramilitary forces and to restore order and respect for human rights in East Timor; and (3) increased U.S. support for an expanded UN mandate with respect to East Timor, and significantly more UN personnel, leading toward assumption of U.S. responsibility for administration and security in East Timor. Welcomes continued dialogue between UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Indonesian authorities for further measures to restore law and order in East Timor. Calls upon: (1) the President to suspend all remaining military assistance to Indonesia until the paramilitaries in East Timor are controlled and to condition all future non-humanitarian assistance to Indonesia upon the ability and willingness of the Indonesian Government to control paramilitary and militia forces and to restore order and respect for human rights in East Timor; (2) international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to condition all future non- humanitarian assistance to Indonesia upon the ability and willingness of the Indonesian Government to control such forces and to restore order and respect for human rights; (3) the UN Security Council to offer assistance to the Indonesian Government; (4) the international community to play an active role in helping to resolve the internal conflict in East Timor by encouraging all sides to participate in the peace process; and (5) the UN Security Council, should it determine that the Indonesian Government is unable or unwilling to maintain order in East Timor, to authorize member states of the UN to protect the lives and human rights of East Timor refugees.

Supporting the results of the East Timor plebiscite held on August 30, 1999, and calling for an end to the violence in East Timor.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1999

Declares that the Congress supports the results of the East Timor plebiscite held on August 30, 1999. Urges the Government of Indonesia to: (1) end the military and police involvement with the anti-independence militia; and (2) end the violence in East Timor and begin taking steps to honor the election results. Urges: (1) the President to provide the United Nations assistance to help secure the peace and independence of the East Timorese; and (2) the United Nations to take action, including the deployment of peacekeeping forces, to end the outbreak of violence in East Timor.

East Timor Self-Determination Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors to the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension by such institutions of financial assistance of any kind to the Government of Indonesia (except humanitarian assistance to it or East Timor). Expresses the sense of Congress that such institutions should withhold the balance of any undisbursed approved loans or other assistance to the Government of Indonesia. Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to Indonesia for: (1) economic and development assistance, except subject to the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications; and (2) military assistance. Prohibits the licensing of exports of defense articles and defense services to Indonesia. Urges the President to coordinate with other countries (particularly member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including urging other countries to take measures similar to those contained in this Act. Imposes such prohibitions on the Government of Indonesia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) a safe environment exists for the return of Timorese who were forced to flee the militia-led violence; (2) the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can resume its mandate pursuant to the June 11, 1999, authorization by the UN Security Council without threat or intimidation; (3) steps have been taken to implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status; and (4) the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia is conducting itself in a manner consistent with its responsibilities to its citizens and its international commitments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strongly support the authorization of an international peacekeeping force for East Timor.

A joint resolution deploring the actions of President Clinton regarding granting clemency to FALN terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Declares that President Clinton should not have granted clemency to the FALN (Armed Forces of National Liberation) terrorists and that in doing so he has made deplorable concessions to terrorists, undermined national security, and emboldened domestic and international terrorists.

Violent Offender DNA Identification Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Violent Offender DNA Identification Act of 1999 - Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop a voluntary plan to assist State and local forensic laboratories in performing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses of DNA samples collected from convicted offenders, aimed at eliminating the backlog of convicted offender DNA samples awaiting analysis in State or local forensic laboratory storage in an efficient, expeditious manner that will provide for their entry into the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS). Sets forth provisions regarding plan conditions and plan implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Revises the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to authorize the Director of the FBI to expand CODIS to include information on DNA identification records and analyses related to criminal offenses under Federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the District of Columbia (DC) Code. Modifies the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Director to establish an index of individuals convicted of criminal offenses, including specified qualifying offenses. Directs that the index include only information on DNA identification records and DNA analyses that undergo semiannual external proficiency testing and that meet other specified requirements. Requires the Director to establish a list of qualifying offenses, including each criminal offense under Federal law that constitutes a serious violent felony or burglary, and under the DC Code that would, if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, constitute a serious violent felony or burglary, and certain standards and procedures. Requires: (1) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to collect a DNA sample from each individual in the custody of the Bureau who has been convicted of a qualifying offense; and (2) the agency responsible for the supervision under Federal law of an individual on supervised release, parole, or probation to collect a DNA sample from each individual who has been convicted of a qualifying offense. Authorizes the Government of DC to collect a DNA sample from each individual in custody of DC as a result of a conviction for a qualifying offense. Requires that such DNA identifications records be automatically removed when the underlying conviction for the qualifying offense is vitiated or expunged by appeal or otherwise. Directs the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC, or the Trustee appointed under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 as appropriate, to collect a DNA sample from each individual under Agency or Trustee supervision who is on supervised release, parole, or probation and who has been convicted of a qualifying offense. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations that specify categories of conduct punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (qualifying military offenses) that are comparable to qualifying offenses, and sets forth standards and procedures for the analysis of DNA samples collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying military offense, their inclusion in an index, and the automatic removal of DNA identification records and analyses under specified circumstances. Sets criminal penalties for individuals from whom the collection of a DNA sample is required or authorized who fail to cooperate in the collection of that sample. Authorizes appropriations. Requires such cooperation as a condition of probation, supervised release, or release generally. Sets forth report and evaluation requirements.

To impose an immediate suspension of assistance to the Government of Indonesia until the results of the August 30, 1999, vote in East Timor have been implemented, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors to the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension of financial assistance of any kind to the Government of Indonesia (except humanitarian assistance to it or East Timor). Expresses the sense of Congress that such institutions should withhold the balance of any undisbursed approved loans or other assistance to the Government of Indonesia. Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to Indonesia for: (1) economic and development assistance, except subject to the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications; and (2) military assistance. Prohibits the licensing of exports of defense articles and defense services to Indonesia. Urges the President to coordinate with other countries (particularly member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum) to develop a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including urging other countries to take measures similar to those contained in it. Imposes such prohibitions on the Government of Indonesia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) a safe environment exists for the return of Timorese who were forced to flee the militia-led violence; (2) the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) can resume its mandate pursuant to the June 11, 1999, authorization by the UN Security Council, without threat or intimidation; (3) steps have been taken to implement the results of the August 30, 1999, vote on East Timor's political status; and (4) the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia is conducting itself in a manner consistent with its responsibilities to its citizens and its international commitments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should strongly support the authorization of an international peacekeeping force for East Timor.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should not have granted clemency to terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that making concessions to terrorists is deplorable and that President Clinton should not have offered or granted clemency to the FALN (Armed Forces of National Liberation) terrorists.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to war crimes against United States military personnel and their families, and in particular to the war crimes committed in El Salvador against United States Army pilots David H. Pickett and Earnest Dawson, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Expresses: (1) sincere appreciation for the military service of Lieutenant Colonel David H. Pickett, Private First Class Earnest Dawson, Jr., and Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Scott; and (2) deepest sympathy to the families of David H. Pickett and Earnest Dawson, Jr., for their tragic and wrongful deaths; (3) profound regret that the available remedies have failed to bring Ferman Hernandez and Serveriano Fuentes, the men responsible for executing Pickett and Dawson, to justice. Declares that: (1) the United States should improve the legal protections for its military personnel who serve in foreign lands and their families; and (2) the Government of El Salvador should amend its Constitution to permit the extradition of Hernandez and Fuentes to the United States for trial. Urges the President to: (1) continue efforts to obtain the extradition of Hernandez and Fuentes; (2) initiate changes to the Geneva Convention and other international agreements that would prevent amnesty from being used to deny redress for grave breaches of the Geneva Convention; (3) initiate other changes to the Geneva Convention and other relevant international agreements to ensure and improve the legal protections for U.S. military personnel serving in foreign lands and their families; (4) examine all status-of-forces agreements and similar agreements and obtain revisions to ensure that the legal protections for U.S. military personnel will not suffer another failure; (5) encourage other countries to enact laws substantially similar to the War Crimes Act of 1996; and (6) report to the Congress at least annually regarding the actions taken and the progress made.

Military Armor Piercing Ammunition Resale Limitation Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Military Armor Piercing Ammunition Resale Limitation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, in carrying out a disposal of armor piercing ammunition, to require that the recipient agree in writing not to sell or otherwise transfer such ammunition (or component thereof) to any purchaser in the United States other than a law enforcement or other governmental agency.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding United States policy toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in light of the Alliance's April 1999 Washington Summit and the conflict in Kosovo.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Declares that the Senate: (1) regards the political independence and territorial integrity of the emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe as vital to European peace and security and to U.S. interests; (2) endorses the commitment of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will remain open to the accession of further members; (3) endorses the Alliance's decision to implement the Membership Action Plan as a means to further enhance the readiness of European democracies seeking NATO membership to bear the responsibilities and burdens of membership; (4) believes that all NATO members should commit to improving their respective defense capabilities; and (5) endorses NATO's decision to launch the Defense Capabilities Initiative, intended to improve the defense capabilities of the European Allies. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) NAC should pace, not pause, the process of NATO enlargement by extending an invitation of membership to those states able to meet specified guidelines on a country-by-country basis and, in the course of its December 1999 ministerial meeting, should initiate a formal review of all pending applications for NATO membership; (2) the results of such review should be presented to the membership of NAC in May 2000 with recommendations concerning enlargement; (3) NATO should assess potential applicants for NATO membership on a continual basis and should be the primary institution through which European and North American allies address security issues of transatlantic concern; (4) the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense should fully use their offices to encourage NATO allies to commit the resources necessary to rapidly deploy forces over long distances, sustain operations for extended periods, and operate jointly with the United States in high-intensity conflicts; (5) improved European military capabilities, not new institutions, are the key to a vibrant and more influential European Security and Defense Identity within NATO; (6) the European Union must implement its Cologne Summit decisions concerning its Common Foreign and Security Policy in a manner that will ensure that non-Western European Union NATO allies will not be discriminated against; and (7) the European Union's implementation of such decisions should not promote unnecessary duplication of resources and capabilities, a decline in military resources that European allies contribute to NATO, or a strategic perspective on transatlantic security issues that conflicts with that promoted by NATO.

A resolution expressing the appreciation of the Senate for the service of United States Army personnel who lost their lives in service of thier country in an antidrug mission in Colombia and expressing sympathy to the families and loved ones of such personnel.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Expresses: (1) profound appreciation for the service of Captain Jose A. Santiago, Captain Jennifer J. Odem, Chief Warrant Officer, W-2, Thomas G. Moore, Private First Class T. Bruce Cluff, and Private First Class Ray E. Krueger, all of the United States Army, who lost their lives in service of their country during an antidrug mission in Colombia; (2) condolences to the families and loves ones of the U.S. and Colombian personnel killed during that mission; and (3) gratitude to all members of the U.S. armed forces who fight the scourge of illegal drugs and protect the security and well-being of all people of the United States through their detection and monitoring of illicit production and trafficking of illicit narcotics. Urges U.S. and Colombian officials to take all practicable measures to recover the remains of the victims and to fully inform the family members of the circumstances of the accident which cost their lives.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act of 1999 - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

Lyme Disease Initiative of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Lyme Disease Initiative of 1999 - Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, of Agriculture, of the Interior, and of Defense to: (1) establish specified detection test, improved surveillance and reporting system, and prevention goals to provide for a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease and related tick borne infectious diseases; and (2) establish a five-year plan of activities toward achieving those goals, and carry them out. Establishes the Lyme Disease Taskforce to advise the Secretaries with respect to achieving such goals. Authorizes appropriations.

Military Armor Piercing Ammunition Resale Limitation Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Military Armor Piercing Ammunition Resale Limitation Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, in carrying out a disposal of small arms armor piercing ammunition, to require that the recipient agree in writing not to sell or otherwise transfer such ammunition (or component thereof) to any purchaser in the United States other than a law enforcement or other governmental agency. Provides an exception in the case of a transfer solely for purposes of metal reclamation.

Veterans' Emergency Telephone Service Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Veterans' Emergency Telephone Service Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award a grant to a private, nonprofit entity for the operation of a national, toll-free telephone hotline providing information and assistance to veterans and their families, including crisis intervention counseling, general veterans' benefits information, emergency shelter and food, substance abuse rehabilitation, employment training and related opportunities, and small business assistance programs. Limits such grant to a two-year period, subject to annual approval by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms in defense of life or liberty and in the pursuit of all other legitimate endeavors.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Constitution provides that all individual citizens have the right to keep and bear arms, which right supersedes the power and authority of any government.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that nuclear weapons should be taken off hair-trigger alert.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States, Russia, and other nuclear powers should negotiate an agreement to take all of their nuclear weapons off of high-alert status to decrease the risk of accidental firing; (2) the United States should immediately take off of hair-trigger alert as many of its nuclear weapons as is feasible and consistent with national security, and should encourage Russia to reciprocate; (3) the Department of Defense and the State Department should study methods to increase the time needed to launch all nuclear missiles and study the effect these actions would have on nuclear deterrence, relations with other recognized nuclear powers, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and other aspects of national security; and (4) the President should expedite the establishment of a U.S.-Russian joint early-warning center and should facilitate the establishment of a temporary center before the end of 1999 that could address any problems which might arise due to the failure of computers to recognize the year 2000 date change.

A bill to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 with respect to export controls on high performance computers.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to allow a new composite theoretical performance level established by the President for high-performance computers subject to certain export controls to take effect 30 (currently 180) days after the President reports to specified congressional committees setting forth the new level and its justification.