Education

Secure Our Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000

Secure Our Schools Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to provide improved security, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures, at schools and on school grounds. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) permissible uses of funds (including for locks, lighting, and security assessments and training), preferential consideration, matching funds, equitable geographical distribution of funds, and limits on administrative costs; and (2) application and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

Savings for Working Families Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000

Savings for Working Families Act of 2000 - Title I: Individual Development Accounts For Low-Income Workers - Sets forth requirements for qualified individual development accounts (IDAs) for low-income workers, including: (1) the basic structure and administration of qualified IDA programs established by qualified financial institutions (QFIs) or qualified nonprofit organizations (QNOs); (2) procedures for opening an IDA with a QFI or a QNO and contributing money (of up to a certain amount, except in the case of qualified rollovers) in accordance with specified guidelines to qualify for matching funds from QFIs, QNOs, State, local, or private sources to be held in a parallel account; (3) QFI or QNO deposits of all matching funds (matched dollar-for-dollar for the first 500 contributed by an eligible individual to an IDA for any taxable year) for each IDA in a parallel, interest-bearing account at a QFI or QNO; (4) procedures for withdrawals from an IDA for qualified higher education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, business capitalization costs, or rollovers to other IDAs of the individual or the individual's spouse or dependents; (5) certification to the Secretary of the Treasury or designated organization that qualified IDAs and other described accounts are operating pursuant to this Act, and termination of qualified IDA programs if the Secretary, or designated organization, determines that a QFI, or QNO, is not operating a qualified IDA program in accordance with this Act; and (6) reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Allows for withdrawal from an IDA for non-qualified expenses, but with forfeiture of all corresponding matching funds and interest earned on them, unless the withdrawn funds are recontributed within one year. (Sec. 108) Disregards funds in parallel accounts of program participants for purposes of certain means-tested Federal programs. Title II: Qualified Individual Development Account Program Investment Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a qualified IDA program investment by an eligible taxpayer (a QFI or a non-QFI meeting specified criteria) during the taxable year. (Sec. 202) Declares that QFIs which establish qualified IDA programs shall not receive credit for funding, administration, and education expenses under any test contained in regulations for the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 for those activities and expenses related to such programs and accounted for in the tax credit above. (Sec. 203) Authorizes an individual to designate that a specified portion of any overpayment of tax for a taxable year attributable to the earned income credit shall be deposited by the Secretary into the individual's IDA.

America's Better Classroom Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000

America's Better Classroom Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds (qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds). Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.

Manuel Trinidad Pacheco, of Arizona, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 23 March 2000

Indian Tribal Surface Transportation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000

Indian Tribal Surface Transportation Act of 2000 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a demonstration project under which all funds made available for Indian reservation roads and highway bridges located on such roads shall be made available to the tribal government involved, upon request, for contracts and agreements for planning, research, engineering, and construction of any highway, road, bridge, parkway, or transit facility that provides access to or is located within the reservation or community of an Indian tribe in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). Authorizes the Secretary to select up to 12 Indian tribes to participate in the demonstration program each fiscal year. Specifies eligibility criteria. States that not to exceed six percent of the contract authority amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund to the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall be used to pay the administrative expenses of the Bureau for the Indian reservation roads program and the administrative expenses related to individual projects that are associated with such program. Provides that, such administrative funds shall be made available to an Indian tribal government, upon its request, to be used for the associated administrative functions assumed by the Indian tribe under contracts and agreements pursuant to ISDEAA. Permits an Indian tribe or tribal organization to commence construction that is funded through a contract or agreement under such Act only if the Indian tribe or tribal organization has: (1) provided assurances in the contract or agreement that the construction will meet or exceed proper health and safety standards; (2) obtained the advance review of the plans and specifications from a licensed professional who has certified that the plans and specifications meet or exceed such standards; and (3) provided a copy of the certification to the Bureau.

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive fraud audit of the Department of Education.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000

Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive fraud audit of the Department of Education and report its results to specified congressional committees.

IDEA Keeping Our Commitment Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000

IDEA Keeping Our Commitment Act of 2000 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize funding to reach the Federal Government's goal of providing 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure for the purpose of educating all children with disabilities in FY 2001 and 2002. Authorizes appropriations for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities, in specified amounts for FY 2001 and 2002.

Public School Prescription Safety Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000

Public School Prescription Safety Act of 2000 - Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to require a State educational agency's comprehensive plan for use of funds, in its application for a grant for drug and violence prevention programs, to certify that the State has implemented adequate safeguards and enforcement procedures to ensure that, during school hours, on public school premises, only a student with a lawful prescription for a controlled substance in Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act may receive and ingest such substance in the prescribed manner.

Education Technology Enhances Classrooms (EdTEC) Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000

Education Technology Enhances Classrooms (EdTEC) Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a program to support State and local efforts with respect to education technology to improve student achievement, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools, and teachers' ability to integrate technology into the curriculum. (Sec. 2) Establishes such program as the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund under part A (Technology Education for All Students) of title III (Technology for Education) of ESEA. Makes each State educational agency (SEA) eligible to receive a grant under this Act in an amount based on relative amount received by the State under the ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) or in a specified minimum amount. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Office of Education Technology, to award such grants to SEAs with approved applications. Requires SEAs to use at least 95 percent of such grant funds to award competitive subgrants to eligible local applicants to prepare all students, including those with disabilities or limited English proficiency, to achieve to challenging State academic content and performance standards through the use of research-based teaching practices and advanced technologies. Requires SEAs to: (1) identify local educational agencies (LEAs) that have the highest number or percentage of children in poverty and demonstrate the greatest need for technical assistance in developing applications; and (2) provide eligible local applicants with assistance in developing applications, forming partnerships, and meeting standards and performance indicators. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications. Requires eligible local applicants to use funds received under this Act for one or more of specified educational technology activities involving: (1) applications of technology to enable teachers to help students to achieve to challenging State content and performance standards through the use of research-based teaching practices and advanced technologies; (2) high-quality professional development in integrating advanced technologies into the curriculum, including training in use of technology to access data and resources to develop curricula and instructional materials aligned to challenging State academic content standards in core academic subjects; (3) teacher use of the Internet to communicate with other teachers, parents, and students, and retrieve Web-based learning resources; (4) technology for teachers and administrators to collect, manage, and analyze data to identify strengths and weaknesses in academic programs; (5) wireless telecommunications, hand-held devices, modeling or simulation tools, distance learning networks, and other advanced technologies with classroom applications; (6) technology-based curricula programs to help students achieve to challenging State academic content and student performance standards, including programs that enable parental access to advanced telecommunications, and support communications between parents and school; (7) wiring and access to advanced telecommunications; (8) Web-based learning resources, including those that provide access to rigorous courses such as advanced placement courses; and (9) school use of technology to promote parent and family involvement, and support communications between family and school. Makes eligible for such local subgrants: (1) LEAs with the highest numbers or percentages of children from households living in poverty in a State, include one or more low-performing schools, and with a substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology; or (2) partnerships that include at least one such LEA, as well as an LEA that can demonstrate that teachers in its schools are using technology effectively in their classrooms, an institution of higher education in full compliance with specified provisions of the 1998 Higher Education Act Amendments, a for-profit organization that develops, designs, manufactures, or produces technology products or services, or has substantial expertise in the application of technology, or a public or private non-profit organization with demonstrated experience in the application of educational technology. Requires annual State evaluations to be reported by the Secretary to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.

Bruce Sundlun, of Rhode Island, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Eamon M. Kelly, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 22 March 2000

Training and Knowledge Ensure Children a Risk-Free Environment (TAKE CARE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Training and Knowledge Ensure Children a Risk-Free Environment (TAKE CARE) Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act with regard to: (1) payment for training of judges, attorneys, and other concerned persons in child abuse and neglect court proceedings; and (2) State standards for attorneys who represent the State or local agency administering the programs under SSA title IV parts B (Child and Family Services) and E. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance, training, and evaluations under this Act through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with other entities, including universities, and national, State, and local organizations. Authorizes appropriations.

A Million Quality Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

A Million Quality Teachers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish new programs for recruitment, retention, and retraining of teachers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible applicant States for recruitment, retention, and retraining of high-quality teachers through one or more specified types of activities. Includes among recruitment activities: (1) teacher signing bonuses; (2) stipends for certification through alternative routes; (3) loan forgiveness to students with academic degrees in core academic subjects who agree to teach; (4) State income tax credits for new teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in recruiting individuals with strong academic backgrounds into the teaching field. Includes among activities for retention and retraining: (1) testing and merit pay programs; (2) performance bonuses; (3) scholarships to pursue advanced course work in the academic subjects teachers teach; (4) mentoring programs for teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in retaining and retraining quality teachers. Requires State reports on how activities using program grant funds improved teacher quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of student loan forgiveness, as an incentive for entering the teaching profession and teaching in a public school, for individuals who have majored or obtained graduate degrees, and excelled, in core academic subjects, as opposed to education as a subject. Provides for deferral and specified repayments of obligations for federally subsidized or guaranteed loans for eligible individuals who teach in public schools for certain periods, as well as deferral for participation in an alternative teacher certification program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay stipends to such eligible individuals to cover certain costs incurred in obtaining certification through an alternative route for employment as an elementary or secondary school teacher. Requires such individuals to teach in a public school for two years after their certification. Requires individuals who do not fulfill their service or certification requirements to repay their stipends under certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out certain notification, public awareness, and advertising activities. Authorizes appropriations.

Rosie the Riveter-World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Rosie the Riveter-World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000 - Establishes the Rosie the Riveter-World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, including certain sites, structures, and areas associated with the industrial, governmental, and citizen efforts that led to victory in World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in administering the Park, to enter into cooperative agreements with interested persons to assist in the interpretation of the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Vincent Park, the Shimada Peace Memorial Park, Westshore Park, the Ford Assembly Building, Sheridan Observation Point Park, the Bay Trail-Esplanade, the intact dry docks-basin docks and five historic structures at Richmond Shipyard #3, the vessel S.S. RED OAK VICTORY (and Whirley Cranes associated with ship building in Richmond), the Kaiser Permanente Field Hospital, World War II Child Development Centers, Atchison Housing, and Fire Station 67. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a World War II Home Front Education Center in the Ford Assembly Building, including a program that allows for distance learning. Requires 50 percent matching non-Federal funds under the cooperative agreements. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan, which shall include a determination of whether there are additional representative sites in the United States relating to industrial, governmental, and citizen efforts during World War II that should be linked to and interpreted at the park. Authorizes appropriations (but not for the operation or maintenance of the vessel S.S. RED OAK VICTORY).

Building, Renovating, Improving, and Constructing Kids' Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Building, Renovating, Improving, and Constructing Kids' Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, from specified amounts in a stabilization fund, to make available funds to States for loans to enable State entities or local governments to make annual interest payments on certain qualified school construction bonds (with terms up to 20 years) they issue. Bases such State allotments on relative shares of funds received under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as part A basic local program grants under title I provisions for helping disadvantaged children meet high standards. Reserves specified funds for Indian tribes for loans to enable them to pay interest on such bonds they issue. Sets forth requirements for loan repayment and interest rate. Exempts a State entity or local government from such repayment and interest rate accrual prior to January 1, 2008, unless the amount appropriated to carry out assistance for education of all children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for any fiscal year before FY 2009 is sufficient to fully fund such assistance for the fiscal year at the originally promised level, which promised level would provide to each State 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for providing special education and related services for each child with a disability in the State. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that funds provided under this Act are properly distributed, and are used to pay the interest on qualified school construction bonds; and (2) notify each State of the amount of funds it may borrow under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall not have authority to approve or disapprove school construction plans assisted pursuant to this Act, except to ensure that funds made available under this Act are used only to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of school construction, rehabilitation, and repair in the State that would have occurred in the absence of such funds.

IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize funding to reach the Federal Government's goal of providing 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure to assist States and local educational agencies with the excess costs of educating children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities, in specified amounts for FY 2001 through 2010, and as necessary thereafter.

Act for the Effective National Firearms Objectives for Responsible Common-sense Enforcement of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Act for Effective National Firearms Objectives for Responsible, Common-sense Enforcement of 2000 (ENFORCE Act) - Title I: The Criminal Gun Trafficker Apprehension Act of 2000 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (the Act) to provide that it shall be presumed that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of a firearm is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain if a person transfers more than 50 firearms in any period of 12 consecutive months, or more than 30 firearms in any period of 30 consecutive days excluding any infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means by an individual to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 102) Requires that a firearms licensee, as a condition of obtaining a license to deal in firearms or ammunition (license), operate from a fixed premises primarily devoted to the sale of firearms and conspicuously designated to the public as such, other than a private residence. (Sec. 103) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from storing firearms on the premises in a manner not in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary, in issuing such regulations, to take into consideration the type and quantity of the firearms to be stored, as well as the standards of safety and security recognized in the firearms industry. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license or to subject the licensee to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Limits review of the Secretary's actions. Requires that the firearms inventory of the business be stored in compliance with this Act and regulations issued thereunder within 30 days after the application is approved. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a common or contract carrier from failing to report the theft or loss of a firearm within 48 hours after discovery. Requires that such theft or loss be reported to the Secretary and to the appropriate local authorities. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil fine of up to $10,000 for knowingly violating this prohibition. Title II: The Criminal Gun Dealer Detection Act of 2000 - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to inspect or examine the records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer without reasonable cause or warrant for ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements not more than four times (currently, once) during any 12-month period, or as otherwise specified in the Act. (Sec. 202) Provides that a personal collection of firearms of a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer shall be considered part of the business inventory of the licensee (thus making disposal of such collection subject to regulation), with an exception for the infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, intestate succession, or other means from the personal collection of firearms of a licensee to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild. (Sec. 203) Revises penalty provisions under the Federal criminal code (the code) to authorize the Secretary to: (1) suspend a license or subject a licensee to a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation (currently, the Secretary's options are limited to license revocation) for violations; and (2) compromise, mitigate, or remit at any time the liability with respect to any willful violation. Title III: The Violent Felon Gun Ban Enforcement Act of 2000 -Denies natural persons the opportunity to seek administrative relief from prohibitions against possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition and requires publication of additional information about such administrative relief granted to any person. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the possession of, or transactions in, firearms by any natural person convicted of a serious drug offense or violent felony, regardless of expungement of the conviction or restoration of other civil rights, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: The Intensive Gun Violence Reduction Strategy and Project Exile Implementation Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Funding Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for the improvement of the national instant criminal background check system, including improvements to criminal justice records as specified in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and to records required by the Attorney General under the Brady Act for the purpose of implementing that Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State or local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of improving the organization of criminal records, especially records relating to convictions for crimes of domestic violence and to restraining orders relating to domestic violence, and the reporting of such records to the national instant criminal background check system. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations for the hiring of 600 agents and inspectors for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. (Sec. 404) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State, Indian tribal, or local prosecutors for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of community-based justice programs for the prosecution of gun-related crimes. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, application and matching requirements, grant awards, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 405) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) hire 114 additional Federal prosecutors to prosecute violations of Federal firearms laws; and (2) establish in each of the jurisdictions not more than 20 areas designated by the Attorney General as having high rates of firearm-related crime a gun enforcement team. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to expand: (1) to 50 the number of city and county law enforcement agencies that, through the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YGCII), submit to the Secretary identifying information relating to the types and origins of all firearms recovered during law enforcement investigations, including from individuals under 25; and (2) the resources devoted to law enforcement investigations of illegal youth possessors and users and of illegal firearms traffickers identified through YGCII. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select cities and counties for participation in the program; and (2) establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through on-line computer technology, can promptly provide firearms-related information to the Secretary and access information derived through YGCII as soon as such capability is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 407) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to public or private nonprofit entities for the purpose of supporting the creation or expansion of local anti-gun violence media campaigns. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of funds, and application and matching requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 408) Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program for the research and development of smart gun technology. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Ballistics Testing - Prohibits a licensed manufacturer or importer from transferring a firearm to any person before: (1) test firing the firearm; (2) preparing forensic ballistics records of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; and (3) making the records available to the Secretary for entry in a computerized database. Authorizes the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, for each violation by a licensed manufacturer or importer, to suspend the license for up to one year or revoke the license, impose on the licensee a civil fine of not more than $10,000, or both. Limits review of the Secretary's action. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with this section through: (1) the acquisition, disposition, and upgrades of computerized forensic ballistics equipment and bullet recovery equipment to be placed at the sites of licensed manufacturers and importers or at regional firearm centers established by the Secretary; and (2) the hiring or designation of personnel necessary to develop and maintain a database of forensic ballistics records, research, and evaluation. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through online computer technology, can promptly access forensic ballistics records, as soon as the capability to do so is available. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to work cooperatively with representatives of the firearm industry to: (1) provide education about the role of forensic ballistics as part of a comprehensive firearm crime reduction strategy; and (2) provide for coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Sets forth provisions regarding areas of concentrated efforts and annual reports and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to conduct mandatory forensic ballistics testing of all firearms that are or have been taken into the custody of, or procured or utilized by, their respective agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide earned income-eligible taxpayers with a credit (50 percent of expenses up to $500 annually) for the purchase of qualifying Internet-accessible computers and equipment. Extends and expands the deduction for charitable computer contributions to elementary and secondary schools.

United States-Southeastern Europe Democratization and Burdensharing Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

United States-Southeastern Europe Democratization and Burdensharing Act of 2000 - Title I: United States Assistance for the Countries of Southeastern Europe - Authorizes the President to provide specified U.S. foreign assistance for political and economic reforms in the countries of southeastern Europe (Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Bulgaria, and Romania) and the Kosovo region of the Republic of Serbia. Prohibits such assistance (except humanitarian assistance) to the Republic of Serbia, except if the President determines that such government has undertaken steps to become democratic and ensure equal rights for all of its citizens. Title II: Assistance for Democracy Building in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro - Declares that the United States supports the development of democracy in Serbia and Montenegro and those who are committed to the building of democratic institutions, defending human rights, promoting rule of law, and fostering tolerance in society. (Sec. 204) Earmarks certain U.S. foreign assistance funds for democracy building in all regions of the Republic of Serbia (with a separate availability for Kosovo) and in the Republic of Montenegro. (Sec. 205) Prohibits U.S. foreign assistance to: (1) rebuild the civilian infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia; and (2) the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (other than Montenegro), or individuals connected with these governments particularly if the governments are under the direction of Slobodan Milosevic, the Socialist Party of Serbia, or any other non-democratic party. (Sec. 206) Expresses the sense of Congress that political contacts between the U.S. officials and those who represent a genuine desire for democratic governance in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro should be developed through regular and well publicized meetings. Authorizes appropriations for a voluntary U.S. contribution to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Title III: Assistance to the Republic of Montenegro - Declares that the United States supports the development in Montenegro of a market-based economy and a democratic government based on equal rights for all of its citizens, regardless of ethnic background. Earmarks a specified amount of U.S. foreign assistance funds for political and economic reforms in the republic of Montenegro. Title IV: Assistance to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - Earmarks a specified amount of U.S. foreign assistance funds for economic and political reforms in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (Sec. 403) Earmarks specified amounts for: (1) the establishment and support of the faculty and programs of an American University for Southeastern Europe at Skopje, Macedonia, or at another suitable site there; (2) microenterprise credits and loans through existing programs funded by the United States in Macedonia; (3) the Trade and Development Agency for additional activities under the South Balkans Development Initiative and activities in support of related infrastructure projects in Macedonia, including those projects that, in cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Albania, would expedite completion of an East-West trade corridor across those countries; (4) foreign military assistance for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and (5) international military education and training (IMET) for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Title V: Equitable Burdensharing Requirement for Assistance for Southeastern Europe Region - Limits the total amount of U.S. foreign assistance to the countries of southeastern Europe, the Republic of Montenegro, and the Kosovo region of the Republic of Serbia to no more than 15 percent of the total amount of certain multilateral assistance provided to such countries and region. (Sec. 502) Urges the European Union member states to make a far greater effort to provide adequate numbers of personnel for the International Police in Kosovo so that the goal of an effective 4,700-officer International Police in Kosovo force is attained as soon as possible. Title VI: Policy Regarding Individuals Indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia - Declares that it is U.S. policy to assist the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as fully as possible in its apprehension and prosecution of individuals indicted for war crimes (including Slobodan Milosevic), and to encourage other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries and other interested countries to do the same.

A Million Quality Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

A Million Quality Teachers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish new programs for recruitment, retention, and retraining of teachers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible applicant States for recruitment, retention, and retraining of high-quality teachers through one or more specified types of activities. Includes among recruitment activities: (1) teacher signing bonuses; (2) stipends for certification through alternative routes; (3) loan forgiveness to students with academic degrees in core academic subjects who agree to teach; (4) State income tax credits for new teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in recruiting individuals with strong academic backgrounds into the teaching field. Includes among activities for retention and retraining: (1) testing and merit pay programs; (2) performance bonuses; (3) scholarships to pursue advanced course work in the academic subjects teachers teach; (4) mentoring programs for teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in retaining and retraining quality teachers. Requires State reports on how activities using program grant funds improved teacher quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of student loan forgiveness, as an incentive for entering the teaching profession and teaching in a public school, for individuals who have majored or obtained graduate degrees, and excelled, in core academic subjects, as opposed to education as a subject. Provides for deferral and specified repayments of obligations for federally subsidized or guaranteed loans for eligible individuals who teach in public schools for certain periods, as well as deferral for participation in an alternative teacher certification program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay stipends to such eligible individuals to cover certain costs incurred in obtaining certification through an alternative route for employment as an elementary or secondary school teacher. Requires such individuals to teach in a public school for two years after their certification. Requires individuals who do not fulfill their service or certification requirements to repay their stipends under certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out certain notification, public awareness, and advertising activities. Authorizes appropriations.

Industry Training Consortia Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000

Industry Training Consortia Act - Title I: Skill Grants - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to eligible consortia to share the cost of providing employer-led education and training programs for employees that meet employer needs and market demand in specific occupations. Requires the Secretary to do so in coordination with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Requires such consortia to have a majority of representatives from not fewer than ten employers (or nonprofit organizations that represent employers) in a common industry or with common skill needs. Allows such consortia to have representatives from labor organizations, State and local governments, and education organizations. Gives priority for such grants to eligible entities that consist of a majority of representatives from small businesses. Sets requirements relating to maximum amount of grants, applications, use of program funds, matching funds, administrative expenses, and information and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Planning Grants - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to States to assist employers, organizations, and agencies in conducting planning to form consortia under title I. Sets requirements relating to applications and matching funds. Authorizes appropriations.

Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's)

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000

Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's) - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY 2005 and revise various ESEA programs. (Sec. 3) Declares U.S. national educational priorities addressed by this Act. Title I: Student Performance - Revises and renames ESEA title I as Student Performance (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). (Sec. 102) Declares it to be U.S. policy to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education by: (1) holding States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools accountable for increased student academic performance results; and (2) facilitating improved classroom instruction. (Sec. 103) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the following title I programs under: (1) part A, LEA grants; (2) part B, Even Start; (3) part C, education of migratory children; (4) part D, prevention and intervention programs for youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out; (5) provisions for capital expenses; and (6) part E, Federal evaluations, demonstrations, and transition projects. (Sec. 104) Requires State educational agencies (SEAs) to reserve a specified portion of their title I part A (I-A) funds to: (1) make at least 80 percent of such reserved funds available directly to LEAs; and (2) carry out SEA responsibilities for school improvement, including SEA statewide system of technical assistance and support for LEAs. Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies - Revises ESEA title I part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) (I-A) with respect to formulas for distributing funds to schools with the highest concentrations of poverty. (Sec. 105) Revises State plan requirements with respect to implementing challenging content and student performance standards (standards), yearly student assessments (assessments), and accountability. Requires State standards to: (1) be applied to all schools and children within the State; and (2) include at least the subjects of mathematics, science, and English language arts. Requires a State, if it allows LEAs to adopt more rigorous standards than the State, to allow LEAs to implement such standards. Requires each State plan to demonstrate what constitutes adequate yearly progress (AYP) of the State itself (as well as its schools and LEAs, as under current law) in enabling all children in all schools receiving I-A assistance to meet the State's challenging performance standards. Revises requirements for State definition of AYP. Adds requirements relating to: (1) accountability for AYP; (2) annual improvement by States, LEAs, and schools; and (3) public notice and comment. Requires assessments to be used, starting no later than the 2000-2001 school year, as the primary means of determining the yearly performance of each LEA and school in enabling all children to meet State standards (but does not require States to meet requirements for science standards or assessments until the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year). Requires State plans to provide that students who have attended school in the United States for at least three consecutive years are to be assessed in the English language, with certain exceptions. Requires State plans to describe what reasonable steps the State is taking to assist and encourage LEAs to: (1) measure literacy skills of first graders in schools receiving I-A funds by providing assessments that are developmentally appropriate, aligned with State standards, and scientifically research-based; and (2) identify and take developmentally appropriate and effective interventions in any school served under I-A in which a substantial number of first graders have not demonstrated grade-level literacy proficiency by the end of the school year. Requires State plans to describe how SEAs will: (1) assist each affected LEA and school to develop the capacity to comply with requirements for schoolwide programs, targeted assistance, and assessment and improvement; (2) hold each affected LEA accountable for improved student performance, including procedures for identifying and assisting LEAs and schools in need of improvement, and for corrective action if assistance is not effective; (3) provide low-performing students additional academic instruction, such as before- and after-school programs and summer academic programs; (4) ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers; and (5) evaluate and publicly report the State's progress in improving the quality of instruction in the schools served by the SEA and LEAs receiving ESEA funding. Requires State plans to assure that SEAs will: (1) use the disaggregated results of required student assessments, and other available measures or indicators, to review annually the progress of each LEA and school served under I-A to determine whether each one is making the annual progress necessary to ensure that all students will meet the proficient level of performance on such assessments within ten years of the enactment of this Act; (2) modify or eliminate State fiscal and accounting barriers so that elementary and secondary schools can easily consolidate funds from other Federal, State, and local sources for schoolwide programs under specified provisions; and (3) inform LEAs of LEA authority to obtain waivers under title VIII of ESEA and, if the State is an Ed-Flex Partnership State, under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999. Penalizes States for failing to meet statutory deadlines for demonstrating that they have in place standards, assessments, a system for measuring and monitoring AYP, and a statewide system for holding schools and LEAs accountable for making AYP with specified groups of students. Makes such States ineligible to receive any administrative funds under title I that exceed the amount received for such purposes in the previous year. Directs the Secretary of Education to withhold additional administrative funds in an amount determined appropriate based on the extent of the State's failure. Requires the Secretary, for each additional year that the State fails to comply with such requirements, to withhold at least one-fifth of the amount the State receives for such administrative expenses. Allows a State to request a one-time, one-year waiver to meet such requirements. (Sec. 106) Requires LEA plans to include descriptions of how they will: (1) assist low-performing schools, including those identified as in need of improvement; and (2) promote the use of alternative instructional methods, and extended learning time, such as an extended school year, before- and after-school programs, and summer programs. Requires various LEA assurances with respect to school accountability, improvement, and assessment. Requires LEAs to ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers. Requires LEAs to reserve at least ten percent of the I-A funds they receive for high quality professional development for professional instructional staff. Sets forth requirements for parental notification and consent for English language instruction. (Sec. 107) Revises school eligibility criteria for school-wide programs. Allows an LEA to use I-A funds for a school-wide programs at schools that serve eligible school attendance areas in which: (1) not less than 40 percent of the children are from low-income families; or (2) not less than 40 percent of the children enrolled in the school are from such families. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements for public school choice plans to allow limited amounts of I-A funds to be used for transportation services. (Sec. 109) Revises requirements for assessment and LEA and school improvement. Requires the provision of public school choice for families of students attending I-A schools deemed to be in need of corrective action. (Sec. 110) Revises requirements for State assistance for school support and improvement. Requires SEAs to provide such assistance according to the following order of priorities: (1) LEAs and schools in need of improvement; (2) LEAs subject to corrective action, and to individual schools for which an LEA has failed to carry out certain responsibilities; and (3) LEAs and schools at risk of being identified as being in need of improvement within the next academic year. Directs SEAs to use for such State assistance certain funds available for technical assistance and support. Authorizes SEAs also to use for such State assistance certain State administrative funds. (Sec. 111) Revises requirements for parental involvement. (Sec. 112) Sets forth required qualifications and duties for teachers and paraprofessionals in I-A schools. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for professional development activities. Includes among required activities any strategies for identifying and eliminating gender and racial bias in instructional materials, methods, and practices. Includes among optional activities instruction in ways teachers, principals, and guidance counselors can work with parents and students from groups, such as females and minorities, that are underrepresented in careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, to encourage and maintain student interest in such careers. (Sec. 115) Includes among coordination requirements for LEAs the linking of LEA educational services with those provided in local Head Start agencies. (Sec. 116) Revises requirements for reservation and allocation of funds for grants for the outlying areas and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 117) Sets forth revised formulas for allocating amounts for basic grants, concentration grants, and targeted grants. (Sec. 118) Revises requirements for basic, concentration, and targeted grants to LEAs. (Sec. 121) Revises special allocation procedures. Part B: Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Revises ESEA title I part B (Even Start Family Literacy Programs) (Even Start). Directs the Secretary (currently the National Institute for Literacy) to disseminate, or designate another entity to disseminate, the results of certain research to States and recipients of Even Start subgrants. Part C: Education of Migratory Children - Revises ESEA title I part C (Education of Migratory Children) to refer to language instruction programs under the new ESEA title III provided by this Act (current law refers to bilingual education). Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out - Revises ESEA title I part D (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out). Part E: Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects - Revises title I part E (Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects) to set new deadlines for certain interim and final reports on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (Sec. 152) Establishes a Comprehensive School Reform program. (Replaces part E provisions for demonstrations of innovative practices.) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs to provide subgrants to LEAs to provide financial incentives for schools to develop comprehensive school reforms, based upon scientifically-based research and effective practices that include an emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement so that all children can meet challenging State content and performance standards. Allows reservation of specified amounts for schools supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), schools in U.S. territories, and national evaluation activities. Sets forth requirements for State awards, local awards, evaluation, and reporting. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Rural Education Development Initiative - Establishes a Rural Education Development Initiative as a new title I part F. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for elementary and secondary education development by LEAs that are eligible because they serve: (1) a school-age population of whom 15 percent or more are from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (2) a school district in a rural locality, or a school-age population of 800 or fewer. Reserves a specified portion of grant funds for schools operated by the BIA. Sets forth an allotment formula for grants to SEAs to make grants to eligible LEAs. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct competitive grants to specially qualified eligible rural LEAs in nonparticipating States. Requires LEAs or their schools to use grant funds for: (1) educational technology, including software and hardware; (2) professional development; (3) technical assistance; (4) teacher, and principal, recruitment and retention; (5) parental involvement activities; or (6) academic enrichment programs or other education programs. Requires SEAs to award grants on a formula basis. Requires that at least 99 percent of such funds be awarded to eligible LEAs in the first year, and 99.5 in the second and in each succeeding year that an SEA receives such a grant. Directs the Secretary, at the end of the third year an SEA participates in the program, to permit continued participation only if the SEA has met its performance goals and objectives for two consecutive years. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on this part F program's impact on student achievement. Authorizes appropriations. Part G: General Provisions - Transfers title I general provisions to a new part G (currently part F). Revises a deadline for the Secretary's issuance of final regulations for title I. Eliminates a provision for State reservation of certain amounts for administrative costs. Title II: Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size - Revises and renames ESEA title II as Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size (currently Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 201) Sets forth a part A, Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development (II-A). Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to raise the quality of, and provide professional development for, public school teachers, principals, and administrators. Provides for: (1) reservations, State allotments, and within-State allocations; (2) State and local plans; (3) performance objectives; (4) optional activities; (5) State administrative expenses; (6) local activities; (7) professional development for teachers; (8) parents' right to know; (9) State reports and a study by the Comptroller General, and (10) educator partnership grants. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a part B, Class Size Reduction. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help them and LEAs recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers to: (1) reduce nationally class size in grades one through three to an average of 18 students per regular classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early elementary school grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education - Establishes a new ESEA title III, Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education, which combines and revises provisions of the current title VII (Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs) and of the current title IX (Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education). (Eliminates the current title III, Technology for Education, but provides for some technology literacy programs under title VI.) (Sec. 301) Repeals the current ESEA title III part A, Technology for Education of All Students. Sets forth a new title III subtitle A, Language Minority Students (which also replaces the current title VII) Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs). Declares it to be U.S. policy that, in order to ensure equal educational opportunity for all children and youth, and to promote educational excellence, the Federal Government should: (1) assist SEAs, LEAs, and community-based organizations to build their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain programs of instruction and English language development for children and youth of limited English proficiency (LEP); (2) hold SEAs and LEAs accountable for increases in English proficiency and core content knowledge among LEP students; and (3) promote parental and community participation in LEP programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help LEP students become proficient in English. Prohibits the Secretary from mandating or precluding a particular curricular or pedagogical approach to educating LEP students. Requires LEAs to certify to SEAs that all teachers in any language instruction program for LEP students funded under this subtitle are fluent in English. Requires LEAs to notify parents of students participating in language instruction educational program of: (1) the student's level of English proficiency and academic achievement, and certain implications of the student's strengths and needs; (2) various available programs; (3) instructional goals of such program; and (4) the parental option to decline the student's enrollment in such program. (Sec. 302) Repeals the current ESEA title III parts: (1) B, Star Schools Program; (2) C, Ready-to-Learn Television; (3) D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics; and (4) E, Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment Program. Eliminates current title VII part B provisions for the Foreign Language Assistance Program. Transfers to a new title III subtitle B the Emergency Immigration Education Program (currently part C of title VII). Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for such program. (Sec. 303) Transfers to a new title III subtitle C provisions for Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education (currently title XIX). Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs of Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Title IV: Public School Choice - Establishes a new ESEA title IV, Public School Choice, and authorizes a new public school choice program. Redesignates certain parts of the current title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, under such new title IV (and provides for some school safety improvement programs under title VI). Transfers certain parts and provisions of the current titles V and X to such new title IV. (Sec. 401) Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Magnet Schools Assistance; and (2) Public Charter Schools. Requires SEAs that receive grants for charter schools assistance to hold assisted charter schools accountable for AYP for improving student performance under title I and as established in the school's charter, including the use of the same standards and assessments as established under title I. Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) support and stimulate improved public school performance through increased public school competition and increased Federal financial assistance; and (2) provide parents with more choices among public school options. (Sec. 402) Establishes a new title IV part C, Development of Public School Choice Programs (PSC programs). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make competitive grants to LEAs to develop such PSC programs; (2) reserve specified program funds for technical assistance, information dissemination, and evaluations; and (3) a priority to partnership projects. Requires the Secretary to give a priority to applications that would serve high-poverty LEAs. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a new title IV part D, Report Cards. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States, if they have State report cards on education which meet specified requirements, to publish such report cards for each elementary and secondary school receiving ESEA funding. Authorizes appropriations. Requires States, if they receive assistance under ESEA, to prepare and disseminate (or publicly report through other public means) annual report cards, in easily understandable language, on all elementary and secondary schools receiving funds under ESEA I-A or II-A. Requires such State report cards on LEAs and schools to contain specified information regarding indicators of school performance and quality. Title V: Impact Aid - Transfers ESEA Impact Aid provisions to a new title V (currently title VIII). Eliminates the current title V, Promoting Equity, including part B, Women's Educational Equity, and part C, Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems (but transfers the current part A of title V to part A of title IV). (Sec. 501) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various impact aid programs. Title VI: High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives - Establishes a new title VI, High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives. Eliminates the current title VI, Innovative Education Program Strategies. (Sec. 601) Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) facilitate significant innovation in elementary and secondary school education programs; (2) enrich the learning environment of students; (3) provide a safe learning environment for all students; (4) ensure that all students are technologically literate; and (5) assist SEAs and LEAs in building their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain innovative programs for public school students. Directs the Secretary to make grants to SEAs with approved plans to award grants to LEAs. Requires States to allocate grant funds among LEAs according to both their I-A population and their entire school-age population. Requires LEAs to use grant funds for programs designed to achieve each of the goals described in the following category areas: (1) school improvement; (2) 21st Century Opportunities programs; (3) safe learning environments; and (4) New Economy Technology Schools. Allows LEAs that meet or exceed AYP requirements to reallocate, at their own discretion, specified portions of grant funds among the four categories. Allows LEAs identified as in need of improvement to reallocate for school improvement activities a certain portion of funds from the other three categories. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Accountability - Establishes a new ESEA title VII, Accountability, with sanctions and rewards based on meeting performance objectives. Eliminates the current title VII, Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs (but sets forth some provisions for language minority students under the new title III). (Sec. 701) Requires certain sanctions if performance objectives established under a covered provision have not been met by a State receiving grant funds under such provision. Directs the Secretary to reduce the amount the State is entitled to receive by specified percentages if such objectives have not been met by the end of the third fiscal year or the end of the fourth fiscal year. Requires such reductions to continue for each subsequent fiscal year until the State demonstrates that it has met such objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, if sought, to a State subjected to such sanctions. Requires each State receiving assistance under ESEA titles I, II, III, or VI to develop a system, including sanctions, to hold LEAs accountable for meeting performance objectives and AYP requirements. Directs the Secretary to make awards to States that either ensure that all teachers teaching in their public schools are fully qualified by FY 2003, or for three consecutive years have: (1) exceeded their performance objectives; (2) exceeded their AYP levels; (3) significantly narrowed the gaps between minority and non-minority students, and between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students; (4) raised all students to the proficient standard level within ten years; or (5) significantly increased the percentage of core classes being taught by fully qualified teachers teaching in schools receiving funds under part A of title I. Requires States to: (1) distribute 80 percent of such award funds to LEAs that have been consistently high-performing and achieving in specified ways; and (2) use the remainder to establish demonstration sites with respect to high-performing schools in order to help low-performing schools, and to improve the level of performance of all elementary and secondary school students in the State. Requires LEAs to use such award funds to: (1) reward individual schools that demonstrate high performance with respect to specified criteria; (2) reward collaborative teams of teachers, or teams of teachers and principals, who significantly increase the annual performance of low-performing students or significantly improve in a fiscal year the English proficiency of LEP students; (3) reward principals who successfully raise the performance of a substantial number of low-performing students to high academic levels; (4) develop or implement school district-wide programs or policies to increase the level of student performance on State assessments aligned with State content standards; and (5) reward schools for consistently high achievement in another area that the LEA deems appropriate to reward. Authorizes appropriations for such awards. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain amounts not reserved for other specified activities to: (1) support activities of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; (2) study and disseminate information regarding model programs assisted under ESEA; (3) provide training and technical assistance to recipients of ESEA funds in administering and implementing ESEA-assisted activities; (4) support activities to promote systemic education reform at State and local levels; (5) award grants or contracts to public or private nonprofit entities to develop and disseminate exemplary reading, mathematics, science, and technology educational practices, and instructional materials to States, LEAs, and schools; (6) disseminate information on models of value-added assessments; (7) award a grant or contract to a public or private nonprofit entity or consortium to develop and disseminate exemplary programs and curricula for accelerated and advanced learning for all students, including gifted and talented students; (8) award a grant or contract with Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., and other public or private nonprofit entities to support and promote programs which include distribution of inexpensive books to students and literacy activities that motivate children to read; and (9) develop English language development standards and assessments, and native language tests for LEP students that States may use to assess student achievement in reading, science, and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: General Provisions and Repeals - Requires SEAs and LEAs to use ESEA funds to supplement, and not supplant, State or local funds. (Sec. 802) Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the following ESEA titles: (1) V, Promoting Equity; (2) X, Programs of National Significance; (3) XI, Coordinated Services; (4) XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement; and (5) XIII, Support and Assistive Programs to Improve Education.

Child Tobacco Use Prevention Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000

Child Tobacco Use Prevention Act of 2000 - Title I: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction over tobacco products as drugs or devices. Declares lawful a specified Federal regulation regarding tobacco. Deems, for tobacco, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access. Provides for model state tobacco control programs. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Title II: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use - Sets goals for an existing manufacturer to reduce its child tobacco use level and penalties for failure to reach the goals. Title III: Smoke-Free Environments - Requires the responsible entity for each public facility (a building where activities substantially affecting interstate commerce occur, including those owned or leased to a Federal, State, or local governmental entity) to adopt and implement a smoke-free environment policy meeting specified requirements. Title IV: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives - Requires making available funds for a national public awareness campaign discouraging tobacco use and for implementation and enforcement of: (1) FDCA provisions regarding tobacco; and (2) the requirements of title III of this Act.

FDA Tobacco Jurisdiction Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000

FDA Tobacco Jurisdiction Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction over tobacco products as drugs or devices. Declares lawful a specified Federal regulation regarding tobacco. Deems, for tobacco, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access. Provides for model state tobacco control programs. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986.

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2001, revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2000, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000

Declares that this resolution revises and replaces the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 2000. Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 2001, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2002 through 2005. (Sec. 2) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2000 through 2005, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) surpluses; and (5) public debt. (Sec. 3) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2000 through 2005. (Sec. 4) Directs the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill by specified dates in 2000 that consists of changes in law within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the total level of revenues by specified amounts for FY 2001 and for the period of FY 2001 through 2005. Directs the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever certain bills are reported after the date of this resolution's adoption that provide the health-related tax provisions contained in H.R. 2990 (as passed the House), to increase the reconciliation instruction by the amount of the revenue reduction provided by such measures up to specified limits. Requires the House Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill no later than May 26, 2000, and September 22, 2000, that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the public debt by $10 billion and up to $20 billion, respectively, for FY 2001. (Sec. 5) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any revision to this or the FY 2002 concurrent budget resolution (or an amendment or conference report) that sets forth a deficit for any fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that legislation should be enacted in this congressional session that would enforce the reduction of the public debt assumed in this resolution by the imposition of a statutory limit on such debt or other appropriate means. (Sec. 6) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any reported bill or joint resolution (or any amendment or conference report) that would cause a surplus for FY 2001 to be less than the level (as adjusted for reconciliation or tax-related legislation, Medicare, or agriculture pursuant to this resolution) set forth in this resolution. Requires the level of the surplus to take into account amounts of allocations and budget aggregates adjusted pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 7) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report if the enactment of the bill or resolution as reported, the adoption and enactment of the amendment, or the enactment of the bill or resolution in the form recommended in the conference report would cause a decrease in the on-budget surplus for FY 2000. Makes such point of order inapplicable to any such legislation or motion if it reduces revenues or implements structural social security or Medicare reform. Waives or suspends the point of order under this Act in the Senate only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on such point of order. Terminates this section on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 8) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, upon the reporting of a reconciliation bill by the Ways and Means Committee or the offering of an amendment to, or the submission of a conference report on, H.R. 3081, H.R. 6, or H.R. 2990, whichever occurs first, to reduce to zero the amounts by which aggregate levels of Federal revenues should be reduced as set forth in this resolution. Directs the chairman, after such adjustments are made and such a bill is reported or such amendments or conference report are submitted, to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the reduction in revenue caused by the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 9) Provides that whenever the Ways and Means Committee reports such a bill or whenever an amendment or conference report to the bills referenced above is submitted that would cause the level by which Federal revenues should be reduced, as adjusted, to be exceeded, the House Budget Committee chairman is authorized to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 10) Provides that if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) updated budget forecast for FY 2001 projects an increase in the surplus for FY 2000, FY 2001, and the period of FY 2001 through 2005 over the corresponding levels set forth in the March 2000 economic and budget forecast for FY 2001, the House Budget Committee chairman may increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the bill, amendment, or conference report described above, but not to exceed the increase in the surplus set forth in the updated forecast. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Ways and Means or Commerce Committees report legislation or an amendment or conference report thereon is submitted that reforms the Medicare program and provides coverage for prescription drugs, to increase the aggregates and allocations of new budget authority (and resulting outlays) by the amount provided by that measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Agriculture Committee reports legislation or submits amendments or a conference report thereon that provides: (1) income support to farm owners and producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee for FY 2000 by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays provided by that measure, with specified limits; and (2) risk management or income assistance for agricultural producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays, if such legislation does not exceed certain amounts of such authority and outlays. (Sec. 14) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Government Reform Committee reports a bill or submits an amendment or conference report thereon that permits Federal employees to immediately participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, to increase (if necessary) the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced, with specified limits. (Sec. 15) Provides for the application and effect of changes in allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution. (Sec. 16) Expresses the sense of the House with respect to: (1) the reduction of waste, fraud, and abuse within the Federal Government; (2) CBO estimates on impacts of proposed Federal regulations on the private sector; (3) biennial budgeting; (4) Internal Revenue Service consideration of net loss of income in determining proper taxation rates; and (5) stabilization of Federal revenue-sharing payments to States, counties, and boroughs. (Sec. 17) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the use within the classrooms of funds appropriated for elementary and secondary education programs; (2) funding emergencies; (3) affordable health care coverage for all Americans; (4) access to home health care for seniors and disabled citizens; (5) full funding of the Medicare+Choice program; (6) the National Science Foundation; (7) quality skilled nursing care and the Medicare benefit; (8) funding for special education; (9) the Federal employee pay increase for 2001; (10) the Health Care Financing Administration Medicaid School-Based Administrative Claiming Guide; and (11) modification of the Federal tax law to encourage asset-building of the working poor.

Famine Prevention and Freedom From Hunger Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000

Famine Prevention and Freedom from Hunger Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise congressional declarations of policy with respect to famine prevention and freedom from hunger in developing countries. (Sec. 2) Urges the United States, among other things, to: (1) generally engage the U.S. university community more extensively in the agricultural research, trade, and development initiatives undertaken outside the United States with the objectives of strengthening its capacity to carry out research, teaching, and extension activities for solving problems in food production, processing, marketing, and consumption in agriculturally underdeveloped nations, and transforming progress in global agricultural research and development (R&D) into economic growth, trade, and trade benefits for U.S. communities and industries and for the provident use of natural resources; and (2) ensure that all federally funded support to universities and their public and private partners relating to the goals of this Act is periodically reviewed for its performance. Includes Native American land- grant colleges within the definition of "universities". (Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to provide U.S. foreign assistance for long-term program support for U.S. university global agricultural and related environmental collaborative research and learning opportunities for students, teachers, extension specialists, researchers, and the general public. Urges the involvement of multilateral banks and U.S. and foreign nongovernmental organizations supporting extension and other productivity-enhancing programs in the international network of agricultural science in order to help agriculturally developing countries in international agricultural problem- solving efforts to prevent famine and hunger in such countries. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to establish and carry out special programs involving eligible universities for Africa, Russia, the independent states of the former Soviet Union, ongoing programs for child survival, democratization, development of free enterprise, environmental and natural resource management, and other related programs, which depend upon and are integrally related to sound agriculture and rural development. (Sec. 4) Revises the duties of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development to include: (1) improving agricultural production, trade, and natural resource management in developing countries; and (2) with private organizations seeking to increase agricultural production and trade, natural resources management, and household food security in developing and transition countries. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish an educational program to improve the risk management skills of agricultural producers.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000

Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an educational program to improve agricultural producers' risk management skills. Directs the Secretary to establish a Risk Management Education Coordinating Center in each of five designated regions, to be located at an existing risk management education coordinating office or a land-grant college. Directs each Center to: (1) establish a coordinating council; (2) coordinate instructional programs, information dissemination, and resources; and (3) reserve funds for special and competitive grants to land-grant colleges and private entities to conduct such activities States that the National Agriculture Risk Education Library shall serve as a means for the electronic delivery of risk management information and materials. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to evaluate activities of the Centers.

Neighborhood Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000

Neighborhood Schools Act - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a program to award loan guarantees to eligible public charter schools to guarantee to lending institutions payment of principal and interest on loans made to such schools for capital projects. Makes a school eligible to receive a loan guarantee if it submits an application with: (1) certifications that it is a public charter school as defined by the jurisdiction where it is located, and that it does not have access to funding for the project involved through the financing methods available to other public schools in the jurisdiction; (2) assurances that it will be unable to obtain financing for the project at a reasonably affordable rate of interest unless it is awarded such a loan guarantee; and (3) a business plan for the school including reasonable assurances that it will repay the loan for which the guarantee will be made. Limits the cumulative total of the principal of the loans outstanding at any time for which loan guarantees have been made under the program. Authorizes appropriations.

Crime Bullet Tracing Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000

Crime Bullet Tracing Initiative - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit a licensed manufacturer or importer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm to any person without first: (1) test-firing the firearm; (2) preparing ballistics records of the fired bullet and cartridge casings; and (3) making the records available to the Secretary for entry in a computerized database. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to each violation by a licensed manufacturer or importer, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend for up to one year or revoke the license or assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Sets forth provisions regarding review of the Secretary's action. Specifies that nothing herein creates a cause of action against a Federal firearms licensee or other person for civil liability except for imposition of such civil penalty. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to assist firearm manufacturers and importers in complying with such prohibition through: (1) the acquisition, disposition, and upgrades of computerized ballistics equipment and bullet recovery equipment to be placed at the sites of licensed manufacturers and importers or at regional centers established by the Secretary; and (2) the hiring or designation of personnel necessary to develop and maintain a database of ballistics records, research, and evaluation. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish a system through which State and local law enforcement agencies, through online computer technology, can promptly access ballistics records stored under this Act, as soon as such a capability is. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to work cooperatively with representatives of the firearm industry to: (1) provide education about the role of ballistics as part of a comprehensive firearm crime reduction strategy; and (2) provide for the coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies and the firearm industry to curb firearm-related crime and illegal firearm trafficking. Sets forth provisions regarding areas of concentrated effort, annual reports, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary and the Attorney General to conduct mandatory ballistics testing of all firearms taken into the custody of, or procured or utilized by, their respective agencies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to establish in selected jurisdictions a comprehensive firearm crime reduction strategy which shall: (1) provide for ballistics testing, in accordance with criteria set forth by the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, of all firearms recovered during criminal investigations in order to identify the types and origins of the firearms, identify suspects, and link multiple crimes involving the same firearm; (2) require that all identifying information relating to firearms recovered during criminal investigations be promptly submitted to the Secretary in order to identify the types and origins of the firearms and identify illegal firearms traffickers; and (3) provide for coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials in the identification of violations of Federal firearm laws, including the establishment of agreements among Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials for prosecution of persons arrested for violations of Federal firearm laws. Directs the Secretary and Attorney General to select not fewer than ten jurisdictions for participation in the program. Sets forth provisions regarding selection criteria, annual reports, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations.

Helping to Improve Technology Education and Achievement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000

Helping to Improve Technology Education and Achievement Act of 2000 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Employment-Based Immigration - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make employment-based visas available on a quarterly basis without regard to per-country limitations if unused visas are available. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Labor to take into account Internet recruiting in determining whether an employer has undertaken required efforts to recruit U.S. workers. (Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary to establish an Internet-based system that will permit tracking of benefit filings required under such Act. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an on-line filing feasibility study. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce to jointly establish a related Technology Advisory Committee. Title II: Provisions Relating to H-1B Nonimmigrants - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase available nonimmigrant H-1B specialty occupation visas for FY 2001 through 2003, with specified visa reservations for: (1) aliens with master's or higher degrees; and (2) institutions of higher education and other research organizations. Makes additional visas available for FY 1999 under specified conditions. (Sec. 202) Requires employers to file W-2 forms for H-1B employees. (Sec. 203) Provides one-year extensions of authorized H-1B stay pending specified status adjudications. Title III: Collection and Use of H-1B Nonimmigrant Fees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase H-1B petition fees. (Sec. 302) Obligates specified amounts from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account for: (1) student loan forgiveness; (2) upward bound; and (3) regional skills training alliances. Eliminates obligations for job training. Decreases obligations for low-income scholarships. Amends the Higher Education Act to establish an educational loan forgiveness program for mathematics and science teachers. Amends the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide matching grants to: (1) eligible entities for job skills training in specific industries; and (2) States for consortia planning assistance. (Sec. 306) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase certain H-1B administrative fees.

Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000

Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) part C (Local Innovative Education Programs) to include, among authorized uses of innovative assistance funds, programs to: (1) improve identification of students with eating disorders; (2) increase awareness of such disorders among parents and students; and (3) train educators with respect to effective eating disorder prevention and assistance methods. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to broadcast public service announcements to improve public awareness, and to promote the identification and prevention, of eating disorders. Requires consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. Requires the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics to: (1) study the impact eating disorders have on educational advancement and achievement; (2) report on current State and local programs to educate youth on the dangers of eating disorders; and (3) recommend Federal, State, and local measures that could be undertaken.

Commitment to Kids and Character Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000

Commitment to Kids and Character Act - Authorizes a grant to be made to a tax-exempt organization with specified qualifications to establish and support the operation of a National Clearinghouse for Character Education. Sets forth requirements for Clearinghouse functions and such organization's reports. Authorizes appropriations.

2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000

2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2000. Title I: Counternarcotics - Chapter 1: Department of Justice - Makes additional funds available for salaries and expenses of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Chapter 2: Department of Defense--Military - Makes additional funds available for defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Makes a limited amount available out of amounts appropriated in this Act for the Department of Defense (DOD) for support for counter-drug activities of the Government of Colombia. Subjects the obligation or expenditure of such funds to a specified certification by the Secretary of Defense under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 with respect to authorized uses, security of equipment, review by U.S. personnel, and certain other related factors. Chapter 3: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes funds available to the Department of State for Plan Colombia and Andean regional counternarcotics activities. Requires the Secretary of State, prior to obligation of such funds, to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Appropriations Committees on proposed uses of such funds on a country-by-country basis. Chapter 4: Military Construction, Defense-Wide - Provides additional funds for defense-wide military construction. Title II: Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo and Other National Security Matters - Chapter 1: Department of State - Makes additional funds available for security and maintenance of U.S. missions. Chapter 2: Department of Defense--Military - Provides additional funds for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard operation and maintenance (O&M) as well as defense-wide O&M for assistance to Vieques, Puerto Rico. Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (2) Air Force aircraft procurement; and (3) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 2201) Requires members of the uniformed services (from January 1, 2000 through FY 2001) entitled to a basic allowance for housing for a U.S. military housing area to be paid the allowance at a monthly rate not less than the rate in effect on December 31, 1999, in such area for members serving in the same pay grade and with the same dependency status. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in light of the rates so authorized, to exceed the limitation on the total amount paid for the basic housing allowance in FY 2000 and 2001. (Sec. 2202) Appropriates additional funds for the Defense-Wide Working Capital Fund for price increases resulting from worldwide increases in the price of petroleum. (Sec. 2205) Makes additional appropriations for the Defense Health Program for unanticipated increases in TRICARE contract costs for FY 1998 through 2001. Chapter 3: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Provides additional funds for: (1) operating expenses of the Agency for International Development; (2) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States only for assistance for Montenegro and Croatia, assistance to promote democratization in Serbia, and assistance for Kosovo for police activities; (3) international military education and training and foreign military financing for grants to Balkan and southeastern European countries. Chapter 4: Military Construction, Defense-Wide - Appropriates additional funds to DOD to cover incremental O&M costs to family housing. (Sec. 2403) Provides that this section supersedes authority provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000. Incorporates provisions similar to those contained in such Act that authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to carry out a Base Efficiency Project at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas. Bars the Secretary from exercising such authority until he submits a master plan for Base development to the appropriate congressional committees. Subjects the use of the Base Efficiency Project Fund to advance appropriations. Makes additional funds available for Army Reserve military construction to cover the costs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Floyd. Title III: Natural Disaster Assistance and Other Emergency Appropriations - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Office of the Inspector General; (2) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service salaries and expenses; and (3) Farm Service Agency salaries and expenses. Authorizes the use of unobligated balances under the emergency conservation program to be used to repair and reconstruct farm structures and equipment after a finding by the Secretary of Agriculture that: (1) the damage or destruction is the result of Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene; and (2) insurance was not available to the grantee or the grantee lacked financial resources to obtain insurance. Makes additional funds available for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund to provide premium discounts to purchasers of crop insurance reinsured by the Corporation (except for catastrophic risk protection coverage). Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce the amount of any principal due on a loan made to a marketing association for the 1999 crop of an agricultural commodity by up to 75 percent if the association suffered losses to the commodity due to Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene. Makes additional funds available for the Rural Community Advancement Program for water and waste grants and community facilities grants. Provides additional funds for the Rural Housing Service for: (1) the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account for needs resulting from natural disasters; (2) the rental assistance program for emergency needs resulting from Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene; (3) mutual and self-help and rural housing assistance grants and contracts for needs resulting from natural disasters; and (4) the farm labor program account for grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farm workers for needs resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Rural Utilities Service for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account for loans to enable nonprofit cooperatives to purchase a utility to address the high cost of electric power in a service area attributable in part to a hurricane disaster. Provides additional funds for: (1) the Foreign Agricultural Service and General Sales Manager; (2) Food and Drug Administration buildings and facilities; and (3) technical assistance performed by any Department of Agriculture agency in carrying out the Conservation or Wetlands Reserve Programs. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Economic Development Administration for economic development assistance programs for communities affected by Hurricane Floyd and other recent hurricanes and disasters; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, and facilities to provide disaster assistance; and (3) the Small Business Administration for the disaster loans program account. Chapter 3: Department of Defense--Civil - Provides additional funds for: (1) a Corps of Engineers study and report to Congress on the feasibility of a flood damage reduction project for Princeville, North Carolina; and (2) O&M for emergency expenses due to natural disasters. Provides additional funds for the Department of Energy (DOE) for: (1) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; and (2) atomic energy defense activities. Chapter 4: Department of the Interior - Makes additional funds available for: (1) Bureau of Land Management wildland fire management for emergency rehabilitation and wildfire suppression activities; (2) Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service construction activities with respect to facilities and sites damaged by natural disasters; and (3) Geological Survey surveys, investigations, and research to repair or replace stream monitoring equipment and associated facilities damaged by natural disasters. Provides additional funds for Forest Service wildland fire management for emergency rehabilitation, presuppression, and wildfire suppression. Chapter 5: Department of Health and Human Services - Makes additional funds available for the Administration for Children and Families for emergency low income home energy assistance. Chapter 6: Department of Transportation - Provides additional funds for: (1) Coast Guard operating expenses; (2) the Federal-aid highways emergency relief program; and (3) National Transportation Safety Board salaries and expenses for emergency expenses associated with the investigations of the EgyptAir 990 and Alaska Air 261 accidents. (Sec. 3601) Bars the use of funds provided in the Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 for operation of the transportation computer center. (Sec. 3602) Makes the Executive Draft on Federal Transportation in the National Capital Region submitted by the Secretary of Transportation effective on this Act's enactment date. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the implementation of the Executive Draft. Chapter 7: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Provides additional funds for the HOME investment partnerships program. Makes unobligated amounts available under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 available for certain one-year grants for permanent or rental housing for homeless persons with disabilities. Authorizes an increase in Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to use unobligated balances of disaster relief. Provides additional funds for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for: (1) human space flight for upgrades to the space shuttle fleet; (2) science, aeronautics and technology for unanticipated program needs; and (3) mission support for augmentation of personnel required to support the space shuttle program. Title IV: Supplemental Appropriations and Offsets - Chapter 1: Department of Energy - Makes additional funds available for atomic energy weapons activities. Chapter 2: Related Agencies - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Forest Service for State and private forestry to be derived by transfer from unobligated wildland fire management funds for volunteer fire assistance programs in eastern North Carolina; and (2) DOE energy conservation for weatherization assistance grants. Chapter 3: Department of Labor - Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 to authorize funds to be collected by the National Mine Health and Safety Academy for authorized activities under provisions making appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Provides additional funds for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Health Resources and Services Administration to make competitive grants to provide abstinence education to adolescents. Makes FY 2000 Administration for Children and Families refugee and entrant assistance provided under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 available through FY 2002. Provides additional funds for payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance. (Sec. 4302) Repeals a provision of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 that withholds the obligation of specified Department of HHS funds until certain dates. Chapter 4: Legislative Branch - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Capitol Police Board for security enhancements to Library of Congress buildings and grounds; and (2) Capitol buildings and grounds fire safety. Chapter 6 (sic): Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes funds appropriated for the Veterans Health Administration for medical care available for assistance for the 2000 Paralympic Games. Makes additional funds available for the Federal Housing Administration for the general and special risk program account. Chapter 7: Offsets - Bars the use of funds made available by any Act to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel to carry out provisions of law relating to the Fund for Rural America or the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems. Rescinds specified amounts of funds made available for: (1) DOE defense environmental restoration and waste management and for implementation of a U.S.-Russian accord for the disposition of excess weapons plutonium; (2) Department of HHS general departmental management; and (3) conversion of Federal information technology systems that were transferred to the Department of Transportation. Title V: General Provisions--This Act - Repeals provisions of law that require payment of: (1) basic pay and allowances for members of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy for the pay period ending on September 30, 2000, no earlier than October 1, 2000; and (2) pay of Federal employees that would be payable on September 29 or 30, 2000, for the preceding pay period on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 5104) Prohibits a sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate a FY 2000 breach that might be caused by appropriations or other provisions of this Act. (Sec. 5105) Deems funds made available in this Act for intelligence activities to be specifically authorized by Congress for purposes of the National Security Act of 1947. (Sec. 5106) Repeals certain provisions regarding progress payments and payment procedures of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 5107) Bars the use of FY 2000 funds appropriated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the relocation of the Technical Training Center from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Sec. 5108) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should place the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia) on the list of foreign terrorist organizations.

MTBE Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

MTBE Elimination Act - Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should provide technical assistance, information, and matching funds to help local communities test drinking water supplies and remediate drinking water contaminated with methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit, three years after the enactment of the MTBE Elimination Act, the use of MTBE as a fuel additive. Requires persons selling oxygenated gasoline containing MTBE at retail to be required under regulations promulgated by the Administrator to label the fuel dispensing system with a notice that specifies that the gasoline contains MTBE and provides other information concerning MTBE as determined appropriate by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule that provides for an annual phased reduction in the quantity of MTBE that may be used as a fuel additive during the three-year period beginning on this Act's enactment date. Establishes an MTBE research grants program within EPA. Authorizes grants to eligible grantees to pay the Federal cost share of research on: (1) the development of more cost-effective and accurate MTBE groundwater testing methods; (2) the development of more efficient and cost-effective remediation procedures for water sources contaminated with MTBE; or (3) the potential effects of MTBE on human health. Makes eligible for such grants Federal research agencies, national laboratories, colleges or universities, certain private research organizations, and State environmental research facilities. Authorizes appropriations.

Digital Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Digital Empowerment Act - Title I: One-Stop Shop for Technology Education - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to provide that the Office of Educational Technology (OET) shall be administered by an Assistant Secretary (currently a Director) of Educational Technology. (Sec. 101) Requires OET to: (1) be a one-stop shop for all technology education programs within the Department of Education; (2) provide schools and community groups with information on technology education programs and sources of funds; and (3) serve as a clearinghouse for information on public and private efforts to bring technology to areas underserved by technology. (Sec. 102) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to include, among specified uses of Federal leadership funds for national programs of technology in education, the development of a national repository of information on the effective uses of educational technology and the dissemination of that information nationwide. Title II: Digital Education - Amends ESEA to require State educational agencies (SEAs), in awarding school technology resource grants under a program of national challenge grants for technology in education, to give priority to local educational agencies (LEAs) that have: (1) the highest numbers or percentages of children in poverty; and (2) a substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology. (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for such grants program. (Sec. 202) Includes among required local uses of such grant funds: (1) providing intensive training in the use of technology to school librarians and library media specialists; and (2) providing technical support and services to assist schools in maintaining their educational technology. (Sec. 203) Requires local grant applications to describe how the LEA will ensure that school libraries and media centers possess equipment and trained personnel that enables them to provide access to information in formats made possible by new information and communication technologies. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award: (1) formula grants to SEAs to establish Teacher Technology Preparation Academies for teachers, librarians, and library media specialists; (2) competitive grants to institutions of higher education to train students entering the teaching workforce to use technology effectively in the classroom; and (3) grants to SEAs to provide school library technology and training for school librarians and library media specialists. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Title III: Expansion of Universal Service Assistance - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize additional uses of universal service assistance (the e-rate program) by educational providers. (Sec. 301) Includes structured after-school activities among the educational purposes for which schools and libraries are to receive discount rates (E-rates) on telecommunications services. Allows schools to use specified offset funds, which they may receive in lieu of such discount E-rates, for maintenance and repair of technology necessary to use such services. (Sec. 302) Makes eligible for universal service assistance E-rates Head Start agencies and organizations that receive Federal job training funds. Title IV: E-Corps Programs - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to provide for E-Corps programs. (Sec. 401) Includes, among types of national service programs eligible for program assistance, an E-Corps program that involves participants who are proficient in technology and who provide service in a community by developing and assisting in carrying out technology programs in elementary schools, secondary schools, and community centers. Requires the Corporation for National and Community Services to ensure that specified funds are used only for E-Corps programs. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to carry out E-Corps programs and provide national service educational awards to E-Corps program participants. Title V: Community Technology Centers - Amends ESEA to establish a program for Community Technology Centers (CTCs). (Sec. 501) Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, of up to three-years' duration, for: (1) creating or expanding CTCs; or (2) providing technical assistance and support to CTCs. Sets forth provisions for eligibility, applications, matching share of costs, and required and permissible uses of funds. Authorizes appropriations for such CTC program. Title VI: Neighborhood Networks for Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for onsite computer access and training resources for public housing residents. (Sec. 601) Authorizes computer centers in and around public housing, through a Neighborhood Networks initiative and related activities, to be established, operated, and assisted by the use of: (1) public housing capital and operating funds, and certain technical assistance; and (2) demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants for projects. Title VII: Incentives for Technology Assistance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions for a tax deduction for corporate donations of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes (currently for elementary and secondary school purposes). (Sec. 701) Includes Head Start centers, structured after-school programs, and certain public libraries and community centers (in addition to elementary and secondary schools) as eligible donees of such deductible donations. Allows such deductible donations to include training or maintenance services with respect to such computer technology or equipment. Extends such deduction to donations made on or before June 30, 2004. Title VIII: Demonstration Project in K-12 Education Technology - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration project that: (1) delivers a highly flexible educational system designed for kindergarten through grade 12, or a component thereof, that includes hardware, software, training, and ongoing support and professional development; (2) implements an Internet-based, one-to-one pilot project that specifically targets the educational needs of students in grade three through grade 12 who reside in low-income school districts; and (3) is conducted by an organization with proven expertise in the research and development of education technology designed for kindergarten through grade 12. (Sec. 801) Requires the demonstration project to provide for: (1) a rugged notebook computer for every student participating in the project; (2) an infrared wireless connection to the school's local area network; (3) a low-cost, high-speed Internet connection; (4) customized, professional development for technical and instructional staff; (5) an academic information system that provides alignment between curricula, State standards, assessment, and teacher resources; and (6) a parental training component. Allows the Secretary to contract with a private company or organization to carry out such a demonstration. Requires the Secretary to coordinate project implementation and oversight with an LEA and a private company, if such a company is used in the project. Requires, to the extent practicable, the project to be conducted in a location where a similar program is already at least partially underway. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration project.

Medicare Wellness Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Medicare Wellness Act of 2000 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to establish policies and criteria for the HHS Secretary to make grants to approved applicants to study specified approaches to further health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) should encourage inclusion of preventive health measures in all Medicare treatments; (2) HCFA should expand the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine should establish a Medicare health promotion and disease prevention intervention clearinghouse. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to outline Medicare coverage of various specified preventive services, including: (1) counseling for cessation of tobacco use; (2) screening for hypertension; (3) counseling for hormone replacement therapy; (4) screening for glaucoma and for diminished visual acuity; and (5) screening and counseling for osteoporosis. (Sec. 209) Extends Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, a cardiovascular disease, or a renal disease. (Sec. 210) Waives coinsurance and deductibles for certain preventive services, such as: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; (2) colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests; and (3) bone mass measurement. (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries and to integrate specified preventive benefits added by this Act with existing program integrity measures. Title III: Medicare Health Education and Risk Appraisal Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish a health education and risk appraisal program to inform certain target individuals, including Medicare beneficiaries, of specified major behavioral risk factors through self-assessment; and (2) conduct periodic followups. Title IV: Disease Self-Management Demonstration Projects - Establishes in HHS a Disease Self-Management Working Group. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to promote disease self-management for conditions identified by the Group for described target individuals. Provides funding. Title V: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in the Field of Disease Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise reporting requirements for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Sec. 502) Directs the Director of the National Institute on Aging to conduct one or more studies, for associated reports to the HHS Secretary and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, that focus on ways to: (1) improve quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute to study and report to the President and Congress on health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 504) Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.

An original executive resolution directing the return of certain treaties to the President.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to return specified treaties to the President, including: (1) the Optional Protocol of Signature Concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes; (2) the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage done in Brussels at the International Legal Conference on Marine Pollution Damage; (3) the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage; (4) Certain Amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil of 1954, relating to Tanker Tank Size and Arrangement and the Protection of the Great Barrier Reef; (5) the Trademark Registration Treaty; (6) the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms and the Protocol Thereto; (7) the Convention with Denmark for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income; (8) the Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging to the Europe Region; (9) the Protocol Amending the Convention of August 16, 1916, for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada and the United States of America; (10) the Supplementary Convention on Extradition Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Sweden; (11) the Protocol, together with an exchange of letters, Amending the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income; (12) the Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of South Africa; (13) the Protocol Amending the Interim Convention on Conservation of North Pacific Fur Seals Between the United States, Canada, Japan, and the Soviet Union; (14) the Protocol of 1984 to Amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969; (15) the Protocol of 1984 to Amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971; (16) the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Republic of Haiti Concerning the Reciprocal Encouragement and Protection of Investment, with Protocol; (17) the Consular Convention Between the United States of America and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; (18) the Treaty on the International Registration of Audiovisual Works; (19) the Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; and (20) the Protocol Amending the Convention Between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital.

Digital Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Digital Empowerment Act - Title I: One-Stop Shop for Technology Education - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to provide that the Office of Educational Technology (OET) shall be administered by an Assistant Secretary (currently a Director) of Educational Technology. (Sec. 101) Requires OET to: (1) be a one-stop shop for all technology education programs within the Department of Education; (2) provide schools and community groups with information on technology education programs and sources of funds; and (3) serve as a clearinghouse for information on public and private efforts to bring technology to areas underserved by technology. (Sec. 102) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to include, among specified uses of Federal leadership funds for national programs of technology in education, the development of a national repository of information on the effective uses of educational technology and the dissemination of that information nationwide. Title II: Digital Education - Amends ESEA to require State educational agencies (SEAs), in awarding school technology resource grants under a program of national challenge grants for technology in education, to give priority to local educational agencies (LEAs) that have: (1) the highest numbers or percentages of children in poverty; and (2) a substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology. (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for such grants program. (Sec. 202) Includes among required local uses of such grant funds: (1) providing intensive training in the use of technology to school librarians and library media specialists; and (2) providing technical support and services to assist schools in maintaining their educational technology. (Sec. 203) Requires local grant applications to describe how the LEA will ensure that school libraries and media centers possess equipment and trained personnel that enables them to provide access to information in formats made possible by new information and communication technologies. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award: (1) formula grants to SEAs to establish Teacher Technology Preparation Academies for teachers, librarians, and library media specialists; (2) competitive grants to institutions of higher education to train students entering the teaching workforce to use technology effectively in the classroom; and (3) grants to SEAs to provide school library technology and training for school librarians and library media specialists. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Title III: Expansion of Universal Service Assistance - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize additional uses of universal service assistance (the e-rate program) by educational providers. (Sec. 301) Includes structured after-school activities among the educational purposes for which schools and libraries are to receive discount rates (E-rates) on telecommunications services. Allows schools to use specified offset funds, which they may receive in lieu of such discount E-rates, for maintenance and repair of technology necessary to use such services. (Sec. 302) Makes eligible for universal service assistance E-rates Head Start agencies and organizations that receive Federal job training funds. Title IV: E-Corps Programs - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to provide for E-Corps programs. (Sec. 401) Includes, among types of national service programs eligible for program assistance, an E-Corps program that involves participants who are proficient in technology and who provide service in a community by developing and assisting in carrying out technology programs in elementary schools, secondary schools, and community centers. Requires the Corporation for National and Community Services to ensure that specified funds are used only for E-Corps programs. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to carry out E-Corps programs and provide national service educational awards to E-Corps program participants. Title V: Community Technology Centers - Amends ESEA to establish a program for Community Technology Centers (CTCs). (Sec. 501) Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, of up to three-years' duration, for: (1) creating or expanding CTCs; or (2) providing technical assistance and support to CTCs. Sets forth provisions for eligibility, applications, matching share of costs, and required and permissible uses of funds. Authorizes appropriations for such CTC program. Title VI: Neighborhood Networks for Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for onsite computer access and training resources for public housing residents. (Sec. 601) Authorizes computer centers in and around public housing, through a Neighborhood Networks initiative and related activities, to be established, operated, and assisted by the use of: (1) public housing capital and operating funds, and certain technical assistance; and (2) demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants for projects. Title VII: Incentives for Technology Assistance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions for a tax deduction for corporate donations of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes (currently for elementary and secondary school purposes). (Sec. 701) Includes Head Start centers, structured after-school programs, and certain public libraries and community centers (in addition to elementary and secondary schools) as eligible donees of such deductible donations. Allows such deductible donations to include training or maintenance services with respect to such computer technology or equipment. Extends such deduction to donations made on or before June 30, 2004. Title VIII: Demonstration Project in K-12 Education Technology - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration project that: (1) delivers a highly flexible educational system designed for grade three through grade 12, or a component thereof, that includes hardware, software, training, and ongoing support and professional development; (2) implements an Internet-based, one-to-one pilot project that specifically targets the educational needs of students in grade three through grade 12 who reside in low-income school districts; and (3) is conducted by an organization with proven expertise in the research and development of education technology designed for grade three through grade 12. (Sec. 801) Requires the demonstration project to provide for: (1) a laptop computer for every student participating in the project; (2) an infrared wireless connection to the school's local area network; (3) a low-cost, high-speed Internet connection; (4) customized, professional development for technical and instructional staff; (5) an academic information system that provides alignment between curricula, State standards, assessment, and teacher resources; and (6) a parental training component. Allows the Secretary to contract with a private company or organization to carry out such a demonstration. Requires the Secretary to coordinate project implementation and oversight with an LEA and a private company, if such a company is used in the project. Requires, to the extent practicable, the project to be conducted in a location where a similar program is already at least partially underway. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration project.

Medicare Wellness Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Medicare Wellness Act of 2000 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to establish policies and criteria for the HHS Secretary to make grants to approved applicants to study specified approaches to further health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) should encourage inclusion of preventive health measures in all Medicare treatments; (2) HCFA should expand the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine should establish a Medicare health promotion and disease prevention intervention clearinghouse. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to outline Medicare coverage of various specified preventive services, including: (1) counseling for cessation of tobacco use; (2) screening for hypertension; (3) counseling for hormone replacement therapy; (4) screening for glaucoma and for diminished visual acuity; and (5) screening and counseling for osteoporosis. (Sec. 209) Extends Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, a cardiovascular disease, or a renal disease. (Sec. 210) Waives coinsurance and deductibles for certain preventive services, such as: (1) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; (2) colorectal and prostate cancer screening tests; and (3) bone mass measurement. (Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries and to integrate specified preventive benefits added by this Act with existing program integrity measures. Title III: Medicare Health Education and Risk Appraisal Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish a health education and risk appraisal program to inform certain target individuals, including Medicare beneficiaries, of described major behavioral risk factors through self-assessment; and (2) conduct periodic followups. Title IV: Disease Self-Management Demonstration Projects - Establishes in HHS a Disease Self-Management Working Group. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to promote disease self-management for conditions identified by the Group for described target individuals. Provides funding. Title V: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in the Field of Disease Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise reporting requirements for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Sec. 502) Directs the Director of the National Institutes on Aging to conduct one or more studies, for associated reports to the HHS Secretary and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, that focus on ways to: (1) improve quality of life for the elderly; (2) develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; and (3) develop means of assessing the long-term development of cost-effective benefits and cost-saving benefits for health promotion and disease prevention among the elderly. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute to study and report to the President and Congress on health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 504) Provides for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. Title VI: Clinical Depression Screening Demonstration Projects - Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of providing annual screenings for clinical depression as a Medicare benefit. Provides funding.

Organ Donation and Transplantation Improvements Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Organ Donation and Transplantation Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify: (1) the requirements organ procurement organizations must meet to be eligible for certain existing grants, including organization certification requirements; and (2) requirements and limitations regarding the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, including regarding organ allocation. Requires that the scientific registry of organ transplant recipients also include information respecting donors and patients in transplants involving living donors. Authorizes grants and contracts for travel and subsistence expenses of living donors. Mandates a public education program regarding organ donation (either directly by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or through grants or contracts). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants for studies and demonstration projects regarding increasing donation rates; and (2) make grants to States for public education and programs to increase the number of donors. Provides for a bronze medal for donors (or, if the donor is deceased, the donor's family).

Quality Teacher Recruitment Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Quality Teacher Recruitment Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase from $5,000 to $17,750 the amount of student loans that may be forgiven for service as a teacher in a school with a high concentration of low-income students, in specified guaranteed and direct loan programs under title IV Student Assistance.

Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each eligible institution participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to: (1) prepare, publish, and distribute to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report which discloses specified types of information about that institution's campus fire safety standards and practices; (2) make periodic reports to the campus community on fires and false alarms that are reported to local fire departments, to aid in preventing similar occurrences; and (3) submit annually to the Secretary of Education a copy of statistics on campus occurrences of fires and false fire alarms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review such statistics; (2) make copies available to the public; (3) identify exemplary fire safety policies, procedures, and practices, and disseminate information concerning those policies, procedures, and practices that have proven effective in the reduction of campus fires; and (4) report to the Congress analyses of the current status of fire safety systems in college and university facilities, and of the appropriate fire safety standards to apply to these facilities, as well as cost estimates and recommendations.

Alternative Education for Safe Schools and Safe Communities Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

Alternative Education for Safe Schools and Safe Communities Act of 2000 - Title I: Alternative Education Program - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add to title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Communities) a new part B, Alternative Education Financing and Establishment Grants. (Currently title IV has a part A but no part B.) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) allocate such part B funds among States on the basis of relative amounts received under the ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Students Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies); and (2) reserve specified portions of such funds for outlying areas and for programs for Indian children. Allows reservation of certain amounts for national evaluation and national activities. Requires each State educational agency (SEA) to distribute at least 95 percent of its State allotment to local educational agencies (LEAs). Allows the remainder to be used for State-level activities and evaluation, including a limited amount for administration. Sets forth requirements for SEA applications and their approval, SEA activities, and State performance measures for part B programs. Directs each SEA to distribute part B funds to LEAs on a competitive grant basis if the State allotment is less than a specified amount, and on a formula grant basis if such allotment equals or exceeds such amount. Requires such competitive grant awards to: (1) go to LEAs with approved applications that can demonstrate a significant number of incidents of children age five through 21 who have been suspended or expelled from public school; (2) give priority to LEAs in which more than 30 percent of the children are from low-income families; (3) be of sufficient size and scope so as to be effective; (4) be distributed on an equitable geographic basis; and (5) be by peer review application approval. Requires distribution of such formula grant awards as follows: (1) 80 percent of funds to LEAs based on relative numbers of children, age five through 17, who reside in their school districts from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (2) 20 percent to LEAs based on relative enrollments in public and private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools within their boundaries. Sets the Federal share of part B programs at: (1) 65 percent for LEAs with poverty levels above 30 percent; and (2) 35 percent for those with levels below that. Sets forth requirements for local applications and their approval, and for LEA uses of part B funds. Requires State and national program evaluations and reports. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct research to develop and identify proven alternative education practices; and (2) disseminate such practices to SEAs and LEAs receiving part B funds. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out, directly or through grants or contracts, programs and activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, such as collection of data, dissemination of information, and development of model programs and activities. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or the Gun-Free Schools Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Coastal Stewardship Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

Coastal Stewardship Act - Title I: Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund - Establishes the Ocean and Coast Conservation Fund (Fund) to carry out this Act. Title II: Cooperative Living Marine Resource Conservation - Subtitle A: Cooperative Fisheries Research and Management - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if requested by a Governor of a State represented on an Interstate Marine Fishery Commission, to enter into cooperative agreements on a sole-source basis with any State, fisheries commission, fishery management council, or other regional or tribal entity charged with management of living marine resources for purposes of undertaking fisheries management projects. Requires the Secretary to make funds available for projects to address critical needs identified in fishery management reports or plans approved by such entities that pertain to: (1) collection and analysis of fishery data and information; or (2) development of measures to promote innovative or cooperative fishery management. (Sec. 203) Describes projects that shall receive priority for funding. (Sec. 205) Makes funds available from the Fund for administration of this title. Subtitle B: Cooperative Enforcement of Living Marine Resource Laws - Directs the Secretary, if requested by the Governor of a State represented on an interstate commission, to enter into an agreement under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that authorizes the deputization of State law enforcement officers to perform the Secretary's duties relating to enforcement of this Act or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, after execution of that agreement and if requested by a State, to enter into an agreement for a joint project on matters of mutual interest. Declares that those joint project agreements are intended to provide a framework for enforcement and prosecution of Federal and State living marine resource laws and regulations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement on a sole-source basis with an appropriate marine fisheries commission to assist in oversight and coordination of the joint project agreement. Title III: Cooperative Coastal Stewardship - Requires coastal States, in order to receive funds made available under this title, to develop certain ocean and coastal resource restoration and preservation projects that encourage coordination of Federal, State, and community programs and partnerships between the public and private sector. Sets forth procedures for approval of project plans by the Secretary. Allocates funds for projects based on total amount of coastline and coastal population. (Sec. 305) Requires the Secretary to maintain a database of information concerning coastal habitat restoration and preservation projects funded under this title. (Sec. 308) Makes funds available from the Fund for administration of this title. Title IV: Coral Reef Protection - Coral Reef Protection Act of 2000 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to conserve coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) financial assistance for projects that provide for the restoration or conservation of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems; and (2) technical assistance to any State or Federal agency with coral reef jurisdiction. (Sec. 407) Authorizes: (1) the conducting of activities that conserve coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems or that further public awareness and education; and (2) joint projects with any Federal, State, or local authority or financial assistance to any person for such activities. (Sec. 408) Amends Federal law relating to vessels eligible for documentation to prohibit a vessel that is otherwise qualified to be documented as a vessel of the United States from being documented if the owner has abandoned any vessel on a reef subject to U.S. jurisdiction and the vessel remains on the reef or was removed using funds under this Act or any other Act on the same subject enacted after 1999. (Sec. 409) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a foundation under which the foundation may receive, hold, and administer funds to support public-private partnerships that further this title's purposes. Authorizes such a foundation to solicit and accept any gift or donation to further this title's purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer certain funds appropriated under this Act to such a foundation. (Sec. 410) Allocates funds to carry out this title.

21st Century Community Learning and Successful Schools Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

21st Century Community Learning and Successful Schools Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide assistance to States, local educational agencies (LEAs), local park and recreation agencies, and community organizations to: (1) improve the academic achievement of at-risk students; (2) provide safe, constructive after-school and summer activities for school-age children; and (3) improve the quality and performance of teachers in public elementary and secondary schools. (Sec. 5) Revises requirements for certain school counseling demonstration grants, under ESEA title X part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education). Requires such grants to be for programs in kindergarten through grade eight. Directs the Secretary of Education, in awarding such grants, to give special consideration to applications that demonstrate the greatest need for new or improved counseling services to meet the needs of students who are at risk of being involved in delinquent behavior, becoming victims of crime, failing to meet the academic standards required to be promoted, or dropping out of school before the students graduate (at-risk students), as well as to meeting specified other current priority considerations. Eliminates a maximum grant limitation. Requires applicant LEAs to describe the particular emotional, social, and educational needs of the students who will be targeted by such programs. Requires recipient LEAs to use such grants to establish or improve counseling services through qualified school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers. Authorizes appropriations for such program of school counseling demonstration grants, and for the following grant programs which this Act adds under the Fund for the Improvement of Education: (1) summer school; (2) enrichment; and (3) youth development. Authorizes the Secretary to make allotments to State educational agencies (SEAs) for grants to LEAs to support summer school programs for students who have not met academic standards required for promotion to the next grade. Bases such State allotments on relative amounts received under ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies). Requires a reservation of funds for innovative programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make allotments to eligible State agencies for grants to consortia (consisting of public elementary or secondary schools, institutions of higher education, not-for-profit scientific and cultural agencies, libraries, or community organizations) to provide after-school and summer enrichment activities for youth. Bases such State allotments on relative amounts received under ESEA title I part A. Authorizes the Director of the National Park Service to make allotments to eligible State agencies for matching grants to local public park or recreation agencies for the support of after-school and summer youth development programs. Bases such State allotments on relative numbers of youth age five through 18. Requires a reservation of funds for innovative programs. (Sec. 6) Amends ESEA title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) to establish a new part E, Teacher Scholarships. (Transfers the current part E to part F.) Authorizes the Secretary to make allotments to eligible State agencies to award scholarships to individuals who attend approved teacher education programs and agree to become teachers in public elementary and secondary schools in underserved school districts for at least one year for each year of the scholarship. Authorizes appropriations for such Teacher Scholarships program. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations to carry out ESEA title II. Directs the Secretary to reserve five percent of funds, under part B (State and Local Activities) of ESEA title II, to award grants for innovative teacher preparation and certification or licensure programs and to develop model teacher evaluation programs. Requires a State, in order for its SEA to be eligible for part B funds, to: (1) assess the professional development needs for teachers and principals; (2) adopt a plan to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all teachers employed by LEAs meet the State's certification or licensure requirements for the subjects in which the teachers teach; (3) adopt a plan to improve teaching in reading, mathematics, and science; and (4) establish guidelines, in cooperation with specified groups, to evaluate the performance of teachers and principals. Requires LEAs that receive part B grant funds to: (1) use at least 80 percent of such funds for professional development activities for schools in which student performance in core academic subjects is below the average performance for all students in the schools they serve; and (2) give priority to using such funds for professional development activities that ensure that all teachers are certified in the subject areas in which they teach, improve teaching in reading, mathematics, and science, and improve education and support services provided to students at risk of not meeting the academic performance standards required to be promoted to the next grade. Requires an LEA, in order to be eligible for part B funds, to establish a comprehensive system to evaluate the performance of teachers and principals in accordance with the guidelines established by the SEA. Requires such system to be developed in cooperation with specified groups and to include certain components.

Summer Fill and Fuel Budgeting Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

Summer Fill and Fuel Budgeting Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in order to avoid severe seasonal price increases and supply shortages of propane, kerosene, and heating oil, to provide, upon State request, information, technical assistance, and funding to: (1) develop education and outreach programs to encourage consumers to fill their storage facilities for such fuels during the summer months; and (2) promote the use of budget contracts, fixed-price contracts, and other advantageous financial arrangements. Directs the Secretary to give preference to States that contribute public funds or leverage private funds to develop State summer fill and fuel budgeting programs. Authorizes appropriations.

Local Education Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

Local Education Empowerment Act - Title I: Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend through FY 2005, in an increased specified amount, the authorization of appropriations for programs under part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). (Sec. 102) Revises a formula to determine whether a local educational agency (LEA) may use such part A funds for schoolwide programs (to upgrade the entire educational program in a school). Allows such schoolwide use of funds if: (1) the school serves an eligible school attendance area in which at least 35 percent (currently 50 percent) of the children are from low-income families; or (2) at least 35 percent (currently 50 percent) of the children enrolled in the school are from such families. Title II: Professional Development - Amends ESEA to revise title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) by replacing current provisions. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide title II grants to eligible LEAs to provide specified services. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve student achievement by providing high-quality professional development for teachers, hiring new teachers, and reducing class size. Requires half of title II funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other half to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Authorizes LEAs to use title II funds for specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title II of ESEA. Title III: Education Reforms - Amends ESEA to revise title III (Technology for Education) by replacing current provisions. (Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to provide title III grants to eligible LEAs to provide specified services. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve student achievement through education reforms. Requires one-quarter of title III funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other three-quarters to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Authorizes LEAs to use title III funds for specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title III of ESEA. Title IV: Administrative Expenses - Amends ESEA to revise title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities) by replacing current provisions. (Sec. 401) Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to maintain State standards and assessments and to monitor LEA progress toward meeting State goals. Bases the amount each State receives on its relative number of students aged five to 17. Requires SEAs to use title IV funds for specified activities and to take corrective action in certain cases. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for title IV of ESEA. Title V: Increased Authorization Levels - Amends ESEA to extend through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations, in increased specified amounts, for: (1) Magnet School Assistance under part A of title V; and (2) Public Charter Schools under part C of title X. Title VI: Limited English Proficient Students - Amends ESEA to revise title VII (Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs) by replacing current provisions. (Sec. 601) Authorizes the Secretary to provide title VII grants to LEAs to provide specified services to limited English proficient students to enable them to meet the same rigorous standards for academic performance as other students in the State. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve limited English proficiency education, address the needs of immigrant students, and establish numerical performance objectives to determine student progress in learning English. Requires use of census data to identify the number of limited English proficient students served by an LEA, to determine the amount each LEA may be eligible to receive. Requires half of title VII funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other half to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Sets forth hold-harmless provisions under which an LEA will not receive less than the total amount it received in FY 2000 under ESEA title VII as in effect prior to enactment of this Act. Authorizes LEAs to use title VII funds for specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title VII of ESEA.

Small Business Tax Fairness Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2000

Small Business Tax Fairness Act of 2000 - Title I: Small Business Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to increase a self-employed individual's deduction for the health insurance costs of self and family to 100 percent. Denies such deduction only for any month the individual actually participates in an employer-subsidized health plan (currently, for any month the individual is eligible to participate). (Sec. 102) Increases to $30,000 the aggregate cost taken into account for the option to expense certain depreciable business assets of small businesses. (Sec. 103) Increases from 50 percent to: (1) 60 percent in 2000 and 55 percent for taxable years beginning in 2001 the deduction for meal and entertainment expenses; and (2) 80 percent the deduction of business meal expenses for individuals subject to Federal limitations on hours of service. (Sec. 105) Amends the Code to: (1) extend income averaging to income from the trade or business of catching, taking, or harvesting fish intended to enter commerce through sale, barter, or trade; and (2) disregard income averaging for farmers and commercial fishermen in computing the regular alternative minimum tax. (Sec. 106) Repeals specified occupational taxes relating to distilled spirits, wine, and beer. Revises the record-keeping requirements for wholesale and retail liquor dealers. Makes it unlawful for any liquor dealer (except one selling beer exclusively) to purchase distilled spirits from any person but a wholesale liquor dealer (excluding a wholesale dealer exclusively in beer) subject to specified record-keeping requirements. (Sec. 107) Amends the Code (as amended by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) to repeal revisions to the Code (made by the Act) which repealed the use of the installment method of accounting for accrual method taxpayers and modified the pledge rules of installment obligations. Title II: Pension Provisions - Subtitle A: Expanding Coverage - Increases limits on benefits and contributions under qualified pension plans. (Sec. 202) Amends the Code with regard to the tax on prohibited transactions, and in particular certain transactions involving trusts which are part of an owner-employee plan, and which are not exempted from the tax. Limits the meaning of owner-employee, with respect to any non-exempt loan of any part of the corpus or income of a plan to an owner-employee or family member (subchapter S owner, partner, or sole proprietor), to: (1) a participant or beneficiary of an individual retirement plan; or (2) an employer or association of employees which establishes such a plan. (Sec. 203) Modifies top-heavy rules. Redefines certain key employees to: (1) eliminate the ten employees each of whom earns over $30,000 per year and owns the largest interests in the employer; and (2) include an officer of the employer earning more than $150,000 per year. Provides that employer matching contributions shall be taken into account for minimum contribution requirements. Declares that aggregate distributions during the last year (or, for in-service distributions, during the past five years) shall be taken into account when determining: (1) the present value of the cumulated accrued benefit for any employee; or (2) the amount of any employee's account. Excludes from the meaning of top-heavy plan any plan which consists solely of: (1) a cash or deferred arrangement using certain alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements; and (2) matching contributions which meet certain requirements of a specified additional alternative method of satisfying nondiscrimination tests. Exempts from the minimum benefit requirement, and determination of any employee's years of service with an employer, any service with an employer occurring during a plan year when the plan benefits no current or former employee (frozen plan). Declares that, with respect to top-heavy plans, determination of constructive stock ownership by a five-percent owner shall disregard family attribution requirements. (Sec. 204) Exempts elective deferrals of employer contributions not includable in an employee's gross income from specified limitations on an employer's deductions for such contributions to an employees' trust or annuity plan and compensation under a deferred payment plan. (Sec. 205) Repeals coordination requirements for deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 206) Eliminates the user fee for requests to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for determination letters with respect to the qualified status of any pension plan maintained solely by one or more eligible employers or any trust which is a part of the plan. (Sec. 207) Subjects participant's compensation to specified limits on deductions for employer contributions. (Sec. 208) Establishes an option to treat employee elective deferrals as qualified plus contributions (which shall not, however, be excludable from gross income). Subtitle B: Enhancing Fairness for Women - Amends the Code to allow eligible participants age 50 or over to make additional elective deferrals (catch-up contributions) in any plan year according to a schedule of percentage increments (from ten percent to 40 percent) between 2001 and 2004 and thereafter. (Sec. 222) Increases from 25 percent to 100 percent of compensation (up to $30,000) the maximum allowable annual addition to a participant's plan account. (Sec. 223) Provides for faster vesting of certain employer matching contributions. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to simplify and finalize the regulations relating to specified minimum distribution requirements, and modify them to: (1) reflect current life expectancy; and (2) revise the required distribution methods so that, under reasonable assumptions, the amount of the required minimum distribution does not decrease over a participant's life expectancy. (Sec. 225) Amends the Code to provide for distribution or payment (division of benefits) from an eligible deferred compensation plan upon divorce. (Sec. 226) Directs the Secretary to revise the hardship distribution regulations to provide that six months is the period an employee is prohibited from making elective and employee contributions in order for a distribution to be deemed necessary to satisfy financial need (safe harbor relief for hardship withdrawals from cash or deferred arrangements). Subtitle C: Increasing Portability for Participants - Amends the Code to provide for rollovers among various specified kinds of plans. Revises the requirements for tax-exempt rollovers of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) into eligible (workplace) retirement plans. (Sec. 233) Exempts from certain limitations on the amount of a tax-exempt rollover from an exempt trust: (1) any portion of a distribution transferred in a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to a qualified trust in a defined contribution plan, which is also separately accounted for; and (2) any portion transferred to an eligible retirement plan. (Sec. 234) Provides a hardship exception to the requirement that a tax-exempt rollover be made within 60 days after distribution. (Sec. 235) Amends the Code to revise the treatment of a plan as failing to meet minimum vesting standards if a participant's accrued benefit is decreased by amendment of the plan. Declares that a defined contribution plan shall not be treated as failing to meet such requirements merely because the transferee plan does not provide some or all of the forms of distribution previously available under another defined contribution plan in specified circumstances. (Sec. 236) Revises certain restrictions on distributions from qualified cash or deferred arrangements. Eliminates a corporation's disposition of assets or of an interest in a subsidiary as events for which lump-sum distributions are covered (while retaining termination of a plan as a covered event). Changes separation from service to severance from employment as a threshold event for the covered distribution of amounts from a qualified cash or deferred arrangement. (Sec. 237) Excludes from gross income any amount transferred to a defined benefit governmental plan in a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer if it is for: (1) purchase of a permissive service credit; or (2) a repayment of cash-outs to which certain limitations on contributions do not apply. (Sec. 238) Amends the Code with respect to restrictions on certain mandatory distributions to allow employers to disregard rollover contributions when determining the present value of nonforfeitable accrued benefits for cash-out purposes. (Sec. 239) Amends the Code, with respect to deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations, to repeal certain additional minimum distribution requirements. Revises requirements for inclusion of deferred compensation in a participant's gross income to limit the taxable year: (1) to the taxable year in which the compensation or income is paid to the participant in the case of a State or local government; and (2) to the taxable year in which the compensation or income is paid or otherwise made available to the participant or other beneficiary in the case of a tax-exempt organization. Subtitle D: Strengthening Pension Security and Enforcement - Amends the Code, with respect to the full-funding limitation, to repeal the current liability funding limit percentage in the case of plan years beginning in 1999 or 2000. Sets the applicable percentage of current liability at 160 percent in 2001, 165 percent in 2002, 170 percent in 2003, and nothing afterwards. (Sec. 242) Revises the special rule for an employer's maximum deductible contribution to change the minimum amount, for plans with more than 100 participants, from the unfunded current liability to the unfunded termination liability. Excludes from termination liability, for plans with under 100 participants, any liability attributable to benefit increases for highly compensated employees resulting from a plan amendment made or effective within the last two years before the termination date. (Sec. 243) Amends the Code with respect to the excise tax on nondeductible contributions to a qualified employer plan. Allows an employer, in determining the amount of nondeductible contributions, to elect not to take into account any contributions to a defined benefit plan except to the extent they exceed the full-funding limitation. (Sec. 244) Establishes an excise tax (of $100 per applicable individual per day) on a defined benefit plan for failing to give notice to participants of any plan amendment providing for a significant reduction in the rate of future benefit accrual. Subtitle E: Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Amends the Code, with respect to annual valuation of a plan's liability, to require actual valuation only once every three years of a plan whose assets are at least 125 percent of its current liability. Permits use of prior year valuations for any two consecutive plan years, so long as an actual valuation takes place in the third year. (Sec. 262) Amends the Code to allow the reinvestment in qualifying employer securities of any employee stock ownership plan dividend paid by a C corporation, without loss of the corporation's deduction from gross income. (Sec. 263) Amend the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal, as of December 31, 2000, the transition rule relating to certain highly compensated employees. (Sec. 264) Directs the Secretary to modify Treasury Regulations to provide that employees of tax-exempt organizations who are eligible to make contributions under a salary reduction agreement may be treated as excludable from a 401 (k) plan or 401 (m) plan if: (1) no such employee is eligible to participate in such 401(k) plan or 401(m) plan; and (2) 95 percent of other employees are eligible to participate in such a plan. (Sec. 265) Amends the Code to make a fringe benefit exclusion from gross income of any qualified retirement planning services provided to an employee and his spouse by an employer maintaining a qualified employer plan. (Sec. 266) Directs the Secretary to modify the annual return filing requirements for one-participant retirement plans (covering only the employer and spouse where the employer owns the entire business, or only one or more partners and spouses in a business partnership) to ensure that any plans with assets of $250,000 or less as of the close of the plan year need not file a return for that year. (Sec. 267) Directs the Secretary to continue to update and improve the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (or any successor program), giving special attention to certain tasks. (Sec. 268) Amends Code provisions regarding a tax exclusion for cash reimbursements to repeal the requirement that a voucher or similar item which may be exchanged for a transit pass is not readily available for direct distribution. (Sec. 269) Repeals the Secretary's mandate, with respect to the nondiscrimination test for matching contributions and employee contributions, to prescribe regulations to prevent the multiple use of the alternative limitation for any highly compensated employee. (Sec. 270) Directs the Secretary to provide that a plan shall be deemed to satisfy nondiscrimination requirements if it satisfies the facts and circumstances test as in effect before January 1, 1994, but only if: (1) it satisfies conditions prescribed by the Secretary to appropriately limit the availability of such test; and (2) it is submitted to the Secretary for a determination of whether it satisfies such test. Revises minimum coverage requirements to allow a plan that otherwise fails to meet such requirements to constitute a qualified plan if it meets certain requirements that were in effect immediately before enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. (Such requirements stated that the plan must at least benefit employees qualifying under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are officers, shareholders, or highly compensated.) Directs the Secretary to modify certain existing regulations with respect to employers operating separate lines of business to expand the ability of a pension plan to demonstrate compliance with the line of business requirements based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the design and operation of the plan, even though the plan is unable to satisfy the mechanical tests currently used to determine compliance. (Sec. 271) Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to extend to international organizations the moratorium on application of certain nondiscrimination rules applicable to State and local governmental plans. (Sec. 272) Increases from 90 to 180 days certain notice and consent periods regarding distributions. Directs the Secretary to modify certain consent regulations to provide that the description of a participant's right, if any, to defer receipt of a distribution shall also describe the consequences of failing to defer such receipt. Subtitle F: Plan Amendments - Prescribes application requirements for plan or contract amendments. Title III: Estate Tax Relief - Subtitle A: Reductions of Estate and Gift Tax Rates - Amends the Code to repeal the two highest estate tax brackets and replace them with a top bracket of "Over $2,500,000", for which the estate tax rate shall be $1,025,800, plus 50 percent of the excess over $2,500,000. Repeals the phase out of graduated rates and the unified credit. Requires additional reductions in estate and gift tax rates of one percent for calendar 2003 and two percent for calendar 2004 and thereafter. (Sec. 302) Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the death tax relief in this Act is considered a first step in the effort to repeal this tax. Subtitle B: Unified Credit Replaced With Unified Exemption Amount - Repeals the unified credits against the estate and gift taxes, and replaces them with a unified exemption amount, determined by specified formulae involving amounts ranging from $675,000 in calendar year 2001 up to $1 million in calendar year 2006 and thereafter. Grants up to a $60,000 exemption to the estate of a nonresident, non-U.S. citizen, with specified variations for residents of U.S. possessions. Subtitle C: Modifications of Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax - Declares that, if any individual makes an indirect skip during such individual's lifetime, any unused portion of such individual's generation-skipping transfer (GST) exemption shall be allocated to the property transferred to the extent necessary to make the inclusion ratio for such property zero. Requires allocation to the property transferred of the entire unused portion if the amount of the indirect skip exceeds such unused portion. (Sec. 322) Declares that, if a trust is severed in a qualified severance, the trusts resulting from such severance shall be treated as separate trusts thereafter. (Sec. 323) Revises valuation rules for gifts for which a gift tax return was filed or deemed allocation made. Provides that, if an allocation of the GST exemption to any transfers of property is deemed to have been made at the close of an estate tax inclusion period, the value of the property shall be its value at such time. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary to prescribe circumstances and procedures under which extensions of time will be granted to make an allocation of GST exemption or an election not to apply specified allocation requirements to certain lifetime direct skips, indirect skips, or transfers to a particular trust. Subtitle D: Conservation Easements - Redefines land subject to a qualified conservation easement, for estate tax purposes, to mean land, on the decedent's date of death, located in or within: (1) 50 miles (currently, 25 miles) of a metropolitan area; (2) 50 miles (currently, 25 miles) of a national park or wilderness area; or (3) 25 miles (currently, ten miles) of an Urban National Forest. Title IV: Tax Relief for Distressed Communities and Industries - Subtitle A: American Community Renewal Act of 2000 - American Community Renewal Act of 2000 - Amends the Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 15 renewal communities, of which at least three shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with community organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Excludes from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax deduction; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 405) Permits a deduction for contributions to a family development account whether or not a taxpayer itemizes. Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. Subtitle B: Timber Incentives - Amends the Code, with respect to the deductible amortization of reforestation expenditures, to increase the limitation on the aggregate amount of amortizable basis acquired during the taxable year from $10,000 to $25,000 (and from $5,000 to $12,500 in the case of a separate return by a married individual), but suspends the application of such limitation between December 31, 1999, and January 1, 2004. Title V: Real Estate Provisions - Subtitle A: Improvements in Low-Income Housing Credit - Amends the Code, with respect to the low-income housing credit, to revise the formula for the State housing credit ceiling. Replaces the set multiplicand of $1.25 (to be multiplied by the State population) with a graduated applicable multiplicand rising from $1.35 for calendar year 2001 to $1.65 for calendar year 2004 and thereafter, and a maximum product of $2 million. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to the State ceiling. (Sec. 502) Revises the housing priority selection criteria a housing credit agency must use to develop a qualified plan for allocating housing credit dollar amounts among projects. Requires such criteria to include: (1) whether the project would use existing housing as part of a community revitalization plan; (2) tenant populations of individuals with children; and (3) projects intended for eventual tenant ownership. Drops from such criteria participation of local tax-exempt organizations. Requires a qualified allocation plan to: (1) give preference in making allocations to projects located in qualified census tracts whose development contributes to a concerted community revitalization plan; and (2) provide a procedure for agency monitoring for noncompliance with habitability standards through regular site visits. (Sec. 503) Requires housing credit agencies to: (1) provide for a comprehensive market study (by a disinterested party, at the developer's expense) of the housing needs of low-income individuals in the area to be served by the project before the credit allocation is made; and (2) make public a written explanation for any allocation of a housing credit dollar amount not made in accordance with the agency's established priorities and selection criteria. (Sec. 504) Revises special rules for the determination of the adjusted basis of buildings eligible for the low-income housing credit. Requires adjusted basis to include property used throughout the taxable year in providing any community service facility designed to serve primarily individuals (even if they are not tenants) whose income is 60 percent or less of area median income. Declares that assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 shall be disregarded in determining whether a building is federally subsidized for purposes of the low-income housing credit. (Sec. 505) Revises the definition of a qualified building (placed in service not later than the second calendar year following a housing credit dollar amount allocation) with respect to which the amount of a low-income housing credit may exceed the credit amount allocated to the building. Sets an alternative date for valuation of the taxpayer's actual basis in the project of which the building is a part (where the actual basis is more than ten percent of the taxpayer's reasonably expected basis). Allows the valuation of the actual basis to be as of the later of the date which is six months after the date that the allocation was made or (as currently) the close of the calendar year in which the allocation is made. Revises the formula for determination of the amount of State housing credit ceiling returned in a calendar year to include the dollar amount previously allocated to a project which fails to meet the ten percent test on a date after the close of the calendar year in which the allocation was made. Revises special rules for the increased basis of a building located in certain high cost areas to redefine a qualified census tract to include, as an alternative to existing criteria, a tract with a poverty rate of at least 25 percent. (Sec. 506) Revises the formula for determining unused housing credit carryovers allocated among certain States. Subtitle B: Private Activity Bond Volume Cap - Provides for an accelerated phase-in of specified increases in the volume cap on private activity bonds. Subtitle C: Exclusion From Gross Income for Certain Forgiven Mortgage Obligations - Excludes from gross income the discharge of qualified residential indebtedness. Limits such exclusion to the excess (if any) of the outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness (immediately before discharge) over the sum of any sales proceeds and any other outstanding principal indebtedness secured by such property.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the benefits of music education.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2000

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) music education enhances intellectual development and enriches the academic environment for children of all ages; and (2) music educators greatly contribute to the artistic, intellectual, and social development of children, and play a key role in helping children to succeed in school.

Excellent Schools for All Our Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000

Excellent Schools for All Our Children Act - Title I: Funding for Elementary and Secondary Education - Requires the Secretary of Education to make direct awards to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support programs or activities, for kindergarten through grade 12 students, deemed appropriate by the LEAs. (Sec. 103) Bases award amounts on LEA's average daily attendance relative to that of such students in all States for the preceding year. (Sec. 104) Requires any failing LEA, which is classified as unaccredited or failing under performance-based standards by its State educational agency (SEA), to use such an award only for purposes directly related to improving elementary and secondary school students' academic performance consistent with specified provisions. Requires any funds provided to a failing LEA under title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to be spent in accordance with this Act. Makes inapplicable to a failing LEA certain provisions of title I of ESEA, other than specified allocation and allotment provisions. Requires failing LEAs to submit to the Secretary plans that: (1) describe the activities to be funded under this Act consistent with specified requirements; and (2) may request an exemption from the uses of funds restrictions under such requirements for schools served by the failing LEA that met SEA performance-based accreditation or categorization standards for the previous fiscal year. Requires failing LEAs, upon the Secretary's approval of their plans, to widely disseminate such plans throughout the area they serve and to post their plans on the Internet. Permits each failing LEA to use the direct award provided under this Act and the funds provided under title I of ESEA, for the fiscal year of the approved plan, only to: (1) recruit, retain, and reward high-quality teachers; (2) focus on teaching basic educational skills; (3) provide remedial instruction in core academic subjects assessed by SEA or LEA standards; (4) fund mentoring programs for elementary and secondary school students needing assistance in reading, writing, or arithmetic; (5) use proven methods of instruction, such as phonics, based upon reliable research; (6) provide for extended day learning; (7) ensure that parents realize they play a significant role in their child's educational success, and encourage parents to become active in their child's education; and (8) provide any other activity that an LEA proposes, and the Secretary approves, as one that relates directly to improving students' academic performance. Requires failing LEAs to submit annual reports to the Secretary on their use of funds and the annual performance of all their children as measured by their SEA standards. Requires individual student privacy protections in, and wide dissemination and Internet posting of, such reports. Makes such requirements for failing LEAs inapplicable to any such LEA if it meets SEA standards for two consecutive fiscal years after it is required to use funds in accordance with such requirements. Allows such an LEA to receive a bonus award from specified funds, to use for purposes such as providing professional development opportunities to, and otherwise rewarding, teachers and principals who improved student performance. Provides that the LEA shall determine how to distribute such bonus award to individual elementary and secondary schools, and that a school receiving such an award shall determine how it will be spent. Authorizes appropriations for such bonus awards. Penalizes failing LEAs for improper use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 105) Authorizes audits and enforcement of certain sanctions to ensure proper use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to use such funds appropriated for each fiscal year to continue to make payments to eligible recipients pursuant to any multiyear award made prior to the date of enactment of this Act under certain provisions of law repealed under this Act. (Sec. 107) Repeals: (1) specified ESEA provisions for demonstration project grants to improve student achievement; (2) specified ESEA provisions for school technology resource grants; (3) title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of ESEA; (4) part C (Emergency Immigrant Education Program)of title VII of ESEA; (5) part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education) of title X of ESEA; (6) title III (State and Local Education Systemic Improvement) of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (G2000EAA); (7) title IV (Parental Assistance) of G2000EAA; (8) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (9) subtitle B (Education for Homeless Children and Youth) of title VII of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; and (10) specified provisions for funds to reduce class size in elementary and secondary schools, and alternative uses of such funds, under the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1999. Title II: Good Student Scholarships - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to award achievement-based college scholarships to students graduating from failing or unaccredited schools or school districts (Good Student Scholarships program). (Sec. 201) Makes eligible for such a scholarship any secondary school student who: (1) graduates from a public secondary school or a public or private secondary school in a school district that is failing or unaccredited, as determined by the SEA; (2) has been in attendance at that school for at least two years; (3) ranks in the top ten percent academically in such student's class; (4) has an average ACT or SAT score that is equal to or greater than the national average; and (5) is in a family with income not more than $100,000. Makes each such award equal to the maximum appropriated Federal Pell Grant for such year. Authorizes appropriations for the Good Student Scholarships program.

Fire Safe Dorm Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2000

Fire Safe Dorm Act of 2000 - Title I: Obligations of Institutions of Higher Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require higher education institutions, in order to be eligible for Student Assistance programs, to: (1) keep records of, and disclose, incidents of fires in dormitories, as well as current fire prevention measures there; (2) disclose their plans to bring all campus residential facilities into compliance with specified fire safety standards; and (3) adopt, within ten years of enactment of this Act, plans to install fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and open flame resistant furniture in dormitories, in compliance with such standards. Exempts from such sprinkler installation requirement any buildings or other structures listed on the National Register for Historic Places, if installation would destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the historic nature of the property. Title II: Dormitory Fire Safety Standards - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to: (1) establish fire safety standards for dormitories, including mandatory fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and open flame resistant furniture and mattresses; and (2) encourage State and local authorities to adopt such standards.