Education

A bill to prohibit assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless and until certain conditions are met.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000

Prohibits U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless the President certifies to Congress that it has removed the anti-Semitic, anti-Israel content included in the textbooks used in schools, and radio and television broadcasts made by publicly funded facilities, in the areas it controls in the West Bank and Gaza. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should urge U.S. allies to apply equivalent restrictions on assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000

Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Office of Nuclear Science and Technology, to support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering. Sets forth the duties of such Office in implementing the program. Targets university research and training reactors and associated infrastructure as recipients of authorized appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote interactions between university and Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories; and (2) provide student fellowships at DOE nuclear science laboratories. Authorizes appropriations through FY2005 that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (5) re-licensing assistance; (6) reactor research and training award program; and (7) university-DOE laboratory interactions.

A concurrent resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 4577.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a specified correction in the enrollment of H.R. 4577 (making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY 2001).

Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000

Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Title I: Small Business Innovation Research Program - Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends provisions of the Small Business Act (the Act) concerning the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (a program providing a portion of Federal research and development funding to small businesses) to: (1) extend the SBIR Program through September 30, 2008; (2) require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to include the House Science Committee for receipt of an annual report on the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs; (3) direct each Federal agency required to establish an SBIR Program to include within its annual performance plan a section on its SBIR Program; (4) require such Federal agencies to collect and maintain necessary information to assess their SBIR Program and to include such information in annual reports to the congressional small business committees; (5) require the Administrator to develop, maintain, and make available to the public an electronic database containing a list of small businesses that have received first or second phase awards from a Federal agency, related award information, and information regarding mentors and mentoring networks (the latter established under this Act); and (6) require the Administrator to develop and maintain a database to be used solely for SBIR Program evaluation (requiring small businesses receiving awards under the SBIR Program to update information furnished for the such database). (Sec. 108) Requires each Federal agency with a budget of more than $50 million for its SBIR Program for FY 1999 to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for the National Research Council to: (1) conduct a study of the value and benefits achieved by the Program; and (2) make appropriate recommendations for Program improvement. Requires the participation of appropriate small business representatives in any study panel appointed by the Council. Requires reports from the Council on study progress and results. (Sec. 109) Directs each Federal agency required to maintain an SBIR Program to report annually to the Administrator the methodology used for calculating the amount of that agency's extramural budget. (Sec. 110) Requires the Administrator to modify the policy directives for the SBIR Program to include, among other things, that participating agencies report at least annually to the Administrator all instances in which such agency pursued research, development, or production of a technology developed by a small business using an SBIR award and determined that it was not practicable to enter into a follow-on SBIR Program funding agreement with that small business. (Sec. 111) Directs the Administrator to establish the Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST). Requires the Administrator and the SBIR Program managers at the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense to review applicant proposals and make awards or enter into cooperative agreements in order to enhance or develop in a State: (1) technology research and development by small businesses; (2) technology transfer from university research to technology-based small businesses; (3) technology deployment and diffusion benefitting small businesses; (4) technological capabilities of small businesses; and (5) outreach, financial support, and technical assistance to technology-based small businesses participating or interested in participating in the SBIR Program. Outlines selection criteria and matching funds requirements. Requires an initial and annual reports from the Administrator to specified committees on FAST. Requires FAST review by the SBA Inspector General and a review report to specified committees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for FAST. Terminates FAST as of the end of FY 2005. Authorizes each Federal agency required to establish an SBIR Program in each fiscal year to review for funding any proposal: (1) to provide outreach and assistance to one or more small businesses interested in participating; or (2) for the first phase of an SBIR Program, for States eligible to participate in such Program, or States in which the total value of contracts awarded to small businesses under such Program is less than the total value of such contracts in a majority of other States. (Sec. 112) Authorizes FAST award recipients or cooperative agreement participants to use a reasonable amount of such assistance for the establishment of a Mentoring Network which provides business advice and counseling to high-technology small businesses located in a State or region served by the Network and identified as potential candidates for the SBIR or STTR Program. Requires the Network to identify volunteer mentors with appropriate experience to assist small businesses through SBIR or STTR Program stages. Directs the Administrator to include in the general database required under this Act appropriate information on Mentoring Networks and participating mentors and to aggressively promote such Networks. (Sec. 113) Directs the Administrator to work with SBIR-participating Federal agencies to standardize reporting requirements for the collection of data from SBIR applicants and awardees. (Sec. 114) Amends the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 to extend through FY 2005 the rural outreach program. Title II: Business Loan Programs - Small Business Loan Improvement Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee a general business loan made by a bank or other financial institution to a small business in the amount of: (1) 75 percent of the outstanding balance of such loan, if such balance exceeds $150,000 (currently, $100,000); and (2) 85 percent of the outstanding balance of less than $150,000 (also currently $100,000). Prohibits any such loan from being made to a borrower if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower from the business loan and SBA investment funds would exceed $1 million (currently $750,000). (Sec. 204) Makes current provisions requiring the payment of interest on defaulted guaranteed loans inapplicable to loans made on or after October 1, 2000. (Sec. 205) Requires a borrower who prepays any loan guaranteed by the SBA to remit to the SBA a subsidy recoupment fee (calculated under this Act) if: (1) the loan is for a term of not less than 15 years; (2) the prepayment is voluntary; (3) the amount of prepayment in any calendar year is more than 25 percent of the outstanding loan balance; and (4) the prepayment is made within the first three years after disbursement of the loan proceeds. (Sec. 206) Revises loan guarantee fee amounts. Authorizes lenders participating in an SBA program to retain no more than 25 percent of such fee with respect to any loan not exceeding $150,000. (Sec. 207) Authorizes a borrower to permanently lease to one or more tenants not more than 20 percent of any property constructed using guaranteed loan proceeds, as long as such borrower permanently occupies and uses not less than 60 percent of the total business space in the property. (Sec. 208) Provides for property appraisals when loans under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 are secured by commercial real property. (Sec. 209) Excludes the sale of guaranteed loans made to a small business for export aid purposes from a provision requiring such loans to be fully disbursed to the borrower prior to any loan sale. (Sec. 208) Amends provisions relating to the Microloan Program (a program making loans to small businesses for startup or materials and equipment costs) to: (1) increase to $35,000 the maximum amount of loans to be secured from private lenders by low-income individuals seeking to start or enlarge a small business with certain assistance from nonprofit entities; (2) increase to $10,000 the maximum loan made to intermediaries to enable such intermediaries to make loans to small businesses; (3) increase to $20,000 the maximum loan limit an intermediary may make to a small business that cannot obtain any other comparable loan and shows a reasonable chance of success; (4) increase from 25 to 55 the number of grants authorized to be made annually by the Administrator for the provision of technical assistance to low-income individuals seeking to start or expand a small business; (5) increase to $200,000 the maximum amount of such individual grants; (6) require each intermediary that operates a Microloan program to maintain a microloan portfolio with an average loan size of no more than $15,000 (currently, $10,000); and (7) authorize the Administrator to fund up to 300 intermediaries under the Microloan program. Title III: Certified Development Company Program - Certified Development Company Program Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 relating to the certified development company (CDC) program (a program providing loans to State or local development companies for assisting small businesses) to: (1) include within program goals the expansion of women-owned business development; (2) increase to $1 million the authorized amount of a loan from the development company to an identifiable small business; (3) terminate on or after October 1, 2003, the authority of the SBA to charge a fee for such loans; (4) repeal the certified lenders program; and (5) provide for the sale of certain defaulted loans under the program, requiring prior notice of the sale of such a loan to any CDC which has a contingent liability for such loan. (Sec. 307) Requires the SBA to delegate to any qualified State or local development company the authority to foreclose and liquidate defaulted loans that are funded with the proceeds of debentures guaranteed by the SBA. Outlines delegation eligibility requirements and the scope of such delegation authority (all necessary liquidation and foreclosure as well as required litigation). Requires each eligible development company, before carrying out such liquidation and foreclosure, to submit a proposed liquidation plan to the SBA for approval. Provides administrative procedures with respect to plan submission and approval. Authorizes the SBA to suspend or revoke any delegation authority granted for failure to comply with delegation requirements. Requires an annual report from the SBA to the small business committees on the results of the delegation of such authority. Terminates on the effective date of final regulations implementing this section the current loan liquidation pilot program. Title IV: Corrections to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 - Small Business Investment Corrections Act of 2000 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) state that certain venture investment in a small business shall not cause such business to be considered not independently owned and operated, regardless of the allocation of control during the investment period; and (2) define as long-term, when used in connection with equity capital of loan funds invested in any small business or smaller enterprise, any period of one year or more. (Sec. 403) Authorizes any Federal savings association to invest in any one or more small business investment companies, or in any entity established to invest in such companies, but limits the total amount of such investment to five percent of the capital and surplus of the savings association. (Sec. 404) Revises the subsidy fee charged in connection with debentures purchased by the SBA to guarantee loans to participating small businesses from a flat one percent to a charge, established annually by the Administrator with respect to debentures issued after September 30, 2000, of not more than one percent per year as necessary to reduce to zero the cost of purchasing and guaranteeing such debentures. Makes an identical revision with respect to the fee charged for securities issued after September 30, 2000, by participating companies for small business loans guaranteed by the SBA. (Sec. 405) Authorizes small businesses which are limited partnerships or subchapter S corporations to make quarterly distributions at any time during a calendar quarter (currently, only at the end of a calendar quarter). (Sec. 406) Requires small business investment companies to be examined at least every two years to determine if they have made investments in small businesses for not less than one (currently five) year(s). Title V: Reauthorization of Small Business Programs - Small Business Programs Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Act to authorize appropriations and provide funding levels for FY 2001 through 2003 for various small business loan programs under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Authorizes appropriations and provides funding levels for such fiscal years for: (1) the Drug-Free Workplace program; (2) the HUBZone program; (3) the very small business concerns program; (4) the socially and economically disadvantaged businesses program; and (5) the small business development center services program. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide informational aids to small businesses; (2) disseminate information relating to the management, financing, and operation of small businesses; (3) through cooperation with a profit-making entity (cosponsor), provide training, information, and education to small businesses (with certain conditions); and (4) develop an agreement with the cosponsor concerning such cosponsorship. Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend such cosponsorship authority through FY 2003. Title VI: HUBZone Program - Subtitle A: HUBZones in Native America - HUBZones in Native America Act of 2000 - Amends the Act to qualify as a HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) small business concern: (1) an Alaska Native Corporation owned and controlled by Alaska Natives (or a corporation, joint venture, or partnership of such Corporation when so owned); (2) a small business that is wholly owned by one or more Indian tribal governments (or by a corporation so owned); or (3) a small business owned in part by one or more tribal governments (or corporation so owned) if all other owners are either U.S. citizens or small businesses. Includes as a qualified HUBZone small business a small business owned in whole or part by an Indian tribal government, when at least 35 percent of its employees performing an SBA-awarded HUBZone contract reside either within an Indian reservation or in any HUBZone adjoining such reservation. Subtitle B: Other HUBZone Provisions - Revises the definition of "qualified nonmetropolitan county" for purposes of HUBZone program eligibility. (Sec. 612) Provides a price evaluation preference, for purposes of commodities contracts for HUBZone qualifying small businesses, for purchases of agricultural commodities by the Secretary of Agriculture. (Sec. 613) Defines "redesignated area" for purposes of inclusion within the HUBZone program. (Sec. 614) Includes as an eligible HUBZone small business one which is: (1) wholly owned by a community development corporation that has received financial assistance under the Community Economic Development Act of 1981; or (2) owned in part by one or more community development corporations, if all other owners are either U.S. citizens or small businesses. Title VII: National Women's Business Council Reauthorization - National Women's Business Council Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to repeal a provision requiring the National Women's Business Council to study the awarding of Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned businesses. (Sec. 705) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Council activities. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of the average time required to process an application for each type of loan or loan guarantee made under the Act. (Sec. 802) Provides that ownership requirements to determine the eligibility of a small business applying for assistance under any credit program under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 shall be determined without regard to any ownership interest of a spouse arising solely from the application of State community property laws. (Sec. 803) Includes small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans within a preference for small businesses for the performance of contracts let by any Federal agency. (Sec. 804) Extends permanently the authorization of appropriations for the Small Business Development Center program and the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board. Provides a funding formula, including minimum funding levels, for grants received by States under such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2003 for such grants. (Sec. 805) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) increase the surety bond amount that the Administrator may guarantee against loss due to default by a small business; and (2) extend through FY 2003 the authority of the Administrator to guarantee such bonds. (Sec. 806) Revises industry size standards for purposes of placing an appropriate amount of contracts offered by such industries among small businesses. Increases from $500,000 to $750,000 the maximum annual receipts permitted to be realized by an agricultural enterprise to still be considered a small business for purposes of the Act. (Sec. 808) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. (Sec. 809) Authorizes the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to solicit cash and in-kind contributions from the private sector for facilitating voluntary programs within the SBA. (Sec. 810) Requires the Administrator to develop and maintain a database of information regarding each bundled contract awarded by a Federal agency and each small business that has been displaced as a prime contractor as a result of the award of such a contract. Requires an annual report on contract bundling from the Administrator to the small business committees. (Sec. 811) Authorizes a contracting officer to restrict competition for any Federal goods or services procurement contract to small businesses owned and controlled by women, under certain conditions, including that: (1) such businesses are owned by women who are economically disadvantaged; (2) the contracting officer believes that two or more such businesses will compete for the contract; and (3) the contract does not exceed certain monetary limits. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study to identify industries in which small businesses owned and controlled by women are underrepresented with respect to Federal procurement contracting. Provides for enforcement and penalties against a small business making a misrepresentation of being owned and controlled by women.

Miscellaneous Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2000

Miscellaneous Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes miscellaneous appropriations for FY 2001. Division A - Chapter 1 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the rural designation of certain areas until the 2010 census. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the Appropriations Committees on the feasibility of including ethanol, biodiesel, and other bio-based fuels as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (Sec. 105) Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 to appropriate funds for an environmental quality incentives program under the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. (Sec. 106) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the bovine tuberculosis eradication program covered by an October 2000 emergency declaration, to pay 100 percent of the amounts of approved claims for materials affected by or exposed to bovine tuberculosis and of approved claims growing out of the destruction of animals. (Sec. 108) Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Department of Agriculture Office of the General Counsel; and (2) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Chapter 2 - Makes additional amounts available for the Department of Justice for: (1) the Federal Prison System for an assessment of medical care and incidents of inmate mortality in the Wisconsin State Prison System; (2) the Office of Justice Programs for collection of data on deaths of prisoners in law enforcement custody; (3) community oriented policing services; (4) juvenile justice programs for a grant to Mobile County, Alabama, for a juvenile court network program; (5) the States of Texas and Arizona for reimbursements to county and municipal governments for Federal costs associated with the handling and processing of illegal immigration and drug and alien smuggling cases; (6) an award to the Alliance of Boys & Girls of South Carolina for the establishment of the Strom Thurmond Boys & Girls Club National Training Center; (7) the New Hampshire Department of Safety for investigation and prosecution of violations of Federal trucking laws; and (8) the State of South Dakota for establishment of a regional radio system to facilitate communications between Federal, State, and local law enforcement, firefighting, and other emergency services agencies. Makes additional amounts available for the Department of Commerce for: (1) economic and statistical analysis for the establishment of satellite accounts for the travel and tourism industry; and (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a certain study by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). (Sec. 207) Appropriates additional amounts for: (1) NOAA for disaster assistance for communities affected by the 2000 western Alaska salmon disaster for which the Secretary of Commerce declared a fishery failure under the Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act; and (2) the Secretary for providing economic assistance to fishermen and fishing communities affected by Federal closures and fishing restrictions in the Hawaii long line fishery. (Sec. 209) Directs the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to utilize the NAS to conduct an independent scientific review of the November 30, 2000 Biological Opinion for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Council proposed conservation and management measures to implement the Alternatives contained in the Biological Opinion. Requires such fisheries to be managed: (1) in a manner consistent with the Alternatives; and (2) in accordance with the fishery management plan and Federal regulations in effect prior to July 15, 2000. Makes the harvest reduction requirement effective immediately in any 2001 groundfish fishery in which it applies, but limits such reduction to no more than ten percent in the total allowable catch of any fishery. Authorizes the Secretary, upon Council recommendation, to take measures to ensure that harvest levels are sufficient to provide income from these fisheries for small boats and Alaskan on-shore processors that is no less than in 1999. Appropriates an additional amount for a comprehensive research and recovery program for the Steller sea lion. Requires the Secretary, with available funds, to implement a pilot program for innovative non-lethal measures to protect Steller sea lions from marine mammal predators. Appropriates funds for a direct payment to the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference to mitigate the economic losses caused by Steller sea lion protection measures. (Sec. 210) Makes additional amounts available for the Department of State for: (1) educational and cultural exchange programs for the Irish Institute; and (2) increased broadcasting to Russia and surrounding areas and China. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Commission on Online Child Protection; and (2) the Small Business Administration for grants to the Electronic Commerce Resource Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the National Museum of Jazz in New York, New York. (Sec. 213) Amends the Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2001 to remove a provision which prohibits the use of funds appropriated by any Act to allow for the entry into, or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption in the United States of diamonds mined in specified African countries. Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 to remove provisions setting forth Amy Boyer's Law and those prohibiting the redesignation of Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a Class I area under the Clean Air Act. Chapter 3 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to obligate a certain amount of funds appropriated in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2001 to continue F-22 Lot 1 (10 aircraft) advance procurement to protect the supplier base and preserve program costs and schedule in the event that award of the full funding contract for low-rate initial production of the aircraft is delayed beyond December 31, 2000, because of inability to complete specified requirements in such Act. (Sec. 302) Grants the Department of the Air Force primary jurisdiction and control over Shemya Island and its appurtenant waters. Continues the inclusion of the Island and its waters within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Transfers jurisdiction to the Secretary of the Interior if there is no longer a need for a military department to exercise primary jurisdiction. Makes any environmental contamination of the Island the responsibility of the responsible military department. Directs the military department exercising primary jurisdiction over the Island to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and conserve Island wildlife and habitat and to grant access to the Fish and Wildlife Service for management of the Wildlife Refuge. (Sec. 306) Appropriates into the Defense Vessels Transfer Program Account such sums as necessary for the costs of the lease-sale transfers authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act, 2001. (Sec. 308) Appropriates an additional amount for Operation and Maintenance, Navy for costs associated with the repair of the U.S.S. Cole. (Sec. 310) Makes additional funds available for Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps for planning and National Environmental Protection Act documentation for the proposed airfield and heliport at the Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force Training Command. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, New Mexico, any excess personal property of the Air Force determined appropriate for use by the Hospital. (Sec. 313) Appropriates an additional amount for the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund. (Sec. 316) Requires the Secretary of the Navy to acquire 50 acres of real property located on Reed Island in Jacksonville, Florida. (Sec. 319) Makes an additional amount available for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide for the Defense Imagery and Mapping Agency Program. (Sec. 320) Prohibits the use of funds made available in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2001 to consolidate or incorporate Air Force radar operations maintenance and support programs or contracts into an Air Force SENSOR or similar acquisition program. (Sec. 321) Appropriates an additional amount for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force for developing rapid diagnostic and fingerprinting techniques along with molecular monitoring systems for the detection of nosocomial infections. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretaries of the Army and the Interior to prepare a proposed plan for the expansion of the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of conservation measures necessary for the final expansion to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Appropriates amounts to carry out plan activities. Chapter 4 - Makes an additional amount available for the District of Columbia courts for capital repairs necessitated by the recent fire damage to courthouse facilities. Amends the District of Columbia Public Works Act of 1954 to require the inspector general of each Federal agency receiving water and sanitary sewer services from the District of Columbia to report to the Appropriations Committees on the promptness of payment with respect to the services furnished. Repeals a section of the Revised Statutes relating to the District of Columbia and Post Roads. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the District to fund certain programs identified under H.R. 4942 (106th Congress, as introduced) upon certification by the District Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority to the Appropriations Committees that the District Chief Financial Officer, Mayor, and Council have implemented spending reductions necessary to ensure that the District will not have a budget deficit for FY 2001. Directs the Mayor to deposit the annual interest savings resulting from debt reductions using the proceeds of the tobacco securitization program into the emergency reserve fund established by the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001. (Sec. 405) Requires quarterly disbursements to be paid to District public charter schools during FY 2001 in accordance with the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula for Public Schools and Public Charter Schools and Tax Conformity Clarification Amendment Act of 1998. Chapter 5 - Makes additional amounts available for the Army Corps of Engineers for: (1) general investigations; (2) general construction; and (3) repair, restoration, or maintenance of the Mississippi River levees and for the correction of deficiencies in the mainline Mississippi River levees. Provides an additional amount for the Bureau of Reclamation for construction of the Mid-Dakota Rural Water System. Makes additional amounts available for the Department of Energy (DOE) for: (1) energy supply for the Prime, LLC, of central South Dakota for final engineering and project development of the integrated ethanol complex; and (2) science for high temperature superconducting research and development at Boston College. Chapter 6 - Authorizes Economic Support Fund assistance to be made available to provide payment to the Government of the People's Republic of China for property loss and damage arising out of the May 1999 incident in Belgrade, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Chapter 7 - Makes additional amounts available for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management for carrying out title VI of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act; (2) the Fish and Wildlife Service for a grant to the Center for Reproductive Biology at Washington State University; (3) the Multinational Species Conservation Fund for Great Ape conservation activities; (4) the National Park Service for completion of studies related to the Arlington Boathouse in Virginia; (5) national recreation and preservation for the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and for a grant to the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission; (6) the Historic Preservation Fund for a grant to the Massillon Heritage Foundation, Inc., in Massillon, Ohio; and (7) construction for the Stones River National Battlefield and the Millenium Cultural Cooperative Park. Provides additional funds for: (1) DOE energy conservation for a grant to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Nevada Test Site Development Corporation; and (2) payment to the endowment fund of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Makes additional funds available to the Indian Health Service for: (1) payment to the Alaska Federation of Natives for its Alaska Native Sobriety and Alcohol Control Program; and (2) drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services for non- Alaska tribes. Chapter 8 - Appropriates funds to the Health Resources and Services Administration for the construction of the Biotechnology Science Center at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and the Christian Nurses Hospice in Brentwood, New York. (Sec. 803) Appropriates funds to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for expansion of the marine biology program at the Long Island Maritime Museum. Chapter 9 - Provides for payments to specified widows of deceased Members of Congress. Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Architect of the Capitol for construction of emergency egress from the fourth floor of the Capitol building; and (2) the Library of Congress for the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program. Amends Federal civil service retirement provisions to allow retirement credit under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) for certain employees who were employed by the Democratic or Republican Senatorial Campaign or National Congressional Committees for service before December 31, 1990. Entitles certain employees of legislative service organizations of the House of Representatives to receive CSRS or FERS credit as well. (Sec. 903) Makes effective a standing order of the Senate that the reading of conference reports is no longer required if such a report is available in the Senate. Chapter 10 - Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Defense for military construction, Army; Air Force, and Army National Guard. (Sec. 1002) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transfer the surface estate of specified lands in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, to the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force. Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to use certain mineral resources on such lands when required for construction needs on the Melrose Air Force Range. (Sec. 1003) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer the surface estate of specified lands in Kittitas County, Washington, to the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to use certain mineral resources on such lands when required for construction needs on the Yakima Training Center. Chapter 11 - Makes amounts available for: (1) a grant to the Huntsville International Airport; and (2) the Southeast Light Rail Extension Project in Dallas, Texas. (Sec. 1107) Provides additional funds for: (1) the Newark-Elizabeth rail link project, New Jersey; and (2) commercial remote sensing products and spatial information technologies for the study of creating a new highway right-of- way along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. (Sec. 1112) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue certificates of documentation for employment in the coastwise trade for the M/V WELLS GRAY and the ANNANDALE. (Sec. 1113) Authorizes conveyance to Lake County, California, without consideration, of a described property involving a portion of the Coast Guard LORAN Station Middletown reported to the General Services Administration as excess property. (Sec. 1114) Requires conveyance to: (1) the Town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, of certain property that is part of the Coast Guard LORAN Station; and (2) the City of Newburyport, Massachusetts, of certain land upon which the Plum Island Boat House and Lighthouse are situated. (Sec. 1116) Authorizes conveyance, without consideration, of the Coast Guard Station Scituate to NOAA. (Sec. 1117) Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 to extend one of the termination dates of provisions requiring the enforcement of the United States Coast Guard 1997 Enforcement Policy for Cargo Residues on the Great Lakes (regulating incidental discharges from vessels of residues of dry bulk cargo into Great Lakes waters under U.S. jurisdiction). Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of the effectiveness of such enforcement policy. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to enforce a program to regulate incidental discharges from vessels of residues of non- hazardous and non-toxic dry bulk cargo into Great Lakes waters which takes study findings into account. (Sec. 1118) Extends the termination date for the Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee. (Sec. 1119) Permits only U.S. vessels to perform certain vessel escort operations and towing assistance. (Sec. 1122) Authorizes the transfer of limited funds to the Traverse City Area Public School District for demolition and removal of the structure commonly known as "Building 402" at former Coast Guard property located in Traverse City, Michigan, and associated site work. (Sec. 1127) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing final regulations regarding audible warnings at highway-rail grade crossings before July 1, 2001. (Sec. 1128) Makes available additional amounts from the Highway Trust Fund for specified projects in Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Colorado. Chapter 12 - Makes an additional amount available for the Federal Buildings Fund to be used for renovating and redeveloping portions of a historic Federal building located in Terre Haute, Indiana. Provides additional funds for the Customs Service for procurement of aircraft and related equipment expenses associated with aviation standardization and training at the Customs National Aviation Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Chapter 13 - Makes an additional amount available for Department of Veterans Affairs construction. Provides additional funds for Department of Housing and Urban Development empowerment zones and enterprise communities and the Community Development Fund. Makes additional funds available for: (1) Environmental Protection Agency science and technology for continuation of the South Bronx Air Pollution Study; and (2) Federal Emergency Management Agency emergency management planning and assistance for programs authorized by the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Chapter 14 - Considers H. Con Res. 234 (106th Congress), as adopted by the House of Representatives on November 18, 1999, to be considered to have been adopted by the Senate. (Sec. 1402) Makes a provision of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 which eliminates certain reporting requirements inapplicable to certain Federal budget provisions. (Sec. 1403) Rescinds .22 percent of the discretionary budget authority provided for FY 2001 in any Act for each Federal agency, with specified exemptions. Division B - Title I - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to modify eligibility criteria for the child care and adult food program. (Sec. 102) Provides for a summer food pilot project in eligible States during FY 2001 through 2003 to increase the number of children participating in the summer food service program. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a Sacramento River, California, diversion project that is consistent with the Water Forum Agreement of April 24, 2000. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 104) Expands the boundaries of a specified flood control project in the Saint Francis River Basin in Missouri and Arkansas. (Sec. 105) Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to permit the city of Alton, Illinois, to construct and reimburse the city for the Federal share of specified recreational facilities. (Sec. 106) Allows the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of the Truckee watershed reclamation project to reclaim and reuse wastewater within and without the service area of Washoe County, Nevada. (Sec. 107) Modifies a specified navigation project in Tampa Harbor, Florida, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to deepen and widen the Alafia Channel. (Sec. 108) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to authorize environmental infrastructure assistance to additional specified projects. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such assistance and the amount of assistance provided to certain projects. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide technical and financial assistance to carry out projects for the planning, design, and construction of treatment works to improve water quality in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 110) Establishes the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund in the Treasury to be used for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water quality projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 111) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to participate in studies and in the planning and design of projects determined to offer a long-term solution to the problem of groundwater contamination caused by perchlorates. Requires the Secretary to participate in investigations and projects related to perchlorates in the Bosque and Leon Watersheds in Texas, Caddo Lake, Texas, and Santa Clarita, California. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 112) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require each permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to such Act for a discharge from a municipal combined storm and sanitary sewer to conform to the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Policy signed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 11, 1994. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on progress made by EPA, States, and municipalities in implementing and enforcing the CSO control policy. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and grants for treatment works to carry out pilot projects relating to specified areas of wet weather discharge control. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator, in any fiscal year in which at least $1.35 billion is available for grants to States for water pollution control revolving funds, to make grants to States or municipalities for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to intercept, transport, control, or treat municipal CSO and sanitary sewer overflows. Gives priority for grants to certain applicants, including municipalities that are financially distressed communities. Authorizes and allocates appropriations. Requires the Administrator to report periodically to Congress on the recommended funding levels for such grants. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on: (1) the extent of health and environmental impacts caused by municipal CSO and sanitary sewer overflows; and (2) the resources spent, and technologies used, by municipalities to address such impacts. Requires the Administrator to maintain a clearinghouse of technologies for addressing such impacts. (Sec. 113) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to provide for construction of fish passage devices at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam at Federal expense. (Sec. 114) Extinguishes certain reversionary interests and use restrictions contained in deeds for certain lands in Umatilla County, Oregon. (Sec. 115) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to eliminate the authority to carry out a flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration project in Murrieta Creek, California. (Sec. 116) Requires the Secretary of the Army to reimburse East Bay Municipal Water District for the project for aquatic ecosystem restoration, Penn Mine, Calaveras County, California. (Sec. 117) Modifies a flood control project in Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas, to authorize the Secretary to construct intake facilities for the benefit of Lonoke and White Counties, Arkansas. (Sec. 118) Modifies a flood control project in Chehalis River and tributaries, Washington, to authorize the Secretary to provide the non-Federal interest credit toward the non-Federal share of project costs the costs of planning, design, and construction work carried out by the non-Federal interest before the date of execution of a cooperation agreement if the Secretary determines the work integral to the project. (Sec. 120) Directs the National Park Service to work with Fort Sumter Tours, Inc., the concessionaire providing services at Fort Sumter National Monument in South Carolina, on an amicable solution of the current legal dispute between the two parties. Requires the Director of the Service to extend the current contract through March 15, 2001, to facilitate further negotiations and for 180 days if final settlement of disputes is agreed to by both parties. (Sec. 123) Enacts into law H.R. 4904 (106th Congress) (establishes the United States Office for Native Hawaiian Affairs and the Native Hawaiian Interagency Task Force) as passed in the House on September 26, 2000. (Sec. 124) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) negotiate agreements with landowners setting terms for the acquisition of land at Saddleback Mountain, near Rangeley, Maine, for the benefit of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail; (2) complete the pending environmental compliance process for the acquisitions; (3) acquire the land for a specified cost; and (4) convey a portion of the land to the State to ensure the protection of the Trail. (Sec. 125) Enacts into law S. 2273 (106th Congress)(Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area Act of 2000), as passed in the Senate on October 5, 2000. (Sec. 126) Amends the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 to increase the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission. (Sec. 127) Enacts into law S. 2885 (106th Congress)(Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2000), as passed in the Senate on October 5, 2000. (Sec. 128) Prohibits the use of funds prior to July 31, 2001, to promulgate or enforce a final rule to reduce the use of snowmobiles below current use patterns at a unit in the National Park System during the 2000-2001 or 2001-2002 winter seasons. (Sec. 129) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to extend until March 31, 2001, the Extension of Standstill Agreement entered into on November 22, 1999, by the United States and the holders of interests in seven campsite leases in Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County, Florida. (Sec. 134) Amends the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Development Act to extend the termination date for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission. (Sec. 137) Amends Federal law governing the Gulf Islands National Seashore to include within the Seashore specified land on Cat Island, Mississippi. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 138) Amends Federal retirement provisions regarding limitations on the maximum percentage of pay that may be contributed to the Thrift Savings Plan to phase in, by FY 2006, a maximum allowable contribution of 100 percent of basic pay for certain FERS and CSRS participants. (Sec. 139) Excludes the Secret Service and Secret Service Uniformed Division from certain Federal labor-management relations requirements. (Sec. 140) Provides for an increase of 3.7 percent in rates of basic pay for Federal employees in 2001. (Sec. 141) Repeals certain mandatory retirement provisions governing employees of the Alaska Railroad. (Sec. 143) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize certain low-power television station licensees to provide digital data service as a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of using such stations to provide high-speed wireless digital data service, including Internet access to unserved areas. (Sec. 144) Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend, until FY 2003, a prohibition on the approval of fishery management plans or regulations which create a new individual fishing quota program, with specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to adopt final regulations to implement a fishing capacity reduction program for crab fisheries included in the Fishery Management Plan for Commercial King and Tanner Crab Fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Pribilof Islands Transition Act - Amends the Fur Seal Act of 1966 to replace provisions establishing and providing for the administration of the Pribilof Islands Trust with provisions directing the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to any city government, village corporation, or tribal council of St. George or St. Paul, Alaska. Allows the use of those funds as non-Federal matching funds under any Federal program that requires matching funds. Prohibits the Secretary from using financial assistance under this Act to settle any debt owed to the United States, for administrative or overhead expenses, or for contributions sought or required for costs or fees to clean up any matter that was caused or contributed by any person on or after March 15, 2000. Directs the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to provide assistance to the State of Alaska for designing, locating, constructing, redeveloping, permitting, or certifying solid waste management facilities on the Islands to be operated under Alaska permits. Authorizes appropriations. Shields the United States from liability under this Act associated with specified activities relating to those waste facilities. Declares that the Secretary has no obligation to provide for the development of any form of economy on the Islands not dependent on sealing (but states that this does not affect causes of action under specified provisions arising before enactment of this Act). Terminates all obligations of the Secretary to: (1) convey property under existing provisions; and (2) carry out cleanup activities related to NOAA administration and a specified environmental restoration agreement between NOAA and Alaska. Makes the previous sentence applicable when: (1) Alaska has confirmed that no further corrective action is required at Island sites and units covered by the agreement; (2) the cleanup is complete; (3) the properties can be unconditionally offered for conveyance; and (4) all amounts appropriated for such purposes under the Fur Seal Act of 1966 have been obligated. Prohibits, after the conditions in the previous sentence are met, the Secretary from seeking or requiring financial contribution from any local governmental entity of the Pribilof Islands, any official thereof, or any owner of lands there for costs or fees (relating to specified actions concerning cleanup or closure of solid waste facilities) incurred by the Secretary (except for cleanup fees incurred after March 15, 2000). Repeals, effective when the same conditions are met, provisions of: (1) the Fur Seal Act of 1966 relating to the property conveyance and related matters; and (2) Federal law relating to the cleanup of landfills and wastes left by NOAA. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of Federal law relating to the cleanup of landfills and wastes left by NOAA. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Alaska a limited amount per year to establish and capitalize a revolving fund to be used by the State for low interest loans to Pribilof Natives to assess, respond to, remediate, and monitor contamination from lead paint, asbestos, and petroleum from underground storage tanks. Authorizes the President to designate any Northwestern Hawaiian Islands coral reef or reef ecosystem as a coral reef reserve to be managed by the Secretary of Commerce. Directs the Secretary, upon designation of such a reserve, to: (1) initiate its designation as a national marine sanctuary; (2) establish a Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Reserve Advisory Council; and (3) manage the reserve in a manner consistent with the policies of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act until it is designated as a national marine sanctuary. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Sustainable Fisheries Act to authorize appropriations for each fiscal year for grants to carry out Western Pacific fishery demonstration projects to promote traditional indigenous fishing practices. (Sec. 145) Amends the Department of State Special Agents Retirement Act of 1998 to extend applicability of such Act to participants (special agents) who were serving as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 146) Calls upon the President to: (1) take all appropriate action to provide relief from injury caused by steel imports; and (2) immediately request the U.S. Trade Commission to commence an expedited investigation for positive adjustment under the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 147) Amends the Johnson Act to apply certain prohibitions on the repair, transport, or use of gambling devices on vessels to voyages or segments of voyages that begin and end in Hawaii. (Sec. 148) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to exempt non- commercial educational (NCE) broadcast stations from requirements to make broadcast stations accessible to political candidates. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from taking action against any NCE station which declines to carry a political advertisement. (Sec. 149) Continues the Small Business Innovation Research program during FY 2001. (Sec. 150) Appropriates funds for: (1) the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund; and (2) an account to be established in the Department of Labor for administering the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act. (Sec. 152) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of certain cancer hospitals. (Sec. 153) Amends the Delta Development Act to apply such Act to Alabama. Amends the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000 (as incorporated in this Act) to require Alabama to be a full member of the Delta Regional Authority. (Sec. 154) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in northern Wisconsin. Permits assistance in the form of design and reconstruction assistance or water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. Provides assistance only for publicly-owned projects. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 - Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 - Establishes the Vietnam Education Foundation to award fellowships to: (1) Vietnamese nationals to study at U.S. institutions of higher education at graduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of physical sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, environmental sciences, medicine, technology, and computer sciences; and (2) U.S. citizens to teach in Vietnam in appropriate Vietnamese institutions in the same fields of study. (Sec. 207) Establishes the Vietnam Debt Repayment Fund which shall consist of deposits as offsetting receipts of all payments (including interest) made by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under the U.S.-Vietnam debt agreement, dated April 7, 1997. Makes amounts deposited into the Fund available for Foundation activities. (Sec. 210) Bars the awarding of any new fellowship or extension of an existing fellowship after September 30, 2016. Title III: Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 - Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 - Amends the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in order to settle the outstanding claims of the Ute Indian tribes on the Animas and La Plata Rivers in Colorado and acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to: (1) complete construction of, operate, and maintain a reservoir, pumping plant, reservoir inlet conduit, and appurtenant facilities to divert and store water from the Animas River to provide a municipal and industrial water supply (the Project); and (2) deliver through the use of such components, specified municipal and industrial water allocations to the San Juan Water Commission, Animas-La Plata Conservancy District, State of Colorado, La Plata Conservancy District of New Mexico, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, and Navajo Nation. Declares that such facilities, if constructed, constitute the Animas- La Plata Project. Prohibits the commencement of construction of any other project features authorized by the Colorado River Basin Project Act without further authorization from Congress. Provides that construction costs required to deliver each tribe's water allocation shall be nonreimbursable. Makes the nontribal repayment obligations for water allocations subject to a final cost allocation by the Secretary upon project completion. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the status of cost-share agreements. Requires the reallocation of water allocations for the Animas-La Plata Conservancy District and the State of Colorado to the Colorado Ute Tribes if no agreement is reached with the District or the State for such allocations. (Sec. 303) Requires the Secretary, upon request of the State Engineer of New Mexico, to assign to the New Mexico Project beneficiaries or the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission Department of the Interior interests under a specified permit in order to fulfill the New Mexico non-Navajo purposes of the Project, so long as the assignment does not affect the application of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to the use of the water. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a water line to augment the existing system that conveys municipal water supplies to the Navajo Indian Reservation at or near Shiprock, New Mexico. Makes construction costs for the water line nonreimbursable. Authorizes appropriations to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Resource Funds. Requires the Secretary to establish such Funds. Provides for disbursement of Fund monies, with an exception, in accordance with approved natural resource acquisition and enhancement plans. Establishes the Colorado Ute Settlement Fund in the Treasury and authorizes appropriations to the Fund to complete the construction of Project facilities and the Navajo Nation water line. Requires the construction of facilities, allocation of water supply to the Indian tribes, provision of funds, and issuance of an amended final consent decree under this Act to constitute final settlement of tribal claims to water rights on the Animas and La Plata Rivers. Requires such decree to provide for an extension of the current January 1, 2005, deadline for the tribes to commence litigation of their reserved rights claims on such rivers. Title IV - Designates the museum operated by the Secretary of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the American Museum of Science and Energy and declares it to be the official museum of science and energy of the United States. Title V: Lower Mississippi River Region - Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Delta Regional Authority to carry out specified activities and approve grants related to the economic development of the Mississippi Delta region (parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee surrounding such Delta). Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for projects to: (1) develop the region's transportation infrastructure; (2) assist the region in job training, employment-related education, and business development; and (3) provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas. Requires the Authority to: (1) annually designate distressed and nondistressed counties and isolated areas of distress within the region; and (2) allocate at least 75 percent of the appropriations made available under this Act for distressed counties and isolated areas of distress. Prohibits (with an exception) such funds from being used within nondistressed counties. Requires each State member of the Authority to submit a development plan for the area of the region represented by the member. Outlines factors to be considered by the Authority in considering programs and projects for assistance under this Act and in establishing priorities among assistance requests. Requires the Authority to review for approval any State or regional development plan submitted. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates authority provided under this title on October 1, 2002. Amends the Delta Development Act to include the Louisiana parish of Natchitoches in the definition of "Lower Mississippi" for purposes of coverage under such Act. Title VI: Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 - Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 - Amends Federal provisions relating to the Garrison water diversion unit, North Dakota (part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program), to include within authorized unit purposes the development of municipal, rural, and industrial water systems, fish, wildlife, and other natural resource conservation and development, recreation, flood control, ground water recharge, and augmented stream flows (currently, only irrigation is authorized). Authorizes the State of North Dakota (currently, only the Secretary of the Interior) to plan and construct within the State a multipurpose water resource development irrigation project. Makes the Secretary responsible for operation and maintenance (O&M) costs of that portion of the capacity of existing unit facilities that remain unused. Makes the State responsible for: (1) O&M costs of the proportionate share of existing used unit facilities, as well as the full O&M costs of any facility constructed after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) the costs of providing energy to authorized unit facilities. Authorizes water systems constructed under this Act to deliver Missouri River water into the Hudson Bay basin, after a certain required determination concerning adequate treatment of such water. (Sec. 603) Revises provisions concerning unit operational costs to make nonreimbursable: (1) all fish and wildlife enhancement costs incurred in connection with waterfowl refuges or production areas, as well as wildlife conservation areas proposed for Federal or State administration; and (2) 50 percent of recreation area costs, if non-Federal public bodies assume the remainder of such costs. Deauthorizes Taayer Reservoir and Lonetree Dam and Reservoir as project features. (Sec. 604) Allows the calculation of interest during construction of a feature only until such feature is substantially complete, and regardless of whether it is placed into service. (Sec. 605) Includes certain areas of North Dakota within the area in which the Secretary is authorized to develop irrigation facilities, but prohibits the development of any such facility in the Hudson Bay-Devils Lake Basin. Allows such developed irrigation to receive Pick-Sloan pumping power. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain the Snake Creek Pumping Plant, New Rockford Canal, and McClusky Canal features of the principal supply works; and (2) select a preferred alternative to implement this Act after considering connecting the existing principal supply works. Directs the Secretary to investigate and report on an undesignated 28,000 acres of irrigation areas in North Dakota. (Sec. 606) Prohibits any reallocation of project costs to Pick-Sloan customers. (Sec. 607) Revises provisions authorizing the construction of municipal, rural, and industrial water systems in North Dakota to: (1) authorize the State to use Federal and non-Federal funds for grants or loans for such systems (requiring proceeds from loan repayments and interest thereon to be treated as Federal funds); (2) make additional projects eligible for such funding; (3) authorize the State to develop and implement a water conservation program; (4) make nonreimbursable the costs of features constructed on the Missouri River by the Secretary of the Army before the date of enactment of this Act; and (5) add Turtle Mountain to the areas in which the Secretary is required to maintain necessary water systems. (Sec. 608) Deauthorizes the Sykeston Canal. Directs the Secretary to select and construct a feature or features to deliver water to the Sheyenne River water supply and release facility. Requires the Secretary, if selecting a feature under which Missouri River water is used to provide water to such facility, to transmit to Congress a comprehensive report. Prohibits the latter feature from being constructed unless it is specifically authorized by an Act of Congress. Authorizes without further congressional action a feature which uses only in-basin sources to meet Red River Valley water needs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of the water quality and quantity needs of the Red River Valley and possible options in meeting those needs; (2) solicit input from affected entities and designees; and (3) provide a study draft to affected States and Federal agencies. Allows such States and Federal agencies to review and comment on draft proposals, and requires the Secretary to take such comments into consideration when producing a final report and submitting such report to Congress. Directs the Secretary and the State to jointly report to Congress on the comprehensive water quality needs of the Red River Valley and options for meeting those needs. Requires environmental impact statements to be provided. Directs the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain a Sheyenne River water supply and release feature capable of delivering a specified water supply for the cities of Fargo and Grand Forks and surrounding communities. Prohibits funds from this Act from being used for carrying out a lake control feasibility study of the Devils Lake Basin, North Dakota, or to study any facility or carry out an activity that would permit the transfer of water from the Missouri River drainage basin into Devils Lake. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the State to convey U.S. rights and interests in the Oakes Test Area. (Sec. 610) Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out provisions added by this Act. (Sec. 611) Directs the Secretary, from funds authorized under this Act, to make an annual Federal contribution to the Natural Resources Trust (previously named the Wetlands Trust), limiting such contribution to $12 million. Directs the Secretary to make additional annual contributions equal to five percent of the total amount appropriated for such Trust in a fiscal year. Adds to authorized Trust uses the enhancement, restoration, and management of grassland conservation and riparian areas. Adds to Trust authority the power to fund incentives for conservation practices by landowners. Title VII - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish in Stanley County, South Dakota, a reconciliation center known as Reconciliation Place to: (1) enhance knowledge and understanding of the history of Native Americans; (2) interpret the encounters between Lewis and Clark and the Sioux Nation; (3) house the Sioux Nation Tribal Supreme Court (Court); (4) house the Native American Economic Development Council; and (5) house the National Native American Mediation Training Center (Center). Directs the Secretary to award a grant to the Wakpa Sica Historical Society of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, for construction of Reconciliation Place. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 704) Directs the Attorney General to provide technical and financial assistance to ensure the development and operation of the Court and Center. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor - Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act- Establishes the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in the State of New York and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. Provides for a comprehensive preservation and management Canalway Plan for the Corridor. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Law Enforcement Pay Equity - Law Enforcement Pay Equity Act of 2000 - Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to establish a uniform salary schedule for members and officers of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division and the Park Police. Freezes the percentage rate for locality-based comparability pay for such members and officers at the rate in effect for pay periods during FY 2000. (Sec. 903) Revises certain caps on maximum compensation for such members and officers. (Sec. 908) Amends the District of Columbia Retirement Protection Act of 1997 to require, for purposes of determining the amount of a Federal benefit payment to an officer or member of the Metropolitan Police Department, that the payment under the District Retirement Program include certain service longevity payments provided for in the Police Recruiting and Retention Enhancement Amendment Act of 1999 (such Act took effect after the freeze date). Title X: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 to change the rate of pay for the Director of the Millennial Housing Commission. Provides for details of Federal personnel to the Commission on a non-reimbursable (currently, reimbursable) basis. (Sec. 1004) Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the adequacy of the capital structure of the Federal Home Loan Bank System as it relates to certain specified risks; (2) the risks associated with further growth in the direct acquisition of mortgages by the System; and (3) a comparison of the risk-based capital standard proposed by the Federal Housing Finance Board for the System to the standard proposed by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight for the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Title XI: Department of the Treasury - Authorizes the President to award: (1) to each of the original twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers or a surviving family member, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal honoring the Navajo Code Talkers; and (2) to each person who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker (MOS 642) or a surviving family member a silver medal. Title XII: Environmental Protection Agency -Establishes the Aboveground Storage Tank Grant Program for grants to the State of Alaska or the Denali Commission to repair, upgrade, or replace such tanks that: (1) leak or pose an imminent threat of leaking; and (2) are located in a Native village the median household income of which is less than 80 percent of such income in the State, are located within the boundaries of a National Park or Wildlife Refuge System unit or national forest, or on public land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, or that receives payments in lieu of taxes. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIII: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Authorizes the use of excess funds from the sale of timber on Federal property at the John C. Stennis Space Center by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the acquisition of up to 500 acres of real property to establish education and visitor programs and facilities to promote and preserve the regional and national history of the area and, as necessary, for wetlands mitigation. Title XIV: Certain Alaskan Cruise Ship Operations - Applies this title to all cruise vessel authorized to carry 500 or more passengers for hire. (Sec. 1403) Prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage from a cruise vessel into the waters of the Alexander Archipelago (Archipelago) or U.S. navigable waters within the State of Alaska or the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve). Bars the discharge of treated sewage or graywater from such vessels into such areas unless: (1) the vessel is underway and proceeding at at least six knots; (2) the vessel is not less than one nautical mile from the nearest shore, except in areas designated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; (3) the discharge complies with all vessel effluent standards; and (4) the vessel is not in an area where the discharge of treated sewage or graywater is prohibited. Defines "graywater" as galley, dishwasher, bath, and laundry waste water. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing the otherwise prohibited discharge of treated sewage or graywater where the discharge meets effluent standards determined appropriate for discharges into the marine environment. Allows such discharges, subject to certain conditions, until such regulations are promulgated. (Sec. 1405) Makes discharge prohibitions inapplicable to discharges made for purposes of securing the safety of the vessel or saving life at sea, provided that reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent or minimize the discharge. (Sec. 1406) Requires the Secretary to incorporate into the commercial vessel examination program an inspection regime sufficient to verify that cruise vessels visiting ports in Alaska or operating in the Archipelago or U.S. navigable waters in Alaska or the Reserve are in full compliance with this title, other Federal laws and regulations, and international treaty requirements. Provides for sampling and testing of cruise ship discharges. (Sec. 1407) Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate effluent standards for treated sewage and graywater from cruise vessels operating in such waters. (Sec. 1408) Requires any person in charge of a cruise vessel who has knowledge of a discharge described by this title to report immediately to the Secretary. (Sec. 1409) Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title. (Sec. 1410) Authorizes the State of Alaska, upon determining that the protection and enhancement of water quality of the Archipelago or U.S. navigable waters in Alaska or the Reserve require greater environmental protection, to petition the Administrator to prohibit the discharge of graywater and sewage from cruise vessels operating in such waters. Title XV: Life Act Amendments - LIFE Act Amendments of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to extend the application of a provision which allows for the adjustment to permanent resident status of certain aliens who entered the United States without inspection. Conditions such authorization on an alien being physically present in the United States on this Act's enactment date. (Sec. 1503) Amends the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act to provide for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain alien class action participants who participated in Zambrano v. INS. Makes a provision of the INA that requires the reinstatement of removal orders against aliens reentering the United States illegally inapplicable to such class action participants. Provides certain family unity benefits to such aliens as well. (Sec. 1505) Amends the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act to make INA reinstatement removal provisions inapplicable to certain Nicaraguan and Cuban aliens applying for adjustment of status. Makes a conforming amendment to the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 with respect to certain Haitian aliens. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to permit certain aliens granted temporary protection from deportation who are otherwise eligible for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal pursuant to the INA to apply for such relief. (Sec. 1506) Makes this title effective as if included in the enactment of the LIFE Act. Title XVI: Improving Literacy Through Family Literacy Projects - Literacy Involves Families Together Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise and reauthorize Even Start Family Literacy Programs (Even Start) (part B of title I provisions for Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). (Sec. 1602) Extends through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for such Even Start programs, and increases the amounts authorized. (Sec. 1603) Requires State plans to assure that State educational agencies (SEAs) will encourage local educational agencies (LEAs) and individual schools participating in a program assisted under ESEA title I part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) to use part A funds to offer family literacy services, if the LEA or school determines that a substantial number of students served under part A have parents who do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or who have low levels of literacy. (Sec. 1604) Renames ESEA title I part B as William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve an increased portion of part B Even Start funds for migrant programs, outlying areas, and Indian tribes, under specified conditions; (2) ensure coordination of family literacy programs under Even Start with similar programs operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); and (3) reserve specified portions of Even Start excess funds for scientifically-based research on family literacy by the National Institute for Literacy. Authorizes States to use a portion of Even Start funds to provide technical assistance and training to subgrantees (partnerships of LEAs and eligible organizations) to improve the quality of their family literacy services, giving priority to low-quality programs, provided that such State use of funds for a fiscal year does not result in a decrease from the level of activities and services provided to program participants in the preceding year. Allows State use of such funds to provide technical assistance for local programs to raise additional funds. Requires a majority of instructional staff whose salaries are paid, in whole or in part, with Federal Even Start funds, within four years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) have an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree in a field related to early childhood education, elementary or secondary school education, or adult education; and (2) meet State-established qualifications for such types of education provided as part of an Even Start or other family literacy program. Requires all new instructional staff, beginning on the enactment of this Act, to meet such requirements. Requires, within such four-year period, that: (1) all paraprofessionals whose salaries are paid with any Federal Even Start funds have at least a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent; and (2) the individual responsible for administration of family literacy services to be trained in operating a family literacy program. Requires Even Start programs to: (1) use research-based reading techniques for children and adults; and (2) encourage participating families to attend regularly and remain in the program a sufficient time to meet their program goals. Allows an Even Start program, despite specified age limitations, to permit children eight years of age or older to participate, if such program collaborates with a part A program and part A funds are used to pay the cost of providing part B Even Start services to such children and if the focus of the program continues to remain on families with young children. Includes among indicators of an area's need for part B funds the presence of high numbers or percentages of parents who have been victims of domestic violence or who are receiving assistance under a State program funded by a block grant for temporary assistance to needy families under the Social Security Act. Requires an SEA, in awarding subgrants to continue an Even Start program after the first year, to review the progress of each eligible entity in meeting program objectives described in the State plan (as well as, under current law, evaluating the program based on State-developed program quality indicators). Sets the same limits on the Federal share of renewed subgrants as on Even Start grants. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to use certain reserved Even Start funds for scientifically-based research to determine: (1) the most effective ways of improving literacy skills of adults with reading difficulties; and (2) how family literacy services can best provide parents with knowledge and skills to support their children's literacy development. Requires such research to be carried out through an entity, including a Federal agency, with expertise in doing longitudinal studies of children's literacy skills development and that has developed effective methods of intervention to help children with reading difficulties. (Sec. 1605) Requires State applications for Even Start grants to describe how the State will encourage programs and projects assisted under Even Start to offer family literacy services if the program or project serves a substantial number of migratory children who have parents who do not have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent or who have low levels of literacy. (Sec. 1606) Defines family literacy services under ESEA as services provided to participants on a voluntary basis that are of sufficient intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make sustainable changes in a family, and that integrate all of the following activities: (1) interactive literacy activities between parents and their children; (2) training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children; (3) parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency; and (4) an age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences. (Sec. 1607) Amends the Education Amendments Act of 1978 to require BIA-operated family literacy programs, under the early childhood education program for Indian children or other programs, to be coordinated with Even Start family literacy programs under ESEA. Title XVII: Children's Internet Protection - Children's Internet Protection Act - Directs the National Communications and Information Administration to initiate a notice and comment proceeding for purposes of: (1) evaluating whether currently available technology protection measures adequately address the needs of educational institutions; (2) making recommendations on how to foster the development of measures that meet such needs; and (3) evaluating the development and effectiveness of local Internet safety policies that are currently in operation after community input. Subtitle A: Federal Funding for Educational Institution Computers - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prohibit funds made available to a local educational agency for a school that does not receive services at discount rates (as provided under the Children's Internet Protection Act) to use such funds to purchase computers to access the Internet or to pay direct costs for such access unless such school: (1) has a policy of Internet safety for minors that includes the operation of a technology protection measure with respect to computers providing such access to protect against visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors; and (2) is enforcing the operation of such measure during any use of such computers. Authorizes the withholding of funds for noncompliance with such requirements. (Sec. 1712) Amends the Museum and Library Services Act to set forth parallel requirements for the use of technology protection measures in certain libraries receiving funding under such Act. Subtitle B: Universal Service Discounts - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set forth parallel technology protection measure requirements for schools and libraries as a condition for receiving universal service discounts. Subtitle C: Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection - Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require schools and libraries receiving universal service rates to: (1) implement an Internet safety policy that addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter, the safety of minors when using direct electronic communications, unauthorized access and disclosures of information, and measures designed to restrict minors' access to harmful materials; and (2) provide public notice and hold at least one public meeting to address the proposed policy. Requires the determination regarding what matter is inappropriate for minors to be made by the school board, library, or other authority so responsible. Subtitle D: Expedited Review - Requires any civil action challenging the constitutionality of this title to be heard by a three-judge district court. Provides for direct appeal to the Supreme Court of any decree holding this title to be unconstitutional.

Milk in Lunches for Kids Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Milk in Lunches for Kids Act of 2000 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish pilot projects, in schools under the jurisdiction of not more than 20 school food service authorities, to improve methods through which milk is served to children under the Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Allows such authorities to use project funds for: (1) improving such methods by modernizing packaging, storage facilities, and displays; (2) expanding the variety of milk offered; and (3) other related purposes. Exempts authorities participating in such projects from certain requirements. Requires the Secretary to evaluate: (1) in approving such projects, partnerships between such authorities and producers of milk products; and (2) in a report to Congress, the impact of such projects on increasing milk consumption and reducing the cost of milk provided under the school lunch and school breakfast programs. Directs the Secretary to use a certain amount of funds, taken from funds for other activities under the Act, to carry out such projects.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Preventive Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) coverage of biennial screening pap smear and pelvic exams; (2) coverage of screening for glaucoma; (3) coverage of screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals; (4) revision of payments and standards for screening mammography; and (5) coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with diabetes or a renal disease. Subtitle B: Other Beneficiary Improvements - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) acceleration of reduction of beneficiary copayment for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services; (2) preservation of coverage of drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (3) elimination of time limitation on Medicare benefits for immunosuppressive drugs; and (4) imposition of certain billing limits on drugs. (Sec. 115) Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to provide for a waiver of 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of individuals disabled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects and Studies - Outlines: (1) a Health and Human Services (HHS) demonstration project for disease management for severely chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries; (2) HHS demonstration projects for cancer prevention and treatment for ethnic and racial minorities; (3) a National Academy of Sciences study of the addition of coverage of routine thyroid screening using a thyroid stimulating hormone test as a preventive benefit provided to Medicare beneficiaries; (4) a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) study on consumer coalitions in marking Medicare+Choice (SSA title XVIII part C) plans; (5) an HHS study on the effect of limitations on State payment for Medicare cost-sharing on access to services for qualified Medicare beneficiaries; (6) HHS studies on preventive interventions in primary care for older Americans; (7) a MEDPAC study on Medicare coverage of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services; and (8) the Lifestyle Modification Program Demonstration project. Title II: Rural Health Care Improvements - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVII to: (1) prohibit beneficiary cost-sharing for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals; (2) increase the amount a critical access hospital may elect to be paid for outpatient critical access hospital (OCAH) services with respect to the fee schedule payment for OCAH professional services; (3) exempt critical access hospital swing beds from the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS); (4) provide for payment in critical access hospitals for emergency room on-call physicians; and (5) provide for the treatment of ambulance services furnished by certain critical access hospitals. (Sec. 206) Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO) to study certain eligibility requirements for critical access hospitals. Subtitle B: Other Rural Hospitals Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to provide for: (1) application of a uniform threshold for urban and rural hospitals to be classified as disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs) for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2001; (2) adjustment of payment formulas for various specified hospitals, including hospitals that are both sole community hospitals and rural referral centers for discharges occurring during such period; (3) an option to base eligibility for the Medicare dependent, small rural hospital program on discharges during two of the three most recently audited cost reporting periods; and (4) extension of the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. (Sec. 214) Directs MEDPAC, in its study and report to Congress on rural providers under The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to analyze the impact of volume on the per unit cost of rural hospitals with psychiatric units, and recommend whether special treatment for such hospitals may be warranted. Subtitle C: Other Rural Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to special payment rules for particular items and services to provide transitional assistance for providers of ambulance services in rural areas. (Sec. 222) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to the use of carriers for administration of benefits concerning payment for certain physician assistant services. (Sec. 223) Amends BBA'97 to: (1) set a time limit for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services; and (2) provide for an expansion of Medicare payment for such services. (Sec. 224) Amends SSA title XVIII part B to provide for expanding access to rural health clinics. (Sec. 225) Directs MEDPAC to study the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title III: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: Inpatient Hospital Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for revision of the acute care hospital payment update for 2001 . (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary, when rebasing and revising the hospital market basket index, to consider the prices of blood and blood products purchased by hospitals and to determine whether those prices are adequately reflected in such index. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services and updating previous standardized amounts to provide for: (1) an adjustment for inpatient case mix changes; (2) modification of the transition for indirect medical education percentage adjustment for DSHs; and (3) decreases in reductions for DSH payments. (Sec. 304) Provides for a three-year effective period for any decision of the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board to reclassify a DSH for purposes of adjusting the diagnosis-related group (DRG) prospective payment rate for hospital wage level area differences for FY 2001 or any fiscal year thereafter. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures under which a DSH hospital may elect to terminate such reclassification before the end of such period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process under which an appropriate statewide entity may apply to have all the geographic areas in a State treated as a single geographic area for purposes of computing and applying the area wage index; and (2) provide for the collection of data every three years on occupational mix for employees of each DSH in the provision of inpatient hospital services in order to construct an occupational mix adjustment in the applicable hospital area wage index. (Sec. 305) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to prospective payment for inpatient rehabilitation hospital services and: (1) assistance with administrative costs associated with completion of patient assessment; as well as (2) a rehabilitation facility election to apply full prospective payment rate without phase-in. (Sec. 306) Provides that, with respect to the inpatient services of psychiatric hospitals and certain psychiatric units, in making incentive payments to such hospitals for cost reporting periods from October 1, 2000, through October 1, 2001, the Secretary shall increase the percent of the target amount used in determining such payments. (Sec. 307) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) increased target amounts and caps for long-term care hospitals before implementation of the PPS required under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 for payment for inpatient hospital services provided in long-term care hospitals; and (2) alternative implementation of such PPS by the Secretary based on the use of existing hospital DRGs that have been modified. Subtitle B: Adjustments to PPS Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to SNFs for routine service costs to revise updating requirements, among other changes eliminating the reduction in the skilled nursing facility market basket update in 2001. (Sec. 311) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the adequacy of Medicare payment rates to SNFs and the extent to which Medicare contributes to the financial viability of such facilities. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to increase the nursing component of the case-mix adjusted Federal prospective payment rate specified in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Health Care Financing Administration on July 31, 2000, effective for services furnished on or after April 1, 2001, and before October 1, 2002. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit for Congress of nursing staffing ratios in a representative sample of Medicare SNFs. (Sec. 313) Amends SSA title XVIII to limit application of the SNF consolidated billing requirement to a period during which the resident is provided Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covered post-hospital extended care services. Requires the Secretary to monitor payments made under Medicare part B for items and services furnished to SNF residents during a time in which they are not being provided Medicare covered post-hospital extended care services, in order to ensure that there is not duplicate billing for services or excessive services provided. (Sec. 314) Provides that, for purposes of computing payments for certain covered SNF services, the Secretary shall increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate for covered SNF services for specified RUG-III (resource utilization group) rehabilitation groups furnished to an individual during the period in which such individual is classified in such a RUG-III category. Directs the HHS Inspector General to review the Medicare payment structure for services classified within RUGs and report to Congress on whether payment incentives exist for the delivery of inadequate care. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a procedure for the geographic reclassification of a SNF for purposes of payment for covered SNF services under the PPS for SNFs for routine service costs. Subtitle C: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for an increase in the payment base for hospice care for FY 2001. (Sec. 322) Requires that the certification regarding an individual's terminal illness be based on the physician's or medical director's clinical judgment regarding the normal course of the illness. (Sec. 323) Directs MEDPAC to study the factors affecting the use of hospice benefits under Medicare program and differences in such use between urban and rural hospice programs and based upon the presenting condition of the patient. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a reduction in Medicare part A late enrollment premium increases (penalty) for a qualified State or local government retiree group in the case where a State, a local government, or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, determines to pay, for the life of each individual in such a group, the monthly premiums due. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to provide for: (1) a full market basket increase for such services for 2001; (2) adjustment for service mix changes; (3) use of categories in determining eligibility of a device for pass-through payments; (4) application of OPD PPS transitional corridor payments to certain hospitals that did not submit a 1996 cost report; (5) treatment of children's hospitals under the PPS; and (6) inclusion of temperature monitored cryoablation in transitional pass-through for certain medical devices, drugs, and biologicals under the PPS. (Sec. 404) Provides that, for purposes of making determinations of provider-based status under Medicare on or after October 1, 2000, any facility or organization that is treated as provider-based in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare as of October 1, 2000: (1) shall continue to be treated as provider-based in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare during the two year period beginning on October 1, 2000; and (2) the requirements, limitations, and exclusions specified in appropriate Federal regulations detailing requirements for a determination that a facility or an organization has provider-based status shall not apply to such facility or organization in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital until after the end of such two year period. Prohibits a facility or organization for which a determination of provider-based status in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital is requested during FY 2001 or 2002 from being treated as not having such status in relation to such a hospital for any period before a determination is made with respect to such status pursuant to such request and in making a determination with respect to such status for any facility or organization in relationship to such a hospital on or after October 1, 2000, the facility or organization shall be treated as satisfying any requirements and standards for geographic location in relation to such a hospital if the facility or organization: (1) satisfies appropriate Federal regulations pertaining to location in immediate vicinity or is located not more than 35 miles from the main campus of the hospital or critical access hospital; and (2) is owned and operated by a hospital or critical access hospital that meets specified criteria. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians' Services - Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the appropriateness of furnishing in physicians' offices specialist physicians' services which are ordinarily furnished in hospital outpatient departments; and (2) the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. (Sec. 412) Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to test and, if proven effective, expand the use of incentives to health care groups participating in Medicare that: (1) encourage coordination of the care furnished to individuals under Medicare parts A and B by institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services; (2) encourage investment in administrative structures and processes to ensure efficient service delivery; and (3) reward physicians for improving health outcomes. (Sec. 413) Directs the Comptroller General to study the current Medicare enrollment process for groups that retain independent contractor physicians with particular emphasis on hospital-based physicians. Subtitle C: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year extension of the moratorium on certain physical therapy services caps. (Sec. 421) Directs the Secretary to study the implications: (1) of eliminating the "in the room" supervision requirement for Medicare payment for services of physical therapy assistants supervised by physical therapists; and (2) of such requirement on the cap imposed under Medicare on physical therapy services. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to increase the update for dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2001. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect data and develop an ESRD market basket whereby the Secretary can estimate, before the beginning of a year, the percentage by which the costs for the year of the mix of labor and nonlabor goods and services included in the ESRD composite rate will exceed the costs of such mix for the preceding year; and (2) develop a system which includes in such composite rate, to the maximum extent feasible, payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and drugs that are routinely used in furnishing dialysis services to Medicare beneficiaries, but which are currently separately billable by renal dialysis facilities. (Sec. 423) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for ambulance services to provide for: (1) restoration of the full consumer price index (CPI) increase for 2001; and (2) continued phase-in of the application of the payment rates under the ambulance services fee schedule in an efficient and fair manner; except that when the Secretary implements such fee schedule, such phase-in shall provide for full payment of any national mileage rate for ambulance services provided by suppliers that are paid by carriers in any of the 50 States where payment by a carrier for such services for all such suppliers in such State, before the fee schedule's implementation, did not include a separate amount for all mileage within the county from which the beneficiary is transported. (Sec. 424) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a revised PPS for services of ambulatory surgical facilities before January 1, 2002. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with respect to the phase-in of the PPS for ambulatory surgical centers to: (1) extend the phase-in to four years; and (2) direct the Secretary, by January 1, 2003, to incorporate data from a 1999 Medicare cost survey or a subsequent cost survey for purposes of implementing or revising such PPS. (Sec. 425) Amends SSA title XVIII, with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services, to provide for: (1) the full update for durable medical equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics in 2001; and (2) addition of special payment provisions and requirements for prosthetics and certain custom fabricated orthotic items. (Sec. 428) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the replacement of, and payment for, prosthetic devices and parts. (Sec. 429) Directs the Comptroller General to study the reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology and for related services under Medicare part B, with recommendations for revised payment methodologies. Directs the Secretary to revise such payment methodology based on such recommendations. (Sec. 430) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to direct the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services that classify separately those procedures that utilize contrast agents from those that do not. (Sec. 431) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous) to revise the qualifications for community mental health centers under provisions defining partial hospitalization services. (Sec. 432) Directs the Secretary to make payment under Medicare part B to a hospital or an ambulatory clinic that is operated by the Indian Health Service (IHS) or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization for specified services furnished in or at the direction of the hospital or clinic as if such services were furnished in or at the direction of such hospital or clinic that was not operated by the IHS, tribe, or organization. Prohibits payment from being made for such services under Medicare part B to the extent that payment is otherwise made for such services under Medicare. (Sec. 433) Directs the Comptroller General to study the effect on Medicare and on Medicare beneficiaries of coverage of surgical first assisting services of certified registered nurse first assistants. (Sec. 434) Directs MEDPAC to study the appropriateness of: (1) the current Medicare payment rates for services provided by a certified nurse-midwife, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) Medicare coverage for services provided by a surgical technologist, a marriage counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a pastoral care counselor, and a licensed professional counselor of mental health. (Sec. 436) Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided; (2) the post-payment audit process under Medicare as such process applies to physicians; and (3) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare. (Sec. 438) Directs MEDPAC to study the barriers to coverage and payment for outpatient interventional pain medicine procedures under Medicare. Title V: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year additional delay in the application of the 15 percent reduction on payment limits for home health services. (Sec. 501) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to delay for an additional year the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services after implementation of the PPS. Requires the Comptroller General, instead of the Secretary (as currently required), to report to Congress an analysis of the need for such a reduction. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the PPS for home health services concerning the annual update to provide for an adjustment for case mix changes. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for restoration of the full home health market basket update for home health services for FY 2001. Establishes a special rule for payment under the PPS for home health services for FY 2001 based on adjusted prospective payment amounts. (Sec. 503) Provides that, in the case of certain home health agencies that were receiving periodic interim payments under Medicare as of September 30, 2000, the Secretary shall make a single two-month periodic interim payment to such agency. (Sec. 504) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of telehealth in the delivery of home health services. (Sec. 505) Directs the Comptroller General to study variations in prices paid by home health agencies furnishing home health services under Medicare in purchasing nonroutine medical supplies and volumes if such supplies used determine the effect (if any) of variations on prices and volumes in the provision of such services. (Sec. 506) Provides that, in determining for Medicare purposes whether an office of a home health agency constitutes a branch office or a separate home health agency, neither the time nor distance between a parent office of the home health agency and a branch office shall be the sole determinant of a home health agency's branch office status. (Sec. 507) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the Medicare home health benefit to declare that absences from home to receive medical treatment shall not disqualify an individual from such benefit. (Sec. 508) Provides for a temporary payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area for 2001 and 2002. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for an increase in the floor for direct graduate medical education payments for FY 2002. (Sec. 512) Changes the distribution formula for Medicare+Choice-related nursing and allied health education costs. Subtitle C: Changes in Medicare Coverage and Appeals Process - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the Medicare appeals process. Provides for initial determinations of entitlement and benefits by the Secretary, by a utilization and quality control peer review organization, or by an independent contractor. Provides for redeterminations of denied benefit claims. Specifies appeals rights, including the right of an individual to request a medically exigent review from the contractor who made the initial determination. (Sec. 522) Provides for the review of coverage determinations under the Medicare appeals process. Amends SSA title XI to require any advisory committee on certain Medicare coverage exclusions to: (1) assure the full participation of a nonvoting member in its deliberations; and (2) provide such nonvoting member access to all information and data (with certain exceptions) made available to the committee's voting members. Provides that, if such committee organizes into panels of experts according to types of items or services, any such panel may report directly to the Secretary without prior approval. Subtitle D: Improving Access to New Technologies - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish a new payment rule for any clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed on or after January 1, 2001, that is a new test for which no limitation amount has previously been established. (Sec. 531) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for coding and payment determinations for the categories of new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and new durable medical equipment under Medicare part B that permit public consultation in a manner consistent with the procedures established for implementing coding modifications for ICD-9-CM; and (2) report to Congress on the specific procedures used under Medicare part B to adjust payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and durable medical equipment which are classified to existing codes where, because of a technology advance, there has been a significant increase or decrease in the resources used in the test or in the manufacture of the equipment, and a significant improvement in test or equipment performance. (Sec. 532) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and continue through December 31, 2003, the use of level III codes of the HCPCS (Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Common Procedure Coding System) coding system (as such system was in effect on August 16, 2000); and (2) make such codes publicly available. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on methods of expeditiously incorporating new medical services and technologies into the clinical coding system used with respect to Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services, together with a detailed description of the Secretary's preferred methods to achieve this purpose; and (2) implement such preferred methods. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a mechanism to recognize the costs of new medical services and technologies with respect to inpatient hospital services under the hospital reimbursement control system. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to reduce from 45 percent to 30 percent the reduction in the amount of bad debts otherwise treated as allowable costs attributable to the deductibles and coinsurance amounts under Medicare for FY 2001 and subsequent fiscal years in determining the reasonable costs of outpatient hospital services (thus increasing by 15 percent the amount that may be reimbursed). (Sec. 542) Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. (Sec. 543) Amends SSA title XI to make permanent the authority for the Secretary to issue written advisory opinions under provisions for guidance regarding application of health care fraud and abuse sanctions. (Sec. 544) Amends SSA title XVIII to make various specified changes in annual MEDPAC reporting with regard to revision of deadlines for submission of reports and on the record votes on recommendations. (Sec. 545) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the development of standard instruments for the assessment of the health and functional status of patients, for whom specified items and services are furnished. (Sec. 546) Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the effect of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act on hospitals, emergency physicians, and physicians covering emergency department call throughout the United States. (Sec. 547) Prohibits payment increases relating to the acute care hospital payment update, indirect costs of graduate medical education percentage adjustment, and DSH payments from applying to discharges occurring after FY 2001 and from being taken into account in calculating the payment amounts applicable for discharges occurring after such fiscal year. Provides for: (1) similar treatment with respect to SNF services; and (2) a transitional allowance for full market basket increase with respect to home health services as well as a temporary increase for rural home health services. Prohibits payment increases relating to the following matters from applying after calendar year 2001 and from being taken into account in calculating the payment amounts applicable for items and services furnished after such year: (1) covered OPD services; (2) renal dialysis services paid for on a composite rate basis; (3) ambulance services; (4) durable medical equipment; and (5) prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Medicare+Choice Payment Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the minimum payment amount and the minimum percentage increase; and (2) provide for a phase-in of risk adjustment. (Sec. 604) Provides for a transition to revised Medicare+Choice payment rates. (Sec. 605) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to premiums to permit Medicare part B premium reductions as additional benefits under Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 607) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) ensure full implementation of risk adjustment methodology for congestive heart failure enrollees for 2001; and (2) provide for the expansion of the application of Medicare+Choice's new entry bonus. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a method to phase-in the costs of military facility services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and those furnished by the Department of Defense, to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of an area's Medicare+Choice capitation payment. Subtitle B: Other Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for payment of additional amounts for new Medicare+Choice benefits covered during a contract term. (Sec. 612) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing, other than at the beginning of a calendar year, regulations that impose significant regulatory requirements on a Medicare+Choice organization or plan. (Sec. 613) Provides for timely approval of marketing material that follows model marketing language, and for avoiding duplicative regulation with respect to plan requirements. (Sec. 615) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare+Choice organization that offers a Medicare+Choice plan in an area in which more than one local coverage policy is applied with respect to different parts of the area, the organization may elect to have the local coverage policy for the part of the area that is most beneficial to Medicare+Choice enrollees apply with respect to all Medicare+Choice enrollees enrolled in the plan. (Sec. 616) Requires: (1) the quality assurance program under the Medicare+Choice program to include a separate focus on racial and ethnic minorities; and (2) the Secretary to submit to Congress a report regarding how such quality assurance programs focus on racial and ethnic minorities. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the Secretary to waive or to modify requirements that hinder the design of, the offering of, or enrollment in Medicare+Choice plans under contracts between Medicare+Choice organizations and employers, labor organizations, or the trustees of a fund established by one or more employers or labor organizations (or combination thereof) to furnish benefits to the entity's employees, former employees (or combination thereof), or to members or former members (or combination thereof) of the labor organizations. (Sec. 618) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to special Medicare supplemental health insurance enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 619) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to restore the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 620) Permits ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 621) Provides that, in covering post-hospital extended care services, a Medicare+Choice plan shall provide for such coverage through a home SNF if: (1) the enrollee elects to receive such coverage through such SNF; and (2) the SNF has a contract with the Medicare+Choice organization for the provision of such services, or the SNF agrees to accept substantially similar payment under the same terms and conditions that apply to similarly situated SNFs under contract with the Medicare+Choice organization through which the enrollee would otherwise receive such services. (Sec. 622) Directs HCFA's Chief Actuary to review the actuarial assumptions and data used by the Medicare+Choice organization with respect to such rates, amounts, and values to determine the appropriateness of such assumptions and data. (Sec. 623) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for increased civil monetary penalties for Medicare+Choice organizations that terminate contracts mid-year. Subtitle C: Other Managed Care Reforms - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to provide for a one-year extension of the social health maintenance organization demonstration project authority. (Sec. 632) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to provide for revised terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization demonstration project. (Sec. 633) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for a two-year extension of Medicare municipal health services demonstration projects. (Sec. 634) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans and service area expansion for Medicare cost contracts during transition period. Title VII: Medicaid - Amends SSA title XIX with respect to DSH payments and: (1) continuation of Medicaid DSH allotments at FY 2000 levels for FY 2001 and 2002; and (2) a special rule for Medicaid DSH allotment for extremely low DSH States. (Sec. 701) Outlines provisions for: (1) assuring identification of Medicaid managed care patients for purposes of making DSH payments; (2) application of the Medicaid DSH transition rule to public hospitals in all States; (3) assistance for certain public hospitals; and (4) DSH payment accountability standards. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to create a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 703) Amends SSA XI to establish an approval process for a State's application for an extension of any State-wide comprehensive demonstration project for which a waiver of compliance with Medicaid requirements is granted. (Sec. 704) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 with respect to Medicaid county-organized health systems. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to issue a final regulation based on the proposed rule announced on October 5, 2000, that: (1) modifies the upper payment limit test applied to State Medicaid spending for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded, and clinic services by applying an aggregate upper payment limit to payments made to government facilities that are not State-owned or operated facilities; and (2) provides for a specified transition period. (Sec. 706) Prescribes a formula for the Federal medical assistance percentage for Alaska for purposes of SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP), which shall be applicable only for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 707) Provides for a one-year extension of provisions on eligibility for medical assistance (welfare-to-work transition) under Medicaid. (Sec. 708) Makes additional entities qualified to determine Medicaid presumptive eligibility for low-income children. (Sec. 709) Directs the Secretary to develop and distribute to States a simplified application form for use by individuals in applying for medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid. Title VIII: State Children's Health Insurance Program - Amends SSA title XXI to: (1) establish a rule for redistribution and extended availability of unused FY 1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments; (2) provide authority to pay Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs from SCHIP appropriations; (3) eliminate requirement to reduce a SCHIP allotment by Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs; (4) provide authority to transfer SCHIP appropriations to the Medicaid appropriation account as reimbursement for Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid expansion SCHIP services; and (5) provide for application of Medicaid child presumptive eligibility provisions under SCHIP. Title IX: Other Provisions - Subtitle A: PACE Program - Amends BBA '97 with respect to programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) to provide for an extension of transition for the current PACE demonstration project waiver authority. (Sec. 902) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payments to, and coverage of benefits under, PACE programs, and regulations and use of PACE protocol to provide for the continuation of modifications or waivers of operational requirements under demonstration status. (Sec. 903) Directs the Secretary to approve or deny a request for a modification or a waiver of provisions of the PACE protocol not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the request, in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Permits the Secretary to exercise authority to modify or to waive such provisions in a manner that responds promptly to the needs of PACE programs relating to areas of employment and the use of community-based primary care physicians in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Subtitle B: Outreach to Eligible Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries - Amends SSA title XI to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) conduct outreach efforts to identify individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who may be eligible for medical assistance for payment of the cost of Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid; and (2) notify such individuals of the availability of such medical assistance. (Sec. 911) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study Congress on the impact of such outreach efforts on the enrollment of individuals for Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid. Subtitle C: Maternal and Child Health Block Grant - Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services block grant for FY 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle D: Diabetes - Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type I diabetes and for special diabetes programs for Indians. (Sec. 931) Amends BBA '97 to extend the final report on diabetes grant programs. (Sec. 932) Amends the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 to make appropriations to the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund for FY 2001. Subtitle E: Information on Nurse Staffing - Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX to require a SNF and a nursing facility to post daily for each shift the current number of licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care in the facility. Subtitle F: Adjustment of Multiemployer Plan Benefits Guaranteed - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide for adjustment of multiemployer plan benefits guaranteed.

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the legislative branch for FY 2001. Title I: Congressional Operations - Congressional Operations Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Senate for: (1) a payment to Nancy Nally Coverdell, widow of Paul D. Coverdell, late a Senator from Georgia; (2) expense allowances; (3) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders; (4) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees (including the Committee on Appropriations); (5) agency contributions for employee benefits; (6) inquiries and investigations; (7) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (8) the Offices of the Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (9) miscellaneous items; (10) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; and (11) official mail costs. (Sec. 1) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1965 to require, with respect to semiannual statements of expenditures by the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, each report of the Secretary of the Senate (except for specified expenditures) to be compiled at a summary level for each Senate office authorized to obligate appropriated funds. (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Pay Comparability Act of 1970 to provide for locality pay adjustments for Senate employees in the Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, Maryland consolidated metropolitan statistical area consistent with executive branch, judicial branch, and other legislative branch employees. (Sec. 3) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999 to require agency contributions for employees of Senate Hair Care Services to be paid from the appropriations account for Salaries, Officers, and Employees in lieu of the Senate Hair Care Services Revolving Fund. (Sec. 4) Establishes the Senate Health and Fitness Facility Revolving Fund. Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to deposit in the Fund any amounts received: (1) as dues or other assessments for use of the Senate Health and Fitness Facility; and (2) from the operation of the Senate waste recycling program. Makes such amounts, under specified conditions, available to the AOC, without fiscal year limitations, for payment of the Facility's costs. (Sec. 5) Authorizes for each fiscal year, beginning in FY 2002, a specified expense allowance for the Chairmen of the Majority and Minority Policy Committees, to be paid only as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred, under specified conditions. Declares that such amounts shall not be reported as income and shall not be allowed as a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 6) Permits the head of the employing office of a Senate employee, upon termination of the employee's employment, to authorize payment of a lump sum for the employee's accrued annual leave if certain conditions are met. Requires the employee, if reemployed as an Senate employee before the end of the period covered by the lump sum payment, to refund an amount equal to the leave pay for the period between the reemployment date and the expiration of the lump sum period. (Sec. 7) Requires agency contributions for employees of the Joint Economic Committee to be paid from the Senate appropriations account for Salaries, Officers, and Employees. (Sec. 8) Amends Federal law with respect to the United States Senate Collection to: (1) revise the categories of collectibles from items of art, fine art, and historical items to make them works of art, historical objects, documents, or material relating to historical matters; and (2) change its name from mandatory to discretionary (allowing for a change of name without statutory mandate). Makes appropriations for the House of Representatives for: (1) House leadership offices; (2) Members' representational allowances; (3) committee employees; (4) officers and employees; (5) specified allowances and expenses; and (6) the House Child Care Center. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to enter into: (1) contracts for the acquisition of severable services for a period that begins in one fiscal year and ends in the next to the same extent as the head of an executive agency under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949; and (2) multi-year contracts for the acquisition of property and nonaudit-related services to the same extent as executive agencies under such Act. (Sec. 102) Amends the House Employees Position Classification Act to permit new House employees to be placed above the minimum step of the appropriate House compensation level. (Sec. 103) Makes amounts appropriated under this Act for "House of Representatives Salaries and Expenses - Members' Representational Allowances" available for FY 2001 only. Requires amounts remaining after all payments are made under such allowances for FY 2001 to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction or, if there is no Federal budget deficit, for reducing the Federal debt. (Sec. 104) Appropriates a specified sum for payment to the Prince William County Public Schools for educational services for the son of Evelyn Gibson, widow of Detective John Michael Gibson, U.S. Capitol Police. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 2001, and the Joint Economic and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; (3) the Capitol Police Board; (4) the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office; (5) the Office of Compliance; (6) the Congressional Budget Office; (7) the AOC for salaries and expenses, Capitol buildings and grounds, Senate and House office buildings, and the Capitol power plant; (8) the Library of Congress for Congressional Research Service (CRS) salaries and expenses; and (9) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary of Defense, upon request, to provide protective services on a non-reimbursable basis to the U.S. Capitol Police for the inauguration of the President-elect and Vice President-elect, and for the joint session of Congress held to receive the President's State of the Union address. (Sec. 107) Requires: (1) the Chief Administrative Officer of the Capitol Police, or when there is no such Officer, the Capitol Police Board to appoint certifying officers to certify all vouchers for payment from funds made available to the Capitol Police. Specifies the accountability of such certifying officers, and provides for enforcement of their liability. (Sec. 108) Establishes within the Capitol Police an Office of Administration to be headed by a Chief Administrative Officer, who shall be appointed by the Comptroller General and serve at the Comptroller General's pleasure. Specifies the areas of the Officer's responsibility regarding the Capitol Police such as budgeting, financial management, information technology, and human resources. Provides that: (1) as of the beginning of FY 2002, unless otherwise determined by the Comptroller General, the Chief Administrative Officer will cease to be an employee of the General Accounting Office and will become a Capitol Police employee; and (2) the Capitol Police Board shall assume all of the Comptroller General's responsibilities under this title. (Sec. 109) Modifies the annual salary of the Chief of the Capitol Police from level IV of the Executive Schedule to level ES-4 of the Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the Congressional Budget Office, to the same extent as executive agencies under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, to enter into: (1) contracts for procurement of severable services beginning in one fiscal year and ending in the next; and (2) multi-year contracts for acquisition of property and services. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations to the Clerk of the House for congressional printing and binding services. Requires: (1) the Clerk to study and report to specified congressional committees on the needs of the House for congressional printing and binding services during FY 2002, 2003, and succeeding fiscal years, including an analysis of the most cost-effective program or programs for providing printed or other media-based publications for House uses; and (2) the committees to review the study and prepare regulations or other materials (including proposals for legislation) appropriate to enable the Clerk to carry out such services. Title II: Other Agencies - Appropriates funds for salaries and expenses for: (1) the Botanic Garden; and (2) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and furniture and furnishings. Specifies administrative provisions for the Library of Congress identical or similar to corresponding provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 206) Reduces the obligational authority of the Library from FY 2001 levels for reimbursable and revolving fund activities funded from sources other than appropriations to the Library in appropriation Acts for the legislative branch. (Sec. 207) Amends Federal law to authorize the AOC, within 90 days after acquisition of certain real property for the Library of Congress, to transfer a limited amount of funds to the entity from which the property was acquired. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to convert to permanent positions 84 indefinite, time-limited positions in the National Digital Library Program authorized in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996 for the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Librarian to fill these permanent positions through the non-competitive conversion of the incumbents in the indefinite-not-to-exceed positions to permanent positions. (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Librarian of Congress, during FY 2001 and ensuing fiscal years, to transfer to and among available accounts, subject to the approval of specified congressional committees, amounts appropriated to the Library from funds for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and repair of furniture, furnishings, and office and library equipment. (Sec. 210) Allows any employee of the Library of Congress Child Development Center, who elects by certain dates to be covered by this section, to be credited under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) for service as a Center employee, subject to specified conditions. Sets forth provisions making such individuals eligible for: (1) FERS survivor annuities and disability benefits; (2) contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan; and (3) Federal health and life insurance coverage. Makes appropriations for: (1) the AOC for Library buildings and grounds; and (2) salaries and expenses of the GPO's Office of Superintendent of Documents and for the General Accounting Office. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized or prohibited uses of funds appropriated by this Act identical or similar to corresponding provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 305) Sets forth Buy American requirements. (Sec. 308) Prohibits any appropriation contained in this Act for the AOC or the Botanic Garden from being obligated or expended for a construction contract in excess of $100,000, unless such contract requires liquidated damages according to a specified formula for contractor caused delay. (Sec. 309) Amends Federal law to extend for one year the availability of funds for the Senate art collection. (Sec. 310) Amends the 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to extend: (1) the pilot Russian Leadership Program in the Library of Congress through FY 2001; and (2) the permanent Program (in its presidentially designated executive agency) and its Advisory Board through FY 2002. (Sec. 311) Allows any State to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the State has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, under certain terms and conditions. Directs the AOC, upon the Committee's approval, to relocate within the Capitol any of the statues received from the States before this Act's enactment, and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of such statues received hereafter. (Sec. 312) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1993 to increase the amount of funds that may be accepted and made available for obligation by the AOC for constructing, equipping, and maintaining the National Garden. Allows the AOC to solicit, receive, accept, and hold amounts under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 in excess of such increased amount. Prohibits AOC expenditure of such amount (and interest thereon) without approval in appropriations Acts as required by such Act. (Sec. 313) Establishes in the legislative branch the Center for Russian Leadership Development, which shall establish a program to enable emerging political leaders of Russia at all levels of government to gain significant, firsthand exposure to the American free market economic system and the operation of American democratic institutions through visits to governments and communities at comparable levels in the United States. Requires the Center to establish a program under which it shall annually award grants to government or community organizations in the United States that seek to establish programs to host such Russian nationals. Limits: (1) the stay of each grant recipient to 30 days; and (2) the number of such grant recipients to 3,000 in any fiscal year. Specifies the use of such grants. Establishes the Russian Leadership Development Center Trust Fund in the Treasury. Applies the same administrative provisions to the Center as those of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 concerning the John C. Stennis Center for the Public Service Training and Development. Authorizes the Library of Congress to provide administrative, legal, financial management, and other appropriate services to the Center. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 314) Requires the Comptroller General to submit an assessment to Congress which contains an analysis of the new computer performance levels being proposed by the President under the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1998. Title IV: Emergency Fiscal Year 2000 Supplemental Appropriations - Makes emergency FY 2000 supplemental appropriations for: (1) the Capitol Police Board; (2) the AOC for Capitol buildings and grounds and the House office buildings; and (3) the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Voters' Bill of Rights for the 21st Century

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Voter's Bill of Rights for the 21st Century - Expresses the sense of Congress that American voters in the 21st century should be entitled to the right to: (1) use a ballot format that permits clear identification of candidates and the accurate implementation of voter's preferences in the selection of candidates; (2) use informational technology to select candidates that is fair and user friendly; (3) vote in a manner not prejudiced by media announcements of election results in time zones where the polls have closed or when races are too close to call; (4) vote in a manner not subject to intimidation; (5) have absentee ballots of members of the uniformed service and civilians counted on Election Day; (6) have a uniform statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes; (7) have an Electoral College which reflects the preferences of voters in a fair and accurate manner; (8) have complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately, and efficiently; (9) vote on a day of the week which maximizes voter turnout; and (10) make the most informed decision on Election Day. Title I: 21st Century Bipartisan Electoral Commission - Establishes the 21st Century Bipartisan Electoral Commission to: (1) develop a uniform ballot format for presidential elections that is clear, accurate, and presents candidates in a readily recognizable way and that is easy to use for all age groups and America's diverse population; (2) evaluate existing voting technologies to determine their accuracy and effectiveness in reflecting voter's intentions; (3) make recommendations on the feasibility of a Federal matching grant program for States to implement changes in ballot formats and to purchase new, more accurate, and user-friendly voting machines and tabulation technologies; (4) make recommendations about a method of voter identification to ensure accurate recognition of voters, while insuring that no voter is subject to intimidation of any kind in casting votes; (5) establish standards for military voting that address issues of postmarks, witnessing, and time of receipt of ballots to ensure that the votes of members of the uniformed services are counted on Election Day; (6) establish standards for civilian absentee ballots that address issues of voter identification, witnessing, and time of receipt to ensure that these ballots are counted on Election Day; (7) make recommendations to establish a uniform poll closing time; (8) make recommendations on the appropriateness of changing Election Day in presidential election years to the first Sunday in November to increase voter participation; (9) reassess the electoral college and evaluate strategies to better reflect voters intentions across the country for electing the President and Vice President; (10) examine State laws to determine whether or not each State has a uniform statewide standard for vote tabulation, protests, and contests of national, State, and local elections which would protect against equal protection violations under the Constitution; and (11) make recommendations on conducting a 21st Century Voter Education Campaign publicizing its recommendations. Directs the Commission to establish and operate a website to facilitate public comment on and participation in its activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Review of Role of Media - Expresses the sense of Congress that broadcasters and other members of the media should review and take steps to strengthen their participation in the voluntary agreement on election reporting described in the report entitled "Single Poll Closing Time for Presidential General Elections in the Continental United States."

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 to the Department of Labor for: (1) training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (8) the Employment Standards Administration; (9) certain special benefits; (10) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (12) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (13) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (14) departmental management; (15) veterans employment and training; and (16) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 103) Amends part A (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require entities receiving welfare-to-work grant funds to remit to the Secretary of Labor any funds not expended within five (currently, three) years after the date such funds are provided; and (2) eliminate set-aside welfare-to-work grants for successful performance States. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the use of funds provided in any Act making appropriations for FY 2001 to implement regulations regarding temporary alien labor certification applications and petitions for admission of nonimmigrant workers or any similar or successor rule with an effective date prior to October 1, 2001. (Sec. 106) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make funds available from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account for decreasing processing time for permanent labor certification applications. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including amounts for the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, the Office of the Director, and buildings and facilities; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Health Care Financing Administration for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and program management; (9) the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (10) the Administration for Children and Families for child support enforcement and family support programs; (11) low income home energy assistance; (12) refugee and entrant assistance; (13) the child care and development block grant; (14) the social services block grant; (15) children and families services programs; (16) promoting safe and stable families pursuant to a specified provision of the Social Security Act; (17) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (18) the Administration on Aging; (19) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (20) the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office for Civil Rights; (22) policy research; (23) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers; and (24) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. Rescinds FY 2001 funds for a sample study of child welfare. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 209) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being made available under title X (population research and voluntary family planning) of the Public Health Service Act unless the award applicant certifies to the Secretary of HHS that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and provides counseling to minors on resisting attempts to coerce them into engaging in sexual activities. (Sec. 210) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the Medicare+Choice program if the Secretary of HHS denies participation in such program to an otherwise eligible entity (including a Provider Sponsored Organization) because the entity informs the Secretary that it will not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or provide referrals for abortions. (Sec. 212) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 2001 the authorization of admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution owing to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes September 30, 2001, the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status. (Sec. 213) Prohibits the use of funds provided in any Act making FY 2001 appropriations for the implementation in Arizona or in Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas, of the Medicare Competitive Pricing Demonstration Project operated by the Secretary of HHS. (Sec. 214) Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being used to withhold substance abuse funding from a State pursuant to Public Health Service Act provisions for withholding funds from States that are not in compliance with specified requirements prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors if a State certifies to the Secretary of HHS by March 1, 2001, that it will commit additional State funds to ensure compliance with State laws prohibiting such sales. Requires States to maintain expenditures in FY 2001 for tobacco prevention programs and compliance activities at a level not less than that maintained for FY 2000 and adding to that level the additional funds for such compliance activities required by this section. Bars the use of funds appropriated by this Act to withhold such substance abuse funding from a territory that receives less than $1 million. (Sec. 216) Prohibits funds appropriated under this Act from being expended by NIH on a contract for the care of the 288 chimpanzees acquired by NIH from the Coulston Foundation unless the contractor is accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International or has a Public Health Service assurance and has not been charged multiple times with egregious violations of the Animal Welfare Act. (Sec. 218) Extends the authority for Federal agencies to offer physicians comparability allowances until September 30, 2005 (currently, September 30, 2000). (Sec. 219) Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the list of requirements to be met by qualified organ procurement organizations that an organization has been certified or recertified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services within the previous four-year period as meeting performance standards. Requires certification or recertification to be made through a process that either granted certification or recertification with such certification or recertification in effect as of January 1, 2000, and remaining in effect through the earlier of January 1, 2002, or the completion of recertification under regulations promulgated by the Secretary, or that is defined through regulations promulgated by January 1, 2002, that: (1) require recertifications of such organizations no more frequently than once every four years; (2) rely on outcome and process performance measures that are based on empirical evidence of organ donor potential and other related factors in each service area of such organizations; (3) use multiple outcome measures as part of the certification process; and (4) provide for a qualified organization to appeal a decertification to the Secretary on substantive and procedural grounds. (Sec. 220) Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to use certain authorities under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 and enter into reimbursable agreements with the Department of State in order for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out international HIV/AIDS, other infectious, chronic, and environmental disease, and other health activities abroad during FY 2001. (Sec. 225) Names the National Neuroscience Research Center to be constructed on the NIH Bethesda campus the John Edward Porter Neuroscience Research Center. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 to the Department of Education for: (1) education reform; (2) education for the disadvantaged; (3) impact aid; (4) school improvement activities; (5) reading excellence; (6) Indian education; (7) bilingual and immigrant education; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) student financial assistance; (13) the Federal Family Education Loan program account; (14) higher education; (15) Howard University; (16) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (17) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (18) education research, statistics, and improvement; (19) departmental management; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; and (21) the Office of the Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 301) Sets forth general provisions, including prohibitions on use of funds for: (1) transportation to carry out racial desegregation plans, (2) requiring transporting of students for grade restructuring, school pairing, or school clustering, except for special education students and magnet schools; (3) preventing implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools; and (4) transfers of funds beyond specified limits. (Sec. 305) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate specified aspects of the allocation of funds for programs to help disadvantaged schoolchildren, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) title I part A. (Sec. 306) Requires that specified funds for ESEA title VI programs for promoting equity be allocated through States to local educational agencies (LEAs) for programs to reduce class size with fully qualified teachers. (Sec. 307) Amends the National Educational Statistics Act of 1994 with respect to membership of the National Assessment Governing Board. (Sec. 308) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise student loan program provisions with respect to: (1) restoration of institutional eligibility to participate; and (2) compensation of auditors and examiners. (Sec. 310) Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations in necessary amounts through FY 2003 for tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions. (Sec. 311) Provides for perfection of security interests in specified student loans under HEA. (Sec. 312) Revises deadlines for institutions to lower student loan default rates. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary of Education to transfer a specified amount from the Fund for the Improvement of Education to the Secretary of the Interior for an award to the National Constitution Center for certain construction activities. (Sec. 314) Revises ESEA with respect to certain character education and programs. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary of Education to review the nursing program operated by Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, with discretion to waive certain HEA requirements. (Sec. 316) Revises authorized activities for which States may use incentive grants under the special leveraging educational assistance partnership program under HEA. Prohibits use of such grant funds for administrative costs. (Sec. 317) Allows grant recipients for student support services projects under HEA to use such funds to provide grant aid to students. (Sec. 318) Revises HEA provisions relating to the availability of variable rates of interest under student loan programs. (Sec. 319) Amends the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 to designate certain scholarships for Olympic trainees as B.J. Stupak Olympic Scholarships. (Sec. 320) Directs the Secretary of Education to release without consideration the reversionary interests retained by the United States as part of the conveyance of certain real property in Marin County, California. (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate specified funds for school repair and renovation and technology activities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to certain entities for specified purposes with certain criteria and conditions. (Sec. 322) Establishes and authorizes appropriations for a new ESEA program under which the Secretary of Education is to make at least three demonstration grants for innovative methods of assisting charter school facility acquisition, construction, and renovation by enhancing the availability of loans or bond financing. (Sec. 323) Revises certain formulas under ESEA impact aid programs with respect to: (1) numbers of eligible federally connected children for whom LEAs may receive payments; and (2) determination of average tax rates for general fund purposes for LEAs. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Office of Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Education Goals Panel; (11) National Labor Relations Board; (12) National Mediation Board; (13) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the social security trust funds, special benefits for disabled coal miners, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (16) U.S. Institute of Peace. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act for programs to distribute sterile needles or syringes for the injection of illegal drugs. (Sec. 506) Sets forth Buy American requirements. (Sec. 508) Prohibits funds appropriated under this Act from being expended for abortions or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion, except in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or where a woman suffers from a physical condition that would, as certified by a physician, place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Sec. 510) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo is destroyed or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for activities to promote the legalization of a controlled substance unless there is significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage to the use of such substance or that federally-sponsored trials are being conducted to determine such advantage. (Sec. 515) Amends the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act to apply a certain schedule for the delivery of SSI supplementation payments to months after September 2001 (currently, 2009). (Sec. 516) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements with States and other entities to conduct sentinel surveillance or other special studies to determine the prevalence in various age groups and populations of specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in different sites in various U.S. regions through collection of special specimens for HPV using a variety of laboratory-based testing and diagnostic tools; and (2) develop and analyze data from the HPV sentinel surveillance system. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Centers, to conduct prevention research on HPV. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute educational materials that include information on HPV. Requires the Secretary to reexamine existing condom labels authorized pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to determine whether the labels are medically accurate regarding their effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. (Sec. 517) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to remove the warning label requirement for foods containing saccharin. Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to repeal requirements for statements on vending machines regarding saccharin health risks and for the distribution of information on saccharin. (Sec. 518) Amends title VIII (Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Commissioner of Social Security to enter into an agreement with any State that provides cash payments on a regular basis to individuals entitled to benefits under such title under which the Commissioner makes such payments on behalf of the State. (Sec. 520) Reduces amounts made available under this Act for departmental management for the Departments of Labor, HHS, and Education on a pro rata basis. Title VI: Assets for Independence - Assets for Independence Act Amendments of 2000 - Amends the Assets for Independence Act (AIA) (which is title IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998) to revise various provisions relating to program administration and flexibility in the AIA demonstration program (which is to determine the effects that certain savings accounts called individual development accounts (IDAs) can have on low-income individuals and their families). Excludes funds attributable to matching contributions by qualified entities from IDA emergency withdrawals. Includes among eligible grantees low-income credit unions and community development financial institutions. Revises requirements for withdrawals from IDA accounts for the purchase of a home. Increases the amount of funds set aside for economic literacy training and administrative costs. Includes a Federal poverty measure among alternative eligibility criteria. Declares that funds in an IDA shall be disregarded entirely for purposes of determining eligibility for Federal programs based on need. Title VII: Physical Education for Progress Act - Physical Education for Progress Act - Amends title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to, and enter into contracts with, local educational agencies (LEAs) to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for all kindergarten through 12th grade students. (Sec. 701) Requires such grants and contracts to be used for providing: (1) equipment and support to enable students to actively participate in physical education activities; and (2) funds for staff and teacher training and education. Requires LEA assistance applications for such assistance to contain plans for helping school physical education programs make progress toward meeting State standards for physical education. Prohibits extracurricular activities such as team sports and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program activities from consideration as part of the curriculum of a physical education program assisted under this title. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Early Learning Opportunities - Early Learning Opportunities Act - Provides funds for increasing: (1) availability of early learning programs; and (2) compensation for child care providers. (Sec. 804) Declares that: (1) no person, including a parent, shall be required to participate in any program of early childhood education, early learning, parent education, or developmental screening under this title; (2) nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the rights of parents otherwise established in Federal, State, or local law; and (3) no entity receiving funds under this title shall be required to provide services under this title through a particular instructional method or in a particular instructional setting. (Sec. 805) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary of HHS and the Secretary of Education to develop mechanisms to resolve administrative and programmatic conflicts between Federal programs that would be a barrier to parents, caregivers, service providers, or children related to the coordination of services and funding for early learning programs. Requires nonrestrictive use of equipment and supplies for collaborative activities funded under this title and other law providing for Federal child care or early learning programs. (Sec. 807) Directs the Secretary of HHS to award grants to States to award subgrants to Local Councils to pay the Federal share of the cost of carrying out early learning programs in the locality served by the Local Council. Sets forth requirements for: (1) uses of funds; (2) duties of Lead State Agencies and of Local Councils; (3) reservations of funds for Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; (4) State allotments based on numbers of children age four and younger and of such children in families below the poverty line; (5) Federal and State grant administration; (6) State eligibility and preferences for Local Councils, and Local Council preferences for projects; (7) performance goals; and (8) local allocations, applications, and administration. Title IX: Rural Education Achievement Program - Rural Education Achievement Program - Revises ESEA title X part J subpart 2 to set forth the Rural Education Initiative. (Sec. 901) Authorizes appropriations for formula grants and competitive grants programs for rural LEAs with small enrollments (less than 600). Sets forth program requirements for academic achievement assessments and accountability.

Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2000

Waives the requirement of rule XIII (for a two-thirds vote to consider a Committee on Rules report the same day it is presented) with respect to any resolution reported on December 15, 2000, to consider or dispose of a conference report for H.R. 4577 (making FY 2001 appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies).

A bill to make technical corrections to the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 and certain amendments made by that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2000

Amends the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 to: (1) direct the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide for enhanced penalties for any offense involving fraud or misrepresentation in connection with obtaining or furnishing information to a consumer on (as under current law), or offering assistance in obtaining, financial assistance toward an education at an institution of higher education, such that those penalties are comparable to those provided for an offense involving fraud or misrepresentation (currently, comparable to the base offense level for misrepresentation) that the defendant was acting on behalf of a charitable, educational, religious, or political organization, or a government agency; and (2) expand the debts that are excluded from permissible exemptions of property from estates in bankruptcy to include a debt in connection with misrepresentation in providing, offering assistance in obtaining, or furnishing information to a consumer on, such financial assistance.

Greening the Government Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2000

Greening the Government Act of 2000 - Establishes a Steering Committee on Greening the Government, which shall in turn establish, and provide policy direction to, a Task Force on Greening the Government to assist the Federal Environmental Executive and agencies in carrying out this Act. (Sec. 5) Directs the President, acting through the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to designate a Federal Environmental Executive to: (1) serve as Chairperson of the Task Force; (2) take all actions necessary to ensure that executive agencies comply with this Act; (3) develop agency environmental scorecards and a scoring system (together with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) to evaluate each agency's progress in meeting the goals of this Act; (4) convene a group of acquisition managers, State environmental officials, and State and local government managers to cooperate with State and local governments in improving the use by Federal, State, and local governments of recycled content products and environmentally preferable products and services; (5) coordinate appropriate Federal Government-wide education and training programs for executive agencies; and (7) establish committees and work groups to recommend actions to meet and carry out the Executive's goals, responsibilities, and initiatives. (Sec. 6) Requires the head of each major procuring agency to designate an Assistant Secretary (or equivalent) as an agency environmental executive to: (1) translate the Government-Wide Strategic Plan to Implement Executive Order 13101, dated March 12, 1999, into an agency-specific plan; (2) implement it; (3) track, and report to the Federal Environmental Executive, agency purchases of products and services designated as guideline items which can be produced with recovered materials; (4) require acquisition personnel to justify in writing the purchase of guideline items in quantities exceeding the micro-purchase threshold (and submit a plan for further increases in such purchases); and (5) estimate and report to the Secretary of Agriculture the annual level of agency purchases of biobased products and services. (Sec. 7) Prescribes factors for an agency to consider in developing a plan, drawing, work statement, specification, or other product description, including: (1) the elimination of virgin material requirements; (2) the use of biobased products and recovered materials, as well as the reuse of products; and (3) other specified factors. Requires the head of each agency to: (1) develop and implement an affirmative acquisition program using guideline items which can be produced with recovered materials; and (2) consider incorporating within it the use of certain acquisition tools and methods described in the Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Act of 1990. Requires each agency head to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that any affirmative acquisition program requires 100 percent of each agency purchase of the agency (including a purchase below the micro-purchase threshold) to meet or exceed the comprehensive procurement guideline for each product and service purchased. Requires each agency to issue guidance on purchase of guideline items at or below the micro- purchase level. (Sec. 8) Requires Federal and State inspections under the Solid Waste Disposal Act to evaluate the compliance of any Federal facility with requirements for Federal purchase of guideline items. (Sec. 9) Requires any Federal agency, when developing, reviewing, or revising a specification, product or service description (including a commercial item description), or standard, to: (1) consider recycled content material and any environmentally preferable purchasing criteria developed by the Administrator; and (2) comply with the purchasing criteria. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to: (1) designate products that are or can be made with recovered material through the comprehensive procurement guidelines; and (2) publish for comment in the Federal Register Recovered Material Advisory Notices describing the range of recovered material content levels within which the designated products are currently available. (Sec. 11) Requires the Administrator to: (1) update Environmental Protection Agency guidance to agencies at least biennially on environmentally preferable purchasing; and (2) publish an Environmentally Preferable Products and Services List for the use of agencies in complying with this Act. Requires each agency to: (1) comply with this Act in making acquisitions of products and services on the list; (2) purchase the environmentally preferable products and services; and (3) test and evaluate the principles and concepts in the Guidance on the Acquisition of Environmentally Preferable Products and Services through immediate implementation of five pilot projects to provide practical information to the Administrator for use in future updates of the Guidance. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Biobased Products Coordination Council, to publish in the Federal Register a Biobased Products List, updated biannually. (Sec. 13) Requires each agency head to ensure that the agency meets or exceeds specified minimum materials content standards when purchasing printing and writing paper. Allows an alternative minimum content standard of at least 50 percent recovered material that is a waste material byproduct of a finished product (other than a paper or textile product) that would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill. Prohibits any agency purchase after January 1, 2006, of printing and writing paper that fails to meet such minimum standards. (Sec. 14) Requires each agency to implement the Administrator's acquisition guidelines for rerefined lubricating oil and retread tires. Requires fleet and commodity managers of each agency to take immediate steps to procure rerefined lubricating oil (including biobased oil, such as vegetable oil) and retread tires. Directs the Federal Environmental Executive to educate the personnel of each agency about the new Department of Defense Cooperative Tire Qualification Program (including the Cooperative Approval Tire List and Cooperative Plant Qualification Program), as those programs apply to retread tires. (Sec. 15) Requires each agency head to ensure that at least five percent of the wood products purchased by the agency are sustainably produced wood products. (Sec. 16) Requires each agency to establish and submit to the Federal Environmental Executive goals (to be achieved by specified deadlines) for solid waste prevention, recycling, and solid waste diversion. Specifies materials to be recycled. Establishes a Federal Government-wide goal for purchases of green products equal to at least 15 percent of the total value of all contract awards for the previous fiscal year. Requires each major procuring agency to conduct not fewer than five pilot purchases of environmentally preferable products and services. Requires such goals to be incorporated into agency performance plans, including the 100 percent goal for purchasing recycled content products established by the Government-wide Strategic Plan to Implement Executive Order 13101, dated March 12, 1999. (Sec. 17) Prescribes accountability, applicability, compliance, and other specified requirements for Federal contractors and subcontractors. Requires each agency to: (1) establish a model demonstration program for recycling or waste prevention that incorporates certain features; (2) implement a program to promote cost-effective waste prevention and recycling of material in all agency facilities; and (3) designate a recycling coordinator for each agency facility. (Sec. 18) Prescribes requirements for agency official awareness, personnel training, and internal agency and White House awards programs.

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2000

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the District of Columbia for FY 2001, including amounts for the Federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for incentives for adoption of children; (3) for the commercial revitalization program; (4) to the District of Columbia Public Schools; (5) for the Metropolitan Police Department; (6) to Covenant House Washington for a new community service center for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth; (7) to the District of Columbia Corrections Trustee Operations; (8) to the District of Columbia Courts; (9) to the Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (10) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (including transfer of funds); (11) to the Washington Interfaith Network for costs incurred in carrying out preconstruction activities at the former Fort Dupont Dwellings and Additions; (12) for a study and development of a plan to simplify the District government employee compensation system; (13) for construction of a Metrorail station to be located at New York and Florida Avenues, Northeast; (14) for Brownfield Remediation at Poplar Point; (15) to reimburse the District for expenses incurred in connection with presidential inauguration activities; (16) to the Children's National Medical Center; (17) to the Child Advocacy Center; (18) to the St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Inc. expansion project; and (19) to the District of Columbia Special Olympics. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund (and other funds, in some cases) for the current fiscal year for: (1) operating expenses (with certain limits); (2) the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Authority); (3) governmental direction and support; (4) economic development and regulation; (5) public safety and justice; (6) the public education system; (7) human support services; (8) public works; (9) receivership programs; (10) replacement of funds expended during FY 2000 from the Reserve established by the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995; and (11) the emergency reserve fund established under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act by this Act. Provides funds for the purpose of restructuring the delivery of health services in the District of Columbia, provided the restructuring plan reduces personnel levels of D.C. General Hospital and of the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) consistent with the reduction set forth in the August 25, 2000, PBC Board of Directors resolution. Appropriates funds for: (1) repayment of loans and interest; (2) repayment of general fund recovery debt; (3) payment of interest on short-term borrowing; (4) reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in connection with presidential inauguration activities; (5) lease payments in accordance with the Certificates of Participation involving the land site underlying the building located at One Judiciary Square; (6) expenses associated with the John A. Wilson Building; (7) optical and dental insurance payments; (8) management supervisory service; (9) the implementation of a Cafeteria Plan; (10) the Water and Sewer Authority and the Washington Aqueduct; (11) the Lottery and Charitable Games Enterprise Fund; (12) the Sports and Entertainment Commission; (13) the District of Columbia Health and Hospitals Public Benefit Corporation; (14) the District of Columbia Retirement Board; (15) the Correctional Industries Fund; (16) the Washington Convention Center Enterprise Fund; and (17) capital outlay (including rescissions). Transfers specified funds to the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund to be spent pursuant to local law. Requires the Mayor and District Council to make reductions of specified amounts for operational improvements savings and for management reform savings in local funds to one or more of the appropriation headings in this Act. Sets forth authorizations as well as limitations and prohibitions on the uses of appropriations under this Act, and directives to the Mayor, the Council, and the Board of Education identical with or similar to those in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 104) Requires the Mayor to maintain an index of all employment personal services and consulting contracts (except collective bargaining agreements or related contracts) in effect on behalf of the District government, including severance clause information. (Sec. 129) Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act to modify contracting requirements for public charter schools with respect to: (1) specify exceptions to the notice requirements for procurement contracts; and (2) submission of contracts to the eligible chartering authority. Provides that no provision of any law regarding the establishment, administration, or operation of District public charter schools shall apply if it duplicates or is inconsistent with such Act. Subjects a public charter school which offers a preschool or prekindergarten program to the same child care licensing requirements (if any) which apply to a District public school which offers such a program. Allows a public charter school to: (1) assign payments made to the school to a financial institution for use as collateral to secure a loan or for the repayment of a loan; (2) acquire goods and services through the General Services Administration (GSA) and participate in GSA programs in the same manner and to the extent as any District government entity; and (3) delegate to a nonprofit, District tax-exempt organization the school's authority to participate in such programs. (Sec. 123) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for abortions except where the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 124) Bars the use of funds made available by this Act to implement or enforce: (1) the District of Columbia Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992 (also known as the District Domestic Partner Act); or (2) any system of registration of unmarried, cohabiting couples for purposes of extending them benefits on the same basis as such benefits are extended to legally married couples. (Sec. 126) Allows the Mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal, private, and other grants received by the District government that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this Act if the Chief Financial Officer reports to the Authority on detailed information regarding such grant, and the Authority approves such activity. Prohibits any obligation or expenditure from the general fund or other District government funds in anticipation of the approval or receipt of a Federal, private, or other grant not subject to this Act. (Sec. 129) Prohibits any D.C. government officer or employee from entering into a procurement agreement in excess of $2,500 on behalf of any D.C. government entity until the officer or employee has analyzed how procurement under D.C. government regulations and procedures would differ from procurement under the Federal supply schedule and other Government Services Administration regulations and procedures. (Sec. 131) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 134) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act to transfer or confine inmates classified above the medium security level, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons classification instrument, to the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center located in Youngstown, Ohio. (Sec. 135) Amends Federal law to transfer from the Comptroller General of the United States to the District's Inspector General responsibility for the annual financial statement audit of the District's Highway Trust Fund. (Sec. 137) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug. (Sec. 140) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act 60 days after its enactment to pay the salary of any chief financial officer of any District government office who has not filed a certification with the Mayor and the Chief Financial Officer that the officer understands the duties and restrictions applicable, including any duty to prepare certain requested reports. (Sec. 141) Requires the proposed FY 2002 budget of the District government to specify potential adjustments that might become necessary in the event that the management savings achieved by the District during the year do not meet the level of management savings projected. (Sec. 142) Requires any document showing the budget for a District government office that contains specified general, nondescriptive labels categorizing activities to include descriptions of the types of activities covered and a detailed breakdown of the amount allocated for each one. (Sec. 143) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) derivative. Provides that the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative of 1998, also known as Initiative 59, approved by the electors of the District on November 3, 1998, shall not take effect. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the D.C. Mayor to allocate the District's limitation amount of qualified zone academy bonds among qualified zone academies within the District. (Sec. 145) Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to treat the Trustee and employees of the Office of the Trustee and the Office of Adult Probation, the employees of the Office of Parole, and the employees of the Pretrial Services Agency as Federal employees solely for purposes relating to the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, life insurance, and health insurance. (Sec. 146) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Authority should quickly complete the sale of the Franklin School property which has been vacant for over 20 years. (Sec. 147) Declares that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the Council or Mayor from addressing the issue of the provision of contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans; but (2) it is the intent of Congress that any legislation enacted on such issue should include a "conscience clause" which provides exceptions for religious beliefs and moral convictions. (Sec. 148) Repeals the Medical Examiner chapter of the District of Columbia Code. Makes such repeal effective on the date on which legislation enacted by the Council to establish the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the executive branch of the District government takes effect. (Sec. 149) Requires the Superior Court of the District or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to assign interest on a voucher submitted by a court-appointed attorney for payment if the voucher is not paid within 45 days of its submission. (Sec. 150) Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute any needle or syringe for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug in any area of the District of Columbia within 1000 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school (including a public charter school). Specifies sites deemed outside or inside such 1000-foot perimeter. (Sec. 151) Appropriates a Federal contribution to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department upon enactment by the District of a specified law banning possession of tobacco products by individuals under age 18. (Sec. 152) Declares that nothing in this Act bars the District of Columbia Corporation Counsel from reviewing or commenting on briefs in private lawsuits, or from consulting with officials of the District government regarding such lawsuits. (Sec. 153) Declares that nothing in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 may be construed to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from negotiating and entering into cooperative agreements and grants which affect real property of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia, if the principal purpose of the agreement or grant is to provide comparable benefits for Federal and Non-Federal properties in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 154) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to direct the District of Columbia to conduct its financial management in accordance with a comprehensive financial management policy covering cash, debt, financial asset, emergency reserve management policies, and a policy for determining real property tax exemptions for the District of Columbia. Prescribes procedures for: (1) annual review of the comprehensive management policy by the Chief Financial Officer; and (2) development of the first such policy. (Sec. 155) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to outline the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in a non-control year or following the lapse of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. (Sec. 156) Declares that employees of the District of Columbia government will only receive overtime compensation for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week. (Sec. 157) Authorizes the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency to continue to operate its ongoing drug-free workplace testing program during the period that its plan is being reviewed for approval by the Department of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 158) Requires the Mayor to report quarterly, beginning October 1, 2000, to specified congressional committees on the District's progress with respect to: (1) crime; (2) access to drug abuse treatment; (3) management of parolees and pre-trial violent offenders; (4) education; (5) improvement in basic District services, including rat control and abatement; (6) application for and management of Federal grants; and (7) indicators of child well-being. (Sec. 159) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to establish an interest-bearing emergency cash reserve fund into which the Mayor shall deposit an amount required to maintain a balance (by FY 2004, and incrementally until then) of at least four percent of the total budget appropriated for operating expenditures for the fiscal year which is derived from local funds. Requires full replenishment of the fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Limits the use of the emergency reserve fund to unanticipated and non-recurring extraordinary needs of an emergency nature, including a natural disaster or calamity or unexpected obligations by Federal law. Prohibits use of such fund for: (1) District agency receiverships; (2) shortfalls in projected reductions in the District's proposed budgets; or (3) settlements and judgments by or against the District government. Establishes an interest- bearing contingency cash reserve fund into which the Mayor shall deposit an amount required to maintain a balance (by FY 2007, and incrementally during FY 2005 and 2006) of at least three percent of the total budget appropriated for operating expenditures for the fiscal year which is derived from local funds. Requires full replenishment of the fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Limits the use of the fund to non-recurring or unforeseen needs arising during the fiscal year, including expenses associated with unforeseen weather or other natural disasters, unexpected obligations by Federal law or new public safety or health needs or requirements identified after the budget process has occurred, or opportunities to achieve cost savings. Allows use of the fund to cover revenue shortfalls experienced for cash receipts that are at least five percent below forecast for three consecutive months (based on a two-month rolling average). Prohibits use of such fund for shortfalls in projected reductions included in the District's proposed budgets. Conditions any use of the fund on the Chief Financial Officer's analysis of: (1) the availability of other sources of funding to carry out a particular allocation; and (2) the impact of such allocation on the balance and integrity of the fund itself. Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 to repeal current requirements for a positive reserve fund balance. (Sec. 160) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to authorize the City Council to delegate to the District of Columbia Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation the Council's authority to issue revenue bonds, notes, and other obligations used to finance capital projects which are secured by payments under the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement. Waives the congressional review period for the Tobacco Settlement Financing Act of 2000. (Sec. 161) Amends the Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996, as amended by the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000, to provide a set aside of specified appropriations for a credit enhancement fund for grants to eligible nonprofit corporations and other specified entities for public charter schools in the District. (Sec. 162) Grants the D.C. Mayor exclusive authority to approve and execute leases of the Washington Marina and the Washington municipal fish wharf with the existing lessees for an initial term of 30 years and other terms and conditions the Mayor deems appropriate. (Sec. 163) Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 to provide for transfer without consideration to Fairfax County, Virginia, of any property located south of Silverbrooke Road identified for educational uses in the County reuse plan. (Sec. 164) Amends the District of Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985 to allow the District's Inspector General to contract for the independent audit of the District's financial statements with an auditor who was a subcontractor to the independent auditor who audited the District's financial statements for the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 165) Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey to Fairfax County, Virginia, fee simple title to the Laurel Hill Residential Land located at the Lorton Correctional Complex north of Silverbrooke Road, if by January 15, 2001, Fairfax County agrees to convey Meadowood Farm to the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 166) Amends the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000 to authorize the Federal Highway Administration to conduct and perform specified 14th Street bridge work related to a project to complete design requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act for the construction of expanded lane capacity for the 14th Street Bridge. (Sec. 167) Declares that the explanatory language contained in the Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference for District of Columbia Appropriations contained in the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 4942 of the 106th Congress shall be considered to constitute a joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference for the provisions in this Act.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit Pell Grants to incarcerated students under limited conditions.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2000

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit Federal Pell Grants to incarcerated students under limited conditions. (Current law prohibits such grants to any individual who is incarcerated in any Federal or State penal institution.) Prohibits such grants to prisoners serving under sentence of death or any life sentence without eligibility for parole or release.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a pilot program under which an alien may be provided H-1B nonimmigrant status without regard to the numerical limitation applicable to that nonimmigrant category if the United States employer seeking the alien's entry makes a qualifying scholarship contribution to an institution of higher education in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2000

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a pilot program (Tech Smart pilot program) under which a specified number of aliens may be issued H- 1B specialty occupation visas without regard to applicable numerical limitations if the U.S. employer seeking such alien makes a qualifying annual scholarship contribution to an institution of higher education.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Beneficiary Protection Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Beneficiary Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Preventive Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) coverage of biennial screening pap smear and pelvic exams; (2) coverage of screening for glaucoma; (3) coverage of screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals; (4) revision of payments and standards for screening mammography; (5) coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with diabetes or a renal disease; and (6) extension of Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage for workers with disabilities. Subtitle B: Other Beneficiary Improvements - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) acceleration of reduction of beneficiary copayment for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services; (2) preservation of coverage of drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (3) elimination of time limitation on Medicare benefits for immunosuppressive drugs; (4) imposition of billing limits on drugs; and (5) availability of application forms for medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing. (Sec. 116) Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to provide for a waiver of 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of individuals disabled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects and Studies - Outlines: (1) a Health and Human Services (HHS) demonstration project for disease management for severely chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries; (2) HHS demonstration projects for cancer prevention and treatment for ethnic and racial minorities; (3) a National Academy of Sciences study on the addition of coverage of routine thyroid screening using a thyroid stimulating hormone test as a preventive benefit provided to Medicare beneficiaries; (4) a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) study on consumer coalitions in marking Medicare+Choice (SSA title XVIII part C) plans; (5) an HHS study on the effect of limitations on State payment for Medicare cost-sharing on access to services for qualified Medicare beneficiaries; (6) HHS studies on preventive interventions in primary care for older Americans; and (7) a MEDPAC study on Medicare coverage of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services. Title II: Rural Health Care Improvements - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVII to: (1) prohibit beneficiary cost-sharing for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals; (2) increase the amount a critical access hospital may elect to be paid for outpatient critical access hospital (OCAH) services with respect to the fee schedule payment for OCAH professional services; (3) exempt critical access hospital swing beds from the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS); (4) provide for payment in critical access hospitals for emergency room on-call physicians; and (5) provide for the treatment of ambulance services furnished by certain critical access hospitals. (Sec. 206) Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO) to conduct a study on certain eligibility requirements for critical access hospitals. Subtitle B: Other Rural Hospitals Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to provide for: (1) application of a uniform threshold for urban and rural hospitals to be classified as disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs) for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2001; (2) adjustment of payment formulas for various specified hospitals, including hospitals that are both sole community hospitals and rural referral centers for discharges occurring during such period; (3) an option to base eligibility for the Medicare dependent, small rural hospital program on discharges during two of the three most recently audited cost reporting periods; and (4) extension of the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. (Sec. 214) Directs MEDPAC, in its study and report to Congress on rural providers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, to analyze the impact of volume on the per unit cost of rural hospitals with psychiatric units, and recommend whether special treatment for such hospitals may be warranted. Subtitle C: Other Rural Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to special payment rules for particular items and services to provide transitional assistance for providers of ambulance services in rural areas. (Sec. 222) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to the use of carriers for administration of benefits concerning payment for certain physician assistant services. (Sec. 223) Amends BBA'97 to: (1) set a time limit for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services; and (2) provide for an expansion of Medicare payment for such services. (Sec. 224) Amends SSA title XVIII part B to provide for expanding access to rural health clinics. (Sec. 225) Directs MEDPAC to study the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title III: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: Inpatient Hospital Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for elimination of the reduction in the PPS hospital payment update. (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary, when rebasing and revising the hospital market basket index, to consider the prices of blood and blood products purchased by hospitals and to determine whether those prices are adequately reflected in such index. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services and updating previous standardized amounts to provide for: (1) an adjustment for inpatient case mix changes; (2) modification of the transition for indirect medical education percentage adjustment for DSHs; and (3) decreases in reductions for DSH payments. (Sec. 304) Provides for a three-year effective period for any decision of the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board to reclassify a DSH for purposes of adjusting the diagnosis-related group (DRG) prospective payment rate for hospital wage level area differences for FY 2001 or any fiscal year thereafter. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures under which a DSH hospital may elect to terminate such reclassification before the end of such period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process under which an appropriate statewide entity may apply to have all the geographic areas in a State treated as a single geographic area for purposes of computing and applying the area wage index; and (2) provide for the collection of data every three years on occupational mix for employees of each DSH in the provision of inpatient hospital services in order to construct an occupational mix adjustment in the applicable hospital area wage index. (Sec. 305) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to prospective payment for inpatient rehabilitation hospital services and: (1) assistance with administrative costs associated with completion of patient assessment; as well as (2) a rehabilitation facility election to apply full prospective payment rate without phase-in. (Sec. 306) Provides that, with respect to the inpatient services of psychiatric hospitals and certain psychiatric units, in making incentive payments to such hospitals for cost reporting periods from October 1, 2000, through October 1, 2001, the Secretary shall increase the percent of the target amount used in determining such payments. (Sec. 307) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) increased target amounts and caps for long-term care hospitals before implementation of the PPS required under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 for payment for inpatient hospital services provided in long-term care hospitals; (2) alternative implementation of such PPS by the Secretary based on the use of existing hospital DRGs that have been modified; and (3) increase in the base payment for Puerto Rico DSH hospitals. Subtitle B: Adjustments to PPS Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to SNFs for routine service costs to revise updating requirements, among other changes eliminating the reduction in the skilled nursing facility market basket update in 2001. (Sec. 311) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the adequacy of Medicare payment rates to SNFs and the extent to which Medicare contributes to the financial viability of such facilities. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to increase the nursing component of the case-mix adjusted Federal prospective payment rate specified in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Health Care Financing Administration on July 31, 2000, effective for services furnished on or after April 1, 2001, and before October 1, 2002. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit for Congress of nursing staffing ratios in a representative sample of Medicare SNFs. (Sec. 313) Amends SSA title XVIII to limit application of the SNF consolidated billing requirement to a period during which the resident is provided Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covered post-hospital extended care services. Requires the Secretary to monitor payments made under Medicare part B for items and services furnished to SNF residents during a time in which they are not being provided Medicare covered post-hospital extended care services, in order to ensure that there is not duplicate billing for services or excessive services provided. (Sec. 314) Provides that, for purposes of computing payments for certain covered SNF services, the Secretary shall increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate for covered SNF services for specified RUG-III (resource utilization group) rehabilitation groups furnished to an individual during the period in which such individual is classified in such a RUG-III category. Directs the HHS Inspector General to review the Medicare payment structure for services classified within RUGs and report to Congress on whether payment incentives exist for the delivery of inadequate care. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a procedure for the geographic reclassification of a SNF for purposes of payment for covered SNF services under the PPS for SNFs for routine service costs. Subtitle C: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a full market basket increase for hospice care for FY 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 322) Requires that the certification regarding an individual's terminal illness be based on the physician's or medical director's clinical judgment regarding the normal course of the illness. (Sec. 323) Directs MEDPAC to conduct a study on the factors affecting the use of hospice benefits under Medicare program and differences in such use between urban and rural hospice programs and based upon the presenting condition of the patient. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a reduction in Medicare part A late enrollment premium increases (penalty) for a qualified State or local government retiree group in the case where a State, a local government, or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, determines to pay, for the life of each individual in such a group, the monthly premiums due. (Sec. 332) Outlines provisions for hospital geographic reclassification for labor costs applicable to other PPS systems and for grants to States for improvements in nursing home staffing and quality. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to provide for: (1) a full market basket increase for such services for 2001; (2) adjustment for service mix changes; (3) use of categories in determining eligibility of a device for pass-through payments; (4) application of OPD PPS transitional corridor payments to certain hospitals that did not submit a 1996 cost report; (5) treatment of children's hospitals under the PPS; (6) inclusion of temperature monitored cryoablation in transitional pass-through for certain medical devices, drugs, and biologicals under the PPS; and (7) the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services that classify separately those procedures that utilize contrast media from those that do not. (Sec. 404) Provides that, for purposes of making determinations of provider-based status under Medicare on or after October 1, 2000, any facility or organization that is treated as provider-based in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare as of October 1, 2000: (1) shall continue to be treated as provider-based in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare during the two year period beginning on October 1, 2000; and (2) the requirements, limitations, and exclusions specified in appropriate Federal regulations detailing requirements for a determination that a facility or an organization has provider-based status shall not apply to such facility or organization in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital until after the end of such two- year period. Prohibits a facility or organization for which a determination of provider-based status in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital is requested during FY 2001 or 2002 from being treated as not having such status in relation to such a hospital for any period before a determination is made with respect to such status pursuant to such request and in making a determination with respect to such status for any facility or organization in relationship to such a hospital on or after October 1, 2000, the facility or organization shall be treated as satisfying any requirements and standards for geographic location in relation to such a hospital if the facility or organization: (1) satisfies appropriate Federal regulations pertaining to location in immediate vicinity or is located not more than 35 miles from the main campus of the hospital or critical access hospital; and (2) is owned and operated by a hospital or critical access hospital that meets specified criteria. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians' Services - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on: (1) the appropriateness of furnishing in physicians' offices specialist physicians' services which are ordinarily furnished in hospital outpatient departments; and (2) the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. (Sec. 412) Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to test and, if proven effective, expand the use of incentives to health care groups participating in Medicare that: (1) encourage coordination of the care furnished to individuals under Medicare parts A and B by institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services; (2) encourage investment in administrative structures and processes to ensure efficient service delivery; and (3) reward physicians for improving health outcomes. (Sec. 413) Directs the Comptroller General to study the current Medicare enrollment process for groups that retain independent contractor physicians with particular emphasis on hospital-based physicians. Subtitle C: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year extension of the moratorium on certain physical therapy services caps. (Sec. 421) Directs the Secretary to study the implications: (1) of eliminating the "in the room" supervision requirement for Medicare payment for services of physical therapy assistants supervised by physical therapists; and (2) of such requirement on the cap imposed under Medicare on physical therapy services. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to increase the update for dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2001. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect data and develop an ESRD market basket whereby the Secretary can estimate, before the beginning of a year, the percentage by which the costs for the year of the mix of labor and nonlabor goods and services included in the ESRD composite rate will exceed the costs of such mix for the preceding year; and (2) develop a system which includes in such composite rate, to the maximum extent feasible, payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and drugs that are routinely used in furnishing dialysis services to Medicare beneficiaries, but which are currently separately billable by renal dialysis facilities. (Sec. 423) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for ambulance services to provide for: (1) restoration of the full consumer price index (CPI) increase for 2001; and (2) continued phase-in of the application of the payment rates under the ambulance services fee schedule in an efficient and fair manner; except that when the Secretary implements such fee schedule, such phase-in shall provide for full payment of any national mileage rate for ambulance services provided by suppliers that are paid by carriers in any of the 50 States where payment by a carrier for such services for all such suppliers in such State, before the fee schedule's implementation, did not include a separate amount for all mileage within the county from which the beneficiary is transported. (Sec. 424) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a revised PPS for services of ambulatory surgical facilities before January 1, 2002. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with respect to the phase-in of the PPS for ambulatory surgical centers to: (1) extend the phase-in to four years; and (2) direct the Secretary, by January 1, 2003, to incorporate data from a 1999 Medicare cost survey or a subsequent cost survey for purposes of implementing or revising such PPS. (Sec. 425) Amends SSA title XVIII, with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services, to provide for: (1) the full update for durable medical equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics in 2001; and (2) addition of special payment provisions and requirements for prosthetics and certain custom fabricated orthotic items. (Sec. 428) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the replacement of, and payment for, prosthetic devices and parts. (Sec. 429) Directs the Comptroller General to study the reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology and for related services under Medicare part B, with recommendations for revised payment methodologies. Directs the Secretary to revise such payment methodology based on such recommendations. (Sec. 430) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous) to revise the qualifications for community mental health centers under provisions defining partial hospitalization services. (Sec. 431) Makes a hospital or a free-standing ambulatory care clinic, whether operated by the Indian Health Service or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization, eligible for payments for services for which payment is made under Medicare part B for physicians' services if and for so long as it meets all of the requirements which are applicable generally to such payments, services, hospitals, and clinics. (Sec. 432) Directs the Comptroller General to study the effect on Medicare and on Medicare beneficiaries of coverage of surgical first assisting services of certified registered nurse first assistants. (Sec. 433) Directs MEDPAC to study the appropriateness of: (1) the current Medicare payment rates for services provided by a certified nurse-midwife, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) Medicare coverage for services provided by a surgical technologist, a marriage counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a pastoral care counselor, and a licensed professional counselor of mental health. (Sec. 435) Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided; (2) the post-payment audit process under Medicare as such process applies to physicians; and (3) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare. (Sec. 437) Directs MEDPAC to study the barriers to coverage and payment for outpatient interventional pain medicine procedures under Medicare. Title V: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a two-year additional delay in the application of the 15 percent reduction on payment limits for home health services. (Sec. 501) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to delay for an additional year the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services after implementation of the PPS. Requires the Comptroller General, instead of the Secretary (as currently required), to report to Congress an analysis of the need for such a reduction. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the PPS for home health services concerning the annual update to provide for an adjustment for case mix changes. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for restoration of the full home health market basket update for home health services for FY 2001. Establishes a special rule for payment under the PPS for home health services for FY 2001 based on adjusted prospective payment amounts. (Sec. 503) Provides for a temporary two-month extension of periodic interim payments under BBA '97 in the case of a home health agency receiving periodic interim payments as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 504) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of telehealth in the delivery of home health services. (Sec. 505) Directs the Comptroller General to study variations in prices paid by home health agencies furnishing home health services under Medicare in purchasing nonroutine medical supplies and volumes if such supplies used determine the effect (if any) of variations on prices and volumes in the provision of such services. (Sec. 506) Provides that, in determining for Medicare purposes whether an office of a home health agency constitutes a branch office or a separate home health agency, neither the time nor distance between a parent office of the home health agency and a branch office shall be the sole determinant of a home health agency's branch office status. (Sec. 507) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the Medicare home health benefit to declare that absences from home to receive medical treatment shall not disqualify an individual from such benefit. (Sec. 508) Provides for a temporary payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area for2001 and 2002. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for an increase in the floor for direct graduate medical education payments for FY 2002. (Sec. 512) Changes the distribution formula for Medicare+Choice-related nursing and allied health education costs. Subtitle C: Changes in Medicare Coverage and Appeals Process - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the Medicare appeals process. Provides for initial determinations of entitlement and benefits by the Secretary, by a utilization and quality control peer review organization, or by an independent contractor. Provides for redeterminations of denied benefit claims. Specifies appeal rights, including the right of an individual to request a medically exigent review from the contractor who made the initial determination. (Sec. 522) Provides for the review of coverage determinations under the Medicare appeals process. Amends SSA title XI to require any advisory committee on certain Medicare coverage exclusions to: (1) assure the full participation of a nonvoting member in its deliberations; and (2) provide such nonvoting member access to all information and data (with certain exceptions) made available to the committee's voting members. Provides that, if such committee organizes into panels of experts according to types of items or services, any such panel may report directly to the Secretary without prior approval. Subtitle D: Improving Access to New Technologies - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish a new payment rule for any clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed on or after January 1, 2001, that is a new test for which no limitation amount has previously been established. (Sec. 531) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for coding and payment determinations for the categories of new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and new durable medical equipment under Medicare part B that permit public consultation in a manner consistent with the procedures established for implementing coding modifications for ICD-9-CM; and (2) report to Congress on the specific procedures used under Medicare part B to adjust payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and durable medical equipment which are classified to existing codes where, because of a technology advance, there has been a significant increase or decrease in the resources used in the test or in the manufacture of the equipment, and a significant improvement in test or equipment performance. (Sec. 532) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and continue through December 31, 2003, the use of level III codes of the HCPCS (Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Common Procedure Coding System) coding system (as such system was in effect on August 16, 2000); and (2) make such codes publicly available. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on methods of expeditiously incorporating new medical services and technologies into the clinical coding system used with respect to Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services, together with a detailed description of the Secretary's preferred methods to achieve this purpose; and (2) implement such preferred methods. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a mechanism to recognize the costs of new medical services and technologies with respect to inpatient hospital services under the hospital reimbursement control system. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to reduce from 45 percent to 30 percent the reduction in the amount of bad debts otherwise treated as allowable costs attributable to the deductibles and coinsurance amounts under Medicare for FY 2001 and subsequent fiscal years in determining the reasonable costs of outpatient hospital services (thus increasing by 15 percent the amount that may be reimbursed). (Sec. 542) Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. (Sec. 543) Amends SSA title XI to make permanent the authority for the Secretary to issue written advisory opinions under provisions for guidance regarding application of health care fraud and abuse sanctions. (Sec. 544) Amends SSA title XVIII to make various specified changes in annual MEDPAC reporting with regard to revision of deadlines for submission of reports and on the record votes on recommendations. (Sec. 545) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the development of standard instruments for the assessment of the health and functional status of patients, for whom specified items and services are furnished. (Sec. 546) Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the effect of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act on hospitals, emergency physicians, and physicians covering emergency department call throughout the United States. (Sec. 547) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to agreements with providers of services to provide for the application of the bloodborne pathogen standard to certain hospitals. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Medicare+Choice Payment Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the payment amount for 2001 through 2003 for accountable Medicare+Choice coordinated care plans; and (2) provide for a ten-year phase-in of risk adjustment. (Sec. 603) Provides for a transition to revised Medicare+Choice payment rates. (Sec. 604) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 605) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to premiums to permit Medicare part B premium reductions as additional benefits under Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) ensure full implementation of risk adjustment methodology for congestive heart failure enrollees for 2001; and (2) provide for the expansion of the application of Medicare+Choice's new entry bonus. (Sec. 608) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a method to phase-in the costs of military facility services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and those furnished by the Department of Defense, to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of an area's Medicare+Choice capitation payment. Subtitle B: Other Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for payment of additional amounts for new Medicare+Choice benefits covered during a contract term. (Sec. 612) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing, other than at the beginning of a calendar year, regulations that impose significant regulatory requirements on a Medicare+Choice organization or plan. (Sec. 613) Provides for timely approval of marketing material that follows model marketing language, and for avoiding duplicative regulation with respect to plan requirements. (Sec. 615) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare+Choice organization that offers a Medicare+Choice plan in an area in which more than one local coverage policy is applied with respect to different parts of the area, the organization may elect to have the local coverage policy for the part of the area that is most beneficial to Medicare+Choice enrollees apply with respect to all Medicare+Choice enrollees enrolled in the plan. (Sec. 616) Requires: (1) the quality assurance program under the Medicare+Choice program to include a separate focus on racial and ethnic minorities; and (2) the Secretary to submit to Congress a report regarding how such quality assurance programs focus on racial and ethnic minorities. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the Secretary to waive or to modify requirements that hinder the design of, the offering of, or enrollment in Medicare+Choice plans under contracts between Medicare+Choice organizations and employers, labor organizations, or the trustees of a fund established by one or more employers or labor organizations (or combination thereof) to furnish benefits to the entity's employees, former employees (or combination thereof) or to members or former members (or combination thereof) of the labor organizations. (Sec. 618) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to special Medicare supplemental health insurance enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 619) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to restore the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 620) Permits ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 621) Provides that, in covering post-hospital extended care services, a Medicare+Choice plan shall provide for such coverage through a home SNF if: (1) the enrollee elects to receive such coverage through such SNF; and (2) the SNF has a contract with the Medicare+Choice organization for the provision of such services, or the SNF agrees to accept substantially similar payment under the same terms and conditions that apply to similarly situated SNFs under contract with the Medicare+Choice organization through which the enrollee would otherwise receive such services. (Sec. 622) Directs HCFA's Chief Actuary to review the actuarial assumptions and data used by the Medicare+Choice organization with respect to such rates, amounts, and values to determine the appropriateness of such assumptions and data. (Sec. 623) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for civil monetary penalties for contract default by a Medicare+Choice organization. Subtitle C: Other Managed Care Reforms - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to provide for a one-year extension of the social health maintenance organization demonstration project authority. (Sec. 632) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to provide for revised terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization demonstration project. (Sec. 633) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for a two-year extension of Medicare municipal health services demonstration projects. (Sec. 634) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans and service area expansion for Medicare cost contracts during transition period. Title VII: Medicaid - Amends SSA title XIX with respect to DSH payments and: (1) continuation of Medicaid DSH allotments at FY 2000 levels for FY 2001 and 2002; and (2) a special rule for Medicaid DSH allotment for extremely low DSH States. (Sec. 701) Outlines provisions for: (1) assuring identification of Medicaid managed care patients for purposes of making DSH payments; (2) application of the Medicaid DSH transition rule to public hospitals in all States; (3) assistance for certain public hospitals; and (4) DSH payment accountability standards. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to create a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 703) Amends SSA XI to establish an approval process for a State's application for an extension of any State-wide comprehensive demonstration project for which a waiver of compliance with Medicaid requirements is granted. (Sec. 704) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 with respect to Medicaid county-organized health systems. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to issue a final regulation based on the proposed rule announced on October 5, 2000, that: (1) modifies the upper payment limit test applied to State Medicaid spending for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded, and clinic services by applying an aggregate upper payment limit to payments made to government facilities that are not State-owned or operated facilities; and (2) provides for a specified transition period. (Sec. 706) Prescribes a formula for the Federal medical assistance percentage for Alaska for purposes of SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP), which shall apply only for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 707) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for optional coverage of legal immigrants under Medicaid. (Sec. 708) Makes additional entities qualified to determine Medicaid presumptive eligibility for low-income children. (Sec. 709) Provides for a one year extension of provisions on eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid. (Sec. 710) Includes as Medicaid medical assistance any services furnished by a physician assistant which the assistant is legally authorized to perform under State law and with the supervision of a physician. (Sec. 711) Gives States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for such children. Title VIII: State Children's Health Insurance Program - Amends SSA title XXI to: (1) establish a rule for redistribution and extended availability of unused FY 1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments; (2) provide authority to pay Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs from SCHIP appropriations; (3) eliminate requirement to reduce a SCHIP allotment by Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs; (4) provide authority to transfer SCHIP appropriations to the Medicaid appropriation account as reimbursement for Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid expansion SCHIP services; and (5) provide optional coverage of certain legal immigrants under SCHIP. Title IX: Other Provisions - Subtitle A: PACE Program - Amends BBA '97 with respect to programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) to provide for an extension of transition for the current PACE demonstration project waiver authority. (Sec. 902) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payments to, and coverage of benefits under, PACE programs, and regulations and use of PACE protocol to provide for the continuation of modifications or waivers of operational requirements under demonstration status. (Sec. 903) Directs the Secretary to approve or deny a request for a modification or a waiver of provisions of the PACE protocol not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the request, in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Permits the Secretary to exercise authority to modify or to waive such provisions in a manner that responds promptly to the needs of PACE programs relating to areas of employment and the use of community-based primary care physicians in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Subtitle B: Outreach to Eligible Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries - Amends SSA title XI to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) conduct outreach efforts to identify individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who may be eligible for medical assistance for payment of the cost of Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid; and (2) notify such individuals of the availability of such medical assistance. (Sec. 911) Directs the Comptroller General to study the impact of such outreach efforts on the enrollment of individuals for Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid. Subtitle C: Maternal and Child Health Block Grant - Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services block grant for FY 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle D: Diabetes - Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type I diabetes and for special diabetes programs for Indians. (Sec. 931) Amends BBA '97 to extend the final report on diabetes grant programs. (Sec. 932) Amends the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 to make appropriations to the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund for FY 2001.

Education Land Grant Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2000

Education Land Grant Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey National Forest System lands to a public school district for educational uses, if the school district meets specified criteria.

Children's Classroom Trust Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2000

Children's Classroom Trust Fund Act - Designates a portion of the Federal budget surplus to establish and fund the Children's Classroom Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Education to make direct awards from the Trust Fund, based on average daily attendance, to enable local educational agencies ( LEAs) to support programs or activities appropriate for kindergarten through grade 12 students. Requires failing LEAs to use such awards, as well as funds provided for disadvantaged students under title I the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, only for specified authorized uses directly related to improving elementary school and secondary school students' academic performance. Requires plans and reports by failing LEAs. Allows failing LEAs that meet State performance-based accreditation or categorization standards for two consecutive fiscal years to: (1) cease being subject to special requirements under this Act; and (2) receive bonus awards, which may be used for rewards and professional development opportunities for teachers and principals who improved student performance.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Preventive Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) coverage of biennial screening pap smear and pelvic exams; (2) coverage of screening for glaucoma; (3) coverage of screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals; (4) revision of payments and standards for screening mammography; (5) coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with diabetes or a renal disease; and (6) extension of Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage for workers with disabilities. Subtitle B: Other Beneficiary Improvements - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) acceleration of reduction of beneficiary copayment for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services; (2) preservation of coverage of drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (3) elimination of time limitation on Medicare benefits for immunosuppressive drugs; (4) imposition of billing limits on drugs; and (5) availability of application forms for medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects and Studies - Outlines: (1) a Health and Human Services (HHS) demonstration project for disease management for severely chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries; (2) HHS demonstration projects for cancer prevention and treatment for ethnic and racial minorities; (3) a National Academy of Sciences study on the addition of coverage of routine thyroid screening using a thyroid stimulating hormone test as a preventive benefit provided to Medicare beneficiaries; (4) a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) study on consumer coalitions in marking Medicare+Choice (SSA title XVIII part C) plans; (5) an HHS study on the effect of limitations on State payment for Medicare cost-sharing on access to services for qualified Medicare beneficiaries; (6) HHS studies on preventive interventions in primary care for older Americans; and (7) a MEDPAC study on Medicare coverage of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services. (Sec. 126) Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to provide for a waiver of 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of individuals disabled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Title II: Rural Health Care Improvements - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVII to: (1) prohibit beneficiary cost-sharing for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals; (2) increase the amount a critical access hospital may elect to be paid for outpatient critical access hospital (OCAH) services with respect to the fee schedule payment for OCAH professional services; (3) exempt critical access hospital swing beds from the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS); (4) provide for payment in critical access hospitals for emergency room on-call physicians; and (5) provide for the treatment of ambulance services furnished by certain critical access hospitals. (Sec. 206) Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO) to conduct a study on certain eligibility requirements for critical access hospitals. Subtitle B: Other Rural Hospitals Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to provide for: (1) application of a uniform threshold for urban and rural hospitals to be classified as disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs) for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2001; (2) adjustment of payment formulas for various specified hospitals, including hospitals that are both sole community hospitals and rural referral centers for discharges occurring during such period; (3) an option to base eligibility for the Medicare dependent, small rural hospital program on discharges during two of the three most recently audited cost reporting periods; and (4) extension of the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. (Sec. 214) Directs MEDPAC, in its study and report to Congress on rural providers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, to analyze the impact of volume on the per unit cost of rural hospitals with psychiatric units, and recommend whether special treatment for such hospitals may be warranted. Subtitle C: Other Rural Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to special payment rules for particular items and services to provide transitional assistance for providers of ambulance services in rural areas. (Sec. 222) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to the use of carriers for administration of benefits concerning payment for certain physician assistant services. (Sec. 223) Amends BBA'97 to: (1) set a time limit for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services; and (2) provide for an expansion of Medicare payment for such services. (Sec. 224) Amends SSA title XVIII part B to provide for expanding access to rural health clinics. (Sec. 225) Directs MEDPAC to study the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title III: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: Inpatient Hospital Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for elimination of the reduction in the PPS hospital payment update. (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary, when rebasing and revising the hospital market basket index, to consider the prices of blood and blood products purchased by hospitals and to determine whether those prices are adequately reflected in such index. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services and updating previous standardized amounts to provide for: (1) an adjustment for inpatient case mix changes; (2) modification of the transition for indirect medical education percentage adjustment for DSHs; and (3) decreases in reductions for DSH payments. (Sec. 304) Provides for a three-year effective period for any decision of the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board to reclassify a DSH for purposes of adjusting the diagnosis-related group (DRG) prospective payment rate for hospital wage level area differences for FY 2001 or any fiscal year thereafter. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures under which a DSH hospital may elect to terminate such reclassification before the end of such period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process under which an appropriate statewide entity may apply to have all the geographic areas in a State treated as a single geographic area for purposes of computing and applying the area wage index; and (2) provide for the collection of data every three years on occupational mix for employees of each DSH in the provision of inpatient hospital services in order to construct an occupational mix adjustment in the applicable hospital area wage index. (Sec. 305) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to prospective payment for inpatient rehabilitation hospital services and: (1) assistance with administrative costs associated with completion of patient assessment; as well as (2) a rehabilitation facility election to apply full prospective payment rate without phase-in. (Sec. 306) Provides that, with respect to the inpatient services of psychiatric hospitals and certain psychiatric units, in making incentive payments to such hospitals for cost reporting periods from October 1, 2000, through October 1, 2001, the Secretary shall increase the percent of the target amount used in determining such payments. (Sec. 307) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) increased target amounts and caps for long-term care hospitals before implementation of the PPS required under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 for payment for inpatient hospital services provided in long-term care hospitals; (2) alternative implementation of such PPS by the Secretary based on the use of existing hospital DRGs that have been modified; and (3) increase in the base payment for Puerto Rico DSH hospitals. Subtitle B: Adjustments to PPS Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to SNFs for routine service costs to revise updating requirements, among other changes eliminating the reduction in the skilled nursing facility market basket update in 2001. (Sec. 311) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the adequacy of Medicare payment rates to SNFs and the extent to which Medicare contributes to the financial viability of such facilities. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to increase the nursing component of the case-mix adjusted Federal prospective payment rate specified in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Health Care Financing Administration on July 31, 2000, effective for services furnished on or after April 1, 2001, and before October 1, 2002. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit for Congress of nursing staffing ratios in a representative sample of Medicare SNFs. (Sec. 313) Amends SSA title XVIII to limit application of the SNF consolidated billing requirement to a period during which the resident is provided Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covered post-hospital extended care services. Requires the Secretary to monitor payments made under Medicare part B for items and services furnished to SNF residents during a time in which they are not being provided Medicare covered post-hospital extended care services, in order to ensure that there is not duplicate billing for services or excessive services provided. (Sec. 314) Provides that, for purposes of computing payments for certain covered SNF services, the Secretary shall increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate for covered SNF services for specified RUG-III (resource utilization group) rehabilitation groups furnished to an individual during the period in which such individual is classified in such a RUG-III category. Directs the HHS Inspector General to review the Medicare payment structure for services classified within RUGs and report to Congress on whether payment incentives exist for the delivery of inadequate care. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a procedure for the geographic reclassification of a SNF for purposes of payment for covered SNF services under the PPS for SNFs for routine service costs. Subtitle C: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a full market basket increase for hospice care for FY 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 322) Requires that the certification regarding an individual's terminal illness be based on the physician's or medical director's clinical judgment regarding the normal course of the illness. (Sec. 323) Directs MEDPAC to conduct a study on the factors affecting the use of hospice benefits under Medicare program and differences in such use between urban and rural hospice programs and based upon the presenting condition of the patient. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a reduction in Medicare part A late enrollment premium increases (penalty) for a qualified State or local government retiree group in the case where a State, a local government, or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, determines to pay, for the life of each individual in such a group, the monthly premiums due. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to provide for: (1) a full market basket increase for such services for 2001; (2) adjustment for service mix changes; (3) use of categories in determining eligibility of a device for pass-through payments; (4) application of OPD PPS transitional corridor payments to certain hospitals that did not submit a 1996 cost report; (5) treatment of children's hospitals under the PPS; and (6) inclusion of temperature monitored cryoablation in transitional pass-through for certain medical devices, drugs, and biologicals under the PPS. (Sec. 404) Provides that, for purposes of making determinations of provider-based status under Medicare on or after October 1, 2000, any facility or organization that is treated as provider-based in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare as of October 1, 2000: (1) shall continue to be treated as provider-based in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare during the two year period beginning on October 1, 2000; and (2) the requirements, limitations, and exclusions specified in appropriate Federal regulations detailing requirements for a determination that a facility or an organization has provider-based status shall not apply to such facility or organization in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital until after the end of such two-year period. Prohibits a facility or organization for which a determination of provider-based status in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital is requested during FY 2001 or 2002 from being treated as not having such status in relation to such a hospital for any period before a determination is made with respect to such status pursuant to such request and in making a determination with respect to such status for any facility or organization in relationship to such a hospital on or after October 1, 2000, the facility or organization shall be treated as satisfying any requirements and standards for geographic location in relation to such a hospital if the facility or organization: (1) satisfies appropriate Federal regulations pertaining to location in immediate vicinity or is located not more than 35 miles from the main campus of the hospital or critical access hospital; and (2) is owned and operated by a hospital or critical access hospital that meets specified criteria. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians' Services - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on: (1) the appropriateness of furnishing in physicians' offices specialist physicians' services which are ordinarily furnished in hospital outpatient departments; and (2) the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. (Sec. 412) Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to test and, if proven effective, expand the use of incentives to health care groups participating in Medicare that: (1) encourage coordination of the care furnished to individuals under Medicare parts A and B by institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services; (2) encourage investment in administrative structures and processes to ensure efficient service delivery; and (3) reward physicians for improving health outcomes. (Sec. 413) Directs the Comptroller General to study the current Medicare enrollment process for groups that retain independent contractor physicians with particular emphasis on hospital-based physicians. Subtitle C: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year extension of the moratorium on certain physical therapy services caps. (Sec. 421) Directs the Secretary to study the implications: (1) of eliminating the "in the room" supervision requirement for Medicare payment for services of physical therapy assistants supervised by physical therapists; and (2) of such requirement on the cap imposed under Medicare on physical therapy services. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to increase the update for dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2001. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect data and develop an ESRD market basket whereby the Secretary can estimate, before the beginning of a year, the percentage by which the costs for the year of the mix of labor and nonlabor goods and services included in the ESRD composite rate will exceed the costs of such mix for the preceding year; and (2) develop a system which includes in such composite rate, to the maximum extent feasible, payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and drugs that are routinely used in furnishing dialysis services to Medicare beneficiaries, but which are currently separately billable by renal dialysis facilities. (Sec. 423) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for ambulance services to provide for: (1) restoration of the full consumer price index (CPI) increase for 2001; and (2) continued phase-in of the application of the payment rates under the ambulance services fee schedule in an efficient and fair manner; except that when the Secretary implements such fee schedule, such phase-in shall provide for full payment of any national mileage rate for ambulance services provided by suppliers that are paid by carriers in any of the 50 States where payment by a carrier for such services for all such suppliers in such State, before the fee schedule's implementation, did not include a separate amount for all mileage within the county from which the beneficiary is transported. (Sec. 424) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a revised PPS for services of ambulatory surgical facilities before January 1, 2002. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with respect to the phase-in of the PPS for ambulatory surgical centers to: (1) extend the phase-in to four years; and (2) direct the Secretary, by January 1, 2003, to incorporate data from a 1999 Medicare cost survey or a subsequent cost survey for purposes of implementing or revising such PPS. (Sec. 425) Amends SSA title XVIII, with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services, to provide for: (1) the full update for durable medical equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics in 2001; and (2) addition of special payment provisions and requirements for prosthetics and certain custom fabricated orthotic items. (Sec. 428) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the replacement of, and payment for, prosthetic devices and parts. (Sec. 429) Directs the Comptroller General to study the reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology and for related services under Medicare part B, with recommendations for revised payment methodologies. Directs the Secretary to revise such payment methodology based on such recommendations. (Sec. 430) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to direct the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services that classify separately those procedures that utilize contrast media from those that do not. (Sec. 431) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous) to revise the qualifications for community mental health centers under provisions defining partial hospitalization services. (Sec. 432) Makes a hospital or a free-standing ambulatory care clinic, whether operated by the Indian Health Service or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization, eligible for payments for services for which payment is made under Medicare part B for physicians' services if and for so long as it meets all of the requirements which are applicable generally to such payments, services, hospitals, and clinics. (Sec. 433) Directs the Comptroller General to study the effect on Medicare and on Medicare beneficiaries of coverage of surgical first assisting services of certified registered nurse first assistants. (Sec. 434) Directs MEDPAC to study the appropriateness of: (1) the current Medicare payment rates for services provided by a certified nurse-midwife, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) Medicare coverage for services provided by a surgical technologist, a marriage counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a pastoral care counselor, and a licensed professional counselor of mental health. (Sec. 436) Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided; (2) the post-payment audit process under Medicare as such process applies to physicians; and (3) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare. (Sec. 438) Directs MEDPAC to study the barriers to coverage and payment for outpatient interventional pain medicine procedures under Medicare. Title V: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a two-year additional delay in the application of the 15 percent reduction on payment limits for home health services. (Sec. 501) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to delay for an additional year the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services after implementation of the PPS. Requires the Comptroller General, instead of the Secretary (as currently required), to report to Congress an analysis of the need for such a reduction. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the PPS for home health services concerning the annual update to provide for an adjustment for case mix changes. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for restoration of the full home health market basket update for home health services for FY 2001. Establishes a special rule for payment under the PPS for home health services for FY 2001 based on adjusted prospective payment amounts. (Sec. 503) Provides for a temporary two-month extension of periodic interim payments under BBA '97 in the case of a home health agency receiving periodic interim payments as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 504) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of telehealth in the delivery of home health services. (Sec. 505) Directs the Comptroller General to study variations in prices paid by home health agencies furnishing home health services under Medicare in purchasing nonroutine medical supplies and volumes if such supplies used determine the effect (if any) of variations on prices and volumes in the provision of such services. (Sec. 506) Provides that, in determining for Medicare purposes whether an office of a home health agency constitutes a branch office or a separate home health agency, neither the time nor distance between a parent office of the home health agency and a branch office shall be the sole determinant of a home health agency's branch office status. (Sec. 507) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the Medicare home health benefit to declare that absences from home to receive medical treatment shall not disqualify an individual from such benefit. (Sec. 508) Provides for bonus payments for rural home health agencies in 2001 and 2002. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for an increase in the floor for direct graduate medical education payments for FY 2002. (Sec. 512) Changes the distribution formula for Medicare+Choice-related nursing and allied health education costs. Subtitle C: Changes in Medicare Coverage and Appeals Process - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the Medicare appeals process. Provides for initial determinations of entitlement and benefits by the Secretary, by a utilization and quality control peer review organization, or by an independent contractor. Provides for redeterminations of denied benefit claims. Specifies appeals rights, including the right of an individual to request a medically exigent review from the contractor who made the initial determination. (Sec. 522) Provides for the review of coverage determinations under the Medicare appeals process. Amends SSA title XI to require any advisory committee on certain Medicare coverage exclusions to: (1) assure the full participation of a nonvoting member in its deliberations; and (2) provide such nonvoting member access to all information and data (with certain exceptions) made available to the committee's voting members. Provides that, if such committee organizes into panels of experts according to types of items or services, any such panel may report directly to the Secretary without prior approval. Subtitle D: Improving Access to New Technologies - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish a new payment rule for any clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed on or after January 1, 2001, that is a new test for which no limitation amount has previously been established. (Sec. 531) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for coding and payment determinations for the categories of new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and new durable medical equipment under Medicare part B that permit public consultation in a manner consistent with the procedures established for implementing coding modifications for ICD-9-CM; and (2) report to Congress on the specific procedures used under Medicare part B to adjust payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and durable medical equipment which are classified to existing codes where, because of a technology advance, there has been a significant increase or decrease in the resources used in the test or in the manufacture of the equipment, and a significant improvement in test or equipment performance. (Sec. 532) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and continue through December 31, 2003, the use of level III codes of the HCPCS (Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Common Procedure Coding System) coding system (as such system was in effect on August 16, 2000); and (2) make such codes publicly available. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on methods of expeditiously incorporating new medical services and technologies into the clinical coding system used with respect to Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services, together with a detailed description of the Secretary's preferred methods to achieve this purpose; and (2) implement such preferred methods. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a mechanism to recognize the costs of new medical services and technologies with respect to inpatient hospital services under the hospital reimbursement control system. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to reduce from 45 percent to 30 percent the reduction in the amount of bad debts otherwise treated as allowable costs attributable to the deductibles and coinsurance amounts under Medicare for FY 2001 and subsequent fiscal years in determining the reasonable costs of outpatient hospital services (thus increasing by 15 percent the amount that may be reimbursed). (Sec. 542) Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. (Sec. 543) Amends SSA title XI to make permanent the authority for the Secretary to issue written advisory opinions under provisions for guidance regarding application of health care fraud and abuse sanctions. (Sec. 544) Amends SSA title XVIII to make various specified changes in annual MEDPAC reporting with regard to revision of deadlines for submission of reports and on the record votes on recommendations. (Sec. 545) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the development of standard instruments for the assessment of the health and functional status of patients, for whom specified items and services are furnished. (Sec. 546) Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the effect of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act on hospitals, emergency physicians, and physicians covering emergency department call throughout the United States. (Sec. 547) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to agreements with providers of services to provide for the application of the bloodborne pathogen standard to certain hospitals. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Medicare+Choice Payment Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the payment amount for 2001 through 2003 for accountable Medicare+Choice coordinated care plans; (2) increase the minimum percentage increase for 2001; and (3) provide for a ten-year phase-in of risk adjustment. (Sec. 604) Provides for a transition to revised Medicare+Choice payment rates. (Sec. 605) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to premiums to permit Medicare part B premium reductions as additional benefits under Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 607) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) ensure full implementation of risk adjustment methodology for congestive heart failure enrollees for 2001; and (2) provide for the expansion of the application of Medicare+Choice's new entry bonus. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a method to phase-in the costs of military facility services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and those furnished by the Department of Defense, to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of an area's Medicare+Choice capitation payment. Subtitle B: Other Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for payment of additional amounts for new Medicare+Choice benefits covered during a contract term. (Sec. 612) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing, other than at the beginning of a calendar year, regulations that impose significant regulatory requirements on a Medicare+Choice organization or plan. (Sec. 613) Provides for timely approval of marketing material that follows model marketing language, and for avoiding duplicative regulation with respect to plan requirements. (Sec. 615) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare+Choice organization that offers a Medicare+Choice plan in an area in which more than one local coverage policy is applied with respect to different parts of the area, the organization may elect to have the local coverage policy for the part of the area that is most beneficial to Medicare+Choice enrollees apply with respect to all Medicare+Choice enrollees enrolled in the plan. (Sec. 616) Requires: (1) the quality assurance program under the Medicare+Choice program to include a separate focus on racial and ethnic minorities; and (2) the Secretary to submit to Congress a report regarding how such quality assurance programs focus on racial and ethnic minorities. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the Secretary to waive or to modify requirements that hinder the design of, the offering of, or enrollment in Medicare+Choice plans under contracts between Medicare+Choice organizations and employers, labor organizations, or the trustees of a fund established by one or more employers or labor organizations (or combination thereof) to furnish benefits to the entity's employees, former employees (or combination thereof), or to members or former members (or combination thereof) of the labor organizations. (Sec. 618) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to special Medicare supplemental health insurance enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 619) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to restore the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 620) Permits ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 621) Provides that, in covering post-hospital extended care services, a Medicare+Choice plan shall provide for such coverage through a home SNF if: (1) the enrollee elects to receive such coverage through such SNF; and (2) the SNF has a contract with the Medicare+Choice organization for the provision of such services, or the SNF agrees to accept substantially similar payment under the same terms and conditions that apply to similarly situated SNFs under contract with the Medicare+Choice organization through which the enrollee would otherwise receive such services. (Sec. 622) Directs HCFA's Chief Actuary to review the actuarial assumptions and data used by the Medicare+Choice organization with respect to such rates, amounts, and values to determine the appropriateness of such assumptions and data. (Sec. 623) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for civil monetary penalties for contract default by a Medicare+Choice organization. Subtitle C: Other Managed Care Reforms - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to provide for a one-year extension of the social health maintenance organization demonstration project authority. (Sec. 632) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 to provide for revised terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization demonstration project. (Sec. 633) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for a two-year extension of Medicare municipal health services demonstration projects. (Sec. 634) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans and service area expansion for Medicare cost contracts during transition period. Title VII: Medicaid - Amends SSA title XIX with respect to DSH payments and: (1) continuation of Medicaid DSH allotments at FY 2000 levels for FY 2001 and 2002: (2) a special rule for Medicaid DSH allotment for extremely low DSH States; and (3) contingent allotment for Tennessee. (Sec. 701) Outlines provisions for: (1) assuring identification of Medicaid managed care patients for purposes of making DSH payments; (2) application of the Medicaid DSH transition rule to public hospitals in all States; (3) assistance for certain public hospitals; and (4) DSH payment accountability standards. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to create a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 703) Amends SSA XI to establish an approval process for a State's application for an extension of any State-wide comprehensive demonstration project for which a waiver of compliance with Medicaid requirements is granted. (Sec. 704) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 with respect to Medicaid county-organized health systems. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to issue a final regulation based on the proposed rule announced on October 5, 2000, that: (1) modifies the upper payment limit test applied to State Medicaid spending for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded, and clinic services by applying an aggregate upper payment limit to payments made to government facilities that are not State-owned or operated facilities; and (2) provides for a specified transition period. (Sec. 706) Prescribes a formula for the Federal medical assistance percentage for Alaska for purposes of SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP), which shall apply only for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 707) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for optional coverage of legal immigrants under Medicaid. (Sec. 708) Makes additional entities qualified to determine Medicaid presumptive eligibility for low-income children. (Sec. 709) Provides for a one-year extension of provisions on eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid. Title VIII: State Children's Health Insurance Program - Amends SSA title XXI to: (1) establish a rule for redistribution and extended availability of unused FY 1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments; (2) provide authority to pay Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs from SCHIP appropriations; (3) eliminate requirement to reduce a SCHIP allotment by Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs; (4) provide authority to transfer SCHIP appropriations to the Medicaid appropriation account as reimbursement for Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid expansion SCHIP services; and (5) provide optional coverage of certain legal immigrants under SCHIP. Title IX: Other Provisions - Subtitle A: PACE Program - Amends BBA '97 with respect to programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) to provide for an extension of transition for the current PACE demonstration project waiver authority. (Sec. 902) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payments to, and coverage of benefits under, PACE programs, and regulations and use of PACE protocol to provide for the continuation of modifications or waivers of operational requirements under demonstration status. (Sec. 903) Directs the Secretary to approve or deny a request for a modification or a waiver of provisions of the PACE protocol not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the request, in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Permits the Secretary to exercise authority to modify or to waive such provisions in a manner that responds promptly to the needs of PACE programs relating to areas of employment and the use of community-based primary care physicians in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Subtitle B: Outreach to Eligible Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries - Amends SSA title XI to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) conduct outreach efforts to identify individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who may be eligible for medical assistance for payment of the cost of Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid; and (2) notify such individuals of the availability of such medical assistance. (Sec. 911) Directs the Comptroller General to study the impact of such outreach efforts on the enrollment of individuals for Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid. Subtitle C: Maternal and Child Health Block Grant - Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services block grant for FY 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle D: Diabetes - Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type I diabetes and for special diabetes programs for Indians. (Sec. 931) Amends BBA '97 to extend the final report on diabetes grant programs. (Sec. 932) Amends the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 to make appropriations to the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund for FY 2001. Subtitle E: Nurse Staffing and Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program of competitive grants to eligible States for the purpose of improving the quality of care furnished in nursing homes operating in the State. (Sec. 943) Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX to add requirements for SNFs and nursing facilities to report to the Secretary on data regarding staffing levels and information regarding patient classification. (Sec. 944) Amends SSA title XI to establish the Nursing Facility Civil Money Penalties Collection Account to be used for awarding grants under this subtitle. Subtitle F: Family Opportunities Act - Family Opportunity Act of 2000 - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them; and (2) provide for treatment of inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals under age 21 under waivers allowing for payment for part or all of the cost of home or community-based services. (Sec. 954) Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary for approval of a demonstration project to provide Medicaid coverage to up to a specified maximum number of children with a potentially severe disability. (Sec. 955) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to make appropriations to the Secretary for special projects of regional and national significance for development and support of family-to-family health information centers. (Sec. 956) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the restoration of Medicaid eligibility to certain SSI beneficiaries under age 21.

Supporting youth civic literacy in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2000

Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports youth civic literacy in the United States; and (2) urges U.S. educational institutions, students, teachers, elected officials, community leaders, and other interested parties to participate in local and national youth civic education projects.

Hispanic Health Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2000

Hispanic Health Act of 2000 - Title I: Annual Report to Congress on Programs for Improving Health Status of Hispanic Individuals - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on programs carried out through the Public Health Service for improving the health status of Hispanic individuals regarding diabetes, HIV infection, AIDS, substance abuse, and mental health. Title II: Diabetes Control and Prevention - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) diabetes education and prevention activities for Hispanic individuals; and (2) implementation of recommendations of the Diabetes Research Working Group. Title III: HIV Prevention Activities Regarding Hispanic Individuals - Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out activities relating to HIV prevention activities among Hispanic individuals; and (2) make grants to Hispanic-serving institutions for carrying out HIV- related projects among racial and ethnic minority groups. Title IV: Prevention of Latina Adolescent Suicides - Directs the Secretary to carry out a grant program for reducing suicide attempts among Latina adolescents. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Bilingual Health Professionals - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program for training bilingual health professionals in the treatment of minority health conditions. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Cultural Competence - Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop educational materials on providing health services in a culturally competent manner; (2) establish a Center for Linguistic and Cultural Competence in Health Care; and (3) carry out cultural competence demonstration projects at two hospitals. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools - Directs the Secretary to make grants to Hispanic-serving health professions schools to recruit Hispanic individuals for enrollment. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Data Regarding Race and Ethnicity - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to collect and maintain health care race and ethnicity data. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary to develop outcome measures used to evaluate, by race and ethnicity, the performance of health care programs and projects to individuals under Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act). Title IX: General Provisions - Provides definitions and an effective date.

ABC Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2000

Access to Books for Children Act - ABC Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIN) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children. Makes specified amounts from the Department of Education available for such book voucher program. Authorizes additional amounts to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to administer such program.

Alternative Path to Teaching Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000

Alternative Path to Teaching Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a collaborative grants program to provide for an alternative path to teaching in needy school districts. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to collaboratives established by local educational agencies (LEAs), and made up of LEAs and selected institutions of higher education and additional entities. Requires such grants to be used for: (1) intensive full-time pre-service training programs for collaborative participants; (2) recruiting and screening of applicants; (3) stipends to participants during training; (4) providing mentor teachers for participants; (5) buying release time for mentors and participants for induction activities; and (6) evaluating both individual participants and programs as a whole. Allows grant funds to also be used for bonuses for mentors and signing bonuses for participants. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) qualifications of individual participants, including three-year commitments to teach in eligible schools; (2) eligibility of LEAs to establish collaboratives, benefit from grants, and employ participants; (3) State agency assurances of granting full and unrestricted first-year teacher certification to collaborative participants who complete the pre-service training and pass all applicable State and local licensing examinations for first-year teachers (in order for a collaborative to receiving a grant); and (4) collaborative accountability and program evaluation.

Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000

Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 - Establishes the Vietnam Education Foundation to further the process of reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam by awarding fellowships to: (1) Vietnamese nationals to study at U.S. institutions of higher education at graduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of physical sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, environmental sciences, medicine, technology, and computer sciences; and (2) U.S. citizens to teach in Vietnam in appropriate Vietnamese institutions in the same fields of study. Authorizes such fellowships to include funding for the study of scientific and technical vocabulary in English. Establishes the Vietnam Debt Repayment Fund which shall consist of deposits as offsetting receipts of all payments (including interest) made by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under the U.S.-Vietnam debt agreement, dated April 7, 1997. Makes amounts deposited into the Fund available for Foundation activities.

Providing Resources and Education for Kids Act (Pre-K)

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2000

Providing Resources and Education for Kids Act (Pre-K) - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to applicant State educational agencies to make subgrants to local educational agencies to establish or expand prekindergarten early learning programs, which meet specified requirements, for children ages five and younger. Authorizes appropriations.

Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 - Establishes the Vietnam Education Foundation to further the process of reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam by awarding fellowships to: (1) Vietnamese nationals to study at U.S. institutions of higher education at graduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of physical sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, environmental sciences, medicine, technology, and computer sciences; and (2) U.S. citizens to teach in Vietnam in appropriate Vietnamese institutions in the same fields of study. Authorizes such fellowships to include funding for the study of scientific and technical vocabulary in English. Establishes the Vietnam Debt Repayment Fund which shall consist of deposits as offsetting receipts of all payments (including interest) made by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under the U.S.-Vietnam debt agreement, dated April 7, 1997. Makes amounts deposited into the Fund available for Foundation activities.

Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Act - Amends the Congressional Award Act to establish a Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Awards Board within the legislative branch. Directs the Board to establish and administer a Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Awards Program, under which it makes annual awards to elementary and secondary schools and students. Terminates the Board six years after this Act's enactment. Establishes a Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Awards Trust Fund.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Preventive Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of: (1) biennial (currently, triennial) screening pap smear and pelvic exams; (2) screening for glaucoma for high-risk individuals; and (3) screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions for payments and standards for screening mammography. Outlines payment for certain screening mammographies that use a specified new technology. (Sec. 105) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for coverage of specified medical nutrition therapy services for certain beneficiaries with diabetes or a renal disease. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report to Congress any recommendations with respect to the expansion to other Medicare beneficiary populations of such medical nutrition therapy services benefit. Subtitle B: Other Beneficiary Improvements - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the prospective payment system(PPS) for hospital outpatient department (ODP) services, reducing the upper limit on beneficiary copayment. (Sec. 111) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the extent to which the premium levels for Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies reflect the reductions in copayment resulting from this subtitle. (Sec. 112) Amends SSA title XVIII to include as "medical and other health services," for coverage purposes, drugs and biologicals which are not usually self-administered by the patient (currently, drugs and biologicals which cannot be self-administered). (Sec. 113) Eliminates the time limitation on Medicare benefits for immunosuppressive drugs. (Sec. 114) Provides for the imposition of billing limits on prescription drugs. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects and Studies - Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project with respect to the impact on costs and on health outcomes of applying disease management to eligible Medicare beneficiaries with diagnosed, advanced-stage congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary heart disease. (Sec. 122) Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects for the purpose of developing models and evaluating methods that: (1) improve the quality of items and services provided to target individuals in order to facilitate reduced disparities in early detection and treatment of cancer; (2) improve clinical outcomes, satisfaction, quality of life, and appropriate use of Medicare-covered services and referral patterns among those target individuals with cancer; (3) eliminate disparities in the rate of preventive cancer screening measures among target individuals; and (4) promote collaboration with community-based organizations to ensure cultural competency of health care professionals and linguistic access for persons with limited English proficiency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate best practices in the private sector, community programs, and academic research of methods that reduce disparities among individuals of racial and ethnic minority groups in the prevention and treatment of cancer; (2) design the demonstration projects based on such evaluation; and (3) implement at least nine such projects, including two for each of the four major racial and ethnic minority groups. Provides that if a report on the cost-effectiveness of the demonstration projects contains an evaluation that they reduce or do not increase Medicare expenditures, reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in the quality of health care services provided to target individuals, and increase satisfaction of beneficiaries and health care providers, the Secretary shall continue the existing projects, and may expand their numbers. Provides for funding. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on the addition of Medicare coverage of routine thyroid screening using a thyroid stimulating hormone test as a preventive benefit. (Sec. 124) Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on the use of consumer coalitions in the marketing of Medicare+Choice (Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) plans. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on whether access to certain services (including mental health services) for qualified Medicare beneficiaries has been affected by limitations on a State's payment for Medicare cost-sharing for such beneficiaries. (Sec. 126) Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study and report to Congress and the Secretary on the appropriateness of waiving the 24-month waiting period for Medicare disability eligibility for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other similar diseases. (Sec. 127) Requires the Secretary to conduct a series of studies for a report to Congress identifying preventive interventions most valuable to older Americans that can be delivered in the primary care setting. Amends the mission statement of the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include the evaluation of services of particular relevance to older Americans. (Sec. 128) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on Medicare coverage of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services. Title II: Rural Health Care Improvements - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to special payment rules for particular items and services to: (1) prohibit the application of beneficiary cost-sharing under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished as an outpatient critical access hospital service; (2) increase the amount a critical access hospital may elect to be paid for outpatient critical access hospital (OCAH) services with respect to the fee schedule payment for OCAH professional services; (3) direct the Secretary to cover the reasonable costs for emergency room on-call physicians; and (4) provide for the treatment of ambulance services furnished by certain critical access hospitals. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for routine service costs to: (1) exempt critical access hospital swing beds from the SNF PPS; and (2) base payment on a reasonable cost basis for swing bed services furnished by critical access hospitals. (Sec. 206) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the eligibility requirements for Medicare critical access hospitals with respect to limitations on average length of stay and number of beds in such a hospital. Subtitle B: Other Rural Hospitals Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to provide for: (1) application of a uniform threshold for urban and rural hospitals to be classified as disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs) for discharges occurring on or after April 1, 2001; (2) adjustment of payment formulas for various specified hospitals, including hospitals that are both sole community hospitals and rural referral centers for discharges occurring during such period; (3) establishment of the option to base eligibility for the Medicare dependent, small rural hospital program on discharges during two of the three most recently audited cost reporting periods; and (4) extension of the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. (Sec. 214) Directs MEDPAC, in its study of and report to Congress on rural providers under BBRA, to analyze the impact of volume on the per unit cost of rural hospitals with psychiatric units, and recommend whether special treatment for such hospitals may be warranted. Subtitle C: Other Rural Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to special payment rules for particular items and services to provide transitional assistance for providers of ambulance services in rural areas. (Sec. 221) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the: (1) cost of efficiently providing ambulance services for trips originating in rural areas; and (2) means by which rural areas with low population densities can be identified for the purpose of designating areas in which, because of low usage, the cost of providing ambulance services would be expected to be higher than similar services provided in more heavily populated areas. (Sec. 222) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to the use of carriers for administration of benefits concerning payment for certain physician assistant services. (Sec. 223) Amends BBA'97 to: (1) set a time limit for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services; and (2) provide for an expansion of Medicare payment for such services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on additional: (1) settings and sites for the provision of telehealth services; (2) practitioners that may be reimbursed for furnishing telehealth services; and (3) geographic areas in which telehealth services may be reimbursed. (Sec. 224) Amends SSA title XVIII part B to provide for expanding access to rural health clinics. (Sec. 225) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title III: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: Inpatient Hospital Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the acute care hospital payment update for 2001, with a special rule for payment for FY 2001 for inpatient hospital services furnished by DSH hospitals. (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary, when rebasing and revising the hospital market basket index, to consider the prices of blood and blood products purchased by hospitals and to determine whether those prices are adequately reflected in such index. Requires MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on: (1) any increased costs incurred by DSHs in providing inpatient hospital services to Medicare beneficiaries during the period from October 1, 1983, through September 30, 1999, that were attributable to complying with new blood safety measure requirements and providing such services using new technologies; (2) the extent to which the PPS for such services provides adequate and timely recognition of such increased costs; (3) the prospects for cost increases that hospitals will incur in providing such services that are attributable to complying with new blood safety measure requirements and providing such services using new technologies during the ten years after enactment of this Act; and (4) the feasibility and advisability of establishing mechanisms under such PPS to provide for more timely and accurate recognition of such cost increases in the future. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services and updating previous standardized amounts to provide for: (1) an adjustment for inpatient case mix changes; (2) modification of the transition for indirect medical education percentage adjustment for DSHs; and (3) decreases in reductions for DSH payments. (Sec. 304) Provides for a three-year effective period for any decision of the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board to reclassify a DSH for purposes of adjusting the diagnosis-related group (DRG) prospective payment rate for hospital wage level area differences for FY 2001 or any fiscal year thereafter. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures under which a DSH hospital may elect to terminate such reclassification before the end of such period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process under which an appropriate statewide entity may apply to have all the geographic areas in a State treated as a single geographic area for purposes of computing and applying the area wage index; and (2) provide for the collection of data every three years on occupational mix for employees of each DSH in the provision of inpatient hospital services in order to construct an occupational mix adjustment in the applicable hospital area wage index. (Sec. 305) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to prospective payment for inpatient rehabilitation hospital services and: (1) assistance with administrative costs associated with completion of patient assessment; and (2) a rehabilitation facility election to apply full prospective payment rate without phase-in. (Sec. 306) Provides that, with respect to the inpatient services of psychiatric hospitals and certain psychiatric units, in making incentive payments to such hospitals for cost reporting periods from October 1, 2000, through October 1, 2001, the Secretary shall increase the percent of the target amount used in determining such payments. (Sec. 307) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) increased target amounts and caps for long-term care hospitals before implementation of the PPS required under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 for payment for inpatient hospital services provided in long-term care hospitals; and (2) alternative implementation of such PPS by the Secretary based on the use of existing hospital DRGs that have been modified. Subtitle B: Adjustments to PPS Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment to SNFs for routine service costs to revise updating requirements, among other changes eliminating the reduction in the skilled nursing facility market basket update in 2001. (Sec. 311) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the adequacy of Medicare payment rates to SNFs and the extent to which Medicare contributes to the financial viability of such facilities. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the different systems for categorizing patients in Medicare SNFs in a manner that accounts for the relative resource utilization of different patient types. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to increase the nursing component of the case-mix adjusted Federal prospective payment rate specified in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Health Care Financing Administration on July 31, 2000, effective for services furnished on or after April 1, 2001, and before October 1, 2002. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit for a report to Congress on nursing staffing ratios in a representative sample of Medicare SNFs. (Sec. 313) Amends SSA title XVIII to limit application of the SNF consolidated billing requirement to a period during which the resident is provided Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covered post-hospital extended care services. Requires the Secretary to monitor payments made under Medicare part B for items and services furnished to SNF residents during a time in which they are not being provided Medicare covered post-hospital extended care services, in order to ensure that there is not duplicate billing for services or excessive services provided. (Sec. 314) Provides that, for purposes of computing payments for certain covered SNF services, the Secretary shall increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate for covered SNF services for specified RUG-III (resource utilization group) rehabilitation groups furnished to an individual during the period in which such individual is classified in such a RUG-III category. Directs the HHS Inspector General to review the Medicare payment structure for services classified within RUGs and report to Congress on whether payment incentives exist for the delivery of inadequate care. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a procedure for the geographic reclassification of a SNF for purposes of payment for covered SNF services under the PPS for SNFs for routine service costs. Subtitle C: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a full market basket increase for hospice care for FY 2001. (Sec. 322) Requires that the certification regarding an individual's terminal illness be based on the physician's or medical director's clinical judgment regarding the normal course of the illness. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the appropriateness of requiring such a certification in order for an individual to receive hospice benefits under Medicare. (Sec. 323) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on the factors affecting the use of hospice benefits under Medicare program and differences in such use between urban and rural hospice programs and based upon the presenting condition of the patient. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a reduction in Medicare part A late enrollment premium increases (penalty) for a qualified State or local government retiree group in the case where a State, a local government, or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, determines to pay, for the life of each individual in such a group, the monthly premiums due. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to provide for: (1) a full market basket increase for such services for 2001; (2) adjustment for service mix changes; (3) use of categories in determining eligibility of a device for pass-through payments; (4) application of OPD PPS transitional corridor payments to certain hospitals that did not submit a 1996 cost report; (5) treatment of children's hospitals under the PPS; and (6) inclusion of temperature monitored cryoablation in transitional pass-through for certain medical devices, drugs, and biologicals under the PPS. (Sec. 404) Provides that, for purposes of making determinations of provider-based status under Medicare on or after October 1, 2000, any facility or organization that is treated as provider-based in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare as of October 1, 2000: (1) shall continue to be treated as provider-based in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital under Medicare during the two year period beginning on October 1, 2000; and (2) the requirements, limitations, and exclusions specified in appropriate Federal regulations detailing requirements for a determination that a facility or an organization has provider-based status shall not apply to such facility or organization in relation to such hospital or critical access hospital until after the end of such two year period. Prohibits a facility or organization for which a determination of provider-based status in relation to a hospital or critical access hospital is requested during FY 2001 or 2002 from being treated as not having such status in relation to such a hospital for any period before a determination is made with respect to such status pursuant to such request and in making a determination with respect to such status for any facility or organization in relationship to such a hospital on or after October 1, 2000, the facility or organization shall be treated as satisfying any requirements and standards for geographic location in relation to such a hospital if the facility or organization: (1) satisfies appropriate Federal regulations pertaining to location in immediate vicinity or is located not more than 35 miles from the main campus of the hospital or critical access hospital; and (2) is owned and operated by a hospital or critical access hospital that meets specified criteria. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians' Services - Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the appropriateness of furnishing in physicians' offices specialist physicians' services which are ordinarily furnished in hospital outpatient departments; and (2) the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. (Sec. 412) Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to test and, if proven effective, expand the use of incentives to health care groups participating in Medicare that: (1) encourage coordination of the care furnished to individuals under Medicare parts A and B by institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services; (2) encourage investment in administrative structures and processes to ensure efficient service delivery; and (3) reward physicians for improving health outcomes. (Sec. 413) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the current Medicare enrollment process for groups that retain independent contractor physicians with particular emphasis on hospital-based physicians. Subtitle C: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year extension of the moratorium on certain physical therapy services caps. (Sec. 421) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the implications: (1) of eliminating the "in the room" supervision requirement for Medicare payment for services of physical therapy assistants supervised by physical therapists; and (2) of such requirement on the cap imposed under Medicare on physical therapy services. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to increase the update for dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2001. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect data and develop an ESRD market basket whereby the Secretary can estimate, before the beginning of a year, the percentage by which the costs for the year of the mix of labor and nonlabor goods and services included in the ESRD composite rate will exceed the costs of such mix for the preceding year; and (2) develop a system which includes in such composite rate, to the maximum extent feasible, payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and drugs that are routinely used in furnishing dialysis services to Medicare beneficiaries, but which are currently separately billable by renal dialysis facilities. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the access of Medicare beneficiaries to renal dialysis services. (Sec. 423) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payment for ambulance services to provide for: (1) restoration of the full consumer price index (CPI) increase for 2001; and (2) continued phase-in of the application of the payment rates under the ambulance services fee schedule in an efficient and fair manner; except that when the Secretary implements such fee schedule, such phase-in shall provide for full payment of any national mileage rate for ambulance services provided by suppliers that are paid by carriers in any of the 50 States where payment by a carrier for such services for all such suppliers in such State, before the fee schedule's implementation, did not include a separate amount for all mileage within the county from which the beneficiary is transported. (Sec. 424) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a revised PPS for services of ambulatory surgical facilities before January 1, 2002. Amends BBRA with respect to the phase-in of the PPS for ambulatory surgical centers to: (1) extend the phase-in to four years; and (2) direct the Secretary, by January 1, 2003, to incorporate data from a 1999 Medicare cost survey or a subsequent cost survey for purposes of implementing or revising such PPS. (Sec. 425) Amends SSA title XVIII, with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services, to provide for: (1) the full update for durable medical equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics in 2001; and (3) addition of special payment provisions and requirements for prosthetics and certain custom fabricated orthotic items. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Ruling 96-1, issued on September 1, 1996, with respect to distinguishing orthotics from durable medical equipment under Medicare. (Sec. 428) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the replacement of, and payment for, prosthetic devices and parts. (Sec. 429) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress and the Secretary on the reimbursement for drugs and biologicals under the current Medicare payment methodology and for related services under Medicare part B, with recommendations for revised payment methodologies. Directs the Secretary to revise such payment methodology based on such recommendations. (Sec. 430) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the PPS for hospital OPD services to direct the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services that classify separately those procedures that utilize contrast media from those that do not. (Sec. 431) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous) to revise the qualifications for community mental health centers under provisions defining partial hospitalization services. (Sec. 432) Makes a hospital or a free-standing ambulatory care clinic, whether operated by the Indian Health Service or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization, eligible for payments for services for which payment is made under Medicare part B for physicians' services if and for so long as it meets all of the requirements which are applicable generally to such payments, services, hospitals, and clinics. (Sec. 433) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect on Medicare and on Medicare beneficiaries of coverage of surgical first assisting services of certified registered nurse first assistants. (Sec. 434) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on the appropriateness of: (1) the current Medicare payment rates for services provided by a certified nurse-midwife, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) Medicare coverage for services provided by a surgical technologist, a marriage counselor, a marriage and family therapist, a pastoral care counselor, and a licensed professional counselor of mental health. (Sec. 436) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided; (2) the post-payment audit process under Medicare as such process applies to physicians; and (3) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare. (Sec. 438) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on the barriers to coverage and payment for outpatient interventional pain medicine procedures under Medicare. Title V: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a one-year additional delay in the application of the 15 percent reduction on payment limits for home health services. (Sec. 501) Amends BBRA to delay for an additional year the 15 percent reduction in payment rates for home health services after implementation of the PPS. Requires the Comptroller General, instead of the Secretary (as currently required), to report to Congress an analysis of the need for such a reduction. Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the PPS for home health services concerning the annual update to provide for an adjustment for case mix changes. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for restoration of the full home health market basket update for home health services for FY 2001. Establishes a special rule for payment under the PPS for home health services for FY 2001 based on adjusted prospective payment amounts. (Sec. 503) Provides for a temporary two-month extension of periodic interim payments under BBA '97 in the case of a home health agency receiving periodic interim payments as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 504) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of telehealth in the delivery of home health services. (Sec. 505) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on variations in prices paid by home health agencies furnishing home health services under Medicare in purchasing nonroutine medical supplies and volumes if such supplies used determine the effect (if any) of variations on prices and volumes in the provision of such services. (Sec. 506) Provides that, in determining for Medicare purposes whether an office of a home health agency constitutes a branch office or a separate home health agency, neither the time nor distance between a parent office of the home health agency and a branch office shall be the sole determinant of a home health agency's branch office status. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the provision of adequate supervision to maintain quality of home health services delivered under Medicare in isolated rural areas. (Sec. 507) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the Medicare home health benefit to declare that absences from home to receive medical treatment shall not disqualify an individual from such benefit. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the effect of such amendment on the cost of and access to home health services under Medicare. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for an increase in the floor for direct graduate medical education payments for FY 2002. (Sec. 512) Changes the distribution formula for Medicare+Choice-related nursing and allied health education costs. Subtitle C: Changes in Medicare Coverage and Appeals Process - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the Medicare appeals process. Provides for initial determinations of entitlement and benefits by the Secretary, by a utilization and quality control peer review organization, or by an independent contractor. Provides for redeterminations of denied benefit claims. Specifies appeals rights. (Sec. 522) Provides for the review of coverage determinations under the Medicare appeals process. Amends SSA title XI to require any advisory committee on certain Medicare coverage exclusions to: (1) assure the full participation of a nonvoting member in its deliberations; and (2) provide such nonvoting member access to all information and data (with certain exceptions) made available to the committee's voting members. Provides that, if such committee organizes into panels of experts according to types of items or services, any such panel may report directly to the Secretary without prior approval. Subtitle D: Improving Access to New Technologies - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish a new payment rule for any clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed on or after January 1, 2001, that is a new test for which no limitation amount has previously been established. (Sec. 531) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for coding and payment determinations for the categories of new clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and new durable medical equipment under Medicare part B that permit public consultation in a manner consistent with the procedures established for implementing coding modifications for ICD-9-CM; and (2) report to Congress on the specific procedures used under Medicare part B to adjust payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and durable medical equipment which are classified to existing codes where, because of a technology advance, there has been a significant increase or decrease in the resources used in the test or in the manufacture of the equipment, and a significant improvement in test or equipment performance. (Sec. 532) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and continue through December 31, 2003, the use of level III codes of the HCPCS (HCFA Common Procedure Coding System) coding system (as such system was in effect on August 16, 2000); and (2) make such codes publicly available. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on methods of expeditiously incorporating new medical services and technologies into the clinical coding system used with respect to Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services, together with a detailed description of the Secretary's preferred methods to achieve this purpose; and (2) implement such preferred methods. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a mechanism to recognize the costs of new medical services and technologies with respect to inpatient hospital services under the hospital reimbursement control system. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to reduce from 45 percent to 30 percent the reduction in the amount of bad debts otherwise treated as allowable costs attributable to the deductibles and coinsurance amounts under Medicare for FY 2001 and subsequent fiscal years in determining the reasonable costs of outpatient hospital services. (Thus increases by 15 percent the amount that may be reimbursed.) (Sec. 542) Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effects of this treatment on hospitals and laboratories and access of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries to the technical component of physician pathology services. (Sec. 543) Amends SSA title XI to make permanent the authority for the Secretary to issue written advisory opinions under provisions for guidance regarding application of health care fraud and abuse sanctions. (Sec. 544) Amends SSA title XVIII to make various specified changes in annual MEDPAC reporting with regard to revision of deadlines for submission of reports and on the record votes on recommendations. (Sec. 545) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report on the development of standard instruments for the assessment of the health and functional status of patients, for whom specified items and services are furnished, and include in the report a recommendation on the use of such standard instruments for payment purposes. (Sec. 546) Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the effect of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act on hospitals, emergency physicians, and physicians covering emergency department call throughout the United States. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Medicare+Choice Payment Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the minimum payment amount for 2001 for certain areas; (2) increase the minimum percentage increase for 2001; and (3) provide for a ten-year phase in of risk adjustment. (Sec. 604) Provides for a transition to revised Medicare+Choice payment rates. (Sec. 605) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to premiums to permit Medicare part B premium reductions as additional benefits under Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 607) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) ensure full implementation of risk adjustment methodology for congestive heart failure enrollees for 2001; and (2) provide for the expansion of the application of Medicare+Choice's new entry bonus. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a method to phase-in the costs of military facility services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and those furnished by the Department of Defense, to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of an area's Medicare+Choice capitation payment. Subtitle B: Other Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C to provide for payment of additional amounts for new Medicare+Choice benefits covered during a contract term. (Sec. 612) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing, other than at the beginning of a calendar year, regulations that impose, significant regulatory requirements on a Medicare+Choice organization or plan. (Sec. 613) Provides for timely approval of marketing material that follows model marketing language, and for avoiding duplicative regulation with respect to plan requirements. (Sec. 615) Provides that, in the case of a Medicare+Choice organization that offers a Medicare+Choice plan in an area in which more than one local coverage policy is applied with respect to different parts of the area, the organization may elect to have the local coverage policy for the part of the area that is most beneficial to Medicare+Choice enrollees apply with respect to all Medicare+Choice enrollees enrolled in the plan. (Sec. 616) Requires: (1) the quality assurance program under the Medicare+Choice program to include a separate focus on racial and ethnic minorities; and (2) the Secretary to submit to Congress a report regarding how such quality assurance programs focus on racial and ethnic minorities. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the Secretary to waive or to modify requirements that hinder the design of, the offering of, or enrollment in Medicare+Choice plans under contracts between Medicare+Choice organizations and employers, labor organizations, or the trustees of a fund established by one or more employers or labor organizations (or combination thereof) to furnish benefits to the entity's employees, former employees (or combination thereof) or to members or former members (or combination thereof) of the labor organizations. (Sec. 618) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to special Medigap enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 619) Amends SSA title XVIII part C to restore the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 620) Permits ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 621) Provides that, in covering post-hospital extended care services, a Medicare+Choice plan shall provide for such coverage through a home SNF if: (1) the enrollee elects to receive such coverage through such SNF; and (2) the SNF has a contract with the Medicare+Choice organization for the provision of such services, or the SNF agrees to accept substantially similar payment under the same terms and conditions that apply to similarly situated SNFs under contract with the Medicare+Choice organization through which the enrollee would otherwise receive such services. Requires a MEDPAC report to Congress on the effects of such requirements. (Sec. 622) Directs HCFA's Chief Actuary to review the actuarial assumptions and data used by the Medicare+Choice organization with respect to such rates, amounts, and values to determine the appropriateness of such assumptions and data. Subtitle C: Other Managed Care Reforms - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to provide for a one-year extension of the social health maintenance organization (SHMO) demonstration project authority. (Sec. 632) Amends BBRA to provide for revised terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization (CNO) demonstration project. (Sec. 633) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for a two-year extension of Medicare municipal health services demonstration projects. (Sec. 634) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans and service area expansion for Medicare cost contracts during transition period. Title VII: Medicaid - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to adjustment in payment for inpatient hospital services furnished by DSH hospitals and the limit on Federal financial participation to provide for: (1) increased allotments for FY 2001 and 2002; and (2) a special rule for Medicaid DSH allotment for extremely low DSH States. (Sec. 701) Amends SSA title XIX with respect to adjustment in payment for inpatient hospital services furnished by DSH hospitals and Medicaid provisions relating to managed care to provide for identification of patients for purposes of making DSH payments. Provides, during a specified period, for application of Medicaid DSH transition rule under BBA '97 to public hospitals in all States, except California. States that beginning with FY 2002, and subject to a specified limitation on expenditures, with respect to a State, payment adjustments made under Medicaid to a specified hospital shall be made without regard to the DSH allotment limitation for the State. Directs the Secretary to implement accountability standards to ensure that Federal funds provided with respect to DSH adjustments made under Medicaid provisions for adjustment in payment for inpatient hospital services furnished by DSH are used to reimburse States and hospitals eligible for such payment adjustments for providing uncompensated health care to low-income patients. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to create a new PPS for Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Directs the Comptroller General to provide for a study and report to Congress on the need for, and how to, rebase or refine costs for making Medicaid payment for services provided by Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 703) Amends SSA XI to establish an approval process for a State's application for an extension of any State-wide comprehensive demonstration project for which a waiver of compliance with Medicaid requirements is granted. (Sec. 704) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 with respect to Medicaid county-organized health systems. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to issue a final regulation based on the proposed rule announced on October 5, 2000, that: (1) modifies the upper payment limit test applied to State Medicaid spending for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded, and clinic services by applying an aggregate upper payment limit to payments made to government facilities that are not State-owned or operated facilities; and (2) provides for a specified transition period. (Sec. 706) Prescribes a formula for the Federal medical assistance percentage for Alaska for purposes of SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP), which shall be applicable only for FY 2001 through 2005. Title VIII: State Children's Health Insurance Program - Amends SSA title XXI to: (1) establish a rule for redistribution and extended availability of unused FY 1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments; (2) provide authority to pay Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs from SCHIP appropriations; (3) eliminate requirement to reduce SCHIP allotment by Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs; and (4) provide authority to transfer SCHIP appropriations to the Medicaid appropriation account as reimbursement for Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid expansion SCHIP services. Title IX: Other Provisions - Subtitle A: PACE Program - Amends BBA '97 with respect to programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) to provide for an extension of transition for the current PACE demonstration project waiver authority. (Sec. 902) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to payments to, and coverage of benefits under, PACE programs, and regulations and use of PACE protocol to provide for the continuation of modifications or waivers of operational requirements under demonstration status. (Sec. 903) Directs the Secretary to approve or deny a request for a modification or a waiver of provisions of the PACE protocol not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the request, in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Permits the Secretary to exercise authority to modify or to waive such provisions in a manner that responds promptly to the needs of PACE programs relating to areas of employment and the use of community-based primary care physicians in order to provide flexibility in exercising waiver authority. Subtitle B: Outreach to Eligible Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries - Amends SSA title XI to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) conduct outreach efforts to identify individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who may be eligible for medical assistance for payment of the cost of Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid; and (2) notify such individuals of the availability of such medical assistance. (Sec. 911) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of such outreach efforts on the enrollment of individuals for Medicare cost-sharing under Medicaid. Subtitle C: Maternal and Child Health Block Grant - Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services block grant for FY 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle D: Diabetes - Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type I diabetes and for special diabetes programs for Indians. (Sec. 931) Amends BBA '97 to extend the final report on diabetes grant programs. (Sec. 932) Amends the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 to make appropriations to the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund for FY 2001.

Pain Relief Promotion Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

Pain Relief Promotion Act of 2000 - Title I: Promoting Pain Management and Palliative Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to promote and advance scientific understanding of, and collect and disseminate protocols and evidence-based practices regarding, pain management and palliative care. Defines "pain management and palliative care" as certain types of actions, the purpose of which is to diagnose and alleviate pain and other distressing signs and symptoms and to enhance the quality of life, not to hasten or postpone death. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for development and implementation of programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in pain management and palliative care. Defines "pain management and palliative care" as certain types of actions, the purpose of which is to diagnose and alleviate pain and other distressing signs and symptoms and to enhance the quality of life, not to hasten or postpone death. Adds the provisions of this paragraph to the list of provisions for which the Secretary is required to make a specified amount available and increases the amount specified. Title II: Use of Controlled Substances Consistent With the Controlled Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to declare that, for that Act and any implementing regulations, alleviating pain or discomfort in the usual course of professional practice is a legitimate medical purpose for the dispensing, distributing, or administering of a controlled substance that is consistent with public health and safety, even if it may increase the risk of death. Prohibits the Attorney General, in determining whether a registration (to manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances) is consistent with the public interest, from giving any force and effect to State law authorizing or permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, and with regard to conduct after enactment of this Act. Gives the Attorney General, in an action to deny, revoke, or suspend a registration based on alleged intentions to cause or assist in causing death, the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the intent was to cause death or assist another person in causing death. Declares that the burden is not met by proving that the applicant or registrant knew that the use of the controlled substance may increase the risk of death. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Attorney General to carry out education and training programs for Federal, State, and local personnel on the means by which investigation and enforcement actions by law enforcement personnel may better accommodate the necessary and legitimate use of controlled substances in pain management and palliative care. (Sec. 203) Requires, notwithstanding any other provision of law, construing the operation of the diversion control fee account program of the Drug Enforcement Administration to include carrying out the provisions of this title (other than section 203).

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the District of Columbia for FY 2001, including amounts for the Federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for incentives for adoption of children; (3) for the commercial revitalization program; (4) to the District of Columbia Public Schools; (5) for the Metropolitan Police Department; (6) to Covenant House Washington for a new community service center for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth; (7) to the District of Columbia Corrections Trustee Operations; (8) to the District of Columbia Courts; (9) to the Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (10) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (including transfer of funds); (11) to the Washington Interfaith Network for costs incurred in carrying out preconstruction activities at the former Fort Dupont Dwellings and Additions; (12) for a study and development of a plan to simplify the District government employee compensation system; (13) for construction of a Metrorail station to be located at New York and Florida Avenues, Northeast; (14) for Brownfield Remediation at Poplar Point; (15) to reimburse the District for expenses incurred in connection with presidential inauguration activities; (16) to the Children's National Medical Center; (17) to the Child Advocacy Center; (18) to the St. Coletta of Greater Washington, Inc. expansion project; and (19) to the District of Columbia Special Olympics. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund (and other funds, in some cases) for the current fiscal year for: (1) operating expenses (with certain limits); (2) the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Authority); (3) governmental direction and support; (4) economic development and regulation; (5) public safety and justice; (6) the public education system; (7) human support services; (8) public works; (9) receivership programs; (10) replacement of funds expended during FY 2000 from the Reserve established by the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995; and (11) the emergency reserve fund established under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act by this Act. Provides funds for the purpose of restructuring the delivery of health services in the District of Columbia, provided the restructuring plan reduces personnel levels of D.C. General Hospital and of the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) consistent with the reduction set forth in the August 25, 2000, PBC Board of Directors resolution. Appropriates funds for: (1) repayment of loans and interest; (2) repayment of general fund recovery debt; (3) payment of interest on short-term borrowing; (4) reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in connection with presidential inauguration activities; (5) lease payments in accordance with the Certificates of Participation involving the land site underlying the building located at One Judiciary Square; (6) expenses associated with the John A. Wilson Building; (7) optical and dental insurance payments; (8) management supervisory service; (9) the implementation of a Cafeteria Plan; (10) the Water and Sewer Authority and the Washington Aqueduct; (11) the Lottery and Charitable Games Enterprise Fund; (12) the Sports and Entertainment Commission; (13) the District of Columbia Health and Hospitals Public Benefit Corporation; (14) the District of Columbia Retirement Board; (15) the Correctional Industries Fund; (16) the Washington Convention Center Enterprise Fund; and (17) capital outlay (including rescissions). Transfers specified funds to the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund to be spent pursuant to local law. Requires the Mayor and District Council to make reductions of specified amounts for operational improvements savings and for management reform savings in local funds to one or more of the appropriation headings in this Act. Sets forth authorizations as well as limitations and prohibitions on the uses of appropriations under this Act, and directives to the Mayor, the Council, and the Board of Education identical with or similar to those in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 104) Requires the Mayor to maintain an index of all employment personal services and consulting contracts (except collective bargaining agreements or related contracts) in effect on behalf of the District government, including severance clause information. (Sec. 129) Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act to modify contracting requirements for public charter schools with respect to: (1) specify exceptions to the notice requirements for procurement contracts; and (2) submission of contracts to the eligible chartering authority. Provides that no provision of any law regarding the establishment, administration, or operation of District public charter schools shall apply if it duplicates or is inconsistent with such Act. Subjects a public charter school which offers a preschool or prekindergarten program to the same child care licensing requirements (if any) which apply to a District public school which offers such a program. Allows a public charter school to: (1) assign payments made to the school to a financial institution for use as collateral to secure a loan or for the repayment of a loan; (2) acquire goods and services through the General Services Administration (GSA) and participate in GSA programs in the same manner and to the extent as any District government entity; and (3) delegate to a nonprofit, District tax-exempt organization the school's authority to participate in such programs. (Sec. 123) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for abortions except where the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 124) Bars the use of funds made available by this Act to implement or enforce: (1) the District of Columbia Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992 (also known as the District Domestic Partner Act); or (2) any system of registration of unmarried, cohabiting couples for purposes of extending them benefits on the same basis as such benefits are extended to legally married couples. (Sec. 126) Allows the Mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal, private, and other grants received by the District government that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this Act if the Chief Financial Officer reports to the Authority on detailed information regarding such grant, and the Authority approves such activity. Prohibits any obligation or expenditure from the general fund or other District government funds in anticipation of the approval or receipt of a Federal, private, or other grant not subject to this Act. (Sec. 129) Prohibits any D.C. government officer or employee from entering into a procurement agreement in excess of $2,500 on behalf of any D.C. government entity until the officer or employee has analyzed how procurement under D.C. government regulations and procedures would differ from procurement under the Federal supply schedule and other Government Services Administration regulations and procedures. (Sec. 131) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 134) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act to transfer or confine inmates classified above the medium security level, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons classification instrument, to the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center located in Youngstown, Ohio. (Sec. 135) Amends Federal law to transfer from the Comptroller General of the United States to the District's Inspector General responsibility for the annual financial statement audit of the District's Highway Trust Fund. (Sec. 137) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug. (Sec. 140) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act 60 days after its enactment to pay the salary of any chief financial officer of any District government office who has not filed a certification with the Mayor and the Chief Financial Officer that the officer understands the duties and restrictions applicable, including any duty to prepare certain requested reports. (Sec. 141) Requires the proposed FY 2002 budget of the District government to specify potential adjustments that might become necessary in the event that the management savings achieved by the District during the year do not meet the level of management savings projected. (Sec. 142) Requires any document showing the budget for a District government office that contains specified general, nondescriptive labels categorizing activities to include descriptions of the types of activities covered and a detailed breakdown of the amount allocated for each one. (Sec. 143) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) derivative. Provides that the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative of 1998, also known as Initiative 59, approved by the electors of the District on November 3, 1998, shall not take effect. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the D.C. Mayor to allocate the District's limitation amount of qualified zone academy bonds among qualified zone academies within the District. (Sec. 145) Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to treat the Trustee and employees of the Office of the Trustee and the Office of Adult Probation, the employees of the Office of Parole, and the employees of the Pretrial Services Agency as Federal employees solely for purposes relating to the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, life insurance, and health insurance. (Sec. 146) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Authority should quickly complete the sale of the Franklin School property which has been vacant for over 20 years. (Sec. 147) Declares that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the Council or Mayor from addressing the issue of the provision of contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans; but (2) it is the intent of Congress that any legislation enacted on such issue should include a "conscience clause" which provides exceptions for religious beliefs and moral convictions. (Sec. 148) Repeals the Medical Examiner chapter of the District of Columbia Code. Makes such repeal effective on the date on which legislation enacted by the Council to establish the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the executive branch of the District government takes effect. (Sec. 149) Requires the Superior Court of the District or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to assign interest on a voucher submitted by a court-appointed attorney for payment if the voucher is not paid within 45 days of its submission. (Sec. 150) Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute any needle or syringe for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug in any area of the District of Columbia within 1000 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school (including a public charter school). Specifies sites deemed outside or inside such 1000-foot perimeter. (Sec. 151) Appropriates a Federal contribution to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department upon enactment by the District of a specified law banning possession of tobacco products by individuals under age 18. (Sec. 152) Declares that nothing in this Act bars the District of Columbia Corporation Counsel from reviewing or commenting on briefs in private lawsuits, or from consulting with officials of the District government regarding such lawsuits. (Sec. 153) Declares that nothing in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 may be construed to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from negotiating and entering into cooperative agreements and grants which affect real property of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia, if the principal purpose of the agreement or grant is to provide comparable benefits for Federal and Non-Federal properties in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 154) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to direct the District of Columbia to conduct its financial management in accordance with a comprehensive financial management policy covering cash, debt, financial asset, emergency reserve management policies, and a policy for determining real property tax exemptions for the District of Columbia. Prescribes procedures for: (1) annual review of the comprehensive management policy by the Chief Financial Officer; and (2) development of the first such policy. (Sec. 155) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to outline the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in a non-control year or following the lapse of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. (Sec. 156) Declares that employees of the District of Columbia government will only receive overtime compensation for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week. (Sec. 157) Authorizes the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency to continue to operate its ongoing drug-free workplace testing program during the period that its plan is being reviewed for approval by the Department of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 158) Requires the Mayor to report quarterly, beginning October 1, 2000, to specified congressional committees on the District's progress with respect to: (1) crime; (2) access to drug abuse treatment; (3) management of parolees and pre-trial violent offenders; (4) education; (5) improvement in basic District services, including rat control and abatement; (6) application for and management of Federal grants; and (7) indicators of child well-being. (Sec. 159) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to establish an interest-bearing emergency cash reserve fund into which the Mayor shall deposit an amount required to maintain a balance (by FY 2004, and incrementally until then) of at least four percent of the total budget appropriated for operating expenditures for the fiscal year which is derived from local funds. Requires full replenishment of the fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Limits the use of the emergency reserve fund to unanticipated and non-recurring extraordinary needs of an emergency nature, including a natural disaster or calamity or unexpected obligations by Federal law. Prohibits use of such fund for: (1) District agency receiverships; (2) shortfalls in projected reductions in the District's proposed budgets; or (3) settlements and judgments by or against the District government. Establishes an interest- bearing contingency cash reserve fund into which the Mayor shall deposit an amount required to maintain a balance (by FY 2007, and incrementally during FY 2005 and 2006) of at least three percent of the total budget appropriated for operating expenditures for the fiscal year which is derived from local funds. Requires full replenishment of the fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Limits the use of the fund to non-recurring or unforeseen needs arising during the fiscal year, including expenses associated with unforeseen weather or other natural disasters, unexpected obligations by Federal law or new public safety or health needs or requirements identified after the budget process has occurred, or opportunities to achieve cost savings. Allows use of the fund to cover revenue shortfalls experienced for cash receipts that are at least five percent below forecast for three consecutive months (based on a two-month rolling average). Prohibits use of such fund for shortfalls in projected reductions included in the District's proposed budgets. Conditions any use of the fund on the Chief Financial Officer's analysis of: (1) the availability of other sources of funding to carry out a particular allocation; and (2) the impact of such allocation on the balance and integrity of the fund itself. Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 to repeal current requirements for a positive reserve fund balance. (Sec. 160) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to authorize the City Council to delegate to the District of Columbia Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation the Council's authority to issue revenue bonds, notes, and other obligations used to finance capital projects which are secured by payments under the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement. Waives the congressional review period for the Tobacco Settlement Financing Act of 2000. (Sec. 161) Amends the Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996, as amended by the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000, to provide a set aside of specified appropriations for a credit enhancement fund for grants to eligible nonprofit corporations and other specified entities for public charter schools in the District. (Sec. 162) Grants the D.C. Mayor exclusive authority to approve and execute leases of the Washington Marina and the Washington municipal fish wharf with the existing lessees for an initial term of 30 years and other terms and conditions the Mayor deems appropriate. (Sec. 163) Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 to provide for transfer without consideration to Fairfax County, Virginia, of any property located south of Silverbrooke Road identified for educational uses in the County reuse plan. (Sec. 164) Amends the District of Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985 to allow the District's Inspector General to contract for the independent audit of the District's financial statements with an auditor who was a subcontractor to the independent auditor who audited the District's financial statements for the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 165) Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey to Fairfax County, Virginia, fee simple title to the Laurel Hill Residential Land located at the Lorton Correctional Complex north of Silverbrooke Road, if by January 15, 2001, Fairfax County agrees to convey Meadowood Farm to the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 166) Amends the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000 to authorize the Federal Highway Administration to conduct and perform specified 14th Street bridge work related to a project to complete design requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act for the construction of expanded lane capacity for the 14th Street Bridge.

Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2000

Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the judiciary, and related agencies. Title I: Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for: (1) general administration; (2) a Joint Automated Booking System; (3) conversion to narrowband communications; (4) counterterrorism activities; (5) payments of costs of telecommunications carriers in complying with capability requirements; (6) administration of pardon and clemency petitions and immigration-related activities; (7) establishment of a Federal Detention Trustee to exercise functions relating to the detention of Federal prisoners in non-Federal institutions or those in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and detention of aliens in the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); (8) the Office of Inspector General; (9) the U.S. Parole Commission; (10) legal activities; (11) antitrust activities; (12) the Offices of U.S. Attorneys; (13) the U.S. Trustee Program; (14) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (15) the U.S. Marshals Service, including amounts for Federal prisoner detention; (16) fees and expenses of witnesses; (17) the Community Relations Service; (18) certain uses of the Assets Forfeiture Fund; (19) administrative expenses related to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act; (20) the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund; (21) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (22) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (23) construction for specified agencies; (24) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (25) the INS; (26) the Federal prison system, including an amount for buildings and facilities; (27) Office of Justice programs; (28) State and local law enforcement assistance; (29) the Executive Office for Weed and Seed; (30) community oriented policing services; (31) juvenile justice programs; and (32) public safety officers' benefits. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this title to: (1) pay for abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape; or (2) require any person to perform or facilitate an abortion. (Sec. 109) Makes a provision of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 relating to grants for assistance to the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 applicable for FY 2001. (Sec. 111) Makes a certain provision of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 that prohibits the use of funds by any Act to pay premium pay to any Department of Justice attorney applicable hereafter. (Sec. 112) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the Genealogy Fee for providing genealogy research and information services. Provides for deposit of the fee as offsetting collections in the Examinations Fee Account. Requires INS employees to collect fees before disseminating any requested genealogical information. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish and collect a premium fee for employment-based petitions and applications. Requires the fee to be used to provide certain premium-processing services to business customers and to make infrastructure improvements in the adjudications and customer-service processes. Provides for deposit of the fee as offsetting collections in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account. (Sec. 114) Amends Federal law to make amounts in the Crime Victims Fund available to the FBI for improving services for the benefit of crime victims in the Federal criminal justice system. (Sec. 115) Authorizes the use of funds appropriated to the Federal Prison System for the placement of certain prisoners sentenced under the District of Columbia Code in privately operated prisons. (Sec. 118) Bars the availability of funds for grant programs under this title to any local jail that runs "pay-to-stay" programs. Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) the International Trade Administration; (4) export administration and national security activities; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) minority business development; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Census Bureau; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities planning and construction grants; (11) information infrastructure grants; (12) the Patent and Trademark Office; (13) the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy; (14) the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including amounts for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Advanced Technology Program and for construction of new research facilities; (15) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including amounts for procurement, acquisition, and construction of capital assets and for coastal and ocean activities; (16) restoration of Pacific salmon populations; (17) the Coastal Zone Management Fund; (18) the Fishermen's Contingency Fund; (19) the Foreign Fishing Observer Fund; (20) the fisheries finance program account; (21) departmental management; and (22) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 210) Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish and administer through the National Ocean Service the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program to award graduate education scholarships in marine biology, oceanography, or maritime archaeology. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Supreme Court, including an amount for care of the building and grounds; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) defender services; (6) fees of jurors and commissioners; (7) court security; (8) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (9) the Federal Judicial Center; (10) judicial retirement funds; and (11) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to designate judicial branch officers and employees to be disbursing officers and to certify payment requests from appropriations and funds. Sets forth provisions regarding liability of such officers and employees. (Sec. 305) Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, additional district judges for Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to appoint a circuit executive. (Sec. 307) Includes judicial branch agencies under the scope of Federal civil service provisions that authorize employment of personal assistants for handicapped employees. (Sec. 308) Deems service performed before the effective date of this section by a member of the Supreme Court Police who is a member on such date to be service performed as a law enforcement officer for purposes of Federal civil service retirement provisions. Deems service performed before such effective date by a member of the Supreme Court Police who is not a member on such date to be employee service for purposes of such provisions. Sets forth provisions regarding mandatory separation of members eligible for immediate retirement and entitlement to annuities. (Sec. 309) Authorizes justices and judges of the United States during FY 2001 to receive salary adjustments only if annual pay adjustments under Federal civil service provisions take effect in FY 2001. Appropriates an amount for such adjustments, provided they take effect. Title IV: Department of State and Related Agency - Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs, diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) educational and cultural exchange programs; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, conferences, peacekeeping, and commissions; (13) the Asia Foundation; (14) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (15) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (16) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West (East-West Center); and (17) the National Endowment for Democracy. Makes appropriations for the Broadcasting Board of Governors for international broadcasting operations, broadcasting to Cuba, and capital improvements. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 403) Bars the use of funds made available in this Act by the Department of State or the Broadcasting Board of Governors to provide assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation. (Sec. 404) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to require the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources to be appointed by the President. Makes such Deputy Secretary a Level II Executive Schedule position. (Sec. 405) Prohibits funds made available in this Act for the United Nations (UN) from being used by the UN for the enforcement of any treaty, resolution, or regulation authorizing the UN to tax any aspect of the Internet. (Sec. 406) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by any Act to allow for the entry into, or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption in the United States of diamonds if the country of origin in which such diamonds were mined (as evidenced by a legible certificate of origin) is Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Angola, with the exception of diamonds certified by lawful governments of Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Angola. (Sec. 407) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act to authorize special agents of the Department of State and the Foreign Service to protect and perform protective functions related to maintaining the security and safety of: (1) a departing Secretary of State for a limited time period after termination of the individual's incumbency as Secretary on the basis of a threat assessment; and (2) an individual who has been designated as Secretary prior to such individual's appointment. Title V: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Maritime Administration for maritime security, operations and training, and the maritime guaranteed loan program; (2) Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) Commission on Civil Rights; (4) Commission on Ocean Policy; (5) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (7) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (8) Federal Communications Commission (FCC); (9) Federal Maritime Commission; (10) Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (11) Legal Services Corporation; (12) Marine Mammal Commission; (13) Securities and Exchange Commission; (14) Small Business Administration (SBA), including amounts for the Office of Inspector General and business and disaster loans; and (15) State Justice Institute. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 607) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act to: (1) enforce any EEOC guidelines covering harassment based on religion if such guidelines do not differ from proposed guidelines of October 1, 1993; (2) pay for costs incurred in operating certain diplomatic or consular posts in Vietnam or increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts until the President makes a specified certification; or (3) provide specified personal comforts in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 609) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act for any United Nations undertaking if: (1) such undertaking is a peacekeeping mission and will involve U.S. armed forces under the control of a foreign national; and (2) the President's military advisors have not submitted a recommendation that such involvement is in the national security interest and the President has not submitted such recommendation to Congress. (Sec. 616) Makes funds provided by this Act unavailable to promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products or to seek the reduction or removal by any foreign country of restrictions on the marketing of such products, except for restrictions which are not applied equally to products of the same type. (Sec. 617) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act to issue visas to certain individuals from Haiti, including those involved in specified extrajudicial and political killings. (Sec. 618) Bars funds appropriated under any law from being used for: (1) the implementation of any tax or fee in connection with any criminal background check system that implements requirements under the Federal criminal code in connection with certain restrictions on the transfer of firearms; and (2) any such system that does not result in the destruction of information submitted by persons determined not to be prohibited from owning a firearm. (Sec. 621) Bars the use of funds appropriated in this Act for purposes of granting immigrant or nonimmigrant visas to residents of countries that the Attorney General has determined deny or unreasonably delay accepting the return of certain deportable aliens. (Sec. 622) Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of Justice in this Act for transporting any maximum or high security prisoner to any prison other than one certified by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as appropriately secure. (Sec. 623) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to propose or issue rules or orders for implementing the Kyoto Protocol. (Sec. 624) Bars the use of funds made available by this Act for participation by U.S. delegates to the Standing Consultative Commission unless the President certifies to the Appropriations Committees that the U.S. Government is not implementing the Memorandum of Understanding Relating to the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems of May 26, 1972, entered into on September 26, 1997, by the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine or until the Senate provides its advice and consent to the Memorandum. (Sec. 625) Prohibits the availability of funds appropriated in this Act for the Department of State to approve the purchase of property in Arlington, Virginia, by the Xinhua News Agency. (Sec. 627) Amends the 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to consider a taking of a Cook Inlet beluga whale under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to be a violation of such Act unless such taking occurs pursuant to a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Fisheries Service and affected Alaska Native organizations. (Currently, such act is considered a violation if it takes place between the enactment date of such Act and October 1, 2000.) (Sec. 628) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 to revise and extend the authorization of appropriations for activities related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty Agreement. Authorizes appropriations to provide economic adjustment assistance to fishermen pursuant to such agreement. (Sec. 629) Amends the Interstate Horseracing Act to include within the definition of "interstate off-track wager" pari-mutuel wagers placed or transmitted by an individual in one State via telephone or other electronic media and accepted by an off-track betting system in the same or another State as well as the combination of pari-mutuel wagering pools. (Sec. 630) Amends provisions of the Clayton Act to revise conditions under which a person is prohibited from acquiring voting securities or assets of another person prior to filing premerger notification and the expiration of a waiting period. Provides for graduated filing fees of up to $280,000, based on the amount of voting securities and assets held by the acquiring person as a result of the acquisition. (Currently, such fees are set at $45,000.) Directs the Assistant Attorney General and the FTC each to designate for hearing certain petitions a senior official without direct responsibility for the merger review process concerning the proposed acquisition at issue. Requires such officials to hear any petition filed with the FTC, by the acquiring person or by the person whose voting securities or assets are to be acquired, to determine: (1) whether a request for additional information or documentary material is unreasonably cumulative, unduly burdensome or duplicative; or (2) whether the request for such information or material has been substantially complied with by the petitioning person. Provides for an expedited merger review process of petitions filed with the FTC. Increases the number of days by which the waiting period may be extended from 20 to 30 days. (Sec. 631) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to take necessary measures to stabilize and renovate Lock and Dam 10 at Boonesborough, Kentucky, for extending the design life of the structure by an additional 50 years. (Sec. 632) Directs the FCC to modify its rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to: (1) prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels (as well as co-channels and first- and second-adjacent channels); and (2) prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if such applicant has engaged in the unlicensed operation of any radio station in violation of FCC radio licensing requirements. Prohibits the FCC, without specific authorization by Congress, from: (1) eliminating or reducing such minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; or (2) extending the eligibility for low-power FM stations beyond those organizations and entities proposed in MM Docket No. 99-25. Invalidates any previously issued low-power FM station license that does not comply with such rule modifications. Directs the FCC to conduct an experimental program to test whether low- power FM stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if such stations are not subject to the minimum distance separation requirements. Requires the FCC to: (1) publish test results and allow an opportunity for public comment; and (2) report test results and FCC recommendations on reducing or eliminating minimum distance standards to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 633) Makes an additional amount available for SBA salaries and expenses. (Sec. 634) Prohibits the use of funds provided in this or any previous Act or made available to the Department of Commerce for the issuance or renewal, for any fishing vessel, of any general or harpoon category fishing permit for Atlantic bluefin tuna that would allow the vessel to: (1) use an aircraft to locate, or otherwise assist in fishing for, catching, or possessing such tuna; or (2) fish for, catch, or possess such tuna located by the use of an aircraft. Amy Boyer's Law - Amends the Social Security Act to bar the public display or sale of any individual's social security number, or any identifiable derivative of such number, without the expressed consent, electronically or in writing, of such individual. Prohibits obtaining a social security number for purposes of locating or identifying an individual with the intent to physically injure, harm, or use the identity of the individual for illegal purposes. Provides prerequisites for consent, including that the individual be informed of the general purposes for which the number will be utilized and the types of persons to whom the number may be available. Provides that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or limit display, sale, or use of social security numbers: (1) required under certain Federal laws; (2) by professional and commercial users who use the information in the normal course of their business so long as a number is not publicly displayed or sold; (3) for law enforcement; or (4) that may appear in a public record. Authorizes persons aggrieved by violations of this law to bring civil actions in district courts to recover damages. Prohibits actions from being commenced more than three years after the date the violation was or should have been reasonably discovered. Subjects violators to civil money penalties as determined by the Commissioner of Social Security in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed. Prescribes criminal penalties for such violations under the Social Security Act. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of imposing additional limitations on the use of social security numbers in public records. (Sec. 636) Prohibits the redesignation of Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a Class I area under the Clean Air Act. Title VII: Rescissions - Rescinds specified amounts for the DEA Drug Diversion Control Fee Account and the Maritime Administration maritime guaranteed loan program account. Title VIII: Debt Reduction and Other Matter - Provides for deposit of an additional amount into the account established to reduce the public debt. (Sec. 801) Requires the presiding officer of the Senate, on the first day of the 107th Congress, to apply all of the precedents of the Senate under rule XXVIII (conference committees, reports; open meetings) in effect at the conclusion of the 103rd Congress. Provides that there is now in effect a standing order of the Senate that the reading of conference reports is no longer required if the report is available in the Senate. Title IX: Wildlife, Ocean and Coastal Conservation - Makes an amount available to support activities that supplement existing funding available to the States and territories from the sport fish restoration and wildlife restoration accounts to be used for wildlife conservation and restoration plans and programs. (Sec. 902) Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to establish in the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund a subaccount known as the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account. Authorizes and allocates appropriations. Authorizes States to apply to the Secretary of the Interior for approval of a wildlife conservation and restoration program or for Account funds to develop a program. Prohibits the use of no more than ten percent of the amount apportioned to a State for a program for wildlife-associated recreation. Permits Account funds to be used for wildlife conservation education programs except for programs that promote opposition to the regulated taking of wildlife. Makes a State agency ineligible to receive matching funds under this title if sources of revenue available to the agency after January 1, 2000, for wildlife conservation are diverted for any purpose other than agency administration. Amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to increase the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior to carry out North American wetlands conservation. (Sec. 903) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize appropriations for coastal impact assistance to producing coastal States with approved coastal impact assistance plans. Defines a "producing coastal State" as a coastal State with a coastal seaward boundary within 200 miles from the geographic center of a tract leased for drilling, developing, and producing oil and natural gas other than a tract within any Outer Continental Shelf area where a specified moratorium on new leasing was in effect as of January 1, 2000. Sets forth the formula for allocating such funds to producing coastal States and coastal political subdivisions and describes authorized uses. Requires the development and submission of a Coastal Impact Assistance Plan by each producing coastal State for transmittal to the Secretary of Commerce for approval prior to the disbursement of funds. Title X: Local TV Act - Launching Our Communities' Access to Local Television Act of 2000 - Establishes the LOCAL Television Loan Guarantee Board to approve or disapprove loan guarantees under this Act. Allows loan guarantees to be approved only to the extent provided for in advance in appropriations Acts. Requires such loans to be used to finance the means by which local television (TV) broadcast signals will be delivered to nonserved or underserved areas, with a loan priority for nonserved areas. States that the Board should give additional consideration to projects that also provide high-speed Internet access. Prohibits the Board from approving a loan for a project that is designed primarily to serve one of the 40 designated market areas or would alter or remove National Weather Service warnings from local broadcast signals. Limits a loan guarantee to 80 percent of a loan meeting requirements under this Act, with a total loan aggregate value limit of $1.25 billion. (Sec. 1005) Requires the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service to administer all loan guarantees approved under this Act. Requires loan applicants to enter into stipulated performance schedules with respect to the signals to be provided through the project. Sets forth provisions regarding credit requirements, default procedures, and recovery of payments. Requires the Board to charge and collect a loan guarantee fee and use such fee to cover administrative costs. (Sec. 1006) Requires an annual audit and report concerning the loan guarantee program. (Sec. 1007) Directs the FCC to reinstate as tentative rural service selectees, and permit application amendments for: (1) Great Western Cellular Partners; (2) Monroe Telephone Services L.P.; and (3) FutureWave General Partners L.P. (Sec. 1008) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to the definition of "satellite carrier." (Includes distributors under specified circumstances.) (Sec. 1009) Prohibits any loan guarantee from being approved after December 31, 2006. (Sec. 1011) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2006. (Sec. 1012) Requires the FCC to provide for an independent technical demonstration of any terrestrial service technology proposed by any entity that has applied to provide such service in the direct broadcast satellite frequency band to determine whether the proposed technology will cause harmful interference to any direct broadcast satellite service. Title XI: Encouraging Immigrant Family Reunification - Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to accord nonimmigrant status to certain aliens: (1) with pending or approved but unavailable visa petitions who are the spouses or unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens; and (2) with approved but unavailable visa petitions who are the spouses of U.S. citizens or minor children of such spouses. Permits related status adjustments for qualifying aliens. (Sec. 1104) Provides for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain alien class action participants who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1982, and maintained a qualifying period of unlawful U.S. residence. Considers certain Cuban and Haitian entrants as so qualifying. Requires demonstration of basic citizenship skills, with exceptions for elderly or disabled persons. Provides for related temporary stay of removal, employment authorization, and public assistance eligibility.

GAINS Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2000

Global Action and Investments for New Success for Women and Girls Act of 2000 (GAINS Act of 2000) - Title I: Integration of Women Into National Economies of Developing Countries - Amends the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require such Acts to be administered so as to give particular attention to those programs, projects, and activities which tend to integrate women into the national economies of developing countries. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Women in Development of the Agency for International Development (AID). (Sec. 105) Authorizes the President to make a voluntary contribution to the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Title II: Impact of Trade Agreements On Women - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) establish an Advisory Committee for Trade, Gender, and Development Policy; and (2) appoint to the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy two additional members, one with expertise in gender issues and one with expertise in international development issues. (Sec. 204) Directs the USTR, the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of AID to review: (1) the impact of U.S. trade agreements on the employment of women, women's health, and educational opportunities; and (2) the relationship between U.S. development assistance policies and U.S. trade policies, including the extent to which issues relating to gender are integrated into U.S. negotiation positions relating to trade agreements. (Sec. 205) Directs the Administrator of AID and the Secretary of State to conduct periodically time use surveys of unremunerated work performed in foreign countries, including surveys to determine the approximate monetary value of such work. Title III: Ensuring Opportunities for Women in Developing Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise education and human resources development provisions to reaffirm the goals established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations (UN) of achieving global gender equity in education by 2005 and universal access to basic education by 2015. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the President to provide grant assistance for programs to increase the availability of credit and other services to microenterprises lacking full access to capital, training, technical assistance, and business development (with 50 percent of all assistance to be targeted to very poor entrepreneurs). (Sec. 303) Establishes a U.S. Microfinance Loan Facility to pool and manage risk from natural disasters, war or civil conflict, national financial crisis, or short-term financial movements that threaten the long-term development of U.S.-supported microfinance institutions. Title IV: Promotion of Health of Women and Girls in Developing Countries - Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. voluntary contribution to the UN Population Fund. (Sec. 402) Provides for: (1) AID programs to provide maternal health assistance to individuals in need in developing countries; (2) AID programs to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in developing countries; (3) assistance for the prevention, treatment, and control of tuberculosis; and (4) the establishment by AID of an index to measure the impact of its programs, projects, and activities on the health of children in developing countries. Title V: Human Rights of Women - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of AID to carry out programs to assist governments of developing countries to eliminate de jure discrimination against women. (Sec. 502) Directs the President to carry out programs in the United States and in foreign countries to prevent the trafficking of women and children. (Sec. 503) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a specified congressional committee should hold hearings on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); and (2) the Senate should give its advice and consent to the ratification of CEDAW.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2000

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2001 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) direct and guaranteed loans and credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) child survival and infectious disease programs, including basic education programs (earmarking amounts for child survival and maternal health, vulnerable children, HIV-AIDS, other infectious diseases, children's basic education, UNICEF, U.S. contributions to the Global Fund for Children's Vaccines and to an international HIV-AIDS fund, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative); (3) specified development assistance (allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation, agriculture and rural development programs (including plant biotechnology research and development), the International Fertilizer Development Center, AmeriCares for the construction, rehabilitation, and operation of community-based primary healthcare facilities in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute, the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad program, and an international media training center); (4) specified projects aimed at reunification of Cyprus; (5) specified assistance for Lebanon for scholarships and direct support of the American educational institutions there; (6) democracy and humanitarian activities in Burma; (7) specified assistance for the preservation of habitats and related activities for endangered wildlife; (8) international disaster assistance; (9) international disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to support transition to democracy and to long-term development of countries in crisis (provided AID reports to the Committees on Appropriations at least five days before the beginning of such program assistance); (10) micro and small enterprise development programs; (11) direct loans and loan guarantees under the development credit authority program for development assistance to foreign countries (provided such funds are made available only for urban and environmental programs); (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (14) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, East Timor, Indonesia, Mongolia, and the National Democratic Alliance of Sudan); (15) the International Fund for Ireland; (16) ESF assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (earmarking amounts for Kosova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to specified conditions); (17) assistance for the Independent States of the former Soviet Union (earmarking amounts for the Southern Caucasus region, the Russian Far East, assistance to meet the health and other assistance needs of victims of trafficking in persons, Ukraine, Georgia, and child survival, environmental health, and to combat infectious diseases, subject to specified conditions); (18) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (19) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (20) migration and refugee assistance; (21) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (22) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities (including U.S. contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), subject to a specified condition, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Preparatory Commission, the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), subject to specified conditions, and the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund); (23) international affairs technical assistance activities of the Department of the Treasury; and (24) debt restructuring of concessional loans, guarantees, and credits made to least developed countries. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations (but allowing them for voluntary family planning projects in developing nations that meet specified requirements; and (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government. Withholds 60 percent of funds appropriated to the Government of the Russian Federation until the President certifies to the Committees on Appropriations it has met certain conditions. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) expanded international military education and training (IMET) to Indonesia and Guatemala (subject to a specified condition); (2) foreign military financing grants (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Malta, Tunisia, and Georgia (including drawdowns of defense articles and services)); and (3) international peacekeeping operations (subject to a specified condition). Prohibits foreign military financing for Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the U.S. contribution to: (1) the Global Environment Facility of the International Bank for reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) the International Development Association (IDA) (providing that in negotiating U.S. participation in the next replenishment of the IDA that the Secretary of the Treasury accord high priority to providing it with the policy flexibility to provide new grant assistance to countries eligible for debt reduction under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative); (3) the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency; (4) the Inter-American Investment Corporation; (5) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (6) the Asian Development Fund; (7) the African Development Bank; (8) the African Development Fund; (9) the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (10) the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for international organizations. Earmarks a specified amount for the World Food Program. Prohibits the use of funds for the United Nations Fund for Science and Technology, KEDO, or the IAEA. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including that no more than 15 percent of such appropriations shall be obligated during the last month of availability. (Sec. 502) Prohibits: (1) the use of funds for bilateral funding of international financial institutions; and (2) the transfer of such funds by AID directly to such an institution for the purpose of repaying a foreign country's loan obligations to it. (Sec. 503) Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including no more than specified maximums for official residence expenses, entertainment expenses, and representation allowances for AID, and for entertainment and representation allowances for the Inter-American Foundation and the Trade and Development Agency. Limits the use of funds for entertainment expenses of the Peace Corps, and of entertainment and representation allowances under the Foreign Military Financing Program. (Sec. 506) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology (except for nuclear safety purposes); (2) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria; (3) assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree; (4) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without prior presidential consultation with Congress; (5) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for any narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, or Peru); and (6) assistance (except in certain circumstances) for production of any commodity for export by a foreign country, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets when the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative, and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 516) Declares that funds appropriated for foreign operations, export financial, and related programs, that are returned or not made available for international organizations and programs, shall remain available for obligation through FY 2002. (Sec. 517) Prohibits the availability of assistance for the Independent States of the former Soviet Union to a Government of such an Independent State, unless such Government is making progress in implementing comprehensive economic reforms based on market principles, private ownership, respect for commercial contracts, and equitable treatment of foreign private investment. Prohibits the availability of assistance also: (1) if such a Government applies or transfers U.S. assistance to any entity for the purpose of expropriating or seizing ownership of assets, investments, or ventures (unless the President determines such assistance is in the national interest); (2) if such Government directs any action in violation of the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other Independent State such as those violations included in the Helsinki Final Act; or (3) to enhance its military capability (except for demilitarization, demining, or nonproliferation programs). (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide financial incentive to undergo sterilization. (Sec. 519) Limits to no more than five percent the amount of export financing funds (other than for administrative expenses) that can be transferred from one appropriation to another, with no appropriation being increased by more than 25 percent by such transfer. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Haiti, Liberia, Serbia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 522) Makes funds available to AID for child survival, basic education, infectious disease activities and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) research and control in developing countries. (Sec. 523) Bars funding for indirect assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to the U.S. national security interest. (Sec. 524) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 526) Authorizes the availability of ESF funds to provide general support and grants for nongovernment organizations located outside China that have as their primary purpose fostering democracy and rule of law in that country (including earmarking amounts to such organizations to support activities which preserve cultural traditions and promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in Tibetan communities). Earmarks ESF funds to the Jamestown Foundation (currently the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights) for a project to disseminate information and support research about China, and related activities. (Sec. 527) Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes the waiver of this prohibition by the President for national security and humanitarian reasons, requiring notification to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 528) Directs the Secretary of State to report quarterly to the Committees on Appropriations on the use of supplemental appropriations for ESF assistance and military asistance to certain countries. (Sec. 529) Requires all AID contracts and subcontracts to include a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a fair opportunity to bid for insurance when insurance is necessary or appropriate. (Sec. 530) Directs the Secretary of State to determine, and report periodically to the Committees on Appropriations, whether Peru has made substantial progress in creating the conditions for free and fair elections, and in respecting human rights, the rule of law, the independence and constitutional role of the judiciary and national congress, and freedom of expression and independent media. Prohibits the use of funds for assistance to Peru unless the Secretary determines that it has made substantial progress with respect to such goals. Earmarks amounts to support the work of nongovernmental organizations and the Organization of American States in promoting free and fair elections, democratic institutions, and human rights in Peru. (Sec. 531) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are AID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges. (Sec. 532) Directs the Administrator of AID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities. (Sec. 533) Prohibits payments to any international financial institution while the U.S. Executive Director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for Level IV of the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 534) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq, unless the President certifies to Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the U.S. national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. (Sec. 535) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Requires an agency to report to the Committees on Appropriations whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited. (Sec. 536) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for establishing or developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country. (Sec. 537) Urges the export of U.S. clean coal technology. (Sec. 538) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan, Lebanon, Montenegro, and for victims of war, displaced children, and displaced Burmese may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Prohibits the use of funds made available to Cambodia for military or paramilitary purposes. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support tropical forestry and biodiversity conservation programs, and subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, energy programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds by AID to employ up to 25 personal services contractors in the United States for the purpose of providing direct, interim support for new or expanded overseas programs and activities managed by it until permanent direct hire personnel are hired and trained. Authorizes the President to waive certain prohibitions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) if the President determines and certifies to Congress that it is in the national interest. (Sec. 539) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) immediate public renunciation by the Arab League countries of the boycott of Israel (reinstated in 1997) and of American firms having commercial ties with Israel; (2) normalization of relations with Israel by such Arab countries; and (3) steps the President should take to encourage such renunciation. (Sec. 540) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in other regions. (Sec. 541) Declares that the restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the reprogramming of earmarked appropriations for other programs within the same account, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 544) Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act. Earmarks specified amounts to private and voluntary organizations to deal with world hunger abroad. (Sec. 545) Declares that assistance under this Act should make full use of American resources, including commodities, products, and services, to the maximum extent possible. Declares the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all agricultural commodities, equipment, and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. Requires Federal agency heads, in providing financial assistance to or entering into any contract with any entity using funds made available in this Act, to notify such entity of this intention. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually on the efforts of such agency heads and the U.S. directors of international financial institutions in complying with such requirements. (Sec. 546) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any UN member (including costs for attendance of another country's delegation at international conferences). (Sec. 548) Prohibits the provision of funds to a private voluntary organization that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of AID. (Sec. 549) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country that the Secretary of State has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines that the furnishing of such assistance is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 550) Withholds assistance from a foreign country in an amount equal to 110 percent of the total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 551) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the PLO for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 552) Permits the President to provide up to a specified amount of commodities and services to the UN War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a just resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 553) Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearance of land mines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 554) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 555) Prohibits the obligation of certain funds appropriated for Informational Program activities to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; or (2) entertainment expenses for recreational activities. (Sec. 556) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act; or (3) any obligation to pay for purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities guaranteed by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Permits the exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the IDA (but not from the World Bank) (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 558) Bars funds appropriated by this Act or any previous appropriations Act for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs to be made available for assistance for the Government of Haiti until: (1) the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on Appropriations that Haiti has held free and fair elections to seat a new parliament; and (2) the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such Government is fully cooperating with the U.S. efforts to interdict illicit drug traffic through it to the United States. Earmarks a specified percentage of funds appropriated under this Act for bilateral assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean region. (Sec. 559) Requires a specified annual report of the Secretary of State containing the voting record of each foreign member country of the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of each country's overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to it in FY 2000. (Sec. 560) Prohibits the United States from paying any voluntary contribution to the UN, including the UN Development Program, unless the President certifies to Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the UN is not engaged in any effort to implement or impose any taxation on U.S. persons in order to raise revenue for itself or any of its specialized agencies. (Sec. 561) Makes the Government of Haiti eligible to purchase U.S. defense articles and services for its Coast Guard. (Sec. 562) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the PLO unless the President certifies to Congress that it is in the U.S. national security interests. (Sec. 563) Prohibits the use of funds for the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State believes they have committed gross violations of human rights, unless the Secretary reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such country is taking steps to bring the responsible persons to justice. (Sec. 564) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions (with humanitarian, democratization, and certain infrastructure project exceptions) against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to the former Yugoslavia. Prohibits the provision of bilateral assistance for programs in which publicly indicted war criminals are known to have any financial interest or communities that are not in compliance with specified sections of the Dayton Agreement relating to war crimes and the Tribunal. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the location, if known, of publicly indicted war criminals, on country, entity and municipality authorities known to have obstructed the work of the Tribunal, and on sanctioned countries, entities, and municipalities. (Sec. 565) Prohibits the use of funds for the Government of the Russian Federation unless the President certifies to specified congressional committees that the Federation has not enacted laws or promulgated executive orders that discriminate against religious minorities in violation of international agreements on human rights and religious freedoms to which it is a party. (Sec. 566) Subjects the availability of funds in this Act to support programs or activities promoting country participation in the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 567) Bars funds to the Central Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Sec. 568) Earmarks specified foreign assistance funds for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group, the Multinational Force and Observers, the Middle East Regional Democracy Fund, Middle East Regional Cooperation, and Middle East Multilateral Working Groups. (Sec. 569) Requires the President to submit to specified congressional committees a plan for the distribution of assets of an Enterprise Fund before any distribution resulting from liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Fund. (Sec. 570) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions to oppose loans to Cambodia (except loans to support basic human needs). Prohibits the availability of funds under this Act for assistance for the Government of Cambodia. (Sec. 571) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and of State to report jointly to Congress on all overseas military training provided to, and proposed to be provided to, foreign military personnel under programs administered by the Defense and State Departments during FY 2000 and 2001. (Sec. 572) Earmarks specified funds for KEDO for administrative expenses and heavy fuel oil costs associated with the Agreed Framework (Joint Declaration on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula). Earmarks other amounts to KEDO if the President certifies to Congress that North Korea is complying with the provisions of the Agreed Framework. (Sec. 573) Authorizes investment of funds made available to grantees of the African Development Foundation pending expenditure for project purposes when authorized by the President of the Foundation. (Sec. 574) Bars the use of funds appropriated under this Act to provide equipment, technical support, consulting services, or any other assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation. (Sec. 575) Earmarks specified amounts of ESF funds for programs benefitting the Iraqi people, including for food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance, and for a political transition in Iraq, Iraqi opposition groups for political, economic, humanitarian, and other activities, and for groups and activities seeking the prosecution of Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi government officials for war crimes. Bars the use of such funds for administrative expenses of the State Department. (Sec. 576) Directs AID to submit an annual budget justification consistent with certain requirements of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 577) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to propose or issue rules, regulations, decrees, or orders for implementation, or in preparation for implementation, of the Kyoto Protocol to the United States Framework Convention on Climate Change, which has not been submitted to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification pursuant to the U.S. Constitution, and which has not entered into force. (Sec. 578) Directs the Secretary of State, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of ESF funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, to certify to the appropriate congressional committees that procedures have been established to assure that the Comptroller General will have access to appropriate U.S. financial information in order to review the uses of such funds for the Program. (Sec. 579) Makes foreign military financing program funds available for Indonesia if the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Indonesian government and the Indonesian armed forces are taking specified actions to: (1) bring to justice, and cooperate with investigations and prosecutions of, members of the armed forces and militia groups with respect to human rights violations in Indonesia and East Timor; (2) allow safe passage for refugees returning home to East Timor from West Timor; and (3) not impede the UN Transitional Authority in East Timor. (Sec. 580) Bars the use of appropriated funds under this Act for the UN Man and the Biosphere Program or the UN World Heritage Fund for programs in the United States. (Sec. 581) Directs the President, not less than 30 days prior to the next round of arms talks between the United States and Taiwan, to consult with appropriate congressional leaders and committee chairmen and ranking members regarding: (1) Taiwan's requests for purchase of defense articles and defense services during the pending round of arms talks; (2) the Administration's assessment of the legitimate defense needs of Taiwan; and (3) the decision-making process used by the Executive branch to consider such requests. (Sec. 582) Urges funds appropriated by this Act for U.S. assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States to the maximum extent practicable to be used for the procurement of articles and services of U.S. origin. (Sec. 583) Bars the use of funds appropriated by this Act for assistance for the government of any country that has been determined to have: (1) provided lethal or non-lethal military support or equipment, directly or through intermediaries, within the previous six months to the Sierra Leone Revolutionary United Front (RUF), or any other group intent on destabilizing the democratically elected government of the Republic of Sierra Leone; or (2) aided or abetted, within the previous six months, in the illicit distribution, transportation, or sale of diamonds mined in Sierra Leone. (Sec. 584) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000 to authorize voluntary separation incentive payments to AID employees who voluntarily separate (whether by retirement or resignation) on or before December 31, 2001, to eliminate AID positions and functions contained in a mandatory strategic plan outlining such payments. (Sec. 585) Earmarks a specified amount of international organizations and program funds for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) (except for any country program in China). Conditions the availability of such funds to UNFPA on specified requirements, including that it does not fund abortions. (Sec. 586) Makes any national of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who was paroled into the United States before October 1, 1997, eligible for adjustment of status. (Sec. 587) Requires information relevant to the December 2, 1980, murders of four American churchwomen in El Salvador to be made public to the fullest extent possible. (Sec. 588) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold ten percent of the U.S. payment to any international financial institution until the Secretary certifies that such institution has implemented certain procurement and financial management reforms. (Sec. 589) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles (instead of government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 591) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000 to abolish the Inter-American Foundation in 2001. (Sec. 593) Extends the authorities of the General Accounting Office until all available funds appropriated under the 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act are expended. (Sec. 594) Earmarks funds made available under this Act for Serbia, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 595) Declares that the provisions of S. 3140 relating to the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over land of the Tennessee Valley Authority within the Daniel Boone National Forest to the Secretary of Agriculture are hereby enacted into law. (Sec. 596) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at specified international financial institutions to oppose any loan of such institutions that would require user fees or service charges on poor people for primary education or primary health care, including prevention and treatment efforts for HIV-AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and infant, child, and maternal well-being, in connection with the institutions' lending programs. (Sec. 597) Makes certain foreign assistance funds available for basic education programs for Pakistan. (Sec. 598) Earmarks a certain amount of bilateral economic assistance funds for population planning activities or other population assistance. Title VI: Emergency Supplemental Appropriation - Authorizes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2001 to the President for: (1) the AID for international disaster assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for Mozambique, Madagascar, and southern Africa; (2) operating expenses of AID; (3) bilateral economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (earmarking amounts only for Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia); (4) IMET and foreign military financing for grants to countries of the Balkans and southeast Europe; and (5) the Department of the Treasury for a contribution to the HIPC Trust Fund of the World Bank. (Sec. 601) Declares that amounts appropriated under this title or under any other provision of law for FY 2001 that are in addition to funds made available under title II of this Act shall be deemed to have been appropriated under such title and are subject to all limitations and restrictions contained in this Act. Title VII: Debt Reduction - Makes additional funds available for FY 2001 for the Bureau of the Public Debt for reduction of the public debt. Title VIII: International Debt Forgiveness and International Financial Institutions Reform - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to authorize appropriations for FY 2001 though 2003 for U.S. contributions to the HIPC Trust Fund of the World Bank. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to exert U.S. influence to strengthen each bank's procedures and management controls to ensure that funds disbursed by it to borrowing countries are used as intended and in a manner that complies with the conditions of the bank's loan to such country. (Sec. 803) Directs the Comptroller General to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the sufficiency of audits of the financial operations of each multilateral development bank conducted by persons or entities outside of such bank. (Sec. 804) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the President's discretionary authority to transfer certain funds to certain international financial institutions for the purpose of bilateral funding. (Sec. 805) Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to declare that it is the policy of the United States to work to implement specified lending reforms in the International Monetary Fund.

Global School Meals and Women and Children Nutrition Resolution of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2000

Global School Meals and Women and Children Nutrition Resolution of 2000 - Commends Ambassador George McGovern and former Senator Robert Dole for their endorsement and leadership in promoting a worldwide school meals program and for their remarks at the May 2000 National Nutrition Summit at which they called on the U.S. Government to lead the world in providing such meals for the more than 300 million hungry children in developing countries. Urges the President to: (1) continue efforts to support programs and activities that provide food to the needy and school-age children in such countries, including under the Global Food and Education Initiative; (2) ensure that the appropriate offices within the Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development have an adequate number of personnel to carry out, monitor, and evaluate the Initiative; and (3) continue to lead in organizing a worldwide school meals program and a supplementary feeding program for pregnant and nursing women and their children under the age of five, including by transmitting a request for legislation to authorize and fund such programs for FY 2002 and subsequent fiscal years.

Peggy Goldwater-Clay, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring June 5, 2006. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 19 October 2000

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2000

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a tolerance for methyl mercury in seafood, which shall be based on a scientific analysis of the health risks attributable to such substance. Deems unsafe any seafood containing methyl mercury over the tolerance limits. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that such tolerance is safe and to modify or revoke any tolerance found to be unsafe; and (2) ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to pregnant women, infants, and children from aggregate exposure to methyl mercury. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a system for the ongoing collection and analysis of seafood samples to determine the extent of tolerance compliance; (2) design and implement a national public education program regarding the presence of methyl mercury in seafood; (3) work with States and other appropriate entities to develop national and regional methyl mercury advisories; (4) consider, when determining such tolerance, certain findings of the National Academy of Sciences regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended level for methyl mercury; and (5) report to Congress on progress made in establishing the tolerance.

National Improvement in Mathematics and Science Teaching Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2000

National Improvement in Mathematics and Science Teaching Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish, and authorize appropriations for, various programs for improvement of science and mathematics education. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) make grants to States for improvement and recruitment of quality teachers in science and mathematics education; (2) make grants to States for professional development of mathematics and science teachers; (3) establish, in cooperation with the Director of the National Science Foundation, 15 John Glenn Academies, and make grants to such Academies for summer workshops for mathematics and science education teachers and for intensive, year-long fellowships for 3,000 individuals to prepare them to meet State certification requirements for teaching mathematics or science in grades seven through 12; (4) establish and operate a National Clearinghouse of Best Practices to coordinate successful and proven professional development opportunities for teachers, collect, and disseminate curricular materials, and undertake other activities to encourage teacher interest and involvement in professional development, particularly for mathematics and science teachers of grades seven through 12; (5) make grants to States to improve science and mathematics education, and encourage more students to enter the fields of mathematics, science, and technology; and (6) make grants to local educational agencies for subgrants to public elementary and secondary schools to promote both achievement equity and gender equity in mathematics and science education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a tax credit for businesses that employ science, mathematics, and technology teachers in summer fellowships that are related to their fields of teaching; and (2) a fair market value tax deduction for charitable contributions of science, mathematics, or technology equipment to public elementary and secondary schools.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2000

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001- Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and for sundry independent agencies. Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) veterans' compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits; (2) veterans' insurance and indemnities; (3) veterans' housing, education, and vocational rehabilitation loan accounts; (4) veterans' medical care; (5) medical and prosthetic research; (6) medical administration; (7) departmental administration; (8) the National Cemetery Administration; (9) the Office of Inspector General; (10) construction; (11) the parking revolving fund; and (12) grants to States for construction of extended care facilities and cemeteries. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriated for medical care for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the realignment of the health care delivery system in Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 until the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a specified certification regarding impacts on the accessibility of veterans health care services to affected veterans. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for: (1) public and Indian housing; (2) the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds; (3) drug elimination grants for low-income housing; (4) revitalization of severely distressed public housing; (5) Native American housing block grants; (6) Indian housing loan guarantees; (7) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; (8) the Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development; (9) empowerment zones and enterprise communities; (10) the community development fund; (11) brownfields redevelopment; (12) the HOME investment partnerships program; (13) homeless assistance grants; (14) Shelter Plus Care program renewals; (15) housing for special populations; (16) the Federal Housing Administration (FHA); (17) the Government National Mortgage Association; (18) housing policy development and research; (19) fair housing activities; (20) the Lead Hazard Reduction Program; (21) management and administration; (22) the Office of Inspector General; and (23) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary of HUD, from amounts made available under this title for FY 2001 for housing opportunities for persons with AIDS, to make a grant for any State that: (1) received an allocation in a prior fiscal year due to having a specified number of AIDS cases outside of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) with a population exceeding 500,000; and (2) is not otherwise eligible for a FY 2001 allocation because the areas outside the MSAs that qualify for funding in FY 2001 do not have the number of AIDS cases required. (Sec. 206) Bars the use of funds appropriated by any Act by the Secretary of HUD to prohibit any entity that is responsible for convening and managing a continuum of care process in a community for purposes of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act from participating in such capacity unless the Secretary has published in the Federal Register a description of all circumstances that would be grounds for, and the procedures for, such prohibition. (Sec. 207) Requires any grant or assistance made pursuant to this title to be made in accordance with HUD accountability provisions of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 on a competitive basis. (Sec. 210) Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to make housing assistance under such Act available for law enforcement officers on reservations or in other Indian areas if the presence of such officers may deter crime. (Sec. 211) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated in any Act by the Secretary of HUD to provide any assistance to benefit a facility which sells predominantly cigarettes or other tobacco products (such sales representing more than 35 percent of the annual, total in-store, non-fuel sales). (Sec. 212) Bars the use of funds to implement the June 2000 agreement between the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration, and HUD related to the allocation of operating subsidies for such Housing Administration unless the Housing Administration and HUD submit by December 31, 2000, a schedule of benchmarks and measurable goals to the Appropriations Committees designed to address issues of mismanagement and safeguards against fraud and abuse. (Sec. 214) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for onsite computer access and training resources for public housing residents. 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. (Sec. 215) Considers the properties known as the Hawthornes in Independence, Missouri, as eligible multifamily housing for purposes of participating in a specified multifamily housing restructuring program. (Sec. 216) Amends the National Housing Act to extend through FY 2001 the authority for all project owners to retain excess income under the rental and cooperative housing program. (Sec. 217) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to modify the definition of "urban county" for purposes of the community development block grant program and to authorize an urban county that was so classified for FY 1999, at its option, to remain classified as such for purposes of such Act. (Sec. 218) Exempts public housing agencies in Alaska and Mississippi from certain membership requirements for their boards of directors under the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Sec. 221) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to make recipients under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 eligible for certain supportive services and empowerment activities currently offered to public housing residents. (Sec. 222) Extends the availability of certain grants made available under an economic development initiative pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 through FY 2001. (Sec. 224) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to extend through FY 2001 the 25 percent public services cap for the City of Los Angeles, California, under the community development block grant program. (Sec. 226) Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to permit the use of assistance for the costs of implementing management information systems for collecting unduplicated counts of homeless people and analyzing patterns of use of assistance under such Act. (Sec. 227) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize loan guarantees for Indian housing to be used to refinance standard housing on Indian trust lands or in Alaska Native areas. (Sec. 228) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the definition of "eligibility event," for purposes of eligibility for enhanced Section 8 voucher assistance, any termination or expiration of a contract for rental assistance during fiscal years after 1996 prior to the effective date of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001. (Sec. 229) Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to prohibit grants for housing assistance for any governmental entity unless such entity agrees to develop and implement policies for the discharge of persons from publicly funded institutions to prevent such discharge from immediately resulting in homelessness. (Sec. 230) Amends the Preserving Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens and Families into the 21st Century Act to redesignate the Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care Facility Needs in the 21st Century as the Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century. (Sec. 231) Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to terminate the Interagency Council on the Homeless on October 1, 2005 (currently, October 1, 1994). (Sec. 232) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise provisions regarding Section 8 public housing agency (PHA) project-based assistance. Allows a PHA to use amounts provided under an annual contributions contract to enter into a housing assistance payment contract with respect to an existing, newly constructed, or rehabilitated structure subject to specified requirements, including those for: (1) income mixing; (2) resident choice; (3) contract terms and extensions; (4) rent calculations; and (5) tenant selection. (Sec. 233) Requires the Secretary of HUD, in managing and disposing of any multifamily property that is held by the Secretary and occupied primarily by elderly or disabled families, to maintain any Section 8 rental assistance payments that are attached to any dwelling units in the property. (Sec. 234) Makes section 8 family unification assistance available for up to 18 months for eligible youths between the ages of 18 and 21 who have left foster care at age 16 or older. (Sec. 235) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to make permanent an FHA multifamily mortgage credit demonstration program. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (3) the Department of the Treasury for community development financial institutions; (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (5) the Corporation for National and Community Service (with a rescission of amounts available in the National Service Trust); (6) the Office of Inspector General; (7) the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (8) the Department of Defense for Army cemeterial expenses; (9) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for carrying out specified activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); and (10) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for carrying out specified activities under CERCLA, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Appropriates funds for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for: (1) science and technology activities; (2) environmental programs and management; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) buildings and facilities; (5) Superfund; (6) the leaking underground storage tank program; (7) oil spill response programs; and (8) assistance to States and Indian tribes for environmental programs and infrastructure. Amends the Clean Air Act to make prohibitions on Federal assistance (including highway funds) for activities which do not comply with State implementation plans for air quality standards inapplicable to nonattainment areas until one year after the area is first designated nonattainment for a specific national ambient air quality standard. Applies this provision with respect to the standard for which an area is newly designated nonattainment and provides that it does not affect the area's requirements with respect to other standards for which it is designated nonattainment. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Environmental Quality; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for: (1) disaster relief; (2) disaster assistance direct loans; (3) salaries and expenses; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) emergency management planning and assistance; (6) a specified emergency food and shelter program; (7) the National Flood Insurance Fund; and (8) the National Flood Mitigation Fund. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend through December 31, 2001: (1) a certain ceiling on obligations issued under the national flood insurance program; and (2) the authorization of appropriations for certain studies. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Federal Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human space flight, science, aeronautics, and technology research and development, mission support, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the National Credit Union Administration's Central Liquidity Facility; (4) the National Science Foundation for research, major construction projects, science and engineering education and human resources programs, salaries and expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (6) the Selective Service System. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 426) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any of the funds provided in title II of this Act for technical assistance, training, or management improvements unless HUD provides a description of each proposed activity and a detailed budget estimate of costs as part of the budget justifications to the Appropriations Committees. (Sec. 427) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for the designation, or approval of the designation, of any area as an ozone nonattainment area under the Clean Air Act pursuant to the eight-hour national ambient air quality standard for ozone promulgated by the EPA on July 18, 1997, and remanded by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on May 14, 1999, in the case American Trucking Ass'ns. v. EPA prior to June 15, 2001, or final adjudication of such case by the Supreme Court, whichever occurs first. (Sec. 428) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Federal Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1996 to authorize the NASA Administrator to offer voluntary separation incentive payments in order to restructure and improve the efficiency of the workforce. Extends voluntary separation incentives under such Act for separations occurring before September 30, 2002 (currently, September 30, 2000). Requires the NASA Administrator to report to the Appropriations Committees on restructuring activities. (Sec. 429) Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to extend, though December 31, 2001, its commercial space launch industry damage indemnification provisions. Title V: Filipino Veterans' Benefits Improvements - Makes a certain payment rate for service-connected disability benefits paid to members of the Philippine Commonwealth Army who served with U.S. armed forces during World War II inapplicable to those members who are U.S. citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Makes such individuals eligible for hospital and nursing home care and medical services in the same manner as a veteran. Authorizes medical services to veterans with service-connected disabilities within the limits of an outpatient clinic in the Philippines under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' direct jurisdiction. Title VI: Debt Reduction - Provides for the deposit of an additional amount into the account to reduce the public debt.

Technology for All Americans Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2000

Technology for All Americans Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) commercial, nonprofit, or other organizations, or institutions of higher education, for research and development of assistive technology and other technology accessible to and independently usable by individuals with disabilities, including technology that incorporates the principle of universal design, to increase the independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities (according to a strategic plan developed by the Secretary for such awards); (2) States, to improve electronic information technology accessibility, including computers and Internet access, at public libraries, including those at elementary and secondary schools; (3) institutions of higher education, for incorporating the design and use of accessible technology into curricula for certain academic and professional programs; and (4) State education agencies, for demonstration projects to promote the incorporation of technology into the education, and transition from school to work, of children with disabilities to increase their independence and self-sufficiency. Authorizes appropriations.

Drug Court Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2000

Drug Court Act of 2000 - Authorizes ten Federal district courts, as selected by the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ), to establish drug courts in high crime districts that will: (1) expedite the criminal justice process for eligible offenders until they are declared ineligible or selected for inclusion in a drug court program; and (2) maintain jurisdiction over the offenders' cases before, during, and after participation in the program. Directs that each Federal drug court enter into an agreement that will allow all eligible offenders, in exchange for payment for the cost, to participate in a State's drug court program for substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation. Subjects each such agreement to Office approval. Provides that, except as specified, rules governing drug courts will be promulgated separately by each participating Federal district court, with the advice of the Office, subject to DOJ approval. Excludes as an "eligible offender" a person who: (1) is accused of violent criminal offenses; (2) is not accused of drug, drug-related, or drug-motivated offenses; (3) has previously been convicted of a Federal or State violent felony offense; or (4) for any other reason within the court's discretion does not meet all requirements of the applicable drug court. Sets forth provisions regarding offender eligibility requirements, the handling of ineligible offenders, requirements for drug program participants, identification of drug program participants, participant fitness examination, eligibility hearings, judicial discretion regarding eligibility, drug court responsibilities, disciplinary sanctions, drug court records, and administrative fees. Requires that each program provide all participating offenders with a personalized program, including required elements of treatment, supervision, rehabilitation, education, and job skills training.

Child Support Distribution Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2000

Child Support Distribution Act of 2000 - Title I: Distribution of Child Support - Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for the distribution of child support collected by States on behalf of children receiving certain welfare benefits. Title II: Review and Adjustment of Child Support Orders - Requires the chief executive officer of a State to certify that the State has established procedures to ensure that the State agency administering the child support enforcement program will be notified of certain families leaving the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program under SSA title IV part A. (Sec. 201) Requires the State child support enforcement agency to review and, if appropriate, adjust any child support order relating to any individual leaving the TANF program. Title III: Demonstration of Expanded Information and Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations which address the participation of public non-IV-D child support enforcement agencies in establishing and enforcing child support obligations. (Sec. 302) Prescribes requirements for ten demonstration projects involving establishment and enforcement of child support obligations by such public non-IV-D agencies. (Sec. 303) Requires a Comptroller General report to Congress on private child support enforcement agencies. Title IV: Expanded Enforcement - Reduces from $5,000 to $2,500 the amount of child support arrearage which shall trigger denial of a passport. (Sec. 402) Revises requirements for the use of tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of non-minor children. (Sec. 403) Prohibits garnishment of certain compensation for a service-connected disability paid to a former member of the Armed Forces for: (1) alimony; or (2) child support less than 60 days in arrears. Permits no more than 50 percent of such compensation to be garnished to pay for such child support. Title V: Fatherhood Programs - Directs the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to eligible entities to establish programs to promote marriage and successful parenting, and help fathers and their families avoid or leave cash welfare (TANF) and improve their economic status. Establishes the Fatherhood Grants Recommendations Panel to review grant applications and recommend awards. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to award a $5 million grant to an experienced, nationally recognized, nonprofit fatherhood promotion organization to develop a media campaign and establish a national clearinghouse for information relating to fatherhood promotion. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to award grants to States to encourage such media campaigns. (Sec. 504) Directs the Secretary to award block grants to encourage States to support the efforts of local governments, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations to promote responsible fatherhood. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) an interim evaluation of abstinence education programs; and (2) on undistributed child support payments. (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary to disclose new hire information to a State to assist in the administration of unemployment compensation programs. (Sec. 604) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make ineligible to receive a visa and to exclude from admission to the United States any nonimmigrant alien more than $2,500 in arrears in legally obligated child support. (Sec. 605) Declares that certain (welfare-to-work and child support) amendments made by Public Law 106-246 shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 806 of H.R. 3424 of the 106th Congress by Public Law 106-113. (Sec. 606) Eliminates the set-aside of welfare-to-work funds for payment of a successful performance bonus. (Sec. 607) Provides for an increase in payment rate, according to a specified formula, to States for short term training of staff of State-licensed or State-approved child welfare agencies providing services. Title VII: Effective Date - Specifies the effective date of this Act.

Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2000

Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000 - Title I: Needs Based Bankruptcy - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to revamp guidelines governing dismissal or conversion of a Chapter 7 liquidation petition (complete relief in bankruptcy) to one under Chapter 11 (Reorganization) or Chapter 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income). Allows a bankruptcy panel trustee and any party in interest to move for such dismissal or conversion (current law prohibits a party in interest from such motions). Lowers the "substantial abuse" standard for dismissal or conversion to one of simple abuse. Replaces the presumption in favor of granting the relief sought by the debtor with a presumption that abuse exists if the debtor's current monthly income exceeds specified formulae. (Sec. 102) Includes within the calculation of debtor's monthly expenses: (1) those expenses incurred to maintain the safety of the debtor and the debtor's family from family violence as identified under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act or other applicable Federal law; and (2) continuation of actual expenses paid by the debtor for the care and support of an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled household or non-dependent immediate family member. Provides that the presumption of abuse may only be rebutted with detailed documentation of special circumstances requiring additional expenses or adjustment of currently monthly total income for which there is no reasonable alternative. Requires the debtor's counsel to reimburse the bankruptcy trustee for legal fees in prosecuting a dismissal or conversion motion if the court finds that counsel's filing under Chapter 7 was in violation of certain bankruptcy rules. Requires the court, upon motion by the victim of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime (or at the request of a party in interest), to dismiss a voluntary case filed by an individual debtor convicted of that crime (unless the debtor establishes that filing of the case is necessary to satisfy a claim for a domestic support obligation). Redefines "disposable income" of a chapter 13 debtor to exclude such debtor's domestic support obligation that first becomes payable after the date the petition is filed. (Sec. 103) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury has the authority to alter Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards established to set guidelines for repayment plans as needed to accommodate their use under the Bankruptcy Code. Instructs the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to report to certain congressional committees regarding the utilization of Internal Revenue standards for determining specified monthly expenses of a debtor and the impact of such standards upon debtors and the bankruptcy courts. (Sec. 104) Revises procedural guidelines to mandate a written notice to the individual consumer debtor before commencement of a case stating: (1) the types of services available from credit counseling agencies; (2) the criminal penalties for fraudulent concealment of assets; and (3) that all creditor-supplied information is subject to examination by the Attorney General. (Sec. 105) Instructs the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to: (1) develop a financial management training curriculum and materials to educate individual debtors on how to better manage their finances; and (2) test, evaluate, and report to the Congress on the curriculum's effectiveness. (Sec. 106) Precludes an individual debtor from filing under Federal bankruptcy law unless the individual has received a briefing from an approved nonprofit budget and credit counseling service prior to filing a bankruptcy petition, unless the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator determines that the service for the district in which the debtor lives is not reasonably able to provide adequate services to the additional individuals who would otherwise seek credit counseling because of such requirement. Conditions a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 discharge in bankruptcy upon the debtor's completion of an approved instructional course concerning personal financial management. Requires the clerk of each district to maintain a public list of credit counseling agencies and instructional courses concerning personal financial management. Prescribes criteria for approval of such agencies and courses. Prohibits such counseling service from informing a credit reporting agency whether an individual debtor has received or sought personal financial management instruction. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. Title II: Enhanced Consumer Protection - Subtitle A: Penalties for Abusive Creditor Practices - Cites circumstances under which the court may reduce by up to 20 percent a claim based in whole upon unsecured consumer debts if the debtor can show by clear and convincing evidence that the claim was filed by a creditor who unreasonably refused to negotiate a reasonable alternative repayment schedule proposed by an approved credit counseling agency acting on the debtor's behalf. (Sec. 202) Makes a creditor's willful failure to credit payments received from a debtor (with a specified exception), if such failure caused material injury to the debtor, a violation of a discharge operating as an injunction. (Sec. 203) Modifies debt reaffirmation guidelines governing wholly unsecured consumer debts to mandate specified detailed disclosures and explanations to the debtor for dischargeable debt agreements. Exempts a credit union creditor from such detailed disclosures and explanations. Amends Federal criminal law to instruct the Attorney General to designate U.S. attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to implement enforcement activities in addressing: (1) abusive reaffirmations of debt; and (2) materially fraudulent statements in bankruptcy schedules that are intentionally false or misleading. Directs the bankruptcy court to establish procedures for referring those cases to such U.S. attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Subtitle B: Priority Child Support - Revises priority payment guidelines to place within the first priority claim category certain unsecured claims for domestic support obligations, on the condition that funds received by a governmental unit be applied in a prescribed order. (Sec. 213) Conditions court confirmation of a debt repayment plan under Chapters 11, 12 (Debts of a Family Farmer), and 13 (and the subsequent discharge of debts) upon certification of debtor's full payment of all adjudicated domestic support obligations that are due after the petition filing date. (Sec. 214) Excepts from an automatic stay specified choses-in-action pertaining to domestic support obligations proceedings including: (1) child custody or visitation; (2) dissolution of marriage; (3) domestic violence; (4) withholding of income that is property of the bankrupt estate for payment of domestic support obligations; (5) suspension of drivers' licenses and professional licenses; (6) reporting of overdue support owed by a parent to certain consumer reporting agencies; (7) interception of specified tax refunds; (8) establishment of paternity; (9) establishment or modification of an order for domestic support obligations; and (10) enforcement of medical obligations under title IV, part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 215) Revamps guidelines governing the nondischargeability of certain debts for alimony, maintenance, and support to repeal the exceptions granted the debtor under specified conditions. (Sec. 216) Modifies guidelines governing property exempt from the bankruptcy estate to declare such property liable for a debt arising from domestic support obligations. (Sec. 217) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer that is a bona fide payment of a debt for a domestic support obligation. (Sec. 218) Redefines "disposable income" received by certain debtors, with respect to confirmation of a plan under Chapter 12 or 13, to include income not reasonably expected to be expended for a domestic support obligation that first becomes payable after the date on which a petition for debt relief is filed. (Sec. 219) Sets forth the duties of the bankruptcy trustee under chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13 regarding a claim against an individual debtor for the collection of child support, including notifying the claim holder and the appropriate State child support agency of the debtor's last known address. (Sec. 220) Makes dischargeable any debts for certain qualified educational loans which, if not discharged, would impose an undue hardship upon either the debtor or the debtor's dependent. Subtitle C: Other Consumer Protections - Modifies guidelines governing nonattorney bankruptcy petition preparers to mandate that as a prerequisite to any collection of fees for services: (1) such preparers officially disclose to debtors that they cannot practice law or give legal advice; and (2) such disclosure be signed by the debtor and filed with the requisite court documents. Prescribes enforcement and penalty guidelines for preparer noncompliance. (Sec. 222) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should develop curricula relating to the subject of personal finance, designed for use in elementary and secondary schools. (Sec. 223) Places in the tenth order of prioritized claims against the bankrupt estate any death or personal injury claims resulting from the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle or vessel because the debtor was drug or alcohol-impaired. (Sec. 224) Permits an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the bankrupt estate certain tax-exempt retirement funds that have not been obligated in connection with any extension of credit. Exempts from either an automatic stay or a discharge in bankruptcy specified income withheld from the debtor pursuant to pension or profit sharing plans sponsored by such debtor's employer to pay certain loans from such plans. (Sec. 225) Sets forth criteria for excluding certain education individual retirement accounts from the property of the bankruptcy estate if the designated beneficiary is a child or grandchild of the debtor. (Sec. 227) Sets forth restrictions on and requirements for debt relief agency practices. Provides for civil penalties for intentional violations. Requires a debt relief agency providing bankruptcy assistance to provide prescribed disclosures to an assisted person. (Sec. 230) Instructs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of requiring trustees or the bankruptcy courts to provide the Office of Child Support Enforcement with the names and address of an individual debtor promptly after such debtor commences a case. Title III: Discouraging Bankruptcy Abuse - Modifies exceptions to a discharge in bankruptcy to prohibit discharge of a filing fee imposed by any court upon a prisoner. (Sec. 302) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a chapter 7, 11, or 13 petition was pending and dismissed the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 303) Directs the court to grant two-year relief from the automatic stay upon request of a party in interest with respect to certain real property actions if the court finds that filing the bankruptcy petition was part of a scheme to delay, hinder, and defraud creditors. (Sec. 304) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt, or redemption of the property within 45 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. Allows a creditor to take action with respect to such property under nonbankruptcy law if the debtor fails to act within 45 days, unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is of consequential value or benefit to the estate. (Sec. 305) Declares that the automatic stay is terminated regarding property of the debtor's estate securing a claim or subject to an unexpired lease, if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral, or an intended property redemption or debt reaffirmation in order to retain such collateral, within a revised, accelerated time frame (unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is of consequential value or benefit to the estate). (Sec. 306) Requires the bankruptcy court to confirm a Chapter 13 plan if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim shall retain the attendant lien until payment or discharge of all debts. Provides that if a Chapter 13 proceeding is dismissed or converted without completion of the plan, the holder shall retain such lien to the extent recognized by applicable nonbankruptcy law. Provides that statutory guidelines to determine the secured status of a creditor's claim do not apply if: (1) the creditor has a purchase money security interest securing the debt; (2) the underlying debt was incurred within the five-year period preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition; and (3) the collateral for that debt consists of a motor vehicle acquired for the debtor's personal use (or if the collateral consists of any other thing of value if the debt was incurred during the one-year period preceding such filing). (Sec. 307) Increases from 180 to 730 days the length of a debtor's location of domicile for purposes of determining which State law governs the debtor's selection of property exempt from the bankrupt estate. Moderates such time frame if the debtor's domicile has not been located at a single State for such 730-day period. (Sec. 308) Reduces the value of the homestead exemption and debtor's burial plot to the extent it is attributable to any portion of any property: (1) disposed of by the debtor within the seven-year period ending on the bankruptcy petition filing date with the intent to obstruct or defraud a creditor; and (2) which the debtor could not exempt. (Sec. 309) Revamps prescriptions governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a case converted to chapter 7; and (2) with respect to cases converted from Chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full claim amount, as determined under applicable nonbankruptcy law, has been paid in full as of the conversion date. States that a prebankruptcy default shall have the effect given under applicable nonbankruptcy law unless it has been fully cured pursuant to the plan at the time of conversion. Provides for a Chapter 7 debtor's assumption of unexpired leases of personal property. Declares that in a Chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a Chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (thus no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the conclusion of the hearing on confirmation. Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property in order to ensure adequate protection to the claim holder during the payment period. Mandates that a debtor-in-possession provide reasonable evidence of any requisite insurance coverage with respect to the use or ownership of such property. (Sec. 310) Reduces from the threshold amounts of luxury goods and consumer credit any consumer debts owed to a single creditor presumed nondischargeable in bankruptcy, if acquired within 90 days and 70 days, respectively (currently 60 days) before an order for relief is issued. (Sec. 311) Precludes an automatic stay of any eviction, unlawful detainer action, or similar proceeding by a lessor against a debtor involving residential real property in which: (1) the debtor resides as a tenant under a rental agreement; (2) the debtor resides as a tenant under a rental agreement that has terminated; or (3) eviction actions are based upon endangerment to property or person or the use of illegal drugs. Denies an automatic stay of any transfer not avoidable by the trustee. (Sec. 312) Extends the period between Chapter 7 discharges to eight years, and between Chapter 13 discharges to five years. (Sec . 313) Requires the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to report to specified congressional committees about utilization of the definition of household goods under this Act with respect to: (1) the avoidance of nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interests in household goods; and (2) the impact that such definition has had on debtors and on the bankruptcy courts. (Sec. 314) Lists among debts that are not dischargeable in bankruptcy a debt incurred to pay a tax to a non-Federal governmental unit. Revamps Chapter 13 debt discharge guidelines. Prohibits discharge from a debt for restitution or damages awarded in a civil action against the debtor for willful or malicious injury that caused personal injury or death of an individual. (Sec. 315) Prescribes notice procedures for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 creditors. Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court of: (1) all tax returns; (2) evidence of employer payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated income or expenditure increases. Permits a Chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules, and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Requires dismissal of a Chapter 7 or 13 case upon debtor's failure to provide to the bankruptcy trustee not later than seven days before the date first set for the first meeting of creditors a tax return for the latest taxable period prior to filing. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a Chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from case commencement until case termination. Requires a Chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. Makes debtor's mandatory documentation available for inspection and copying to certain bankruptcy officers and any party in interest. Requires debtors to furnish driver's license, passport, or other photograph-containing documentation establishing debtor identification. (Sec. 316) Provides for automatic dismissal if a Chapter 7 or 13 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 317) Requires a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing to be held not later than 45 days after the first meeting of creditors. (Sec. 318). Sets forth a statutory formula to determine whether a Chapter 13 debt readjustment payment plan shall be of either three-year or five-year duration. (Sec. 319) Expresses the sense of the Congress that rule 9011 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure should include a requirement that all debtors' documents be submitted to the court only after debtors have made reasonable inquiry to verify that all information therein is well grounded in fact, and warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for extension, modification or reversal of existing law. (Sec. 320) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under Chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. (Sec. 321) Revamps guidelines governing a Chapter 11 business reorganization case filed by an individual to: (1) identify the property of the estate in bankruptcy; and (2) revise the contents, confirmation, and modification of a reorganization plan. (Sec. 322) Prohibits a debtor from exempting from the estate in bankruptcy any amount of interest acquired during the two years before petition filing that exceeds in the aggregate $100,000 in value in: (1) real or personal property used as a residence; (2) a cooperative that owns property used as a residency by the debtor or debtor's dependent; or (3) a burial plot for the debtor or debtor's dependent. (Sec. 323) Excludes employee benefit plan participant contributions from the property of the bankruptcy estate. (Sec. 324) Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) grant the district court presiding over a title 11 case exclusive jurisdiction over property of the debtor and of the estate, as well as to claims relating to employment or disclosure of bankruptcy professionals; and (2) increase bankruptcy fees and the amounts deposited as offsetting collections to both the United States Trustee Systems Fund, and to a special fund of the Treasury available to offset funds appropriated for court operation and maintenance. (Sec. 326) Exempts from the prohibition against sharing of compensation or reimbursement with respect to administrative expenses of a debtor's estate any sharing, or agreeing to share, compensation with a bona fide public service attorney referral program that operates in accordance with non-Federal law regulating attorney referral services, and with rules of professional responsibility applicable to attorney acceptance of referrals. (Sec. 327) Declares that the value of personal property securing an allowed claim shall be determined based on its replacement value as of the date of petition filing without deduction for costs of sale or marketing. (Sec. 328) Revises requirements for the assumption by a trustee of a defaulted executory contract or unexpired lease. Exempts from the requirement that the trustee cure such a default any default that is a breach of a provision relating to the satisfaction of any non-penalty provision relating to a default arising from any failure to perform nonmonetary obligations under an unexpired lease of real property, if it is impossible for the trustee to cure such default by performing nonmonetary acts at and after the time of assumption. Provides, however, that if such default arises from a failure to operate in accordance with a nonresidential real property lease, then such default shall be cured by performance at and after the time of assumption in accordance with such lease, and pecuniary losses resulting from such default shall be compensated in accordance with specified law. Makes the same exception to requirements a plan must meet to avoid impairing a class of claims or interests. Requires a plan, to avoid impairment, to compensate a claim holder for any actual pecuniary loss incurred by such holder as a result of any failure to perform a nonmonetary obligation, other than a default arising from failure to operate a non-residential real property lease subject to certain requirements. Title IV: General and Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Subtitle A: General Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Denies a debtor an automatic stay of the commencement of an investigation or action by a securities self-regulatory organization to enforce compliance with its regulations, or of the enforcement of any order or decision obtained by such an organization, other than for monetary sanctions. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the bankruptcy court, upon request of a party in interest, to order that the U.S. trustee not convene a meeting of creditors or equity security holders if the debtor has filed a plan for which acceptances have been solicited before commencement of the case. (Sec. 403) Increases from ten days to 30 days the length of time for the perfection of a transfer of property with respect to a trustee's authority to avoid such a transfer. (Sec. 404) Amends guidelines for rejection and surrender of executory contracts and unexpired leases. (Sec. 405) Authorizes a Chapter 11 trustee to increase the membership of a committee of creditors and equity security holders to include a creditor that is a small business concern following the court's determination that such creditor holds claims of the kind represented by the committee, the aggregate amount of which is disproportionately large in comparison to the creditor's annual gross revenue. Requires such committee to provide to certain creditors who are not committee members access to information. (Sec. 406) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a warehouseman's lien for costs incidental to the storage and handling of certain goods. (Sec. 407) Directs the bankruptcy court to treat the compensation awarded a trustee as a commission. (Sec. 408) States that acceptance or rejection of a chapter 11 plan may be solicited from a holder of a claim or interest if: (1) the solicitation complies with applicable nonbankruptcy law; and (2) it was made before commencement of the case in a manner complying with applicable nonbankruptcy law. (Sec. 409) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer if, in a case filed by a debtor whose debts are not primarily consumer debts, the aggregate value of all property that constitutes or is affected by such transfer is less than $5,000. (Sec. 411) Limits the extensions of time permitted for filing a Chapter 11 reorganization plan. (Sec. 412) Denies a discharge in bankruptcy for a debt for a fee or assessment arising from a debtor's interest in a lot in a homeowners association for as long as the debtor retains specified interests in such lot. (Sec. 413) Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. (Sec. 414) Revises the definition of "disinterested person" to remove persons who are not investment bankers (thus allowing investment bankers for any outstanding security of the debtor to be treated as a disinterested person). (Sec. 418) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the district court or bankruptcy court to waive the Chapter 7 filing fee and other attendant fees for certain Chapter 7 debtors whom the court has determined to be unable to pay fees in installments. (Sec. 419) Directs the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference of the United States to propose amended Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms directing chapter 11 debtors to disclose information relating to the value, operations, and profitability of any closely held corporation, partnership, or other entity in which the debtor holds a substantial or controlling interest. Subtitle B: Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Sets forth mandatory factors for court consideration in determining whether the disclosure statement regarding a small business reorganization plan provides adequate information. (Sec. 432) Defines a small business debtor, generally, as a person (including a debtor affiliate) with not more than $3 million in aggregate non-contingent, liquidated secured and unsecured debts as of the date of the petition or the order for relief (excluding debts owed to one or more affiliates or insiders). (Sec. 433) Directs the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference (Advisory Committee) to propose for adoption standardized disclosure statements and plans of reorganization for small business debtors. (Sec. 434) Sets forth uniform national reporting requirements for small business debtors. (Sec. 435) Directs the Advisory Committee to propose for adoption revisions to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms enabling small business debtors to comply with such uniform national reporting requirements. (Sec. 436) Sets forth duties and administrative procedures in small business reorganization cases, including serial filer provisions and expanded grounds for dismissal or conversion and appointment of a trustee. (Sec. 443) Directs the Small Business Administration to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the factors that cause small businesses to become debtors in bankruptcy; and (2) how Federal bankruptcy laws can be made more efficient in assisting small businesses to retain their viability. (Sec. 444) Revises the circumstance precluding a secured single asset real estate interest creditor's relief from an automatic stay where a debtor has commenced monthly payments to each such creditor to allow the debtor, in the debtor's sole discretion, to make such payments from rents or other income generated before or after the commencement of the case by or from the property. Requires such payments in an amount equal to the interest on the value of the creditor's interest in the real estate, determined at the then-applicable nondefault contract rate of interest (currently, at the fair market rate). (Sec. 445) Allows as an administrative expense, for the two-year period following either the later of the rejection date or date of actual turnover of the premises, all monetary obligations due from a nonresidential real property lease previously assumed and subsequently rejected under the requirements governing executory contracts and unexpired leases. Title V: Municipal Bankruptcy Provisions - Makes technical amendments to requirements for a municipal bankruptcy petition. Title VI: Bankruptcy Data - Amends the Federal judicial code to require the clerk of each district to compile bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11, and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 602) Instructs the Attorney General to promulgate requirements for uniform forms for: (1) final reports by trustees in cases under chapters 7, 12, and 13; and (2) periodic reports by chapter 11 debtors or trustees in possession. Prescribes report contents. (Sec. 603) Prescribes guidelines for the Attorney General and the Judicial Conference of the United States (as appropriate) to establish procedures to audit debtors. (Sec. 604) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the national policy should be that all public record data held in electronic form by bankruptcy clerks should be released in electronic form in bulk to the public subject to appropriate privacy concerns and safeguards as Congress and the Judicial Conference of the United States may determine; and (2) a bankruptcy data system should be established in which a single set of data definitions are used to collect data nationwide, and in which all data for any particular bankruptcy case are aggregated in the same electronic record. Title VII: Bankruptcy Tax Provisions - Amends the bankruptcy code to modify the treatment of certain tax liens. (Sec. 702) Provides that a claim for debtor's liability for fuel tax which is filed by the base jurisdiction designated under the International Fuel Tax Agreement shall be allowed as a single claim. (Sec. 703) Mandates that the clerk of each district maintain a listing under which a governmental entity responsible for the collection of taxes within such district may designate an address for service of requests and describe where further information for filing such requests may be found. (Sec. 704) Prescribes the rate of interest to be paid on mandatory interest payments on tax claims. (Sec. 705) Revises the specifications for income tax claims receiving eighth priority (allowed unsecured claims of governmental units). Provides for tolling of the time periods covering such tax claims for stays of proceedings in a prior bankruptcy case, and the pendency or effect of offers in compromise or installment agreements. (Sec. 707) Prohibits discharge under Chapter 13 of any debt for fraudulent tax payments. (Sec. 708) States that confirmation of a bankruptcy plan does not discharge a corporate debtor from any debt for a tax or customs duty with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent return or willfully attempted to evade or defeat such tax. (Sec. 709) Amends the automatic stay of U.S. Tax Court proceedings concerning the debtor to restrict such stay to: (1) a corporate debtor's tax liability for a taxable period the bankruptcy court may determine; or (2) concerning an individual debtor's tax liability for a taxable period ending before the order for relief. (Sec. 710) Includes among the requirements for court confirmation of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan which includes tax claims, that the debtor, at the minimum, make regular cash installment payments over a period ending not later than five years after the date of entry of the order for relief, and in a manner not less favorable than the most favored nonpriority unsecured claim provided for in the plan. (Sec. 711) Prohibits the avoidance of statutory tax liens by certain purchasers. (Sec. 712) Amends the Federal judicial code to require officers and agents conducting any business under court authority to pay all Federal, State and local taxes when due in the course of the business, unless it is a property tax secured by a lien against estate property which is abandoned by the bankruptcy trustee, or payment of the tax is excused under a specific bankruptcy law. Cites circumstances in which payment of such taxes may be deferred in a case pending under chapter 7 until final distribution is made. Entitles to administrative expense priority payment certain secured and postpetition unsecured taxes incurred by the bankruptcy estate, including ad valorem property taxes. Declares that a governmental unit shall not be required to file a request for the payment of administrative expenses relating to a tax liability or tax penalty. Allows a trustee to recover from property securing a claim for the payment of all ad valorem property taxes relating to such property. (Sec. 713) Requires as a condition for payment of tardily filed priority tax claims that they be filed either before the trustee commences distribution or ten days following the mailing to creditors of the summary of the trustee's final report, whichever is earlier (currently, before the trustee commences distribution of the estate). (Sec. 714) Makes nondischargeable any obligations based on income tax returns or equivalent reports or notices prepared by tax authorities. (Sec. 715) Declares that an estate's liability for unpaid tax is discharged upon payment of such tax according to certain requirements. (Sec. 716) Conditions court confirmation of a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan upon filing by the debtor: (1) of all prepetition tax returns; and (2) before the day on which the first meeting of the creditors is convened, of all tax returns for taxable periods ending in the four-year period that ends on the date of the filing of the petition. Authorizes the court to dismiss a plan or convert it to chapter 7, whichever is in the best interests of the creditors and the estate, if a chapter 13 debtor fails to comply with such time frame. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference should propose for adoption amended Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure pertaining to objections to tax returns and to plan confirmation. (Sec. 717) Redefines "adequate disclosure," for postpetition disclosure and solicitation purposes, to include full discussion of the potential material Federal and State tax consequences of the plan to the debtor and to a hypothetical investor domiciled in the State in which the debtor resides or has its principal place of business typical of the holders of claims or interests in the case. (Sec. 718) Denies an automatic stay (unless specified conditions are met) to the setoff of an income tax refund for a taxable period which ended before the order for relief against an income tax liability for a taxable period which also ended before the order for relief. (Sec. 719) Revises special provisions related to the treatment of State and local taxes, including the creation of a separate taxable estate when such is done for Federal tax purposes. (Sec. 720) Provides that if the debtor fails to timely file a tax return or obtain an extension, a taxing authority may petition the court to convert or dismiss a case, whichever is in the best interests of creditors and the estate. Title VIII: Ancillary and Other Cross-Border Cases - Expands the scope of bankruptcy law to incorporate the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, and to establish a statutory mechanism for: (1) dealing with cases of cross-border insolvency; and (2) cooperation between U.S. courts, trustees, and debtors and their foreign counterparts. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) access of foreign representatives and creditors to Federal and State courts; (2) recognition of a foreign proceeding and relief; (3) cooperation and direct communication with foreign courts and representatives; and (4) concurrent proceedings and the coordination of foreign and domestic proceedings. Title IX: Financial Contract Provisions - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to redefine specified contracts, agreements, and transfers entered into with an insolvent insured depository institution before the appointment of a conservator or receiver for it. (Sec. 901) Declares that no person shall be stayed or prohibited from exercising any right to cause the acceleration of any qualified financial contract with an insured depository institution which arises upon the appointment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver at any time after such appointment. (Sec. 902) Declares that no provision of law shall be construed as limiting the right or power of the FDIC, or authorizing any court or agency to limit or delay, in any manner, the FDIC's right or power to transfer, disaffirm, or repudiate any qualified financial contract of a failed institution. Prohibits enforcement of a walkaway clause in a qualified financial contract of a failed insured depository institution (a clause that either does not create a payment obligation of a party, or extinguishes it solely because of such party's status as a nondefaulting party). (Sec. 903) Revises guidelines governing transfers of qualified financial contracts of an insolvent institution to include: (1) transfers to a foreign bank or foreign financial institution (including its branch or agency) (but only when the contractual rights of the parties to such qualified financial contracts are enforceable substantially to the same extent as permitted under such Act); and (2) transfers of contracts subject to the rules of a clearing organization. Defines financial institution to include a broker or dealer, a depository institution, a futures commission merchant, or any other institution as determined by FDIC regulation. Suspends certain termination rights of counterparties to a qualified financial contract with an insolvent insured depository institution until after the receiver's appointment, or after receipt of notice that the contract has been transferred. Declares that none of the following institutions shall be considered a financial institution for which a conservator, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal custodian has been appointed or which is otherwise the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding: (1) a bridge bank; or (2) an FDIC-organized depository institution for which a conservator is appointed either immediately upon organization, or at the time of a purchase and assumption transaction between such institution and the FDIC as receiver for a depository institution in default. (Sec. 904) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the disaffirmance or repudiation of qualified financial contracts by the conservator or receiver for a failed depository institution; and (2) the treatment of a master agreement as a single agreement and a single qualified financial contract. (Sec. 906) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to make conforming amendments with respect to: (1) bilateral netting contracts; (2) security agreements; (3) clearing organization netting contracts; (4) contracts with uninsured national banks; and (5) contracts with uninsured Federal branches or agencies. (Sec. 907) Amends the Federal Bankruptcy Code to reflect the changes made by this Act and to: (1) deny an automatic stay to set-offs under certain swap agreements and netting agreements; and (2) restrict the avoidance power of the bankruptcy trustee regarding certain master netting agreement transfers to those transfers that are fraudulent in nature. Sets forth statutory guidelines for: (1) the termination or acceleration of designated contracts and agreements; and (2) commodity broker and stockbroker liquidation with respect to the priority of unsecured claims, or customer property or distributions. (Sec. 908) Amends the FDIA to authorize the FDIC to prescribe more detailed recordkeeping requirements for qualified financial contracts (including market valuations) by insured depository institutions. (Sec. 909) Exempts specified collateralization agreements from the contemporaneous execution requirement that renders invalid certain agreements against FDIC interests in certain asset acquisitions. (Sec. 910) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to specify the date for the measure of damages in connection with: (1) rejection by the bankruptcy trustee of designated contracts and agreements relating to executory contracts and unexpired leases; or (2) the liquidation, acceleration, or termination of such contracts and agreements. (Sec. 911) Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 to provide that neither the filing of a protective decree by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, nor any court protective order, shall operate as a stay of a creditor's contractual rights to liquidate, terminate, or accelerate designated contracts and agreements. Allows such application, order, or decree, however, to operate as a stay of foreclosure on securities collateral pledged by the debtor, whether or not with respect to one or more of such contracts, agreements, or securities sold by the debtor under a repurchase agreement. (Sec. 912) Declares that property of the bankrupt estate does not include any eligible asset (or its proceeds) to the extent that it was transferred by the debtor before commencement of the case to an eligible entity in connection with an asset-backed securitization (except to the extent that such asset, or its proceeds or value, may be recovered through avoidance by the bankruptcy trustee). Title X: Protection of Family Farmers - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to: (1) reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income (thereby reinstating family farmer bankruptcy relief); and (2) cite circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises as a result of the disposition of a farm asset used in the debtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim not entitled to priority. Title XI: Health Care and Employee Benefits - Amends bankruptcy provisions to prescribe guidelines for disposal of the patient records of a health care business (not including a health maintenance organization) that commences a proceeding for debtor relief and the trustee does not have sufficient funds to pay for the storage of patient records as required by law. (Sec. 1103) Allows an administrative expense claim for the costs of closing a health care business, including disposal of patient records and transfer of patients to another health care business. (Sec. 1104) Requires the bankruptcy court to appoint an ombudsman to represent the interests of the patients of a health care business within 30 days after commencement of a case under chapter 7 (Liquidation), 9 (Adjustment of Debts of a Municipality), or 11 (Reorganization). (Sec. 1105) Requires the bankruptcy trustee to use all reasonable and best efforts to transfer patients from the health care business in the process of being closed to an appropriate substitute. (Sec. 1106) Denies an automatic stay to a debtor's exclusion by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from participation in the Medicare program or any other Federal health care program (thus precluding the debtor's continuation or reinstatement in such a program). Title XIV: Technical Amendments - Makes technical corrections to Federal bankruptcy, judicial, and criminal law. (Sec. 1201) Redefines single asset real estate to exclude family farms and to repeal the $4 million ceiling on the amount of noncontingent, liquidated secured debts on such property. Defines the term "transfer" to include: (1) creation of a lien; (2) retention of title as a security interest; (3) foreclosure of the debtor's equity of redemption; and (4) every mode of disposing of property or parting with an interest in property. (Sec. 1202) Requires triennial adjustment of the $5,000 value of certain implements, professional books, tools of the trade, farm animals, and crops which a debtor may exempt from the property of the estate (protecting them from creditors' liens). (Sec. 1206) Provides that a trustee or a creditors' and equity security holders' committee may pay a professional person they employ on a fixed or percentage fee basis, as well as on other bases already permitted. (Sec. 1208) Excludes from compensable professional services any expenses incurred for an attorney or an accountant by an individual member of a creditors' and equity security holders' committee. (Sec. 1209) Declares nondischargeable in bankruptcy a debt for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's operation of a vessel or aircraft while intoxicated from alcohol, a drug, or other substance. (Sec. 1213) Revises guidelines governing preferences to provide that, if the trustee avoids a security interest given between 90 days and one year before the date of the filing of the petition, by the debtor to a non-insider for the benefit of a creditor that is an insider, then such security interest shall be considered to be avoided only with respect to the insider creditor. (Sec. 1222) Permits the bankruptcy trustee to sell, use, or lease property in accordance with nonbankruptcy law governing the transfer of property by nonprofit charitable corporations, if doing so is not inconsistent with certain relief granted under the automatic stay. (Sec. 1223) Extends from 20 to 30 days the length of time after a debtor receives possession of property for perfection of a security interest in such property created by a transfer which the trustee may not avoid. (Sec. 1224) Amends the Bankruptcy Judges, United States Trustees, and Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 to repeal the October 1, 2002, alternate effective date for application of specified amendments of such Act regarding U.S. Trustees to certain judicial districts for Alabama and North Carolina. (Makes such amendments applicable to such districts only if they elect to be included in certain bankruptcy regions.) (Sec. 1225) Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate appointments for additional temporary bankruptcy judgeships in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and Virginia. Provides that the first vacancy occurring in such district five years or more after a judge is appointed under this Act shall not be filled. Extends temporary bankruptcy judgeship positions authorized for the northern district of Alabama, and the districts of Delaware, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina, and the eastern district of Tennessee. (Sec. 1226) Prescribes compensation guidelines for the services and expenses of a trustee who has petitioned the court to convert or dismiss a chapter 7 case. (Sec. 1227) Denies an automatic stay with respect to creation or perfection of a statutory lien for a special tax or special assessment on real property whether or not ad valorem, if the tax or assessment comes due after the filing of a petition for debtor relief. (Sec. 1228) Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to develop materials and conduct training useful to courts in implementing this Act. (Sec. 1229) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to modify the right of the seller of goods to the debtor to reclaim such goods if the debtor received such goods while insolvent. Limits the period of receipt to 45 days after commencement of the case, and the time during which the seller may demand reclamation to 45 days after receipt, or before 20 days after commencement of the bankruptcy case. (Sec. 1230) Prohibits a court from granting a discharge in a chapter 7 case, or from confirming a reorganization plan in a chapter 11 or 13 case, unless requested tax documents are filed with or otherwise provided to the court. (Sec. 1231) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) consumer credit may sometimes be offered indiscriminately without lender action to ensure consumer repayment capacity, and in a manner which may encourage additional debt accumulation; and (2) resulting consumer debt may increasingly be a major contributing factor to consumer insolvency. Instructs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to study indiscriminate solicitation and extension of credit by the credit industry. Authorizes the Board to: (1) promulgate regulations requiring additional disclosures to consumers; and (2) take measures to ensure responsible industrywide practices and to prevent resulting consumer debt and insolvency. (Sec. 1232) Excludes from property of the estate in bankruptcy certain tangible personal property (other than securities or written or printed evidences of indebtedness or title) pledged or sold by the debtor as collateral for a loan or money advance, and: (1) the pledgee or transferee possesses such property; (2) the debtor has no obligation to repay or redeem; and (3) neither the debtor nor the trustee has exercised any right to redeem in a timely manner. (Sec. 1233) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize private trustees and standing trustees, after exhausting administrative remedies, to obtain judicial review in a U.S. district court of: (1) any suspension or termination; or (2) denial of a claim of actual, necessary expenses. (Sec. 1235) Prescribes requirements for expedited appeals of bankruptcy cases to courts of appeals. Deems any judgment, decision, order, or decree of a bankruptcy judge to be the judgment, decision, order, or decree of an appellate district court, unless the district court files its own decision on the appeal within 30 days after the appeal from the bankruptcy judge is filed. Title XIII: Consumer Credit Disclosure - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require: (1) specified minimum payment warnings governing an open end credit plan on which finance charges are accruing; and (2) disclosure of a toll-free number to call for an estimate of the time required to repay the balance making only minimum payments. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish a toll-free number for the same purpose in the case of a creditor with respect to which the FTC is enforcing compliance with such Act. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) to promulgate implementing regulations. (Sec. 1301) Authorizes the Board to study and report to Congress on the types of information available to potential borrowers from consumer credit lending institutions regarding factors qualifying such borrowers for credit, repayment requirements, and the consequences of default. (Sec. 1302) Mandates additional disclosures in credit applications and advertising about credit extensions secured by a dwelling which exceed the dwelling's fair market value, stating that the interest on the excess portion of such extension is not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes. (Sec. 1303) Requires specified additional disclosures for: (1) introductory rates and temporary annual percentage rates of interest; (2) Internet-based credit card solicitations; and (3) late payment deadlines and penalties. (Sec. 1306) Prohibits a creditor from terminating an open end consumer credit account before its expiration date solely because finance charges have not been incurred on such account. (Sec. 1307) Authorizes the Board to study and report to Congress on certain consumer protections limiting consumer liability for unauthorized use of a debit card or similar access device. (Sec. 1308) Instructs the Board to study and report to Congress on the impact that credit extensions to dependent students have upon the rate of bankruptcy cases filed under Federal law. (Sec. 1309) Instructs the Board to promulgate regulations to provide guidance regarding the meaning of the term "clear and conspicuous" as used in the Truth in Lending Act. (Sec. 1310) Prohibits a Federal court from recognizing or enforcing any judgment rendered in a foreign court if such Federal court determines that the foreign judgment effectuates a right or interest derived from fraudulent misrepresentation or omission that occurred in the United States during a specified period. Title XIV: General Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act and the application of its amendments.

Providing for the concurrence by the House with an amendment in the Senate amendment to H.R. 150.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2000

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 150 (education land grant).

Rural States Physician Recruitment and Retention Demonstration Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2000

Rural States Physician Recruitment and Retention Demonstration Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Rural States Physician Recruitment and Retention demonstration program for ameliorating physician shortage, recruitment, and retention problems in rural States. Directs the Secretary to: (1) increase by up to 15 percent the number of residency and fellowship positions at each medical residency training program in each of two demonstration States selected by the Secretary; (2) negotiate with representatives of each approved medical residency training program in a demonstration State for such additional positions; and (3) establish a loan repayment and forgiveness program under which the Secretary assumes the obligation to repay the educational loan of a participating residency or fellowship graduate (with limitations). Authorizes the Secretary to waive any requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act if necessary to carry out the ten-year demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to establish a State-specific health professions database to track health professionals in each demonstration State with respect to specialty certifications and related practice, license, and training information. Requires a joint demonstration program evaluation by the Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2000

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 2001 for the following Department of Agriculture programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) executive operations ; (3) Office of the Chief Information Officer; (4) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (5) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (6) agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments; (7) hazardous materials management; (8) departmental administration; (9) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; (10) Office of Communications; (11) Office of the Inspector General; (12) Office of the General Counsel; (13) Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; (14) Economic Research Service; (15) National Agricultural Statistics Service; (16) Agricultural Research Service; (17) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (18) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (19) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (20) Agricultural Marketing Service; (21) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; (22) Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety; (23) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (24) Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; (25) Farm Service Agency; (26) Risk Management Agency; (27) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and (28) Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Title II: Conservation Programs - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; and (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service. Title III: Rural Development Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development; (2) Rural Housing Service; (3) Rural Business-Cooperative Service; and (4) Rural Utilities Service. Title IV: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; and (2) Food and Nutrition Service. Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Foreign Agricultural Service; (2) Public Law 480 program account, title I ocean freight differential grants, and titles II and III grants; and (3) Commodity Credit Corporation export loans program account. Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administratio n- Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (3) Farm Credit Administration. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 727) Prohibits Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fund use to close or relocate the FDA Division of Drug Analysis, St. Louis, Missouri, except that funds may be used to plan a relocation within St. Louis city limits. (Sec. 728) Prohibits FDA fund use to reduce the FDA District Office in Detroit, Michigan, below specified staffing levels. (Sec. 734) Prohibits fund use to declare excess any Federal (Department of Agriculture) lands or facilities at Fort Reno, Oklahoma, or to transfer such lands or facilities prior to a specified date without congressional authorization. (Sec. 736) Revises specified housing, community development, and business assistance provisions respecting isolated, high-cost rural Alaskan areas. (Sec. 737) Makes the Town of Lloyd, New York, and the Town of Thompson, New York, eligible for loans and grants through the rural community advancement program. (Sec. 742) Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to extend milk price support provisions. (Sec. 743) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to obligate specified dollar-equivalent amounts of agricultural commodities for foreign countries to assist in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS. (Sec. 745) Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require regulations permitting the importation into the United States of covered products (prescription drugs). (Sec. 746) Prescription Drug Import Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit FDA from sending a warning notice to an individual who imports a prescription drug into the United States for personal use unless specified notice requirements are met. (Sec. 749) States that the Friends of the National Arboretum organization shall not be considered a prohibited fund source for the United States National Arboretum as long as such organization maintains its tax-exempt status and operates exclusively for the Arboretum. (Sec. 752) Subjects U.S. establishments that slaughter or process birds of the order Ratitae (ostriches, squab, emus, and rheas) for human consumption to inspection and sanitation requirements under the Poultry Products Inspection Act. (Sec. 754) Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, with respect to the indemnity fund for cotton stored in bankrupt Georgia warehouses, to: (1) extend the use of remaining funds for producers; and (2) authorize fund use for cotton ginners and other cotton-related businesses, and for producers from other States with Georgia-stored cotton. (Sec. 756) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase available funds for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. (Sec. 759) Maintains the eligibility, until the availability of 2000 Census population data, of: (1) the Sea Island Health Clinic, John's Island, South Carolina, for community facilities assistance; and (2) a specified area in Dade County, Florida, for business and industry guaranteed loans. (Sec. 761) Considers: (1) the cities of Kewanee and Jacksonville, Illinois, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, as having met certain rural housing area requirements; and; and (2) Jefferson County, Kentucky, as a rural area for purposes of certain business and industry loans. (Sec. 762) Provides settlement funds for claims associated with the Chuquatonchee Watershed Project, Mississippi. (Sec. 763) Makes the Konocti Water District, California, eligible for certain rural utilities grants and loans. (Sec. 765) Authorizes the conveyance of specified land in Prince George's County, Maryland, to resolve certain land claims at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Maryland. (Sec. 766) Obligates specified funds under the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 for California. (Sec. 769) Makes Coachella, California, eligible for rural development mission area assistance. (Sec. 773) Amends the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961 to make Indian tribes (currently federally recognized Indian tribes) eligible for water and waste facility loans and grants. (Sec. 776) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Alexander Hamilton made an immense contribution to the United States as a principal drafter of the Constitution; and (2) the National Park Service should restore and relocate his home, "the Grange", to St. Nicholas Park, New York City. (Sec. 777) Amends the Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site Act of 1999 to authorize land acquisition assistance and related appropriations. Title VIII: Natural Disaster Assistance and Other Emergency Appropriations - Authorizes additional Department of Agriculture appropriations for: (1) Office of the Chief Information Officer (common computing environment); (2) departmental administration; (3) Farm Service Agency; (4) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; (5) Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (6) Rural Community Advancement Program. Sets forth specified programs for which the Secretary shall make additional compensation and assistance available. Title IX: Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement - Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 - Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) presidential and congressional authorities and procedures for the imposition of new, and termination of existing, unilateral agricultural or medical sanctions; and (2) trade and travel restrictions with Cuba and other specified countries. Title X: Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 - Continued Dumping or Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to declare that, whenever continued dumping or subsidization is found to exist by the administering authority or by operation of law, any duties assessed shall be distributed as continued dumping or subsidy offsets to the affected domestic producers for qualifying expenditures on an annual basis. Limits qualifying expenditures to expenditures incurred since the issuance of the antidumping duty finding or order or countervailing duty order in any or all of the categories of plant, equipment, research and development, personnel training, acquisition of technology, employer-paid employee health care and pension benefits, environmental equipment, training or technology, acquisition of raw materials and other inputs, and borrowed working capital or other funds needed to maintain production. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service to prescribe offset disbursement procedures. Requires the Commissioner to establish a special account in the Treasury to receive all antidumping or countervailing duties. Title XI: Conservation of Farmable Wetland - Conservation of Farmable Wetland Act of 2000 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a pilot program for conservation reserve enrollment of wetland and buffer acreage in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Title XII: Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information - Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a marketing order, subject to producer and importer referendum approval, providing for research and promotion of Hass avocados. Sets forth marketing order terms and related provisions, including establishment of a Hass Avocado Board. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIII: Debt Reduction - Deposits a specified sum for FY 2001 in the Department of the Treasury for public debt reduction.

Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2000

Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) defense-wide procurement (earmarking a specified amount for the National Missile Defense (NMD) program); (2) the Defense Inspector General; and (3) the Defense Health Program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the use of multiyear procurement contracts for the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the UH/60-CH/60 utility helicopters. (Sec. 112) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase from 6,000 to 8,500 the number of bunker defeat munitions authorized to be acquired by the Army. (Sec. 113) Requires a report from the Secretary of the Army to the defense and appropriations committees on the process for developing the objective force in the transformation of the Army. Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to report to such committees on such process. Directs the Secretary of the Army to develop a plan comparing the costs and operational effectiveness of medium armored vehicles selected for infantry battalions and medium armored vehicles currently used for such battalions. Requires the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation of the Department of Defense (DOD) to approve the plan developed by the Secretary of the Army. Prohibits more than 80 percent of the amount appropriated for FY 2001 for new medium armored vehicles from being obligated until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army's report is submitted. Places funding limits with respect to future-year obligations for the acquisition of medium armored combat vehicles until certain comparisons and a certification have been completed. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to procure the aircraft carrier designated CVNX-1, and authorizes such Secretary to enter into contracts for advance procurement and construction of components for such carrier (earmarking funds authorized under this title for such purpose). (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to increase the number of Arleigh Burke class destroyers that may be procured by the Navy and to extend through FY 2005 the authority for such multiyear procurement. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to any such destroyers procured after FY 2001, should achieve the most economical rate of procurement by procuring three destroyers in each of FY 2002 and 2003 and one in FY 2004. Requires a report from such Secretary to the defense committees updating information required in a 1993 report on DDG-51 (destroyer) class ships. Requires such update to be transmitted to the Comptroller General (CG), and requires the CG to review such report and report review results to the defense committees. (Sec. 123) Earmarks FY 2001 procurement funds for the Virginia class submarine program, authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts for the procurement of up to five of such submarines during FY 2003 through 2006. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on the Navy's fleet of fast attack submarines. (Sec. 124) Prohibits the Secretary, during FY 2001, from retiring from the active Navy force any Los Angeles class nuclear powered attack submarine or any Ohio class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the continued safe and militarily effectiveness of such submarine cannot be assured. Requires a report from the President to Congress on the required force structure for nuclear powered submarines to support the national military strategy through 2020. (Sec. 125) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to procure the construction of all ADC(X) class ships in one shipyard when determined to be more cost effective than construction in more than one shipyard. (Sec. 126) Earmarks FY 2001 procurement funds, and authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to contract, for the nuclear refueling and complex overhaul of the U.S.S. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER during such fiscal year. (Sec. 127) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to conduct an analysis of the potential benefits and risks associated with alternative funding mechanisms for the procurement of various classes of naval vessels and other naval capabilities beginning in FY 2002. Requires a report to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 128) Directs the Secretary of the Navy, during FY 2001, to operate one squadron of six SH-2G helicopters supporting FFG-7 frigates. (Sec. 129) Directs the Secretary to require that all V-22 Osprey aircraft be equipped with state-of-the-art cockpit voice and flight data recorders that meet National Transportation Safety Board standards. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the defense committees on the B2 bomber, including its ability to carry out assigned missions and develop new technologies to meet expanded threats. (Sec. 132) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to Congress a plan to modernize and upgrade the combat capabilities of Air National Guard F-16A units. Subtitle E: Joint Programs - Directs the Secretary to provide to Congress the results of a study of final assembly and checkout alternatives for Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. Requires the inclusion of cost comparisons of such alternatives. Subtitle F: Chemical Demilitarization - Authorizes the Secretary, in determining technologies for the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, to consider only incineration or any technologies demonstrated under the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment on or before May 1, 2000. (Sec. 152) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the impact of DOD chemical demilitarization activities on the communities in the vicinity of chemical weapons storage sites at specified facilities, including whether Federal economic assistance is needed for any such community. (Sec. 153) Prohibits funds authorized or available under this Act from being used to facilitate the disposal at the Anniston Army Depot, Alabama, of any non-stockpile chemical warfare material that is not stored at such facility. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks specified amounts for basic and applied research projects. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Directs the Secretary to make the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) responsible for program management of the Space-Based Infrared System Low. (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program describing the criteria for exit of such program from the demonstration and validation phase into the engineering and manufacturing development phase. Prohibits entry into the latter phase until the Secretary certifies that technical criteria have been met for exit from the former phase. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer specified funds into such program. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to carry out in FY 2002 a joint field experiment which explores critical war fighting challenges at the operational level that will confront the United States joint military forces after 2010. Provides for joint military participation in such experiment. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to conduct, and report to the defense and appropriations committees on, an assessment of nuclear aircraft carrier design and production modeling. Earmarks assessment funds from RDT&E funds. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to pursue a technology insertion approach for the construction of the DD-21 destroyer on a specified construction schedule. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) calling for the sequential construction of such destroyers until 32 are constructed; and (2) that the Secretary of the Navy, in providing for the acquisition of such destroyers, should take into consideration certain needs of the Navy and Marine Corps for the surface fire support of such destroyers, along with certain related considerations. Directs the Secretary of: (1) the Navy to submit to the defense committees a plan for pursuing a technology insertion approach for such construction; and (2) Defense to report to such committees on the Navy's plan for the acquisition and maintenance of such destroyers. (Sec. 216) Prohibits funds for the Russian American Observation Satellites program from being obligated or expended until 30 days after the Secretary submits to Congress a plan for protecting U.S. advanced military technology associated with such program. (Sec. 217) Prohibits this Act's funds from being obligated for the procurement of an anthrax vaccine until the Secretary has submitted to the defense and appropriations committees certain information concerning Food and Drug Administration production approval of such a vaccine, as well as contingencies associated with continuing to rely on the current manufacturer to supply such vaccine. Directs the Secretary to notify Congress when the total obligations for certain requirements under the vaccine program exceed $5 million, as well as a justification for the obligation of funds in excess of such amount. (Sec. 218) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the acquisition of biological warfare defense vaccines for DOD. (Sec. 219) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to allow a 1.5 percent increase for certain development and production expenditures for the F-22 aircraft program if the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation determines the increase is necessary to ensure adequate testing. Reestablishes separate engineering and manufacturing development and production cost caps under such program. (Sec. 220) Provides future-years goals for unmanned, advanced capability combat aircraft and ground combat vehicles. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on programs to demonstrate such capabilities undertaken jointly between the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and any of the Secretaries of the military departments. Earmarks RDT&E funds for such programs. (Sec. 221) Directs the Secretary to require and coordinate a concept demonstration of the Global Hawk high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. Requires the Secretary to initiate the demonstration no later than March 1, 2001, and requires the demonstration to be conducted in a counter-drug surveillance scenario. Requires a report to Congress. Earmarks funds from funds authorized for defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. (Sec. 222) Earmarks RDT&E funds for the kinetic energy anti-satellite technology program. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense - Earmarks specified RDT&E funds for the National Missile Defense program. (Sec. 232) Requires the President to report to Congress on the North Korean ballistic missile threat to the United States and on steps to reduce our vulnerability to such threat. (Sec. 233) Requires the BMDO Director to develop a plan to adapt ballistic missile defense systems and architectures to counter potential threats to the United States, U.S. forces deployed outside the United States, and other U.S. national security interests posed by medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Requires the plan to include the use of space-based sensors. Directs the Secretary to assess such plan and report to the defense committees on assessment results. (Sec. 235) Requires the concurrence of the BMDO Director prior to any changes in the funding plan or technical requirements for the Airborne Laser program. Requires a report from the Director to the defense and appropriations committees on the role of the airborne laser in the family of missile defense systems developed by such Director and the Director of the Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Organization. Subtitle D: High Energy Laser Programs - Earmarks specified RDT&E funds for high energy laser development. Expresses the sense of Congress that DOD should establish funding for such programs and that the Secretary should establish a funding goal that represents 4.5 percent of the total DOD science and technology budget by FY 2004. Directs the Secretary to designate a senior civilian official responsible to chair the High Energy Laser Technology Council called for in a current High Energy Laser master plan and to carry out certain responsibilities under such programs. (Sec. 244) Directs the Secretary to: (1) locate the Joint Technology Office called for in the master plan at an appropriate location; (2) consider, evaluate, and undertake initiatives to enhance the industrial base to support military applications of high energy laser technologies and systems; and (3) consider modernizing the High Energy Laser Test Site Facility at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, so as to enhance DOD's capabilities with respect to high energy laser weapons. (Sec. 246) Directs the Secretary and the Administrator for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy to enter into a memorandum of agreement to conduct joint research and development on military applications of high energy lasers. (Sec. 247) Requires the designated official, above, to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a high energy laser technology plan. (Sec. 248) Directs the Secretary to submit to such committees, during each of 2001 through 2003, a report on DOD high energy laser programs. (Sec. 250) Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the expansion of the high energy laser management structure for the possible inclusion of science and technology programs in related areas; and (2) report evaluation results to the defense and appropriations committees. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Requires a report from the: (1) Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on the mobile offshore base concept; and (2) Secretary of the Navy to such committees on the potential use of technologies associated with such concept. (Sec. 252) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to: (1) conduct a review of the long-term challenges and short-term objectives of the Air Force science and technology programs; (2) establish an integrated product team to identify high-risk, high-payoff challenges that will provide a long-term focus and motivation for such programs over the next 20 to 50 years; and (3) establish a task force to identify short-term technological objectives of such programs. Requires the CG to report to Congress on such Secretary's review results. (Sec. 253) Includes within the authority of defense laboratory directors participating in education partnerships with local educational institutions the authority to transfer to such institution any laboratory surplus equipment determined appropriate for use by the partnership. (Sec. 254) Recognizes the contributions and applauds the commitment of scientists, officers, researchers, students, and administrators who were instrumental to oceanographic and scientific research efforts during the period from before World War II through the end of the Cold War. Supports efforts to appropriately honor such individuals. Recognizes the continued dedication and commitment of the Office of Naval Research with regard to such research. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund to specified military O&M accounts for FY 2001. (Sec. 305) Earmarks specified defense-wide O&M funds for analyses by the joint warfighting capabilities assessment teams of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council. Subtitle B: Environmental Provisions - Establishes in DOD the Environmental Restoration Account, Formerly Used Defense Sites. (Sec. 312) Authorizes military environmental restoration accounts to be used for the relocation of activities from defense sites at which the Secretary is responsible for environmental restoration functions. Terminates such authority at the end of FY 2003. Allows no more than five percent of account funds to be used for such purpose. (Sec. 313) Repeals required annual reports of the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Scientific Advisory Board. Requires the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Council to summarize Board activities in their annual reports. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or the Army to pay a fine or penalty of no more than $2 million in settlement of a specified notice of violation by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with respect to environmental compliance requirements at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army and Navy to use O&M funds to pay certain fines and penalties imposed by the EPA or a State in connection with environmental violations at specified sites. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse a specified account within the Hazardous Substance Superfund to reimburse the EPA for certain environmental costs in connection with the former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site in Suffolk, Virginia. (Sec. 317) States that nothing in the Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or regulations implementing such Act shall require the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to prepare an environmental impact statement for low-level flight training as a precondition to the military use of airspace for such training. (Sec. 318) Directs the Secretary of the Navy, during FY 2001, to continue to carry out the ship disposal project within the United States (requiring a project report from such Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees). (Sec. 319) Requires DOD's Chief Information Officer to ensure that management and oversight of the Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management Program is consistent with requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 and other directives and management controls applicable to investment in information technology and related services. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on the Program, including recommendations for the future mission and objectives of the Program. (Sec. 320) Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System. (Sec. 321) Expresses the sense of Congress that every effort should be made to restore a former defense manufacturing site in Santa Clarita, California, to productive use through public-private partnerships. Subtitle C: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Allows the operation of the Defense Commissary Agency and the defense commissary system (including central product processing facilities) using funds appropriated for such purpose. (Currently, only nonappropriated funds are available for such expenses.) Authorizes the adjustment of prices of goods sold under such system in order to cover transportation costs and the costs of shrinkage, spoilage, and pilferage. (Sec. 333) Authorizes the Secretary (currently the Secretary of a military department after approval by the Secretary) to use commissary goods' surcharges for the construction, repair, improvement, and maintenance of such stores and processing facilities, as well as environmental evaluation and construction costs. (Sec. 334) Includes newspapers and other periodicals within authorized commissary merchandise. (Sec. 335) Repeals a provision requiring a nonappropriated fund instrumentality, under certain conditions, to be considered the most economical method of distribution of alcoholic beverages within the commissary system. (Sec. 336) Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the effects of the use of slot machines on overseas military installations on military morale, welfare, and recreation, and the personal financial stability of military personnel. Subtitle D: Department of Defense Industrial Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) to designate a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence and encourage the head of a Center to enter into public-private partnerships to increase the utilization of such Center and attain specified Center objectives. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the need for loan guarantee authority to establish such partnerships and achieve such objectives. Authorizes private sector use of excess Center capacity. Authorizes the acceptance of consideration for use of Center property. Allows, under limited conditions, the use by private sector partners of Center excess equipment or facilities. Repeals the general DOD authority to lease excess depot-level equipment and facilities to outside tenants. (Sec. 342) Directs the Secretary of the Army to submit annually to Congress an estimate of necessary funding for operating and maintaining unutilized and underutilized plant capacity at U.S. arsenals. (Sec. 343) Directs the Secretary of the Army, during FY 2001 and 2002, to carry out a demonstration program at each Army manufacturing arsenal aimed at, among other things, utilizing the existing skilled workforce of such arsenals by commercial firms, reemploying and retraining such workers, encouraging commercial firms to use such arsenals for commercial purposes, and increasing small business opportunities for such arsenals. Authorizes such Secretary to: (1) enter into appropriate contracts with commercial firms; and (2) guarantee the repayment of any loan made to a commercial firm to fund the establishment of a commercial activity at such an arsenal. Allows such Secretary to enter into agreements with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Farmers Home Administration, the Rural Development Administration, and other appropriate agencies of the Department of Agriculture for the guaranteeing of loans made for activities under this section. Provides loan limits. Requires such Secretary to: (1) report to Congress each year a loan guarantee is issued under this section; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on the demonstration program. (Sec. 344) Expresses policy with respect to the U.S. armaments industrial base. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out a program to be known as the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Initiative which shall, among other things: (1) encourage commercial firms to use Government-owned, contractor-operated Army ammunition manufacturing facilities for commercial purposes; (2) increase the opportunities for small businesses to use such facilities; (3) maintain an appropriate workforce to meet industrial emergency requirements for national security purposes; (4) demonstrate innovative business practices for future defense conversion initiatives; and (5) reduce or eliminate Government costs of owning such facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Army to fully utilize facility use contracts, leases, and other appropriate arrangements. Authorizes such Secretary to: (1) accept consideration for facility use other than rental payments or revenue generated at such facility; and (2) carry out a loan guarantee program to encourage commercial firms to use eligible facilities (providing loan limits). Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the defense and appropriations committees on procedures and controls implemented to carry out this section. Repeals the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Act of 1992. Subtitle E: Performance of Functions by Private-Sector Sources - Requires the inclusion in reports to Congress required before the conversion of a DOD commercial- or industrial-type function to conversion by a private contractor of information concerning: (1) budgeting for the cost of conversion analysis; (2) the number of DOD civilian employees whose employment was or will be terminated or adversely affected by such conversion; (3) the Secretary's certification that determinations made did not include any predetermined personnel constraint or limitation; and (4) the estimated economic impact of such conversion. (Sec. 352) Requires the Secretary, at least 60 days before any DOD official enters into a contract for the private sector performance of a workload already being performed by more than 50 employees at a Center or ammunition plant, to report to Congress describing the effect that the performance and administration of the contract will have on the overhead costs of the Center or plant. (Sec. 353) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress each DOD Strategic Sourcing Plan of Action (a plan for the consolidation, restructuring, or reengineering of DOD organizations, functions, or activities) for the following year. Requires that, if a decision is made to consolidate, restructure, or reengineer under such a Plan and that activity affects 50 or more DOD personnel, the Secretary shall report such decision to the defense committees. (Sec. 354) Directs the Secretary to establish a system for monitoring the performance of each DOD function that is the subject of a workforce review. Requires such monitoring to continue for at least five years after the conversion, reorganization, or reengineering. Requires an annual report to the defense committees on such monitoring. Directs the Secretary, in preparing the future-years defense program, to take into account the costs to be incurred and the savings to be derived from the performance of functions by workforces selected in workforce reviews. (Sec. 355) Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from converting to contractor performance the emergency response functions of any chemical weapons storage installation that are currently performed by U.S. employees until such Secretary submits to the defense committees a certification that there will be no lapse of the capability to perform such functions during the performance transition period. (Sec. 356) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to suspend all activities associated with the reorganization or relocation of the performance of Navy auditing functions until 180 days after a report to the defense and appropriations committees setting forth the Navy's plans and justifications for such reorganization or relocation. Subtitle F: Defense Dependents Education - Authorizes the Secretary to allow the dependent of an American Red Cross employee who resides in Puerto Rico and performs full-time emergency services for military personnel to enroll in a defense dependents' education program if the Red Cross agrees to reimburse the Secretary for such expenses. (Sec. 362) Earmarks DOD O&M funds for educational assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) that benefit dependents of military personnel and DOD civilian employees. (Sec. 363) Directs the Secretary to make payments for fiscal years after 2001 to each LEA eligible to receive impact aid payments for disabled children under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Provides exclusions. Requires a report from each LEA desiring such a payment to the Secretary concerning the number of disabled children and educational costs for such children. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 2001, to make a grant to assist a LEA to repair and renovate school facilities that serve dependents of military personnel and DOD civilian employees. Outlines LEA eligibility requirements, including the presence of at least one impacted school facility (a facility used by a significant number of such dependents), as well as eligibility for assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires the Secretary: (1) to notify eligible LEAs of such assistance; and (2) in determining grants, to take into consideration certain conditions and needs at the impacted school facilities of the LEA. Provides grant funding. Subtitle G: Military Readiness Issues -Requires information measuring the use of parts, supplies, or equipment from one vehicle, vessel, or aircraft for another to be included within reports concerning the military readiness reporting system. (Sec. 372) Removes certain required information from an annual report on transfers from high-priority readiness appropriations. Includes combat enhancement forces and combat communications as covered budget activities for purposes of inclusion in such reports. (Sec. 373) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on effects of worldwide U.S. contingency operations on the readiness of military aircraft and ground equipment. (Sec. 374) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a list of requirements to reduce the backlog in maintenance and repair needs of facilities and infrastructure under the jurisdiction of DOD or a military department. Requires such list to be updated annually. (Sec. 375) Directs the Secretary of the Army to develop a new methodology for ensuring more accurate future years Army O&M requirements. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for such methodology, and using such methodology in the preparation of such budget requests for fiscal years after 2001. (Sec. 376) Directs the CG to review, and report to the defense and appropriations committees on, the Army's AH-64 aircraft program. (Sec. 377) Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to submit two reports to Congress on the overall status of the spare and repair parts program for C-5 aircraft. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the defense committees a report identifying public sales of military items identified on the U.S. Munitions List and assigned a demilitarization code of "B" or its equivalent. (Sec. 382) Requires that, whenever the Secretary of the Army carries out a disposal (by sale or otherwise) of armor-piercing ammunition or a component of such ammunition, such Secretary shall include as a disposal condition that the recipient agree in writing not to sell or transfer such ammunition or component to any purchaser in the United States other than a law enforcement or other governmental agency (with an exception for transfers for metal reclamation only). Provides a special rule for non-piercing components of such ammunition. (Sec. 383) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to require payments by a civil air carrier for support provided by the United States at Johnston Atoll that is either: (1) requested by such carrier; or (2) determined necessary to accommodate such carrier's use of the Atoll. Requires amounts charged to equal the total cost of such support. Prohibits landing fees to be charged if support costs are charged. (Sec. 384) Authorizes reserve personnel performing annual training duty to travel in a space-required status on military aircraft. (Sec. 385) Amends provisions which authorize the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to contract with private air carriers for the interstate transportation of passengers or property by transportation category aircraft to: (1) remove a requirement that contracts for such transportation be for a period in excess of 31 days; (2) authorize such transportation between a place in the United States and a place outside the United States; and (3) allow such transportation between two foreign places by a carrier that has aircraft in the civil reserve air fleet if such transportation is reasonably available. (Sec. 386) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to require additional elements in a plan for ensuring visibility over all in-transit end items and secondary items. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress any plan revisions required by any law enacted after October 17, 1998. (Sec. 387) Amends the above Act to extend through FY 2010 a pilot program for the acceptance and use of landing fees charged for the use of domestic military airfields by civilian aircraft. Extends related report requirements. (Sec. 388) Amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to extend through FY 2005 the authority of the Secretary to sell certain aircraft for use in wildfire suppression, and to extend a related report requirement. (Sec. 389) Direct the Secretary to require the military department Secretaries to assess: (1) damage caused to military aviation facilities by alkali silica reactivity; and (2) the availability of technologies capable of preventing or mitigating such reactivity in hardened concrete structures and pavements. Authorizes each Secretary to conduct appropriate demonstration projects, and requires locations selected to represent diverse operating environments of the armed forces. Requires the assessment and related projects to be completed by the end of FY 2006. Provides an expenditure limit of $5 million. (Sec. 390) Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out a demonstration project to provide or increase Internet access and services to units and members of the National Guard and reserves located in rural communities that are unserved or underserved by the Internet. Requires a report from such Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 391) Prohibits the Secretary from granting a Milestone III decision for the proposed Defense Joint Accounting System until the Secretary submits to the defense committees an explanatory report concerning the withdrawal of the Air Force from such System. Requires the Secretary to make a certain certification to such committees if he determines that the System warrants a Milestone III decision. (Sec. 392) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the development, testing, fielding, and related aspects of the Defense Travel System. (Sec. 393) Requires the CG to: (1) review annual costs incurred by DOD to comply with requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act; and (2) report review results to the defense and appropriations committees. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 2001. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2001 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the minimum number of military technicians (dual status) within the Army and Air Force Reserves and National Guard as of the end of FY 2001. (Sec. 414) Sets forth the maximum number of military technicians (non-dual status) within the Army and Air Force Reserves and National Guards as of the end of FY 2001. Postpones until October 1, 2002, (currently a year earlier) a provision limiting such number to 1,950. (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain officers and senior enlisted personnel authorized to serve on active duty in support of the reserves. Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense committees a report on management of the grade structure for such officers and personnel, requiring recommendations for management of such grade structure without the need for frequent statutory adjustments to their numerical limits. Subtitle C: Other Matters Relating to Personnel Strengths - Authorizes the Secretary, during a declared period of war or national emergency, to suspend certain military personnel end strength limitations, including senior enlisted members on active duty, field grade reserve officers, and senior reserve enlisted members. (Sec. 422) Excludes from personnel end strength limitations reserve personnel serving on active duty for more than 180 but less than 271 days to perform special work in support of the combatant commands, except that: (1) general and flag officers may not be excluded; and (2) the number of personnel excluded may not exceed 0.2 percent of the authorized active-duty end strength limitation. (Sec. 423) Exempts reserve medical and dental officers from reserve commissioned officer end strength limitations. (Sec. 424) Authorizes the Secretary to increase by up to two percent in a fiscal year the number of reserve personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty as field grade officers or senior enlisted members. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A : - Officer Personnel Policy - Allows Army and Air Force Reserve colonels and brigadier generals to be recommended for position vacancy promotions under regulations prescribed by the respective Secretary. (Sec. 502) Amends Coast Guard provisions to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, before convening a selection board to recommend Reserve officers for promotion, to establish a promotion zone for officers serving in each grade to be considered by a selection board. Requires such Secretary, before convening a selection board to recommend Reserve officers for a promotion to a grade above lieutenant (junior grade), to determine the maximum number of officers in that grade that the board may recommend. Authorizes such Secretary, when the needs of the Coast Guard require, to allow the consideration of officers in a grade above lieutenant (junior grade) for promotion to the next higher grade from below the promotion zone. Outlines provisions for determination by such Secretary of the maximum number that may be recommended for promotion in both of the above categories. Authorizes such Secretary to use a running mate system during consideration of Reserve officers in an active status for promotion to the next higher grade. Allows such running mate system to be used when selecting officers for promotion from below the promotion zone only when considered appropriate to meet the needs of the Coast Guard. (Sec. 503) Provides revised times for the release to the armed force concerned of the names of active-duty and reserve active-status list officers recommended for promotion, such times varying within promotion grades. Prohibits any such list from including any name removed by the President from the report of a selection board, or the name of any officer whose promotion the Senate failed to confirm. (Sec. 504) Requires each member of a promotion selection board to be an officer on the active-duty list. (Sec. 505) Authorizes the issuance of posthumous commissions in the case of members dying before the official recommendation for appointment or promotion is approved by the Secretary concerned. (Sec. 507) Requires the Chiefs of the Army and Air Force Reserve, while serving in such position, to hold the grade of lieutenant general (currently, major general). Requires the Chief of Naval Reserve to hold the grade of vice admiral (currently, rear admiral). Allows an officer to be appointed as Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, in the grade of lieutenant general (usually, major general) if appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the waiver of the latter requirement, until October 1, 2003, when necessary for the good of the service. Allows officer to be reappointed for one additional term of up to four years. Requires National Guard Bureau Directors to hold the grade of lieutenant general and requires such Directors to have significant joint duty experience. Authorizes the waiver of the latter requirement, until October 1, 2003, when necessary for the good of the service. Allows such Director to be reappointed for one additional four-year period. Makes a conforming increase in the number of officers that may serve on active duty in grades above major general or rear admiral. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the defense committees on the advisability of changing from major general to lieutenant general the grade authorized for the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Requires an appointment or reappointment to a reserve chief position to be made within 12 months after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 508) Makes ineligible for separation pay a regular or reserve officer who twice fails for promotion to the next higher grade and is offered, but declines, the opportunity to continue on active duty until the earliest point of eligibility for retirement. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Personnel Policy - Exempts from inclusion on the reserve active-status list reserve officers under a call or order to active duty for a period of three years or less. (Sec. 522) Removes an application requirement for the continuation of officers on the reserve active-status list. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to retain Medical Service Corps officers in an active status until 67 years of age. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the continued provision of legal services to reserve personnel following their release from a period of active duty of 30 days or more issued under a mobilization authority, but only for up to twice the period of time served on such duty. (Sec. 525) States that the involuntary civil service retirement requirement for Army and Air Force reserve military technicians (dual status) who lose such status shall not apply until the individual is age 60 or older. Subtitle C: Education and Training - Entitles to appointment to a service academy the children of members of the reserves who: (1) are currently so serving and are credited with at least eight years of service; or (2) would be, or who died while they would have been, entitled to retired pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. (Sec. 532) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, in selecting persons from approved foreign countries to receive instruction at a service academy, to give a priority to persons who have a national service obligation to their countries upon academy graduation. (Sec. 533) Revises provisions concerning the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class program to: (1) make Marine Corps Reserve officers (currently only Marine Corps Reserve enlisted personnel) eligible for such program; (2) remove certain age limitations; (3) allow assistance to eligible individuals for the pursuit of a law degree requiring no more than four (currently three) academic years; and (4) exclude from creditable service as a Marine Corps officer only that service performed concurrently as an enlisted member with the program. (Sec. 534) Directs the Secretary to review and reallocate among the military departments the number of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps units planned for FY 2001 through 2006. Authorizes the Secretary to propose an increase in the maximum number of such units. (Sec. 535) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to permit eligible defense industry employees to receive instruction at the Naval Postgraduate School in specified programs relating to defense product development. Defines as eligible employees those engaged in providing to DOD significant and substantial defense-related systems, products, or services. Requires such Secretary to annually certify to the defense committees that providing such instruction will further the military mission of such school, will enhance DOD's ability to reduce product or project initial lead times required for operational capability, and will be done on a space-available basis without requiring faculty or course or laboratory increases. Requires tuition to be charged to and paid by such students. Requires a program evaluation and report. Subtitle D: Decorations, Awards, and Commendations - Limits the award of the Bronze Star to members who are eligible to receive imminent danger pay at the time of the events for which such medal is awarded. (Sec. 542) Directs the Secretary concerned, upon request of a Member of Congress, to review a proposal for the posthumous or honorary promotion or appointment of a member or former member of the armed forces, or other qualified person, that is not otherwise authorized by law. Requires such Secretary to make a determination with respect to such promotion or appointment and to provide review and determination results to the defense committees and the requesting Member. (Sec. 543) Waives certain time limitations with respect to recommendations for the award of the: (1) Silver Star to Louis Rickler, for service during World War I; and (2) Distinguished Flying Cross to certain individuals for service during World War II or Korea. (Sec. 544) Directs the Secretary of the Army to provide to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certain information pertaining to the remains of unknown persons that are interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, and which represent the remains of casualties from the U.S.S. ARIZONA who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Requires the latter Secretary to add such information on the grave markers of such remains. (Sec. 545) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the American people should recognize the lack of culpability of then-Captain Charles B. McVay III in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea during World War II, as well as his lack of culpability for the tragic loss of the INDIANAPOLIS and the lives of the men who died as a result of her sinking; (2) Captain McVay's military record should reflect such exoneration; and (3) the Secretary of the Navy should award a Navy Unit Commendation to the U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS and its final crew. (Sec. 546) Requests the President to advance the late: (1) Rear Admiral (retired) Husband E. Kimmel to the grade of admiral on the Navy retired list; and (2) Major General (retired) Walter C. Short to the grade of lieutenant general on the Army retired list. Expresses the sense of Congress that both men performed their respective duties as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, and Commanding General, Hawaiian Department, competently and professionally during World War II and that losses incurred by the United States in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were not a result of their dereliction of duty. (Sec. 547) Commends the bravery and honor of the citizens of Remy, France, for the burial in their church cemetery and subsequent commemoration of World War II American fighter pilot Lieutenant Houston Braly during and after August 1944. Recognizes the efforts of the surviving members of the 364th Fighter Group to raise funds to restore the stained glass windows of such church which were accidentally destroyed during an attack on a German munitions train. (Sec. 548) Waives certain time limitations with respect to the award of the Medal of Honor to William H. Pitsenbarger for acts of valor during the Vietnam conflict. Subtitle E: Military Justice and Legal Assistance Matters -Exempts a military testamentary instrument from State testamentary laws. Accords such instrument the same legal effect as State testamentary instruments presented for probate. Outlines requirements for the legal execution of such instruments. Makes such instrument self-proving upon such execution, signature, and witnessing. Requires such instrument to include a statement that it meets applicable testamentary requirements. (Sec. 552) Directs the Secretary to establish a policy creating a uniform DOD process that: (1) affords individuals designated as a suspect in criminal investigative reports or indexed in a central index an opportunity to obtain a review of such actions. Requires expungement of the name and other identifying information of such individuals when entry was made contrary to DOD requirements. (Sec. 553) Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to provide that, in the case of a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole, such sentence may not be commuted, remitted, or suspended unless the person has served at least 20 years. (Sec. 554) Authorizes civilian special agents of military criminal investigative services to execute and serve warrants and make arrests in connection with authorized investigations. (Sec. 555) Requires verbatim trial records to be kept in each special court-martial case in which the sentence includes confinement for more than six months or forfeiture of pay for more than six months. (Sec. 556) Requires the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Calls upon DOD, the armed forces, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to commemorate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Recruiting - Directs the Secretary of the Army, during the period beginning on October 1, 2000, and ending on December 31, 2005, to carry out pilot programs to test various recruiting approaches. Requires one program to be a program: (1) of public outreach that associates the Army with motor sports competition; (2) under which Army recruiters are assigned at postsecondary vocational institutions and community colleges to recruit such students and graduates; and (3) that expands the scope of the Army's current recruiting initiatives. Authorizes such Secretary to expand or extend a pilot program after notification of the defense committees. Requires a report on the above programs. (Sec. 562) Directs the Secretary to enhance the effectiveness of DOD recruitment programs through advertising and market research targeted to prospective recruits and persons who influence such recruits. (Sec. 563) Amends Federal provisions requiring access to secondary schools for military recruiting purposes to provide that if an LEA denies such access, then the Secretary concerned shall designate a general or flag officer or senior executive of that armed force to visit such school and seek such access. Provides that if the LEA continues to deny such access, then the Secretary shall transmit to the chief executive of such State a notification of such denial and a request for assistance in obtaining such access. Directs the Secretary, upon determining that LEA denial of recruiting access extends to at least two of the armed forces, to notify specified congressional committees and the Senators and appropriate Representative of the State in which the denial has occurred. Makes such requirements effective as of July 1, 2002. (Sec. 564) Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year pilot program to determine if cooperation with military recruiters by LEAs and institutions of higher education could be enhanced by improving the understanding of school counselors and educators about military recruiting and military career opportunities. Requires such program to be conducted by means of DOD participation in a qualifying interactive Internet site. Requires a program report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Subtitle G: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through December 31, 2001, the authority for certain military force drawdown transition authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 2001. (Sec. 572) Allows a member who is simultaneously receiving voluntary separation incentive payments and retired or retainer pay to elect to terminate the former payments. Makes such election permanent and irrevocable. (Sec. 573) Prohibits any change to the Navy policy of limiting submarine service to males until 30 days after the Secretary notifies Congress of the proposed change. Provides an identical prohibition with respect to the reconfiguration of an existing submarine or new submarine design to accommodate female crew members. (Sec. 574) Revises generally management and per diem requirements for military personnel subject to lengthy or numerous deployments. (Sec. 575) Authorizes members performing funeral honors duty to receive either the allowance for such duty or the rate of pay for members of the reserves or National Guard performing inactive-duty training. (Sec. 576) Directs the Secretary, beginning no later than June 1, 2001, to conduct a three-year test program of the ability of reserve intelligence units and personnel to meet current and emerging defense intelligence needs. Directs the Secretary to establish an oversight panel to structure the program. Requires program interim reports, and a final report, from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 577) Makes the Secretary (currently, acting through the Chief of the National Guard Bureau) solely responsible for administering the National Guard Challenge Program. Removes the $62.5 million annual Federal expenditure cap with respect to such Program. Allows the Secretary to use for such Program other nondefense funds made available or transferred by other Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to prescribe specified Program regulations. (Sec. 578) Directs the Secretary to study, and report to the defense committees on, the feasibility and cost, as well as advantages and disadvantages, of using civilian contractor personnel as pilots and other crew members to fly non-military Government aircraft to perform non-combat personnel transportation missions worldwide. (Sec. 579) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to reimburse a member for travel and related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of previously approved leave when the leave is canceled in connection with participation in a contingency operation and such cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the time it was to have commenced. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 2001 pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 3.7 percent, effective January 1, 2001, the rates of basic pay for military personnel. (Sec. 602) Increases, effective July 1, 2001, the basic pay amounts for enlisted personnel in grades E-5 through E-7. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard, to further increase such amounts or increase amounts authorized for other enlisted personnel (requiring such Secretary to justify such increases as part of the annual budget justification submitted to Congress). (Sec. 603) Provides a revised method for the annual calculation of the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) based upon the percentage increase in the monthly cost of a liberal food plan for a U.S. male between the ages of 20 and 50, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary concerned to increase to up to $500 monthly the BAS for low-income (as defined under the Food Stamp Act of 1977) military personnel and their dependents. Terminates such increase upon the occurrence of any of the following: (1) payment of such allowance for 12 consecutive months; (2) promotion to a higher grade; or (3) transfer to a permanent change of station. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the number of personnel receiving such additional allowance. Terminates such allowance on September 30, 2006. (Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary to prescribe the monthly rate of the basic allowance for housing (BAH) inside the United States based upon the cost of adequate housing in the local area. Revises the calculation for the minimum amount of BAH available in a fiscal year. Authorizes the payment of a BAH for members with dependents who are unable to accompany such members to their new duty station. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase from six to eight years the BAH transition period for management of the BAH growth rate. (Sec. 606) Earmarks $30 million from authorized military personnel funds to increase the total available for BAH inside the United States. (Sec. 607) Prohibits the Secretary, after June 30, 2001, in determining what constitutes adequate housing for members, from differentiating between members with dependents in pay grades E1 through E4. Directs the Secretary, after such date, to establish a single monthly rate for all such members in the same military housing area, based on average area costs. (Sec. 608) Authorizes the payment of BAH for members without dependents in pay grade E-4 (currently only E-5) who are on sea duty. (Sec. 609) Authorizes the payment of a personal money allowance of $2,000 yearly for senior enlisted members serving in Sergeant Major, Master Chief Petty Officer, or Chief Master Sergeant positions. (Sec. 610) Increases the initial and annual allowance for officers for the purchase of required uniforms and equipment. (Sec. 611) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the President) and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy to prescribe requirements and allowances for clothing for enlisted personnel. (Sec. 612) Increases the monthly subsistence allowance for members participating in precommissioning programs. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through 2001 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2000 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 624) Allows a person who enlists for a period of at least two years to be paid an enlistment bonus of up to $20,000. Requires pro rata bonus repayment for unserved periods. Allows such bonus only for enlistments occurring by December 31, 2001. (Sec. 625) Includes as eligible activities for the payment of special pay currently provided for reserve medical and dental officers active duty for training, annual training, or special work. (Sec. 626) Eliminates a required congressional notification before the payment of retention special pay for optometrists and officers in nursing specialties. (Sec. 627) Authorizes special pay for Coast Guard physician assistants. (Sec. 628) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay special pay to an officer who is: (1) a pharmacy officer in the Medical Service Corps of the Army or Navy or the Biomedical Sciences Corps of the Air Force; and (2) on active duty under a call or order for a period of at least one year. Authorizes similar payments from the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to such officers in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. Prohibits such payments for pay grades above O-6. Provides varying rates of such special pay based on creditable years of service and whether or not the officer is undergoing pharmacy internship training. Authorizes the payment of an accession bonus to individuals graduating from an accredited pharmacy school who, between the enactment of this Act and September 30, 2004, execute a written agreement to accept a commission as an officer and to remain on active duty for at least four years. Limits such bonus to $30,000. Requires pro rata repayment for unserved periods. (Sec. 630) Entitles a member on sea duty to career sea pay at a monthly rate prescribed by the Secretary concerned, but not to exceed $750. (Currently, such rates vary depending on the length of such duty, with a high-end limit of $520.) Authorizes a pay premium of up to $350 for every month served after 36 consecutive months. (Sec. 631) Increases the monthly rate of special duty assignment pay for enlisted Guard and reserve personnel who are not on active duty at the time of the special duty assignment. (Sec. 632) Entitles Guard or reserve personnel not on active duty who perform special duty to special duty assignment pay in the amount of one day of pay for each drill period in which the member participates in each month. (Sec. 633) Authorizes payment of a retention bonus for officers or enlisted members serving on active duty who are qualified in a designated critical military skill if such officer or member agrees to either remain on such duty or extend such enlistment for at least one year. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation (with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy) to: (1) designate qualifying critical skills; and (2) notify Congress of each designation at least 90 days in advance of any payment. Prohibits: (1) any officer or member from receiving a total of more than $200,000 in such bonus payments; and (2) such payments for members who have or are about to complete 25 years of active duty. Requires pro rata bonus repayment for unserved periods. Requires annual reports by each Secretary analyzing such program. Terminates such authority on December 31, 2001. (Sec. 634) Entitles Public Health Service Regular or Reserve Corps health officers to the same special pay as health professions officers of the armed forces. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the advance payment of temporary lodging expenses incurred by a member and his or her dependents while making a permanent change in duty stations. Allowance such payments for up to ten days. Revises generally provisions concerning the per diem for members on duty outside the United States or in Hawaii or Alaska. (Sec. 642) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to reimburse a member for mandatory pet quarantine fees for household pets, with a limit of $275 per change of station. (Sec. 643) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay to a member a share of the savings resulting from less-than-average shipping and storage costs of the member's baggage and household effects in connection with a change of duty station. (Sec. 644) Prohibits the Secretary concerned from differentiating between members in pay grades E1 through E5 in the payment of dislocation allowances. (Sec. 645) Authorizes the Secretary, after October 1, 2001, to reimburse a member for parking expenses incurred for a private vehicle being used to commute to a duty station to perform recruiting activities, duty with a military entrance processing facility, or instructional or administrative duties at an institution where a unit of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is maintained. (Sec. 646) Allows the payment of certain travel and transportation expenses of military dependents of overseas personnel when such dependents are engaged in obtaining a formal education (currently, only a secondary or undergraduate college education) (thereby allowing graduate or vocational educational programs to be included). Subtitle D: Retirement and Survivor Benefit Matters - Provides an exception to the high-36 month retired pay computation for: (1) enlisted personnel who are reduced in grade; or (2) officer personnel who do not serve satisfactorily in the highest grade held. States that such retired pay base shall be determined as if the member first became a member before September 8, 1980. (Sec. 652) Increases, for the year of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 and subsequent years, the number of retirement points that may be credited for purposes of the retirement computation for members of the reserves. (Sec. 653) Outlines procedures for retirement from active reserve service which is performed after retirement from the regular armed forces. (Sec. 654) Repeals a provision suspending the payment of military retired pay while an individual serves as a Federal judge. (Sec. 655) Amends the reserve component Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to require spousal consent for a member to elect: (1) not to participate in the SBP; or (2) to designate the effective date for the commencement of SBP payments in the event that the member dies before becoming 60 years of age to be the 60th anniversary of such member's birth. (Sec. 656) Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be enacted during the 106th Congress legislation that increases the minimum basic annuities provided under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for surviving spouses of members of the uniformed services who are age 62 or older. (Sec. 657) Entitles, as of October 1, 2001, former military personnel retired for disability to receive the special compensation pay for severely disabled military retirees authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. . Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to delay until 180 days after the enactment of this Act the effective date for active-duty and reserve personnel participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Authorizes the Secretary to postpone such authority for up to 180 additional days, requiring notification of specified congressional committees. (Sec. 662) Requires the Secretary, in determining eligibility for the armed forces special supplemental food program, to exclude from income any BAH authorized under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 663) Makes reserve personnel traveling to inactive-duty training at a location more than 50 miles from their residence eligible for billeting in DOD facilities on the same basis and to the same extent as members on active duty traveling away from their permanent duty station. (Sec. 664) Authorizes the Secretary to settle claims for payments for unused accrued leave and for retired pay. (Sec. 665) Provides certain benefits and protections for persons incurring injury, illness, or disease while traveling to, performing, or returning from funeral honors duty, including incapacitation pay and tort claims eligibility. (Sec. 666) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize the Secretary to extend for up to 18 additional months the deadline for filing claims associated with the capture and internment of certain persons by North Vietnam. (Sec. 667) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to pay back pay to a claimant who, by reason of being interned as a prisoner of war while a member of the Navy or Marine Corps during World War II, was unable to accept a promotion for which such claimant was selected. Requires such back pay to be paid to the spouse of such member if the member is deceased. Requires such Secretary to ensure that such benefits and eligibility requirements are widely publicized. (Sec. 668) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should provide funding sufficient to ensure that the reserve components meet requirements specified in the National Military Strategy, including training requirements. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to authorize the Secretary to provide domiciliary and custodial care to Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPUS) beneficiaries whose eligibility for such care was discontinued due to their concurrent eligibility for hospital insurance benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and subsequently reestablished under other legal authority. Limits such costs to $100 million per fiscal year. Directs the CG to study and report to Congress on the coordination and effectiveness of the supplemental disability health care programs of DOD in meeting the health care needs of disabled dependents of military personnel on active duty. (Sec. 702) Directs the Secretary, by March 31, 2001, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits for all members entitled to CHAMPUS health care as active-duty personnel. Requires, until the plan is implemented, the continuation of current chiropractic services and benefits under the Defense Health Program as provided during FY 2000 at military medical treatment facilities. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Requires the CG to monitor the development of such plan, and periodically submit progress reports to such committees. (Sec. 703) Directs CHAMPUS administering Secretaries to furnish to an eligible CHAMPUS minor dependent (at least 5 and less than 12 years old) a school-required physical examination. (Sec. 704) Extends until three years after an eligible member's death (currently, one year) the continuation of CHAMPUS medical and dental benefits for such member's survivors. (Sec. 705) Extends through December 31, 2002, the authority to use contract physicians at military entrance processing stations and other facilities outside of military medical treatment facilities. (Sec. 706) Amends CHAMPUS to authorize medical and dental care to former members who are Medal of Honor recipients, and for their dependents. Subtitle B: Senior Health Care - Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to provide an April 1, 2001, delimiting date for implementation of the redesign of the DOD pharmacy system to incorporate best business practices of the private sector in providing pharmaceuticals to certain Medicare-eligible individuals. Revises certain report dates. Repeals a provision requiring such redesign in two separate areas selected by the Secretary. (Sec. 712) Provides CHAMPUS eligibility conditions for persons enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program under Medicare part B and, in the case of a person under 65 years of age, entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of Medicare. Extends through 2001 the TRICARE (a DOD managed-care program) Senior Prime demonstration program. Authorizes the administering Secretaries to enter into a new or revised agreement to continue the program after such period. Revises program expenditure limits, payment methodology, and reporting requirements. (Sec. 713) Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to finance, on an actuarially sound basis, DOD liabilities under retiree health care programs for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Establishes a Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Board of Actuaries to review Fund valuations and report at least every four years to the President and Congress on Fund status. Provides actuarial valuation responsibilities of the Board and the Secretary. Requires certain payments into the Fund to cover future costs. Subtitle C: TRICARE Program - Prohibits the Secretary, in the case of a CHAMPUS beneficiary entitled to medical and dental care and enrolled in TRICARE Standard, from requiring that, with respect to covered health care services, such beneficiary obtain a nonavailability of military health care statement or preauthorization from a military medical care facility in order to receive such care in a civilian health care facility. Authorizes the Secretary to require that such beneficiary notify his or her primary care manager of any health care received from a civilian health care or specialized care facility. Provides exceptions to such prohibition. (Sec. 722) Authorizes coverage under the TRICARE Program for remote areas of the continental United States for members of the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy and members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Service. Requires coverage for the medical care of eligible military dependents to be comparable to medical care coverage and timely access standards under the TRICARE Prime option. (Sec. 723) Directs the Secretary, by October 1, 2001, to implement a system to simplify and make accessible through the Internet critical administrative processes within the military health care system and the TRICARE program. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense committees a plan to provide portability and reciprocity of benefits for all enrollees under the TRICARE program throughout all TRICARE regions. (Sec. 724) Authorizes TRICARE managed care support contracts in effect or in final stages of acquisition as of September 30, 1999, to be extended for four years in the best interests of the Government.(Sec. 725) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees recommending practices to discourage or prohibit health care providers under the TRICARE program from seeking direct reimbursement from members or dependents for health care received. (Sec. 726) Provides a process under the TRICARE program for the disenrollment from dental coverage of retired members and their dependents. Provides limited circumstances under which disenrollment shall be permitted during the 24-month initial enrollment period. (Sec. 727) Directs the Secretary to take all necessary action to implement specified TRICARE claims processing revisions. (Sec. 728) Directs the Secretary to ensure that no contract for managed care support under TRICARE shall require a managed care support contractor to require a primary or specialty care provider to obtain prior authorization before referring a patient to a specialty care provider that is part of the contractor's network of health care providers or institutions. Requires a report from the CG to Congress on the financial and management implications of eliminating the requirement to obtain nonavailability of health care statements. Subtitle D: Demonstration Projects - Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration program under which licensed and certified professional mental health counselors who meet eligibility requirements for CHAMPUS or TRICARE health care providers may provide services to covered beneficiaries without referral by physicians or adherence to supervision requirements. Requires the program to be conducted during the two-year period beginning October 1, 2001, in one established TRICARE region. Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense committees a plan to carry out such program. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on program results. (Sec. 732) Requires the Secretary, during the two-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, to conduct a demonstration project for increasing efficiency of operations with respect to teleradiology at a military medical treatment facility and supporting remote clinics and increasing teleradiology coordination between such facilities and clinics. (Sec. 733) Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to explore opportunities for improving the planning, programming, budgeting, and management of the DOD health care system. Terminates the program on December 31, 2001. Requires a program report. Provides funding from O&M funds. Subtitle E: Joint Initiatives With Department of Veterans Affairs - Directs the Secretary to: (1) give full force and effect to any DOD-Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities sharing agreement that was in effect on September 30, 1999; and (2) ensure that the Secretary concerned reimburses the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for services or resources provided under such an agreement in facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Sec. 742) Directs the Secretary to implement a centralized process for the reporting, compiling, and analysis of errors in the provision of health care under the defense health program that endanger patients beyond the normal risks associated with care and treatment. Requires safety indicators, standards, and protocols to be included in such process. (Sec. 743) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to cooperate in developing systems for the use of bar codes for the identification of pharmaceuticals in the health care programs of each department. Requires identical bar codes for common pharmaceuticals of such departments. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Directs each military department Secretary to establish a system for tracking, recording, and reporting separations of military personnel resulting from their refusal to participate in the anthrax vaccine immunization program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the defense committees on information compiled. Outlines procedures for medical and administrative exemptions from such immunizations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a system for monitoring adverse vaccine reactions of military personnel; and (2) notify DOD civilian emergency essential employees required to participate in the immunization program. Requires certain reports and reviews from the CG and the Secretary to the defense committees. (Sec. 752) Prohibits a copayment from being charged to a dependent of a member eligible for care under TRICARE Prime. (Sec. 753) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to require certain additional information in an annual report from the Secretary to Congress on DOD medical informatics. Earmarks specified FY 2001 O&M funds for pharmaceuticals-related medical informatics. (Sec. 754) Directs the Secretary to establish a patient care error reporting and management system, with specified purposes and requirements. Directs the Secretary to expand the health care team coordination program to integrate that program into all DOD health care operations. (Sec. 755) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army and Health and Human Services to jointly conduct a program to augment the Army Medical Department by exercising available authority for detailing reserve commissioned officers of the Public Health Service not in an active status to the Army Medical Department. Requires a report to the defense committees. (Sec. 756) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to improve privacy protections for DOD-maintained medical records, to be consistent with provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. (Sec. 757) Directs the Secretary, in order to ensure access to care for all CHAMPUS beneficiaries, to designate specified rates for reimbursement for services in certain localities where without such rates such services would otherwise be severely impaired. Requires related reports from: (1) the Secretary to the defense committees; and (2) the CG to Congress. (Sec. 758) Provides that in any case in which a covered CHAMPUS beneficiary is referred by a primary care physician to a specialty care provider more than 100 miles away, the Secretary shall reimburse such beneficiary for reasonable travel expenses. (Sec. 759) Directs the Secretary to reduce to $3,000 the catastrophic cap for covered beneficiaries under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. (Sec. 760) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to include certain additional individuals within a training program for DOD health care management and administration. Prohibits a person from being assigned as a commander, deputy commander, or managed care coordinator of a military medical treatment facility, or as a TRICARE lead agent or senior member of the staff of a lead agent, until the Secretary concerned certifies to the Secretary that the person has completed such training. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on progress made in meeting training requirements. (Sec. 761) Directs the Secretary of the: (1) Army to study and report to the defense committees on the feasibility of the Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, sharing its biomedical research facility with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii; and (2) Air Force to study and report to the defense committees on the feasibility of the Little Rock Medical Facility, Arkansas, sharing its biomedical research facility with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the School of Medicine at the University of Arkansas. (Sec. 762) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study comparing coverage and reimbursement for CHAMPUS beneficiaries for physical, speech, and occupational therapies under the TRICARE Program and CHAMPUS to coverage and reimbursement for such therapies by insurers under Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Requires a findings report to the defense committees. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations - Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to: (1) extend through October 1, 2007, the authority for certain defense acquisition programs to participate in a defense acquisition pilot program authorized under prior law; (2) include 500-pound bombs within the Joint Direct Attack Munition program; and (3) require a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on DOD acquisition pilot programs. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of a defense agency to enter into multiyear contracts of up to five years for the acquisition of certain services (operation, maintenance, training, base services) upon finding that: (1) there will be a continuing requirement for such services; (2) the furnishing of such services will require a substantial initial investment or the incurrence of substantial contingent liabilities; and (3) the use of such contract will promote the best interests of the United States. Outlines certain principles to be followed when entering into such contracts. Prohibits such agency head from entering into a contract that includes an unfunded contingent liability in excess of $20 million without at least 30 days' prior notification of the defense and appropriations committees. Prohibits such agency head from entering into such a contract exceeding $500 million unless the authority for such contract is specifically provided by law. Requires notification similar to above before a contract with a cancellation ceiling in excess of $100 million may be awarded. Requires cancellation or termination of a contract for which funds are not made available into a subsequent year. (Sec. 803) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to: (1) extend through FY 2004 the authority of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to carry out certain prototype projects; and (2) prohibit the use of such authority unless certain conditions are met, including the participation of at least one nontraditional defense contractor. (Sec. 804) Amends the above Act to limit the right of the CG to review records of prototype project participants to only those records that are of the same type that the Government has the right to examine under audit access clauses or previous agreements or transactions. (Sec. 805) Extends until October 1, 2005, current limitations on DOD procurement of ball and roller bearings. (Sec. 806) Revises certain reporting requirements relating to DOD multiyear contracting authority. Prohibits the head of an agency from entering into such a contract exceeding $500 million until the Secretary submits certain information to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 807) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to make small businesses owned and controlled by women eligible for assistance under the mentor-protege program. (Sec. 808) Amends provisions concerning qualifications for employment and assignment in DOD contracting positions to: (1) make members of the armed forces eligible; and (2) provide the occupational series and requirements for positions to be filled by members of the armed forces (with an exception for those already employed in such position on September 30, 2000). (Sec. 809) Amends the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 to authorize the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, as part of a current pilot program to test the feasibility of using solutions-based contracting for the acquisition of information technology, to carry out not more than ten projects: (1) each having an estimated cost of at least $25 million and not more than $100 million; and (2) for small business concerns, each having an estimated cost of at least $1 million and not more than $5 million. Eliminates the requirement for Federal funding of the program's definition phase. (Sec. 810) Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to: (1) require the appropriate executive agency (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to publish a procurement solicitation notice (notice); (2) allow such notices to be published electronically; and (3) consider an electronic notice accessible if it is in a form that allows convenient and universal user access through the single Government-wide point of entry designated in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Makes identical revisions for procurement notices under the Small Business Act. Changes from annually to biannually through 2004 a required report concerning the use of electronic commerce in Federal procurement. Subtitle B: Information Technology - Requires the DOD Chief Information Officer (CIO) to maintain a consolidated inventory of DOD mission critical and mission essential information systems, identify interfaces between such systems and other information systems, and develop and maintain contingency plans for responding to a disruption in the operation of such systems. Requires DOD Directive 5000.1 to be revised to establish minimum planning requirements for the acquisition of information technology systems. Requires such Directive to prohibit Milestone I, II, or III approval of a major automated information system within DOD until the CIO has made certain determinations with respect to system development, reengineering, and registration. Requires the CIO to notify the defense and appropriations committees whenever during FY 2001 through 2003 a major automated information system is redesignated. Directs the Secretary to report to such committees during such fiscal years on implementation of this section. (Sec. 812) Directs the Secretary to provide for the collection of data on purchases of information technology for each purchase made by a military department or defense agency in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. Requires the head of each DOD contracting activity to ensure the fairness of unit prices paid for information technology products and services that are frequently purchased, commercially-available off-the-shelf items. Limits purchases in excess of the threshold from a Federal agency outside of DOD. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the defense committees summarizing data collected. (Sec. 813) Requires the FAR to be amended to address the use of personnel experience and educational requirements in the procurement of information technology services. Requires the CG to submit to Congress an evaluation of executive agency compliance with such regulations and conformity of such regulations with existing law. (Sec. 814) Prohibits Navy funds from being obligated or expended to carry out a Navy-Marine Corps Intranet contract until: (1) the DOD CG and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget have reviewed and commented on certain reports to Congress on such program; and (2) the Navy's Secretary and Chief of Naval Operations have certified jointly to Congress that they have reviewed the business case for such contract and determined that contract implementation is in the best interests of the Navy. Requires the phased implementation of such contract, and provides contract requirements. Directs the Secretary to mitigate any adverse impact of such contract on Navy civilian employees. (Sec. 815) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) DOD must focus on upgrading information technology systems to allow seamless and interoperable communications; and (2) each military department Secretary must commit to achieve such goal and ensure that all communications systems within that department receive appropriate funding for information technology. Subtitle C: Other Acquisition-Related Matters - Requires FAR to be revised to establish a preference for performance-based contracts and task orders for the purchase of DOD services. Outlines conditions under which such a contract or task order will be treated as a contract for the procurement of commercial items. Requires an implementation report from the CG to the defense and appropriations committees. Directs the Secretary of each military department to establish at least one center of excellence in contracting for services for assistance to the acquisition community. Requires the Secretary to ensure that classes focusing on such contracting are offered by the Defense Acquisition University and the Defense Systems Management College and available to contracting personnel throughout DOD. Requires appropriate training for defense contracting personnel. (Sec. 822) Directs the Secretary to carry out, and report to the defense and appropriations committees on, a financial analysis of the costs and benefits of the use of dual rates for quantifying overhead costs at Army ammunition plants. (Sec. 823) Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 to repeal a prohibition on the use of DOD funds to procure a nuclear-capable shipyard crane from a foreign source. (Sec. 824) Provides that a current authorized waiver of live-fire survivability testing shall not apply with respect to survivability and lethality tests for the MH 47E and MH 60K helicopter modification programs. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the application of such tests after certifying to Congress that such testing would be unreasonably expensive and impracticable. (Sec. 825) Expresses the sense of Congress that any DOD entity, in expending funds for the purchase of equipment or products, should comply with the Buy American Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether to disbar from contracting with DOD a person who has been convicted of intentionally affixing a "Made in America" label to any product sold in or shipped to the United States when such product was not so made. (Sec. 826) Prohibits the Secretary, in awarding a contract for the purchase of firearms or ammunition, from taking into account whether a manufacturer or vendor is a party to an agreement under which such manufacturer or vendor agrees to adopt limitations with respect to importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms or ammunition in the commercial market. Subtitle D: Studies and Reports - Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of the foreign sourcing of certain defense system contracts on long-term military readiness and related industrial infrastructure. Requires a report on study results from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 832) Directs the CG to convene a panel of experts to study policies and procedures governing the transfer of Government commercial activities from Government personnel to a Federal contractor. Requires: (1) the opportunity for study participation by other interested parties; and (2) study results to be submitted to Congress. (Sec. 833) Directs the CG to study and report to the defense and appropriations committees on the use of the practice known as "contract bundling" with respect to military construction contracts. (Sec. 834) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the defense committees on DOD contract bundling and its effects on small businesses, economically and socially disadvantaged small businesses, small businesses owned by women, and historically underutilized business zones. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Duties and Functions of Department of Defense Officers - Provides specified duties of one of the Assistant Secretaries, as designated by the Secretary, with respect to combating terrorism. (Sec. 902) Changes from Deputy Chiefs of Staff to Deputy Commandants the title of five positions within the headquarters of the Marine Corps. Removes three Assistant Chiefs of Staff from such headquarters. (Sec. 903) Revises military whistleblower provisions to include among those authorized to receive information any officer of the armed forces or DOD employee who is assigned or detailed to serve as an Inspector General at any level. (Sec. 904) Requires the Secretaries of the military departments and specified DOD officials to ensure that the management and conduct of the science and technology programs under their authority are carried out in a manner that will foster the transition of science and technology to higher levels of RDT&E. Requires the Chief of Naval Research to manage the Navy's basic, applied, and advanced research funds in a manner that will foster such transition. (Sec. 905) Requires the inclusion of additional information in an annual report of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman on combatant command requirements. Subtitle B: Department of Defense Organizations - Authorizes the Secretary to operate an education and training facility, to be known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, which shall educate and train military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel of the Western Hemisphere within the democratic principles set forth in the Charter of the Organization of American States. Establishes a Board of Visitors for the Institute. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on Institute activities. Repeals the authority for the United States Army School of the Americas. (Sec. 912) Prohibits a regional center for security studies from being established in DOD until 90 days after the Secretary notifies Congress of the intent to establish such center. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the operation of DOD regional centers. (Sec. 913) Changes the name of the Armed Forces Staff College to the Joint Forces Staff College. (Sec. 914) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide base operating support for Fisher houses associated with Navy health care facilities. (Sec. 915) Amends the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 to empower the Secretary with supervisory control over the Retirement Home Board. Requires all Board appointments to be subject to the Secretary's approval, and allows the Secretary to terminate a member at any time. Makes the Board Chairman responsible to the Secretary. (Sec. 916) Directs the JCS Chairman to report semiannually to the defense committees on activities of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council. (Sec. 917) Directs the CG to: (1) review the efficiency of each operation of the Defense Logistics Agency and the Defense Information Systems Agency; and (2) report findings to the defense committees. Subtitle C: Information Security - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Institute for Defense Computer Security and Information Protection, with appropriate responsibilities; and (2) enter into a contract with a non-profit entity or consortium to organize and operate the Institute. Provides Institute funding through DOD O&M funds. Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 922) Authorizes the Secretary, in order to encourage the recruitment and retention of DOD personnel with computer and network security skills necessary to meet DOD information assurance requirements, to carry out programs to provide financial support for education in disciplines relevant to such requirements at institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance (a scholarship) to persons pursuing an education in such disciplines. Requires in exchange for such assistance that a person enter into a service agreement to continue to either serve on active duty in a military department or as a DOD employee for a period determined by the Secretary to be appropriate to obtain adequate service in exchange for such assistance. Allows such assistance to be used to support related internship activities. Requires a pro rata refund of assistance amounts for unserved periods. Outlines funding allocation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants of financial assistance to institutions of higher education to support the establishment, improvement, or administration of programs of education in information assurance disciplines. Requires consideration to be given to institutions that are a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Makes the program inapplicable to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy. Provides program funding through DOD O&M funds. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan for implementing such programs. Subtitle D: Reports - Revises the date for submission of certain reports on shortfalls within future-years defense programs in equipment procurement and military construction for the reserve components. (Sec. 932) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees setting forth the number of DOD personnel performing legislative liaison functions as of April 1, 2000. (Sec. 933) Directs the Secretary and the Director of Central Intelligence to report jointly to the defense, appropriations, and intelligence committees assessing alternatives for the establishment of a national collaborative information analysis capability. Directs the Secretary to ensure the completion and use of the Army's Land Information Warfare Activity. (Sec. 934) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees on: (1) the development and implementation of network centric warfare concepts within DOD; and (2) the present and future use of the joint experimentation program of DOD in the development of such concepts. (Sec. 935) Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to report to the defense committees on the roles and missions, organizational structure, funding, and operations of the Air Force Institute of Technology as projected through 2010. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Empowers the Secretary to reduce required personnel reductions in major DOD headquarters by a cumulative total of 7.5 percent if the Secretary certifies to Congress that execution of the current 15 percent reductions would adversely impact national security. (Sec. 942) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer all amounts in the: (1) Naval Historical Center Fund to the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund; and (2) United States Naval Academy Museum Fund to the gift fund maintained for the benefit and use of the U.S. Naval Academy. Requires closure of the depleted Funds. Combines the latter funds under (1) and (2), above, into the United States Naval Academy Gift and Museum Fund, and allows such Fund to accept loans of personal property other than money in addition to gifts and bequests. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to prescribe written guidelines to determine whether the acceptance of any gift, bequest, or loan would reflect unfavorably on the Navy or any of its officers and employees. (Sec. 943) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to disburse to an entity designated by a gift donor the current cash value of a gift accepted before the enactment of this Act for the Naval Academy general gift fund. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer up to $2 billion of the amounts made available to DOD in this Division for FY 2001 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with limitations. Requires congressional notification of each transfer. (Sec. 1002) Incorporates into this Act the Classified Annex prepared in connection with this bill and transmitted to the President. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts amounts authorized to be appropriated to DOD for FY 2000 by the amounts by which such appropriations were increased or decreased in the 2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. (Sec. 1004) Prohibits the total amount that may be contributed by the Secretary in FY 2001 for the common-funded budgets of NATO from being greater than the total that would otherwise be applicable under the FY 1998 baseline limitation. (Sec. 1005) Limits the amount of DOD O&M funds that may be obligated for incremental costs for Bosnia and Kosovo peacekeeping operations. Authorizes the President to waive such limitations after certifying to Congress that the waiver is necessary to U.S. national security interests and will not affect military readiness. (Sec. 1006) Requires that, of the contract vouchers received by the Defense Finance and Accounting System by means of the mechanization of contract administration services systems, the number of such vouchers that remain unpaid for more than 30 days at the end of each month may not exceed five percent of the total number of vouchers received. Directs the Secretary, for any month that such requirement is not met, to report to Congress on the magnitude of the unpaid vouchers. (Sec. 1007) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense committees a plan to ensure that each contractual, grant, agreement, or transactional obligation of DOD be recorded in the appropriate financial administration systems within ten days after the obligation is incurred. (Sec. 1008) Directs the Secretary to require that any claim for payment under a DOD contract be submitted to DOD in electronic form. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirement if it is determined to be unduly burdensome. Requires the Secretary to submit an implementation plan to the defense committees. (Sec. 1009) Provides for the crediting of amounts deducted from amounts due a carrier and representing an administrative offset for an overpayment previously made to such carrier under any DOD contract for transportation services, or as liquidated damages due under such contract. Provides a simplified offset procedure for the collection of claims not in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. (Sec. 1010) Requires the head of an agency who does not pay a contractor business a required interim payment to pay an interest penalty on the amount of payment due. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Requires a company entering into a contract for the incorporation of defense features in commercial vessels to agree to make any covered vessel available to the Secretary, fully crewed and ready for sea, at any port and for whatever duration determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the head of an agency to make advance payments to cover the costs of maintaining such vessels in a ready status in the Reserve Fleet for 25 years. Prohibits any agency head from entering into such a contract until 90 days after notification of the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1012) Expresses the sense of Congress that the CVN-77 aircraft carrier should be named the U.S.S. LEXINGTON to honor the men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II, as well as citizens on the home front who provided mobilization support. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the President to transfer, on either a grant basis or combined lease-sale basis, specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Greece, and Turkey. Provides transfer conditions, including payment of the full purchase price by the appropriate country. Authorizes appropriations for the Defense Vessels Transfer Program Account to cover lease-sale transfer costs. Prohibits the value of vessels transferred on a grant basis from being counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles authorized to be transferred to other countries under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Requires transfer expenses to be borne by vessel recipients. Directs the President, as a transfer condition, to require any needed vessel repair or refurbishment to be performed in a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates such transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1014) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to modify a certain vessel retransfer authority to include an alternate vessel. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend through FY 2006 the authority of the Secretary to provide counter-drug support assistance to the Government of Colombia. (Sec. 1022) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees detailing the expenditure of funds during FY 2000 in support of the counter-drug activities of foreign governments. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to recommend to the defense committees whether expanded support for counter-drug activities in Peru and Colombia should be authorized. (Sec. 1024) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on the riverine counter-drug support program in such countries. (Sec. 1025) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the status of the Tethered Aerostat Radar System used to conduct counter-drug detection and monitoring and border security and air sovereignty operations. (Sec. 1026) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should be able to use military personnel to assist law enforcement agencies in preventing the entry into the United States of terrorists and drug traffickers, weapons of mass destruction and their components, and prohibited narcotics and drugs. Subtitle D: Counterterrorism and Domestic Preparedness - Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on DOD preparedness of first responders with regard to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction on military installations. (Sec. 1032) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 2001, to establish up to five additional teams designated as Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams. (Sec. 1033) Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to $10 million of the payment of any loan made to a qualified commercial firm to improve protection of critical infrastructure and to refinance improvements previously made for such protection. Authorizes the Secretary to assess and collect a loan guarantee fee of at least 75 percent of the amount incurred to guarantee the loan. Allows the Secretary to use up to $500,000 annually from DOD O&M funds to provide such loan guarantees (requiring reimbursement of such funds when practicable). Requires reports from loan recipients to the Secretary, and from the Secretary to Congress, regarding such program. (Sec. 1034) Directs the President to report to Congress on the status of domestic preparedness against the threat of biological terrorism. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an intelligence estimate of the threat posed by a terrorist using a biological weapon. (Sec. 1035) Requires the CG to report to the defense committees on U.S. strategies, policies, and programs for combating domestic terrorism. Subtitle E: Strategic Forces - Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of the nuclear posture of the United States for the next five to ten years. Requires a report. Expresses the sense of Congress that such review should be used as the basis for establishing future U.S. arms control objectives and negotiating positions. (Sec. 1042) Directs the Secretary to develop a long-range plan for sustaining and modernizing U.S. strategic nuclear forces to counter emerging threats and to satisfy evolving requirements of deterrence. Requires such plan to be submitted to Congress. (Sec. 1043) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to apply to any strategic nuclear delivery system the authority of the Secretary to waive funding limitations for the retiring or dismantling of specified systems below certain levels. (Sec. 1044) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the defense committees on the defeat of hardened and deeply buried targets. (Sec. 1045) Expresses the sense of Congress that it is: (1) in the national interest to maintain a robust and balanced triad of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles; and (2) not in the national interest to reduce U.S. conventional bomber capabilities. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements - Requires the CG to review DOD working-capital funded activities to identify potential changes in current management practices or policies that would result in more efficient and economical operation of such activities. (Sec. 1052) Requires the Secretary of the Navy to report to Congress on the Navy's plan for providing submarine rescue support vessels through FY 2007. (Sec. 1053) Directs the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the specific steps being taken by the Federal Government to develop critical infrastructure assurance strategies as outlined under a specified presidential directive. (Sec. 1054) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress describing the policies and procedures for DOD decision-making in cases of submitted claims that are suspected or alleged to be false. Subtitle G: Government Information Security Reform - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish government-wide policies for the management of programs that: (1) support the cost-effective security of Federal information systems by promoting security as an integral part of each agency's business operations; and (2) include information technology architectures as defined under the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. Requires such policies to: (1) be founded on a continuous risk management cycle; (2) implement controls that adequately assess the risk; (3) promote continuing awareness of information security risks; (4) continually monitor and evaluate information security policy; and (5) control effectiveness of information security practices. Outlines information security responsibilities of each agency, including the development and implementation of an agency-wide information security plan for the operations and assets of such agency. Makes each program subject to Director approval (with approval by the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence with respect to mission critical national security systems or intelligence information) and annual review by agency program officials. Requires each agency to annually undergo an independent evaluation of its information security programs and practices. Requires related reports. Terminates the authority under this Subtitle two years after it takes effect. (Sec. 1062) Directs the: (1) Secretary of Commerce to develop, issue, review, and update standards and guidance for the security of information in Federal computer systems; (2) Secretary of Defense, Central Intelligence Director, and any other designated agency head to develop and issue information security policies for mission critical systems of such entities and ensure the implementation of such policies; (3) Attorney General to review and update guidance to agencies on legal remedies regarding information security incidents and incident coordination with law enforcement agencies; (4) Administrator of General Services to review and update guidance on addressing security considerations relating to the acquisition of information technology; and (5) Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to review and update regulations concerning computer security training for Federal employees. Allows mission critical information security policies developed by DOD and the Central Intelligence Agency to be adopted by the OMB Director, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other Federal agencies with respect to their mission critical systems. Allows agencies to develop and implement more stringent information security policies than those required under this Act. Subtitle H: Security Matters - Prohibits any DOD officer, employee, or contractor, or member of the military, from being granted a security clearance if such person: (1) has been convicted of a crime which includes a prison sentence exceeding one year; (2) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (3) is currently mentally incompetent; or (4) has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions. Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to waive such prohibition in meritorious cases (requiring an annual report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the use of any waivers). (Sec. 1072) Directs the Secretary to prescribe a process for expediting the completion of background investigations necessary for granting security clearances for DOD and DOD-contractor personnel engaged in sensitive duties critical to national security. Requires the Secretary to annually review and revise such process. (Sec. 1073) Authorizes the national security official concerned (the Secretary of Defense with respect to DOD, the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating in the Navy, and the Secretary of Energy with respect to Department of Energy national security programs) to withhold from otherwise-required public disclosure certain sensitive information of foreign governments and international organizations if such official determines that the release of such information would have an adverse effect on the ability of the U.S. Government to obtain the same or similar information in the future. Provides limitations and exceptions. (Sec. 1074) Exempts from Federal public disclosure requirements DOD geodetic products which may reveal, jeopardize, or compromise military or intelligence capabilities. (Sec. 1075) Requires amounts expended for declassification activities to show the total amount expended by DOD and the amount expended by each military department and defense agency. Limits to $30 million the total amount that may be expended by DOD during FY 2001 to carry out declassification activities and special searches. (Sec. 1076) Amends provisions concerning access by Federal agencies to individual criminal history information for national security purposes to authorize the Department of Transportation to request such information. Allows the use of such information to determine eligibility for: (1) acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or (2) appointment, retention, or assignment to a position of public trust or a critical or sensitive position while employed with the Federal Government or performing a Federal contract. Requires automated information delivery systems to be used whenever available. Prohibits fees charged from exceeding actual costs. Prohibits a criminal justice agency providing such information from limiting such disclosure on the basis that the repository is accessed from outside the State. (Sec. 1077) Extends through 2002 DOD authority to engage in commercial activities as security for intelligence collection activities. (Sec. 1078) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review classification and security policies; and (2) ensure that such policies do not prevent or discourage employees at former nuclear weapons facilities who may have been exposed to hazardous substances from discussing such exposure with health care providers and other appropriate officials. Requires the Secretary to notify such former employees of the possible exposure and their rights under this section. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Subtitle I: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to use up to $500,000 in any fiscal year from DOD O&M funds to fund administrative expenses relating to the export loan guarantee program. Requires the reimbursement of the O&M accounts when practicable. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising such authority until submitting a report to Congress on the operation of such program, including a determination as to which DOD agency, office, or activity should administer the program. (Sec. 1082) Directs the Secretary to establish a transit pass program for the transportation to and from work of DOD personnel who reside in areas that do not meet revised national ambient air quality standards provided under the Clean Air Act. (Sec. 1083) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the Collings Foundation of Stow, Massachusetts, all U.S. rights and interest to one surplus TA-4 aircraft that is flyable or can be readily restored to flyable condition. Requires such aircraft to be altered within one year to remove any combat capability. Requires reversion to the United States upon the breach of any transfer conditions. (Sec. 1084) Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to the Cannonball House Museum in Macon, Georgia, all U.S. rights and interest to a certain 12-pound Napoleon cannon. Requires reversion to the United States upon the breach of any transfer conditions. (Sec. 1085) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to charge a fee for providing requested information from the United States Army Military History Institute, the United States Naval Historical Center or Marine Corps Historical Center, or the United States Air Force Military History Institute, respectively. Limits the fee to the actual cost of providing the information. (Sec. 1086) Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to the American Red Cross for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003 for support of the Armed Forces Emergency Services program. Requires Red Cross matching funds to support such program. (Sec. 1088) Revises the maximum size of parcel post packages transported overseas for military post offices. (Sec. 1089) Expresses the sense of Congress that military personnel who receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger should receive the same tax treatment as members serving in combat zones. (Sec. 1090) Defines the Civil Air Patrol as a federally chartered nonprofit corporation and not an instrumentality of the Federal Government for any purpose. Makes the Patrol a volunteer civilian auxiliary of the Air Force when used by any Federal department or agency. Authorizes the Patrol, at the request of State or local governmental entities, to provide disaster relief missions and activities and other emergency and nonemergency missions and activities. Authorizes the Patrol to use Air Force equipment, supplies, and resources to perform such missions and activities. Requires funds appropriated for the Patrol to be available only for their exclusive use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to use Patrol chaplains in support of Air Force active duty and reserve personnel. Makes the Patrol Board of Governors its governing body. Requires Patrol regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force to be approved by the Secretary of Defense. (Sec. 1091) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to add specified duties for the Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization. (Sec. 1092) Establishes the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry to undertake certain studies, evaluations, and assessments with respect to the future of the U.S. aerospace industry as it relates to U.S. economic and national security. Requires a Commission report to the President and Congress. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report. (Sec. 1093) Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize medical practitioners to dispense narcotic drugs in schedules III, IV, or V if, before the initial dispensing of such drugs, the practitioner submits to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a notification of the intent to begin dispensing such drug for maintenance or detoxification treatment, as well as related certifications. Provides conditions for drugs so used, including that such drugs have been approved for maintenance or detoxification treatment under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act, and that the drugs have not been the subject of an adverse determination with respect to the use of such drugs for such purposes. Requires each such practitioner to be assigned an identification number for inclusion with the registration issued for the dispensing of drugs. Requires such Secretary to take certain action to ensure that registered practitioners meet all dispensing requirements under the above Act. Requires such Secretary to issue a treatment improvement protocol containing best practice guidelines for the treatment and maintenance of opiate-dependent patients. Prohibits a State, during the three-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, from precluding a practitioner from dispensing or prescribing drugs for such purpose unless the State enacts a law prohibiting such action. Authorizes appropriations to assist such Secretary in meeting additional duties required by this section. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Subtitle A: Civilian Personnel Management Generally - Outlines employment and compensation provisions for employees of temporary organizations (a commission, committee, or board with a duration of three years or less which is established within the legislative or executive branch or by Executive Order to perform specific projects or studies). Authorizes the head of such organization to appoint persons to organization positions. Limits health insurance benefits provided to such employees to the same benefit afforded other temporary civil service employees. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistive technology, devices, and services to DOD employees with disabilities, organizations within DOD that have requirements to make programs or facilities accessible by the handicapped, and any other Federal department or agency requesting such technology, devices, or services. (Sec. 1103) Extends through FY 2005 the authority for DOD civilian employees to participate in voluntary reductions in force. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to administer and maintain its performance appraisal systems electronically. (Sec. 1105) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the defense committees on whether civilian personnel services should continue to be centralized within individual military departments and defense agencies or provided to all DOD elements within designated geographic areas. Subtitle B: Demonstration and Pilot Programs - Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year pilot program, commencing on January 1, 2001, to improve processes for the resolution of equal employment opportunity complaints by DOD civilian employees. Requires: (1) program participation to be voluntary; and (2) the program to be carried out in at least one military department and two defense agencies. Requires a program report from the CG to Congress. (Sec. 1112) Directs the Secretary to carry out a defense employees work safety demonstration program, requiring the use of private sector work safety models. Requires such program to be carried out: (1) at no fewer than two installations of each military department; and (2) in at least two defense agencies. Requires such program to commence within 180 days after enactment of this Act and to terminate on September 30, 2002. Requires a program interim and final report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Provides funding from DOD O&M funds. (Sec. 1113) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to: (1) extend until October 16, 2005, a program for the experimental use of special personnel management authority to facilitate the recruitment of experts in science and engineering for research and development projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; (2) include under such program the recruitment of individuals for designated research and development projects from among the laboratories of each of the military departments; (3) limit the number of such appointments; and (4) extend a required annual report. (Sec. 1114) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) authorize the Secretary to establish and operate personnel management demonstration projects in defense laboratories without the review or approval of the OPM Director; (2) increase the authorized pay levels of laboratory employees participating in such projects; and (3) direct the Secretary (currently, the OPM Director) to exercise appointment and compensation authority with respect to such employees. Subtitle C: Educational Assistance - Amends Federal employee provisions to state that, with respect to DOD employees, Federal provisions authorizing employee training does not authorize the selection and assignment of an employee for training, or the payment or reimbursement of the costs of training, for: (1) the opportunity to obtain an academic degree to qualify for appointment to a position for which such degree is a basic requirement; or (2) the sole purpose of providing an employee an opportunity to obtain one or more academic degrees, unless such opportunity is part of a planned, systematic, and coordinated program of professional development endorsed by DOD. (Sec. 1122) Includes within the Federal loan repayment program loans made under the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, loans made under the Health Professions Education Program, and nursing loans under the Public Health Service Act. Makes ineligible under the loan repayment program employees occupying a position that is excepted from competitive service because of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character. Repeals a provision requiring employees whose loans are repaid to hold professional, technical, or administrative positions. Requires each Federal agency head to maintain, and annually submit to the OPM Director, information concerning loan repayment benefits provided to employees of that agency. Requires the OPM Director to submit such information to Congress. (Sec. 1123) Extends through FY 2010 the authority for tuition reimbursement and training for civilian employees in the defense acquisition workforce. Subtitle D: Other Benefits - Authorizes the payment of special pay for foreign language proficiency for employees assigned duties requiring such proficiency during a contingency operation. (Sec. 1132) Authorizes the Secretary to grant a cash award in excess of $10,000 without regard to certain Federal certification and approval requirements. (Sec. 1133) Authorizes payment for accrued but unused leave for civil service mariners of the Military Sealift Command on temporary promotion aboard ship. (Sec. 1134) Requires a DOD employee who is designated as an emergency essential employee to be insured under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program if such employee elects to be so insured within 60 days after such designation. Subtitle E: Intelligence Civilian Personnel - Authorizes the Secretary to establish defense intelligence positions throughout DOD. (Currently, such positions are limited to the intelligence components of DOD and the military departments.) (Sec. 1142) Increases from 492 to 517 the maximum authorized number of positions in the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service. Subtitle F: Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay and Early Retirement Authority - Authorizes the Secretary to use voluntary separation incentives and voluntary early retirement authority to achieve certain defense workforce restructuring. Prohibits the continued payment of the voluntary separation incentive upon the acceptance of employment with the Government or work under a personal services contract with the Government. (Sec. 1152) Entitles to an annuity under either the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System, during FY 2002 and 2003, a DOD employee who is voluntarily separated after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service. Makes eligible for such annuity an employee who is separated involuntarily other than for cause and has not declined another comparable position within DOD. Requires employees separated voluntarily to have been employed for more than 30 days and separated during a period in which DOD is undergoing a major organizational adjustment. (Sec. 1153) Limits the authority for voluntary separation incentives during FY 2001 to 1000 employees, and limits such incentives and the voluntary early retirement authority in each of FY 2002 and 2003 to 4,000 employees. Title XII: Matters Relating to Other Nations - Subtitle A: Matters Related to Arms Control - Limits to $15 million the total amount of FY 2001 DOD funds that may be used in support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and monitor Iraqi weapons activities under the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992. Extends through FY 2001 the authority to provide such support. (Sec. 1202) Earmarks DOD O&M funds for the support of region-wide consultations among Arab, Israeli, and U.S. officials and experts on arms control and security issues concerning the Middle East region. (Sec. 1203) Authorizes the Secretary to convey or provide nuclear test monitoring equipment to a foreign government, and to install such equipment, subject to an agreement which allows the United States timely access to data collected. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 1204) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to require additional matters within an annual report concerning transfers of military sensitive technologies to certain countries and entities. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to the Balkans - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to require annual reports (currently, only a single report) assessing the effects of continued military operations in the Balkans region on readiness to execute the national military strategy. Terminates the report requirement when U.S. military operations in the Balkans have ended. (Sec. 1212) Directs the President to: (1) develop militarily significant benchmarks for conditions that would achieve a sustainable peace in Kosovo and allow for withdrawal of the U.S. military presence there; and (2) submit semiannually to Congress reports on the establishment of such benchmarks and the develop of a comprehensive political-military strategy for addressing the political, economic, humanitarian, and military issues in the Balkans. (Sec. 1213) Requires a semiannual report from the President to specified congressional committees on the contributions of European nations and organizations to peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. Subtitle C: North Atlantic Treaty Organization and United States Forces in Europe - Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on U.S. costs of Operation Allied Force conducted against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from March 24 through June 9, 1999. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning appropriate burden sharing whenever NATO undertakes a military operation with U.S. participation. (Sec. 1222) Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the Secretary from entering into military airlift agreements with allied countries under any authority other than that currently provided. (Sec. 1223) Directs the CG to study and report to the defense committees an assessment of the benefits and costs to the United States and U.S. national security interests of the engagement of U.S. forces in Europe and U.S. military strategies used to shape the international security environment of Europe. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a United States-Russian Federation joint center for the exchange of data from systems providing early warning of ballistic missile launches. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on plans for the joint center. Allows the Secretary to renovate a U.S. facility for such use only if a cost-sharing agreement is entered into requiring an equal share of such costs between the two countries. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on any such agreement. (Sec. 1232) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on current and planned DOD activities with respect to the sharing and exchange with other countries of ballistic missile launch early warning data. (Sec. 1233) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to require the Secretary to: (1) make an initial determination of those persons operating in the United States or its possessions or territories that are Communist China military companies; and (2) submit a list of such persons to the defense committees, the Attorney General, and specified department heads. (Sec. 1234) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to reduce from 180 to 60 days the waiting period after the President submits to specified congressional committees the new composite theoretical performance levels for certain supercomputers before such supercomputers may be exported or reexported without a license to a Computer Tier 3 country. (Sec. 1235) Authorizes the Secretary to provide humanitarian and civic assistance in connection with military operations for areas of a country that are underserved by medical, dental, and veterinary professionals. (Sec. 1236) Condemns the use of children as soldiers and welcomes an optional protocol ending such use. Calls on the President: (1) to work closely with the Senate toward building support for such protocol; (2) and Congress to enact a law that establishes a fund for the rehabilitation and reintegration into society of children soldiers; and(3) to undertake all possible efforts to persuade other governments to ratify and endorse the optional protocol. (Sec. 1237) Expresses the sense of Congress that when undersea accidents or incidents occur, it is in the best interests of all nations to work together in response, to rescue and recover the vessel's crew, minimize loss of life, and prevent damage to the oceans. Urges the Presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation to establish a plan for responding to such accidents or incidents and rescuing the crew involved. (Sec. 1238) Establishes the United States-China Security Review Commission to monitor, investigate, and report to Congress on national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Requires an annual report from the Commission to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIII: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union - Makes FY 2001 O&M funds available for Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) programs with states of the former Soviet Union. Allocates such funds among specified CTR programs. Prohibits such funds from being obligated or expended for any purpose other than those specified until 30 days after the Secretary reports to Congress the purpose and amount of such funds. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national security interest, to obligate amounts in excess of those specified, as long as Congress is notified and 15 days have elapsed since such notification. Limits such excess amounts in specified cases. (Sec. 1303) Prohibits CTR funds from being obligated or expended for the elimination of conventional weapons or the delivery of vehicles intended to deliver such weapons. (Sec. 1304) Prohibits the use of FY 2001 CTR funds for: (1) construction of a second wing of a Russian fissile material storage facility; or (2) design or planning with respect to such facility, until 15 days after the Secretary notifies Congress that the United States and Russia have signed a verifiable agreement that assures that materials stored are of weapons origin. Provides a funding limit with respect to the first wing of such facility. (Sec. 1305) Prohibits FY 2001 CTR funds from being used to support the warhead dismantlement process in Russia until 15 days after the Secretary notifies Congress that the United States has reached an agreement with Russia regarding U.S. assistance under such process. (Sec. 1306) Directs the Secretary to seek to enter into an agreement with Russia for U.S. access to nuclear weapons storage sites for which assistance is provided under CTR programs. (Sec. 1307) Prohibits any CTR funds from being used for the construction of a fossil fuel energy plant. (Sec. 1308) Requires the Secretary, in any year in which the President's budget requests funds for CTR programs, to report to Congress on activities and assistance during the preceding fiscal year with respect to such programs. Prohibits more than ten percent of FY 2001 CTR funds from being obligated or expended until the Secretary submits to Congress an updated version of the CTR multiyear plan required under a prior defense authorization Act. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on specified information with respect to Russia's arsenal of tactical nuclear warheads. (Sec. 1309) Expresses the sense of Congress that the international community should assist Russia in eliminating its chemical weapons stockpile in accordance with Russia's obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, basing the level of such assistance on specified factors. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees. (Sec. 1310) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of more than 50 percent of the funds authorized for FY 2001 for the elimination of weapons grade plutonium until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a report on an agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation regarding a new option for the shutdown or conversion of Russian reactors that produce such plutonium. (Sec. 1311) Directs the CG to report to Congress examining procedures and mechanisms concerning DOD audits of the use of CTR program funds. Title XIV: Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States From Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack - Establishes the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States From Electromagnetic Pulse Attack to assess: (1) the nature and magnitude of potential high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats to the United States from all potentially hostile states or non-state actors; (2) the vulnerability of U.S. military and civilian systems to such an attack; (3) the capability to repair and recover from EMP attack damages to such systems; and (4) the feasibility and cost of hardening select systems against such attack. Requires the Commission to report findings and conclusions to Congress, the Secretary, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides Commission funding from FY 2001 defense-wide O&M funds. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of its report. Title XV: Navy Activities on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico - Authorizes the President to provide economic assistance for the people and communities of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, with a total limit of $40 million. (Sec. 1502) Directs the Secretary of the Navy, by May 1, 2001, to convey to Vieques the Naval Ammunition Support Detachment on the western end of the Island, with certain exclusions. Requires such conveyance despite any need for environmental mitigation activities on such land. Directs the Secretary of Defense to hold harmless Puerto Rico, the Island, and any other person or entity that acquires ownership or control of the area from liability arising out of the release or threatened release of any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant as a result of DOD activities on the land conveyed. (Sec. 1503) Directs the President to conduct on the Island a referendum to determine whether the people approve or disapprove of the continuation of the conduct of Navy live-fire training on the Island. Makes the referendum unnecessary if the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps jointly certify to the defense and appropriations committees that the Vieques Naval Training Range is no longer needed for training purposes. Limits live-fire training under the referendum to 90 days each year. States that if the referendum is approved, then the President may provide additional economic assistance of up to $50 million. (Sec. 1505) Requires certain actions if either the referendum is not approved or there is a certification that such training is no longer necessary, including: (1) termination of all Navy and Marine Corps training operations on the Island; (2) termination of all Navy and Marine Corps activities at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, that are related to such training; (3) closing of all DOD installations and facilities on the Island; and (4) review by the CG of the continued use of Fort Buchanan by active Army forces (with a required report to the defense and appropriations committees). (Sec. 1506) Makes non-transferable certain DOD property on the Island. (Sec. 1507) Prohibits, with exceptions, any acquisition, construction, conversion, rehabilitation, extension, or improvement of any facility at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1508) Directs the Secretary of the Navy, except for non-transferable property, to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior all DOD properties on the western part of the Island that are identified as conservation zones. Requires the latter Secretary to manage such conservation zones pursuant to a cooperative agreement among such Secretary, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. Title XVI: GI Bill Educational Assistance and Veterans Claims Assistance - Subtitle A: Veterans Education Benefits - Authorizes, during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, an individual who was previously enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program to enroll in the basic educational assistance program under the Montgomery GI Bill, after paying a premium not exceeding $2,700. (Sec. 1602) Revises provisions concerning the payment of tuition for off-duty training or education to: (1) allow the Secretary concerned to pay all (currently up to 75 percent) of such education expenses; and (2) remove payment limitations with respect to certain enlisted personnel and individuals enrolled in a high school completion program. Allows military personnel entitled to assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to use such entitlement for the payment of tuition or expenses not paid by the Secretary concerned. Directs the Secretary of Defense, at the election of individuals pursuing off-duty education, to pay a basic educational assistance allowance to meet all or a portion of such expenses not paid for by the Secretary concerned. Authorizes such allowance for up to 36 months. Subtitle B: Veterans Claims Assistance - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) assist a claimant in developing facts pertinent to a claim for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) provide a medical examination when pertinent to such a claim. Title XVII: Assistance to Firefighters - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) make grants on a competitive basis to fire departments for protecting the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards; and (2) provide assistance for fire prevention programs authorized in this section. Requires the Director to establish within FEMA an office which shall establish criteria for the selection of assistance recipients and provide grant-writing assistance to applicants. Provides authorized grant purposes. Requires the Director to annually use at least five percent of such funds to make grants to fund fire prevention programs. Requires the Director, in selecting grant recipients, to give a priority to organizations that focus on the prevention of fire injury to children. Provides a 30 percent matching funds requirement. Requires a report from each recipient to the Director on the manner in which assistance funds were used. Requires the Director to ensure that such grants are made to a variety of fire departments. Prohibits any recipient from receiving more than $750,000 in a fiscal year. Prohibits more than 25 percent of appropriated funds from being used to purchase vehicles. Requires the Secretary to ensure an appropriate amount of grant funds for volunteer fire departments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002. Requires the Director to study and report to Congress on the need for Federal assistance to States and local communities to fund firefighting and emergency response activities (authorizing appropriations for the study). (Sec. 1702) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 to the Secretary of Agriculture for carrying out the volunteer forest fire assistance program under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. Requires a report from such Secretary to Congress on the results of such assistance. (Sec. 1703) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) safety organizations for conducting burn prevention programs or augmenting existing burn prevention programs; (2) hospitals that serve as regional burn centers for conducting acute burn care research; and (3) governmental and non-governmental entities to provide after-burn treatment and counseling to burn victims. Requires a report from the Director to specified congressional committees on the results of grants provided. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1704) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study concerning the prevalence of hepatitis C among designated U.S. emergency response employees (firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians) and the likely means that such employees became so infected while performing such duties. Requires study results to be reported to Congress. Directs such Secretary to make grants to qualifying local governments for carrying out demonstration projects regarding the training of such employees in minimizing the risk of such infection, testing, and treating infected employees. Requires a report from such Secretary to Congress on project results and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1705) Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) provide for the conduct of an engineering study to identify progress made by DOD in sharing the 138-144 megahertz radio band; and (2) submit an interim report on study progress to the defense committees. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to report to Congress on alternative frequencies available for use by public safety systems. (Sec. 1706) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer excess DOD personal property to a State firefighting agency for use in providing fire and emergency medical services. (Sec. 1707) Directs the Secretary to appoint a task force to identify defense technologies and equipment that can be readily put to use by fire service and emergency response agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Title XVIII: Impact Aid -Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize and revise title VIII Impact Aid programs. (Sec. 1802) Adds as program purposes: (1) promotion of local educational agency (LEA) control of the assisted educational services for federally connected children; and (2) provision of special construction assistance to LEAs as a result of their inability to tax Federal property. Eliminates the purpose of providing financial assistance to LEAs that experience sudden or substantial increases or decreases in enrollments because of military realignments. (Sec. 1803) Revises the program of payments to LEAs relating to Federal acquisition of real property (which makes that property non-taxable) with respect to: (1) a limit on the reduction of such payments to LEAs which derive other revenues on Federal property located in that school district; (2) fiscal years in which insufficient funds are appropriated; (3) special payments; (4) additional assistance for certain LEAs; (5) use of prior year data in determining payment amounts; and (6) eligibility of LEAs to receive payments on previously held Federal property, combined Federal property, and new Federal property. (Sec. 1804) Revises the computation formula for basic support payments for eligible federally connected children, with a special rule. Provides a maximum reduction limit on such payments for fiscal years 2001 and 2002. Requires a ratable reduction allocated among all LEAs if sums made available in a fiscal year are insufficient to pay the full amounts to which such LEAs are entitled for federally connected children. Includes under such program's LEA payment formula, as eligible children who resided on Federal property or in Indian housing and had a parent on active military duty, those children who: (1) would have resided in housing on Federal property except that such housing was undergoing renovation or rebuilding for not more than three fiscal years (currently law only refers to renovation); or (2) reside in housing initially acquired or constructed under the military Build-to-Lease housing program, if such property is within the fenced security perimeter of a military facility, with appropriate reductions in such payments with respect to any such housing which is not federally-owned and subject to State or local taxation. (Sec. 1805) Allows a supplementary payment, in excess of the maximum amount of basic support payments, to compensate a LEA for increased current expenditures necessitated by unusual geographic factors. (Sec. 1806) Establishes a separate (rather than the current additional) program of basic support payments for FY 2001 and thereafter for LEAs heavily impacted by the presence of federally connected children in their schools. Prohibits a LEA from receiving a basic support payment under both the standard and the heavily impacted programs. Sets forth: (1) eligibility requirements for continuing and for new heavily impacted LEAs; and (2) maximum payment amounts for regular and large heavily impacted LEAs. Sets forth a revised formula for computing each LEA's learning opportunity threshold, a factor used in determining actual amounts of basic support payments when sufficient funds are not available to pay the maximum amounts, in the case of LEAs with total enrollments of less than one thousand students and per-pupil expenditures less than their State average. (Sec. 1807) Provides for basic support payments for certain LEAs affected by removal of Federal property, if such property is transferred to a non-Federal entity so that it is subject to State or local taxation and if such LEAs meet specified additional requirements. (Sec. 1808) Repeals provisions for additional payments to LEAs with high concentrations of children with severe disabilities. (Sec. 1809) Prohibits the Secretary of Education from accepting or approving any LEA application for Impact Aid filed more than 60 days after the Secretary sends written notice to the LEA. (Sec. 1810) Repeals provisions for payments for sudden and substantial increases in attendance of military dependents. (Sec. 1811) Revises requirements for eligibility for and allocation of school construction and renovation payments to certain categories of LEAs, including those receiving basic support payments and impacted by military dependent children or children living on Indian lands. Requires that 40 percent of specified funds be used for such construction payments, with the remaining 60 percent to be used for school facility modernization grants for specified types of LEAs. Sets forth award criteria for such grants, including certain emergency grants. Requires the Secretary of Education to report to the appropriate congressional committees on grants awarded. (Sec. 1812) Authorizes a State to reduce State aid to a LEA that receives a Federal Impact Aid payment upon a certain certification by the Secretary of Education with respect to that State's aid program for free public education among State LEAs. (Sec. 1813) Revises provisions relating to Federal administration. (Sec. 1814) Revises certain deadlines with respect to administrative hearings and judicial review. (Sec. 1815) Includes under the definition of Federal property, as a basis of eligibility for Impact Aid payments, property used for affordable housing assisted under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. (Sec. 1817) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid programs, including: (1) payments for Federal acquisition of real property; (2) basic support payments for LEAs and for heavily impacted LEAs; (3) payments for children with disabilities; (4) construction; (5) facilities maintenance; and (6) additional assistance for certain LEAs impacted by Federal property acquisition. Repeals the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid payments for increases in military children. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, carry out architectural planning and design activities, and improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 2000 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to: (1) decrease the amount authorized for a construction project at Fort Stewart, Georgia; (2) cancel a construction project at Fort Riley, Kansas; (3) increase the amount authorized for CONUS Various; and (4) increase the amount authorized for unspecified minor construction projects. (Sec. 2106) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to increase the amounts authorized for construction projects at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Riley, Kansas. (Sec. 2107) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized for a construction project at Fort Stewart, Georgia. (Sec. 2108) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to accept funds from the Federal Highway Administration or the State of Kentucky for a military construction project involving a rail connector at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to carry out a military construction project at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia, using funds authorized under a prior-year military construction authorization Act for a sanitary landfill at such facility. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title XXI. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after 2000 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2402) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2404) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to increase the amount authorized for a project at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such Program. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Authorizes the Secretary to contribute up to $1.45 million of funds authorized under this title to make a contribution to the Cheyenne Airport Authority toward the construction of a new airport tower at Cheyenne Airport, Wyoming. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2003, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2004, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Expresses the sense of Congress that in preparing the budget for a fiscal year, the Secretary should seek to identify and give priority to military construction projects that are suitable as joint construction projects. Directs the Secretary to include within each fiscal year budget a certification by the Secretary concerned that the feasibility of carrying out projects as joint construction projects was evaluated. (Sec. 2802) Excludes from a spending limit on the improvement of military family housing the cost of installing and maintaining communications, security, or antiterrorism equipment required by the occupant in the performance of duty. (Sec. 2803) Removes certain limitations on housing space based on pay grade and directs the Secretary concerned to ensure that room patterns and floor areas are generally comparable to patterns and areas of similar housing units in the private sector in that locality. (Sec. 2804) Amends provisions concerning the leasing of military family housing units at the United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida, to: (1) remove an annual $60,000 limit on individual housing lease costs; (2) allow such leases to extend for up to five years; and (3) require the Secretary of the Army to adjust the maximum annual limit on such leases by the amount of annual basic allowance for housing increases in the Miami area. (Sec. 2805) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to furnish specified utilities and related services in connection with any military housing acquired or constructed pursuant to alternative authority for the construction or improvement of military housing. Requires reimbursement for such utilities and services. (Sec. 2806) Extends such alternative authority through December 31, 2004. (Sec. 2807) Includes a military readiness center within the definition of an armory. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the minor real property transaction threshold before certain congressional notification and reporting is required from the Secretary concerned. (Sec. 2812) Amends provisions concerning the leasing of non-excess property of military departments to: (1) remove the requirement that such property is not currently needed for public use; (2) prohibit such leases from providing for the maintenance, protection, or restoration of such property; and (3) provide for the acceptance of additional in-kind consideration with regard to such leases, including environmental restoration. Prohibits the Secretary concerned from entering into a new acquisition or construction lease in excess of $500,000 which utilizes in-kind consideration until 30 days after such Secretary notifies the defense and appropriations committees. Authorizes lease proceeds to be used for protection, alteration, improvement, or restoration of property or facilities, leasing of other facilities, or facilities operation support. (Currently, such uses are limited to maintenance, repair, and environmental restoration.) Requires at least 50 percent of lease proceeds to be used at the military installation where the leased property is located. Prohibits the Secretary concerned from expending lease proceeds in excess of $500,000 at a single installation until 30 days after notifying the defense and appropriations committees of the proposed expenditure. Revises reporting dates with respect to such leases, and requires such reports to be submitted to the appropriations (currently, only defense) committees. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to use procedures other than competitive procedures in conveying a utility system of a military department. Requires such Secretary to ensure, in any contract for such conveyance, that the conveyee manage and operate the system in compliance with applicable Federal and State health, safety, fire, and environmental requirements. (Sec. 2814) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to make permanent a program under which the Administrator of General Services transfers surplus real and personal property to correctional facilities for emergency management response purposes. Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 and the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act to limit to the initial transfer of property the right of the Secretary to transfer at or below its estimated fair market value real and personal property located at a military installation to be closed or realigned. Subtitle D: Land Conveyances - Part I: Army Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer to: (1) the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a portion of the Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, for use as a national cemetery; (2) Knox County, Illinois, the Army Reserve Center in Galesburg, Illinois, for use as municipal office space; (3) the Tri-City Regional Port District of Granite City, Illinois, the Charles Melvin Price Support Center, for a port facility and other public purposes; (4) the State of Kansas specified real property at Fort Riley, Kansas, for establishing and maintaining a State-operated veterans cemetery; (5) the State of Louisiana a portion of Fort Polk, Louisiana, for use as a State-run cemetery for veterans; (6) the Winona State University Foundation in Winona, Minnesota, the Winona Army Reserve Center, (7) Pemberton Township, New Jersey, a portion of Fort Dix, New Jersey, for use as a parking lot; (8) the Board of Supervisors of Union Township, Pennsylvania, Nike Site 43 in Elrama, Pennsylvania, for municipal storage and other public purposes; (9) the Medal of Honor Museum, Inc., Tennessee, a portion of the Army Reserve Local Training Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a museum and other educational purposes; (10) the city of Copperas Cove, Texas, a portion of Fort Hood, Texas, in exchange for other property; (11) the Commonwealth of Virginia a portion of Fort Pickett, Virginia, for use as a public safety training facility; (12) the city of Seattle, Washington, specified real property at Fort Lawson, Washington, for inclusion in Seattle's Discovery Park; and (13) the city of Vancouver, Washington, the west barracks at Vancouver Barracks, for inclusion within the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. Part II: Navy Conveyances - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to modify a land conveyance with respect to the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. (Sec. 2847) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to modify conditions on the authority of Oxnard Harbor District, Port Hueneme, California, to use certain property jointly with the Navy. (Sec. 2848) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior the Teacup Parcel of the Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California, for the conservation of fish and wildlife. (Sec. 2849) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to: (1) the San Diego Unified Port District in San Diego, California, a portion of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, in exchange for other property; and (2) the Tampa Port Authority the Naval Reserve Center in Tampa, Florida, for the expansion of the Port of Tampa. (Sec. 2850) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to lease to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation certain property at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, for operation of a national flight academy and related purposes. (Sec. 2852) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to direct the Secretary to replace the electric utility service removed during the course of environmental remediation at the Defense Fuel Supply Point, Casco Bay, Maine. (Sec. 2853) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the State of Maine, or a subdivision or agency thereof, the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Cutler, Maine. Authorizes the lease of such property pending conveyance. (Sec. 2854) Modifies a land conveyance at the former Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland, to allow the Secretary of the Navy to choose whether to receive consideration upon the further transfer of such property to the State of Maryland. (Sec. 2855) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the city of Jacksonville, Florida, a railroad right-of-way at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. (Sec. 2856) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the Rickenbacker Port Authority of Columbus, Ohio, the civilian facilities of the Naval Air Reserve at Rickenbacker International Airport, in exchange for other property. (Sec. 2857) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the city of Bremerton, Washington, a former off-site housing facility for the Naval Station in Bremerton, for public health, public safety, education, housing, or public recreation. Part III: Air Force Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to: (1) appropriate buyers specified portions of the Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, in order to consolidate the mission and support functions at such Base; (2) Mendocino County, California, a portion of the Point Arena Air Force Station in California, for municipal and other public purposes; (3) the Lowry Redevelopment Authority, a portion of the former Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, for economic development and other public purposes; and (4) Greene County, Ohio, the communications test annex at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, for recreational purposes. (Sec. 2865) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to designate a new transferee with respect to a land conveyance at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. (Sec. 2866) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Port of Everett, Washington, the Mukilteo Tank Farm, for a port facility and other purposes. Part IV: Other Conveyances - Allows the Secretary of Defense to authorize the Army and Air Exchange Service to sell certain Exchange Service property in Farmers Branch, Texas. Requires a sale report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 2872) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey to the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, the Jefferson Street property in Charlottesville, for economic development purposes. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to provide a Federal easement through certain parkland within Camp Pendleton, California. (Sec. 2882) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through December 31, 2001, a reporting requirement concerning a demonstration project in Monterey, California, for the purchase of utility services from local government agencies. (Sec. 2883) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to accept gifts from the Air Force Museum Foundation to pay the costs of design and construction of a third building for the United States Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (Sec. 2884) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a joint venture with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for the design and construction of a multipurpose facility for historical displays and related purposes consistent with the mission of the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia. Designates such facility as the Marine Corps Heritage Center. Authorizes such Secretary to accept certain property offered by the Park Authority of Prince William County, Virginia, as a potential facility site. Authorizes such Secretary to lease portions of the facility to such Foundation. (Sec. 2885) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to carry out appropriate activities to maintain aircrew safety at Fallon Air Station, Nevada, following the elimination of greenbelt irrigation at such Station. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2886) Directs the Secretary to establish on Federal lands near the Fena Caves in Guam a suitable memorial to honor Guam civilians killed during the occupation of Guam during World War II and to commemorate the liberation of Guam by U.S. armed forces in 1944. (Sec. 2887) Designates the: (1) Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll; (2) building at 8725 John J. Kingman Road in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as the Andrew T. McNamara Building; and (3) Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, as the Bob Wilson Naval Hospital. (Sec. 2890) Expresses the sense of Congress that prompt expansion of the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, is vital to U.S. national security interests. (Sec. 2891) Expresses the sense of Congress that land transfers at Melrose Range, New Mexico, and the Yakima Training Center, Washington, will support military training, safety, and land management concerns on such lands. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 2001 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) defense nuclear nonproliferation; (3) defense environmental restoration and waste management (4) other defense activities; (5) defense environmental management privatization activities; and (6) defense nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, or construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used.(Sec. 3127) Makes amounts appropriated pursuant to this title for management and support activities and for general plant projects available for use in connection with all DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3129) Directs the Secretary, during FY 2001, to empower each DOE field office manager with the authority to transfer defense environmental management funds from a program or project under such office's jurisdiction to another program or project in order to address a risk to health, safety, or the environment or to assure the most efficient use of such funds at that field office. Limits such transfer to a total of $5 million per fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to notify Congress within 30 days after any such transfer. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits the Secretary from using appropriated funds to establish a reserve for the payment of contract termination costs relating to the river protection project at Richland, Washington. (Sec. 3132) Directs the Secretaries of Energy and Defense to jointly modify the memorandum of understanding for the use of national laboratories for ballistic missile defense programs to provide for jointly funded projects carried out by the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. Requires the implementation of mechanisms that increase the cooperative relationship between such entities. (Sec. 3133) Prohibits FY 2001 nuclear infrastructure upgrades or maintenance funds from being obligated for any other purpose. (Sec. 3134) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to require adjustments of certain supercomputer composite theoretical performance levels to be included within required post-shipment verification reports in connection with the sales of such computers to certain foreign countries. (Sec. 3135) Amends the Department of Energy Facilities Safeguards, Security, and Counterintelligence Enhancement Act of 1999 to include within the counterintelligence polygraph requirements of such Act certain individuals involved in or applying for high-risk positions, as specified under the Code of Federal Regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the polygraph requirements if: (1) the Secretary determines the waiver to be in the national security interest; (2) the covered person has an active security clearance; and (3) the covered person acknowledges in writing that such requirements must be met after expiration of the waiver. Allows such a waiver if: (1) another Federal agency certifies that the covered person has successfully completed a full scope of such an examination during a five-year period prior to such certification; or (2) the Secretary determines that the treatment of a medical or psychological condition should preclude the administration of such polygraph. Conditions such waiver upon a 15-day advance notification of the defense and intelligence committees of the criteria used for the waiver, including an assessment of counterintelligence risks and programmatic impacts. Limits any waiver to 120 days. Requires the Secretary to report semiannually to such committees on any waivers exercised. Expresses the sense of Congress that such waiver authority not be used for covered persons in the highest risk categories, such as persons having access to the most sensitive weapons design information and other highly sensitive programs, including special access programs. Terminates the waiver authority on September 30, 2002. Includes as authorized examination questions those concerning terrorism and deliberate damage to or malicious use of a U.S. Government information or defense system. (Sec. 3136) Authorizes the Secretary to offer to DOE employees who have worked continuously at a DOE closure facility for at least two years and meet specified performance requirements certain employee incentives, including the right to accumulate additional leave and to be paid a retention allowance. Requires such employees to enter into an agreement to remain so employed until a specific date or for a specific period of time (to be determined by the Secretary). Requires incentive forfeiture for agreement violation. Requires the Secretary to report annually on such incentives. Allows for the continuation of health care coverage for such employees during the incentive period. Allows the Secretary to: (1) voluntarily separate a DOE employee employed at a DOE closure facility; and (2) retain an employee in a similar position who would otherwise be separated due to a reduction in force. Prohibits employees with critical knowledge and skills from participating in such voluntary separation if the Secretary determines that such participation would impair performance of the DOE mission. Terminates incentive authority on March 31, 2007. (Sec. 3137) Directs the Secretary to continue operations and to maintain a high state of readiness at the F- and H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, and to provide technical staff necessary to operate and maintain such facilities. Prohibits any DOE funds from being used to decommission the F-facility until the Secretary and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board jointly submit to the defense committees a certification concerning the stability of materials there and that future needs can be met utilizing only the H-facility. Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense committees a plan for the transfer of all long-term chemical separation activities from the F- to the H-facility commencing in FY 2002. (Sec. 3138) Prohibits, as of November 1, 2001, any DOE funds from being used for travel expenses by the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Office of the Secretary, or the Chief of Engineers until the Secretary or the Chief certify to the defense and appropriations committees that DOE is in compliance with certain requirements prohibiting the use of funds for treatment, storage, or disposal activities at formerly used defense sites. (Sec. 3139) Earmarks DOE funds for carrying out a conceptual design for a subsurface geosciences laboratory at Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Prohibits the obligation of funds for such purpose until 60 days after the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees concerning such laboratory. (Sec. 3140) Prohibits more than 50 percent of the funds available for the national ignition facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California, from being obligated or expended until the Administrator for Nuclear Security submits to the defense committees a new baseline plan for the completion of such facility. Requires the CG to review the national ignition facility program and submit review results to the defense committees. (Sec. 3141) Designates the tank waste remediation system environmental project at Richland, Washington, as the River Protection Project. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management to delegate in writing responsibility for such Project to the head of the Office of River Protection. Requires such Office to coordinate its activities with the manager of DOE's Richland Operations Office. Requires a report from such Assistant Secretary to the defense committees on the delegation of such responsibility. (Sec. 3142) Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the Tank Waste Remediation System project at the Hanford Reservation in Richland, Washington. Subtitle D: Matters Relating to Management of National Nuclear Security Administration - Mandates a three-year term of office for the person first appointed to the position of Under Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy. Limits the reasons for removal from such position to inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Includes such Under Secretary as a member of the Joint Nuclear Weapons Council. (Sec. 3153) Requires the Administrator for Nuclear Security (Administrator) to submit to the defense committees a plan for assigning roles and responsibilities to and among the headquarters and field organizational units of the National Nuclear Security Administration (Administration). (Sec. 3154) Requires certain additional information to be submitted with the future-years nuclear security program submitted with the FY 2002 budget. (Sec. 3155) Requires the Administrator to submit to the defense committees a future-years nuclear security program for FY 2001 and the five succeeding fiscal years. Outlines the required level of detail of such program. Requires such program to be submitted by November 1, 2000. Limits the use of certain funds pending submission of such program and a waiting period of 45 days thereafter. (Sec. 3156) Directs the Administrator to authorize the head of each nuclear weapons production facility to establish an engineering and manufacturing research, development, and demonstration program for innovative or high-risk design and manufacturing concepts and technologies with potentially high payoff for the nuclear weapons complex. Provides funding. Requires a report from the Administrator to the defense committees on each project under the program. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Nuclear Security Administration Act to prohibit an individual from concurrently holding a position in such Administration and a position within DOE not in the Administration. (Sec. 3158) Amends the above Act to direct the Administrator to annually prepare and submit to Congress a plan for the obligation of Administration funds. Requires the CG to submit to the defense and appropriations committees an assessment of the adequacy of the planning, programming, and budgeting processes of the Administration. (Sec. 3159) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, abolish, alter, consolidate, or discontinue any Administration organizational unit or component. Subtitle E: National Laboratories Partnership Improvement - Directs the Administrator, during FY 2001 and 2002, to establish a Technology Infrastructure Pilot Program to improve the ability of DOE national laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities to support Administration missions by: (1) stimulating the development of technology expertise and capabilities in private industry and institutions of higher education to support Administration missions on a continuing basis; (2) improving the ability of those laboratories to benefit from commercial research, technology, products, processes, and services that can support such mission; and (3) encouraging the exchange of scientific and technical expertise between such laboratories and facilities and institutions of higher education, technology-related businesses, nonprofit institutions, and State, tribal, or local governmental agencies that can support the mission. Limits program funding to $5 million. Outlines program requirements, including selection criteria for choosing program projects at each laboratory or facility. Prohibits program funds from being allocated until 30 days after the Administrator submits to the defense and appropriations committees a program implementation plan. Requires an additional report on program implementation and management. (Sec. 3162) Directs the Administrator to report to the defense and appropriations committees on small business participation in Administration activities. (Sec. 3163) Requires the Secretary to direct the Energy Advisory Board to conduct a study for improving mission effectiveness, partnerships, and technology transfer at national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities. Directs the Secretary to submit such study to Congress, along with recommendations. (Sec. 3164) Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on the efficiency and effectiveness with which the Administrator and its laboratories and facilities carry out technology development activities in partnership with non-Federal entities. Requires the CG to review such report and provide Congress with a report assessment. Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the defense committees on the status of efforts to secure weapons-usable nuclear materials in Russia that have been identified as being at risk for theft or diversion. Prohibits funds appropriated for the Nuclear Materials Protection, Control, and Accounting Program from being obligated or expended after FY 2000 for any project at a site controlled by the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy until the Secretary reports to the defense committees on the access policy for such project, including a certification that the access policy has been implemented. (Sec. 3172) Authorizes the Secretary to expand and enhance DOE activities under the Nuclear Cities Initiative, providing FY 2001 funding. Prohibits such funding from being used to provide Initiative assistance for more than three nuclear cities in Russia and two nuclear production facilities in Russia until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a copy of a written agreement between the United States and Russia providing that Russia will close some of its facilities engaged in nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly work. Prohibits more than $8.75 million of such funds from being obligated or expended until the Secretary establishes and implements review procedures for Initiative projects and submits such procedures to the defense committees. Requires an additional report and certification, with a funding limit until the report and certification are received by the defense committees. Urges the President to enter into discussions with Russia toward the development by Russia of a plan to restructure its nuclear complex to meet changes in the national security requirements of Russia by 2010. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage students in the United States and Russia to pursue careers in nonproliferation. Provides program funding. Requires the Administrator to notify the defense committees before any such funds are expended. (Sec. 3173) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on DOE's efforts to ensure adequate oversight and accountability of DOE's nonproliferation programs in Russia and the potential effects of the use of on-ground monitoring for DOE's significant nonproliferation programs there. Requires the CG to submit an assessment of such report to such committees. (Sec. 3174) Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be clear and effective coordination of nonproliferation programs among specified DOE programs. (Sec. 3175) Allows amounts made available to DOE for FY 2001 for the International Nuclear Safety Program in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to be available only for reactor safety upgrades and training related to nuclear operator and reactor safety. Subtitle G: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1995 to extend through FY 2002 the authority of the Secretary to appoint up to 200 positions in DOE for scientific, engineering, and technical personnel whose duties will relate to safety at defense nuclear facilities; and (2) 1996 to require biennial updates of a report concerning DOE nuclear test readiness postures, and to require certain additional information in such reports. (Sec. 3193) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to require the Secretary, on a quarterly basis (currently, only 30 days after an inadvertent release), to notify specified committees and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs whether there has been an inadvertent release of records containing restricted or formerly restricted data during the automatic declassification of records. (Sec. 3194) Requires any certification submitted to the President by the Secretaries of Energy or Defense concerning the safety or reliability of a nuclear weapon type in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile to be submitted in classified form only. (Sec. 3195) Authorizes the Secretary to present a certificate of commendation to any current or former DOE employee, or current or former employee of a DOE contractor, whose service in matters relating to stockpile stewardship assisted DOE in furthering U.S. national security interests. (Sec. 3196) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to authorize the Federal waiver of a license from an Administration laboratory to a party to have such party practice an invention discovered in a DOE laboratory by or on behalf of the Government when the designated official finds that the retention of such license would substantially inhibit the commercialization of an invention that would otherwise serve an important Federal mission. Terminates such waiver authority five years after the enactment of this Act. Requires a report from the Administrator to Congress on any waivers granted. (Sec. 3197) Authorizes the Secretary to establish within DOE an Office of Arctic Energy to promote research, development, and deployment in rural and remote areas of: (1) electric power technology that is cost-effective and especially suited to meet the needs of such regions; and (2) oil recovery technology, gas-to-liquids technology, hydroelectric facilities, natural gas, gas hydrates, and coal methane, and alternative energy. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 2001, to obligate up to $71 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses, including the disposal of hazardous materials that are environmentally sensitive. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3302) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to increase the authorized receipts for NDS disposals occurring by the end of FY 2002, 2003, and 2005. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President, by the end of FY 2010, to dispose of 30,000 short tons of titanium contained in the NDS. Requires receipts realized from such disposal to be deposited for use by the American Battle Monuments Commission for design, construction, dedication, and maintenance of the World War II memorial (authorized under prior law). Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Amends Federal provisions concerning the naval petroleum reserves to: (1) remove a requirement that the Secretary sell such petroleum at a price equal to at least 90 percent of comparable petroleum prices in the same area; (2) remove Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 1 from inclusion in any price requirements; and (3) repeal provisions authorizing the Secretary to enter into cooperative plans for the exploration, development, use, and operation of lands inside Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 1. (Sec. 3403) Amends the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to convey to the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Indian reservation all Federal lands within the exterior boundaries of National Oil Shale Reserve Number 2, with specified reservations of lands for management by the Secretary of the Interior according to a land use management plan. Requires the Secretary of Energy to prepare a plan for remediation of the Moab uranium milling site near Moab, Utah, and to commence appropriate remediation. Prohibits DOE national security funds from being used to carry out the remedial action, except for program direction. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to designate the Moab milling site as a processing site, and therefore subject to appropriate remediation. Title XXXV: Maritime Administration - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Department of Transportation for the Maritime Administration. (Sec. 3502) Amends the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2006 the period for disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Authorize the Secretary of Transportation to scrap obsolete vessels through qualified scrapping facilities, using the most expeditious scrapping methodology and location practicable. Requires such Secretary to submit to specified committees a plan for completing such disposal, limiting the vessels that may be scrapped prior to such report. Requires a subsequent progress report from such Secretary. (Sec. 3503) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey the former U.S.S. GLACIER of the National Defense Reserve Fleet to the Glacier Society, Inc., for use as a monument to the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic. Requires such Secretary to retain such vessel in the Fleet until the earlier of the date of conveyance under this section or two years after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3504) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to national maritime enhancement institutes for maritime and maritime intermodal research. (Sec. 3505) Directs such Secretary to study and report to Congress on maritime research and technology development. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3506) Requires the Maritime Administration, in its annual report and annual budget submission, to state separately the amount, nature, and use of any funds administered or subject to oversight by such Administration. Title XXXVI: Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program - Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Establishment of Compensation Program and Compensation Fund - Establishes the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program to provide timely, uniform, and adequate compensation of covered DOE employees (and, where applicable, survivors of such employees) suffering from illnesses incurred in the performance of duty for DOE and certain of its contractors and subcontractors. (Sec. 3612) Establishes the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund to carry out the Program. (Sec. 3613) Requires the President to submit to Congress a proposal for legislation to implement the Program, including an assessment of the number of potential covered employees. (Sec. 3614) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Program Administration - Authorizes the President to designate additional entities as beryllium vendors for purposes of coverage under this Title if such entities engage in activities relating to the production or processing of beryllium for sale to, or use by, DOE. (Sec. 3623) Determines, in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, a covered beryllium employee to have been exposed to beryllium in the performance of duties for purposes of this Title if such employee was: (1) employed at a DOE facility; or (2) present at a DOE facility, or a facility owned and operated by a beryllium vendor, because of employment by the United States, a beryllium vendor, or a contractor or subcontractor of DOE, during a period when beryllium dust, particles, or vapor may have been present at such facility. Determines a DOE employee, contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee to have sustained a cancer in the performance of duty if the cancer was at least as likely as not related to employment at the employing facility. Requires the President to establish: (1) guidelines for making such determination; (2) methods for determining radiation dosage received by such employees; and (3) an independent review process to establish such methods and verify a reasonable sample of doses. Directs the Secretary to provide such employees with information concerning the estimated radiation dosage of the employee during such employment. Requires public availability of the methodology and data used in establishing radiation doses. (Sec. 3624) Directs the President to establish and appoint an Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health to advise the President on: (1) the development of guidelines to be used to determine exposures to covered hazards; (2) the scientific validity and quality of dosage estimates and reconstruction efforts being performed for purposes of the Program; and (3) other matters relating to radiation and worker health at DOE facilities. (Sec. 3625) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under the Program with the assistance of the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (Sec. 3626) Directs the Advisory Board to advise the President whether there is a class of DOE employees who likely were exposed to radiation at a facility but for whom it is not feasible to estimate the dosage received. Allows such class of employees to be considered members of the Special Exposure Cohort for purposes of the Program if there is a reasonable likelihood that the radiation dose received may have endangered the health of members of that class. (Sec. 3627) Expresses the sense of Congress that further determination by the President is appropriate before employees who were exposed to silica are included in the Program. Requires DOE employee diagnosed with silicosis to be included in the Program unless the President certifies to Congress that there is insufficient basis to include such employees. Allows an employee to be so included only if he or she worked at least 250 days during the mining of tunnels at a DOE facility in Nevada or Alaska for tests or experiments related to an atomic weapon. (Sec. 3628) Requires a covered employee, or their survivor, to receive compensation for disability or death from the employee's occupational illness in the amount of $150,000. Requires covered employees to receive medical benefits for such illness. Requires appropriate covered employees to receive beryllium sensitivity monitoring, including an initial and regular medical examinations. (Sec. 3629) Requires the United States to furnish appropriate services, appliances, and supplies recommended for treatment of the illness. Authorizes an individual to be furnished transportation incident to such treatment. (Sec. 3630) Requires an individual (or their survivor) who has received $100,000 as a covered uranium employee under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to receive $50,000 compensation under this section (to make such award equal to the award provided herein), and to receive appropriate medical benefits. (Sec. 3631) Directs the President, upon request, to provide appropriate assistance to a claimant and potential claimant under the Program. Directs the Secretary to require a beryllium vendor or other DOE contractor or subcontractor to provide appropriate assistance to a claimant or potential claimant. Subtitle C: Treatment, Coordination, and Forfeiture of Compensation and Benefits - Requires offset against payments authorized under this Title with respect to any payments already received by covered employees due to such illnesses. Provides a right of subrogation on behalf of the United States in connection with such offset. (Sec. 3643) Mandates that acceptance of payment under the Program for covered employees constitutes full satisfaction of all such claims against the United States, DOE or its contractors or subcontractors, a beryllium employer, or atomic weapons employer. (Sec. 3644) Specifies the liabilities of the Unites States for future claims related to covered illnesses. (Sec. 3645) Allows covered beryllium and atomic weapons employees to elect a remedy under this Title for a covered illness, with specified time limitations. Requires any currently-filed tort claim case to be dismissed by December 31, 2003, for claim eligibility under this Title. (Sec. 3646) Mandates that compensation or benefits provided under this Title be tax exempt and not affect the eligibility of an individual for Federal assistance programs. (Sec. 3647) Prohibits the assignment or transfer of claims under the Program. (Sec. 3648) Limits attorney fees with respect to such claims to a two percent fee for filing the initial claim. (Sec. 3649) States that payment under this Title shall not be considered compensation or reimbursement for a loss for purposes of any applicable insurance payment or claim. (Sec. 3650) Requires forfeiture of entitlement to any Program compensation or benefit by individuals convicted of a Federal or State felony relating to fraud in the application for or receipt of any benefit under this Program or any Federal or State workers' compensation law. (Sec. 3651) Prohibits (except under sec. 3630, above) individuals receiving compensation or benefits under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act from receiving compensation or benefits under this Title. Subtitle D: Assistance in State Workers' Compensation Proceedings - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with a State to provide assistance to a DOE contractor employee in filing a claim under the appropriate State workers' compensation system. Outlines claim assistance procedures. Requires a report from the CG to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of such assistance.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 2000 - Title I: Benefit Improvements - Subtitle A: Beneficiary Assistance - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to: (1) limiting the copayment amount for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (2) elimination of time limitation for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs and continued entitlement for immunosuppressive drugs for certain individuals after Medicare benefits end; and (3) preservation of coverage of drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing any reduction in the rate of reimbursement for any outpatient drug or biological under Medicare between enactment of this Act and September 15, 2001. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the reasonableness of the Medicare reimbursement policy for such drugs and biologicals based on their average wholesale price. Subtitle B: Improved Preventive Benefits - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to coverage of: (1) biannual screening pap smear and pelvic exams; (2) screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals; and (3) medical nutrition therapy services. (Sec. 114) Makes changes concerning State accreditation for diabetes outpatient self-management training services. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary to conduct for reports to Congress a series of studies designed to identify preventive interventions that can be delivered in the primary care setting and that are most valuable to older Americans. Amends the mission statement of the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include the evaluation of services that are of particular relevance to older Americans. (Sec. 116) Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on current literature and best practices in the field of health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 117) Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on Medicare coverage of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services. Title II: Rural Health Care Improvements - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment for outpatient critical access hospital services to prohibit Medicare beneficiary cost-sharing otherwise applicable under Medicare part B with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished as an outpatient critical access hospital service. (Sec. 202) Provides for revision of payment for professional services provided by a critical access hospital. (Sec. 203) Permits critical access hospitals to operate any psychiatric or rehabilitation unit which is: (1) a distinct part of the hospital; as well as (2) prospective payment system (PPS)-exempt. (Sec. 204) Exempts critical access hospital swing beds from the skilled nursing facility (SNF) PPS. Subtitle B: Other Rural Hospital Provisions - Outlines provisions for various payment adjustment, eligibility, and rebased target amounts treatment in relation to, respectively, rural disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals, Medicare dependent, small rural hospital program, and sole community hospitals. (Sec. 214) Directs MEDPAC, in its study of rural providers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (BBRA) to include: (1) in such study an analysis of the impact of volume on the per unit cost of rural hospitals with psychiatric units; and (2) in its report on such study a recommendation on whether special treatment for such hospitals may be warranted. Subtitle C: Other Rural Provisions - Sets out provisions relating to: (1) the provider-based rural health clinic cap exemption under Medicare part B provisions concerned with payment of benefits; and (2) payment for certain physician assistant services under such provisions for use of carriers for administration of benefits. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretary, during 2001 or 2002, to increase the payment amount in the case of a unit of home health service furnished in a rural area. (Sec. 224) Revises Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) and makes other telehealth-related changes, including making all physicians and practitioners eligible for telehealth reimbursement. (Sec. 225) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title III: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: PPS Hospitals -.Amends SSA title XVIII to delay reduction in the PPS hospital payment update under Medicare provisions for payment to hospitals for inpatient hospital services. (Sec. 301) Sets forth a special rule for payment for inpatient hospital services for FY 2001. (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the reduction made in the indirect graduate medical education payments for DSH hospitals. Sets forth a special rule for payment for indirect graduate medical education costs for DSH hospitals for FY 2001. (Sec. 303) Amends SSA title XVIII to decrease reductions for DSH hospital payments. Sets forth a special rule for payment for DSH hospitals for FY 2001. (Sec. 304) Amends SSA title XVIII to modify the payment rate with respect to the operating costs of inpatient hospital services of DSH Puerto Rico hospitals for inpatient hospital discharges. Sets forth a special rule for payment for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services of DSH Puerto Rico hospitals for FY 2001. (Sec. 305) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on: (1) the hospital area wage indexes used in making payments to hospitals for payment amounts with respect to the operating costs of inpatient hospital services of a DSH hospital; and (2) any increased costs incurred by DSH hospitals in providing inpatient hospital services to Medicare beneficiaries during the period from FY 1983 through FY 1999 that were attributable to complying with new blood safety measure requirements and providing such services using new technologies. Subtitle B: PPS Exempt Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the OPD PPS to mandate pre-BBRA payment levels permanently for outpatient services furnished by children's hospitals. (Sec. 312) Modifies payment for inpatient services of rehabilitation hospitals, including authority for a rehabilitation facility to elect to apply the full PPS rate without a phase-in. (Sec. 313) Requires the Secretary, in developing the PPS required under BBRA for long-term care hospitals, to examine the feasibility and the impact of basing payment under such PPS on the use of existing (or refined) hospital diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) and the use of the most recently available hospital discharge data. Provides that if the Secretary is unable to implement such PPS by October 1, 2002, the Secretary shall implement a PPS for long-term care hospitals that bases payment under such a system using existing hospital DRGs for such services furnished on or after that date. Subtitle C: Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for revision to the SNF market basket update for FY 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 321) Sets forth a special rule for payment for covered SNF services under Medicare for FY 2001. (Sec. 322) Amends SSA title XVIII to limit the application of the SNF consolidated billing requirement to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covered stays. Directs the Secretary to monitor payments made under Medicare part B for items and services furnished to residents of SNFs during a time in which the residents are not being provided Medicare-covered post-hospital extended care services to ensure that there is not duplicate billing for services or excessive services provided. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretary to: (1) reexamine the SNF market basket percentage used in making the update to the first fiscal year under the PPS for SNFs; and (2) make adjustments to payments under the PPS for covered SNF services furnished in FY 2002 to reflect any necessary and appropriate adjustments to such payments. Subtitle D: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment for hospice care to revise the market basket increase with respect to routine home care and other services included in hospice care furnished during each of FY 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 331) Repeals BBRA provisions requiring the Secretary to provide for a temporary increase in payment for hospice care. (Sec. 332) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the appropriateness of the Medicare certification regarding terminal illness of an individual required in order for such individual to receive Medicare hospice benefits. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Hospice Demonstration Program to increase the utility of hospice care for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) establish a Hospice Education Grant Program for hospice programs participating in such demonstration program for the purpose of providing information about Medicare hospice care and the benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries under such program. Provides for funding. Subtitle E : Other Provisions - Prohibits the Secretary from implementing the provider-based criteria contained in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Health Care Financing Administration on April 7, 2000 until after July 9, 2001. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the OPD PPS concerning: (1) the transitional adjustment to limit decline in payment to make certain changes with regard to the pre-BBA amount for application to certain hospitals that did not submit a 1996 cost report; (2) the transitional pass-through for additional costs of innovative medical devices, drugs, and biologicals to make certain changes with regard to the eligibility of devices for pass-through payments under the OPD PPS; (3) system requirements to require the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services that classify separately those procedures that utilize contrast media from those that do not; and (4) the transitional pass-through for additional costs of innovative medical devices, drugs, and biologicals to include contrast agents in the pass-through. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians - Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. (Sec. 412) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the: (1) Medicare post-payment audit process as it applies to physicians; (2) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare; and (3) the appropriateness of furnishing gastrointestinal endoscopic physicians' services in physicians' offices. Subtitle C: Ambulance Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the elimination of the reduction in inflation adjustments for ambulance services. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the establishment of a fee schedule for ambulance services to allow a supplier of ambulance services to make an election to forego phase-in of such fee schedule for ambulance services and receive payments based only on such fee schedule as in effect after such phase-in.. (Sec. 423) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the means by which rural areas with low population densities can be identified for the purpose of designating areas in which the cost of providing ambulance services would be expected to be higher than similar services provided in more heavily populated areas because of low usage. (Sec. 424) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided. Subtitle D: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to payment of benefits and BBA '97 to extend the moratorium on caps for certain therapy services and the deadline for the Secretary to report to Congress any recommendations on establishment of a revised coverage policy of outpatient physical therapy services and outpatient occupational therapy services under SSA. (Sec. 432) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to provide for an increased update in the renal dialysis composite rate for end state renal dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2001. (Sec. 433) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services to provide for a full update in 2001 for durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices and orthotics and prosthetics, and oxygen and oxygen equipment. Amends BBA '97 to provide for a full update in 2001 for parenteral and enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment. (Sec. 434) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to benefit payments to set the national limitation amount clinical diagnostic laboratory tests for new pap smear technologies (and other new test technologies) at 100 percent of the national median for such a test performed on or after January 1, 2001, that the Secretary determines is a new test for which no limitation amount has previously been established. (Sec. 435) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a revised PPS for services of ambulatory surgical facilities under Medicare before January 1, 2002. Amends BBRA to provide for: (1) extending the phase-in of the PPS for ambulatory surgical centers to four years; and (2) establishing a deadline of January 1, 2003, for the Secretary to incorporate data from a 1999 or subsequent Medicare cost survey for purposes of implementing or revising such PPS. (Sec. 436) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with regard to payment for physicians' services to provide for treatment of certain physician pathology services. (Sec. 437) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to Indian health service facilities to allow for the modification of Medicare billing requirements for the Indian Health Service or an Indian tribe or tribal organization operating such a facility. (Sec. 438) Amends SSA title XVIII part B with respect to special payment rules for particular items and services concerning replacement of prosthetic devices which are artificial limbs and parts of any such devices. (Sec. 439) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the appropriateness of: (1) the current Medicare payment rates for services provided by a certified nurse-midwife, a physician assistant, nurse practitioner; and a clinical nurse specialist; and (2) providing Medicare coverage for services provided by a certified first nurse assistant, marriage counselor, pastoral care counselor; and licensed professional counselor of mental health. Title V: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous Provisions) with regard to the PPS for home health services to provide for a one-year additional delay in application of the 15 percent reduction on payment limits for such services. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII part D to provide for restoration of the full home health market basket update for home health services for FY 2001. Sets out a special rule for payment for home health services for FY 2001 based on adjusted prospective payment amounts. (Sec. 503) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to the PPS for home health services to exclude certain nonroutine medical supplies. Excludes certain medical supplies from Medicare consolidated billing during the applicable period. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on any nonroutine medical supply that may be appropriately and cost-effectively excluded from the PPS for home health services. (Sec. 504) Provides that, in determining for Medicare purposes whether an office of a home health agency constitutes a branch office or a separate home health agency, neither the time nor distance between the home health agency's parent office and a branch office shall be the sole determinant of a home health agency's branch office status. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the provision of adequate supervision to maintain quality of home health services delivered under Medicare in isolated rural areas. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretary, for FY 2001 and 2002, to increase the addition or adjustment for outliers under the PPS for home health services by such proportion as will result in an aggregate increase in such addition or adjustment for the fiscal year estimated to equal $150,000,000. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) including any such additional payment in updating the standard prospective payment amount (or amounts) as increased by the home health applicable increase percentage for the fiscal year involved; and (2) reducing the standard prospective payment amount (or amounts) applicable to units of home health services furnished during a period to offset any such increase in payments. (Sec. 506) Amends SSA title XVIII part A with regard to conditions of and limitations on payment for services and part B with regard to the procedure for payment of claims of providers of services making changes with regard to the definition of homebound under the Medicare home health benefit. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Provides that, effective for cost-reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1999, for purposes of Medicare payments to hospitals approved educational activities shall include the clinical portion of professional educational training programs, recognized by the Secretary, for clinical psychologists. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Medicare+Choice Payment Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the national per capita Medicare+Choice growth percentage in 2001 and 2002; (2) remove application of the budget neutrality adjustment factor for 2002 under provisions for calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates; (3) increase the minimum payment amount for 2001 for certain areas; and (4) modify area-specific and national percentages provisions with respect to calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. (Sec. 605) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to provide for: (1) an increased update for payment areas with only one or no Medicare+Choice contracts; and (2) a ten-year phase-in of risk adjustment and new methodology for establishment of risk adjustment factors. (Sec. 607) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to premiums to permit Medicare Part B premium reductions as additional benefits under Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 608) Delays from July 1, 2000, to November 15, 2000, the deadline for a Medicare+Choice organization to withdraw the offering of a Medicare+Choice plan under part C (or otherwise to submit information required for the offering of such a plan) for 2001. (Sec. 609) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans; (2) modify payment rules for certain frail elderly Medicare beneficiaries; (3) ensure full implementation of risk adjustment methodology for congestive heart failure enrollees for 2001; and (4) provide for inclusion of costs of certain Department of Defense military treatment facility services to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in calculation of Medicare+Choice payment rates. Subtitle B: Other Medicare+Choice Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations and amounts in Medicare trust funds available for the Secretary's share of Medicare+Choice education and enrollment-related costs and part D with regard to certification of Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) policies and special Medigap enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 623) Amends XVIII part C with regard to eligibility, election, and enrollment to: (1) provide for restoring the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans; and (2) permit ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 625) Amends SSA part C with regard to benefits and beneficiary protections to allow election of uniform local coverage policy for a Medicare+Choice plan covering multiple localities. Subtitle C: Other Managed Care Reforms - Amends BBRA to provide for revised terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects. (Sec. 632) Amends SSA title XVIII part D with regard to payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans and service area expansion for Medicare cost contracts during transition period. Title VII: Medicaid - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to create a new PPS for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 701) Directs the Comptroller General to provide for a study and report to Congress on the need for, and how to, rebase or refine costs for making Medicaid payment for services provided by federally-qualified health centers and rural health centers. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for a: (1) one-year freeze in State Medicaid DSH allotments; and (2) permanent extension of payment of Medicare part B premiums for qualified Medicare beneficiaries with income up to 135 percent of the official poverty line. (Sec. 704) Amends SSA XI to establish an approval process for a State's application for an extension of any State-wide comprehensive demonstration project for which a waiver of compliance with Medicaid requirements is granted. (Sec. 705) Amends SSA title XIX, with regard to the Alaska Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), to establish the State percentage used to determine such FMAP with respect to FY 2001 through 2005 for purposes of SSA titles XIX and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP). Title VIII: State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP ) - Amends SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)) to: (1) establish a rule for redistribution and extended availability of unused FY 1998 and 1999 SCHIP allotments; (2) provide for the application under SCHIP of Medicaid provisions on presumptive eligibility for children; (3) provide authority to pay Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs from SCHIP appropriation; (4) eliminate requirement to reduce SCHIP allotment by Medicaid expansion SCHIP costs; and (5) provide authority to transfer SCHIP appropriations to Medicaid appropriation account as reimbursement for Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid expansion SCHIP services. Title IX: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to increase the authorization of appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant program for FY 2001. (Sec. 902) Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 2001 and 2002 appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type I diabetes and for special diabetes programs for Indians.

College Completion Challenge Grant Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2000

College Completion Challenge Grant Act of 2000 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a College Completion Challenge Grants program to assist higher education institutions to help at-risk students stay in school and complete their four-year postsecondary academic programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to reserve specified funds to make such grants to certain entities. Requires grantees to use such funds to provide: (1) additional grant aid to students in their first two years of postsecondary education who are receiving Federal Pell Grants; or (2) intensive summer programs for incoming first-year students (and, under certain conditions, second- or third-year students). Allows grantees to use such funds to serve students who have completed their first two years of postsecondary education if they are at high risk of dropping out of school and if the grantee will first meet the needs of all its eligible first- and second-year students for services under this Act.

Secure Our Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2000

Secure Our Schools Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General 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.