Energy

Energy Policy and Conservation Act Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999

Energy Policy and Conservation Act Amendments - Reformulates the purposes of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) so as to grant the President specific authority to fulfill U.S. obligations under the international energy program. Repeals its current purposes to: (1) reduce energy demand through implementation of energy conservation plans; (2) increase fossil fuel supply through price incentives and production requirements; and (3) reduce demand for petroleum products and natural gas through programs designed to enhance the use of domestic coal resources. (Sec. 3) Encompasses within EPCA jurisdiction an international energy supply shortage which the President determines to be of an emergency nature. (Sec. 4) Repeals the statutory incentive program to develop underground coal mines. Replaces prohibitions against lease bidding arrangements for oil and natural gas interests located on the Outer Continental Shelf by a major oil company affiliate, with the mandate that the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) establish a program for setting joint bidding terms for exploration and development of crude oil, natural gas, and minerals located on such Shelf. Mandates that such program consider the goals of ensuring a fair return and encouraging timely and efficient resource development. Repeals restrictions controlling oil or gas production at the maximum efficient rate and temporary emergency production rate. Repeals Federal policy to provide for the creation of an Early Storage Reserve. Removes from the ambit of EPCA jurisdiction: (1) the Early Storage Reserve; (2) the Industrial Petroleum Reserve; (3) the Regional Petroleum Reserve; and (4) other storage reserves. Terminates the SPR Office in the Federal Energy Administration. Repeals the mandate for SPR expansion and for an SPR Plan. Details the authorities conferred upon the Secretary to develop, operate, or maintain the SPR. Repeals guidelines for storage, transport, or exchange of petroleum products, including: (1) fill operation by the President; (2) crude oil from Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 1 and reduction in fill-rate requirements; (3) suspension of fill operations during emergency situations; (4) test program of storage of refined petroleum products; and (5) distribution of the SPR. Replaces SPR distribution guidelines with a directive to the Secretary to: (1) sell SPR petroleum products at public auction to the highest bidder without regard to any Federal, State, or local regulation controlling petroleum product sales; and (2) conduct a continuing evaluation of drawdown and sales procedures. Cites the maximum barrels of petroleum products permissible in any SPR test drawdown, sale or exchange. Repeals the mandate for a study regarding Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 4. Revamps the contents of the Secretary's annual status report to Congress regarding SPR operations. Permits the use of SPR Petroleum Account funds by the Secretary for test drawdown and sales of petroleum products from the Reserve. Repeals guidelines governing: (1) use of the SPR Petroleum Account to meet expenses pertaining to interim storage facilities for SPR petroleum products; and (2) contracts for which no implementing legislation is needed. Extends, from FY 1999 to 2003, the authorities granted to implement domestic supply availability. (Sec. 5) Repeals the statutory plan for: (1) general emergency authorities; and (2) energy emergency preparedness. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for domestic renewable energy industry and related service industries. Extends from FY 1999 to 2003 the Federal authorities granted to implement standby energy authorities.

Comprehensive Electricity Competition Tax Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999

Comprehensive Electricity Competition Tax Act - Title I: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to tax-exempt private activity bonds to declare that the determination whether any electric output facility bond issued before enactment of this Act (pre-effective date electric output facility bond) is a private activity bond shall be made without regard to any specified permissible competitive action taken by the issuer. Requires such a bond not to be a private activity bond or industrial development bond as of the date of enactment of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to any qualified refunding bond meeting certain criteria which is issued to refund a pre-effective date electric output facility bond if the net proceeds of the refunding bond are used within 90 days of issuance to redeem the refunded bond. Qualifies for tax exemption private activity bonds for electric output facilities issued after enactment of this Act, excluding any part of an issue for distribution property that operates at 69 kilovolts or less. Modifies special rules for nuclear decommissioning costs to eliminate cost-of-service as the maximum which a taxpayer may pay into a Nuclear Decommissioning Fund. Includes any distributed power property within 15-year depreciation property. Establishes an eight percent investment credit for combined heat and power (CHP) system property placed in service in calendar years 2000 through 2002. Precludes any carryback of the energy credit prior to the effective date of this Act, except for solar and geothermal energy property.

Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: State Option to Regulate Oil and Gas Lease Operations on Federal Land Title II: Use of Cost Savings From State Regulation Title III: Streamlining and Cost Reduction Title IV: Federal Royalty Certainty Title V: Royalty Reinvestment in America Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 1999 - Title I: State Option to Regulate Oil and Gas Lease Operations on Federal Lands - Authorizes a State to notify the Secretary of the Interior of its intent to accept authority for oil and gas lease operations on Federal lands within such State. Transfers such authority by operation of law from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to a State six months after the Secretary receives the State's notice. Title II: Use of Cost Savings from State Regulation - Instructs the Secretary to compensate any State for costs incurred to implement the transferred authorities. (Sec. 202) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to direct the Secretary to exclude from the 50 percent deduction from oil, gas, and geothermal revenues, with respect to calculation of specified Federal payments to States, the costs of preparing resource management planning documents and analyses for areas in which oil and gas leasing is excluded, or areas in which the primary activity under review is not oil and gas leasing and development. Title III: Streamlining and Cost Reduction - Prohibits the Department of the Interior from recovering its costs with respect to applications and other documents relating to oil and gas leases. (Sec. 302) Prescribes guidelines for the decision-making process of the BLM and the Forest Service affecting oil and gas leases and operations. (Sec. 303) Directs the BLM and the Forest Service to assure that unwarranted denials and stays of lease issuance and unwarranted restrictions on lease operations are eliminated from the administration of oil and gas leasing on Federal lands. Sets forth a timetable for the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) report jointly with the Secretary of Agriculture to the Congress on the most efficient means of eliminating overlap and duplication between the BLM and the Forest Service; (2) publish notice in the Federal Register of a national inventory of oil and gas reserves and potential resources underlying Federal lands; and (3) report to the Congress a revised inventory of such reserves and resources as a result of public comment, and specifically indicate BLM steps to increase the percentage of lands open for oil and gas development. Title IV: Federal Royalty Certainty - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act regarding oil and gas leases to provide that royalty payments due: (1) in value shall be based upon the value of oil or gas production at the lease in marketable condition; and (2) in amount shall be based upon the royalty share of production at the lease. (Sec. 402) Provides that if payments in value or amount are calculated from a point away from the lease the lessee shall be allowed reimbursements at a reasonable commercial rate for certain services beyond the lease through the point of disposition or delivery. (Sec. 404) Exempts Indian land from the application of this title. Title V: Royalty Reinvestment in America - Directs the Secretary to allow a credit against the payment of royalties on Federal oil production and gas production, respectively, in an amount equal to 20 percent of the capital expenditures made on exploration and development activities on Federal oil and gas leases, whenever the cash price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil is less than $18 per barrel for 90 consecutive pricing days, or whenever natural gas prices as delivered at Henry Hub, Louisiana, are less than $2.30 per million British thermal units for 90 consecutive days. Declares that in no case shall such capital expenditures made on Outer Continental Shelf leases be credited against onshore Federal royalty obligations. (Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary, whenever such price conditions apply, to reduce the royalty rate as production declines for specified kinds of onshore or offshore oil or gas wells. (Sec. 503) Specifies circumstances when and procedures by which well operators may suspend operation and production of oil or natural gas wells for a two-year period.

Energy Security Tax Policy Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999

Energy Security Tax Policy Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning oil and gas producers, including the alternative minimum tax credit, the enhanced oil recovery credit, and establishing a credit for marginal oil and gas wells.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) National Reconnaissance Office; and (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2000, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2000 when the DCI determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires notification of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees when such authority is exercised. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 2000. Authorizes full-time personnel for elements within such Account as of September 30, 2000. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such staff. Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Requires a transfer of funds from the DCI to the Attorney General (AG) to operate the Center. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to: (1) extend through January 6, 2001, the authority of the President to stay the application of certain sanctions against a foreign country when such application would undermine U.S. intelligence activities or sources; and (2) permit authorized Federal investigative agencies to access computers used by Federal employees in the performance of government duties. (Sec. 305) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow the naturalization of a person affiliated with a Communist or similar party if such person: (1) is otherwise eligible; (2) is within a proscribed category solely because of past membership in, or affiliation with, such party or organization; (3) does not fall within any other excluded category; and (4) is jointly determined by the DCI, the AG, and the Commissioner if Immigration and Naturalization to have made a contribution to the U.S. national security or national intelligence mission. (Sec. 306) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to extend through FY 2001 funding for infrastructure and quality of life improvements at the Menwith Hill and Bad Aibling Stations. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to: (1) extend to nonappropriated fund entities or instrumentalities associated or affiliated with the CIA the provision of items and services under the CIA central services program; (2) provide for additional deposits into the Central Services Working Capital Fund; and (3) extend such program through March 31, 2005. (Sec. 402) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Voluntary Separation Pay Act to extend such Act through FY 2000. Title V: Department of Energy Intelligence Activities - Department of Energy Sensitive Country Foreign Visitors Moratorium Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from admitting to any classified facility of a national laboratory any citizen of a nation that is named on the current Department of Energy sensitive countries list. Authorizes the waiver of such prohibition on a case-by-case basis in the national security interest, requiring a report to specified congressional committees when such waiver is exercised. (Sec. 503) States that before a citizen of any foreign nation is allowed to enter a national laboratory, the Secretary of Energy shall require a security background check on such individual. (Sec. 504) Requires the Directors of the CIA and the FBI to report to specified congressional committees on counterintelligence activities at national laboratories, including facilities and areas at which unclassified work is performed. Title VI: Foreign Counterintelligence and International Terrorism Investigations - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to include within the definition of "agent of a foreign power" for purposes of coverage under such Act a person who knowingly enters the United States under a false or fraudulent identity for or on behalf of a foreign power or, while in the United States, knowingly assumes a false or fraudulent identity for or on behalf of a foreign power. (Sec. 602) Amends the Counterintelligence and Security Enhancements Act of 1994 to require the FBI to pass on to the appropriate Federal agency information obtained by the FBI concerning the possible disclosure of classified information by an individual within that agency. (Currently, the FBI must pass on such information only after receiving a report from the head of such agency concerning the possibility of such disclosure.)

Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999

Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to commence a methane hydrate research and development program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award program grants or contracts (based on a competitive merit-based process) to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, institutions of higher education and industrial enterprises; and (2) establish a panel to provide advice on applications of methane hydrate and priorities for the program. Limits to five percent the amount of program funding that can be used for administrative expense and prohibits funding for building construction. Requires the Secretary, in awarding such grants or contracts or entering into such cooperative agreements, to: (1) facilitate and develop partnerships among government, industry, and institutions of higher education; (2) undertake programs to develop basic information necessary for promoting long-term interest in methane hydrate resources as an energy source; (3) ensure that the data and information developed through the program are accessible and widely disseminated; (4) promote cooperation among agencies that are developing technologies that may hold promise for methane hydrate resource development; and (5) report annually to Congress on accomplishments. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to: (1) redefine "marine mineral resource" to include methane hydrate (for the purposes of the marine mineral resources research program); and (2) define "methane hydrate." Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004. Terminates the methane hydrate research and development program after FY 2004.

Hanford Reach National Salmon Preserve and Recreational Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1999

Hanford Reach National Salmon Preserve and Recreational Area Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to convey to the State of Washington a specified portion of the Hanford Site, an area of property along the Columbia River in Washington. Allows such conveyance only after the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has made specified certifications to the Secretary with respect to the appropriate environmental cleanup of such area. Designates such lands and the Columbia River corridor adjacent to such lands as the Hanford Reach National Salmon Preserve and Recreational Area. Directs the Department of Energy and the State of Washington to enter into a joint agreement with Benton, Franklin, and Grant Counties to establish the Hanford Reach Protection and Management Commission, which shall develop and implement a plan to manage the lands conveyed by the Secretary in order to protect and enhance plant, fish and wildlife, and cultural resources, as well as recreational access to, and other uses of, Hanford Reach (a specified stretch of the Columbia River).

Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1999

Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 1999 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 2000 and 2001 for the Office of Air and Radiation (Office) for environmental and scientific and energy research, development, and demonstration and commercial application of energy technology programs and activities. Bars the obligation of such funds until the Administrator submits certain information regarding such programs to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 4) Sets forth provisions regarding reprogramming and limitations on funds as well as certain reporting requirements. Requires notice to specified congressional committees before any major reorganization of any Office program or activity described by this Act. (Sec. 5) Sets forth requirements for the submission of a detailed justification for budget authorization for the programs and activities authorized by this Act. (Sec. 6) Limits the use of funds authorized by this Act for travel costs. Bars the use of funds authorized by this Act for: (1) grants or contracts awarded by EPA to a trade association on a noncompetitive basis; or (2) implementation of the Kyoto Protocol unless it has been ratified by the Senate and entered into force. (Sec. 7) Permits funding for programs and activities described by this Act only for technologies or processes that are substantially new and not for incremental improvements to those that exist in the marketplace. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this Act to award or modify an Office contract in a manner that deviates from the Federal Acquisition Regulation unless the Administrator grants a waiver to allow for such deviation. (Sec. 9) Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act by: (1) EPA to prepare or initiate Requests for Proposals for programs under this Act not specifically authorized by Congress; and (2) Office programs under this Act to produce or provide articles or services for purposes of selling them to a person outside the Federal Government unless the Administrator determines that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. (Sec. 11) Excludes from consideration for grant agreements for programs described by this Act made by the Office after FY 1999 any person who received funds appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1999 under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source for a program that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes such exclusions effective for a period of five years after the person receives such Federal funds.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorizations Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorization of Appropriations Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Military Education and Training Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: Organization Subtitle B: Management of Service Academies Subtitle C: Personnel Management Subtitle D: Other Matters Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Foreign Nations Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XI: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1999 Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 to 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 2000 and 2001 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the Defense Health Program; and (4) the chemical demilitarization program. Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorization - Authorizes the use of multiyear procurement contracts for specified Army and Navy aircraft, missiles, equipment, and vehicles. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for research, development, test, and evaluation. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DOD). (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 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 2000. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to pay inspection and monitoring expenses of international inspectors from the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. 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 2000 and 2001. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for military technicians (dual status) and military technicians (non-dual status). (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain officers and enlisted personnel authorized to serve on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management - Prohibits DOD funds from being used to implement a reduction of active-duty end strengths for any of the armed forces for any fiscal year below the number currently required to support two major regional contingencies simultaneously unless the Secretary notifies Congress of such proposal and a justification. (Sec. 417) Authorizes the Secretary to increase the end strengths for Selected Reserve personnel by up to two percent. (Sec. 418) Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of FY 2000): (1) the authority to exempt certain senior joint officer positions from officer end strength limitations; and (2) the requirement for each military department Secretary to submit to the Secretary the name of an officer to serve in a vacant senior joint officer position. (Sec. 419) Exempts from Air Force officer end strength limitations an officer appointed to the position of Commander in Chief of the United States Transportation Command or United States Space Command. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Removes the requirement that active-duty or retired officers serving on boards of inquiry be serving in a grade above lieutenant colonel or commander, but requires one board member to be above such grade. Requires remaining board members to be in grades above major or lieutenant commander. (Sec. 502) Limits to no less than three or more than five the number of officers to be recommended by the Secretary of each military department for vacant positions for Judge Advocate General and Assistant or Deputy Judge Advocate General of each military department. (Sec. 503) Requires the following positions (currently designated simply as critical acquisition positions) to be assigned for no fewer than three years: program or deputy program managers for a significant nonmajor defense acquisition program; program executive officers; general or flag officer or the civilian equivalent; and senior contracting official. (Sec. 504) Authorizes a promotion selection board to recommend for promotion an officer from below the promotion zone for that position when the number of officers recommended is less than one. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to delay the separation or retirement of a reserve officer until the completion of court-martial disciplinary proceedings. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, with the consent of the member, to order a reserve member to active duty to complete a required DOD health care study. (Sec. 512) Makes ineligible for promotion a reserve officer serving in an educational delay status in order to attend an approved educational institution to receive advanced training, when such training is subsidized by the military department concerned. Makes such section retroactive in the case of officers not promoted due to such status between October 1, 1996, and the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 513) Requires a major or lieutenant commander who has twice failed to be selected for promotion to be removed from the reserve active status list on the later of the first day of the month after such member completes 20 years of service (current law) or seven months after the President approves the report of the board which considered such officer for the second time. (Sec. 514) Excludes from the computation of creditable years of service for a reserve officer service as a reserve commissioned officer while in a program of advanced education to receive the first professional degree required for appointment, designation, or assignment within various military medical specialties, or as a chaplain or judge advocate, provided such service occurs before the officer commences initial active or reserve service in the specialty that results from such degree. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to retain reserve component chaplains until age 67 (currently 60). (Sec. 516) Authorizes reserve personnel to travel in a space required status on military aircraft between home and place of inactive duty training, or place of duty in lieu of unit training assembly, when there is no road or rail transportation between such locations. (Sec. 517) Prohibits civil employment for regular and reserve officers serving on active duty under a call or order for a period in excess of 270 (currently 180) days. Subtitle C: Military Education and Training - Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1999) the authority of the Secretary concerned to allow graduate students to receive financial assistance under the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. (Sec. 521) Revises generally provisions concerning the award of reserve service credit for participation in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program. (Sec. 522) Allows tuition reimbursement and training allowances provided to acquisition personnel to be for the full amount of expenses and training incurred. (Sec. 523) Provides the authorized grade for an individual serving as a dean of the United States Military Academy or United States Air Force Academy. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the Commandant of the United States Army War College to confer the degree of master of strategic studies. (Sec. 525) Authorizes the commander of the Air Education and Training Command to establish minimum educational requirements for Community College of the Air Force professors and instructors. (Sec. 526) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to provide up to $5,200 yearly in financial assistance to certain members of the Marine Corps Reserve for completion of: (1) baccalaureate degree requirements in an educational program that takes less than five years to complete; or (2) doctor of jurisprudence or bachelor of laws degree requirements in programs that take no more than three years to complete. Outlines eligibility requirements, including selection as an officer candidate in the Marine Corps Platoon Leader's Class Program and completion of at least six weeks of military training. Requires graduates to serve at least five years of active duty upon graduation. Prohibits more than 1,200 individuals from participating in such program at any one time. Provides for the computation of creditable service for officers serving in such positions. Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to authorize special courts-martial to adjudge and execute punishments which include confinement for up to one year (currently six months). (Sec. 531) Reduces from 0.10 to 0.08 the blood-alcohol content for determining the UCMJ offense of drunken operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 2000 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 4.4 percent, effective on January 1, 2000, the rates of basic pay for military personnel. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Authorizes enlistment bonuses to be paid in a lump-sum (currently only in installments). Increases from $12,000 to $20,000 the authorized one-time bonus for enlisting for at least a four-year period. (Sec. 613) Reduces from 21 to 17 months of continuous active duty the service required for a member to be eligible (among other requirements) for a reenlistment bonus. Increases the amount of such bonus to the lesser of 15 (currently ten) times the amount that the member was entitled to at the time of original separation or discharge multiplied by the number of agreed-upon years of additional service, or $60,000 (currently $45,000). (Sec. 614) Authorizes payment of a prior service enlistment bonus to members of the Selected Reserve attaining or occupying positions designated as critically short. (Sec. 615) Requires air battle managers entitled to the payment of aviation career incentive pay to receive the higher of such pay or the amount they were receiving prior to such entitlement. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the payment of career enlisted flyer incentive pay to enlisted personnel who: (1) are entitled to basic pay or inactive duty training pay; (2) hold or are training for a career enlisted occupational or flyer specialty; (3) are qualified for aviation service; and (4) engage or remain in such service on a career basis. Outlines operational flying duty requirements. Provides for the monthly amounts of such pay, such amount increasing with the years of creditable aviation service performed. Provides for a proportionate share of such pay for reserve members performing inactive duty training involving aviation. Prohibits such pay for members already receiving either hazardous duty incentive pay or diving duty special pay. (Sec. 618) Increases the diving duty special pay and the foreign language proficiency special pay. (Sec. 620) Authorizes the payment of surface warfare officer continuation pay to officers who agree to remain on active duty to complete tours of duty to which such officers may be ordered as a department head afloat. Limits such amount to $50,000, requiring pro rata repayment for tours not completed. (Sec. 622) Authorizes special pay for certain special warfare officers who agree to remain on active duty in such service for at least one additional year. Limits such payment to $10,000 for each additional year. Terminates on September 30, 2001, the authority to enter into such agreements. Requires a pro rata repayment for additional periods not completed. (Sec. 623) Increases certain bonuses and special pay provided to nuclear-qualified officers. Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays - Extends through FY 2001 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay - Repeals a reduction in retired pay currently required for individuals who first became members of the armed forces after July 31, 1986, and retired with less than 30 years of retirement-creditable service. Revises the annual cost-of-living adjustment applicable to such retired pay. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the lump-sum payment of accrued unused annual leave upon a member's reenlistment into the armed forces. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the use of any airport in the United States at which travel can be arranged at the lowest cost in connection with emergency leave travel for military personnel. (Currently, only travel from the closest airport is authorized.) (Sec. 642) Authorizes the use of appropriated funds to provide contract quarters as lodging in kind for reservists performing active duty for training or inactive duty training. (Sec. 643) Provides limited authority for the Secretary concerned to delegate the authority to waive operational flying duty requirements. (Sec. 644) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide tuition assistance for members deployed in a contingency operation or similar operational mission. (Sec. 645) Authorizes the payment of temporary lodging expenses of members making their first permanent change of duty station. (Sec. 646) Requires the continuation of authorized pay and allowances for a member listed under a "whereabouts unknown" duty status. (Sec. 647) Changes from annually to biennially a required report concerning operation of the educational assistance program for reserve personnel. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary, in the administration of health care contracts and programs, to implement program benefit and administrative changes at the start of each fiscal year rather than throughout the year, except when the Secretary determines that such changes would significantly improve health services to eligible beneficiaries. Authorizes the Secretary, under certain circumstances, to defer for up to one year the schedule implementation for a new health care program or benefit (requires congressional certification). (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, to continue payment under CHAMPUS for domiciliary or custodial care services to covered beneficiaries who, prior to the effective date of final regulations implementing the individual case management program, were provided such care. (Sec. 704) Authorizes the Armed Forces Medical Examiner to conduct forensic pathology examinations, including autopsies. Outlines circumstances warranting such examinations, including when a person dies while imprisoned in a military installation or from an injury or illness incurred during active duty or military training. Subjects such authority to the primary jurisdiction of any State or local governmental authority involved. Requires that, when a person is found dead at a place garrisoned by the Navy or Marine Corps under circumstances requiring investigation, such commanding officer shall direct a summary court-martial to investigate the circumstances. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments for emergency medical or dental care for military, civilian, and DOD contractor employees permanently or temporarily on duty in the countries of the former Soviet Union or Warsaw Pact. (Sec. 706) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the administration of the collection from third party insurers of the costs of care provided in military health care facilities to covered beneficiaries of such insurers. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from public disclosure any DOD geodetic product (maps, charts, and related data) that, if disclosed, would interfere or unfairly compete with an emerging or existing commercial industry or market operation. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the application of certain survivability test requirements with respect to the MH-47E and MH-60K helicopter modification programs before their release for operational use. Requires a congressional report upon the exercise of such waiver. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain defense contracting procedures for the acquisition of coal or coke (currently, only petroleum and natural gas). (Sec. 804) Removes a prior funding certification requirement with respect to the use of multiyear contracts for defense acquisition programs. (Sec. 805) Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements. (Sec. 806) Excludes certain subcontract notification requirements with respect to a contractor that maintains a purchasing system that has been approved by the appropriate contracting officer. (Sec. 807) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal certain reports, plans, processes, and reviews required for nuclear attack submarines; and (2) 1997 to repeal a required annual report on design responsibility under the New Attack Submarine program. (Sec. 809) Authorizes the waiver of cost-sharing requirements under the defense manufacturing technology program when a project: (1) is not likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application; and (2) is initiated by a military service acquisition organization or by the Defense Logistics Agency. Requires documentation of the rationale for not requiring cost-sharing. Adds the extent to which project costs are being shared to information to be included in a five-year plan for such program. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Organization - Abolishes the position of Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. (Sec. 903) Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a Director of Defense Logistics, to advise the Secretary and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology on DOD logistics. Subtitle B: Management of Service Academies - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to establish the work schedule, as well as premium pay and compensatory time off for work performed in excess of that regularly scheduled, for service academy faculty members. (Sec. 906) Makes eligible for presidential appointment to a service academy children of members who: (1) are on active duty and have at least eight total years of such duty (currently, eight continuous years is required); (2) are members of the reserves who have earned at least 2,880 retirement points; or (3) are eligible, or who died while they were eligible, for retired pay but had not yet reached age 60. (Sec. 907) Authorizes the waiver or reimbursement of up to 50 (currently 35) percent of the costs of instruction of foreign persons at U.S. service academies for students entering on or after May 1, 1999. (Sec. 908) Authorizes up to 24 (currently ten) cadets or midshipmen from each service academy to participate in a service academy foreign exchange program. Increases from $50,000 to $120,000 the authorized fiscal year expenditures for each academy under such program. Subtitle C: Personnel Management - Repeals the authority of a commanding officer or officer in charge of a unit, vessel, facility, or area of a military department to investigate a complaint of sexual harassment made by a civilian employee under such officer's supervision. (Sec. 911) Excludes from a limitation on the number of retired officers authorized to serve on active duty an officer assigned to the Army, Navy, or Air Force Retiree Council. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Exempts from the requirement for the disclosure of personnel information such information pertaining to members of the armed forces or civilian employees of DOD or the Department of Transportation assigned to or employed by overseas units, sensitive units, or routinely deployable units. Makes such exemption inapplicable with respect to the provision of information to Congress. (Sec. 916) Allows captured vessels or vessels stricken from the Naval Register to be transferred by the Secretary of the Navy after congressional notification and a 60 calendar day waiting period (currently, 60 days of continuous congressional session). (Sec. 917) Extends through FY 2002 the authority to acquire real property leases for special operations activities. (Sec. 918) Repeals the Naval Academy Museum Fund and transfers such funds into the United States Naval Academy Gift and Museum Fund, established herein. Repeals the Naval Center Historical Fund and transfers such funds into the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund. (Sec. 919) Authorizes the use of common defense burdensharing funds for a military construction project in a country which contributed such funds, upon a declaration of war or national emergency, when necessary to support the use of armed forces. Requires congressional notification of such decision and its estimated cost. (Sec. 920) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to exempt operational files of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) from Federal public disclosure laws (including the Freedom of Information Act). Provides exceptions, including the use of such files for immigration and nationality purposes or Federal investigative proceedings. Provides judicial review, with limitations, when a person alleges that such records have been improperly withheld. Requires the NIMA Director and the Director of Central Intelligence, at least once every ten years, to review any exemptions in force to determine whether they should be removed from the exempt category. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Repeals the requirement for: (1) a separate budget request for the procurement of reserve equipment; and (2) a two-year DOD budget cycle pursuant to the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986. (Sec. 1003) Revises the due date for, and requires inclusion of specified additional information in, a joint report by the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office on the scoring of defense budget outlays. (Sec. 1004) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend from two to four years after the enactment of such Act a pilot program for the sale of air pollution emission reduction incentives. Subtitle B: Foreign Nations - Removes a provision limiting the Secretary's authority to enter into cooperative military airlift agreements with allied countries solely to that provided under current law. (Sec. 1011) Extends through FY 2000, with a spending limit of $15 million, the authority of the Secretary to provide financial assistance in support of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq, as authorized under the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992. Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools - Allows a military dependent who has been a junior at a secondary school under the DOD domestic dependent elementary and secondary schools program to be enrolled as a senior in the next school year, notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. (Sec. 1016) Allows the Secretary to establish a single school board for program schools located in a U.S. territory, commonwealth, or possession. (Sec. 1017) Allows the Secretary to continue the enrollment of a military dependent or the dependent of a Federal employee under the program for as long as determined appropriate (currently, only until the end of that school year), notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to allow a member of the armed forces on active duty who buys or leases a motor vehicle under contract to remove such vehicle from such State when the member is assigned to a different State or another country if the member: (1) has not missed more than three periodic payments under such contract and is not otherwise in default at the time of reassignment; and (2) furnishes the seller, lessee, or creditor with a copy of the Government orders and the member's forwarding address. (Sec. 1021) Repeals a provision that limits to $50 million in a fiscal year the Federal expenditure for the National Guard civilian youth opportunities program. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to use appropriated or nonappropriated funds to install telephone lines and any telecommunications equipment in the private residences of designated volunteers and to pay for usage charges for such equipment. (Sec. 1023) Defines as a DOD emergency essential employee a DOD civilian employee whose assigned duties and responsibilities would be necessary during a period that follows the evacuation of non-essential personnel during a declared emergency or the outbreak of combat operations or war. Provides to such employees: (1) an exemption from Federal estate tax under the Internal Revenue Code; and (2) the restoration of accrued but unused annual leave (in the case of such an employee who is deployed to a combat zone outside the United States). (Sec. 1024) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to administer a program to provide off-post emergency preparedness required to protect the public around U.S. installations where lethal chemical agents and munitions are stored. Requires the Director to assist States in responding to emergencies associated with the storage and destruction of such agents and munitions. Authorizes the Director to establish an incentive program to encourage State and local governments to achieve early, efficient, and cost-effective attainment of the required level of emergency preparedness. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress. Requires funds used for such program to be set out in a separate defense-related activities program account for FEMA under the U.S. national defense budget. Title XI: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1999 - Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1999 - Establishes an independent Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 2005. Directs the Secretary, as part of the DOD budget justification for each of FY 2002 and 2006, to include a force structure plan based on an assessment of probable national security threats during the six-year period for which the budget request is made and of the anticipated funding levels that will be available during such period for national defense purposes. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register and transmit to the defense committees the proposed and final criteria to be used in making recommendations for the closure or realignment of military installations inside the United States. Directs the Secretary, on May 15, 2001, and May 16, 2005, to publish and transmit to such committees a list of installations recommended for closure or realignment on the basis of such force structure and final criteria. Requires the inclusion of a summary of the selection process used in making such recommendations. Prohibits the Secretary, in making such recommendations, from taking into consideration any advance conversion planning undertaken by a community in anticipation of a closure or realignment. Directs the Secretary to make all information used in making base closure recommendations available to the Commission and the Comptroller General. Requires the following individuals, when submitting base closure or realignment information to the Secretary, to certify its accuracy and completeness: (1) the Secretaries of the military departments; (2) the heads of defense agencies; and (3) each person having duties which include personal and substantial involvement in the preparation and submission of such information. Directs the Commission, after receiving the Secretary's recommendations, to conduct public hearings and report to the President on its findings, conclusions and recommendations for base closures and realignments. Allows the Commission to change a recommendation made by the Secretary when it finds that it deviates substantially from the force structure plan and final criteria. Prohibits the Commission, when making recommendations, from taking into consideration any advance conversion planning undertaken by an affected community in anticipation of a base closure or realignment. Directs the President, each year in which the Commission makes recommendations, to transmit to the Commission and Congress a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of such recommendations, together with reasons therefor. (Sec. 1104) Directs the Secretary to: (1) close or realign all military installations as recommended by the Commission; and (2) initiate all such closures and realignments within two years, and complete all such closures and realignments within six years, after the President transmits such report. Prohibits any such closure or realignment if disapproved by a congressional joint resolution. (Sec. 1105) Outlines closure or realignment implementation requirements, including economic adjustment and community planning assistance for affected communities, environmental restoration, and outplacement assistance for displaced employees. Directs the Administrator of General Services to delegate to the Secretary appropriate authorities for disposing property at targeted installations. Directs the Secretary, before disposing or transferring such property, to consult with State governors and heads of local governments to consider any plan for the use of such property by the local community concerned. Allows for a transfer of property without consideration in the case of an installation located in a rural area whose closure or realignment will have a substantial adverse impact on local communities and on their prospects for economic recovery. Authorizes a transfer of property to the local redevelopment authority (RA) involved, under certain conditions. Requires a determination as to whether another Federal department or agency can use a portion of a closed or realigned installation, or will accept transferred property, to be made within six months after the date of closure or realignment approval. Requires an RA to which property is transferred to undertake outreach efforts to provide information on the buildings and property involved to representatives of the homeless. Requires such representative to submit to the RA specified information in a notice of interest in such buildings and property, including the homeless assistance program proposed to be carried out at the installation. Directs the RA for each covered installation to prepare and submit to the Secretaries of Defense and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a redevelopment plan for the use of such installation to assist the homeless. Provides for reversion to the RA if the property is not used for such purposes. Directs the HUD Secretary to complete a review of such plan, taking into consideration and being receptive to the predominant views on such plan by the local communities, and to approve or disapprove the plan (allowing an RA to revise disapproved plans). Directs the Secretary, upon a determination by the HUD Secretary that a plan meets appropriate requirements, to dispose of the buildings and property at such installations (requiring environmental compliance). Authorizes the Secretary, if considered to be in the best interests of the affected communities, to: (1) postpone or extend any deadline required under this title; or (2) enter into agreements with local governments for fire and police services, airfield operations, and other community services for closed or realigned installations, if considered in the best interests of DOD. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement to transfer property designated for an RA to any person who agrees to perform all required environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance activities. Requires property recipients to pay at least 50 percent of all compliance costs. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer such property to a person who agrees, in exchange, to transfer to the Secretary housing units located at or near a military installation at which there is a shortage of suitable military housing, under certain conditions. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on any proposed exchange agreement. Authorizes the Secretary, in closing or realigning an installation, to purchase housing ownership interests of military personnel at manufactured housing parks established at an installation to be closed or realigned under this Act when: (1) it is in the best interests of the Federal Government to eliminate or relocate such park; and (2) such elimination or relocation would result in an unreasonable financial hardship to current owners. (Sec. 1106) Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1999, requiring Account funds to be used for environmental restoration and property management and disposal at installations closed or realigned under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Requires annual reports from the Secretary to the defense committees on deposits into, and expenditures from, the Account, and requires a report to such committees 60 days after termination of the Secretary's authority to close or realign an installation. (Sec. 1107) Requires annual reports from the Secretary to the defense committees, beginning with the budget request for FY 2005, which shall include: (1) a schedule of the closure and realignment actions to be carried out, estimated total expenditures and cost savings, and any adverse environmental effects; and (2) a description of installations to which functions are to be transferred as a result of such closures and realignments. (Sec. 1108) Outlines procedures for congressional consideration of a joint resolution disapproving a Commission recommendation of a base closure or realignment. (Sec. 1109) Mandates that, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2005, this title shall be the exclusive authority for selecting or carrying out the closure or realignment of a military installation inside the United States. Prohibits, with exceptions, any other DOD funds from being used for such closures or realignments. Division B (sic): Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 - 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: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to increase the amount authorized for the Pueblo Chemical Activity, Colorado. 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, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out a military construction project for a forward deployment site for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title XXI. (Sec. 2305) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for forward deployment sites for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities in Ecuador and Curacao. 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 the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts. (Sec. 2403) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for deposit into the Department of Defense Family Housing Fund. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. 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 1999 for such contributions. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1999 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose, and for construction projects authorized for FY 2001. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2002, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2003, 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 - Authorizes the use of O&M funds for minor construction projects intended solely to correct a life-threatening, health-threatening, or safety-threatening deficiency. (Sec. 2802) Includes design costs within authorized uses for military construction project funds. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Authorizes the Secretary concerned, in connection with the conveyance of a utility system, to enter into a contract for utility services for a period not to exceed 50 years. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to construct or acquire family housing not otherwise authorized if: (1) Congress has previously appropriated funds for such purpose; and (2) funds for such units have been transferred from the Family Housing Improvement Fund into a Family Housing account. Requires congressional notification and a 21-day waiting period following such notification. (Sec. 2805) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to lease, sell, or exchange real or personal property in Hawaii in order to construct facilities and military housing units on Ford Island, Hawaii. Outlines lease requirements and requires 30 days' prior congressional notification before entering into such a lease, sale, or exchange. Establishes in the Treasury the Pearl Harbor Account, to be used for improvements and operating support of Ford Island, and for transfer to DOD military housing accounts to carry out the privatization of military housing there. Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Establishes the Environmental Restoration Account, Base Realignment and Closure, to fund environmental restoration and mitigation activities required as the result of the closure or realignment of a military installation pursuant to a base closure law. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds to such Account from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Makes environmental restoration activities funds used during such closures and realignments available for administrative expenses and technical assistance related to such activities.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning electricity produced from certain renewable sources to replace the term "closed-loop biomass" and its definition with the term "biomass" and to define such term. Extends the placed in service date ten years, from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2009.

Paul E. Tsongas Fellowship Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999

Paul E. Tsongas Fellowship Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to award Paul E. Tsongas Doctoral Fellowships for graduate study and research in fields of science or engineering that relate to energy or the environment such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer science, materials science, environmental science, behavioral science, and social sciences at institutions proposed by applicants for such fellowships. Directs the Secretary to appoint the Paul E. Tsongas Fellowship Board to: (1) establish general policies for the program and oversee its operation; (2) establish general criteria for awarding fellowships; (3) award fellowships; and (4) submit to the Congress at least once in every three-year period a report on any modifications in the program. Authorizes appropriations.

Biomass Energy Equity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999

Biomass Energy Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the definition of "qualified energy resources" (currently, wind and closed-loop biomass) to wind and biomass. Defines terms. Extends the July 1, 1999, placed-in-service date for such facilities to July 1, 2009.

Department of Energy Commercial Application of Energy Technology Authorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1999

Department of Energy Commercial Application of Energy Technology Authorization Act of 1999 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for FY 2000 and 2001 for commercial application of energy technology and energy research, development, and demonstration programs related to: (1) energy supply; (2) non-defense environmental management; (3) fossil energy; and (4) energy conservation. (Sec. 4) Requires notice to specified congressional committees before any major reorganization of any Department of Energy (DOE) civilian energy or scientific research, development, or demonstration or commercial application of energy technology program. (Sec. 5) Permits DOE to provide funding, with respect to programs and activities described by this Act, only for technologies or processes that are substantially new and not for incremental improvements to those that exist in the marketplace. (Sec. 6) Sets forth specified requirements for projects that exceed certain cost limits, including construction projects and those relating to conceptual or construction design. (Sec. 9) Prohibits the use of funds in the Clean Coal Technology Reserve to initiate or carry out a clean coal technology energy demonstration project based outside the United States. Bars the use of funds authorized by this Act for grants or contracts awarded by DOE to a trade association on a noncompetitive basis. (Sec. 10) Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated by this or any prior Act to award management and operating contracts for federally owned or operated nonmilitary DOE energy laboratories on a noncompetitive basis or to award or modify a DOE contract in a manner that deviates from the Federal Acquisition Regulation unless the Secretary grants a waiver to allow for such deviations. (Sec. 12) Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated by this or any prior Act by: (1) DOE to prepare or initiate Requests for Proposals for programs under this Act not specifically authorized by Congress; and (2) programs under this Act to produce or provide articles or services for purposes of selling them to a person outside the Federal Government unless the Secretary determines that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. Exempts from the prohibition on the sale of articles or services the transmission and sale of electricity by any Federal power marketing administration. (Sec. 14) Excludes from consideration for grant agreements for programs described by this Act made by DOE after FY 1999 any person who received funds appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1999 under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source for a program that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes such exclusions effective for a period of five years after the person receives such Federal funds. (Sec. 15) Terminates DOE regulatory or enforcement authority, effective January 1, 2000, with respect to Federal, State, and local environmental, safety, and health requirements at any federally owned or operated nonmilitary energy laboratory. Requires DOE to retain such authority at any such laboratory to the extent that no other agency has such authority. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), effective January 1, 2000, to assume DOE regulatory and enforcement authorities under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with regard to federally owned or operated nonmilitary energy laboratories. Provides that contractors operating such facilities shall not be responsible for the costs of decommissioning such facilities. Prohibits enforcement actions from being taken against such contractors for violations of NRC decommissioning requirements if the violation is the result of a DOE failure to authorize or fund decommissioning activities. Requires the NRC and DOE to enter into a memorandum of understanding establishing decommissioning requirements for such laboratories. Directs the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), effective January 1, 2000, to assume DOE regulatory and enforcement responsibilities relating to matters covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 with regard to all federally owned or operated nonmilitary energy laboratories. Requires the NRC and OSHA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to govern their respective authorities over occupational safety and health hazards at such laboratories. Transfers a specified amount of appropriations to OSHA for carrying out the transition of regulatory and enforcement responsibilities under this section. Absolves a DOE contractor operating a federally owned or operated nonmilitary energy laboratory of liability for civil penalties under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 for any actions taken before October 1, 2000, pursuant to the transfer of regulatory and enforcement responsibilities required by this section. Requires the Secretary to: (1) continue to indemnify such laboratories in accordance with a specified provision of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (2) transmit a plan for the termination of DOE's regulatory and enforcement responsibilities for such laboratories to specified congressional committees.

Department of Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1999

Department of Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1999 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for FY 2000 and 2001 for energy research, development, and demonstration related to: (1) energy supply; (2) science; (3) fossil energy; and (4) energy conservation. (Sec. 4) Requires notice to specified congressional committees before any major reorganization of any Department of Energy (DOE) civilian energy or scientific research, development, or demonstration or related commercial application of energy technology program. (Sec. 5) Permits DOE to provide funding, with respect to programs and activities described by this Act, only for technologies and processes that are substantially new and not for incremental improvements to those that exist in the marketplace. (Sec. 6) Sets forth specified requirements for projects that exceed certain cost limits, including construction projects and those relating to conceptual or construction design. (Sec. 9) Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this Act for: (1) the High Performance Computing and Communications Program; (2) the Scientific Simulation Initiative; (3) the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory; (4) U.S. participation in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Engineering Design Activities; (5) the salaries of specified directors in DOE unless such individuals hold postgraduate degrees in science or engineering; and (5) grants or contracts awarded by DOE to a trade association on a noncompetitive basis. (Sec. 10) Prohibits the use of funds authorized for programs under this Act to award management and operating contracts for federally owned or operated DOE civilian energy laboratories on a noncompetitive basis or to award or modify a DOE contract in a manner that deviates from the Federal Acquisition Regulation unless the Secretary grants a waiver to allow for such deviations. (Sec. 12) Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act by: (1) DOE to prepare or initiate Requests for Proposals for programs under this Act not specifically authorized by Congress; and (2) programs under this Act to produce or provide articles or services for purposes of selling them to a person outside the Federal Government unless the Secretary determines that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. (Sec. 14) Excludes from consideration for grant agreements for programs described by this Act made by DOE after FY 1999 any person who received funds appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1999 under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source for a program that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes such exclusions effective for a period of five years after the person receives such Federal funds.

A bill to authorize research to promote the conversion of biomass into biobased industrial products, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1999

National Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Act of 1999 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy to cooperate in promoting research and development of biobased industrial products. Establishes: (1) the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Board to coordinate Federal programs promoting the use of biobased industrial products; (2) the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Technical Advisory Committee; and (3) a Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Research Initiative to provide for related grants and contracts (authorizes appropriations).

Federal Royalty Certainty Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999

Federal Royalty Certainty Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act regarding oil and gas leases to provide that royalty payments due: (1) in value shall be based upon the value of oil or gas production at the lease in marketable condition; and (2) in amount shall be based upon the royalty share of production at the lease. Provides that if payments in value or amount are calculated from a point away from the lease the lessee shall be allowed reimbursements at a reasonable commercial rate for certain services beyond the lease through the point of disposition or delivery.

Department of Energy Abolishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy Title II: Energy Laboratory Facilities Title III: Privatization of Federal Power Marketing Administrations Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs Subtitle A: Defense Nuclear Programs Administration Subtitle B: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities Title VI: Disposition of Miscellaneous Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Redesignates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency (the Agency), headed by an Administrator to perform the previous functions of the Department of Energy. Provides for the continuation of service of the Secretary of Energy as the interim Administrator. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Energy Programs Resolution Agency any organizational entities that were entities of DOE. Sunsets the Agency three years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the most efficient way to accomplish the complete abolishment of DOE and the transfer or termination of its functions. Title II: Energy Laboratory Facilities - Establishes an independent Energy Laboratory Facilities Commission to privatize and reduce energy laboratories and programs. Prescribes procedural guidelines. (Sec. 205) Establishes the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account to fund implementation of such guidelines. Title III: Privatization of Federal Power Marketing Administrations - Federal Power Asset Privatization Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell, at the highest possible price, all Federal electric power generation and transmission facilities supervised by, or coordinated with, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations (except the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)). Restricts such sales to domestic entities or U.S. citizens. Requires the Secretary to terminate Federal Power Marketing Administration operations (except BPA operations) upon completion of the sales. Directs the Secretary to retain a private sector firm through a competitive bidding process to serve as financial advisor with respect to such sales. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purchaser of any such facilities should offer to employ former Federal Power Marketing Administration personnel. Mandates that sale proceeds be deposited into the Treasury. Sets forth a sales completion deadline for each Power Marketing Administration concerned. (Sec. 305) Mandates that the pertinent sales agreements require each purchaser providing electric power to customers within any region to insure that the price of electric power does not increase above the baseline price at a rate greater than ten percent annually. (Sec. 306) Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue to the purchaser of a hydroelectric generation facility a ten-year original license under the Federal Power Act to insure that the project will continue operations under the same conditions as were applicable prior to the sale. Grants FERC Federal Power Act jurisdiction over any such facility sold. (Sec. 307) Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the prohibition against the use of appropriated funds for studies regarding a changeover from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or other noncost-based methodology for pricing hydroelectric power. (Sec. 308) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all DOE functions affecting the BPA. Instructs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the most cost-effective option of disposing of the BPA. Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves - Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all former DOE functions affecting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) sell the reserves held at Weeks Island, Louisiana; and (2) appoint an advisory board to monitor the sale of such reserves and report to the Congress on whether the United States should maintain or dispose of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (Sec. 402) Transfers to the Administrator of the Energy Programs Resolution Agency all functions performed with respect to the naval petroleum reserves, except Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (Elk Hills). Instructs the Administrator to: (1) obtain the highest possible price for the naval petroleum reserves; and (2) develop a joint plan with the Secretary of the Interior for disposal of the naval petroleum reserves within a specified timeframe. Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs - Subtitle A: Defense Nuclear Programs Agency - Establishes the Defense Nuclear Programs Administration (the Administration) in the Department of Defense (DOD), headed by the Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs, who shall be responsible for the exercise of all Administration powers and duties. (Sec. 503) Transfers to the Under Secretary all: (1) DOD national security functions (except the DOE naval nuclear propulsion program); (2) supervisory functions previously performed by DOE over Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories; (3) functions of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of DOD relating to nuclear weapons systems; and (4) functions of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer other nuclear weapons-related functions to the Under Secretary. (Sec. 504) Restricts the transfer of funds by the Administration. (Sec. 508) Requires the Energy Laboratory Facilities Commission to transmit recommendations to the Congress for a civilian entity to perform the functions previously performed by DOE relating to the naval nuclear propulsion program. Precludes Commission consideration of the Defense Nuclear Programs Administration or any other entity within DOD. Subtitle B: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Under Secretary to review ongoing and planned remediation activities consistent with this Act. (Sec. 521) Sets forth guidelines for site-specific risk assessment, including a cost-benefit analysis of risk reduction, before the selection of a remedial action at a defense nuclear facility. (Sec. 523) Instructs the Under Secretary to renegotiate the terms of any compliance agreement entered into with the Secretary of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the relevant State in order to have it reflect this Act. Title VI: Disposition of Miscellaneous Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department - Limits authorizations for enumerated energy research and development programs through FY 2002. (Sec. 601) Directs the Energy Laboratory Facilities Commission to identify for the Congress all DOE research and development activities carried out at energy laboratories or institutions of higher education that perform a critical research function important to the long-term economic well-being of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy to terminate all DOE clean coal technology research and development activities. Authorizes appropriations for DOE fossil energy and energy conservation research and development activities. Terminates such activities at the end of FY 2002. Transfers from DOE to DOD specified weapons and defense activities. (Sec. 602) Transfers to the Department of the Treasury all functions performed by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Authorizes appropriations for the EIA. Transfers to the Attorney General all functions performed by the Energy Regulatory Administration. Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to terminate the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and to transfer its authority and assets regarding a repository for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Requires: (1) the Corps to assume all obligations of the Office affecting the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) reissuance of Nevada State permits for the Corps. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corps preparation and implementation of a Yucca Mountain site characterization plan. (Sec. 702) Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to reaffirm that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel beginning by January 31, 1998, is absolute and is not dependent on commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. States that such obligation shall be neither voided nor delayed for any reason. Repeals: (1) the site selection limitation placed upon the siting of a monitored retrievable storage facility; and (2) the licensing conditions placed upon such facility. (Sec. 703) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the licensing and expansion of an initial uranium storage facility. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Office of Management and Budget to make any determination regarding functions transferred under this Act and incidental transfers.

Department of Energy Abolishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy Title II: Energy Laboratories Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories Title III: Power Marketing Administrations Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Redesignates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency (the Agency), headed by an Administrator to perform the previous functions of the Department of Energy. Provides for the continuation of service of the Secretary of Energy as the interim Administrator. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Energy Programs Resolution Agency any organizational entities that were entities of DOE. Sunsets the Agency three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 107) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to restore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as an independent agency. (Sec. 108) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all functions of: (1) the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration; (2) certain DOE civilian energy research programs; and (3) specified DOE science and technology programs. (Sec. 109) Transfers all functions of the Administrator of the Energy Regulatory Administration to the Attorney General. (Sec. 110) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the most efficient way to accomplish the complete abolishment of DOE and the functions. Title II: Energy Laboratories - Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories - Transfers the functions of the Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories to the Under Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Programs (established by title V). Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories - Transfers to the National Science Foundation all functions of the Secretary of Energy relating to nondefense energy laboratories. (Sec. 213) Establishes the Nondefense Energy Laboratory Commission as an independent body to recommend to Congress disposition options (reconfiguration, privatization, closure, or transfer) for nondefense energy laboratories, programs, or any of the basic science programs. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for fast track congressional consideration of the Commission's report. (Sec. 216) Sets deadlines for closure of all nondefense energy laboratories and basic science programs unless Congress has approved other specified dispositions. (Sec. 218) Establishes the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account to fund implementation of disposition actions. Title III: Power Marketing Administrations - Transfers to the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers) all functions of the Administrators of: (1) the Bonneville Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. (Sec. 303) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) specified aspects of such power administrations; and (2) recommended final disposition alternatives. Expresses the intent of Congress that: (1) any purchaser of facilities shall be required to maintain any contracts with customers in force as of the effective date; and (2) any sales of such facilities be executed so as to minimize the impact on the ultimate ratepayers. Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves - Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Transfers to the Secretary of Defense all functions performed by the Secretary of Energy regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, including the Industrial Petroleum Reserve, the Early Storage Reserve, and the Regional Petroleum Reserve. Instructs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a plan for the disposal of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve within a specified timeframe, including a plan for disposal of the reserves held at Weeks Island, Louisiana. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Transfers to the Administrator of the Energy Programs Resolution Agency all functions performed with respect to the naval petroleum reserves, except Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (Elk Hills). Instructs the Administrator to develop a joint plan with the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army for disposal of the naval petroleum reserves within a specified timeframe. Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs - Establishes the Defense Nuclear Programs Administration (Administration) in the Department of Defense (DOD), headed by an Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs. (Sec. 502) Identifies the Under Secretary as the Staff Director of the Nuclear Weapons Council. (Sec. 503) Transfers to the Under Secretary all national security supervisory functions previously performed by: (1) DOE over defense, nonproliferation, and defense-related environmental management programs, and the Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories; (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency of DOD relating to nuclear weapons systems; and (3) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer other nuclear weapons-related functions to the Under Secretary. (Sec. 504) Places restrictions upon the transfer of funds by the Agency. Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Under Secretary to review ongoing and planned remediation activities for consistency with such Act. (Sec. 601) Sets forth guidelines for site-specific risk assessment and an analysis of risk reduction benefits and costs, which shall be conducted before the selection of a remedial action at a defense nuclear facility. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Under Secretary to renegotiate the terms of any compliance agreement entered into with the Secretary of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the relevant State in order to have it reflect this Act. Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (the Act) to terminate the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and transfer its authority and assets to the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Requires: (1) the Corps to assume all obligations of the Office affecting the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) reissuance of Nevada State permits for the Corps. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corps preparation and implementation of a Yucca Mountain site characterization plan. (Sec. 702) Reaffirms that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel beginning by January 31, 2000, is absolute and is not dependent on commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. States that such obligation shall be neither voided nor delayed for any reason. Repeals the licensing conditions placed upon such facility. (Sec. 703) Modifies the Act's interim storage program to rescind its stated purpose to provide for the establishment of a federally owned and operated system for the interim storage of spend nuclear fuel to prevent disruption in the orderly operation of any civilian nuclear power reactor that cannot reasonably provide adequate storage capacity. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the licensing and expansion of an initial spent nuclear fuel storage facility. States that the licensing of such facility shall have no effect on site selection for a permanent repository for storage of spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) review all activities of the initial storage facility program; and (2) submit to Congress a revised program plan and schedule, including a five-year budget that addresses the construction and operation of the interim storage capability, the revised site characterization program at the Yucca Mountain site, and the results of the Secretary's review of the program's institutional activities. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous implementing provisions, conferring upon the Office of Management and Budget authority to make any determination regarding functions transferred under this Act and incidental transfers.

Energy and Climate Policy Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999

Energy and Climate Policy Act of 1999 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to replace provisions establishing a Director of Climate Protection with those establishing an Office of Global Climate Change in the Department of Energy. Requires the Office to serve as a focal point for coordinating for the Secretary of Energy and Congress all departmental issues and policies regarding climate change and related matters and to be headed by a Director, appointed by the Secretary. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of giving annual public recognition to all persons and entities voluntarily reporting information on sources of greenhouse gases who demonstrate voluntarily achieved greenhouse gas reductions, including information reported prior to this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, to conduct and submit to specified congressional committees a review of what changes should be made to guidelines for accuracy and reliability of voluntarily reported information on greenhouse gas reductions. Provides for incorporation into such guidelines of changes found to be beneficial and cost effective in improving the accuracy and reliability of reported information. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to establish a long-term Climate Technology Research, Development, and Demonstration Program to foster development of: (1) new technologies and the enhancement of existing technologies that reduce or avoid anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and improve energy efficiency; (2) new technologies that are able to remove and sequester greenhouse gases from emissions streams; and (3) new technologies and practices to remove and sequester such gases from the atmosphere. Requires submission of a ten-year plan to guide such activities to Congress. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for conducting such activities. Describes applicant qualifications, proposal requirements, and criteria for proposal selection. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to report annually to Congress: (1) a certification that the program objectives are adequately focused, peer- and merit-reviewed, and not unnecessarily duplicative with other Federal science and technology research; and (2) whether the program addresses an adequate breadth and range of technologies and solutions to address anthropogenic climate change. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to require a specified energy research, development, and demonstration plan to include solutions to the effective management of greenhouse gas emissions in the long term by the development of technologies and practices designed to reduce or avoid anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and remove and sequester greenhouse gases from emissions streams and the atmosphere. Includes within program elements and activities research, development, and demonstration designed to pursue a long-term climate technology strategy to demonstrate a variety of technologies by which stabilization of greenhouse gases might be best achieved.

Admiral James W. Nance Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations for Department of State Title II: Department of State Basic Authorities and Activities Subtitle A: Basic Authorities and Activities Subtitle B: Consular Authorities Title III: Organization and Personnel of the Department of State Subtitle A: Organization Matters Subtitle B: Foreign Service Reform Subtitle C: Other Personnel Matters Title IV: Embassy Security and Counterrorism Measures Title V: United States International Broadcasting Activities Title VI: Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and National Security Subtitle A: Arms Control Subtitle B: Nuclear Nonproliferation, Safety, and Related Matters Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: People's Republic of China Subtitle B: Other Matters Title VIII: International Organizations and Commissions Subtitle A: Authorizations of Appropriations Subtitle B: United Nations Activities Subtitle C: International Organizations Other Than the United Nations Title IX: Arrears Payments and Reform Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Arrearages to the United Nations Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations for Department of State - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 2000 and 2001 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international commissions; (3) migration and refugee assistance; (4) U.S. informational, educational, and cultural programs; and (5) the Asia Foundation. Title II: Department of State Basic Authorities and Activities - Subtitle A: Basic Authorities and Activities - Urges the Secretary of State to fill the position of Director of the Office of Children's Issues of the Department of State with a career member of the Senior Executive Service at the earliest date practicable. Designates in each U.S. diplomatic mission an employee who shall serve as the point of contact for matters relating to international abductions of children by parents. Directs the Secretary 24 hours after notice of a possible abduction of a child by a parent to a location abroad to report it, along with other specified information, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (Sec. 202) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to make permanent the requirement that the Secretary report to the appropriate congressional committees on compliance by member countries to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (done at The Hague on October 25, 1980). Requires such report to include (among other things): (1) specific actions taken by the U.S. chief of mission in the country to which a child is alleged to have been abducted; and (2) a description of the efforts of the Secretary to encourage the parties to the Convention to facilitate the work of nongovernmental organizations within their countries that assist parents seeking the return of children under the Convention. Expresses the sense of Congress that the annual human rights report by the Department of State should include a section on each country regarding the treatment of children in that country. (Sec. 205) Requires the Secretary to study the feasibility of establishing a Russia-based foundation for the promotion of democratic institutions in the Russian Federation. Earmarks funding. (Sec. 206) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to authorize the United States Information Agency (USIA) to use certain funds to carry out its responsibilities: (1) under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to provide for U.S. participation in international fairs and expositions abroad; (2) with respect to encouraging foreign governments, international organizations, and private individuals, firms, associations, agencies, and other groups to participate in international fairs and expositions and to make contributions for U.S. participation in such fairs and expositions; and (3) to facilitate support to the U.S. Commissioner General for participation in international fairs and expositions. Subtitle B: Consular Authorities - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 with respect to fees charged for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas and machine readable combined border crossing identification cards and nonimmigrant visas. Makes any fee collections that exceed a certain amount for FY 2000 and 2001 available for deposit as an offsetting collection to any State Department appropriation to recover the costs of providing consular services only if Congress is notified in accordance with specified reprogramming notification procedures. Repeals: (1) provisions making inapplicable certain requirements concerning accounting for consular fees to fees collected under this section; and (2) the prohibition against the charging of fees to citizens of countries signatory to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for State Department services provided to ensure that an affidavit of support provided by a sponsor is properly completed before it is forwarded to a consular post for adjudication of an immigrant visa. (Sec. 213) Amends the Passport Act to provide that a nonrefundable fee of $10 shall be collected for the filing of each passport application (including the cost of passport issuance and use). (Sec. 214) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to revise requirements concerning the State Department and the death of U.S. citizens abroad. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) notification of next of kin by consular officers; (2) the appointment of such officers as administrators of a decedent's estate; and (3) losses in connection with the conservation of the estate. Title III: Organization and Personnel of the Department of State - Subtitle A: Organization Matters - Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to specified congressional committees a plan for establishment of legislative liaison offices for the State Department within the House of Representatives and Senate office buildings. Subtitle B: Foreign Service Reform - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to limit to no more than 33 percent (currently, 50 percent) the percentage of Senior Foreign Service members that may receive performance pay in any fiscal year. (Sec. 314) Requires the Director of the Foreign Service to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the placement of Senior Foreign Service personnel. (Sec. 315) Directs the State Department to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of modifying current training programs so that the Department can provide significant and comprehensive management training at all career grades for Foreign Service personnel. (Sec. 316) Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a specified Senate committee on: (1) the steps taken and planned in furtherance of maximum compatibility among agencies utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system, and the development of uniform policies and procedures and consolidated personnel functions; and (2) a five-year workforce plan, including projected personnel needs, by grade and by skill. (Sec. 317) Requires any record of disciplinary action taken against a member of the Foreign Service (including any correction of such record) to remain a part of the personnel records until such person is tenured as a career member of the Service or next promotion. (Sec. 318) Requires an employee, at any time the Secretary recommends such employee be separated from the Service, to be placed on leave without pay pending final resolution of the case, subject to reinstatement with back pay if cause for separation is not established in a hearing before the Foreign Service Grievance Board. (Sec. 319) Requires the Director General of the Foreign Service to report annually to specified congressional committees on the number of positions in each overseas mission requiring foreign language competence that became vacant during the previous year and were filled by individuals having the required foreign language competence. (Sec. 320) Declares that nothing shall prevent a Foreign Service grievant from placing a rebuttal to accompany a record of disciplinary action in such grievant's personnel records, nor prevent the Department from including a response to such rebuttal, including documenting those cases in which the Board has reviewed and upheld the discipline. (Sec. 321) Reduces from three years to one year after the occurrence giving rise to such grievance the deadline for the filing of a grievance by a Foreign Service employee with the Department; or, if the grievance arises from an employee's performance evaluation, one year after the date on which the employee ceased to be supervised by the reviewer in the evaluation. Requires the Chairman of the Board to report to specified congressional committees on its activities during the previous year. Subtitle C: Other Personnel Matters - Requires a Foreign Service employee who regularly commutes from his or her place of residence in the United States to an official duty station in Canada or Mexico to receive a border equalization adjustment (locality pay adjustment). (Sec. 332) Amends Federal law to set forth provisions regarding contributions made to the Thrift Savings Fund by Foreign Service employees who are reemployed by the Service after a temporary transfer to an international organization. (Sec. 333) Authorizes the spouse and dependents of Foreign Service employees who have died at post in a foreign country to receive a transfer allowance (extraordinary, necessary, and reasonable subsistence and other relocation expenses) for their return to the United States. (Sec. 334) Provides for an education allowance to an employee at a post in a foreign area not to exceed the cost of obtaining kindergarten, elementary and secondary educational services, plus room and board, where adequate schools are not available at the employee's post, and periodic transportation between that post and the school chosen by the employee, not to exceed the total cost to the Government of the dependent attending an adequate school in the nearest locality where an adequate school is available. (Currently, an employee can receive an allowance only for a school at the nearest locality). (Sec. 335) Authorizes up to three months advance pay to: (1) an employee (other than an employee appointed by the Secretary and employed as a family member of a Government employee) who is a U.S. citizen, stationed outside the United States, and requires (or has a family member who requires) medical treatment outside the United States; (2) a foreign national employee; and (3) a U.S. citizen who is not a family member of a government employee assigned abroad, but who is hired abroad for a position customarily filled by Foreign Service personnel or foreign nations, and who is located, and must undergo medical treatment, outside of the country of employment. (Sec. 336) Declares that Congress finds that administrative and technical personnel posted to U.S. missions abroad who do not have diplomatic status suffer financial disadvantages from their lack of such status. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on such disadvantages, including proposals to alleviate them. Title IV: Embassy Security and Counterterrorism Measures - Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 - Establishes within the Treasury an embassy construction and security account for the purpose of constructing, or providing major security enhancements to, U.S. diplomatic facilities in order to meet specified security requirements. Specifies among such requirements that: (1) threat assessments such as the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and the Security Environment Threat List address threats to U.S. missions from large vehicular bombs and transnational terrorism; (2) in the selection of sites for new U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad, all U.S. Government agency personnel (except those under U.S. military command) be located on the same compound; (3) each newly constructed or acquired U.S. diplomatic facility be sited not less than 100 feet from the perimeter of the property on which the facility is situated; (4) appropriate State Department and U.S. diplomatic personnel undertake crisis management training for mass casualty and mass destruction incidents relating to diplomatic facilities; (5) there is adequate State Department support for the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST); (6) the Secretary enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Secretary of Defense setting out rapid response procedures for mobilization of personnel and equipment of their respective departments to provide more effective assistance in times of emergency with respect to U.S. diplomatic facilities; and (7) all U.S. diplomatic missions have emergency equipment and records stored at a secure off-site facility. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary to report annually for five years to the appropriate congressional committees an identification of U.S. diplomatic facilities that are priority for replacement or for major security enhancement because of vulnerability to terrorist attack, setting them out, in groups of 20, from the most vulnerable to the least vulnerable. Dedicates the use of account funds to facilities in the first four groups. (Sec. 407) Directs the Secretary to review, and report to Congress on, the findings of the Overseas Presence Advisory Panel with respect to the closure of vulnerable U.S. diplomatic missions overseas. (Sec. 408) Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 to require the Secretary to convene a Board not later than 60 days after the occurrence of serious injury, loss of life, or significant destruction of property, or breach of security at a U.S. diplomatic mission (except that such 60-day period may be extended for two additional 30-day periods if it is necessary for the convening of the Board). Requires the Secretary whenever he or she convenes a Board to inform the chairman of a specified congressional committee and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (Sec. 409) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the President to award a Foreign Service star to any member of the Foreign Service or any other civilian Government employee who while employed at, or assigned permanently or temporarily to, an official mission overseas, or while traveling abroad on official business, incurred a wound or other injury or an illness (whether or not resulting in death): (1) as the person was performing official duties; (2) as the person was on the premises of a U.S. mission abroad; or (3) by reason of the person's status as a U.S. Government employee. Specifies award requirements. Title V: United States International Broadcasting Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for international broadcasting activities, radio construction, and broadcasting to Cuba. (Sec. 502) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for Radio Free Asia; and (2) extend its authority through FY 2005. (Sec. 503) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to require the President to appoint (currently, designate) one member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors as Chairman of the Board, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Title VI: Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and National Security - Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and National Security Act of 1999 - Subtitle A: Arms Control - Authorizes the Secretary of State to transfer available State Department funds to the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), or any other agency of the intelligence community, as needed, for retraining, researching, developing, or acquiring technologies or programs relating to the verification of arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament agreements or commitments. Earmarks amounts (Key Verification Assets Fund) to carry out this section, with limitation. (Sec. 612) Directs the Secretary to designate one of the Assistant Secretaries of State as the Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance. (Sec. 613) Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to require a certain annual ("Pell") report by the President to Congress to include (among other things): (1) a detailed assessment of adherence of the United States to obligations undertaken in arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament commitments (including the Missile Technology Control Regime); and (2) a specific identification, to the maximum extent practicable in unclassified form, of each and every question that exists with respect to compliance by other countries with arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements with the United States. (Sec. 614) Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) a comprehensive identification of all monitoring activities associated with the START and START II treaties; (2) the specific intelligence community assets and capabilities which the Senate was informed, before giving advice and consent to ratification of the treaties, would be necessary to accomplish those activities; (3) an identification of the extent to which those assets and capabilities have, or have not, been attained or retained, and the corresponding effect this has had upon U.S. monitoring confidence levels; and (4) an assessment of any Russian activities relating to the START Treaty which have had an impact upon the U.S. ability to monitor Russian adherence to the Treaty. (Sec. 615) Requires the Secretary, upon the request of the chairman or ranking member of specified congressional committees, to report to such committee on the degree to which elements of an arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament proposal are capable of being verified. (Sec. 616) Requires the Government to make certain raw seismological data available to the public. (Sec. 617) Directs the U.S. National Authority to reimburse the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for all costs (up to $1 million) incurred by it in connection with the protection of U.S. companies. (Sec. 622) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer available State Department funds to the DOD, DOE, or any military departments for researching, developing, adapting, and deploying technologies to achieve the destruction or removal of antipersonnel landmines for humanitarian purposes. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Nuclear Nonproliferation, Safety, and Related Matters - Prohibits any Executive agency, in carrying out any U.S. obligation under the Convention on Nuclear Safety, from imposing any new reporting obligation upon any U.S. business. (Sec. 632) Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the President to suspend nuclear cooperation with any nation that has not ratified, among other treaties, the Convention on Nuclear Safety. (Sec. 634) Amends the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 to require certain Federal agencies to notify specified congressional committees with respect to their activities for preventing proliferation, including the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, or their means of delivery. Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to notify such committees about the current activities of foreign nations which are of significance from the proliferation standpoint. (Sec. 635) Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to specified congressional committees with respect to the effective use of resources under the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) program. Prohibits the provision of any assistance under the International Science and Technology Center program or the IPP to any person who is involved in the research, development, design, testing, or evaluation of offensive chemical or biological weapons. (Sec. 636) Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to specified congressional committees with respect to the agreement between the United States and Russia for the disposition of excess weapons plutonium. Prohibits the use of State Department or DOE funds to establish a mixed oxide fuel fabrication or production facility in Russia unless the Secretary makes a certain certification with respect to such facility. (Sec. 637) Prohibits, subject to waiver in certain circumstances, the approval of a license for the export of certain controlled items to Hong Kong or Macao, unless appropriate U.S. officials are provided the right to conduct prelicense verification of the validity of the item's stated end-user and end-use. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the submission to a specified congressional committee of a summary of the activities of any U.S. delegation engaged in negotiations on arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament with another country. (Sec. 642) Prohibits any U.S. employee from knowingly withholding information from the chairman or ranking member of specified congressional committees with respect to certain required reports concerning the activities of certain Federal agencies to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Requires the Secretaries of State, Defense, Commerce, and Energy, the Director of Central Intelligence, and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue regulations to implement their responsibilities with respect to such reports. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: People's Republic of China - Earmarks specified funds for FY 2001 for the support of additional personnel in U.S. Embassies in Beijing, Kathmandu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Chengdu, and Hong Kong, China, in order to monitor political and economic conditions there, including the respect for internationally recognized human rights. (Sec. 703) Establishes the Prisoner Information Registry for the People's Republic of China which shall provide information on all political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and prisoners of faith in China. Makes funds available to nongovernmental organizations for such monitoring activities. (Sec. 704) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Asia. (Sec. 705) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of China should stop the harvesting and transplanting of organs for profit from prisoners that it executes; and (2) the President should bar from entry into the United States any Chinese government official known to be directly involved in such activities. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Prohibits the Secretary, subject to waiver in certain circumstances, from issuing any visa to, and the Attorney General from admitting to the United States, any foreign national that has been directly involved in the establishment or enforcement of population control policies forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or forcing a man or woman to undergo sterilization against his or her free choice. (Sec. 722) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the status of U.S. efforts to support the membership, or appropriate level of participation by, Taiwan in international organizations that do not or may require statehood as a prerequisite to membership. (Sec. 723) Declares that Congress: (1) commends the State Department for the U.S. vote against United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10-6 affirming that the text of such resolution politicizes the Fourth Geneva Convention which was primarily humanitarian in nature; and (2) urges the State Department to continue its efforts against convening the conference. (Sec. 724) Authorizes the President to waive certain prohibitions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) it is in the national interest; and (2) neither the PLO, the Palestinian Authority, nor the Palestinian Legislative Council has made a declaration of statehood outside the framework of negotiations with Israel. (Sec. 725) Earmarks, with specified limitation, certain funds for FY 2000 and 2001 for the construction of a U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. (Sec. 726) Declares that the United States: (1) supports a timely transition to democratic, civilian government in Nigeria; and (2) encourages the incoming civilian government in Nigeria to make the political, economic, and legal reforms necessary to ensure the rule of law and respect for human rights there. (Sec. 727) Directs the President to vest and liquidate so much of blocked Libyan assets as is necessary to pay for the reasonable costs of travel to and from the Hague, Netherlands, by immediate family members of U.S. citizens who were victims of the crash of Pan American flight 103 in 1988, for the purpose of attending the trial of the individuals suspected of terrorist acts causing the crash. (Sec. 728) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should support members of Russia's Jewish community and continue to provide assistance to Russian Jewish refugees resettling in Israel. (Sec. 729) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and other senior U.S. Government officials should raise at each bilateral meeting between U.S. officials and Russian Federation officials the issue of the extradition of Lt. General Igor Giorgadze to Georgia. Title VIII: International Organizations and Commissions - Subtitle A: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the State Department for FY 2000 and 2001 to carry out U.S. foreign affairs with respect to: (1) international organizations; and (2) international peacekeeping activities. Earmarks amounts, with limits, for the U.S. assessment for the civil budget of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (Sec. 801) Withholds a specified percentage of funds for the assessed U.S. contribution to the UN until the Secretary certifies that the UN has taken specified actions. Prohibits the use of funds for any U.S. contribution to: (1) pay for any expense related to the holding of any UN global conference (except for any conference scheduled prior to October 1, 1998); or (2) the UN budget for the U.S. proportionate share of any other framework treaty-based organization, including the Framework Convention on Global Climate Change, the International Seabed Authority, the Desertification Convention, and the International Criminal Court. Authorizes appropriations to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Urges the United States to insist that the UN and its affiliated agencies refund any excess contributions made by its members. (Sec. 802) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to require the President, with specified exceptions, to: (1) consult monthly with Congress on the status of UN peacekeeping operations; and (2) notify designated congressional committees at least 15 days before the United States provides any assistance to the UN to support such operations. Subtitle B: United Nations Activities - Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) promote an end to Israel's inequity in the UN due to its denied acceptance into any of the UN's regional blocs; and (2) seek abolition of certain UN Palestinian groups. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) actions taken by U.S. representatives to encourage nations of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG) to accept Israel into their regional bloc; (2) other measures taken to ensure and promote Israel's full participation in the UN; and (3) steps taken by the United States to secure the abolition of the UN Palestinian groups. (Sec. 812) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to provide the Secretary General of the UN with data regarding all costs incurred by DOD, as well as all costs incurred by all UN members, during the preceding year in support of all UN Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 813) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the President to obtain reimbursement from the UN for expenses incurred by it in UN peacekeeping operations, with specified exceptions. Provides a waiver for such requirement if it is in the national interest of the United States. Subtitle C: International Organizations Other Than the United Nations - Prohibits the use of funds made available by any Act to: (1) support the International Criminal Court unless the United States becomes a party to the Court; (2) extradite a U.S. citizen to a foreign nation that is under obligation to surrender persons to the Court unless such nation confirms that applicable prohibitions on reextradition apply to such surrender or gives other assurances that it will not extradite or transfer that citizen to the Court; or (3) provide consent to the extradition or transfer of a U.S. citizen to a third country by a foreign country that is under obligation to surrender persons to the Court, unless the third country makes such confirmation. (Sec. 823) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to make permanent certain requirements prohibiting, without a prior estimated expense report to the Department's Director of the Office of International Conferences, the use of funds under such Act to pay: (1) foreign travel expenses of an employee of the U.S. Executive agencies (with certain exceptions) in attending any international conference; or (2) the routine services that a U.S. diplomatic mission provides in support of travel by such employee. Makes permanent the requirement that the Director report to Congress with respect to each international conference. (Sec. 824) Authorizes the Commissioner of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to provide, upon request of a State or local government, technical tests, evaluations, information, surveys, or other similar services on a reimbursable basis. Title IX: Arrears Payments and Reform - Subtitle A: General Provisions - United Nations Reform Act of 1999 - Defines terms. Subtitle B: Arrearages to the United Nations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 and 2000 only for the payment of arrearages in assessed contributions to the UN for: (1) the U.S. share of assessments for the regular UN budget; (2) the U.S. share of UN peacekeeping operations; (3) the U.S. share of UN specialized agencies; and (4) the U.S. share of other international organizations. Authorizes the disbursement of such funds only upon submission to Congress of certain certifications concerning the reform of UN fiscal, budget, and personnel practices, assessments, and peacekeeping operations. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds to pay any arrearage for: (1) the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, including any costs to merge it into the UN; (2) the costs associated with any UN organization from which the United States has withdrawn; or (3) the World Tourism Organization, or any other organization with respect to Congress has rescinded funding.

Department of Energy Sensitive Country Foreign Visitors Moratorium Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999

Department of Energy Sensitive Country Foreign Visitors Moratorium Act of 1999 - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from admitting to any Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory facility any individual who is a citizen of a country named on the current DOE sensitive countries list. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition on a case-by-case basis when considered necessary for national security, but requires prior notification to the congressional defense and intelligence committees, followed by a ten-day waiting period. Requires background checks on all foreign citizens before entry into a national laboratory.

Electric Energy Empowerment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1999

Electric Energy Empowerment Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Power Act (FPA) to empower the States to order electric utilities within their jurisdiction to provide nondiscriminatory open access through functionally unbundled transmission and local distribution services to retail customers within their borders (retail wheeling). Prescribes implementation guidelines. (Sec. 4) Encourages creation of Independent Transmission System Operators to ensure that all sellers and buyers of electricity in the United States have access to nondiscriminatory transmission services. (Sec. 5) Redefines "public utility" to include electric utility or Federal power marketing agencies not otherwise subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction (FERC), (thereby subjecting such entities to FERC open access rules). (Sec. 6) Rescinds the requirement that new electric utility contracts or obligations for the purchase or sale of electric energy or capacity be conducted pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Directs FERC to promulgate and enforce regulations to assure recovery by electric utilities of all costs associated with purchases of electric energy or capacity pursuant to PURPA prescriptions. Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. (Sec. 7) Mandates Federal and State access to such holding company records as FERC and State commissions deem relevant to costs incurred by such entities, and as appropriate for the protection of consumers with respect to rates. Repeals FPA conflict of jurisdiction prescriptions. (Sec. 8) Grants the consent of Congress for the formation and operation of the Electric Reliability Council (ERC), a body composed of all electricity industry participants, to: (1) provide the best technical electricity industry advice and recommendations to FERC; and (2) submit an annual status report to the President, Congress, and to FERC on the Nation's electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Retains State regulatory authority regarding the safety and reliability of electric utility or local distribution company facilities.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 - Title I: I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; and (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2000, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2000 when the DCI determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires notification of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees whenever such authority is exercised. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 2000. Authorizes full-time personnel for elements within such Account as of September 30, 2000. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer of employee, or member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such staff. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the DCI should continue to direct that elements of the intelligence community should competitively award contracts in a manner that maximizes the procurement of products properly designated as having been made in the United States.

To amend the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to provide for the remediation of the Atlas mill tailings site near Moab, Utah.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

Amends the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 relating to processing site designations to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to designate the Atlas uranium milling site (Atlas Site) as a processing site; (2) delineate the statutory strictures applicable to such Site; (3) instruct the Attorney General to require the liable party to reimburse the United States for remedial action costs at the Site; and (4) set forth conditions under which the liable party is relieved of all further responsibility for remedial action costs. Authorizes the Secretary to sell lands and interests acquired in the Site, or to donate them to a Utah governmental entity for public purposes, after the removal of radioactive materials from both the Site and associated Colorado River flood plain.

Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. voluntary contributions from programs and projects of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran unless the Secretary of State makes a determination in writing to certain congressional committees that such programs and projects are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals, will not provide Iran with training or expertise relevant to nuclear programs' development, and are not being used as a cover for the acquisition of sensitive nuclear technology. Instructs the Secretary to review and report to Congress annually for five years on all Agency programs and projects in specified countries to determine if they are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Requires the Secretary to direct the U.S. representative to the Agency to oppose Agency programs determined inconsistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress for five years on specified aspects of annual Agency assistance to Iran, including nuclear materials technology transfer, and inconsistencies between Agency technical assistance programs and U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should pursue internal Agency reforms that will ensure that all programs funded under the Technical Cooperation and Assistance Fund are compatible with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and international nuclear nonproliferation norms.

Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. voluntary contributions from programs and projects of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran unless the Secretary of State makes a determination in writing to certain congressional committees that such programs and projects are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals, will not provide Iran with training or expertise relevant to nuclear programs' development, and are not being used as a cover for the acquisition of sensitive nuclear technology. Instructs the Secretary to review and report to the Congress annually for five years on all Agency programs and projects in specified countries to determine if they are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Requires the Secretary to direct the U.S. representative to the Agency to oppose Agency programs determined inconsistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress for five years on specified aspects of annual Agency assistance to Iran, including nuclear materials technology transfer, and inconsistencies between Agency technical assistance programs and U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should pursue internal Agency reforms that will ensure that all programs funded under the Technical Cooperation and Assistance Fund are compatible with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and international nuclear nonproliferation norms.

Power Marketing Administration Reform Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

Power Marketing Administration Reform Act of 1999- Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and implement procedures to ensure that the Federal Power Marketing Administrations (FPMAs) utilize the same accounting principles and requirements as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) applies to the electric operations of public utilities. (Sec. 4) Requires each FPMA and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to submit periodically for FERC review rates for the sale or disposition of Federal energy that will ensure recovery of all their costs in generating and marketing such energy. Prescribes rate mechanism and pricing guidelines. Establishes a fund within the Department of the Interior to: (1) mitigate damage to environmental resources attributable to power generation and sales facilities; and (2) restore the health of such resources, including fish and wildlife. Mandates project-specific mitigation plans for each power generation project. Establishes a fund within the Department of Energy for renewable resources. Prescribes expenditure guidelines. Mandates that public bodies and cooperatives be given a preference for future power allocations or reallocations of Federal power through a right of first refusal at market prices. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to require each FPMA to: (1) assign personnel and incur expenses solely for authorized power marketing, reclamation, and flood control activities, and not for diversification into ancillary activities; and (2) make annual public disclosures of its activities, including the full costs of power projects and marketing. Precludes an FPMA from entering into or renewing any power marketing contract for a term exceeding five years. (Sec. 5) Requires provision of FPMA transmission services on an open access basis, and at FERC-approved rates in the same manner as provided by any public utility under FERC jurisdiction. (Sec. 6) Grants FERC rate-making approval authority until a full transition is made to market-based rates, for: (1) rate schedules recommended by the Secretary of Energy; and (2) rate schedules for FPMA power sales. (Sec. 7) Amends: (1) the Department of Energy Organization Act to reflect the changes made by this Act; and (2) specified Federal law to repeal the prohibition against the use of appropriated funds for purposes relating to the possibility of changing from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or any other noncost-based method for pricing Federal hydroelectric power.

Poultry Electric Energy Power (PEEP) Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

Poultry Electric Energy Power (PEEP) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources to include poultry waste as a qualified energy resources.

Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for residential solar energy property equal to the sum of: (1) 15 percent of the taxpayer's qualified photovoltaic property expenditures during the taxable year; and (2) 15 percent of the taxpayer's qualified solar water heating property expenditures during the same year.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a credit for electricity produced from poultry waste; and (2) extend, by five years, the placed in service date of a qualified energy resources facility.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorizations Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title III: Operation and Maintenance Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Military Education and Training Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: Organization Subtitle B: Service Academy Management Subtitle C: Personnel Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Foreign Nations Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools Subtitle D: Other Matters Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 to 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 2000 and 2001 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the Defense Health Program; and (4) the chemical demilitarization program. Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorizations - Authorizes the use of multiyear procurement contracts for specified Army and Navy aircraft, vehicles, ammunition, and equipment. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DOD). (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 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 2000. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to pay inspection and monitoring expenses of international inspectors from the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. 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 2000 and 2001. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for military technicians (dual status) and military technicians (non-dual status). (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain officers and enlisted personnel authorized to serve on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management - Prohibits DOD funds from being used to implement a reduction of active-duty end strengths for any of the armed forces for any fiscal year below the number currently required to support two major regional contingencies simultaneously unless the Secretary notifies Congress of such proposal and a justification. (Sec. 417) Authorizes the Secretary to increase the end strengths for Selected Reserve personnel by up to two percent. (Sec. 418) Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of FY 2000): (1) the authority to exempt certain senior joint officer positions from officer end strength limitations; and (2) the requirement for each military department Secretary to submit to the Secretary the name of an officer to serve in a vacant senior joint officer position. (Sec. 419) Exempts from Air Force officer end strength limitations an officer appointed to the position of Commander in Chief of the United States Transportation Command or United States Space Command. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Removes the requirement that active-duty or retired officers serving on boards of inquiry be serving on active duty in a grade above lieutenant colonel or commander, but requires one board member to be above such grade. Requires remaining board members to be in grades above major or lieutenant commander. (Sec. 502) Limits to no less than three or more than five the number of officers to be recommended by the Secretary of each military department for vacant positions for Judge Advocate General and Assistant (or Deputy) Judge Advocate General of each military department. (Sec. 503) Requires the following positions (currently designated simply as critical acquisition positions) to be assigned for no fewer than three years: program or deputy program managers for a significant nonmajor defense acquisition program; program executive officers; general or flag officer or the civilian equivalent; and senior contracting official. (Sec. 504) Authorizes a promotion selection board to recommend for promotion an officer from below the promotion zone for that position when the number of officers recommended is less than one. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to delay the separation or retirement of a reserve officer until the completion of court-martial disciplinary proceedings. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, with the consent of the member, to order a reserve member to active duty to complete a required DOD health care study. (Sec. 512) Makes ineligible for promotion a reserve officer serving in an educational delay status in order to attend an approved educational institution to receive advanced training, when such training is subsidized by the military department concerned. Makes this section retroactive in the case of officers not promoted due to such status between October 1, 1996, and the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 513) Requires a major or lieutenant commander who has twice failed to be selected for promotion to be removed from the reserve active status list on the later of the first day of the month after such member completes 20 years of service (current law) or seven months after the President approves the report of the board which considered such officer for the second time. (Sec. 514) Excludes from the computation of creditable years of service for a reserve officer service as a reserve commissioned officer while in a program of advanced education to receive the first professional degree required for appointment, designation, or assignment within various military medical specialties, or as a chaplain or judge advocate, provided such service occurs before the officer commences initial active or reserve service in the specialty that results from such degree. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to retain reserve component chaplains until age 67 (currently 60). (Sec. 516) Authorizes reserve personnel to travel in a space required status on military aircraft between home and place of inactive duty training, or place of duty in lieu of unit training assembly, when there is no road or rail transportation between such locations. (Sec. 517) Prohibits civil employment for regular and reserve officers serving on active duty under a call or order for a period in excess of 270 (currently 180) days. Subtitle C: Military Education and Training - Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1999) the authority of the Secretary concerned to allow graduate students to receive financial assistance under the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. (Sec. 521) Revises generally provisions concerning the award of reserve service credit for participation in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance program. (Sec. 522) Allows tuition reimbursement and training allowances provided to acquisition personnel to be for the full amount of expenses and training incurred. (Sec. 523) Provides the authorized grade for an individual serving as a dean of the United States Military Academy or United States Air Force Academy. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the Commandant of the United States Army War College to confer the degree of master of strategic studies. (Sec. 525) Authorizes the Commander of the Air University to confer the degrees of master of strategic studies and master of military operational art and science. (Sec. 526) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to provide up to $5,200 yearly in financial assistance to certain members of the Marine Corps Reserve for completion of: (1) baccalaureate degree requirements in an educational program that takes less than five years to complete; or (2) doctor of jurisprudence or bachelor of laws degree requirements in programs that take no more than three years to complete. Outlines eligibility requirements, including selection as an officer candidate in the Marine Corps Platoon Leader's Class Program and completion of at least six weeks of military training. Requires graduates to serve at least five years of active duty upon graduation. Prohibits more than 1,200 individuals from participating in such program at any one time. Provides for the computation of creditable service for officers serving in such positions. Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to authorize special courts-martial to adjudge and execute punishments which include confinement for up to one year (currently six months). (Sec. 531) Reduces from 0.10 to 0.08 the blood-alcohol content for determining the UCMJ offense of drunken operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 2000 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 4.4 percent, effective on January 1, 2000, the rates of basic pay for military personnel. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Authorizes enlistment bonuses to be paid in a lump-sum (currently, only installments). Increases from $12,000 to $20,000 the authorized one-time bonus for enlisting for at least a four-year period. (Sec. 613) Reduces from 21 to 17 the months of continuous active duty service required for a member to be eligible (among other requirements) for a reenlistment bonus. Increases the amount of such bonus to the lesser of 15 (currently, ten) times the amount that the member was entitled to at the time of original separation or discharge multiplied by the number of agreed-upon years of additional service, or $60,000 (currently, $45,000). (Sec. 614) Authorizes payment of a prior service enlistment bonus to members of the Selected Reserve attaining or occupying positions designated as critically short. (Sec. 615) Requires air battle managers entitled to the payment of aviation career incentive pay to receive the higher of such pay or the amount they were receiving prior to such entitlement. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the payment of career enlisted flyer incentive pay to enlisted personnel who: (1) are entitled to basic pay or inactive training duty pay; (2) hold or are in training for a career enlisted occupational or flyer specialty; (3) are qualified for aviation service; and (4) engage or remain in such service on a career basis. Outlines operational flying duty requirements. Provides the monthly amounts of such pay, which increases with the years of creditable aviation service performed. Provides for a proportionate share of such pay for reserve members performing inactive duty training involving aviation. Prohibits such pay for members already receiving either hazardous duty incentive pay or diving duty special pay. (Sec. 618) Increases the diving duty special pay and the foreign language proficiency special pay. (Sec. 620) Authorizes the payment of surface warfare officer continuation pay to such officers who agree to remain on active duty to complete tours of duty to which such officers may be ordered as a department head afloat. Limits such amount to $50,000, requiring pro rata repayment for tours not completed. (Sec. 622) Authorizes special pay for certain special warfare officers who agree to remain on active duty in such service for at least one additional year. Limits such pay to $10,000 for each additional year. Terminates on September 30, 2001, the authority to enter into such agreements. Requires a pro rata repayment for additional periods not completed. (Sec. 623) Increases certain bonuses and special pay provided to nuclear-qualified officers. Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays - Extends through FY 2001 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay - Repeals a reduction in retired pay currently required for individuals who first became members of the armed forces after July 31, 1986, and retired with less than 30 years of retirement-creditable service. Revises the annual cost-of-living adjustment applicable to such retired pay. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the lump-sum payment of accrued unused annual leave upon a member's reenlistment into the armed forces. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the use of any airport in the United States at which travel can be arranged at the lowest cost in connection with emergency leave travel for military personnel. (Currently, only travel from the closest airport is authorized.) (Sec. 642) Authorizes the use of appropriated funds to provide contract quarters as lodging in kind for reservists performing active duty for training or inactive-duty training. (Sec. 643) Provides limited authority for the Secretary concerned to delegate the authority to waive operational flying duty requirements. (Sec. 644) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide tuition assistance for members deployed in a contingency operation or similar operational mission. (Sec. 645) Authorizes the payment of temporary lodging expenses of members making their first permanent change of duty station. (Sec. 646) Requires the continuation of authorized pay and allowances for a member listed under a "whereabouts unknown" duty status. (Sec. 647) Changes from annually to biennially a required report concerning operation of the educational assistance program for reserve personnel. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary, in the administration of health care contracts and programs, to implement program benefit and administrative changes at the start of each fiscal year rather than throughout the year, except when the Secretary determines that such changes would significantly improve health services to eligible beneficiaries. Authorizes the Secretary, under certain circumstances, to defer for up to one year the schedule implementation for a new health care program or benefit (requires congressional certification). (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, to continue payment under CHAMPUS for domiciliary or custodial care services to covered beneficiaries who, prior to the effective date of final regulations implementing the individual case management program, were provided such care. (Sec. 703) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to revise a due date for an evaluation and report concerning the effectiveness of TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program). (Sec. 704) Authorizes the Armed Forces Medical Examiner to conduct forensic pathology examinations, including autopsies. Outlines circumstances warranting such examinations, including when a person dies while imprisoned in a military installation or from an injury or illness incurred during active duty or military training. Subjects such authority to the primary jurisdiction of any State or local governmental authority involved. Requires that, when a person is found dead at a place garrisoned by the Navy or Marine Corps under circumstances requiring investigation, such commanding officer shall direct a summary court-martial to investigate the circumstances. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments for emergency medical or dental care for military, civilian, and DOD contractor employees permanently or temporarily on duty in the countries of the former Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. (Sec. 706) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the administration of the collection from third party insurers of the costs of care provided in military health care facilities to covered beneficiaries of such insurers. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from public disclosure any DOD geodetic product (maps, charts, and related data) that, if disclosed, would interfere or unfairly compete with an emerging or existing commercial industry or market operation. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the application of certain survivability test requirements with respect to the MH-47E and MH-60K helicopter modification programs before their release for operational use. Requires a congressional report upon the exercise of such waiver. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain defense contracting procedures for the acquisition of coal or coke (currently, only petroleum and natural gas). (Sec. 804) Removes a prior funding certification requirement with respect to the use of multiyear contracts for defense acquisition programs. (Sec. 805) Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements. (Sec. 806) Excludes certain subcontract notification requirements with respect to a contractor that maintains a purchasing system that has been approved by the appropriate contracting officer. (Sec. 807) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal certain reports, plans, processes, and reviews required for nuclear attack submarines; and (2) 1997 to repeal a required annual report on design responsibility under the New Attack Submarine program. (Sec. 809) Authorizes the waiver of cost-sharing requirements under the defense manufacturing technology program when a project: (1) is not likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application; and (2) is initiated by a military service acquisition organization or by the Defense Logistics Agency. Requires documentation of the rationale for not requiring cost-sharing. Adds the extent to which project costs are being shared to information to be included in a five-year plan for such program. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Organization - Abolishes the position of Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. (Sec. 903) Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a Director of Defense Logistics, to advise the Secretary and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology on DOD logistics. Subtitle B: Management of Service Academies - Makes eligible for presidential appointment to a service academy children of members who: (1) are on active duty and have at least eight total years of active duty (currently, eight continuous years is required); (2) are members of the reserves who have earned at least 2,880 retirement points; or (3) are eligible, or who died while they were eligible, for retired pay but had not yet reached age 60. (Sec. 906) Authorizes the waiver of reimbursement of up to 50 (currently 35) percent of the costs of instruction of foreign persons at U.S. service academies for students entering on or after May 1, 1999. (Sec. 907) Authorizes up to 24 (currently, ten) cadets from each service academy to participate in a service academy foreign exchange program. Increases from $50,000 to $120,000 the authorized fiscal year expenditures for each academy under such program. Subtitle C: Personnel Management - Excludes from a limitation on the number of retired officers authorized to serve on active duty an officer assigned to the Army, Navy, or Air Force Retiree Council. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Allows captured vessels or vessels stricken from the Naval Register to be transferred by the Secretary of the Navy after congressional notification and a 60 calendar day waiting period (currently, 60 days of continuous congressional session). (Sec. 916) Extends through FY 2002 the authority to acquire real property leases for special operations activities. (Sec. 917) Repeals the Naval Academy Museum Fund and transfers such funds into the United States Naval Academy Gift and Museum Fund, established herein. Repeals the Naval Center Historical Fund and transfers such funds into the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund. (Sec. 918) Authorizes the use of common defense burdensharing funds for a military construction project in a country which contributed such funds, upon a declaration of war or national emergency, when necessary to support the use of armed forces. Requires congressional notification of such decision and its estimated cost. (Sec. 919) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to exempt operational files of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) from Federal public disclosure laws (including the Freedom of Information Act). Provides exceptions, including the use of such files for immigration and nationality purposes or Federal investigative proceedings. Provides judicial review, with limitations, when a person alleges that such records have been improperly withheld. Requires the NIMA Director and the Director of Central Intelligence, at least once every ten years, to review any exemptions in force to determine whether they should be removed from the exempt category. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Repeals the requirement for: (1) a separate budget request for the procurement of reserve equipment; and (2) a two-year DOD budget cycle pursuant to the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986. (Sec. 1003) Revises the due date for, and requires inclusion of specified additional information in, a joint report by the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office on the scoring of defense budget outlays. Subtitle B: Foreign Nations - Removes a provision limiting the Secretary's authority to enter into cooperative military airlift agreements with allied countries solely to that provided under current Federal law. Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools - Allows a military dependent who has been a junior at a secondary school under the DOD domestic dependent elementary and secondary schools program to be enrolled as a senior in the next school year, notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. (Sec. 1016) Allows the Secretary to establish a single school board for program schools located in a U.S. territory, commonwealth, or possession. (Sec. 1017) Allows the Secretary to continue the enrollment of a military dependent or the dependent of a Federal employee under the program for as long as determined appropriate (currently, only until the end of that school year), notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Removes a provision that limits to $50 million in a fiscal year the Federal expenditure for the National Guard civilian youth opportunities program. Division B (sic): Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 - 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: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to increase the amount authorized for the Pueblo Chemical Activity, Colorado. 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, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out a military construction project for a forward deployment site for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title XXI. (Sec. 2305) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for forward deployment sites for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities in Ecuador and Curacao. 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 the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts. (Sec. 2403) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for deposit into the Department of Defense Family Housing Fund. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. 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 1999 for such contributions. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1999 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose, and for construction projects authorized for FY 2001. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2002, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2003, 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 - Authorizes the use of O&M funds for minor construction projects intended solely to correct a life-threatening, health-threatening, or safety-threatening deficiency. (Sec. 2802) Includes design costs within authorized uses for military construction project funds. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Authorizes the Secretary concerned, in connection with the conveyance of a utility system, to enter into a contract for utility services for a period not to exceed 50 years. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to construct or acquire family housing not otherwise authorized if: (1) Congress has previously appropriated funds for such purpose; and (2) funds for such units have been transferred from the Family Housing Improvement Fund into a Family Housing account. Requires congressional notification and a 21-day waiting period following such notification. Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Establishes the Environmental Restoration Account, Base Realignment and Closure, to fund environmental restoration and mitigation activities required as the result of the closure or realignment of a military installation pursuant to a base closure law. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds to such Account from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Makes environmental restoration activities funds used during such closures and realignments available for administrative expenses and technical assistance related to such activities.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that interest on indebtedness used to finance the furnishing or sale of rate-regulated electric energy or natural gas in the United States shall be allocated solely to sources within the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that interest on indebtedness used to finance the furnishing or sale of rate-regulated electric energy or natural gas in the United States shall be allocated solely to sources within the United States.

David L. Goldwyn, of the District of Columbia to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (International Affairs), vice Robert Wayne Gee.

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 1999

To prohibit the Department of the Interior from expending any funds for a mid-Atlantic coast offshore oil and gas lease sale.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1999

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from expending any funds for the preparation or conduct of preleasing and leasing activities with respect to an oil and gas lease sale on any lands of the Outer Continental Shelf between the seaward boundary between the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island and the seaward boundary between the States of North and South Carolina.

A bill to improve Native hiring and contracting by the Federal Government within the State of Alaska, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit a report: (1) detailing the progress the Department of the Interior has made in implementing provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (regarding revenue-producing visitor services and local hires) and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; (2) including a detailed action plan on the future implementation of those provisions; (3) describing in detail the measures and actions that will be taken, with a description of anticipated results to be achieved during the next three fiscal years; (4) focusing on lands under the jurisdiction of the Department in Alaska; and (5) addressing any laws, rules, regulations, and policies which act as a deterrent to hiring or contracting with Native Alaskans to perform and conduct activities and programs of agencies and bureaus under the Department's jurisdiction. Requires that such report be completed within existing appropriations and transmitted to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Resources Committee. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement pilot programs to employ residents of local communities at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve (all National Park System units located in northwest Alaska); (2) report the results to such committees; and (3) consult with Native Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities in the immediate vicinity of such units, and to the extent practicable, involve them in the development of interpretive materials and the pilot programs relating to such units. Prohibits any National Park Service (NPS) career employee, employed at one of the Alaska northwest parks at the time of the transfer of an operation or program to a local Native entity by contract, from being separated from the NPS by reason of such transfer and requires that any such employee at the time of such transfer be given priority placement for any available position within the National Park System, notwithstanding any priority reemployment lists, directives, rules, regulations or other orders from the Department, the Office of Management and Budget, or other Federal agencies.

Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe factors which Federal agency participants in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydroelectric license renewal process (consulting agencies) must consider and document when setting forth conditions for such renewals, including the economic impact of such conditions as well as air quality, flood control, irrigation, navigation, and recreation and drinking water supply, and the means to ensure that the condition addresses only direct project environmental impacts and does so at the lowest project cost. Requires that each condition be subjected to appropriately substantiated scientific peer review based on current empirical data or field-tested data. Requires such consulting agency to provide a license applicant, at least 90 days before the required filing of the application, an opportunity to obtain expedited administrative review of its proposed conditions before filing a FERC application. Empowers the reviewing body to remand the matter to such agency if the reviewer finds the agency's proposed conditions do not comply with this Act. Sets a one-year deadline by which a consulting agency must file its proposed licensing conditions with FERC. Directs FERC to: (1) conduct an economic analysis of each condition submitted by a consulting agency to determine whether it would render the project uneconomic; (2) conduct a single consolidated environmental review for each licensed project pursuant to its status as lead agency for environmental reviews; and (3) set a deadline for the submission of comments by Federal, State, and local government agencies regarding any environmental impact or assessment required for a project. Instructs FERC to consider the need of license applicants for a prompt decision when setting such deadlines. Directs FERC to study and report to certain congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing a separate licensing procedure for small hydroelectric projects with a generating capacity of five megawatts or less.

A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a portion of the Columbia River as a recreational river, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River as a recreational river. Establishes a 15-member management commission to develop a management plan for the Hanford Reach recreational river. Excludes privately owned land from the river, including only adjacent public land. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers, to develop a comprehensive plan of improvement for the levees and other rivershore areas downstream of the Hanford Reach recreational river in the vicinity of the cities of Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, Washington. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to: (1) study the consolidation of parcels of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation; and (2) prepare to exchange lands on completion of documents required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Recycle America's Land Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfields Revitalization Title II: Community Participation and Human Health Subtitle A: Community Participation Subtitle B: Human Health Title III: Liability Reform Title IV: Remedy Selection Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Funding Subtitle A: Expenditures From the Hazardous Substance Superfund Subtitle B: Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund Recycle America's Land Act of 1999 - Title I: Brownfields Revitalization - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the President to establish a program to provide grants to eligible States or political subdivisions, including Indian tribes, for: (1) inventory and assessment of brownfield facilities; and (2) capitalization of revolving loan funds for remedial actions at such facilities. Defines a "brownfield facility" as real property with respect to which expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical and other assistance to States to establish and expand State voluntary cleanup programs. Makes limited amounts available from Superfund for FY 2000 through 2004 for such assistance. (Sec. 104) Bars the President or any person (other than a State), with respect to a facility that is not listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List (NPL) at which there is a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, from taking an administrative or judicial enforcement action or bringing a civil action against any person who is conducting or has completed a response action in compliance with State law. Makes exceptions to this prohibition if the State requests the President to take action or in certain cases of emergency, risk, or migration of contamination across State lines. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to defer listing a facility on the NPL if: (1) long-term remedial action will be conducted under other Federal authorities; (2) remedial action that will provide long-term protection of human health and the environment is underway at that facility under a State response program; or (3) at a State's request, the State is attempting to obtain an agreement from a person to perform a remedial action under a State response program. Authorizes the President to place a facility described in (3) above on the NPL if, after one year, the President finds that the State is not making reasonable progress toward obtaining an agreement. Title II: Community Participation and Human Health - Subtitle A: Community Participation - Requires the President to take specified actions to provide for meaningful public participation in every significant phase of a response action at a facility listed or proposed for listing on the NPL (covered facilities). Permits affected Indian tribes and communities, local government officials, and State and local health officials to propose remedial alternatives to the President. (Sec. 202) Requires the President to make records relating to response actions at covered facilities available to the public throughout all phases of an action. Sets forth minimum requirements for documents made available to the public which describe risk to human health. (Sec. 203) Revises provisions regarding grants for technical assistance to authorize the Administrator to make such grants to affected communities with respect to: (1) covered facilities; (2) facilities at which the Administrator is undertaking a response action anticipated to exceed one year; or (3) facilities at which a specified funding limit is anticipated to be reached. (Sec. 205) Sets forth specific notice and comment requirements to provide for public participation in removal actions. (Sec. 206) Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a community study that includes an analysis of: (1) the duration of time between the discovery and listing of a facility; (2) the timing and nature of response actions; (3) the degree to which public views are reflected in response actions; (3) future land use determinations and use of institutional controls; (4) the population, race, ethnicity, and income characteristics of communities affected by facilities listed or proposed for listing on the NPL; and (5) the risk presented by each such facility. Requires periodic updates of such study. Directs the Administrator to institute necessary improvements or modifications to address any deficiencies identified by the study. Subtitle B: Human Health - Requires the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Administrator to develop and distribute educational materials on human health effects of hazardous substances to the public. Authorizes the ATSDR Administrator to provide grant or contract assistance to individuals who may be affected by releases or threatened releases when: (1) a public health assessment is conducted at an NPL facility; or (2) a facility is being evaluated for inclusion on the NPL. Authorizes and directs the ATSDR Administrator, pursuant to such grants or contracts, to provide diagnostic services, health data registries, and preventative public health education to communities affected by such releases. (Sec. 223) Requires the President, in setting priorities for remedial action under the national hazardous substance response plan (part of the national contingency plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances), to place highest priority on facilities with releases resulting in actual ongoing human exposures at levels of public health concern or demonstrated adverse effects. (Sec. 224) Requires the Administrator to evaluate areas such as Indian reservations or poor rural communities that warrant special attention and identify up to five facilities in each EPA region that are likely to warrant inclusion on the NPL. Accords such facilities a priority in evaluation for NPL listing and scoring. Title III: Liability Reform - Bars the President from issuing orders in connection with abatement actions to protect public health and the environment against any person who would not be liable for damages and costs described under general liability provisions. Prohibits Federal agencies with authority to use the imminent hazard, enforcement, and emergency response authorities under provisions governing abatement actions from using such authorities with respect to releases for which they are potentially responsible parties (PRPs). (Sec. 303) Absolves of liability for response costs and damages certain owners or operators, including persons who inherited the property concerned and government entities that acquired property involuntarily, or through eminent domain or the granting of a license or permit to conduct business, if such persons: (1) acquired the affected facility after the disposal or placement of the hazardous substance for which liability is alleged; (2) did not cause or contribute to the hazardous substance release; and (3) exercised appropriate care with respect to such substance. Limits liability for owners or operators who meet such conditions and received the property as a charitable donation. Exempts from liability: (1) owners or operators of rights-of-way over which hazardous substances are transported if such persons did not cause or contribute to the release concerned; (2) railroad owners or operators of spur tracks whose tracks meet specified conditions and who did not cause or contribute to the release concerned; and (3) construction contractors whose liability is based solely on construction contract activities and who did not know of the presence of hazardous substances and exercised appropriate care with respect to such substances. Grants the United States a lien for unrecovered response costs on a facility for which the owner is not liable by reason of meeting the conditions described above. Prescribes conditions for such liens. Bars liens with respect to property: (1) for which the property owner preceding the current owner is not liable or has resolved liability; or (2) where an environmental assessment gave the owner or operator no reason to know of the release of hazardous substances. Makes applicable to tribal governments an exemption from liability for States or local governments for costs or damages resulting from actions taken in response to an emergency created by a release generated by a facility owned by another person. Expands such exemption to include actions to improve water quality protection at abandoned mine sites and adjacent lands owned by others if such actions are taken in accordance with a Federal or State-approved response action. Excludes certain contiguous property owners from the definition of "owner or operator" for purposes of creating an exemption to liability. (Sec. 306) Exempts certain small business concerns from liability under provisions governing arrangement, acceptance, or transport of hazardous substances for response costs or damages at an NPL facility with respect to actions taken before March 25, 1999. Provides an additional exemption from liability under such provisions if the materials that were arranged or transported for disposal at the NPL facility consist of municipal solid waste (MSW) or sewage sludge. Absolves municipalities that participate in a qualified household hazardous waste collection program from liability under such provisions, with respect to actions taken 36 months after this Act's enactment date, for the arrangement or transport of materials consisting of MSW or sewage sludge to an NPL facility. Limits liability response costs for facilities that received MSW, were proposed for NPL listing before March 25, 1999, are owned by municipalities, and are not subject to certain criteria for solid waste landfills under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) to assume the liability for certain exempt parties or those subject to limited liability for releases from NPL facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish a small business Superfund assistance section within the EPA small business ombudsman office to provide assistance and information regarding CERCLA and the allocation and settlement processes. (Sec. 307) Limits the right to seek contribution from other parties where: (1) the person asserting the right has waived such right in a settlement; (2) the person from whom the contribution is sought is not liable under CERCLA; or (3) the person from whom the contribution is sought has entered into a final settlement with the United States. Makes any person who commences a contribution action liable to the person against whom the action is brought for all reasonable costs of defending against the claim if the action: (1) is barred for the reasons stated above; (2) is brought against a person who is protected from suits by reason of settlement with the United States; or (3) is brought during a specified moratorium period. (Sec. 308) Expands the exemption from liability for response action contractors to include exemption from liability under State or local law unless a State has enacted a law determining liability of such contractors. Extends certain indemnification agreements made by the President with respect to negligence of response action contractors to any claims for negligence arising under State or local law. Bars actions against contractors more than six years after the completion of work. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct or in States or political subdivisions where the State has enacted a statute determining liability for such contractors. (Sec. 309) Requires (current law authorizes) the President to offer PRPs (currently, any person) who enter into settlement agreements that are in the public interest a final covenant not to sue concerning liability to the United States for response actions or costs, provided that: (1) the settling party agrees to perform a final remedial action for the release that is the subject of the settlement; (2) the agreement has been reached prior to the commencement of litigation against the settling party; (3) the settling party waives all contribution rights against other PRPs at the facility; (4) the settling party, other than a small business, pays a premium that compensates for the risks of remedy failure, future liability, and unanticipated increases in the cost of any uncompleted action (unless the party is performing the action); (5) the remedial action does not rely on institutional controls to ensure continued health and environmental protection; and (6) the settlement is otherwise acceptable to the United States. Authorizes the President, for settlements for which covenants are unavailable, to provide any person with a covenant not to sue concerning any liability to the United States if the covenant not to sue is in the public interest. Makes PRPs who are natural persons, small businesses, or municipalities with a demonstrated limited ability to pay response costs eligible for expedited settlements. Absolves a party of liability if the President does not make a settlement offer within the later of 180 days of determining that such party is eligible for an expedited settlement or of this Act's enactment date. (Sec. 310) Absolves persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material or who transported such material from general liability under CERCLA. Deems transactions involving recyclable materials that consist of scrap plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving recyclable materials that consist of scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving recyclable materials that consist of spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental standards regarding such batteries. Deems transactions involving recyclable materials that consist of used oil to be arranging for recycling if the person involved did not mix such materials with a hazardous substance following the removal of the oil from service and demonstrates that: (1) the recyclable material was sent to a facility that recycled used oil by using it as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (2) the material (or product made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; (3) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; and (4) he or she was in compliance with standards for the management of used oil under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Makes the exemptions from liability inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration (in the case of materials other than used oil) or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. (Sec. 311) Sets forth provisions regarding an allocation process to determine equitable shares of liability for costs of performing response actions. Makes an action eligible for allocation if: (1) the performance of such action is not the subject of a consent decree or an administrative order as of March 25, 1999; and (2) the President's estimate of the cost of such action exceeds $2 million. Sets forth requirements for the President in initiating the allocation process. Stays litigation of eligible actions until 150 days after the issuance of the allocator's report unless the court determines that a stay will result in manifest injustice. Grants the court jurisdiction to ensure that a neutral allocator is selected. Authorizes the President to initiate an allocation for any response action. Requires the President to provide an estimate of the aggregate Superfund share prior to selection of an allocator and to offer to contribute to a settlement of liability on the basis of such estimate. Entitles the Administrator or the Attorney General, as representatives of Superfund, and any State that may be responsible for costs, to participate in allocation proceedings. Places a moratorium on litigation seeking recovery of response costs or contributions in connection with actions for which the President has initiated allocations until 150 days after issuance of the allocator's report or of a report under this section. Stays pending actions or claims, including those under State law, until such prescribed period unless the court determines that a stay will result in manifest injustice. Sets forth procedures for the allocation of response costs to Superfund by the allocator. Divides unattributable shares pro rata among the PRPs and Superfund. Sets forth requirements for accepting settlements based on allocations. Makes such requirements inapplicable if the Administrator and the Attorney General reject the allocation report. Sets forth conditions under which parties who satisfactorily perform work under an administrative abatement action order with respect to a remedial action for which an allocation is required shall be entitled to reimbursement for the costs of work performed in excess of the share allocated. Title IV: Remedy Selection - Revises provisions regarding general rules for remedy selection. Requires exposure assessments to be consistent with the current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources identified by the President. Directs the President, for purposes of selecting appropriate methods of remediation for a given facility, to identify current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources at and around the facility and the timing of such uses. Permits land use assumptions restricting future use to be used in evaluating remedial alternatives only to the extent that institutional controls meeting specified criteria have been or will be adopted in the final remedy. Directs the President to use site-specific risk assessment to: (1) determine the nature and extent of risk to human health and the environment; (2) assist in establishing remedial objectives for the facility respecting releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances and in identifying geographic areas or exposure pathways of concern; and (3) evaluate alternative remedial actions for a facility to determine their risk reduction benefits. Lists factors to be balanced by the President in selecting an appropriate remedy. Requires the President to give preference to remedies that include a treatment component for facilities with source materials that constitute a principal threat. Directs the President to maintain a registry of restrictions on the use of land, water, or other resources through institutional controls that are included in final records of decisions as part of the basis of decision at NPL facilities. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the President, in order to respond to a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, to acquire a hazardous substance easement which limits or controls the use of land or other natural resources. Permits easements to be used wherever institutional controls have been selected as a component of a remedial action and the national contingency plan. Makes easements enforceable in perpetuity (unless terminated pursuant to this Act) against owners of affected property and persons who acquire interest in, or rights to use, the property. Sets forth provisions regarding the President's authority to assign easements to other parties. (Sec. 403) Requires risk assessments and characterizations conducted under CERCLA to: (1) provide objective assessments, estimates, and characterizations which neither minimize nor exaggerate the nature and magnitude of health and environmental risks; (2) distinguish scientific findings from other considerations; (3) be based on the best, relevant, and current scientific and technical information; and (4) be based on an analysis of the weight of scientific evidence that supports conclusions about a problem's potential health and environmental risk. Title V: General Provisions - Expands CERCLA provisions regarding treatment of Indian tribes to afford Indian tribes the same treatment as States with respect to provisions regarding public participation and remedy selection. Deems references to State facilities under CERCLA to mean facilities on Federal Indian reservations as well. Requires the President to conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the health impacts on Indian tribes of pollutants, contaminants, and hazardous substances released from facilities listed on or proposed for listing on the NPL. (Sec. 503) Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to require certain grants for the training and education of workers engaged in hazardous waste removal or containment or emergency response activities to be made from Superfund. Allocates at least 20 percent of funds for such purposes to the training of minority and other community-based workers who are involved in such activities. (Sec. 504) Revises provisions requiring contracts with States before remedial actions are provided to prohibit the President from providing any remedial action unless the State enters into an agreement providing assurances that it will pay ten percent of the costs of the action and ten percent of the costs of operation and maintenance. (Sec. 505) Extends certain provisions authorizing reimbursements by the President to local governments affected by releases or threatened releases to affected States as well. (Sec. 506) Sets forth provisions regarding enforcement and dispute resolution regarding remedy selection at Federal facilities for which authorities have been delegated to a State. (Sec. 507) Requires the Congressional Budget Office to conduct and submit to Congress a study of the potential costs to the Federal Government over the next 20 years from Federal liability for natural resource damages under CERCLA. (Sec. 508) Provides that CERCLA liability provisions shall not be construed to preempt any claims under State law for contribution to or recovery of costs of responding to releases of hazardous substances. Title VI: Funding - Subtitle A: Expenditures From the Hazardous Substance Superfund - Revises the list of activities for which expenditures from Superfund are authorized. Permits the President to use Superfund monies for administrative costs directly related to the costs of authorized activities. Bars the use of Superfund for response actions that are not removal actions with respect to non-NPL facilities. Repeals provisions regarding the assumption of certain liability by the Post-closure Liability Fund. (Sec. 602) Authorizes appropriations to Superfund for FY 2000 through 2004. Subtitle B: Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the environmental tax to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1999, and before January 1, 2004. Extends specified provisions regarding: (1) Superfund's financing rate; (2) limits on tax if the unobligated balance in Superfund exceeds a specified amount; and (3) the repayment deadline for advances made to Superfund. Lowers the amount of the unobligated Superfund balance required for a suspension of collection of tax on petroleum under environmental tax provisions.

Department of Energy Foreign Visitors Program Moratorium Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Department of Energy Foreign Visitors Program Moratorium Act of 1999 - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from admitting to any Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory facility any individual who is a citizen of a country named on the current DOE sensitive countries list. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition on a case-by-case basis when considered necessary for national security, but requires prior notification to the congressional defense committees, followed by a ten-day waiting period . Directs the Secretary to establish a counterintelligence program at each of the national laboratories which shall include a plan to investigate any prior breaches of security discovered after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires background checks on all foreign citizens before entry into a national laboratory. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the status of counterintelligence activities at each national laboratory.

Nuclear Waste Protection and Responsible Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Nuclear Waste Protection and Responsible Compensation Act - Prohibits commercial spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste (fuel and waste) from being transported offsite for away-from-reactor storage until a final license for a permanent disposition program is issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Authorizes State and local governments to negotiate with nuclear reactor utilities (utilities) to provide additional protections above the current Federal minimum standards to ensure that citizens and local communities are adequately protected from fuel and waste. Requires each utility, beginning in FY 2000, to retain the amount such utility would be required to pay into the Nuclear Waste Fund and deposit such amount into a nuclear waste escrow account. Requires such funds to be collected by the Secretary of Energy from each utility in September of 2004 and 2009, and deposited into such Fund. Requires interest collected on the escrow accounts to be deposited into a Utility On-site Compensation Fund, to be used for the on-site storage of fuel and waste that should have been accepted by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish the Federal Shutdown Reactor Fund for reactor shutdowns. Requires a utility which has been shut down to establish a Utility Shutdown Reactor Fund for the costs of on-site storage of fuel and waste at the shut down reactor. Adjusts the current priority for reactor fuel and waste to place first in such priority all fuel and waste at shut down nuclear reactors. Provides that such fuel and waste shall be considered to be non-defense wastes under this Act.

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a portion of the Columbia River as a recreational river, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River as a recreational river. Establishes a 15-member management commission to develop a management plan for the Hanford Reach recreational river. Excludes privately owned land from the river, including only adjacent public land. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers, to develop a comprehensive plan of improvement for the levees and other rivershore areas downstream of the Hanford Reach recreational river in the vicinity of the cities of Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, Washington. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to: (1) study the consolidation of parcels of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation; and (2) prepare to exchange lands on completion of documents required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Energy Efficient Affordable Home Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999

Energy Efficient Affordable Home Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish limited credits for energy efficiency improvements for: (1) an individual for energy efficiency improvements to an existing home; and (2) a contractor for installing energy efficient property in a new home.

Rural and Remote Community Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rural and Remote Community Development Block Grants Title II: Rural and Remote Community Electrification Grants The Rural and Remote Community Fairness Act - Title I: Rural and Remote Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize (including appropriations) a rural and remote community development block grant program. Sets forth eligible program activities, including housing, water and waste water, and fuel and energy enhancements. Title II: Rural and Remote Community Electrification Grants - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize (including appropriations) rural and remote community electrification grants. Title III: Rural Recovery Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize (including appropriations) rural housing and community development assistance through rural recovery community development block grants for eligible local governments and Indian tribes in areas with high rates of outmigration and low per capita income.

To provide that existing facilities located on the Pentwater River in Michigan, are not required to be licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under part 1 of the Federal Power Act.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999

Provides that it shall not be unlawful for the city of Hart, Michigan, to operate, repair, reconstruct, or modify any dam which, as of this Act's enactment date, is owned and operated by the city and located on the Pentwater River in Oceana County or any water conduit, reservoir, power house, and other works incidental to such dam. Provides that no Federal license for the regulation of development of water power and resources under part 1 of the Federal Power Act shall be required for such dam and project works. Grants permission for such facilities, subject to compliance with State laws, to the same extent as facilities are granted permission to construct dams or project works under provisions regarding projects not affecting navigable waters.

Federal Oil and Gas Reform Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999

Federal Oil and Gas Reform Act of 1999 - Amends provisions of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 concerning civil penalties for violation of Federal oil or gas lease (lease) requirements to include under such violations: (1) the filing of false information relating to royalty payments; (2) lease administration violations (recordkeeping, required notifications, inspections); and (3) theft of oil or gas. Makes a repeat offender under any of such violations liable for three times the amount of the otherwise applicable civil penalty and subject to certain other discretionary penalties, such as ceasing oil or gas production or not being permitted to acquire any other lease. Requires administrative appeal of a violation decision within 15 days. Revises penalty amounts for other violations. Provides that any determination that a person has violated lease requirements shall toll any applicable statute of limitations for leases held or operated by such person. Treats amounts received from underpayments of lease royalties owed to the United States as royalties paid to the United States for purposes of the Federal mineral and leasing laws and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Includes trebled royalty amounts collected for certain lease violations under a provision requiring 50 percent of amounts collected resulting from activities by a State or Indian tribe pursuant to a cooperative agreement to be payable to such State or tribe.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the use of tax-exempt financing by governmentally owned electric utilities and to subject certain activities of such utilities to income tax.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of a private activity bond to include a bond issued for the construction or acquisition of a governmental electric output facility, except for a bond issued for the construction or acquisition of a local governmental electric output facility (as defined). Subjects to taxation income derived by any governmental utility from sales of electric energy services to persons: (1) not within a qualified governmental service area of such utility; and (2) for resale if such resale is to persons outside such service area. Sets forth exceptions.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding maintenance of the nuclear weapons stockpile.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the priority of the nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship program should be the safety and security of the existing stockpile, while maintaining sufficient weapon reliability to ensure the arsenal's deterrent effect and not attempting to develop new weapons; (2) the stockpile can be maintained with a program that is far smaller, less expensive, and does not require facilities or experiments that are likely to be used for warhead design or development; and (3) the Secretary of Energy should redirect the Department of Energy program for custodianship of the nuclear weapons arsenal toward less costly, less provocative methods that are consistent with U.S. treaty obligations.

Independent Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999

Independent Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act of 1999 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to authorize persons holding spent nuclear fuel contracts to offset the expenses of providing storage of such fuel that the Secretary of Energy would have accepted if a facility was available. Authorizes such offset through credits on certain fee payments until the date of the Secretary's first acceptance at an authorized storage or disposal facility.

To prohibit oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999

Prohibits any drilling activity (including any slant or directional drilling) to extract oil or gas from submerged lands in any of the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce such prohibition.

Environmental Equalization and Energy Security Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999

Environmental Equalization and Energy Security Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on imported crude oil and petroleum products (except those imported from Canada) equal to the applicable environmental equalization fee per barrel of crude oil, as determined by the Secretary of Energy. States that the fee shall be the amount of the Secretary's estimate: (1) in the case of crude oil, of the average amount per barrel of the price of domestic crude oil attributable to costs of complying with U.S. environmental laws and regulations; and (2) in the case of petroleum products, of the average amount per barrel of the price of domestic petroleum products attributable to such costs. Exempts from such tax: (1) the sale of crude oil or petroleum products for export or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for export; and (2) the sale or use of any petroleum product during any period when the President determines that it is in the national interest not to impose the tax.