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Bill· HRH.R. 1939 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for Alzheimer's disease research. Requires payment of collected amounts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Expresses the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total funds received by NIH below the level that would have otherwise been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first-class or other regular postage rates.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 114 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Commission to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp to honor all missing children.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 112 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the S.S. LANE VICTORY.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 55 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1999
Disapproves the rule submitted by the U.S. Postal Service relating to delivery of mail to a commercial mail receiving agency (as published in the Federal Register on March 25, 1999). Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.
Bill· HRH.R. 1859 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1999
Postal Rate Transition Act - Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from requesting the first rate increase for first-class postage after enactment of this Act until reporting to Congress on: (1) the number of one-cent stamps printed to facilitate the first-class rate increase implemented as of January 10, 1999; (2) how the U.S. Postal Service determined how many of such one-cent stamps should be printed to facilitate such implementation; (3) the number of one-cent stamps that would have been printed during calendar year 1999 if such rate increase had not been implemented; and (4) the cost of printing them. Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from implementing the first rate increase for first-class postage recommended by the Postal Rate Commission after enactment of this Act until reporting to Congress an estimate of the number of stamps at a compensatory price that need to be printed to facilitate the rate increase. Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service, with respect to the first increase in the first-class rate after enactment of this Act, during the 30 days following the first day of such increase, from: (1) failing to accept first-class mail weighing one ounce or less because a 33-cent stamp is used for such mail; or (2) selling any 33-cent stamps. Applies the same prohibition and requirements with respect to a postcard for which a 20-cent postage stamp is used. Requires a report to Congress on the number of stamps printed to facilitate such rate increase, with related price information.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 108 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1999
Declares that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend and the U.S. Postal Service should issue a postage stamp to raise public awareness of the serious problem of driving while intoxicated.
Bill· SS. 975 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999
Sweepstakes Toll-Free Option Protection Act of 1999 - Declares that matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails is nonmailable, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, if it is a skill contest or sweepstakes addressed to an individual who made an election to be excluded from all mailing lists used by promoters of skill contests or sweepstakes by mailing a removal request form to the notification system established under this Act. Requires any promoter who mails a skill contest or sweepstakes to: (1) provide with each mailing a clear and conspicuous statement that includes the address and toll-free telephone number of such notification system and states that it can be used to prohibit the mailing of any skill contest or sweepstakes to such individual; and (2) participate in the establishment and maintenance of a uniform notification system that provides for any individual or other duly authorized person to notify the system of the individual's election to have his or her name and address excluded from all lists of names and address used by that promoter to mail such material. Prohibits the commercial use of any list of names and addresses used, maintained, or created by the system. Establishes civil penalties for: (1) persons who violate the prohibition; and (2) promoters who recklessly mail such nonmailable matter or fail to comply substantially with the notification system requirements.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 104 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1999
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a postage stamp should be issued by the U.S. Postal Service in honor of William C. Velasquez; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such stamp be issued.
Law· HRH.R. 1666 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 200 East Pinckney Street in Madison, Florida, as the Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. Post Office.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 144 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating Cesar E. Chavez.
Bill· HRH.R. 1472 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999
Stamp Out Diabetes Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for diabetes research. Requires collected amounts to be paid to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Expresses the sense of the Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total funds received by NIH below the level that would have otherwise been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first-class or other regular postage rates. Requires special postage stamps to be made available to the public.
Law· HRH.R. 1377 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 13234 South Baltimore Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the John J. Buchanan Post Office Building.
Law· HRH.R. 1327 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service building located at 34480 Highway 101 South in Cloverdale, Oregon, as the Maurine B. Neuberger United States Post Office.
Bill· SS. 712 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Look, Listen, and Live Stamp Act - Amends Federal postal law to direct the Postal Service to establish a special rate of first-class mail postage for certain specially issued U.S. postage stamps, whose proceeds shall be paid by the Service to the Department of Transportation for Operation Lifesaver with respect to highway-rail grade crossing safety. Declares the sense of Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) directly or indirectly cause a net decrease in total funds received by the Department of Transportation for Operation Lifesaver below the level that would otherwise have been received but for enactment of this Act; or (2) affect regular first-class rates of postage or any other regular rates of postage. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress: (1) an evaluation of the effectiveness and the appropriateness of the authority provided by this Act as a means of fundraising; and (2) a description of the monetary and other resources required of the Postal Service in carrying it out.
Law· HRH.R. 1251 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service building located at 8850 South 700 East, in Sandy, Utah, as the Noal Cushing Bateman Post Office Building.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 77 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the Postal Service to honor the members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued in 1999, the year marking the 200th anniversary of the death of George Washington.
Law· HRH.R. 1191 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Designates the facilities of the U.S. Postal Service located in Chicago, Illinois, at: (1) 433 West Harrison Street as the Cardiss Collins Post Office Building; (2) 2302 South Pulaski Street as the Otis Grant Collins Post Office Building; (3) 4222 West Madison Street as the Mary Alice (Ma) Henry Post Office Building; and (4) 50001 West Division Street as the Robert LeFlore, Jr. Post Office Building.
Bill· HRH.R. 1181 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Declares that any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; and (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Prohibits certain U.S. assistance to Cuba.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 60 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend and the U.S. Postal Service should issue a series of commemorative postage stamps in 1999 honoring the legacy and the continuing contributions of veterans service organizations to America.
Law· HRH.R. 1141 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Title II: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Title III: Technical Corrections 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for: (1) salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency; and (2) direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, direct and guaranteed subsidized farm operating loans, and emergency farm loans. Chapter 2 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Justice for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for salaries and expenses, enforcement and border affairs. Chapter 3 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for: (1) Army reserve personnel and Army and Air Force National Guard personnel; (2) Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; and (3) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid. Chapter 4 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for: (1) international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Economic Support Fund for assistance to Jordan; (3) expenses to address the effects of hurricanes in Central America and the Caribbean and the earthquake in Columbia; (4) the Treasury Department for debt restructuring; and (5) the Foreign Military Financing Program for grants to Jordan pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act. Prohibits the value of articles, services, and military education and training authorized to be drawn down by the President under a specified provision of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from being counted against the ceiling limitation of that section. Chapter 5 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the U.S. Forest Service for reconstruction and construction in connection with damages from Hurricane Georges and other natural disasters in Puerto Rico. Chapter 6 - Rescinds specified amounts of funds for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the cost of foreign assistance direct credit agreements; (2) the Department of Energy for atomic energy defense activities; (3) the Trade and Development Agency for export and investment assistance; (4) the Agency for International Development for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs; (5) the Economic Support Fund for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs; (6) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (7) assistance for the new independent States of the former Soviet Union; (8) peacekeeping operations; (9) reconstruction and development of international financial institutions; (10) callable capital stock in certain international financial institutions; (11) international organizations and programs; (12) the Department of Transportation for contract authorization for small community air service; (13) the Federal Highway Administration for State infrastructure banks; and (14) the Federal Transit Administration for contract authorization for transit programs and interstate transfer grants. Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to reduce the amount of emergency supplemental appropriations for defense-wide O&M under such Act. Title II: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions - Chapter 1 - Makes supplemental appropriations for the U.S. Supreme Court for salaries and expenses. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the United States Information Agency for buying power maintenance. Chapter 2 - Makes supplemental appropriations for expenses for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Chapter 3 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Bureau of Land Management for the management of land and resources. Makes supplemental appropriations for the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians for Indian trust programs, including litigation support. Chapter 4 - Reduces the amount of funds available for the Employment and Training Administration for State unemployment insurance and employment service operations. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services for a Federal capital loan program for nursing; and (2) the Department of Education for education research, statistics, and improvement. Makes supplemental appropriations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for National Public Radio. Chapter 5 - Makes supplemental appropriations for the Architect of the Capitol for: (1) renovation of the House Page dormitory; and (2) life safety renovations to the O'Neill House Office Building. Increases for FY 2000 and thereafter the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the lump-sum allowance for the Office of the Majority Whip of the House. Authorizes the transfer of funds between various accounts under the heading "House Leadership Offices," beginning with FY 1999. Chapter 6 - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for revenue forgone reimbursement. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs of natural disasters of national significance. Chapter 7 - Earmarks a specified amount of funds made available for the Economic Development Initiative for projects to revitalize and redevelop the Los Angeles Civic Center neighborhood and for development of a child care center in Huntington Park, California. (Sec. 2001) Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loan deficiency payments under the Agricultural Market Transition Act to producers of club wheat, from assessing a premium adjustment on the amount that would otherwise be computed for club wheat to reflect a premium paid to ensure its availability in creating a specialty product known as western white wheat. Requires a retroactive payment to each such producer that received a discounted loan deficiency payment as a result of a premium adjustment against club wheat. Title III: Technical Corrections - Makes technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments to the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (2) Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999; and (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999. (Sec. 3006) Revises fiscal year requirements and funding amounts under specified provisions of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999. Earmarks certain funds appropriated under such Act. (Sec. 3008) Makes certain funds appropriated under the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 for highway traffic safety operations and research available through FY 1999. Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to authorize a specified transfer and allocation of funds by the Capitol Police Board. (Sec. 3011) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to make certain funds transferred under such Act to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States available through FY 2000.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 57 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend and the U.S. Postal Service should issue a postage stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the Junior League.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 115 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 109 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to prepare to issue a commemorative postage stamp in 2002 recognizing the 4-H Youth Development Program's centennial.
Bill· SS. 556 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1999
Post Office Community Partnership Act of 1999 - Modifies Federal postal law to revise requirements for the closing or consolidation of a post office and apply them, as well, to its relocation or construction. Requires a 60-day notice before an office's relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction. Requires such notice to be: (1) hand delivered or delivered by mail; and (2) published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the zip codes served by such post office. Sets forth provisions which: (1) allow any person served by the post office to offer an alternative relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction proposal within such 60-day period; and (2) require the Postal Service to conduct a hearing, if requested by such person, to allow the individual to present oral or written testimony. Revises the factors to be considered in deciding whether or not to relocate, close, consolidate, or construct a post office to include: (1) the extent to which the post office is part of a core downtown business area; (2) the sentiment of the community; (3) the adequacy of the existing post office; and (4) whether all reasonable alternatives to relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction have been explored. Requires the Postal Service to respond in a consolidated report to all of the alternative proposals offered within the 60-day notification period by persons served by the post office in question. Requires the Postal Service to follow a community's public participation procedures to address the relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction of buildings in the community if such procedures are more stringent than those provided in this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to a temporary customer service facility used for less than 60 days. Allows for a one-time suspension of this Act with respect to a single emergency for any specific post office for a maximum 180-day period.
Bill· SS. 545 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Amendments to Aviation Law Title III: Airport Improvement Program Amendments Title IV: Commercial Space Transportation Amendments Title V: Performance Based Organization for Air Traffic Services Title VI: Family Assistance Title VII: Passenger Service Availability; Mail Rates Title VIII: Transfer of Aeronautical Charting Activity Title IX: Whistleblower Protection Title X: National Parks Air Tour Management Title XI: Title 49 Technical Corrections Title XII: Prevention of Fraud Involving Aircraft or Space Vehicle Parts Title XIII: Internal Revenue Code Amendments Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1999 - Title I: Authorizations - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations. Earmarks amounts for a university consortium established to provide an air safety and security management certificate program. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal aviation law to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for: (1) the FAA Facilities and Equipment Program; and (2) FAA research, engineering, and development. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the Office of Inspector General for the conduct of annual audits of FAA financial statements. Title II: Amendments to Aviation Law - Amends Federal aviation law to authorize the FAA Administrator to contract for procurement of severable services for a period that begins in one fiscal year and ends in the next fiscal year if (without regard to any option to extend it) the contract period does not exceed one year. Declares that funds available for a fiscal year may be obligated for the total amount of the contract. (Sec. 202) Amends the Airport Noise and Capacity Act to make foreign air carriers eligible for a waiver from Stage three noise level requirements for certain aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide a procedure under which a person may operate a Stage one or Stage two airplane in nonrevenue service to or from a U.S. airport in order to: (1) sell the aircraft outside the United States; (2) sell such aircraft for scrapping; or (3) obtain modifications to the aircraft to meet Stage three noise levels. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to establish consortia of government and aviation industry representatives at airports to provide advice on matters related to aviation security and safety. (Sec. 204) Provides for an eligible agency to impose a passenger facility fee of more than $3 (currently, $1, $2, or $3) on each airline passenger of a domestic or foreign air carrier boarding an aircraft at an airport the agency controls to finance an eligible airport-related project. Requires an eligible agency when submitting an application for a passenger facility fee of more than $4 to submit separately a competition plan to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to approve an application of an eligible agency for a surface transportation project to improve access to an airport having at least .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports only if such agency has made adequate provision for financing safety, security, and capacity needs of the airport. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to encourage the development of transportation systems that use various modes of transportation to serve effectively the State and local communities, to approve an application by an eligible agency to participate in a cost-sharing agreement with one or more eligible surface transportation agencies for a surface transportation project, provided certain conditions are met. Revises the methodology for reducing, through the imposition of passenger facility fees, the apportionment of airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning funds to sponsors of airports. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to enter into bilateral agreements with the aeronautical authorities of another country to exchange with that country all or part of their respective safety oversight functions and duties with respect to certain domestic and foreign aircraft. (Sec. 206) Authorizes the appropriation of the balance of funds available in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for, among other things, any cost incurred by the FAA after September 30, 1999, that is authorized by law. (Sec. 207) Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a schedule of new fees for services (other than air traffic control services) provided to any entity obtaining services outside the United States. (Sec. 208) Amends the Pilot Records Improvement Act to eliminate the need for criminal history checks in the employment investigation of individuals applying for certain airport security positions in cases where there are unaccounted gaps in the employment of such individuals of more than 12 months, or inconsistent or unsupported information provided on their applications. Declares that an air carrier does not need to obtain the employment records of an applicant pilot who has been employed by a branch of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard (or reserve), or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) before allowing such individual to begin service as a pilot. Provides for electronic access to the employment records of FAA air pilots. (Sec. 209) Extends Federal aviation insurance and reinsurance programs through December 31, 2004. (Sec. 210) Authorizes the judicial review of FAA Administrator orders imposing a civil penalty. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to improve real property leased for air navigation facilities when such improvements primarily benefit the government, are essential for mission accomplishment, and the government's interest in the improvements is protected. (Sec. 212) Provides for the enforcement of whistleblower laws and the Hatch Act (prohibiting State or local employees from influencing elections or taking part in political campaigns) for FAA employees. (Sec. 213) Provides that a proposed change to the FAA personnel management system that has not led to an agreement between the FAA employee bargaining unit and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall not become effective until 60-days after the FAA Administrator has submitted the change to Congress. Provides that such period shall not include any period during which Congress has adjourned sine die. Authorizes FAA employees who have been the subject of a major adverse personnel action to contest such action either through any contractual grievance procedure through the employee's collective bargaining unit or through the FAA's internal process relating to review of FAA major adverse personnel actions (under the Guaranteed Fair Treatment or a specified section of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996). Requires such employees who can contest such personnel action through more than one forum to elect the appropriate forum (no more than one). Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize FAA employees under the new FAA personnel management system to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board and seek judicial review of Board decisions. (Sec. 214) Requires the FAA Administrator to establish a schedule of new fees (until they are replaced by another schedule of fees adopted under specified law) for the provision of air traffic control services to an air carrier, a commercial air carrier (for compensation or hire), or a foreign air carrier. Provides for the reduction of aviation excise taxes to be credited to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund if such taxes and receipts from fees exceed for FY 2000 the FAA budgetary requirements for FY 2001. (Sec. 215) Amends the statute prohibiting the bringing of hazardous material aboard an aircraft to provide that knowledge of the existence of a regulation or requirement related to the transportation of hazardous material prescribed by the Secretary is not an element of the offense. (Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary, in order to improve security at public U.S. airports, to carry out one or more projects to test and evaluate innovative aviation security systems and related technology. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 218) Subjects to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 any individual who interferes with the duties or responsibilities of the flight crew or cabin crew of a civil aircraft, or who poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or other individuals on the aircraft. (Sec. 219) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to delegate authority for cargo inspection to a qualified private person. (Sec. 220) Amends the statute prohibiting piloting of an aircraft not used to provide air transportation without a valid airman's certificate. Excepts from the limitation of such prohibition only to aircraft not used to provide air transportation any person who knowingly and willfully serves or attempts to serve in any capacity as an airman without such certificate authorizing such individual to serve in that capacity. (Thus subjects such a person to the general criminal penalty for such a violation even if the aircraft is in fact used to provide air transportation.) Title III: Airport Improvement Program Amendments - Removes the maximum cap on airport improvement funds credited to the discretionary fund. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program of not more than five new projects for grants to implement innovative financing techniques for airport development projects at airports that have less than .25 percent of the boardings at all commercial service airports. (Sec. 303) Sets forth the maximum Federal share of costs for: (1) airport improvement projects funded under the State block grant program; and (2) projects for the operation of turbine powered aircraft at nonprimary airports. (Sec. 304) Increases from 31 to 35 percent the minimum apportionment from the discretionary fund for airport improvement grant funds for airport noise compatibility programs and approved noise mitigation projects. (Sec. 305) Increases the State apportionment of airport development funds. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Secretary to use certain unobligated funds to make discretionary grants for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs. (Sec. 307) Repeals the pavement maintenance pilot program. Makes routine work to preserve and extend the useful life of runways, taxiways, and aprons at airports eligible for airport development project funds. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to apportion airport improvement funds to an airport sponsor in a fiscal year in an amount equal to the amount apportioned to such sponsor in the previous fiscal year if the Secretary finds that: (1) passenger boardings at the airport fell below 10,000 in the calendar year used to calculate the apportionment; (2) the airport had at least 10,000 passenger boardings in the year prior to the year used to calculate apportionments to airport sponsors in a fiscal year; and (3) the cause of the shortfall in passenger boardings was a temporary but significant interruption in service by an air carrier to the airport due to an employment action, natural disaster, or other event unrelated to the demand for air transportation at the affected airport. (Sec. 309) Authorizes the Secretary to approve an airport development project at an airport having at least .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports only for: (1) a development project to meet certain safety or security requirements or specified other Federal requirements; (2) airport noise compatibility planning projects; (3) a development project that will create new airfield capacity at an airport; and (4) airport planning. (Sec. 310) Prohibits the Secretary from waiving certain required assurances that property be used for aeronautical purposes with respect to the grant of airport development funds, unless the Secretary provides public notice at least 30 days before issuing such waiver. (Sec. 311) Makes it policy to encourage the development of transportation systems, including airport systems, in a manner that will serve the Nation, the States, and local communities efficiently and effectively. Includes within the integrated airport system planning process the developing of a plan for an airport system that includes a primary airport that enplanes at least 0.25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all commercial service airports, so that such planning includes fair consideration of surface transportation and land use plans relevant to airport access and development in the airport system under study. Revises requirements for the approval of an airport development project grant application, with respect to a project for the location of an airport or a project for a runway or a major runway extension at such primary airport, to require the sponsor to provide the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) authorized to conduct metropolitan planning in the area in which the airport is located with not less than 60 days to review the airport master plan and submit comments on such plans to the sponsor. (Sec. 312) Makes it policy that priority consideration should be given to encourage development identified by the Secretary to support operations of turbine powered aircraft at nonprimary airports to the extent possible with available funds, considering other airport needs. (Sec. 313) Increases from 12 to 15 the number of current or former military airports at any time that may receive airport improvement funds. (Sec. 314) Revises criteria for the issuance by the Secretary of letters of intent to sponsors to obligate funds for airport development projects. Limits to projects at an airport having at least 0.25 percent of the boardings each year of all commercial service airports the requirement that the Secretary decide the project will enhance system-wide airport capacity significantly. (Sec. 315) Authorizes the use of airport improvement funds apportioned to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico for any of their public airports. Authorizes the use of the supplemental apportionment of airport improvement funds for Alaska for any of its public airports. Repeals a certain limitation on the apportionment of airport improvement funds for commercial airports in Alaska. Revises the amount of certain funds apportioned to the discretionary and small airport funds. Authorizes the Secretary to distribute a certain percentage of funds from the small airport fund for grants for projects at small hub airports. Authorizes the use of State-apportioned airport improvement funds for: (1) integrated airport system planning that encompasses one or more primary airports; and (2) a project to survey or to upgrade a non-primary airport to obtain greater benefits from implementation of satellite-based air navigation systems. Declares that an airport development project shall remain eligible for funding from the discretionary fund (subject to the availability of funds) even though the status of the airport project changes from a primary airport to a non-primary airport. Revises the definition of "public-use airport," for purposes of grant eligibility for airport development funds, to include a privately-owned airport that, as a reliever airport, received Federal aid for airport development before October 9, 1996. Permits certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary to authorize a public agency to request waiver of a passenger facility fee for: (1) any class of domestic or foreign air carriers that enplane not more than a specified percent of the total number of passengers enplaned annually at a airport; or (2) passengers enplaned on a flight to an airport with scheduled passenger service but fewer than 2,500 passenger boardings each year, or in a community with a population of less than 10,000 and not connected by land to the National Highway System. Title IV: Commercial Space Transportation Amendments - Increases FY 2000 authorization of appropriations for activities of the Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. Authorizes appropriations for such activities for FY 2001 through 2004. (Sec. 402) Repeals the requirement for uniform guidelines for acquisition of surplus property and services. (Sec. 403) Extends, through December 31, 2005, the Secretary's authority to pay excess claims against the United States for death, bodily injury, or property damage occurring during a commercial space launch and reentry. Title V: Performance Based Organization for Air Traffic Services - Requires the FAA Administrator to establish within the FAA a performance-based organization (Air Traffic Services (ATS)) to manage and operate the air traffic control system on an efficient basis without Federal funding after May 15, 2001. Establishes an ATS subcommittee to be headed by the Chairman of the Management Advisory Council to offer advice and recommendations to the FAA Administrator with respect to ATS performance. Requires the ATS to establish a performance management system for all ATS employees. Authorizes the ATS to establish an awards program to provide incentives for such employees. (Sec. 504) Directs the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the ATS to prescribe a schedule of fees for air traffic and related services that are provided by the ATS to the air carrier, foreign air carrier, and other non-public-non-military aircraft. Authorizes the imposition of ATS fees on international commercial operations involving air traffic control services provided by the United States (and not subject to tax) as long as they are consistent with international agreements. Declares that payment of such fees shall be in lieu of any fees charged for such services for overflight operations. Provides for congressional review of ATS fees. (Sec. 505) Requires the deposit of ATS fees into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations (without fiscal-year limitation) from the Trust Fund equal to amounts collected for specified user fees to the ATS for the provision of air traffic services. (Sec. 506) Provides for the adjustment of certain aviation excise taxes credited to the Trust Fund. Title VI: Family Assistance - Amends Federal transportation law to revise the prohibition against unsolicited communications before a certain time concerning potential action for personal injury or wrongful death by an attorney to an individual injured in an accident involving a domestic air carrier. Extends the moratorium from 30 days following the accident to 45 days. Includes within the prohibition any accidents involving a foreign carrier in the United States. Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to bring a civil action in a district court for violations. (Sec. 601) Prohibits a State or political subdivision from preventing nonprofit organization employees with experience in disasters and post-trauma communication with families from providing mental health and counseling services within the 30 day period after an accident. Includes within the definition of "passenger" with regard to assistance to families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents: (1) foreign air carrier employees aboard the aircraft; and (2) any other person aboard the aircraft without regard to whether the person paid for the transportation, occupied a seat, or held a reservation for the flight. (Sec. 602) Revises requirements for air carrier plans that provide assistance to the families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents to require them to include, at a minimum, an assurance that: (1) upon request of the family of a passenger, the air carrier will inform the family of the status of the review of the verification of the passenger manifest, including whether the passenger's name appeared on a preliminary passenger manifest for the flight involved in the accident; and (2) the air carrier will provide adequate training to air carrier employees and agents to meet the needs of survivors and family members following an accident. Prohibits the Secretary from approving an application for a permit to provide foreign air transportation unless the applicant has included, among other things, as part of the application or request for exemption an agreement that, in the event that such foreign air carrier volunteers assistance to U.S. citizens within the United States in the case of an aircraft accident outside the United States involving major loss of life, the foreign air carrier will consult with the NTSB and the Department of State on the provision of such assistance. Declares that an air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of its performance in providing information concerning a flight reservation. (Sec. 603) Makes similar changes to foreign air carrier plan requirements. Title VII: Passenger Service Availability; Mail Rates - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit: (1) a domestic or foreign air carrier in providing foreign air transportation (or a domestic air carrier in providing interstate air transportation) from subjecting an airline passenger to unreasonable discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex; and (2) a foreign air carrier from discriminating against a passenger that has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (Sec. 701) Authorizes the Attorney General, or an interested person, to institute a civil action for damages, for past activity, and for preventive relief for persons injured as a result of such discrimination (including discrimination against the handicapped). Authorizes the court, in its discretion, to allow the prevailing party (other than the United States) reasonable attorney's fees. (Sec. 702) Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year pilot airline service restoration program to provide funds to up to 40 communities and States with inadequate access to the national transportation system to improve their access to such system. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Waives the State or local contribution requirement with respect to the compensation of an air carrier providing air service to certain noneligible places. (Sec. 704) Authorizes the Secretary, if it is necessary to facilitate service to a small community, to require an air carrier that serves an essential airport facility to enter into a joint-fare or interline agreement with a qualifying air carrier that serves an underserved market to facilitate air transportation in the market. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary, in carrying out aviation policy, to consider as being in the public interest and consistent with public convenience and necessity ensuring that: (1) consumers in all regions of the United States, including those in small communities and rural and remote areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air service; and (2) slots provided to air carriers to provide small community air service are withdrawn if the carrier fails to provide the service. (Sec. 706) Revises air carrier obligations, with respect to two air carriers who make an agreement to operate under or use a single carrier designator code to provide air transportation, to require the carrier whose code is being used to share responsibility with the other carriers for the level and quality of transportation provided the public under the code by the other carriers, including providing full service at Essential Air Service communities. (Sec. 707) Repeals mail rate-setting authority of the U.S. Postal with respect to the transportation of mail by aircraft in foreign air transportation. Authorizes the Postal Service to provide for the transportation of mail by aircraft in air transportation (currently, in interstate air transportation). (Sec. 708) Repeals requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibiting the increase or decrease by the FAA Administrator in the number of takeoffs and landings (the High Density Rule) at airports (except Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). Exempts certain aircraft with specified noise levels from the High Density Rule at airports (except Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). Title VIII: Transfer of Aeronautical Charting Activity - Transfers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration all functions, personnel, and funds of the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography to the Department of Transportation. Title IX: Whistleblower Protection - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. (Sec. 901) Prohibits a person from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee with respect to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) notified his or her employer of an alleged violation of this title; (2) refused to operate aircraft or work when it would be in violation of a FAA regulation, or because of a reasonable apprehension of death or serious physical harm; (3) provided or is about to provide information relating to air safety; or (4) has filed or is about to file a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air carrier safety. Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act. Title X: National Parks Air Tour Management - National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1999 - Prohibits a commercial air tour operator from conducting commercial air tour operations over a national park or tribal lands, except in accordance with this Act, conditions prescribed for that operator by the FAA Administrator, and any commercial air tour management plan for the park or tribal lands. (Sec. 1003) Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) the granting of authority to commercial air tour operators to conduct air tour operations over national parks or tribal lands, with specified exceptions; and (2) establishment of commercial air tour management plans. Exempts from the requirements of this Act: (1) the Grand Canyon National Park, or any Indian country within or abutting such park; and (2) any land or waters located in Alaska.. (Sec. 1004) Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director of the National Park Service (Director) to establish, jointly, an advisory group to provide continuing advice and counsel with respect to the operation of commercial air tours over and near national parks. (Sec. 1005) Directs the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the effects proposed overflight fees are likely to have on the commercial air tour industry. Directs the FAA Administrator and the Director to report jointly to Congress on the effectiveness of this Act in providing incentives for the development and use of quiet aircraft technology. Title XI: Title 49 Technical Corrections - Sets forth certain technical corrections to specified sections of title 49 of the United States Code. Title XII: Prevention of Fraud Involving Aircraft or Spacecraft Parts - Aircraft Safety Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for fraud involving aircraft or space vehicle parts in interstate or foreign commerce. Provides for civil remedies and criminal forfeiture. Title XIII: Internal Revenue Code Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through October 1, 2004.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 38 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the U.S. Postal Service honoring Paul Leroy Robeson; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend such a stamp to the Postmaster General.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 12 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1999
Requests that the U.S. Postal Service issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 711 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Requires the Postal Service to ensure that nothing in its regulations prevents a veterans' organization from soliciting contributions on postal property so long as those activities do not impede or disturb: (1) postal employees in the performance of their duties; or (2) the general public in transacting business or obtaining services.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 60 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Zora Neale Hurston.
Bill· HRH.R. 670 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
Post Office Community Partnership Act of 1999 - Modifies Federal postal law to revise requirements for the closing or consolidation of a post office and apply them, as well, to its relocation or construction. Requires a 60-day notice before an office's relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction. Requires such notice to be: (1) hand delivered or delivered by mail; and (2) published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the zip codes served by such post office. Sets forth provisions which: (1) allow any person served by the post office to offer an alternative relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction proposal within such 60-day period; and (2) require the Postal Service to conduct a hearing, if requested by such person, to allow the individual to present oral or written testimony. Revises the factors to be considered in deciding whether or not to relocate, close, consolidate, or construct a post office to include: (1) the extent to which the post office is part of a core downtown business area; (2) the sentiment of the community; (3) the adequacy of the existing post office; and (4) whether all reasonable alternatives to relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction have been explored. Requires the Postal Service to respond in a consolidated report to all of the alternative proposals offered within the 60-day notification period by persons served by the post office in question. Requires the Postal Service to follow a community's public participation procedures to address the relocation, closing, consolidation, or construction of buildings in the community if such procedures are more stringent than those provided in this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to a temporary customer service facility used for less than 60 days. Allows for a one-time suspension of this Act with respect to a single emergency for any specific post office for a maximum 180-day period.
Bill· HRH.R. 597 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Faces of AIDS Stamp Act of 1999 - Amends Federal law to require the Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first class mail that is up to 25 percent higher than the regular rate as a voluntary alternative that the public may use to contribute to funding for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) research and education. Requires 50 percent of collected amounts to be paid to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the remainder to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for AIDS awareness education grant programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that nothing in this Act should: (1) cause a net decrease in total funds received by NIH, HHS, or any other Federal agency or instrumentality below the level that would have otherwise been received but for this Act's enactment; or (2) affect first-class or other regular postage rates. Requires special postage stamps to be made available to the public.
Law· SS. 335 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit the use of any reference to the Postmaster General, a citation to Federal statute, or implication that nonmailable matter is afforded any special protections or status by the Federal Government if such matter constitutes a solicitation by a non-governmental entity for: (1) the purchase of or payment for products or services and containing a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement; or (2) information or the contribution of funds or membership fees and containing such terms or symbols which could reasonably be interpreted or construed in the same manner. Allows the mailing of such matter if it does not contain a statement that implies that Federal Government benefits or services will be affected by any purchase, nonpurchase, response, or non-response to such matter. (Sec. 2) Declares that matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs if such matter constitutes a solicitation for the purchase of any products that is federally produced, may be obtained without cost from the Federal Government, and does not contain a statement giving notice of such information. Requires the Postal Service to regulate the manner in which such statement should be displayed. (Sec. 3) Prohibits matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails that relates to a sweepstakes, prize promotion, or award that does not meet specified Postal Service requirements from being carried or delivered by mail. Allows it to be disposed of as the Postal Service directs. Requires persons who: (1) use the mails for any matter that contains sweepstakes entry materials to adopt reasonable practices and procedures to prevent the mailing of such materials to persons who submit written requests that such materials should not be mailed to them; and (2) mail such solicitation materials to maintain or cause to be maintained records of all such requests that permit the suppression of the names of such requesters for a five-year period beginning on the date of the written requests. (Sec. 4) Makes postal law sanctions involving false representations and lotteries applicable to deceptive mailings under this Act. (Sec. 5) Allows the Postal Service to apply for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctions in the preparation for or during the pendency of proceedings concerning deceptive mailings. (Sec. 6) Increases civil penalties for violation of current postal law sanctions and establishes civil penalties for violation of this Act. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the use of administrative subpoenas by the Postmaster General in any investigation involving nonmailable matter.
Bill· SS. 336 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Deceptive Games of Chance Mailings Elimination Act of 1999 - Amends Federal postal law concerning nonmailable matter with respect to otherwise legally acceptable matter constituting a solicitation or offer in connection with the promotion of a game of chance that contains words or symbols suggesting the recipient will, or is likely to, receive anything of value. Requires such matter to conform with specified regulations issued by the Postmaster General before it may be carried or delivered by mail. Subjects matter violating such regulations to current cease and desist and other postal law sanctions involving false representations and lotteries. Requires any otherwise legally acceptable matter not in conformance with such regulations to be disposed of as the Postal Service directs. Authorizes the use of administrative subpoenas by the Postmaster General in any investigation involving nonmailable matter.
Bill· SS. 301 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1999
Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1999 - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit, unless specified notices in a specified font are printed on the envelope, enclosed material, or face of the order entry device, delivery of any mail constituting a solicitation, offer, or sweepstakes in connection with a sales promotion for a product or service: (1) that includes the chance or opportunity to win anything of value if such mail contains words or symbols that suggest that the recipient has received or will receive anything of value if the recipient has in fact not won that thing of value; (2) that states that the recipient is likely to receive anything of value if statistically the recipient is not likely to receive anything of value; or (3) resembling a negotiable instrument. Prescribes civil penalties for any person who, through the use of the mail, sends any matter which is nonmailable under Federal postal law. Deposits such penalties into the Postal Service Fund (currently, the Treasury). Expresses the sense of the Congress that civil penalties collected through the enforcement of this Act should be allocated by the Postal Service to increase consumer awareness of misleading solicitations received through the mail, including releasing an annual listing of the top ten offenders of this Act. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt any State law that regulates advertising or sales of goods and services associated with any game of chance.
Bill· HRH.R. 229 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. (Sec. 3) Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Declares that any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; and (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. (Sec. 4) Authorizes common carriers to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. (Sec. 5) Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. (Sec. 6) Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. (Sec. 7) Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.
Law· HRH.R. 197 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 410 North 6th Street in Garden City, Kansas, as the Clifford R. Hope Post Office.
Law· HRH.R. 100 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Designates the U.S. Postal Service building located at: (1) 2601 North 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Roxanne H. Jones Post Office Building; (2) 5300 West Jefferson Street in Philadelphia as the Freeman Hankins Post Office Building; and (3) 2037 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia as the Max Weiner Post Office Building.
Bill· HRH.R. 22 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Redesignation of the Board of Governors, the Postmaster General and the Postal Rate Commission Title II : New System Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services Subtitle A: In General Subtitle B: Related Provisions Title III: General Authority Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to the Budget and Appropriations Process Title V: Provisions Relating to Transportation, Carriage, or Delivery of Mail Title VI: Studies Title VII: Inspectors General Title VIII: Law Enforcement Subtitle A: Amendments to Title 39, United States Code Subtitle B: Other Provisions Postal Modernization Act of 1999 - Title I: Redesignation of the Board of Governors, the Postmaster General and the Postal Rate Commission - Amends Federal law regarding the U.S. Postal Service to redesignate: (1) Governors and the Board of Governors as Directors and the Board of Directors (Board); (2) the Postmaster General as the Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the Service (PMG); and (3) the Postal Rate Commission as the Postal Regulatory Commission (Commission). Title II: New System Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services - Subtitle A: In General - Exempts from the amendments of this title the free mailing privileges of: (1) the diplomatic corps of members of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain; (2) the blind and other physically handicapped; and (3) balloting materials under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. (Sec. 201) Requires the Service to request the Commission to make a recommended decision on baseline rates for all products in the noncompetitive and in the competitive categories of mail. Sets forth requirements for the rate for products in the reduced-rate category of mail. Declares null and void any rate case pending as of the date of enactment of this Act. Prescribes limitations on rates for the noncompetitive category of mail, and procedures for determining the adjustment factor to be established for an upcoming five-year ratemaking cycle. Requires the Board to establish rates for competitive products (priority mail, expedited mail, mailgrams, international mail, and parcel post). Authorizes the Commission to order the Service to discontinue any competitive product which persistently fails to cover its costs. Requires rates for competitive products to cover the collective costs for each year for all competitive and noncompetitive products. Authorizes the Service to conduct market (including large-scale market) tests of experimental noncompetitive and competitive products, subject to specified requirements. Prescribes criteria for the identification of noncompetitive and competitive products, and for the transfer of products between categories. Sets forth reporting and auditing requirements. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Service to enter into negotiated service agreements with postal service users in accordance with specified requirements. Revises procedures for the processing of rate and service complaints. (Sec. 203) Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Postal Service Competitive Products Fund, available without fiscal-year limitation for the payment of all attributable costs, institutional costs, and other expenses incurred by the Service in providing competitive products. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Board to establish under the laws of a State a private, nongovernmental, for-profit USPS Corporation which may offer any postal or nonpostal product or service offered by the Service, acquire shares of individual private companies, and participate in joint ventures with such companies. Subtitle B: Related Provisions - Sets forth the authority of the Commission to issue subpoenas. (Sec. 212) Revises eligibility requirements for Commissioners and Directors. (Sec. 213) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. (Sec. 214) Provides for change-of-address orders involving a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA). (Sec. 215) Provides for the eligibility of certain matter for mailing at specified former rates even though such matter is designed primarily for free circulation or for circulation at nominal rates, or fails to meet certain former requirements. Title III: General Authority - Revises the rulemaking authority of the Service. (Sec. 302) Exempts competitive products from the prohibition against the Service's granting any undue and unreasonable preference to any domestic or international user. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Service to employ guards for all buildings and areas owned or occupied by, or under the charge and control of, the Service. Specifies that such guards shall have, with respect to such property, the powers of special police officers. Authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take specified actions with respect to such property. (Sec. 304) Treats the date of postmark as the date of appeal in connection with the closing or consolidation of post offices. (Sec. 305) Specifies unfair competition prohibitions for private for-profit USPS Corporations. (Sec. 306) Revises requirements for international postal arrangements, granting the Secretary of State primary authority for the conduct of foreign policy with respect to international postal and delivery services. Prohibits the Service from tendering exported shipments of international mail to governmental authorities of any country for clearance and importation except in accordance with procedures and laws equally applicable to similar shipments transmitted by private companies. Denies access to special customs procedures to mail shipments imported from a foreign country unless such foreign country makes such special customs procedures available to shipments from the United States by the Service and by private companies. (Sec. 307) Revises requirements for suits by and against the Service. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to the Budget and Appropriations Process - Amends the Postal Reorganization Act to require the Service, regarding anyone receiving benefits as a former Post Office Department officer or employee, to have the same authorities and responsibilities as it has with respect to a Service officer or employee receiving such benefits. Title V: Provisions Relating to Transportation, Carriage, or Delivery of Mail - Repeals postal provisions regarding transportation of mail by surface carrier. (Sec. 501) Repeals the six-year limit on contracts for mail transportation where special conditions apply or special equipment is involved. Allows the Service to determine an advisable or appropriate length of time. (Sec. 502) Revises the contracting authority of the Service for mail transportation by aircraft. (Sec. 503) Repeals the Service's authority to suspend the operation of any letter carriage requirements on any mail route when the public interest requires the suspension. Prescribes requirements for the private carriage of mail. (Sec. 504) Repeals the Service's authority to impose fines for unreasonable or unnecessary delays or other delinquencies in the air transportation of mail on routes extending beyond U.S. borders. Title VI: Studies - Directs the Board to provide, by contract, for the National Academy of Public Administration to study and report to the Service, the President, and the Congress on how employee- management relations within the Service may be improved. (Sec. 602) Directs the Service to study and report to the President, the Congress, and the Commission any recommendations as to the appropriate scope and standards for universal postal services to be assured by the U.S. Government consistent with statutory postal policy and general duties. (Sec. 603) Directs the Department of Justice to: (1) report to the President and Congress on Federal and State laws that apply differently to Service products in the competitive category and similar products provided by private companies; and (2) recommend measures for ending such legal discrimination. (Sec. 604) Directs the Board to study and report to the President and Congress on the extent to which women and minorities are represented in supervisory and management positions within the Service. Requires the Service to take necessary measures to ensure that, for purposes of conducting performance appraisals of supervisory or managerial employees, appropriate consideration be given to: (1) meeting affirmative action goals; (2) achieving equal employment opportunity requirements; and (3) implementing plans designed to achieve greater diversity in the workforce. (Sec. 605) Requires the Service to develop, be prepared to implement, whenever necessary, and report to its Board and Congress a comprehensive plan under which reemployment assistance shall be afforded to employees displaced as a result of the automation or privatization of any of its functions. (Sec. 606) Directs the Board to study and report to the President and Congress on the number and value of contracts and subcontracts the Postal Service has entered into with women, minorities, and small businesses. Title VII: Inspectors General - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to provide for appointment of an Inspector General of the Postal Regulatory Commission and an Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service (the latter appointed by the President). Title VIII: Law Enforcement - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title 39, United States Code - Makes Federal assault statutes applicable to postal contract employees. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the court, upon finding that a sexually oriented advertisement has been mailed in violation of postal provisions, to assess a civil penalty. Specifies that each piece of mail sent in violation of such provisions constitutes a separate violation, and any penalty assessed shall be paid to the Service for deposit into the Postal Service Fund. Repeals a prohibition of pandering advertisements. (Sec. 803) Provides for the deposit in the Fund of amounts (including proceeds from the sale of forfeited items) from any civil forfeiture conducted by the Service and from any forfeiture resulting from an investigation in which the Service has primary responsibility, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 804) Sets civil penalties for prohibited mailing and deficient packaging of hazardous matter. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) stalking Federal and postal officers and employees; and (2) mailing controlled substances, unless in accordance with rules and regulations authorized by the Service. (Sec. 813) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend its sentencing guidelines to: (1) enhance penalties for stealing or destroying a quantity of undelivered U.S. mail; and (2) establish that the intended loss in a theft of an access device shall be based on the greater of the credit line of such device or the actual unauthorized charges. (Sec. 814) Modifies the Federal criminal code to: (1) set penalties for breaking into a post office box or postal products vending machine and for receiving, possessing, concealing, or disposing of any mail matter, money, or other U.S. property in violation of post office larceny provisions; (2) increase penalties for assaulting with intent to rob persons having lawful custody of mail, money, or other U.S. property (providing for the death penalty under specified circumstances); and (3) prohibit attempting to use or sell forged or counterfeited postage stamps or meter stamps, stamped envelopes, or postal cards, dies, plates, or engraving, and attempting to loan, use, pledge, hypothecate, or convert to personal use postal funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 198 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Postal Service Core Business Act of 1999 - Prohibits the Postal Service from making available to the public any commercial nonpostal service except to the extent that such service was made available nationwide by the Postal Service to the public (whether under the Domestic Mail Manual or otherwise) as of January 1, 1994.