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Bill· HRH.R. 903 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1999
Liberty Dollar Bill Act - Amends Federal law to mandate that the design of the reverse side of $1 Federal reserve notes incorporate: (1) the preamble to the Constitution; (2) a list describing the Articles of the Constitution; and (3) a list describing the Articles of Amendment. Prescribes the design format. States that such requirements do not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) include other inscriptions or material on the reverse side of $1 bills; or (2) adopt other design features to deter counterfeiting of currency.
Bill· HRH.R. 877 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1999
Requires that the basic pay of Members of Congress be treated in the same manner as the basic pay of the most adversely affected Federal employees who are not compensated for any period in which: (1) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Federal Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached. Requires the same treatment for the President's basic pay. Directs the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to promulgate any regulations needed to implement this Act in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution.
Bill· SS. 463 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation Of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1999 - Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with community organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Excludes from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to five qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 104) Permits a deduction for contributions to a family development account whether or not a taxpayer itemizes. Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. (Sec. 105) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget not to make any estimates of changes in receipts under the pay-as-you-go estimate provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 resulting from the enactment of this Act. Title II: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (202) Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the amendments made by this Act apply to each program that makes awards of Federal financial assistance to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes religious organizations eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that a religious organization, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires a religious organization to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the religious organization. Allows a religious organization to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in religious organization drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the religious organization has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. (Sec. 203) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 815 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1999 - Title I: Designation of and Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with community organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Excludes from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to five qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 104) Permits a deduction for contributions to a family development account whether or not a taxpayer itemizes. Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. (Sec. 105) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget not to make any estimates of changes in receipts under the pay-as-you-go estimate provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 resulting from the enactment of this Act. Title II: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (202) Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the amendments made by this Act apply to each program that makes awards of Federal financial assistance to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes religious organizations eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that a religious organization, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires a religious organization to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the religious organization. Allows a religious organization to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in religious organization drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the religious organization has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. (Sec. 203) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 824 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should inform the Polish Government of Polish-Americans who deserve to have their citizenship restored and claims to their wrongfully expropriated homes and properties considered under a fair rule of law that provides for compensation and restitution regardless of a claimant's current nationality; (2) the Polish Government should fulfill its responsibilities to consider the claims of these victims under such rule; and (3) the President should instruct U.S. representatives to all multilateral treaty-based institutions to work to deny admission or financial benefits to the Polish Government until it fulfills these responsibilities.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 33 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.
Bill· SS. 440 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Howard Baker School of Government Title II: John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy Title III: Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies Title IV: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Title I: Howard Baker School of Government - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, to establish the Howard Baker School of Government and its endowment fund. (Sec. 103) Requires the School to further the study of democratic institutions and public affairs, among other duties. (Sec. 104) Requires the School to operate with the guidance of a Board of Advisors. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, to establish the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy and its endowment fund. (Sec. 202) Requires the Institute to further the study of public service and public policy issues, among other duties. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, to establish an endowment fund to support the Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies, which the University shall establish at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government under a Leadership Council in order to receive such grant. (Sec. 303) Requires such Institute to: (1) further the knowledge and understanding of students about public service, the U.S. Government, and the Constitution; (2) increase awareness among youth of the importance of public service; (3) establish a Mark O. Hatfield Fellows program for students of government, public policy, public health, education, or law who have demonstrated a commitment to public service through volunteer activities, research projects, or employment; (4) create library and research facilities; and (5) support the professional development of elected officials at all levels of government. (Sec. 304) Requires the Institute to operate under the direction of a Leadership Council. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois, to establish an endowment fund to support the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, which the University shall establish in order to receive such grant. (Sec. 402) Includes among the Institute's duties research, analysis, debate, and policy recommendations with respect to world hunger, mass media, foreign policy, education, and employment. (Sec. 406) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 788 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Howard Baker School of Government Title II: John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy Title III: Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies Title IV: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Title I: Howard Baker School of Government - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, to establish the Howard Baker School of Government and its endowment fund. (Sec. 103) Requires the School to further the study of democratic institutions and public affairs, among other duties. (Sec. 104) Requires the School to operate with the guidance of a Board of Advisors. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, to establish the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy and its endowment fund. (Sec. 202) Requires the Institute to further the study of public service and public policy issues, among other duties. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, to establish an endowment fund to support the Oregon Institute of Public Service and Constitutional Studies, which the University shall establish at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government under a Leadership Council in order to receive such grant. (Sec. 303) Requires such Institute to: (1) further the knowledge and understanding of students about public service, the U.S. Government, and the Constitution; (2) increase awareness among youth of the importance of public service; (3) establish a Mark O. Hatfield Fellows program for students of government, public policy, public health, education, or law who have demonstrated a commitment to public service through volunteer activities, research projects, or employment; (4) create library and research facilities; and (5) support the professional development of elected officials at all levels of government. (Sec. 304) Requires the Institute to operate under the direction of a Leadership Council. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute - Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois, to establish an endowment fund to support the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, which the University shall establish in order to receive such grant. (Sec. 402) Includes among the Institute's duties research, analysis, debate, and policy recommendations with respect to world hunger, mass media, foreign policy, education, and employment. (Sec. 406) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 31 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the word "person," as used in this Amendment and in the fifth and 14th amendments to the Constitution, applies to all human beings regardless of age, health, function, or condition of dependency. Prohibits depriving any unborn person of life. Declares that this Amendment does not prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 30 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants the President line item veto authority with respect to appropriations bills.
Bill· SS. 415 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Arizona Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1999 - Requires: (1) the permanent trust funds of Arizona, including all interest, dividends, other income, and appreciation in the market value of assets of the funds, to be prudently invested on a total rate of return basis; and (2) distributions from such funds to be made as provided in Arizona's Constitution. Allows amounts in the Miners' Hospital Endowment Fund to be used for the Arizona Pioneers' Home and makes such amendment effective as of June 20, 1910. Declares that the Congress consents to the amendments to the Constitution of the State of Arizona approved by the voters of Arizona on November 3, 1998.
Law· HRH.R. 747 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Arizona Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1999 - Requires: (1) the permanent trust funds of Arizona, including all interest, dividends, other income, and appreciation in the market value of assets of the funds, to be prudently invested on a total rate of return basis; and (2) distributions from such funds to be made as provided in Arizona's Constitution. Allows amounts in the Miners' Hospital Endowment Fund to be used for the Arizona Pioneers' Home and makes such amendment effective as of June 20, 1910. Declares that Congress consents to the amendments to the Constitution of the State of Arizona approved by the voters of Arizona on November 3, 1998.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 29 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that: (1) two-thirds of the legislatures of the several States may propose an amendment to the Constitution by enacting identical legislation; and (2) the legislature first proposing the amendment shall submit it to the Congress. Deems such proposed amendment to be submitted to the several States for their consideration if, before the date of the second adjournment of the Congress sine die occurring after the amendment is submitted to the Congress, two-thirds of each House: (1) vote against legislation expressly disapproving the amendment; or (2) have not voted for legislation expressly disapproving the amendment.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 30 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that any Executive order issued by the President before, on, or after the date of the approval of this resolution that infringes on the powers and duties of the Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution (Powers of Congress), or that would require the expenditure of Federal funds not specifically appropriated for the purpose of the Executive order, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law.
Bill· HRH.R. 639 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1999
Right to Life Act of 1999 - States that Congress declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at fertilization.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 26 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that any Executive order issued by the President before, on, or after the date of the approval of this resolution that infringes on the powers and duties of the Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution (Powers of Congress), or that would require the expenditure of Federal funds not specifically appropriated for the purpose of the Executive order, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 24 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 23 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 37 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1999
Provides that when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, the House of Representatives shall take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of such Amendment as a part of the Constitution.
Bill· HRH.R. 448 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1999
Patient Protection Act of 1999 - Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Subtitle A: Patient Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from imposing on a health professional any restriction on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. (Sec. 1001) Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization and without regard to network limitations) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine them necessary; (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care benefits, to provide those benefits without authorization or referral by a primary care provider; or (3) routine pediatric specialist care benefits, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. Subtitle C: New Procedures and Access to Courts for Grievance Arising Under Group Health Plans - Requires group health plans to: (1) provide written notice to participants or beneficiaries and providers of adverse coverage decisions; and (2) meet specified time limits for responding to routine, urgent, and emergency benefit payment requests, coverage advance determinations, and medical necessity determinations. Provides for initial coverage decision internal and, in certain circumstances, external review. (Sec. 1201) Makes a plan's fiduciary who, after an external review recommends coverage, causes a failure to provide a benefit, liable to the participant or beneficiary for a civil penalty and attorney's fees and costs. Allows assessment of a civil penalty against a fiduciary for any pattern or practice of repeated adverse coverage decisions in violation of the terms of the plan or ERISA. Allows an action before exhaustion of administrative remedies. Provides for concurrent Federal-State court jurisdiction for actions relating to certain amendments made by this Act. Subtitle D: Affordable Health Coverage for Employees of Small Businesses - Small Business Affordable Health Coverage Act of 1999 - Defines "association health plan" to mean a group health plan meeting specified requirements, including being sponsored by a trade, industry, or professional association, a chamber of commerce (or a similar business association) organized and maintained for substantial purposes other than obtaining or providing medical care. Provides for association plan certification and mandates a class certification procedure. (Sec. 1302) Regulates association plans' boards of trustees and sponsors. Prohibits, for plans in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, a sponsor's affiliated members from being offered coverage unless the member: (1) was affiliated on the certification date; or (2) did not maintain or contribute to a group health plan during the 12 months before the offering of coverage. Prohibits a participating employer from providing health coverage in the individual market for any employee who is eligible for plan coverage if the exclusion from plan coverage is based on health status. Prohibits excluding an employer from an association plan if the employer and plan each meet specified requirements. Prohibits contribution rates for any participating small employers from varying on the basis of claims experience or type of business. Requires, if any plan benefit option does not consist of health coverage, that the plan have at least 1,000 participants and beneficiaries. Requires, if a benefit option consisting of health coverage is offered under the plan, that State-licensed insurance agents be used to distribute to small employers coverage that is not health coverage in a manner comparable to the manner in which those agents are used to distribute health coverage. Requires that a plan consist only of health coverage or, if the plan provides any additional benefit options, that the plan meet certain reserve and excess stop loss insurance and solvency indemnification requirements regarding the additional benefit options for which risk has not yet been transferred. Requires that all plans maintain a specified surplus. Requires association plans providing additional options to make annual payments to the Association Health Plan Fund. Requires that, when there is or will be a failure to maintain such reserves, excess stop loss insurance, and indemnification, the Secretary of Labor pay amounts as necessary to maintain the excess stop loss insurance or indemnification. Establishes the Fund. Mandates advance notice to participants and beneficiaries of certified plan termination. Requires, when a plan has failed or will fail to maintain required reserves, excess stop loss insurance, and indemnification, either corrective action or plan termination. Provides for court appointment of the Secretary as trustee to administer a plan during insolvency. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on an association plan providing additional options if the plan began operations in the State after enactment of this Act. Sets forth special rules for church plans. Declares that the provisions of this subtitle supersede certain related State laws. (Sec. 1303) Modifies the circumstances in which two or more trades or businesses must be deemed a single employer. (Sec. 1304) Excludes from the definition of "multiple employer welfare arrangement" any arrangement: (1) established or maintained under specified Federal (or similar State) labor relations provisions; or (2) meeting certain collective bargaining and other requirements. (Sec. 1305) Imposes criminal penalties for falsely representing any benefit as: (1) being a certified association plan; or (2) having been established or maintained under certain collective bargaining agreements. (Sec. 1306) Allows a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary for delegation to the State of some or all of the Secretary's enforcement or certification authority. Title II: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Subtitle A: Patient Protections and Point of Service Coverage Requirements - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from imposing on a health professional any restriction on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. (Sec. 2001) Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization and without regard to network limitations) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine them necessary; (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care benefits, to provide those benefits without an authorization or referral by a primary provider; or (3) routine pediatric specialist benefits, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. (Sec. 2002) Requires health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that provide coverage under a group health plan only if services are furnished exclusively through members of a closed panel to make available to the plan sponsor an option covering services without regard to whether the providers are panel members. Requires HMOs, when a plan sponsor declines that option, to make optional supplemental coverage available in the individual market to each plan participant. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. Subtitle C: HealthMarts - Health Care Consumer Empowerment Act of 1999 - Requires that HealthMarts: (1) be nonprofit legal entities composed of small employers, employees of small employers, health care providers, and entities that underwrite or administer health benefits coverage; and (2) make available health coverage to all small employers and eligible employees at rates established by the insurance issuer on a policy or product specific basis. Deems HealthMarts group health plans for purposes of specified provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that coverage made available to an eligible employee in a geographic area be offered to all eligible employees in the same area. (Sec. 2202) Declares that the HealthMart: (1) provides coverage only through contracts with issuers and does not assume insurance risk; (2) provides administrative services for purchasers; and (3) collects and disseminates consumer information on all coverage options offered through the HealthMart. Requires that HealthMart coverage provide full portability of creditable coverage for individuals who remain members of the same HealthMart notwithstanding that they change employers. Allows HealthMart coverage to include coverage: (1) through an HMO, a preferred provider or licensed provider-sponsored organization, an insurance company, a medical savings or flexible spending account, or a community health organization; (2) that includes a point-of-service option; or (3) any combination of those coverages. Requires a HealthMart to permit any small employer to contract for coverage and prohibits varying eligibility conditions. Prohibits the purchaser from obtaining or sponsoring coverage other than through the HealthMart. Prohibits enrollment discrimination based on health. Supersedes certain related State laws. Provides for the application of: (1) certain existing ERISA and Public Health Service Act requirements; and (2) renewability requirements when the contract between a HealthMart and an issuer is terminated. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer this subtitle through a separate Health Care Marketplace Division. Subtitle D: Community Health Organizations - Allows a community health organization to offer health coverage in a State in spite of not being licensed in that State if the organization has received a licensure waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other requirements are met. (Sec. 2301) Mandates the establishment of Federal financial solvency and capital adequacy standards. Title III: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Patient Protections - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from imposing on a health professional any restriction on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. (Sec. 3001) Requires a plan, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization and without regard to network limitations) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine the examinations necessary; or (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care benefits, to provide those benefits without an authorization or referral by a primary provider. Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for routine pediatric specialist benefits, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts - Repeals provisions limiting the number of individuals having medical savings accounts. Allows all employers to offer the accounts. Modifies requirements regarding: (1) the monthly limitation on related deductions; (2) coordination with the exclusion for employer contributions; and (3) the deductible amounts that will qualify as a high deductible plan. Allows the accounts to be included in cafeteria plans. Sets forth special rules for individuals receiving immediate Federal annuities. (Sec. 3202) Allows medical savings accounts to be used by persons with incomes under a certain amount to pay for insurance offered by a community health center. (Sec. 3203) Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) patients are best served when they are empowered to make informed choices about their health care and their health insurance; and (2) a system that gives people the power to choose coverage, combined with insurance market reforms, offers great promise of increased choices and greater access to health insurance for Americans. Title IV: Health Care Lawsuit Reform - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Declares that this title applies to any health care liability action in any State or Federal court, except actions: (1) relating to vaccine-related injury to which title XXI (Vaccines) of the Public Health Service Act applies; or (2) under ERISA. Preempts State laws inconsistent with this title, unless they impose greater restrictions than those in this title. Excludes economic or punitive damages and attorneys' fees or costs from the determination of the amount in controversy. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Actions - Establishes a statute of limitations for bringing a health care liability action. (Sec. 4012) Limits non-economic damages. Substitutes any different level set by a State after enactment of this Act. Makes defendants liable only for the proportion of the damages due to the defendant's fault. Allows punitive damages, to the extent permitted by State law, if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's conduct intended to cause harm or manifested a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or product seller of a drug or medical device where the drug or device was subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval or the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages relating to packaging or labeling of a drug that is required to have tamper-resistant packaging unless the packaging or labeling is found by clear and convincing evidence to be substantially out of compliance. Prohibits requiring lump-sum payment of future economic and non- economic damages over $50,000. Allows any defendant to introduce evidence of collateral source payments. Prohibits any collateral source payments provider from recovering any amount against the claimant, receiving any lien or credit against the recovery, or being subrogated to the claimant's rights. (Sec. 4013) Requires any alternative dispute resolution used to resolve a health care liability action or claim to contain provisions consistent with this title. (Sec. 4014) Requires the General Accounting Office to report to specified congressional committees on the compliance of: (1) the Department of Justice and all United States Attorneys with a specified guideline relating to false claims and civil health care; and (2) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services with specified protocols and best practice guidelines. Title V: Confidentiality of Health Information - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D (Confidentiality of Protected Health Information) that requires health care providers, health plans, employers, health or life insurers, or educational institutions to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect and copy the information. Requires, if the individual requests addition of a supplemental statement to the information, that those parties: (1) add the statement and make reasonable efforts to inform any person to whom the information was disclosed during the preceding year; or (2) if addition of the statement is refused, allow the individual to file a statement of disagreement. (Sec. 5001) Requires health care providers, health plans, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, health or life insurers, health researchers, or educational institutions to maintain safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Requires any person who maintains protected health information to disclose the information to a health care provider or health plan to permit the provider or plan to conduct health care operations, but prohibits providers and plans from selling or bartering protected health information. Preempts State law provisions that: (1) are inconsistent with certain provisions of this title under Article VI (dealing with national supremacy, among other matters) of the United States Constitution; or (2) relate to specified matters dealt with in this title. Imposes civil fines for substantially and materially failing to comply with this title. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to refuse to enter into, terminate, or refuse to renew an agreement with a physician or supplier that has violated this title. Requires compliance with certain provisions of this title by Medicare+Choice organizations under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice), Medicare providers, and HMOs with risk-sharing contracts. (Sec. 5002) Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the effect of State laws on health-related research subject to review by an institutional review board or institutional review committee with regard to the protection of human subjects. (Sec. 5003) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a compilation of State laws on the confidentiality of protected health information and an analysis of the effect of those laws on the provision of, and the securing of payment for, health care. (Sec. 5004) Exempts information developed by a health care provider in response to a serious, adverse, patient-related event and for specified purposes (health care response information) from any disclosure requirement, in connection with a civil or administrative proceeding under Federal or State law, to the same extent as information developed by the provider regarding peer review, utilization review, quality management or improvement, quality control, risk management, or internal review to reduce mortality, morbidity, or patient care or safety. Prohibits deeming the protection of health care response information from disclosure modified by the development of such information in connection with a request or requirement of an accrediting body or the transfer of that information to an accrediting body.
Bill· SS. 289 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1999
Faith-Based Drug Treatment Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the amendments made by this Act apply to each program that makes awards of Federal financial assistance to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes religious organizations eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that a religious organization, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires a religious organization to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the religious organization. Allows a religious organization to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in religious organization drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the religious organization has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary.
Bill· SS. 248 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Judicial Improvement Act of 1999 - Prohibits the granting of any interlocutory or permanent injunction restraining the enforcement or execution of a State law adopted by referendum or an Act of the Congress by a U.S. district court upon the ground that the State law conflicts with the Constitution, Federal law, or a U.S. treaty unless the application for the injunction is heard and determined by a court of three judges in accordance with the Federal judicial code. Limits such interlocutory injunctions to 60 days. Bars Federal courts from granting additional interlocutory relief after the expiration of an injunction. Prescribes time limits for the filing of appeals from orders granting such injunctions. Requires the Court of Appeals to dispose of such appeals within 100 days after issuance of the original order granting interlocutory relief. Makes orders upheld on appeal effective until 60 days after the date of appellate decision or until replaced by a permanent injunction. (Sec. 3) Terminates prospective relief in civil actions in which relief binds State or local officials or in which parties entered a consent judgment binding such officials upon the motion of any party or intervener: (1) five years after the date the court granted such relief; (2) two years after the court has entered an order denying termination of relief; or (3) in the case of an order issued on or before this Act's enactment, two years after the enactment date. Sets forth conditions under which such relief shall not terminate. Terminates orders or consent judgments binding such officials automatically if a court does not rule on a motion to terminate within 60 days. Authorizes Federal courts to appoint special masters in such actions during the remedial phase and upon a finding that the phase will be sufficiently complex to warrant such appointment. Limits special master powers and authorizes their removal by the judge at any time. Bars Federal courts from ordering a unit of Federal, State, or local government to increase taxes as part of a judicial remedy. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal judicial code to allow interlocutory appeals of district court orders granting or denying class action certification made within ten days after an order's entry. (Sec. 5) Bestows original jurisdiction on Federal district courts in civil actions involving minimal diversity jurisdiction between adverse parties based on a single accident where at least 25 persons have either died or incurred injuries exceeding $50,000 per person, subject to specified limitations. Directs the district court in which such cases are consolidated to retain those cases for determination of liability and punitive damages, and to determine the substantive law that would apply. (Sec. 6) Authorizes an employee, former employee, or applicant for employment to seek corrective action from the Merit Systems Protection Board for a prohibited personnel practice from the Special Counsel, subject to specified requirements (current law) within 60 days after receiving notice of the personnel action at issue. (Sec. 7) Amends judicial code provisions regarding the Judiciary Information Technology Fund to repeal provisions subjecting information technology procurement to provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 applicable to executive agencies. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with the Chief Justice's approval, to accept voluntary personal services for purposes of providing tours of the Supreme Court building. (Sec. 9) Directs that, for FY 2000 and thereafter, any portion of certain miscellaneous fees collected as prescribed by the Judicial Conference exceeding the amount of such fees in effect on September 30, 1998, be deposited into the special fund of the Treasury to be available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of the courts of the United States. (Sec. 10) Provides for the sunset of provisions requiring a civil justice expense and delay reduction plan. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to designate judicial branch officers and employees to be disbursing officers and certifying officers. Lists rights and responsibilities of such officers. (Sec. 12) Bars a writ of habeas corpus or other post-conviction remedy under the judicial code or other Federal law from challenging the custody or sentence of a person on the ground that such custody or sentence is the result of the person's voluntarily given confession. (Sec. 13) Prohibits a Federal court from specifically barring the retrial in State court of a person filing the writ of habeas corpus. (Sec. 14) Amends Federal law to require any Act of the Congress enacted after this Act's effective date to be prospective in application only unless a provision included in the Act expressly specifies otherwise. Requires the court to determine the relevant retroactivity event in an Act of the Congress (if not so specified) for purposes of determining if the Act is prospective in application only or affects conduct that occurred before its effective date. (Sec. 15) Incorporates provisions of the Federal criminal code concerning remedies regarding prison conditions into the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (the Act). Amends such Act to set forth court procedure for entering orders of prospective relief in civil actions regarding prison conditions. Authorizes plaintiffs to oppose termination of prospective relief on the ground that the relief is necessary to correct a current and ongoing violation of a Federal right. Sets forth specific elements to be included in answers opposing termination of relief entered before and after enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act. Describes: (1) requirements for responses to answers; (2) the burden of persuasion; and (3) required findings for terminating, or denying termination of, prospective relief. Makes certain requirements regarding special masters under the Act inapplicable to special masters appointed before the enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act, unless their original appointment expires after such enactment date. (Sec. 16) Revises provisions limiting attorney's fees in prisoner suits. Authorizes any defendant to waive the right to respond to any complaint in any civil action arising under Federal law brought by a prisoner. Bars relief to a plaintiff unless a response has been filed. Authorizes the court to direct defendants to file a response to the cognizable claims identified by the court. (Sec. 17) Permits the court, in any civil action brought in Federal court by a prisoner (other than one confined in a Federal correctional facility), to make findings that a claim was filed for malicious or harassment purposes or was knowingly false. Authorizes the affected State Department of Corrections to: (1) revoke such amount of good time credit accrued to the prisoner as appropriate; or (2) consider such finding in determining whether the prisoner should be released from prison under any other State or local program governing the release of prisoners. (Sec. 18) Denies a Federal court jurisdiction, in a civil action regarding prison conditions, to enter or carry out a prisoner release order that would result in the release from or nonadmission to a prison, on the basis of prison conditions, of any person subject to incarceration, detention, or admission to a facility because of a felony conviction under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction, or a violation of the terms or conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, or a diversionary program, relating to the commission of a felony under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Authorizes the Bureau of Prisons to revoke any credit toward service of a prisoner's sentence awarded after the date of enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act for noncompliance with institutional disciplinary regulations at any time before vesting. Repeals a provision of law requiring specific congressional authorization for salary increases for Federal judges and justices of the Supreme Court.
Bill· SS. 246 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Private Property Rights Act of 1999 - States that the policy of the Federal Government is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public in a manner that, to the extent practicable, avoids takings of private property. (Sec. 5) Directs each Federal agency to complete a private property taking impact analysis before taking any agency action (including the promulgation of a regulation) which is likely to result in a taking of private property. Exempts from such requirement certain: (1) actions in which the power of eminent domain is formally exercised; (2) any action taken with respect to property held in trust by the United States or in connection with treaty negotiations; (3) law enforcement actions; (4) communications between a Federal agency and a State or local land-use planning agency about a proposed State or local activity regulating private property; (5) military activities or military or foreign affairs functions; and (6) emergencies involving immediate threats to health or safety. Requires that the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies under this Act. Specifies the content of such an analysis and requires a copy to be transmitted to the owner of the affected property, as well as made available to the public. Requires each agency to provide the analysis required under this Act as part of any submission otherwise required to be made to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) relating to an agency action. (Sec. 6) Requires the agency, before taking any final agency action, to fully consider alternatives described in this Act, and to the maximum extent practicable, alter the action to avoid or minimize the taking of private property. (Sec. 7) Allows the owner of private property, if an agency action results in the taking of such property, to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action against the agency that has caused the taking to occur. Provides for a civil action against the agency to be brought: (1) in either the U.S. District Court in which the property at issue is located or in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (currently), regardless of the amount in controversy; and (2) if the property is located in more than one judicial district, in any district in which any part of the property is located. (Sec. 8) Directs the Attorney General to provide legal guidance in a timely manner, in response to a request by an agency, to assist it in complying with this Act. Requires annual reports by each agency to the OMB Director and Attorney General identifying each agency action that has resulted in the preparation of a taking impact analysis, the filing of a taking claim, and any award of compensation pursuant to the Just Compensation Clause of the fifth amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 9) Creates a rebuttable presumption that unmodified analyses five years or older are outdated for purposes of any agency action or administrative or judicial proceeding.
Bill· SS. 226 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Nigerian Democracy and Civil Society Empowerment Act of 1999 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should actively seek to coordinate with other countries to further the U.S. policy of promoting the rule of law and respect for human rights, and the transition to democratic civilian government; and (2) in light of the importance of Nigeria to the region and the severity of successive military regimes, the President should instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to use the U.S. vote at the UNCHR annual meeting to condemn human rights abuses in Nigeria, as appropriate, while recognizing the progress that has been made, and to press for the continued renewal of the mandate of, and continued access to Nigeria for, the special rapporteur on Nigeria. (Sec. 4) Earmarks specified development assistance funds for FY 2000 through 2002 to: (1) nongovernmental organizations to promote democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria; (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to provide grants to support individuals or nongovernmental organizations that seek to promote, directly or indirectly, the advancement of human rights there; and (3) the U.S. Information Agency, to support its activities in Nigeria, including the promotion of greater awareness among Nigerians of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of AID should: (1) increase the number of U.S. personnel at its office in Lagos, Nigeria, from within its current, overall staff resources; and (2) consider placement of personnel elsewhere in Nigeria. (Sec. 5) Prohibits economic and military assistance or arms transfers to the Government of Nigeria. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified international financial institutions to use the U.S. vote to oppose any multilateral assistance to the Government of Nigeria. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of the Congress that unless the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees by July 1, 1999, that a democratic transition to civilian rule has taken place in Nigeria, the Secretary of State should deny a visa to any alien who is a senior member of the Nigerian government or a military officer currently in the Nigerian armed forces. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to waive any prohibition contained in this Act, provided the President makes a certain determination, and notifies the Congress, regarding Nigeria's human rights record and progress toward democracy. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on governmental corruption in Nigeria. (Sec. 10) Sunsets the provisions of this Act on September 30, 2004.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 3 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence the following rights: (1) to reasonable notice of, and to not be excluded from, any public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) to be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at all public proceedings to determine a conditional release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence and at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent such rights are afforded to the convicted offender; (3) to reasonable notice of a release or escape from custody relating to the crime; (4) to consideration of the interest of the victim that any trial be free from unreasonable delay; (5) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) to consideration for the safety of the victim in determining any conditional release from custody relating to the crime; and (7) to reasonable notice of the rights established by this amendment. (Sec. 2) Grants the victim or the victim's lawful representative standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds to stay or continue any trial, reopen any proceeding, or invalidate any ruling, except with respect to conditional release or restitution or to provide rights guaranteed by this amendment in future proceedings, without staying or continuing a trial; and (2) give rise to or authorize the creation of a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public officer or employee. (Sec. 3) Empowers the Congress to enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation. Allows exceptions to the rights established by this amendment only when necessary to achieve a compelling interest. (Sec. 4) Makes: (1) the right to a restitution order established by this amendment inapplicable to crimes committed before its effective date; and (2) the rights and immunities established by this amendment applicable in Federal and State proceedings, including military proceedings to the extent that the Congress may provide by law, juvenile justice proceedings, and proceedings in the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 7 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 1 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions; (2) no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer; and (3) neither the United States nor any State shall compose the words of any prayer to be said in public schools.
Bill· SS. 89 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Travel and Activities of Certain Officials Title II: Forced Abortion Title III: Human Rights Title IV: Concessional Loans People's Republic of China Policy Act of 1999 - Title I: Travel and Activities of Certain Officials - Makes ineligible for a visa, and excludes from admission into the United States, any People's Republic of China (PRC) national (other than the head of state, the head of government, and cabinet level ministers) directly involved in repressive religious policies and practices. Title II: Forced Abortion - Forced Abortion Condemnation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of State from issuing any visa to, and the Attorney General from admitting to the United States, any Chinese national (including any Communist Party official or Chinese Government official) that has been found to have been involved in the enforcement of population control policies resulting in a woman being forced to undergo an abortion against her free choice, or resulting in a man or woman being forced to undergo sterilization against his or her free choice. Title III: Human Rights - Political Freedom in China Act of 1999 - Urges the Secretary, in all official meetings with the Government of the PRC, to: (1) request the immediate and unconditional release of Ngodrup Phuntsog and other prisoners of conscience in Tibet, as well as in the PRC; and (2) call on such government to begin serious discussions with the Dalai Lama, without preconditions, on the future of Tibet. (Sec. 304) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 to support personnel in the U.S. Embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu, as well as the American consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Chengdu, and Hong Kong, in order to monitor political repression in the PRC. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for the National Endowment for Democracy to promote democracy, civil society, and the development of the rule of law in China. Directs the Secretary to use funds available in the East Asia- Pacific Regional Democracy Fund to provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to promote democracy, civil society, and the development of the rule of law in China. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary to annually report to specified congressional committees on human rights matters in China, including information on religious persecution, the development of democratic institutions, and the rule of law there. Directs the Secretary to establish the Prisoner Information Registry for China which shall provide information on all political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and prisoners of faith there. (Sec. 307) Expresses the sense of the Congress that it, the President, and the Secretary should work with the governments of other countries to establish a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Asia which would be modeled after the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. (Sec. 308) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Hong Kong people should continue to have the right and ability to freely elect their legislative representatives. (Sec. 309) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Government of the People's Republic of China should stop the harvesting and transplanting of organs for profit from prisoners whom it executes and should be strongly condemned for such practice; (2) the President should bar from entry into the United States all officials of such Government known to be directly involved; (3) individuals determined to be participating in or otherwise facilitating the sale of such organs in the United States should be prosecuted; and (4) appropriate U.S. officials should interview individuals who may have knowledge of such practice. Title IV: Concessional Loans - Communist China Subsidy Reduction Act of 1999 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at each international financial institution to vote to oppose the provision of concessional loans (with highly subsidized interest rates, grace periods for repayment of five years or more, and maturities of 20 years or more) to China, any Chinese citizen or national, or any Chinese entity. (Sec. 404) Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. nationals conducting industrial cooperation projects in China should adhere to certain principles, including: (1) suspending the use of any merchandise that they have reason to believe was produced by convict or forced labor, and refusing to use forced labor in their projects; (2) seeking to ensure that political or religious views, sex, ethnic or national background, or association with dissidents will not prohibit hiring, lead to harassment, demotion, or dismissal, or otherwise affect the employment status of an individual employed in the industrial cooperation project; (3) ensuring that methods of production used in the projects do not pose unnecessary danger to workers and the surrounding neighborhoods and environment; (4) striving to establish private business enterprises when involved in a project with the Government of China; (5) discouraging any military presence on the premises of the project; (6) promoting freedom of association and assembly among employees; (7) providing the Department of State with information relevant to its efforts to collect information on prisoners for purposes of the Prisoner Information Registry; (8) discouraging or preventing compulsory political indoctrination programs from taking place on project premises; (9) promoting freedom of expression of all kinds; and (10) preventing harassment of workers who decide freely the number and spacing of their children, and prohibiting compulsory population control activities on the premises of the project. Directs the Secretary of State to forward a copy of these principles to the member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and encourage them to promote similar principles. Directs each U.S. national conducting an industrial cooperation project in China to register with the Secretary and indicate whether they agree to implement such principles. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to give preference to U.S. nationals who have adopted such principles when selecting participants for trade missions to China. (Sec. 405) Directs U.S. agencies that engage in educational, cultural, scientific, agricultural, military, legal, political, and artistic exchanges to initiate and expand such exchange programs with regard to China. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a federally chartered not-for-profit organization should be established to fund exchanges between the United States and China through private donations. Title V: Radio Free Asia - Amends the United states International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to repeal grant amount and grant use limitations with respect to Radio Free Asia. Repeals sunset provisions with respect to the grant authority of Radio Free Asia. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for Radio Free Asia.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 4 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, in any fiscal year, total Federal outlays from exceeding: (1) total receipts; and (2) 19 percent of the Nation's gross national product for the last calendar year ending before the beginning of such fiscal year. Allows such prohibitions to be suspended by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House of Congress. Excludes receipts derived from borrowing and outlays for the repayment of debt principal from such totals. Requires this amendment to apply to the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 6 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to Congress to set reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to Federal office as well as to a State to set similar reasonable limits with regard to nomination or election to State or local office.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 2 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
Bill· HRH.R. 357 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Violence Against Women Act of 1999- Title I: Continuing the Commitment of the Violence Against Women Act - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Combat Violence Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for grants to combat violent crimes against women. (Sec. 102) Revises grant allocation guidelines governing prosecution grants, victims' services and State court systems. Expands grant purposes to include training that addresses sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking for State, local, and tribal judicial personnel, as well as training of sexual assault forensic nurse examiners, and supporting the development of sexual assault response teams. Directs the Attorney General to deny State grant applications that fail to provide documentation of collaborative efforts with other agencies or organizations. Redefines "victims' services" to include advocacy and assistance for victims seeking legal, social, and health care services. Includes as a prerequisite for Federal reimbursement of forensic medical exams of victims of sexual assault that the participating governmental entity notify all victims that such reimbursement is neither contingent upon the victim's report to law enforcement officials nor upon the victim's cooperation in the prosecution of the assault. (Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General to make grants to State domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions for purposes of coordinating with: (1) victim services activities; and (2) Federal, State, and local entities engaged in violence-against-women activities. Subtitle B: National Domestic Violence Hotline - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to authorize increased appropriations for the national domestic violence hotline grant. Requires grantees to submit a grant evaluation report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the HHS Secretary) for publication and public comment as a prerequisite to a grant award or renewal. Subtitle C: Battered Women's Shelters and Services - Battered Women's Shelters and Services Act - Amends the FVPSA to authorize appropriations for State grants. Modifies guidelines governing: (1) allotment of appropriations; (2) grants for information and technical assistance centers; and (3) authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 123) Instructs the HHS Secretary to award grants for: (1) State domestic violence coalitions and local domestic violence programs providing shelter or related assistance, in order to develop model strategies to address domestic violence in underserved populations; (2) each State domestic violence coalition for an emergency assistance fund for domestic violence victims; (3) technical assistance and training for State and local domestic violence programs; and (4) private, nonprofit, tribal domestic violence coalitions with representatives from a majority of the programs for victims of domestic violence operating within Indian reservations, and programs whose primary focus is the populations of such Indian country. Subtitle D: Community Initiatives - Authorizes appropriations for demonstration grants for community initiatives. Subtitle E: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel - Amends the Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1994 to permit training grants for judges and court personnel to include: (1) child custody, visitation, and safety issues raised by domestic violence and child sexual assault; and (2) the extent to which addressing domestic violence and victim safety contributes to the efficient administration of justice. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies - Amends the Act to reauthorize appropriations to implement the functions of the Bureau of Justice Statistics. (Sec. 153) Mandates that at least five percent of appropriated funds be used for grants to Indian tribal governments to treat domestic violence as a serious violation of criminal law. Subtitle G: Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement - Amends the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for rural domestic violence and child abuse enforcement. Mandates that five percent of such funds be used for grants to Indian tribal governments. Subtitle H: National Stalker and Domestic Violence Reduction - Amends the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for grants to enter stalking and domestic violence data into crime information databases. Subtitle I: Federal Victims' Counselors - Amends the Safe Streets for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for the United States Attorneys to appoint Victim-Witness counselors for the prosecution of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. Subtitle J: Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations for street-based outreach and education to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation. Subtitle K: Victims of Child Abuse Programs - Amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for: (1) the court-appointed special advocate program; and (2) child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and practitioners. (Sec. 195) Amends the Act to authorize appropriations for grants for closed-circuit televising of testimony of child abuse victims. Title II: Limiting the Effects of Violence on Children - Subtitle A: Safe Havens for Children - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to public or private nonprofit nongovernmental entities to establish and operate supervised visitation centers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Violence Against Women Prevention in Schools - Authorizes appropriations for the Secretary of Education to provide grants to State, local, or tribal school systems to implement programs for elementary, middle, and secondary schools which address domestic violence, assault and stalking. Subtitle C: Family Safety - Family Safety Act - Amends the Parental Kidnaping Prevention Act of 1980 to include among its purposes: (1) the promotion of cooperation between State and tribal courts to protect parents and children from domestic violence or sexual assault; (2) the promotion of realistic and protective standards for interstate relocation when parents dispute custody; (3) the avoidance of jurisdictional conflicts between State courts in matters of child custody and visitation consistent with not endangering or inappropriately punishing parents who are victims of domestic violence, or children who are victims of sexual assault. (Sec. 233) Amends the Federal criminal code (the code) to provide as a defense to prosecution of either a criminal custodial interference or parental abduction charge, or criminal contempt of court relating to an underlying child custody or visitation determination, that the defendant was fleeing an incident or pattern of domestic violence or sexual assault of the child, or would otherwise have a defense under the Parental Kidnaping Prevention Act. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines to assist U.S. Attorneys and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine whether to initiate or terminate an action due to the potential availability of such defense. (Sec. 234) Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) provide that no State shall be required to enforce any order obtained in a proceeding which would violate the constitution of the enforcing State if the proceeding were conducted in the enforcing State; and (2) declare that the intent of full faith and credit doctrine in child custody determinations is to preempt inconsistent State law. Declares that a protection order regarding custody and visitation of a minor child that is consistent with this Act shall be given full faith and credit by the courts of any State where the party who sought the order seeks enforcement. Modifies State court jurisdiction guidelines governing: (1) relocation of the child due to domestic violence or sexual assault; and (2) court authority to decline to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of parents engaged in specified conduct. Subtitle D: Domestic Violence and Children - Expresses the sense of the Congress that for purposes of determining child custody: (1) it is in the best interest of children to have a presumption that their main physical residence should be with their primary caretaker parent unless such parent is unfit; (2) child abuse and sexual abuse allegations shall be fully investigated regardless of when raised, or whether the child has withdrawn the allegation; (3) States shall not order specified measures if they may endanger either parent or child; and (4) States shall provide training to all relevant professionals on how domestic violence and sexual assault affects determinations of custody, child support, and visitation. Subtitle E: Child Welfare Worker Training on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - Directs the Attorney General to make grants in consultation with the HHS Secretary to enable child welfare service agencies to train their staffs and modify their policies, procedures, programs, and practices in order to make them consistent with specified principles and goals. Sets forth grantee eligibility criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Child Abuse Accountability - Child Abuse Accountability Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit the assignment or alienation of any pension benefit payable to a participant pursuant to a qualified child abuse order. Exempts qualified child abuse orders from preemption by ERISA. Title III: Sexual Assault Prevention - Subtitle A: Rape Prevention Education - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the use of certain State funds exclusively for rape prevention and education programs conducted by rape crisis centers and private nonprofit nongovernmental State and tribal sexual assault coalitions for specified programs. Instructs the HHS Secretary to establish a National Resource Center on Sexual Assault when appropriations reach a specified minimum level. Mandates that State grantors ensure that at least 25 percent of the funds are devoted to educational programs targeted for middle school, junior high, and high school aged students. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Standards, Practice, and Training for Sexual Assault Examinations - Standards, Practice, and Training for Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations Act - Directs the Attorney General, in conjunction with the HHS Secretary, to: (1) evaluate standards of training and practice for licensed health care professionals performing sexual assault forensic examinations, and develop a national recommended training standard; (2) recommend sexual assault examination training for health care students to improve recognition of injuries suggestive of rape and sexual assault; and (3) establish a mechanism for nationwide dissemination of a national protocol on sexual assault for forensic examinations. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Violence Against Women Training for Health Professions - Violence Against Women Training for Health Professions Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the HHS Secretary, when making health care grants for rural areas, to give preference to a health professions entity that requires, as a condition of receiving a degree or certificate, each student to have had significant training in identification, examination, treatment, and referral of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Subtitle: D: Prevention of Custodial Sexual Assault by Correctional Staff - Prevention of Custodial Sexual Assault by Correctional Staff Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish and disseminate to the States certain guidelines regarding the prevention of custodial sexual misconduct by correctional staff. Requires withholding of specified correctional facilities funds from any State that fails to implement: (1) such guidelines; or (2) criminal penalties explicitly prohibiting custodial sexual misconduct by correctional staff against prisoners. (Sec. 345) Directs the Attorney General to create a national, confidential, toll-free telephone hotline to collect data, and to provide information and assistance to prisoners who have experienced custodial sexual misconduct by corrections staff. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Hate Crimes Prevention - Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the code to establish criminal penalties for willfully causing bodily injury because of a person's race, color, religion, or national origin. (Sec. 355) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes, and, where appropriate, to amend Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for adult defendants who do such recruiting. (Sec. 356) Directs the Administrator of the Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to State and local programs to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. (Sec. 357) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice (including the Community Relations Service), to increase the number of personnel to prevent and respond to such hate crimes. Subtitle F: Rescheduling and Classification of Date-Rape Drugs - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) transfer flunitrazepam from schedule IV to schedule I; and (2) add ketamine hydrochloride to schedule III and, by order, add Gamma Hydroxy Butyric Acid to schedule I. Subtitle G: Access to Safety and Advocacy for Victims of Sexual Assault - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to designated grantees and services to improve legal assistance to victims of sexual violence through access to the justice system, legal advocacy, and representation. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Domestic Violence Prevention - Subtitle A: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims' Housing - Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims Housing Act - Authorizes increased appropriations under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act exclusively for qualified, nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, and solely to provide supportive housing andtenant-based rental and financial assistance for persons leaving a residence due to victimization by domestic violence, stalking, or adult or child sexual assault. Subtitle B: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders - Amends the code to: (1) grant a tribal court civil and criminal jurisdiction over any person who violates a protection order within its jurisdiction, subject to Federal habeas corpus review, and after tribal court remedies are exhausted; and (2) require the Attorney General to reduce the amount of certain grants to any State that fails to comply with Federal full faith and credit requirements for protection orders. (Sec. 412) Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to assist governmental entities to develop and strengthen law enforcement and recordkeeping strategies to enforce protective orders issued by other governmental entities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection - Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits an insurer from denying or restricting insurance coverage on the basis that the applicant or insured (or any employee or associated person) is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse or has incurred or may incur abuse-related claims. Confers enforcement jurisdiction upon the Federal Trade Commission. Authorizes a private cause of action by an applicant or insured adversely affected by a violation of this Act. Subtitle D: National Summit on Sports and Violence - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a national summit should be promptly convened to develop a multifaceted action plan to deter acts of violence, especially domestic violence and sexual assault; (2) the members of such summit should include sports, community, political, and media leaders, as well as Members of Congress and other governmental and community leaders with relevant expertise; and (3) summit members should assume leadership roles deterring acts of domestic violence and sexual assault. Subtitle E: Keeping Firearms from Intoxicated Persons - Amends the code to declare unlawful the transfer of a firearm or ammunition to any person reasonably believed to be intoxicated. Subtitle F: Access to Safety and Advocacy - Access to Safety and Advocacy Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to designated grantees and services to improve legal assistance to victims of domestic violence through access to the justice system, legal advocacy, and representation. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Strengthening Enforcement to Reduce Violence Against Women - Amends the code to revise guidelines governing persons who travel in interstate and foreign commerce and engage in domestic violence and stalking, or who violate protection orders. Subtitle H: Disclosure Protections - Amends the Social Security Act , Title IV part D, to modify disclosure protections in connection with the Federal Parent Locator Service and State plan requirements for child and spousal support. Title V: Violence Against Women in the Military System - Subtitle A: Civilian Jurisdiction for Crimes of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence - Amends the code to declare that domestic violence and sexual assault offenses committed by persons formerly serving with, or presently employed by or accompanying the armed forces outside of the United States shall be subject to prosecution in the Federal District Court of the jurisdiction of origin of the person arrested. Provides for concurrent jurisdiction with other military tribunals and foreign governments. (Sec. 502) Amends Federal law governing separation from the armed forces to mandate that: (1) a copy of records of any penal action taken against the departing member of the armed forces be transmitted to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) any member convicted by court-martial of an offense of a sexual nature provide whatever specimen is necessary to conduct DNA analysis for inclusion in the Combined DNA Identification System of the FBI. Subtitle B: Transitional Compensation for Abused Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces - Revises Federal guidelines governing transitional compensation for abused dependents of former members of the armed forces. Subtitle C: Confidentiality of Records - Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Defense is directed to: (1) study procedures of military departments for protecting the confidentiality of communications between military dependents involved in sexual or intrafamily abuse and the professionals from whom they seek services in connection with the effects of such abuse; and (2) issue regulations to provide the maximum protections for the confidentiality of such communications; and (3) report to the Congress on results of such study and implementation of the regulations. Title VI: Preventing Violence Against Women in Traditionally Underserved Communities - Subtitle A: Older Women's Protection From Violence - Older Women's Protection From Violence Act of 1999 - Chapter 1: Violence Against Women Act of 1994 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to direct the Attorney General to: (1) make grants to law school clinical programs to fund the inclusion of cases addressing issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including domestic violence, and sexual assault against older individuals; and (2) develop curricula and provide for training programs in those issues for law enforcement officers and prosecutors (including tribal authorities). Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to require federally-funded State domestic violence coalitions to include programs and providers of direct services targeted to older individuals. 606) Authorizes entities eligible for a community initiatives demonstration grant to include representatives of adult protective services entities. Chapter 3: Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging to consider the importance of research about the sexual assault of older women when establishing research priorities for grants or contracts for research and demonstration projects on elder abuse. (Sec. 609) Authorizes appropriations without fiscal year limitation for grants to implement a State long-term care ombudsman program. (Sec. 610) Directs such Assistant Secretary to update and improve curricula and implement continuing education training programs to improve the ability of designated health care and social services providers to recognize and address instances of elder abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault. (Sec.611) Directs the Assistant Secretary, when making grants and contracts, to give special consideration to projects designed to: (1) expand access to domestic violence shelters and programs for older individuals and encourage the use of certain facilities as emergency short-term shelters; and (2) promote research on legal, organizational, or training impediments to providing services to older individuals through shelters and programs. (Sec. 612) Authorizes appropriations for the ombudsman and the elder abuse prevention program. (Sec. 613) Directs the Assistant HHS Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit private or tribal organizations to support projects in local communities to coordinate activities for intervention in and prevention of elder abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault; and (2) develop outreach programs for assisting elder abuse victims, including some for assisting individuals in certain senior housing facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Public Health Service Act - Elder Abuse Identification and Referral Act of 1999 - Amends the Health Service Act to instruct the HHS Secretary, when awarding grants or contracts, to give preferences to health professions schools or programs that condition the awarding of their degrees or certificates upon significant student training in specified areas of elder abuse identification and treatment. (Sec. 616) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize: (1) area health education centers to include training in domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse screening and referral protocols; and (2) Federal grants to geriatric education centers for training and retraining of faculty to provide instruction regarding elder abuse situations. Subtitle B: Protections Against Violence and Abuse for Women with Disabilities - Protections Against Violence and Abuse for Women with Disabilities Act - Makes the protection of women with disabilities eligible for grants and research under the following Acts: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968; (2) Family Violence Prevention and Services Act; (3) Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994; and (4) Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1994. (Sec. 625) Authorizes the HHS Secretary to: (1) develop curricula and implement training programs to improve the ability of social service and health providers to recognize and address domestic violence directed against women with disabilities; and (2) make grants and enter into contracts for such training programs for health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 627) Directs the HHS Secretary to consider the importance of research about the sexual assault of, and violence against, women with disabilities in establishing certain research priorities. (Sec. 628 ) Directs the Attorney General to establish a grants program for States, nongovernmental private entities, and tribal organizations to provide education and technical assistance for information dissemination on abuse and violence against women with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Battered Immigrant Women -. VAWA Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify procedures and provide special rules for battered spouses and children with respect to: (1) adjustment of status; (2) removal and deportation; (3) implementation of immigration provisions in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); (4) waivers and exceptions to inadmissibility for otherwise qualified battered immigrants; (5) calculation of physical presence in VAWA cancellation of removal proceedings and suspension of deportation proceedings; (6) VAWA immigration protections; (7) VAWA cancellation of removal and adjustment of status for certain nonpermanent residents; and (8) good moral character determinations for self-petitioning immediate relatives. (Sec. 638) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) discretionary first time offender waivers for aliens making child support payments; (2) misrepresentation waivers for battered spouses of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents; (3) waiver of deportability; (4) inapplicability of public charge determinations for designated aliens; and (5) access to naturalization for divorced victims of abuse. Authorizes the Attorney General to grant certain battered applicants documentation signifying authorization of employment during the pendency of certain application procedures.. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to redefine "qualified alien" to include certain battered aliens for purposes of welfare and public benefits eligibility. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to declare restrictions on the use of assisted housing inapplicable to certain battered aliens. (Sec. 639) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 to provide that requirements and restrictions placed upon Legal Services Corporation funding shall not be construed to prohibit a recipient from providing related legal assistance to certain aliens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. (Sec. 640) Amends the Act to require each branch of the U.S. military to train its supervisory military officers in domestic violence dynamics in military families, and the protections available for battered immigrant women and children. Expands the purposes of training grants to combat violent crimes against women to include: (1) training immigration and asylum officers and judges; and (2) training justice system personnel on the judicial ramifications of the Violence Against Women Act, and the potential immigration consequences for perpetrators of domestic violence. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to express the intent of the Congress that statutory constraints upon the powers of immigration personnel not be construed as discouraging crime and domestic violence victims from reporting crimes to the police, from cooperating in criminal prosecutions, or from obtaining the legal relief needed for protection from ongoing violence. Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments to the Violence Against Women Act - Amends the Act to make technical and conforming amendments to law enforcement and prosecution grants. Title VII: Violence Against Women and the Workplace - Subtitle A: National Clearinghouse on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Workplace Grant - Authorizes the Attorney General to award a grant to a private non-profit entity, including a tribal organization, to provide for establishment of a national clearinghouse and resource center to disseminate information and assistance to employers and labor organizations responding to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Victims' Employment Rights - Victim s' Employment Rights Act - Prohibits an employer from taking any discriminatory employment action towards an individual for reasons pertaining to sexual or domestic violence, or stalking.. Prohibits any adverse job action for an employee's participation in related judicial proceedings requiring absence from work. Prescribes enforcement guidelines, including civil action by an affected employee for actual and treble punitive damages. (Sec. 726) Sets forth defenses to such an action, including extraordinary threats to workplace safety, and undue hardship. Subtitle C: Workplace Violence Against Women Prevention Tax Credit - Workplace Violence Against Women Prevention Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a workplace safety program tax credit for 40 percent of the costs of implementing workplace safety and education programs to combat violence against women. Subtitle D: Battered Women's Employment Protection - Battered Women's Employment Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for unemployment compensation for separation from employment as a direct result of an employee's experience of domestic violence. (Sec. 743) Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the training of claims reviewers and hearing personnel in the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, and in methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about domestic violence experiences so that employment separations stemming from such violence are identified and adjudicated while full confidentiality is provided for the employee's claim and submitted evidence. (Sec. 744) Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to establish an entitlement for leave resulting from certain domestic violence situations for both Federal and non-Federal employees. Prescribes confidentiality guidelines for an employee's situation of domestic violence. Requires that employees, under State law, be permitted to use existing leave for domestic violence situations. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to enforce the entitlement for leave due to an employee's domestic violence situation. Subtitle E: Education and Training Grants to Promote Responses to Violence Against Women - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to public and private nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations for the education and training of individuals who, as a result of their employment responsibilities, are likely to come into contact with victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Workers' Compensation - Expresses the sense of the Congress that State workers' compensation laws should: (1) provide benefits to eligible female victims of workplace violence, including full compensation for physical and nonphysical injuries; and (2) permit the employee to pursue an action at law (other than statutory workers' compensation benefits) against an employer's role in the act of workplace violence. Title VIII : - Violence Against Women Intervention, Prevention, and Education Research - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to direct the HHS Secretary and the Attorney General to establish a multi-agency task force coordinating research on violence against women. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 901) Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to entities to: (1) support research to further the understanding of the causes of violent behavior against women; and (2) evaluate education, prevention, and intervention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Departments of Health and Human Services and of Justice to make grants to domestic violence and sexual assault organizations, research organizations and academic institutions to expand knowledge about violence against women, with a particular emphasis on exploring such issues as they affect underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study and report to the Congress on specified aspects of domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to award grants to designated entities to gather data on the experiences of women and girls who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault within State and tribal health care, judicial, and social services systems. Authorizes appropriations. Instructs the Attorney General to conduct a national study and report to the Congress on the status, implementation and efficacy of Federal, State, and tribal laws regarding rape and sexual assault offenses and their effectiveness in addressing those crimes and protecting the victims. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to establish three research centers to: (1) support the development of research and training programs that focus on violence against women; (2) provide collaboration mechanisms between researchers and practitioners; and (3) provide technical assistance for integrating research into the provision of services. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 417 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Title II: Independent and Coordinated Expenditures Title III: Disclosure Title IV: Personal Wealth Option Title V: Miscellaneous Title VI: Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform Title VII: Prohibiting Use of White House Meals and Accommodations for Political Fundraising Title VIII: Sense of the Congress Regarding Fundraising on Federal Government Property Title IX: Prohibiting Solicitation to Obtain Access to Certain Federal Government Property Title X: Reimbursement for Use of Air Force One for Political Fundraising Title XI: Prohibiting Use of Walking Around Money Title XII: Enhancing Enforcement of Campaign Law Title XIII: Ban on Coordinated Soft Money Activities By Presidential Candidates Title XIV: Posting Names of Certain Air Force One Passengers on Internet Title XV: Expulsion Proceedings for House Members Receiving Foreign Contributions Title XVI: Severability; Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1999 - Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to soft money to prohibit a national committee of a political party (including a national congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any officers or agents of such party committees, and specified related entities) from soliciting, receiving, or directing to another person a contribution, donation, or transfer of funds, or from spending any funds not subject to the FECA limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements (FECA requirements). (Sec. 101) Requires State, district, or local committees of political parties (including specified related entities) to make expenditures and disbursements for Federal election activities (with exceptions) from funds subject to FECA requirements which are applied to any amounts spent for fund raising costs of such activities by national, State, district, or local committees and specified related entities. Prohibits national, State, district, or local committees (including national congressional campaign committees and specified related entities) from soliciting funds for, or making or directing donations to, tax-exempt organizations or organization applicants for tax-exemption status. Disallows candidates, incumbents, or their agents, or specified related entities, from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds in connection with an election for Federal office as well as in connection with any election other than for Federal office or disbursing funds in connection with such an election for Federal election activities on their behalf (with exceptions), unless, in the case of an election for Federal office, the funds are subject to FECA requirements, or, unless with regard to any election other than for Federal office, the funds meet specified guidelines, including that they are not from prohibited sources. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any person from making contributions to a State committee in any year that exceed, in the aggregate, $10,000. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit from $25,000 to $30,000. (Sec. 103) Requires the following: (1) national committees, national congressional campaign committees, and any subordinate committees, to report all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period; (2) State, district, and local committees to report all receipts and disbursements made for specified Federal election activities; and (3) political committees having receipts or disbursements from persons in excess of $200 for any year to separately itemize their reporting. Title II: Independent and Coordinated Expenditures - Amends FECA to redefine the term "independent expenditure" to mean an expenditure by a person for a communication that is express advocacy and is not coordinated activity or is not provided in coordination with a candidate or a candidate's agent, or a person who is coordinating with a candidate or a candidate's agent. Defines the term "express advocacy." (Sec. 201) Redefines the term "expenditure" to include a payment made by a political committee for a communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate and is for the purpose of influencing a Federal election (regardless of whether the communication is express advocacy). (Sec. 202) Provides that in determining whether any broadcast communication constitutes express advocacy for purposes of this Act, there shall not be taken into account any background music not including lyrics. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the Federal Election (Commission) from entering into a conciliation agreement if it determines that there is probable cause to believe that a person has made a knowing and willful violation involving the reporting of an independent expenditure. Permits the Commission, when it makes such a determination, to institute a civil action for relief. (Sec. 204) Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures made by persons (including political committees) aggregating: (1) $1,000 or more after the 20th day before an election; and (2) $10,000 or more up to or on the 20th day before an election. Requires additional reports to be filed each time such independent expenditures are made. Requires such reports to: (1) be filed with the Commission; and (2) contain the information required for a person who receives any disbursement in excess of $200 in connection with an independent expenditure, including the name of each candidate to whom an expenditure is intended to support or oppose. (Sec. 205) Prohibits a committee of a political party, on or after the date on which the political party nominates a candidate, from making both coordinated and independent expenditures to the candidate during the election cycle. Requires a political party committee, before making a coordinated expenditure to a candidate, to certify to the Commission that it has not and shall not make any independent expenditure to the candidate during the same election cycle. Prohibits a political party committee that submits a certification with respect to a candidate from transferring any funds to, assigning authority to make coordinated expenditures to, or receiving a transfer of funds from, a political committee of the party that has made or intends, during the same election cycle, to make an independent expenditure to the candidate. (Sec. 206) Redefines the term "contribution" to include coordinated activity which is defined as anything of value provided by a person in coordination with a candidate or other specified parties, for the purpose of influencing a Federal election, regardless of whether the value being provided is a communication that is express advocacy, in which such candidate seeks nomination or election to Federal office. Considers a coordinated activity as a contribution to the candidate, and in the case of a limitation on expenditures, treats it as an expenditure by the candidate. Redefines the term "contribution or expenditure" with respect to contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations, and labor organizations, to include a contribution or expenditure as defined under FECA. Title III: Disclosure - Amends FECA to replace provisions permitting the filing of reports electronically with provisions requiring the Commission to: (1) promulgate a regulation for the filing of reports using computers and faxes; (2) make electronically filed reports publicly accessible on the Internet within 24 hours after their receipt by it; and (3) provide methods (other than requiring a signature on the filing) for verifying covered reports. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the deposit (except in escrow accounts) or negotiation of contributions from a person making aggregate contributions in excess of $200 during a year by a candidate's authorized committee unless the required contributor information is complete. (Sec. 303) Permits the Commission to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary FECA compliance. Extends from six to 12 months the period during which campaign audits may be begun. (Sec. 304) Revises reporting requirements for identification of other than political committee contributors to: (1) lower the $200 threshold for the reporting of contributor identification to $50; and (2) require only the names and addresses of persons who make contributions of between $50 and $200 per year. (Sec. 305) Revises requirements for use of candidates' names. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a person from soliciting contributions by falsely representing himself or herself to be a candidate or a representative of a candidate, a political committee, or a political party. (Sec. 307) Requires filing of a certain statement with the Commission by persons, other than political committees of political parties and religious and apostolic organizations, that make aggregate disbursements in excess of $50,000 per year for specified Federal election activities: (1) on a monthly basis; or (2) within 24 hours, in the case of disbursements made within 20 days of an election. Exempts from such filing requirements: (1) a candidate or a candidate's authorized committees; and (2) independent expenditures. (Sec. 308) Revises requirements for publication and distribution of any print, broadcast, or general public political advertising. Title IV: Personal Wealth Option - Amends FECA to direct the Commission to issue a certification that a Senate or House of Representatives candidate is an eligible primary or general election congressional candidate if the candidate files with it a declaration that the candidate and the candidate's authorized committees (relevant parties) will not (in the case of a primary candidate) or did not (in the case of a general election candidate) exceed a personal funds expenditure limit of $50,000. Directs the Commission, if the limit is exceeded, to: (1) revoke the certification; and (2) require the relevant parties to pay a penalty to the Commission. Prohibits coordinated expenditures if a candidate is not an eligible congressional candidate. Title V: Miscellaneous - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require any labor organization receiving payments from a employee pursuant to an agreement requiring non-member employees to make such payments in lieu of organization dues or fees to establish a specified objection procedure, or be liable for an unfair labor practice (thus codifying the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al.). (Sec. 501) Requires a labor organization, with respect to a non-member employee who files an objection under such a procedure, to reduce the employee's payments in lieu of organization dues or fees by an amount which reasonably reflects the ratio that the organization's expenditures supporting political activities unrelated to collective bargaining bear to such organization's total expenditures. Requires a reasonable explanation to the employee of such ratio and reduction. (Sec. 502) Amends FECA to revise provisions on permitted and prohibited uses of contributed amounts by candidates and incumbents for certain purposes. Specifies prohibited kinds of conversion of such funds to personal use. (Sec. 503) Revises Federal postal law concerning permitted time frames for mailing franked mail to prohibit any mass mailing as franked mail during the 180-day period before a general election for the office held by the Member of Congress or during the 90-day period before any primary election for that office, unless the Member has made a public announcement that the Member will not be a candidate for reelection during that year or for election to any other Federal office. (Sec. 504) Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against fund raising on Federal property. Prohibits an officer or employee of the Federal Government, including the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress, from soliciting a donation of money or other thing of value in connection with a Federal, State, or local election from any person while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal officer or employee. Imposes on violators a monetary penalty, imprisonment, or both. Excepts from the prohibition contributions received by the staff of the Executive Office of the President. (Sec. 505) Amends FECA to double the penalties for knowing and willful violations of FECA, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act (PECFA), and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act (such Acts). Permits conciliation agreements to correct or prevent such violations to include equitable remedies or penalties, disgorgement of funds to the Treasury, or community service requirements (including requirements to participate in public education programs). Sets forth requirements for late filing of FECA reports, including requiring establishment of mandatory monetary penalties. (Sec. 506) Revises the ban on contributions by foreign nationals, prohibiting use of "willful blindness" as a defense against a charge of violating the foreign contributions ban under FECA, by prohibiting as a defense to a violation of such ban that the defendant did not know that the contribution originated from a foreign national if the defendant should have known that the contribution originated from a foreign national, except that the trier of fact may not find that the defendant should have known that the contribution originated from a foreign national solely because of the contributor's name. (Sec. 507) Prohibits minors (age 17 or younger) from making contributions to candidates or contributions or donations to committees of political parties. (Sec. 508) Permits the Commission to: (1) order expedited proceedings for certain complaints; and (2) refer, at any time, to the Attorney General a possible violation of such Acts. (Sec. 509) Revises the basis for mandatory Commission initiation of enforcement proceedings upon receipt of a complaint alleging a violation of such Acts. Replaces "has reason to believe" a violation has been or is about to be committed with "has reason to investigate whether" such a violation has been or is about to be committed. (Sec. 510) Sets forth disclaimers to affirm equal participation of eligible voters in campaigns and elections for Federal office. (Sec. 511) Establishes criminal penalties for violation of the prohibition against contributions by foreign nationals. (Sec. 512) Provides for expedited court review of certain alleged FECA violations. (Sec. 513) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit and set penalties for conspiracy to violate presidential and vice presidential campaign spending limits under PECFA or FECA. (Sec. 514) Amends FECA to set forth guidelines for political committees to return certain illegal contributions and donations to their sources via the Commission which is required to establish a single interest-bearing escrow account for such purpose, with any contributions or donations deposited in such account allowed to cover any applicable fines or penalties imposed against the contributor or donor. (Sec. 515) Establishes within the Commission a clearinghouse of specified public information on political activities of foreign principals and their agents. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 516) Amends IRC to prohibit presidential and vice presidential candidates from receiving amounts from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (PECF) unless the candidate certifies that the candidate will not solicit any funds (soft money) for the purposes of influencing such election, including any funds used for an independent expenditure under FECA, unless the funds are subject to FECA requirements. Title VI: Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform - Establishes the Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform to study and report to the President, the Speaker of the House, and congressional leadership on the laws relating to the financing of political activity, and recommend any legislation to reform them. (Sec. 606) Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation implementing a recommendation of the Independent Commission, including a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 608) Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Prohibiting Use of White House Meals and Accommodations for Political Fundraising - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for the use of White House meals and accommodations for political fund raising. Title VIII: Sense of the Congress Regarding Fundraising on Federal Government Property - Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal law clearly demonstrates that "controlling legal authority" under the Federal criminal code prohibits the use of Federal property to raise campaign funds. Title IX: Prohibiting Solicitation to Obtain Access to Certain Federal Government Property - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties upon anyone who solicits or receives anything of value in consideration of providing a person with access to Air Force One, Marine One, Air Force Two, Marine Two, the White House, or Vice President's residence. Title X: Reimbursement for Use of Air Force One For Political Fundraising - Amends FECA to require any political committee of a national political party for whom the President, Vice President, or any executive department head uses Air Force One for transportation for any travel which includes a fund raising event for committee benefit to reimburse the Federal Government for the fair market value of the transportation of the individual involved, based on the cost of an equivalent commercial chartered flight. Title XI: Prohibiting Use of Walking Around Money - Amends FECA to make it unlawful for any political committee to provide currency to any individual (directly or through an agent of the committee) for purposes of encouraging the individual to appear at the polling place for the election. Title XII: Enhancing Enforcement of Campaign Law - Amends FECA to: (1) mandate between one and ten years imprisonment for any person who knowingly and willfully violates any FECA provisions involving making, receiving, or reporting any contribution or expenditure aggregating $2,000 or more per calendar year; and (2) authorize the Attorney General to bring criminal actions for a FECA or PECFA violation. Title XIII: Ban on Coordinated Soft Money Activities By Presidential Candidates - Amends IRC to prohibit coordination of soft money for issue advocacy by presidential and vice presidential candidates receiving public financing from PECF, unless such funds are subject to FECA requirements. Title XIV: Posting Names of Certain Air Force One Passengers on Internet - Directs the President to make available through the Internet the names of non-governmental passengers on Air Force One and Two, with certain exceptions for national security reasons. Title XV: Expulsion Proceedings for House Members Receiving Foreign Contributions - Mandates that Members of the House of Representatives convicted of violating foreign national contribution prohibitions under FECA have such conduct reported to the House by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, along with any recommendation for expulsion. Title XVI: Severability; Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations - Sets forth provisions concerning severability, review of constitutional issues, effective date, and regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 410 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Title III: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1999- Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 103) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Mandates a specified location fee for every unpatented mining claim located after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 104) Subjects existing unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to the provisions of this Act ("converted mining claims"). (Sec. 105) Sets forth certain annual claim maintenance fees. Mandates that all monies received from such fees be deposited into the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established under this Act). (Sec. 106) States that failure to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be deemed conclusively to constitute forfeiture of the mining claim. (Sec. 107) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) contesting a mining claim on the basis of discovery; and (2) demonstrating the continued sufficiency of a mining claim. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries), to require that mineral activities on Federal lands be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment. Prescribes surface management guidelines for the granting of both an exploration and an operations permit. Requires applications for such permits to contain both an operations plan and a reclamation plan, and evidence of financial assurances. Limits an operations permit to a ten-year term (subject to renewal). (Sec. 205) Declares persons in violation of this Act ineligible for permits. Sets as a prerequisite to the issuance of any permit evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States for all lands to be affected by the mineral activities described in the permit application. (Sec. 207) Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses, or to other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans. Sets forth reclamation standards applicable to mineral exploration. (Sec. 208) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, and water or air quality which either meet or exceed Federal standards shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretaries, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Title III: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund) to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities on certain public lands. (Sec. 303) Restricts reclamation expenditures to Federal or Indian land and water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal or Indian lands where such resources have been affected by past mineral activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 306) Subjects to a royalty scheme of eight percent of the net smelter return the production of locatable minerals (or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals) from any mining claim under this Act. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision-making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretaries to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 403) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the publication of an application for an operations permit and public participation requirements. (Sec. 404) Instructs the Secretaries to: (1) inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with surface management requirements; and (2) require all operators to maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with them. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 406) Prescribes procedural guidelines for administrative and judicial review of agency actions. (Sec. 407) Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides transitional rules for: (1) new and preexisting claims; (2) claims that have not been converted; (3) contest proceedings; and (4) oil shale claims. (Sec. 413) Adjusts the dollar amounts established under this Act to a certain inflation formula. (Sec. 417) Prohibits the issuance after January 4, 1997, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 418) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain other Federal law, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 419) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal Acts: (1) the Surface Resource Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. (Sec. 420) Declares that this Act applies to Federal lands used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral regardless of Federal title to the mineral. (Sec. 421) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the "Buy American Act." Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 423) Declares that court-awarded compensation for a Federal taking under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution shall be paid from the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Congress the percentage of each mining claim held by a foreign firm.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 21 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes English as the official language of the United States.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 20 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President, in the case of any bill, order, resolution, or vote, to decline to approve in whole any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, any item of new direct spending, or any limited tax benefit.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 9 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to disapprove any item of appropriation in any bill. Requires any item of appropriation contained in a bill approved by the President which is not disapproved to become law. Permits the Congress to reconsider any item so disapproved.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 1 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 19 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, before each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) , unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Prohibits a bill to increase receipts from becoming law unless approved by a three-fifths majority in each House. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States faces an imminent and serious military threat to national security, as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses become law.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 17 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 15 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes a four-year term of office for Representatives, to coincide with the term of the President. Makes any person who has been elected for a full term: (1) two times to the Senate ineligible for election or appointment to the Senate; or (2) three times to the House ineligible for election or appointment to the House. Bars any person who has served as a: (1) Senator for more than three years of a term from being subsequently eligible for election to the Senate more than once; and (2) Representative for more than two years from being subsequently eligible for election to the House more than twice. Excludes election or service occurring before this article becomes operative when determining eligibility. Prohibits any Member of one House of the Congress (except in the final year of the Member's current term) from qualifying under State law as a candidate for the other House unless the Member has resigned from the House in which he or she currently serves. Applies this article to terms of office after the first day of the year immediately following the first presidential election after ratification of this article.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 13 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress and the States to set reasonable expenditure limits for their respective elections.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 11 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the tenure of Federal judges of an inferior court to ten years after the latest of: (1) the date the judge took office; (2) the date the Senate last consented to the judge's continuance in office; or (3) the date of ratification of this amendment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 7 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions; (2) no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer; and (3) neither the United States nor any State shall prescribe the content of any such prayer.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 3 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress to set expenditure limits for Federal elections.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 5 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States shall have power to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag and to set criminal penalties for such act.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 18 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Increases the term of office of a Member of the House of Representatives to four years. Prohibits a person from serving more than 12 years as a Representative. Excludes time served by virtue of an election or appointment to fill a vacancy from being included in determining the number of years a person has served as a Representative.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 16 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes each State or the people thereof to prescribe the maximum number of terms to which a person may be elected or appointed to the Senate or elected to the House of Representatives.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 10 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - States that no person born in the United States shall be a U.S. citizen unless a parent is a U.S. citizen, is lawfully in the United States, or has lawful immigration status at the time of the birth.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 8 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress to set expenditure and contribution limits for Federal elections.