Rule of law

Voicing concern about serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in most states of Central Asia, including substantial noncompliance with their Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratization and the holding of free and fair elections.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999

Declares that Congress: (1) expresses concern about the tendency of Central Asian leaders to seek to remain in power indefinitely and their willingness to manipulate constitutions, elections, and legislative and judicial systems to do so; and (2) reminds the leaders of Central Asian states that elections cannot be free and fair unless all citizens can take part in the political process on an equal basis, without intimidation or fear of reprisal, and with confidence that their human rights and fundamental freedoms will be fully respected. Urges: (1) Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to come into compliance with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, specifically the holding of free and fair elections that do not exclude genuine challengers, to permit independent and opposition parties and candidates to participate on an equal basis with representation in election commissions at all levels, and to allow domestic non-governmental and political party observers, as well as international observers; (2) Central Asian leaders to establish conditions for independent and opposition media to function without constraint, limitation, or fear of harassment, to repeal criminal laws which impose prison sentences for alleged defamation of the state or public officials, and to provide access to state media on an equal basis during election campaigns to independent and opposition parties and candidates; (3) the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to condemn and take effective steps to cease the systematic use of torture and other inhuman treatment by authorities against political opponents and others and to permit the registration of independent and opposition parties and candidates; and (4) Voice of America and Radio Liberty to expand broadcasting to Central Asia. Encourages the Administration to: (1) raise with the governments of other OSCE participating states the possible implications for OSCE participation of any participating state in the region that engages in clear, gross, and uncorrected violations of its OSCE commitments; and (2) seek formation of an OSCE Human Dimension Mission to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to investigate the human rights situation.

Alliance with Colombia and the Andean Region (ALIANZA) Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1999

Alliance with Colombia and the Andean Region (ALIANZA) Act of 1999 - Title I: United States Policy and Personnel - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding support for democracy, peace, rule of law, and human rights in Colombia. (Sec. 102) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control of the Senate on the current U.S. policy and strategy regarding U.S. counter narcotics assistance for Colombia and the front line states (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela). (Sec. 103) Sets forth certain conditions and limitations on the availability of U.S. assistance to Colombia. (Sec. 105) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) U.S. anti-drug assistance to Colombia depends on unimpeded access by Colombia law enforcement officials to all areas of Colombia; (2) the Government of Colombia and governments of the front line states should ensure that narcotics traffickers that are indicted in the United States are arrested and prosecuted and, upon the request of the U.S. Government, extradited to the United States for trial for their egregious offenses against the U.S. people; (3) the President should designate a special coordinator on Colombia to coordinate efforts to implement a comprehensive regional strategy to maximize international political and financial support for Colombia and the front line states; (4) the Government of Colombia should resolve the case of the three U.S. citizens killed in Colombia in March 1999; and (5) links between members of Colombian irregular forces and members of Colombian security forces are deeply troubling and counter-productive in the effort to combat drug trafficking and the prevention of human rights violations. (Sec. 107) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing additional personnel requirements of the U.S. Mission in Colombia that are necessary to implement this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Activities Supported - Subtitle A: Democracy, Peace, the Rule of Law, and Human Rights in Colombia - Authorizes the President to support programs and activities to advance democracy, peace, the rule of law, and human rights in Colombia. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government should provide assistance to forcibly displaced Colombian persons and that the Government of Colombia should support their return home; and (2) the President is authorized to support the efforts by the Attorney General of Colombia to investigate and prosecute members of Colombian irregular forces and members of Colombian security forces involved in the production or trafficking in illicit drugs and gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary of State, with specified exceptions, to deny a visa to, and the Attorney General not to admit to the United States, any alien who the Secretary has credible evidence: (1) is a person who is or was an illicit drug trafficker in Colombia; or (2) ordered carried out gross violations of internationally recognized human rights there. Subtitle B: Eradication of Drug Production and Interdiction of Drug Trafficking - Authorizes the President to support programs and activities by the Government of Colombia (including its security forces) to: (1) target eradication and law enforcement activities in areas of new cultivation of coca and opium poppy; (2) reinvigorate a nationwide program to interdict shipments of illicit drugs in Colombia; and (3) support anti-drug law enforcement activities by the National Police and Navy of Colombia nationwide. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the President to support programs and activities by the U.S. Government, the Government of Colombia, and the governments of the front line states to enhance interdiction of illicit drugs in that region. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 216) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to provide additional assistance for counter-drug activities in Colombia and Peru. (Sec. 217) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to U.S. counter narcotic assistance to Brazil. (Sec. 218) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense and the Department of State to monitor the use of U.S. assistance by the Colombian armed forces. (Sec. 219) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the development of economic alternatives to the illicit drug trade. Authorizes appropriations (earmarking amounts to Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru).

2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has to bring forward proposals to amend the Constitution during the current session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 October 1999

2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has to bring forward proposals to amend the Constitution during the current session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/99]

1 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if the Government intends to bring forward any proposals for amendments to the Constitution during the forthcoming Dáil session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 October 1999

1 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if the Government intends to bring forward any proposals for amendments to the Constitution during the forthcoming Dáil session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/99]

Expressing the strong opposition of Congress to the military coup in Pakistan and calling for a civilian, democratically-elected government to be returned to power in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1999

Condemns: (1) the overthrow of the democratically-elected Government of Pakistan by the armed forces of Pakistan on October 12, 1999, in violation of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and (2) the subsequent declaration by General Musharraf of a state of emergency, the suspension of Pakistan's Constitution, the dismissal of the national government and the legislature, and the declaration of himself as Pakistan's supreme leader. Expresses grave concern about the implications for security and stability in the South Asia region in light of the history of tensions between India and Pakistan and the fact that both nations have recently tested nuclear devices. Urges both countries to exercise restraint. Calls for the immediate restoration of a civilian, democratically-elected government in Pakistan and the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. Urges the armed forces of Pakistan to respect the human rights of all Pakistani citizens, including those members of the national government who are currently being illegally detained in violation of their constitutional and human rights. Calls on the President not to consider exercising the waiver authority which would be granted to him by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 (presented by Congress on October 14, 1999, for the President's approval), to allow the sale of any military equipment or services to Pakistan, or reinstatement of Pakistan's eligibility for international military education and training, until a civilian, democratically-elected government is returned to power.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1999

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2000 - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 to the Department of Labor for: (1) training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (8) the Employment Standards Administration; (9) certain special benefits; (10) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (12) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (13) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (14) departmental management; (15) the Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training; and (16) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2000 - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) the Medical Facilities Guarantee and Loan Fund for Federal interest subsidies for medical facilities; (3) health education assistance loans; (4) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (5) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (6) the National Institutes of Health, including amounts for the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, the Office of the Director, and buildings and facilities; (7) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (8) the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (9) the Health Care Financing Administration for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (10) the Administration for Children and Families for family support payments to States; (11) low income home energy assistance; (12) refugee and entrant assistance; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs; (15) family preservation and support pursuant to a specified provision of the Social Security Act; (16) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Inspector General; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; (21) policy research; (22) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers; and (23) activities related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations. Rescinds FY 2000 funds for a sample study of child welfare. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 208) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being made available under title X (population research and voluntary family planning) of the Public Health Service Act unless the award applicant certifies to the Secretary of HHS that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and provides counseling to minors on resisting attempts to coerce them into engaging in sexual activities. (Sec. 210) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the Medicare+Choice program if the Secretary of HHS denies participation in such program to an otherwise eligible entity (including a Provider Sponsored Organization) because the entity informs the Secretary that it will not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or provide referrals for abortions. (Sec. 211) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require State allotments under block grants for: (1) community health services for FY 2000 to be at least the amount the State received for FY 1998; and (2) substance abuse prevention and treatment for FY 2000 to be equal to allotments for FY 1999. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2000 - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 to the Department of Education for: (1) education reform; (2) education for the disadvantaged; (3) impact aid; (4) school improvement activities; (5) reading excellence; (6) Indian education; (7) bilingual and immigrant education; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) student financial assistance; (13) the Federal Family Education Loan program account; (14) higher education; (15) Howard University; (16) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (17) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (18) education research, statistics, and improvement; (19) departmental management; (20) the Office for Civil Rights; and (21) the Office of the Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 301) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being used to: (1) transport teachers or students in order to overcome racial imbalance in any school or to carry out a racial desegregation plan; or (2) prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. (Sec. 306) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reduce to 35 percent the Federal share available for Even Start family literacy programs in any year after the eighth year of receiving assistance. Removes a provision which limits the receipt of such assistance to a period of eight years. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 to the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Education Goals Panel; (11) National Labor Relations Board; (12) National Mediation Board; (13) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the social security trust funds, special benefits for disabled coal miners, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (16) U.S. Institute of Peace. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act for programs to distribute sterile needles or syringes for the injection of illegal drugs. (Sec. 506) Sets forth Buy American requirements. (Sec. 508) Prohibits funds appropriated under this Act from being expended for abortions or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion, except in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or where a woman suffers from a physical condition that would, as certified by a physician, place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Sec. 510) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo is destroyed or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for activities to promote the legalization of a controlled substance unless there is significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage to the use of such substance or that federally-sponsored trials are being conducted to determine such advantage. (Sec. 514) Bars the use of funds made available in this Act to promulgate a final standard under the Social Security Act providing for a unique health identifier for an individual (except in an individual's capacity as an employer or health care provider) until legislation is enacted specifically approving the standard. Title VI: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Interventions For Newborns and Infants With Hearing Loss - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop statewide newborn and infant hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention programs and systems; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to newborn and infant hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention programs and systems. Requires the National Institutes of Health to continue a program of research and development on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates Federal coordination and collaboration with State and local agencies, consumer groups, national medical, health, and education specialty organizations, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and their families, qualified professional personnel, and related commercial industries. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Child Protection Act of 1999 - Child Protection Act of 1999 - Requires any elementary or secondary school or public library that has received Federal funds for the acquisition or operation of any computer that is accessible to minors and that has access to the Internet to: (1) install software on that computer adequately designed to prevent minors from obtaining access to any obscene information or child pornography; and (2) ensure that such software is operational whenever that computer is used by minors. Allows temporary interruption of software operation to permit a minor, under the direct supervision of an adult designated by the school or library, to have access to information that is not obscene, is not child pornography, or is otherwise unprotected by the Constitution. Requires determinations of adequate design to be made by an agency or official designated by the chief executive officer of the State. Authorizes Federal agency heads to respond to violations of this Act by seeking remedies, in the same manner as under the General Education Provisions Act, including withholding of further payments, issuing a complaint to compel compliance through a cease and desist order, or entering into a compliance agreement with the recipient of funds. Prohibits seeking recovery of funds from the recipient. Title VIII: Inflation Adjustments to Mandatory Jurisdiction Thresholds of National Labor Relations Board - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide for inflation adjustments to the mandatory jurisdiction thresholds of the National Labor Relations Board. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require earned income credit refunds to be paid in 12 substantially equal installments. Makes such requirement inapplicable to refunds under $600. Terminates provisions regarding advanced payment of earned income credit after September 30, 1999. Makes such termination inapplicable to earned income eligibility certificates in effect on such date and to renewals of such certificates which are so in effect. Applies the preceding amendments to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998. (Sec. 902) Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of the impact on earned income tax credit recipients with respect to a disbursement over 12 months versus the current one-time, lump-sum payment. Title X: Disaster Relief for Farmers - Makes a specified amount of Commodity Credit Corporation funds available to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to producers for crop and livestock losses incurred as a result of the hurricanes and flooding that struck the eastern United States in August and September 1999.

Twenty-First Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1999

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 1999

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Constitution

Twenty-First Amendment of the Constitution (No. 2) Bill, 1999

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 1999

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Constitution

A bill to establish a child centered program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1999

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new subpart 3, Child Centered Program, under part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). Allows States and participating local educational agencies (LEAs) to use funds under subpart 1 (Basic Program Requirements) and subpart 2 (Allocations) to carry out such child centered program. Requires States and such LEAs to use certain incentive grant funds to carry out such program. Allows an LEA, if its State does not carry out such a child centered program or have an approved application for a fiscal year, to elect to carry out such a program. Requires the Secretary of Education to provide directly to such LEA the funds it is eligible for under subparts 1 and 2 to carry out such program. Requires participating LEAs to obtain State approval of the submission, but not of the contents, of their applications for such program assistance. Requires the Secretary to award incentive grants to States (or directly to LEAs under the described conditions) that elect to carry out such a child centered program and have an approved application. Bases such incentive grant amounts on relative share of funds received under subparts 1 and 2. Authorizes appropriations for such incentive grants. Sets forth requirements for State and LEA use of child centered program funds from subparts 1 and 2 and incentive grants, including: (1) establishing per-pupil amounts which may be varied because of certain factors; and (2) providing supplemental education services directly or through a contractor, or, if requested and selected by the child's parent or legal guardian, a tutorial assistance provider, another public school, or a private school. Allows use of child centered program funds for schoolwide programs under specified conditions. Requires that private school children receive comparable services. Requires participating States and LEAs to operate statewide or school-district-wide open enrollment programs. Requires public schools receiving such child centered program funds to carry out parent involvement activities, including annual meetings and information on parents' right to choose to use the per pupil amount to purchase supplemental education services from the specified types of providers. Sets forth requirements for program applications, administration, State and LEA reports, termination authority, and evaluations and reports by the Comptroller General. Prohibits Federal control of specified types of State and local education decisions as a condition for eligibility to receive funds under this Act. Prohibits preemption of a State constitution or statute that pertains to expenditure of State funds in or by religious institutions.

Education for Democracy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1999

Education for Democracy Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions for Civic Education, under part F of title X (Programs of National Significance). (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with: (1) the Center for Civic Education (CCE) to carry out civic education activities under the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program, and under Cooperative Educational Exchange programs; and (2) the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) to carry out economic education activities under Cooperative Educational Exchange programs. Revises requirements for CCE implementation of the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program. Sets forth requirements for the Cooperative Educational Exchange programs of civic education by CCE and economic education by NCEE. Makes eligible for such programs Central European countries, an Eastern European country, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union. Allows such program eligibility also for the Republic of Ireland, the province of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, and any developing country as defined under the Education for the Deaf Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2004 for: (1) the We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program and The Project Citizen program; and (2) the Cooperative Educational Exchange programs. (Sec. 3) Repeals title VI (International Education Program) of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act.

Politische Entwicklung in Peru (G-SIG: 14010547)

Germany · German Bundestag · 22 September 1999

Verletzungen von Rechtsstaat und Menschenrechten in Peru, Auswirkungen auf die Entwicklungszusammenarbeit

proposition de loi portant création d'une délégation parlementaire du renseignement

France · Senate · 15 September 1999

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States restoring religious freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1999

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that, to secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience: (1) neither the United States nor any State shall establish any official religion; (2) the people's right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, or traditions on public property, including schools, shall not be infringed; and (3) neither the United States nor any State shall require any person to join in prayer or other religious activity, prescribe school prayers, discriminate against religion, or deny equal access to a benefit on account of religion.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to war crimes against United States military personnel and their families, and in particular to the war crimes committed in El Salvador against United States Army pilots David H. Pickett and Earnest Dawson, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1999

Expresses: (1) sincere appreciation for the military service of Lieutenant Colonel David H. Pickett, Private First Class Earnest Dawson, Jr., and Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Scott; and (2) deepest sympathy to the families of David H. Pickett and Earnest Dawson, Jr., for their tragic and wrongful deaths; (3) profound regret that the available remedies have failed to bring Ferman Hernandez and Serveriano Fuentes, the men responsible for executing Pickett and Dawson, to justice. Declares that: (1) the United States should improve the legal protections for its military personnel who serve in foreign lands and their families; and (2) the Government of El Salvador should amend its Constitution to permit the extradition of Hernandez and Fuentes to the United States for trial. Urges the President to: (1) continue efforts to obtain the extradition of Hernandez and Fuentes; (2) initiate changes to the Geneva Convention and other international agreements that would prevent amnesty from being used to deny redress for grave breaches of the Geneva Convention; (3) initiate other changes to the Geneva Convention and other relevant international agreements to ensure and improve the legal protections for U.S. military personnel serving in foreign lands and their families; (4) examine all status-of-forces agreements and similar agreements and obtain revisions to ensure that the legal protections for U.S. military personnel will not suffer another failure; (5) encourage other countries to enact laws substantially similar to the War Crimes Act of 1996; and (6) report to the Congress at least annually regarding the actions taken and the progress made.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States granting the President the authority to exercise an item veto of individual appropriations in an appropriations bill.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Constitutional Amendment - Grants the President item veto authority with respect to any appropriation of an appropriations bill. Requires the President to return a copy of any disapproved appropriation to the originating House of Congress which may reconsider it in the manner provided for any bill returned by the President.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms in defense of life or liberty and in the pursuit of all other legitimate endeavors.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Constitution provides that all individual citizens have the right to keep and bear arms, which right supersedes the power and authority of any government.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1999

Constitutional Amendment - Grants each individual who is a victim of a crime for which the defendant can be imprisoned for a period longer than one year, or any other crime that involves 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, and an opportunity to submit a statement concerning, any proposed pardon or commutation of sentence; (4) to reasonable notice of a release or escape from custody relating to the crime; (5) to consideration of the interest of the victim that any trial be free from unreasonable delay; (6) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (7) to consideration for the safety of the victim in determining any conditional release from custody relating to the crime; and (8) 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.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights for women and men.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1999

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.

Separation of Powers Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1999

Separation of Powers Restoration Act - Repeals the War Powers Resolution. Terminates after 90 days all powers and authorities of the President and any other Federal officer or employee or executive agency from a declaration of national emergency. States that, to the extend that any Act of Congress grants to the President or any other executive officer or employee the power to declare a national emergency, such power is divested to Congress alone. Directs the President to include with each presidential order a statement of the specific statutory or constitutional authority for such action. States, with exceptions, that a presidential order neither constitutes nor has the force of law and is limited in application and effect to the executive branch. Authorizes both Houses of Congress, a Senator or Representative, certain State and local officials, and certain aggrieved persons to bring an action to challenge the validity of any presidential order which exceeds the power granted to the President by the relevant authorizing statute or the Constitution.

Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Law Enforcement Accreditation Title II: Law Enforcement Development Programs Title III: Administrative Due Process Procedures Title IV: Enhanced Funding to Combat Police Misconduct Title V: Enhanced Authority in Pattern and Practice Investigations Title VI: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law Title VII: Study of Deaths in Custody Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 1999 - Title I: Law Enforcement Accreditation - Directs the Attorney General to recommend additional areas for the development of national standards for the accreditation of law enforcement agencies in conjunction with professional law enforcement organizations, principally the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Directs the Attorney General to: (1) perform an initial analysis of the existing standards and accreditation methodology developed by CALEA; (2) recommend (after completion of the initial review and analysis) that CALEA adopt additional standards including early warning programs, civil review procedures, traffic stop documentation and procedures, and administrative due process requirements; and (3) adopt policies and procedures to partner with CALEA other professional law enforcement organizations and community-based organizations to continue the development of further accreditation standards and to encourage the pursuit of accreditation by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the Attorney General to make funds available to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to assist in gaining or maintaining accreditation from CALEA. Title II: Law Enforcement Development Programs - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, or other public and private entities, and multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof to study and implement effective management, training, recruiting, hiring, and oversight policies and programs for law enforcement agencies. Makes such grants available: (1) for use for the study of law enforcement agency management and operations standards; and (2) to develop pilot programs and implement effective programs in the areas of training, hiring, recruitment, and oversight designed to improve management and address misconduct by law enforcement officers. Sets aside four percent of appropriated sums for grants to Indian tribal governments, with the remainder available for grants to applicants in each State in an amount that bears the same ratio to the amount of remaining funds as the population of the State bears to the population of all of the States. Sets forth provisions regarding technical assistance, use of Department of Justice components, matching funds, application requirements, performance evaluation, and revocation or suspension of funding. Title III: Administrative Due Process Procedures - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a nationwide study of the prevalence and impact of any law, rule, or procedure that allows a law enforcement officer to delay for an unreasonable or arbitrary period of time the answer to questions posed by a local internal affairs officer, prosecutor, or review board on the investigative integrity and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct; (2) perform an initial analysis of New York City's 48-hour rule to determine whether, at a threshold level, the impact of this type of rule or procedure raises material investigatory issues that could impair or hinder a prompt and thorough investigation of possible misconduct, including criminal conduct, that would justify a wider inquiry; and (3) gather additional data (after completion of the initial analysis and considering material investigatory issues) nationwide on rules similar to the 48- hour rule from a representative and statistically significant sample of jurisdictions to determine whether such rules and procedures raise such material investigatory issues. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Enhanced Funding to Combat Police Misconduct - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for additional expenses related to enforcement of provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) relating to a pattern or practice of police misconduct. Title V: Enhanced Authority in Pattern and Practice Investigations - Amends the VCCLEA to authorize civil actions by aggrieved persons for a pattern or practice of police misconduct. (Sec. 502) Amends VCCLEA to expand the prohibition against a police pattern or practice of unlawful conduct to include conduct by law enforcement officers or by officials or employees of any government agency with responsibility for the administration of criminal justice (currently, juvenile justice) or the incarceration of adults (currently, juveniles). Title VI: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law - Amends the Federal criminal code to specify that it is a deprivation of a right, privilege, or immunity secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States to: (1) subject, or attempt to subject, any person to force exceeding that which is reasonably necessary to carry out a legitimate law enforcement duty; or (2) engage in or cause any unwanted sexual act or contact, or attempt to do so, with or by any other person. Prohibits a prosecution of a case described above except upon notification in writing by the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights that, in that official's judgment, a prosecution by the United States is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice. Title VII: Study of Deaths in Custody - Amends the VCCLEA to require a State, to be eligible for a Truth-in-Sentencing incentive grant, to provide an assurance that it shall follow guidelines that may be established by the Attorney General in reporting, on a quarterly basis, information regarding the death of any person who is in the process of arrest, has been arrested, has been incarcerated or is en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including a juvenile facility). Requires that such information include: (1) the name, gender, ethnicity, and age of the deceased; (2) the date, time, and location of death; and (3) a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Gaming Clarification Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999

Gaming Clarification Act of 1999 - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to make class III gaming activities lawful on Indian trust land in the State of Missouri only when they are conducted in accordance with any geographic limitation placed by the Missouri State Constitution. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from taking land into trust for an Indian tribe in Missouri for class II or class III gaming or approving such gaming on lands taken into trust in the State when the Missouri State Constitution authorizes the State's general assembly to permit lotteries, gift enterprises, and games of chance to be conducted only upon the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers on excursion gambling boats and floating facilities.

Authorizing the Architect of the Capitol to permit temporary construction and other work on the Capitol Grounds that may be necessary for construction of a building on Constitution Avenue Northwest, between 2nd Street Northwest and Louisiana Avenue Northwest.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1999

Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to permit temporary construction and other work on the Capitol grounds that may be necessary for construction of a building on Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 2nd Street, N.W., and Louisiana Avenue, N.W., beginning August 6, 1999, and ending October 31, 2001, or for a longer period if the AOC determines it necessary.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2000 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) direct and guaranteed loans and credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs, including basic education programs; (3) specified development assistance (allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation); (4) international disaster assistance; (5) micro and small enterprise development programs; (6) guaranteed loans for the urban and environmental credit program; (7) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (8) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (9) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (earmarking amounts for Israel and Egypt); (10) the International Fund for Ireland; (11) economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (earmarking amounts for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with a prohibition on funds for new housing construction or repair or reconstruction of existing housing in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless directly related to U.S. troop efforts to promote peace there); (12) assistance for the new independent states of the former Soviet Union (subject to specified conditions, and earmarking amounts for Mongolia, the Southern Caucasus (especially the areas of Abkhazia and Nagorno- Karabagh), Georgia, and Armenia); (13) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (14) international narcotics control and law enforcement (earmarking amounts for anti-crime programs); (15) migration and refugee assistance; (16) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (17) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities (including U.S. contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Preparatory Commission); (18) debt restructuring of concessional loans, guarantees, and credits made to eligible foreign countries, including sub-Saharan African countries; and (19) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations; (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government; and (3) any activity which is in contravention to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). Prohibits the availability of funds for economic revitalization programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina if the President certifies to the Committees on Appropriations: (1) that they have not complied with article III of annex 1-A of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina concerning the withdrawal of foreign forces; and (2) that intelligence cooperation on training, investigations, and related activities between Iranian officials and Bosnian officials has not been terminated. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for: (1) expanded international military education and training (IMET) to Indonesia and Guatemala; (2) foreign military financing grants and direct loans (earmarking amounts for Israel and Egypt) ; and (3) international peacekeeping operations (subject to certain conditions). Prohibits: (1) IMET to the School of the Americas unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that such assistance is consistent with U.S. training and doctrine, particularly with respect to the observance of human rights; and (2) foreign military financing for Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for the U.S. contribution to: (1) the Global Environment Facility of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association (IDA); (3) the Inter-American Development Bank; (4) the Asian Development Bank; (5) the Asian Development Fund; (6) the African Development Fund; and (7) the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Makes appropriations for FY 2000 for international programs and organizations. Sets certain restrictions on international organization funding. Prohibits the use of funds for the KEDO or the IAEA. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including that no more than 15 percent of such appropriations shall be obligated during the last month of availability. (Sec. 502) Prohibits: (1) the use of funds for bilateral funding of international financial institutions; and (2) the transfer of such funds by the AID directly to such an institution for the purpose of repaying a foreign country's loan obligations to it. (Sec. 503) Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including no more than specified maximums for official residence expenses, entertainment expenses, and representation allowances for AID, and for entertainment and representation allowances for the Inter-American Foundation and the Trade and Development Agency. Limits the use of funds for entertainment expenses of the Peace Corps, and of entertainment and representation allowances under the Foreign Military Financing Program. (Sec. 506) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology (except for nuclear safety purposes); (2) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria; (3) assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree; (4) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without prior presidential consultation with Congress; (5) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for Nicaragua, Brazil, Liberia and for any narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru); and (6) assistance (except in certain circumstances) for production of any commodity for export by a foreign country, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets when the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative, and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to: (1) oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity; and (2) support the purchase of American produced agricultural commodities with funds appropriated under this Act. (Sec. 516) Declares that funds appropriated for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs, that are returned or not made available for international organizations and programs shall remain available for obligation until FY 2001. (Sec. 517) Prohibits the availability of assistance for the Independent States of the former Soviet Union to a Government of such an Independent State, unless such Government is making progress in implementing comprehensive economic reforms based on market principles, private ownership, respect for commercial contracts, and equitable treatment of foreign private investment. Prohibits the availability of assistance also: (1) if such a Government applies or transfers U.S. assistance to any entity for the purpose of expropriating or seizing ownership of assets, investments, or ventures (unless the President determines such assistance is in the national interest); (2) if such a Government directs action in violation of the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other Independent State of the former Soviet Union; or (3) to enhance its military capability (except for demilitarization, demining, or nonproliferation programs). (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization. (Sec. 519) Limits to no more than five percent the amount of export financing funds (other than for administrative expenses) that can be transferred from one appropriation to another, with no appropriation being increased by more than 25 percent by such transfer. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama, Serbia, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 522) Makes funds available to AID for child survival, basic education, and infectious disease activities in developing countries. (Sec. 523) Bars funding for indirect assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to the U.S. national security interest. (Sec. 524) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 526) Authorizes the availability of ESF funds to provide general support and grants for nongovernmental organizations located outside China that have as their primary purpose fostering democracy in that country. (Sec. 527) Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes a waiver of this prohibition by the President for national security and humanitarian reasons, requiring notification to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 528) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles (instead of government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 529) Requires all AID contracts and subcontracts to include a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a fair opportunity to bid for insurance when insurance is necessary or appropriate. (Sec. 530) Prohibits U.S. sale of Stinger missiles in the Persian Gulf region, with certain exceptions. (Sec. 531) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are AID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for- nature exchanges. (Sec. 532) Directs the Administrator of AID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities. (Sec. 533) Prohibits payments to any international financial institution while the U.S. Executive Director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for Level IV of the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 534) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq, unless the President certifies to the Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the U.S. national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. (Sec. 535) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Requires an agency to report to the Committees on Appropriations whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited. Limits on the availability of funds for international organizations and programs shall not be construed to be applicable to the International Fund for Agricultural Development. (Sec. 536) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for establishing or developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country. (Sec. 537) Prohibits the availability funds under this Act for the Republic of Serbia (except for Kosova or Montenegro or for assistance to promote democratization). (Sec. 538) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan, Lebanon, Montenegro, and for victims of war, displaced children, displaced Burmese, humanitarian assistance for Romania, and humanitarian assistance for the peoples of Kosova may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support tropical forestry and biodiversity conservation programs, and subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, energy programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Authorizes AID to employ personal services contractors to administer programs for the West Bank and Gaza. Authorizes the President to waive certain prohibitions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) if the President determines and certifies to Congress that it is in the national interest. (Sec. 539) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) immediate public renunciation by Arab League countries of the boycott of Israel (reinstated in 1997) and of American firms having commercial ties with Israel; and (2) steps the President should take to encourage such renunciation. (Sec. 540) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in other regions. (Sec. 541) Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the reprogramming of earmarked appropriations for other programs within the same account, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 544) Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 545) Declares that assistance under this Act should make full use of American resources, including commodities, products, and services, to the maximum extent possible. Declares the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all agricultural commodities, equipment, and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American- made. Requires Federal agency heads, in providing financial assistance to or entering into any contract with any entity using funds made available in this Act, to notify such entity of this intention. (Sec. 546) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any U.N. member (including costs for attendance of another country's delegation at international conferences). (Sec. 548) Prohibits the provision of funds to a private voluntary organization that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of AID. (Sec. 549) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country that the Secretary of State has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines that the furnishing of such assistance is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 550) Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equal to 110 percent of the total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 551) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the PLO for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 552) Permits the President to provide up to a specified amount of commodities and services to the UN War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a just resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 553) Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearance of land mines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 554) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 555) Prohibits the obligation of certain funds appropriated for Informational Program activities to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; (2) food (other than food provided at a military installation) not provided in conjunction with Informational Program trips where students do not stay at a military installation; or (3) entertainment expenses for recreational activities. (Sec. 556) Limits the amount of certain foreign assistance funds to Latin America and the Caribbean region. (Sec. 557) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act; or (3) any obligation for a Latin American country to pay for purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities guaranteed by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Permits exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 558) Authorizes the President to engage in certain debt buybacks or sales. Authorizes sale, reduction, or cancellation of certain loans to foreign governments, upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser that plans to use such loans only for the purposes of engaging in debt-for-equity swaps, debt-for-development swaps, or debt-for-nature swaps. Limits such authority to funds appropriated by this Act under the heading of debt restructuring. (Sec. 559) Urges the President, in providing assistance to Haiti, to place priority on: (1) aggressive action to support the Haitian National Police, including efforts to purge corrupt and politicized elements within the police; (2) steps to ensure that U.S. assisted elections in Haiti are free, fair, and democratic; (3) support for a program to develop an indigenous human rights monitoring capacity; (4) steps to continue privatization of state-owned enterprises; (5) establishment of an economic development fund for Haiti to provide long-term, low interest loans to U.S. investors and businesses that are committed to doing business there; and (6) a substantial agricultural development program. Directs the President to report to specified congressional committees on the status: (1) of each of the governmental institutions envisioned in the 1987 Haitian Constitution; (2) of the privatization of the major public entities; (3) of the Government of Haiti's efforts to conduct thorough investigations of extrajudicial and political killings; (4) of steps being taken to secure ratification of the maritime counter-narcotics agreements signed October 1997; and (5) of the extent to which domestic capacity to conduct free, fair, and democratic elections has been developed in Haiti. (Sec. 560) Requires a specified annual report of the Secretary of State containing the voting record of each foreign member country of the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of each country's overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to it in FY 1999. (Sec. 561) Prohibits the United States from paying any voluntary contribution to the UN, including the UN Development Program, unless the President certifies to Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the UN is not engaged in any effort to implement or impose any taxation on U.S. persons in order to raise revenue for itself or any of its specialized agencies. (Sec. 562) Makes the Government of Haiti eligible to purchase U.S. defense articles and services for the civilian-led Haitian National Police and Coast Guard. (Sec. 563) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the PLO unless the President certifies to Congress that it is in the U.S. national security interests. (Sec. 564) Prohibits the use of funds for the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State believes they have committed gross violations of human rights, unless the Secretary reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such country is taking steps to bring the responsible persons to justice. (Sec. 565) Requires that any agreement between the United States and the Government of Indonesia for the sale of lethal weapons shall state that the United States expects that such items will not be used in East Timor. Declares that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit Indonesia's inherent right to national self- defense. (Sec. 566) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions (with humanitarian, democratization, and certain infrastructure project exceptions) against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to the former Yugoslavia. Prohibits the provision of bilateral assistance for programs in which publicly indicted war criminals are known to have any financial interest or communities that are not in compliance with specified sections of the Dayton Agreement relating to war crimes and the Tribunal. (Sec. 567) Prohibits the use of funds for the Government of the Russian Federation unless the President certifies to specified congressional committees that the Federation has not enacted laws or promulgated executive orders that discriminate against religious minorities in violation of international agreements on human rights and religious freedoms to which it is a party. (Sec. 568) Subjects the availability of funds in this Act to support programs or activities promoting country participation in the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 569) Directs the President to withhold a specified amount of foreign assistance funds (except development or humanitarian assistance) from countries that violate any UN sanction against Libya. (Sec. 570) Bars funds to the central Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo until the President reports to Congress that it is: (1) investigating and prosecuting those responsible for human rights violations there; and (2) implementing a credible democratic transition program. (Sec. 571) Earmarks specified foreign assistance funds for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group, the Multinational Force and Observers, the Middle East Regional Democracy Fund, Middle East Regional Cooperation, and Middle East Multilateral Working Groups. (Sec. 572) Requires the President to submit to specified congressional committees a plan for the distribution of the assets of an Enterprise Fund before any distribution resulting from liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Fund. (Sec. 573) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions to oppose loans to Cambodia (except loans to support basic human needs). Prohibits the availability of funds under this Act for assistance (other than for humanitarian and basic education activities) for the Government of Cambodia. (Sec. 574) Makes specified funds available for bilateral assistance for population planning activities. (Sec. 575) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and of State to report jointly to Congress on all overseas military training provided to, and proposed to be provided to, foreign military personnel under programs administered by the Defense and State Departments during FY 1999 and 2000. (Sec. 576) Earmarks specified funds for KEDO for administrative expenses and heavy fuel oil costs associated with the Agreed Framework (Joint Declaration on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula). Earmarks other amounts to KEDO if the President certifies to Congress that North Korea is complying with the provisions of the Agreed Framework. (Sec. 577) Authorizes investment of funds made available to grantees of the African Development Foundation pending expenditure for project purposes when authorized by the President of the Foundation. (Sec. 578) Bars the use of funds appropriated under this Act to provide equipment, technical support, consulting services, or any other assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation. (Sec. 579) Bars the use of AID operating expense funds to finance the construction, purchase, or long-term lease of offices for use by AID, except as provided through regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 580) Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for political, economic, humanitarian, and associated support activities for Iraqi opposition groups. (Sec. 581) Directs AID to submit its annual budgets to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 582) Declares the sense of Congress urging public release of information in Federal agencies about the murders of four American churchwomen in El Salvador on December 2, 1980. Urges the President to direct the Attorney General to review and report to Congress on the circumstances under which individuals involved in either the murders or their cover-up obtained residence in the United States. (Sec. 583) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Sec. 584) Limits the U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Makes such funds available only if: (1) UNFPA maintains funds available to it in a separate account; (2) it does not commingle such funds; and (3) it does not fund abortions. Prohibits the use of funds for UNFPA for a country program in China. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the amount of funds that the UNFPA is budgeting for the year for a country program in China. Declares that, if the UNFPA plans to spend funds for a country program in China, an amount equal to that spent in China shall be deducted from funds made available to the UNFPA after March 1 for obligation for the remainder of the fiscal year in which the report is submitted.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the legal effect of certain treaties and other international agreements.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1999

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a provision of a treaty which denies or abridges: (1) any right enumerated in the Constitution shall have no force or effect; or (2) legislative authority of the several States shall have no force or effect unless ratified by three-fourths of the State legislatures within five years of such treaty's ratification by the Senate. Prohibits: (1) any treaty from authorizing or permitting any foreign power or any international organization to supervise, control, or adjudicate rights of U.S. citizens enumerated in the Constitution or other matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the United States or the several States; and (2) any decision of any international body purporting to interpret treaties to which the United States is a party from being given any precedential effect by Federal or State courts in any proceeding concerning such matters. Requires the enactment of appropriate legislation by the Congress before a treaty becomes effective as internal law in the United States. Declares that any agreement with another nation that has any binding effect on the United States is a treaty subject to the Constitution. Requires the President to transmit to the Senate for ratification the text of a treaty no later than 21 days after that treaty is signed on behalf of the United States.

Child Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999

Child Protection Act of 1999 - Requires any elementary or secondary school or public library that has received Federal funds for the acquisition or operation of any computer that is accessible to minors and that has access to the Internet to: (1) install software on that computer adequately designed to prevent minors from obtaining access to any obscene information or child pornography; and (2) ensure that such software is operational whenever that computer is used by minors. Allows temporary interruption of software operation to permit a minor, under the direct supervision of an adult designated by the school or library, to have access to information that is not obscene, is not child pornography, or is otherwise unprotected by the Constitution. Requires determinations of adequate design to be made by an agency or official designated by the State Governor. Authorizes Federal agency heads to respond to violations of this Act by seeking remedies, in the same manner as under the General Education Provisions Act, including withholding of further payments, issuing a complaint to compel compliance through a cease and desist order, or entering into a compliance agreement with the recipient of funds. Prohibits seeking recovery of funds from the recipient.

Private Property Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999

Private Property Protection Act of 1999 - Requires the Federal Government to compensate a property owner whose use of that property has been limited by an agency action, pursuant to a specified regulatory law, that diminishes the fair market value of that property by 20 percent or more, for that diminution in value. Requires the Government to buy at fair market value any portion of a property whose value has been diminished by more than 50 percent. Declares that property with respect to which compensation has been paid under this Act shall not thereafter be used contrary to the limitation imposed by the agency action, unless: (1) the action is later rescinded or vitiated; and (2) the property owner refunds the amount of the compensation to the Treasury. Provides that if a use is a nuisance as defined by State law or local zoning ordinance, no compensation shall be made under this Act with respect to a limitation on that use. Prohibits compensation from being made under this Act with respect to: (1) an agency action the primary purpose of which is to prevent an identifiable hazard to public health and safety or damage to specific property other than the property whose use is limited; or (2) an agency action pursuant to the Federal navigational servitude, except as such servitude is applied by U.S. courts to wetlands. Sets forth the procedures by which a property owner may seek compensation under this Act. Requires any agency taking an action limiting private property use to give appropriate notice of rights and compensation procedures to the property owners. Declares that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit any right to compensation under the Constitution or other Federal law; and (2) payment of compensation shall not confer on the Federal Government any rights other than the use limitation resulting from the agency action.

SPG-Novelle 1998

Austria · National Council · 16 July 1999

SPG-Novelle 1998

Austria · National Council · 16 July 1999

SPG-Novelle 1998

Austria · National Council · 16 July 1999

SPG-Novelle 1998

Austria · National Council · 16 July 1999

Returning to the Senate the bill S. 254.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1999

Returns to the Senate S. 254 (juvenile offenders) because, in the opinion of the House of Representatives, it contravenes the Constitution and infringes upon the privileges of the House.

Mineralrohstoffgesetz - MinroG

Austria · National Council · 15 July 1999

Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz - UniAkkG

Austria · National Council · 14 July 1999

Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz - UniAkkG

Austria · National Council · 14 July 1999

Universitäts-Studiengesetz

Austria · National Council · 14 July 1999

Zusatzantrag der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic und Genossen zu der Regierungsvorlage (1997 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Universitäts-Studiengesetz geändert wird

Datenschutzgesetz 2000 - DSG

Austria · National Council · 13 July 1999

Datenschutzgesetz 2000 - DSG

Austria · National Council · 13 July 1999

Datenschutzgesetz 2000 - DSG

Austria · National Council · 13 July 1999

African Growth and Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1999

African Growth and Opportunity Act - Declares the support of Congress for the economic self-reliance of sub-Saharan African countries committed to economic and political reform, market incentives and private sector growth, eradication of poverty, and the importance of women to economic growth and development. (Sec. 4) Makes a sub-Saharan African country eligible to participate in programs, projects, or activities, or receive assistance or other benefits under this Act if the President determines, according to specified evidence, that it does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy. Directs the President to monitor and review the progress of sub-Saharan African countries to determine their current or potential eligibility under the requirements of this Act. Makes ineligible to participate in programs or receive assistance or other benefits under this Act any countries that have not made progress in meeting such requirements. (Sec. 5) Directs the President to convene annual high-level meetings between U.S. Government officials and officials of the governments of sub-Saharan African countries to foster close economic ties between them. Directs the President to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which shall, among other things, encourage joint ventures between small and large businesses. Directs the United States Information Agency (USIA), in order to assist the Forum, to disseminate economic information in support of the free market economic reforms contained in this Act. Authorizes appropriations (but with a bar on the use of funds to create or support any nongovernmental organization whose aim is to facilitate trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa). (Sec. 6) Directs the President to develop a plan meeting certain requirements to enter into one or more trade agreements with certain eligible sub-Saharan African countries to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Free Trade Area. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of Congress that reform of trade policies in sub-Saharan Africa that removes structural impediments to trade, consistent with the World Trade Organization (WTO), can lay the groundwork for sustained growth there in both textile and apparel exports. Directs the United States, pursuant to the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, to eliminate the existing quotas on textile and apparel exports to the United States from Kenya and Mauritius, provided they adopt a visa system to guard against the unlawful transshipment of such goods and the use of counterfeit documents. Directs the President to: (1) continue the existing no quota policy for sub-Saharan African countries; and (2) report to Congress on the growth in textiles and apparel exports to the United States from such countries in order to protect U.S. consumers, workers, and textile manufacturers from economic injury on account of the no quota policy. Sets forth enforcement procedures (including penalties) for violations of the requirements contained in this Act. (Sec. 8) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to provide duty-free treatment for any non-import-sensitive article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of an eligible sub-Saharan African beneficiary developing country. Waives the competitive need limitation with respect to eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Extends duty-free treatment to sub-Saharan African beneficiary developing countries through June 30, 2009. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury should instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to use their votes to encourage their institutions to develop enhanced mechanisms which further economic and trade reforms and deep debt reduction under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt initiative in eligible sub-Saharan African countries; and (2) relief provided to such countries under the HIPC debt initiative should primarily be made through grants rather than through extended-term debt, with interim financing for eligible countries that establish a strong record of macroeconomic reform. (Sec. 10) Expresses the sense of Congress that the stated policy of the executive branch in the 1997 Partnership for Growth and Opportunity in Africa initiative is a step toward the establishment of a comprehensive trade and development policy for sub-Saharan Africa and is a companion to the policy goals set forth in this Act. Directs the President, in addition to continuing bilateral and multilateral economic and development assistance, to target technical assistance toward: (1) developing relationships between U.S. firms and firms in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) providing assistance to sub-Saharan African countries to liberalize trade and promote exports, bring their regimes into compliance with WTO standards, make financial and fiscal reforms, and promote greater agribusiness linkages; (3) addressing critical agricultural policy issues as market liberalization, agricultural export development, and agribusiness investment in processing and transporting agricultural commodities; (4) increasing the number of reverse trade missions to growth-oriented sub-Saharan African countries; (5) increasing trade in services; and (6) encouraging greater sub-Saharan participation in future WTO negotiations on services and making further commitments in their schedules to the General Agreement on Trade in Services in order to encourage the removal of tariff and nontariff barriers. (Sec. 11) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should exercise its authorities to initiate, in addition to any existing fund, an equity fund or funds in support of projects (including infrastructure projects) in sub-Saharan African countries, particularly projects that expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs and employment for the poor. (Sec. 12) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Board of Directors of OPIC to increase financial assistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to make similar changes with respect to the Export-Import Bank of the United States. (Sec. 13) Directs the President to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative for African Affairs within the Office of the United States Trade Representative to direct and coordinate interagency activities on U.S.-Africa trade policy and investment matters. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, subject to the availability of appropriations, to take steps to ensure that at least 20 full-time U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service employees are stationed in sub-Saharan Africa, including full-time Service employees stationed in not less than ten different sub-Saharan African countries. Directs the Service to take specified action to encourage the export of U.S. goods and services to sub-Saharan African countries. (Sec. 16) Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the extent appropriate, the U.S. Government should make every effort to donate to governments of eligible sub-Saharan African countries air traffic control equipment that is no longer in use, including appropriate related reimbursable technical assistance for such equipment. (Sec. 17) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa depends in large measure upon the development of a receptive environment for trade and investment, and that to achieve this objective the United States Agency for International Development should continue to support programs which help create this environment; and (2) investments in human resources, development, and implementation of free market policies, including policies to liberalize agricultural markets and improve food security, and the support for the rule of law and democratic governance should continue to be encouraged and enhanced on a bilateral and regional basis. Sets forth congressional declarations with respect to the Development Fund for Africa in providing development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 19) Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the special accounting rule allowing a taxpayer (otherwise required to use the accrual method) not to accrue any portion of amounts received for qualified personal services which (on the basis of experience) will not be collected, so long as the taxpayer does not charge interest or a penalty for failure to timely pay the amount charged. Limits this exception to the accrual accounting requirement to services in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, or consulting. (Sec. 20) Adds to the list of taxable vaccines any conjugate vaccine of streptococcus pneumoniae. Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund to meet future claims made against it.

Universitäts-Studiengesetz

Austria · National Council · 9 July 1999

Bericht des Ausschusses für Wissenschaft und Forschung über die Regierungsvorlage (1997 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Universitäts-Studiengesetz geändert wird

Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 9 July 1999

Bericht des Ausschusses für Wissenschaft und Forschung über die Regierungsvorlage (1914 d.B.): Universitäts-Akkreditierungsgesetz

Mineralrohstoffgesetz - MinroG

Austria · National Council · 7 July 1999

Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über den Antrag 1170/A der Abgeordneten Ingrid Tichy-Schreder, Dr. Günther Kräuter, Mag. Dr. Udo Grollitsch und Genossen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Mineralrohstoffgesetz - MinroG geändert wird

8. BFG-Novelle 1999

Austria · National Council · 1 July 1999

Bericht des Verfassungsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (1765 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Poststrukturgesetz, das Post-Betriebsverfassungsgesetz, das Beamten-Dienstrechtsgesetz 1979, das Gehaltsgesetz 1956, die Reisegebührenvorschrift 1955 und das Bundesfinanzgesetz 1999 (8. BFG-Novelle 1999) geändert werden

Datenschutzgesetz 2000 - DSG

Austria · National Council · 1 July 1999

Bericht des Verfassungsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (1613 d.B.): Datenschutzgesetz 2000

Bundesverfassungsgesetz für ein atomfreies Österreich

Austria · National Council · 1 July 1999

Bericht und Antrag des Verfassungsausschusses betreffend den Entwurf eines Bundesverfassungsgesetzes für ein atomfreies Österreich

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

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations Title II: Department of State Authorities and Activities Title III: Organization of the Department of State; Personnel of the Department of State; Foreign Service Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title V: International Broadcasting Title VI: International Organizations and Commissions Title VII: General Provisions American Embassy Security Act of 1999 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Chapter 1: Department of State - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 2000 for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) contributions to international organizations and international peacekeeping activities; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance (including for the Kosovar refugees along the Albania and Macedonia border under the Front Line States Initiative); (5) public diplomacy programs; (6) certain voluntary contributions to international organizations; and (7) the Asia Foundation. Withholds a certain amount of funds from the United Nations Development Program that will be spent in Burma during each fiscal year unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Program's activities in Burma: (1) are focused on eliminating human suffering and addressing the needs of the poor; (2) are undertaken only through international or private voluntary organizations that are independent of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) (formerly known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)); (3) provide no financial, political, or military benefit to the SPDC; and (4) are carried out only after consultation with the leadership of the National League for Democracy and the national Coalition Government of the Union of Burma. Limits the U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Makes such funds available only if: (1) UNFPA maintains funds available to it in a separate account; (2) it does not commingle such funds; and (3) it does not fund abortions. Prohibits the use of funds for UNFPA for a country program in China. Withholds the funds from UNFPA that would be spent on a country program in China during each fiscal year unless the Secretary of State (Secretary) certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the UNFPA country program in China: (1) focuses on improving the delivery of voluntary family planning information and services; (2) is designed in conformity with the human rights principles affirmed at the International Conference on Population and Development; (3) is implemented only in Chinese counties where all quotas and targets for recruitment of program participants have been abolished and the use of coercive measures has been eliminated; (4) is subject to regular independent monitoring to ensure compliance with the principles of informed consent and voluntary participation; and (5) suspends operations in project counties found to be in violation of program guidelines. Chapter 2: Broadcasting Board of Governors - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 for the Broadcasting Board of Governors to carry out certain international broadcasting activities. Title II: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Chapter 1: Authorities and Activities - Authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, subject to the availability of appropriations, to lease commercial aircraft to transport equipment and personnel in the event of a terrorist attack abroad, provided there have been reasonable efforts to obtain appropriate Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft and such aircraft are unavailable. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the extent of international drug trafficking from, through, or over Cuba. (Sec. 203) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to extend through FY 2000 the requirement that the Secretary report to the appropriate congressional committees on the compliance by the parties with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Requires the report to include: (1) a list of countries in which there are unresolved applications for the return of children of U.S. citizens who are being wrongfully retained in violation of U.S. court orders, or which have failed to comply with their obligations under the Convention with respect to applications for the return of such children, access to them, or both; and (2) a list of countries party to the Convention in which, due to the absence of a effective method for enforcement of civil court orders, the absence of comity, or other factors, there is a substantial possibility that an order of return or access under a Hague Convention proceeding, or a U.S. custody, access, or visitation order, will not be promptly enforced. (Sec. 204) Amends specified Federal laws to repeal requirements for certain reports. (Sec. 205) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (as enacted by division G of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999) to make permanent certain reporting requirements, including reports on: (1) claims by U.S. firms against the Government of Saudi Arabia; (2) certain determinations under title IV of the Libertad Act; and (3) relations with Vietnam. Extends through January 1, 2002, the requirement that the President report to specified congressional committees on cooperative projects with Russia in the area of ballistic missile defense, including in the area of early warning. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to attempt, through negotiations with all Wassenaar Arrangement countries, to achieve the foreign policy goal of an international arms sales code of conduct that restricts or prohibits arms transfers to countries that: (1) do not respect democratic processes and the rule of law; (2) do not adhere to internationally recognized norms on human rights; (3) are engaged in acts of armed aggression; or (4) do not participate in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Directs the Secretary to report on the progress of such negotiations, and the extent to which each country meets the requirements of this section, to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 207) Establishes within the Department of State the Human Rights and Democracy Fellowship Program. Provides for the employment of between six and 12 fellows in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor who have expertise in human rights policy, human rights law, or related subjects and who are not permanent employees of the U.S. Government. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 208) Authorizes interest accrued on certain joint funds under agreements for cooperation in environmental, scientific, cultural and related areas to be used by the Department of State without return to the Treasury and without further appropriation by Congress. (Sec. 209) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on international extradition. (Sec. 210) Directs the Secretary to establish a regulatory regime of expedited approval for the licensing for export of satellites, satellite technologies, components, and systems to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, major non-NATO allies, and other friendly countries. Earmarks specified funds for the Office of Defense Trade Controls. Chapter 2: Consular and Related Activities - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to revise provisions concerning the State Department and the death of U.S. citizens abroad. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) notification of next of kin by consular officers; (2) the appointment of such officers as administrators of the estate; and (3) losses in connection with the conservation of the estate. (Sec. 253) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 with respect to fees charged for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas and machine readable combined border crossing identification cards and nonimmigrant visas. Makes any fee collections that exceed certain amounts for FY 2000 through 2002 available to any State Department appropriation to recover the costs of providing consular services only if Congress is notified in accordance with specified reprogramming notification procedures. Repeals: (1) provisions making inapplicable certain requirements concerning accounting for consular fees to fees collected under this section; and (2) the prohibition against the charging of fees to citizens of countries signatory to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 254) Declares it should be State Department policy to process immigrant visa applications of immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant k-1 visa applications of fiances of U.S. citizens within 30 days (60 days for other than immediate relative) of the receipt of all necessary documents from the applicant and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the extent to which the State Department is meeting such policy standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a joint task force with the goal of reducing the overall processing time for visa applications. (Sec. 255) Repeals a provision concerning the return of passport fees upon refusal to vise'. (Sec. 256) Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for services provided by the State Department to an individual for assistance in the preparation and filing of an affidavit of support to ensure that it is properly completed before a consular officer considers it and an immigrant visa application. Chapter 3: Refugees - Bars the use of funds (including migration and refugee assistance) for the involuntary return of a person to a country in which the person has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. (Sec. 272) Requires a certain human rights report in connection with the provision of security assistance to a foreign country to include the extent to which such country has extended protection to refugees (including the provision of first asylum and resettlement). (Sec. 273) Amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include State Department employees together with Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel within guidelines that address potential biases by such personnel who are hired abroad and involved with duties which could constitute a barrier to a refugee claim if they carry a bias against the claimant on the grounds of religion, race, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines to ensure that persons with potential biases against a refugee applicant (including persons employed by, or otherwise subject to influence by, governments known to be involved in such persecution) shall not be used in processing determinations of refugee status, including interpretation of conversations or examination of documents presented by such applicants. (Sec. 274) Bars the use of funds to support a larger number of personnel assigned to U.S. diplomatic or consular posts in Vietnam than the number assigned to such posts on March 22, 1999, unless the Secretary certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that certain conditions with respect to Vietnamese refugees have been met. Title III: Organization of the Department of State; Personnel of the Department of State; Foreign Service - Chapter 1: Organization of the Department of State - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State the Bureau for International Information Programs and the Bureau for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs. (Sec. 302) Amends specified Federal laws to remove the Inspector General of the Foreign Service from their provisions. Chapter 2: Personnel of the Department of State - Provides for the award of the Foreign Service Star to an individual whose death occurs while overseas while a member of the Foreign Service or a civilian employee of the U.S. Government. (Sec. 322) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to eliminate provisions allowing leaves of absence with pay in accordance with prevailing law and employment practices in the locality of employment for non-family members of foreign national employees of the Foreign Service and U.S. citizens hired abroad for employment in positions customarily filled by Foreign Service employees. (Sec. 323) Requires a Foreign Service employee who regularly commutes from his or her place of residence in the United States to an official duty station in Canada or Mexico to receive a border equalization adjustment (locality pay adjustment). (Sec. 324) Declares that nothing shall prevent a Foreign Service grievant from placing a rebuttal to accompany a record of disciplinary action in such grievant's personnel records nor prevent the Department of State from including a response to such rebuttal, including documenting those cases in which the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board has reviewed and upheld the discipline. (Sec. 325) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the extent to which administrative and technical personnel posted to U.S. missions abroad who do not have diplomatic status suffer financial disadvantages from their lack of such status, including proposals to alleviate such disadvantages. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary to extend hiring authority to the heads of Federal agencies or other Government entities to appoint individuals abroad (including family members of the Foreign Service or of other Government employees) to positions to which career Foreign Service employees are not customarily assigned. (Sec. 327) Amends Federal law to authorize up to three months advance pay to: (1) an employee (other than an employee appointed by the Secretary and employed as a family member of a Government employee) who is a U.S. citizen, stationed outside the United States, and requires (or has a family member who requires) medical treatment outside the United States; and (2) a foreign national employee or nonfamily member U.S. citizen who is located, and must undergo medical treatment, outside of the country of employment. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the spouse and dependents of Foreign Service employees who have died at post in a foreign country to receive a transfer allowance (extraordinary, necessary, and reasonable subsistence and other relocation expenses) for their return to the United States. (Sec. 329) Amends Federal law to provide for an education allowance to an employee at a post in a foreign area not to exceed the cost of obtaining kindergarten, elementary and secondary educational services, plus room and board, where adequate schools are not available at the post of the employee, and periodic transportation between that post and the school chosen by the employee, not to exceed the total cost to the Government of the dependent attending an adequate school in the nearest locality where an adequate school is available. (Currently, an employee can receive an allowance only for a school at the nearest locality). (Sec. 330) Changes from annual to quadrennial the Secretary's report to the Speaker of the House and to a specified congressional committee on, among other things, a Foreign Service workforce plan for the subsequent five years, including projected personnel needs, by grade and by skill. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary to examine the current benefit structure for survivors of Government employees who are killed while serving at U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad as a result of terrorism. Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Amends the Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions Act of 1996 to designate educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and Tibet as the Ngawang Choephel Exchange Programs. (Sec. 401) Extends through FY 2000 scholarships for Tibetan and Burmese students and professionals who live outside Tibet and Burma, respectively. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary (currently, the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA)), in carry out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy (including but not limited to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tibet, and Burma), to: (1) include, as a substantial proportion of the participants in such programs, nationals of such countries who have demonstrated a commitment to freedom and democracy; (2) consult with human rights and democracy advocates from such countries on the selection of participants and grantees for such programs; and (3) select grantees for such programs only after a competitive process and specified other conditions are met. (Sec. 403) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to prohibit the Secretary (currently, the United States Information Agency (USIA)) from awarding any grant with respect to educational and cultural exchange programs until 45 days (currently, 15 days) after notice is provided to specified congressional committees of the intent to award such grant. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary, in coordination with other appropriate executive branch officials, to take all appropriate steps to prevent foreign espionage agents from participating in educational and cultural exchange programs under such Act. Directs the Secretary to take all appropriate steps to ensure that no individual, who is employed by an office or department involved with the research, development, or production of missiles or weapons of mass destruction, from a country identified as a country involved in the proliferation of missiles or weapons of mass destruction, is a participant in any such programs. (Sec. 405) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to: (1) rename the North-South Center Act of 1991 as the Dante B. Fascell North-South Center Act of 1991; and (2) redesignate the North-South Center as the Dante B. Fascell North-South Center. (Sec. 406) Repeals a specified section of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 calling for the abolition of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy (effectively continuing the Commission). (Sec. 407) Prohibits the State Department (currently, the USIA) from expending any funds for a U.S. Government funded pavilion or other major exhibit at any international exposition or world's fair registered by the Bureau of International Expositions in excess of amounts expressly authorized and appropriated, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 408) Directs the Secretary to take all appropriate steps to ensure that members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) are not participants in any educational or cultural exchange program or training through the National Academy program at Quantico, Virginia, under the auspices of the State Department or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, unless the President certifies: (1) that complete and independent investigations of the murders of defense attorneys Rosemary Nelson and Patrick Finucane have been initiated by the Government of the United Kingdom; and (2) that such government has taken appropriate steps to protect defense attorneys against RUC harassment in Northern Ireland. Title V: International Broadcasting - Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to make permanent the authorization of funding for Radio Free Asia. Repeals Radio Free Asia funding limits. (Sec. 502) Repeals policy statements urging the privatization of Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty, Incorporated (RFE-RL). Raises the limit on grant amounts to RFE-RL, Incorporated. (Sec. 503) Grants immunity from civil liability to members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors when acting in their capacities as members of the board of directors of RFE-RL, Incorporated and Radio Free Asia. Title VI: International Organizations and Commissions - Provides for the appointment of members as part of the American delegation to a conference or assembly of the Bureau of the Interparliamentary Union, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group, the North Atlantic Assembly, or any similar interparliamentary group whenever either house of Congress does not appoint its allotment of members to the American delegation. Renames the United States-European Community Interparliamentary Group as the Transatlantic Legislative Dialogue. (Sec. 602) Authorizes the Commissioner of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to provide technical tests, evaluations, information, surveys, or other similar services to State or local governments upon request on a reimbursable basis. (Sec. 603) Amends the American-Mexican Chamizal Convention Act of 1964 to authorize the Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission to receive payments of money from public or private sources in the United States or Mexico for the purpose of sharing in the cost of operations and maintenance of the Bridge of the Americas which crosses the Rio Grande between El Paso, Texas, and Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua. (Sec. 604) Declares that Congress: (1) commends the State Department for the vote of the United States against United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10-6 affirming that the text of such resolution politicizes the Fourth Geneva Convention which was primarily humanitarian in nature; and (2) urges the State Department to continue its efforts against convening the conference. Title VII: General Provisions - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States: (1) should increase its support to democracy and human rights activists in Cuba; and (2) should substantially increase funding for programs and activities designed to support such activists and others in Cuba who are committed to peaceful and democratic change there. (Sec. 702) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) in light of the extraordinary actions taken by the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the importance of a Cyprus settlement to American security interests, the United States should do all that is possible to bring about commensurate actions by Turkey; (2) the time has come for the United States to expect from Turkey actions on the Cyprus issue in the interest of peace, including steps in conformity with U.S. proposals concerning Cyprus and in compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1217 and 1218; and (3) such an effort would also be in the best interest of the Turkey people, as well as all others involved.

SPG-Novelle 1998

Austria · National Council · 30 June 1999

Bericht des Ausschusses für innere Angelegenheiten über die Regierungsvorlage (1479 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Sicherheitspolizeigesetz, das Bundesgesetz, mit dem zur Bekämpfung organisierter Kriminalität besondere Ermittlungsmaßnahmen in die Strafprozeßordnung eingeführt sowie das Strafgesetzbuch, das Mediengesetz, das Staatsanwaltschaftsgesetz und das Sicherheitspolizeigesetz geändert werden, das Bundesgesetz über den Schutz vor Straftaten gegen die Sicherheit von Zivilluftfahrzeugen, die Exekutionsordnung, das Zollrechts-Durchführungsgesetz und das Tilgungsgesetz 1972 geändert werden (SPG-Novelle 1998)

proposition de loi organique tendant à améliorer le régime électoral applicable à la formation de l'Assemblée de la Polynésie française

France · Senate · 30 June 1999

Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1999

Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction under civil rights provisions in an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising or relinquish its jurisdiction to a State court in an action in which no claim of a violation of a State law, right, or privilege is alleged, if a parallel proceeding in State court arising out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding is not pending. Specifies that: (1) if the district court has jurisdiction over such an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property and which cannot be decided without resolution of an unsettled question of State law, it may certify the State law question to the highest appellate court of that State; and (2) after the State appellate court resolves the question certified to it, the district court shall proceed with resolving the merits. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of State law unless such question will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action brought under provisions regarding civil actions for deprivation of rights to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of any State or territory of the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets forth provisions regarding what constitutes a "final decision." Specifies that: (1) the party seeking redress shall not be required to apply for an appeal or waiver if no such appeal or waiver is available, if it cannot provide the relief requested, or if the application or re-application would be futile; and (2) a final decision shall not require the party seeking redress to exhaust judicial remedies provided by any State or territory of the United States. (Sec. 3) Declares that any claim brought under provisions regarding the United States as a defendant, or under provisions regarding jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims, that is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. (Sec. 5) Requires a Federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.

Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 24 June 1999

Gesetzesantrag der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss und Genossen vom 24. Juni 1999 betreffend ein Bundesverfassungsgesetz, mit dem das Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz geändert wird <i>(Einführung der brieflichen Stimmabgabe bei Landtags- und</i> <i>Gemeinderatswahlen; Einbeziehung der außerhalb des Landes</i> <i>lebenden Landesbürger in die Verteilung der Mandate auf die</i> <i>Wahlkreise)</i>