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Bill· SS. 2283 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Indian Tribal Surface Transportation Act of 2000 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a demonstration project under which all funds made available for Indian reservation roads and highway bridges located on such roads shall be made available to the tribal government involved, upon request, for contracts and agreements for planning, research, engineering, and construction of any highway, road, bridge, parkway, or transit facility that provides access to or is located within the reservation or community of an Indian tribe in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). Authorizes the Secretary to select up to 12 Indian tribes to participate in the demonstration program each fiscal year. Specifies eligibility criteria. States that not to exceed six percent of the contract authority amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund to the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall be used to pay the administrative expenses of the Bureau for the Indian reservation roads program and the administrative expenses related to individual projects that are associated with such program. Provides that, such administrative funds shall be made available to an Indian tribal government, upon its request, to be used for the associated administrative functions assumed by the Indian tribe under contracts and agreements pursuant to ISDEAA. Permits an Indian tribe or tribal organization to commence construction that is funded through a contract or agreement under such Act only if the Indian tribe or tribal organization has: (1) provided assurances in the contract or agreement that the construction will meet or exceed proper health and safety standards; (2) obtained the advance review of the plans and specifications from a licensed professional who has certified that the plans and specifications meet or exceed such standards; and (3) provided a copy of the certification to the Bureau.
Bill· SS. 2285 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a 4.3 cents per gallon reduction in taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene during the period beginning after April 15, 2000, and ending before January 1, 2001; and (2) a zero rate of tax during such period if the national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is at least two dollars per gallon. Provides: (1) for the modification of such reduction if it would result in a reduction in revenues to the Treasury exceeding the Federal on-budget surplus; and (2) that in determining the amounts to be appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, an amount equal such reduction in revenues to the Treasury shall be treated as taxes received. Sets forth similar provisions with respect to the tax on: (1) fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways; and (2) aviation fuel. Sets forth floor stocks provisions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) consumers should immediately receive the benefit of the reduction; and (2) motor fuels producers and dealers should take such actions as necessary to reduce prices to reflect any reduction. Requires a study and report.
Bill· SS. 2291 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Missouri River Restoration Act of 2000 - Establishes: (1) a Missouri River Trust committee to vote on approval of a plan for the use of payments to it and to recommend proposals to be funded by its Executive Committee; and (2) a Missouri River Restoration Trust Fund into which the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit $200 million on the first day of the eleventh fiscal year beginning after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invest such portion of the Fund not required to meet current withdrawals in interest-bearing U.S. obligations or obligations guaranteed by the United States; (2) designate the aggregate amount of interest deposited in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year as available for making payments as requested by the Trust; and (3) make requested payments only after the Trust has adopted its plan. Requires not less than 30 percent of such payments to be used for projects that are within an Indian reservation or administered by an Indian Tribe. Requires the Trust to prepare a plan for the use of such payments for carrying out Missouri River projects and programs to promote: (1) conservation practices; (2) the control and removal of sediment; (3) recreation; (4) the protection of Indian and non-Indian historical and cultural sites; (5) the conservation of fish and wildlife; or (6) erosion control. Provides for: (1) public review and comment; and (2) an audit of the Trust's activities. Requires the Secretary of the Army, within one year after funding under this Act becomes available, to report on: (1) the impact of the siltation of the Missouri River in the State of South Dakota; (2) the status of such historical and cultural sites; and (3) the extent of erosion along such river in the State. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2290 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include customer connection fees (including fees to connect a customer's line to or extend a main water or sewer line) as an excludable corporate income item within the definition of "contribution in aid of construction."
Bill· SS. 2288 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Compassion for Children and Child Support Enforcement Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employees to: (1) notify their employers of any child support obligations, including the monthly amount; and (2) file a withholding certificate with such information, updated with any pertinent changes. Requires every employer who receives such a certificate to deduct and withhold from the employee's wages an additional amount equal to the amount of such obligation. Requires payment of child support obligations with the employee's income tax return. Mandates treatment of such obligations as taxes for purposes of penalties and interest related to failure to deduct and withhold them. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse amounts collected under this Act to the family for whom the employee is obligated to pay child support. Repeals Federal law relating to State enforcement of child support obligations other than medical support. Prescribes criminal penalties for willful failure to pay child support to the Internal Revenue Service. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress a plan for implementing this Act. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the impact of this Act on the Department of Justice and the Federal courts, including workload, personnel staffing, and budget resources.
Bill· SS. 2286 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Library of Congress Financial Management Act of 1999 - Title I: Library of Congress Revolving Fund - Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to: (1) establish Fund service units to carry out Fund service activities, including certain library, sales, and special event services as well as the preparation of research reports, translations, analytical studies, and related services for Federal Government entities; and (2) make the library products and services constituting such activities available for purchase adequate to recover related costs. (Sec. 102) Specifies the Fund service activities that may be conducted by Fund Service units. (Sec. 103) Establishes the Library of Congress Revolving Fund, to be made available to the Librarian without fiscal year limitation, for the conduct of Fund service activities. Limits the obligations for such activities for any fiscal year to the total amounts specified in appropriations Acts for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Librarian, in the operation of Fund activities, to enter into: (1) contracts for the lease and acquisition of goods and services for a period that begins in one fiscal year and ends in the next fiscal year; and (2) multi-year contracts for the acquisition of property and services in the same manner and to the same extent as the head of an executive agency may enter into such contracts under provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. (Sec. 105) Repeals provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1998 establishing the Cooperative Acquisitions Program Revolving Fund for financing a Library program to acquire foreign publications and research materials on behalf of participating institutions on a cost-recovery basis. Title II: Cataloging Products and Services - Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to make cataloging products and services, created by the Library, available for purchase at prices that reflect as closely as practicable the cost of distribution over a reasonable period. (Sec. 202) Repeals Federal law provisions that authorize the Librarian of Congress to sell copies of card indexes and other publications to institutions or individuals. Title III: Library of Congress Trust Fund Board Amendments - Revises the composition of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to include the vice chair of the Joint Committee on the Library. Provides for a temporary extension of Board members' terms. Decreases from nine to seven members the Board's quorum for the transaction of business.
Bill· HRH.R. 4089 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
See summary of: H.R. 4088
Bill· HRH.R. 4071 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Child Support Fairness and Tax Refund Interception Act of 2000 - Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to provide for the use of the tax refund intercept program to collect past-due child support on behalf of children who are not minors.
Bill· HRH.R. 4074 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Developmental Disability Endowment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat State developmental disabilities endowment programs (as defined by this Act) as tax exempt organizations. Sets forth the tax and estate tax treatment of designated beneficiaries and contributors.
Bill· HRH.R. 4088 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Save Money for Prescription Drug Research Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a deduction for any physician gift expense paid or incurred by any prescription drug manufacturer. Defines terms.
Bill· HRH.R. 4084 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Church Protection Act of 2000 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to prohibit the use of community development block grants to acquire real property owned by a tax exempt church without the prior consent of the church's governing body.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 446 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H. Con. Res. 290 (congressional budget).
Bill· SS. 2276 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
A Million Quality Teachers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish new programs for recruitment, retention, and retraining of teachers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible applicant States for recruitment, retention, and retraining of high-quality teachers through one or more specified types of activities. Includes among recruitment activities: (1) teacher signing bonuses; (2) stipends for certification through alternative routes; (3) loan forgiveness to students with academic degrees in core academic subjects who agree to teach; (4) State income tax credits for new teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in recruiting individuals with strong academic backgrounds into the teaching field. Includes among activities for retention and retraining: (1) testing and merit pay programs; (2) performance bonuses; (3) scholarships to pursue advanced course work in the academic subjects teachers teach; (4) mentoring programs for teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in retaining and retraining quality teachers. Requires State reports on how activities using program grant funds improved teacher quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of student loan forgiveness, as an incentive for entering the teaching profession and teaching in a public school, for individuals who have majored or obtained graduate degrees, and excelled, in core academic subjects, as opposed to education as a subject. Provides for deferral and specified repayments of obligations for federally subsidized or guaranteed loans for eligible individuals who teach in public schools for certain periods, as well as deferral for participation in an alternative teacher certification program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay stipends to such eligible individuals to cover certain costs incurred in obtaining certification through an alternative route for employment as an elementary or secondary school teacher. Requires such individuals to teach in a public school for two years after their certification. Requires individuals who do not fulfill their service or certification requirements to repay their stipends under certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out certain notification, public awareness, and advertising activities. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4054 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Building, Renovating, Improving, and Constructing Kids' Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, from specified amounts in a stabilization fund, to make available funds to States for loans to enable State entities or local governments to make annual interest payments on certain qualified school construction bonds (with terms up to 20 years) they issue. Bases such State allotments on relative shares of funds received under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as part A basic local program grants under title I provisions for helping disadvantaged children meet high standards. Reserves specified funds for Indian tribes for loans to enable them to pay interest on such bonds they issue. Sets forth requirements for loan repayment and interest rate. Exempts a State entity or local government from such repayment and interest rate accrual prior to January 1, 2008, unless the amount appropriated to carry out assistance for education of all children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for any fiscal year before FY 2009 is sufficient to fully fund such assistance for the fiscal year at the originally promised level, which promised level would provide to each State 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for providing special education and related services for each child with a disability in the State. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that funds provided under this Act are properly distributed, and are used to pay the interest on qualified school construction bonds; and (2) notify each State of the amount of funds it may borrow under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall not have authority to approve or disapprove school construction plans assisted pursuant to this Act, except to ensure that funds made available under this Act are used only to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of school construction, rehabilitation, and repair in the State that would have occurred in the absence of such funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 4061 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide earned income-eligible taxpayers with a credit (50 percent of expenses up to $500 annually) for the purchase of qualifying Internet-accessible computers and equipment. Extends and expands the deduction for charitable computer contributions to elementary and secondary schools.
Bill· HRH.R. 4058 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
A Million Quality Teachers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish new programs for recruitment, retention, and retraining of teachers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible applicant States for recruitment, retention, and retraining of high-quality teachers through one or more specified types of activities. Includes among recruitment activities: (1) teacher signing bonuses; (2) stipends for certification through alternative routes; (3) loan forgiveness to students with academic degrees in core academic subjects who agree to teach; (4) State income tax credits for new teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in recruiting individuals with strong academic backgrounds into the teaching field. Includes among activities for retention and retraining: (1) testing and merit pay programs; (2) performance bonuses; (3) scholarships to pursue advanced course work in the academic subjects teachers teach; (4) mentoring programs for teachers; and (5) other programs that the State believes to be effective in retaining and retraining quality teachers. Requires State reports on how activities using program grant funds improved teacher quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of student loan forgiveness, as an incentive for entering the teaching profession and teaching in a public school, for individuals who have majored or obtained graduate degrees, and excelled, in core academic subjects, as opposed to education as a subject. Provides for deferral and specified repayments of obligations for federally subsidized or guaranteed loans for eligible individuals who teach in public schools for certain periods, as well as deferral for participation in an alternative teacher certification program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay stipends to such eligible individuals to cover certain costs incurred in obtaining certification through an alternative route for employment as an elementary or secondary school teacher. Requires such individuals to teach in a public school for two years after their certification. Requires individuals who do not fulfill their service or certification requirements to repay their stipends under certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out certain notification, public awareness, and advertising activities. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4064 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from self-employment net income certain conservation reserve program payments. Amends the Social Security Act to exclude such payments from the definition of "net earnings from self-employment."
Bill· SS. 2255 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend, until December 31, 2006, provisions which prohibit a State or political subdivision from imposing: (1) taxes on Internet access, unless such tax was generally imposed and actually enforced prior to October 1, 1998; and (2) multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.
Bill· SS. 2263 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a temporary reduction in fuel taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. Sets forth floor stock provisions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that consumers should immediately receive the benefit of the tax reduction through fuel price reductions. Requires a study to determine if there has been a passthrough of such reduction.
Bill· SS. 2262 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a temporary reduction in fuel taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and aviation fuel. Sets forth floor stock provisions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that consumers should immediately receive the benefit of the tax reduction through fuel price reductions. Requires a study to determine if there has been a passthrough of such reduction.
Bill· SS. 2265 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Marginal Well Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth provisions relating to domestic oil and gas production which: (1) establish a credit for producing oil and gas from marginal wells; and (2) permit a taxpayer to expense geological and geophysical expenditures and to delay rental payments in connection with oil and gas development.
Bill· SS. 2254 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's) - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY 2005 and revise various ESEA programs. (Sec. 3) Declares U.S. national educational priorities addressed by this Act. Title I: Student Performance - Revises and renames ESEA title I as Student Performance (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). (Sec. 102) Declares it to be U.S. policy to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education by: (1) holding States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools accountable for increased student academic performance results; and (2) facilitating improved classroom instruction. (Sec. 103) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the following title I programs under: (1) part A, LEA grants; (2) part B, Even Start; (3) part C, education of migratory children; (4) part D, prevention and intervention programs for youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out; (5) provisions for capital expenses; and (6) part E, Federal evaluations, demonstrations, and transition projects. (Sec. 104) Requires State educational agencies (SEAs) to reserve a specified portion of their title I part A (I-A) funds to: (1) make at least 80 percent of such reserved funds available directly to LEAs; and (2) carry out SEA responsibilities for school improvement, including SEA statewide system of technical assistance and support for LEAs. Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies - Revises ESEA title I part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) (I-A) with respect to formulas for distributing funds to schools with the highest concentrations of poverty. (Sec. 105) Revises State plan requirements with respect to implementing challenging content and student performance standards (standards), yearly student assessments (assessments), and accountability. Requires State standards to: (1) be applied to all schools and children within the State; and (2) include at least the subjects of mathematics, science, and English language arts. Requires a State, if it allows LEAs to adopt more rigorous standards than the State, to allow LEAs to implement such standards. Requires each State plan to demonstrate what constitutes adequate yearly progress (AYP) of the State itself (as well as its schools and LEAs, as under current law) in enabling all children in all schools receiving I-A assistance to meet the State's challenging performance standards. Revises requirements for State definition of AYP. Adds requirements relating to: (1) accountability for AYP; (2) annual improvement by States, LEAs, and schools; and (3) public notice and comment. Requires assessments to be used, starting no later than the 2000-2001 school year, as the primary means of determining the yearly performance of each LEA and school in enabling all children to meet State standards (but does not require States to meet requirements for science standards or assessments until the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year). Requires State plans to provide that students who have attended school in the United States for at least three consecutive years are to be assessed in the English language, with certain exceptions. Requires State plans to describe what reasonable steps the State is taking to assist and encourage LEAs to: (1) measure literacy skills of first graders in schools receiving I-A funds by providing assessments that are developmentally appropriate, aligned with State standards, and scientifically research-based; and (2) identify and take developmentally appropriate and effective interventions in any school served under I-A in which a substantial number of first graders have not demonstrated grade-level literacy proficiency by the end of the school year. Requires State plans to describe how SEAs will: (1) assist each affected LEA and school to develop the capacity to comply with requirements for schoolwide programs, targeted assistance, and assessment and improvement; (2) hold each affected LEA accountable for improved student performance, including procedures for identifying and assisting LEAs and schools in need of improvement, and for corrective action if assistance is not effective; (3) provide low-performing students additional academic instruction, such as before- and after-school programs and summer academic programs; (4) ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers; and (5) evaluate and publicly report the State's progress in improving the quality of instruction in the schools served by the SEA and LEAs receiving ESEA funding. Requires State plans to assure that SEAs will: (1) use the disaggregated results of required student assessments, and other available measures or indicators, to review annually the progress of each LEA and school served under I-A to determine whether each one is making the annual progress necessary to ensure that all students will meet the proficient level of performance on such assessments within ten years of the enactment of this Act; (2) modify or eliminate State fiscal and accounting barriers so that elementary and secondary schools can easily consolidate funds from other Federal, State, and local sources for schoolwide programs under specified provisions; and (3) inform LEAs of LEA authority to obtain waivers under title VIII of ESEA and, if the State is an Ed-Flex Partnership State, under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999. Penalizes States for failing to meet statutory deadlines for demonstrating that they have in place standards, assessments, a system for measuring and monitoring AYP, and a statewide system for holding schools and LEAs accountable for making AYP with specified groups of students. Makes such States ineligible to receive any administrative funds under title I that exceed the amount received for such purposes in the previous year. Directs the Secretary of Education to withhold additional administrative funds in an amount determined appropriate based on the extent of the State's failure. Requires the Secretary, for each additional year that the State fails to comply with such requirements, to withhold at least one-fifth of the amount the State receives for such administrative expenses. Allows a State to request a one-time, one-year waiver to meet such requirements. (Sec. 106) Requires LEA plans to include descriptions of how they will: (1) assist low-performing schools, including those identified as in need of improvement; and (2) promote the use of alternative instructional methods, and extended learning time, such as an extended school year, before- and after-school programs, and summer programs. Requires various LEA assurances with respect to school accountability, improvement, and assessment. Requires LEAs to ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers. Requires LEAs to reserve at least ten percent of the I-A funds they receive for high quality professional development for professional instructional staff. Sets forth requirements for parental notification and consent for English language instruction. (Sec. 107) Revises school eligibility criteria for school-wide programs. Allows an LEA to use I-A funds for a school-wide programs at schools that serve eligible school attendance areas in which: (1) not less than 40 percent of the children are from low-income families; or (2) not less than 40 percent of the children enrolled in the school are from such families. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements for public school choice plans to allow limited amounts of I-A funds to be used for transportation services. (Sec. 109) Revises requirements for assessment and LEA and school improvement. Requires the provision of public school choice for families of students attending I-A schools deemed to be in need of corrective action. (Sec. 110) Revises requirements for State assistance for school support and improvement. Requires SEAs to provide such assistance according to the following order of priorities: (1) LEAs and schools in need of improvement; (2) LEAs subject to corrective action, and to individual schools for which an LEA has failed to carry out certain responsibilities; and (3) LEAs and schools at risk of being identified as being in need of improvement within the next academic year. Directs SEAs to use for such State assistance certain funds available for technical assistance and support. Authorizes SEAs also to use for such State assistance certain State administrative funds. (Sec. 111) Revises requirements for parental involvement. (Sec. 112) Sets forth required qualifications and duties for teachers and paraprofessionals in I-A schools. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for professional development activities. Includes among required activities any strategies for identifying and eliminating gender and racial bias in instructional materials, methods, and practices. Includes among optional activities instruction in ways teachers, principals, and guidance counselors can work with parents and students from groups, such as females and minorities, that are underrepresented in careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, to encourage and maintain student interest in such careers. (Sec. 115) Includes among coordination requirements for LEAs the linking of LEA educational services with those provided in local Head Start agencies. (Sec. 116) Revises requirements for reservation and allocation of funds for grants for the outlying areas and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 117) Sets forth revised formulas for allocating amounts for basic grants, concentration grants, and targeted grants. (Sec. 118) Revises requirements for basic, concentration, and targeted grants to LEAs. (Sec. 121) Revises special allocation procedures. Part B: Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Revises ESEA title I part B (Even Start Family Literacy Programs) (Even Start). Directs the Secretary (currently the National Institute for Literacy) to disseminate, or designate another entity to disseminate, the results of certain research to States and recipients of Even Start subgrants. Part C: Education of Migratory Children - Revises ESEA title I part C (Education of Migratory Children) to refer to language instruction programs under the new ESEA title III provided by this Act (current law refers to bilingual education). Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out - Revises ESEA title I part D (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out). Part E: Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects - Revises title I part E (Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects) to set new deadlines for certain interim and final reports on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (Sec. 152) Establishes a Comprehensive School Reform program. (Replaces part E provisions for demonstrations of innovative practices.) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs to provide subgrants to LEAs to provide financial incentives for schools to develop comprehensive school reforms, based upon scientifically-based research and effective practices that include an emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement so that all children can meet challenging State content and performance standards. Allows reservation of specified amounts for schools supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), schools in U.S. territories, and national evaluation activities. Sets forth requirements for State awards, local awards, evaluation, and reporting. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Rural Education Development Initiative - Establishes a Rural Education Development Initiative as a new title I part F. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for elementary and secondary education development by LEAs that are eligible because they serve: (1) a school-age population of whom 15 percent or more are from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (2) a school district in a rural locality, or a school-age population of 800 or fewer. Reserves a specified portion of grant funds for schools operated by the BIA. Sets forth an allotment formula for grants to SEAs to make grants to eligible LEAs. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct competitive grants to specially qualified eligible rural LEAs in nonparticipating States. Requires LEAs or their schools to use grant funds for: (1) educational technology, including software and hardware; (2) professional development; (3) technical assistance; (4) teacher, and principal, recruitment and retention; (5) parental involvement activities; or (6) academic enrichment programs or other education programs. Requires SEAs to award grants on a formula basis. Requires that at least 99 percent of such funds be awarded to eligible LEAs in the first year, and 99.5 in the second and in each succeeding year that an SEA receives such a grant. Directs the Secretary, at the end of the third year an SEA participates in the program, to permit continued participation only if the SEA has met its performance goals and objectives for two consecutive years. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on this part F program's impact on student achievement. Authorizes appropriations. Part G: General Provisions - Transfers title I general provisions to a new part G (currently part F). Revises a deadline for the Secretary's issuance of final regulations for title I. Eliminates a provision for State reservation of certain amounts for administrative costs. Title II: Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size - Revises and renames ESEA title II as Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size (currently Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 201) Sets forth a part A, Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development (II-A). Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to raise the quality of, and provide professional development for, public school teachers, principals, and administrators. Provides for: (1) reservations, State allotments, and within-State allocations; (2) State and local plans; (3) performance objectives; (4) optional activities; (5) State administrative expenses; (6) local activities; (7) professional development for teachers; (8) parents' right to know; (9) State reports and a study by the Comptroller General, and (10) educator partnership grants. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a part B, Class Size Reduction. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help them and LEAs recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers to: (1) reduce nationally class size in grades one through three to an average of 18 students per regular classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early elementary school grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education - Establishes a new ESEA title III, Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education, which combines and revises provisions of the current title VII (Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs) and of the current title IX (Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education). (Eliminates the current title III, Technology for Education, but provides for some technology literacy programs under title VI.) (Sec. 301) Repeals the current ESEA title III part A, Technology for Education of All Students. Sets forth a new title III subtitle A, Language Minority Students (which also replaces the current title VII) Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs). Declares it to be U.S. policy that, in order to ensure equal educational opportunity for all children and youth, and to promote educational excellence, the Federal Government should: (1) assist SEAs, LEAs, and community-based organizations to build their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain programs of instruction and English language development for children and youth of limited English proficiency (LEP); (2) hold SEAs and LEAs accountable for increases in English proficiency and core content knowledge among LEP students; and (3) promote parental and community participation in LEP programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help LEP students become proficient in English. Prohibits the Secretary from mandating or precluding a particular curricular or pedagogical approach to educating LEP students. Requires LEAs to certify to SEAs that all teachers in any language instruction program for LEP students funded under this subtitle are fluent in English. Requires LEAs to notify parents of students participating in language instruction educational program of: (1) the student's level of English proficiency and academic achievement, and certain implications of the student's strengths and needs; (2) various available programs; (3) instructional goals of such program; and (4) the parental option to decline the student's enrollment in such program. (Sec. 302) Repeals the current ESEA title III parts: (1) B, Star Schools Program; (2) C, Ready-to-Learn Television; (3) D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics; and (4) E, Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment Program. Eliminates current title VII part B provisions for the Foreign Language Assistance Program. Transfers to a new title III subtitle B the Emergency Immigration Education Program (currently part C of title VII). Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for such program. (Sec. 303) Transfers to a new title III subtitle C provisions for Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education (currently title XIX). Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs of Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Title IV: Public School Choice - Establishes a new ESEA title IV, Public School Choice, and authorizes a new public school choice program. Redesignates certain parts of the current title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, under such new title IV (and provides for some school safety improvement programs under title VI). Transfers certain parts and provisions of the current titles V and X to such new title IV. (Sec. 401) Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Magnet Schools Assistance; and (2) Public Charter Schools. Requires SEAs that receive grants for charter schools assistance to hold assisted charter schools accountable for AYP for improving student performance under title I and as established in the school's charter, including the use of the same standards and assessments as established under title I. Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) support and stimulate improved public school performance through increased public school competition and increased Federal financial assistance; and (2) provide parents with more choices among public school options. (Sec. 402) Establishes a new title IV part C, Development of Public School Choice Programs (PSC programs). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make competitive grants to LEAs to develop such PSC programs; (2) reserve specified program funds for technical assistance, information dissemination, and evaluations; and (3) a priority to partnership projects. Requires the Secretary to give a priority to applications that would serve high-poverty LEAs. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a new title IV part D, Report Cards. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States, if they have State report cards on education which meet specified requirements, to publish such report cards for each elementary and secondary school receiving ESEA funding. Authorizes appropriations. Requires States, if they receive assistance under ESEA, to prepare and disseminate (or publicly report through other public means) annual report cards, in easily understandable language, on all elementary and secondary schools receiving funds under ESEA I-A or II-A. Requires such State report cards on LEAs and schools to contain specified information regarding indicators of school performance and quality. Title V: Impact Aid - Transfers ESEA Impact Aid provisions to a new title V (currently title VIII). Eliminates the current title V, Promoting Equity, including part B, Women's Educational Equity, and part C, Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems (but transfers the current part A of title V to part A of title IV). (Sec. 501) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various impact aid programs. Title VI: High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives - Establishes a new title VI, High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives. Eliminates the current title VI, Innovative Education Program Strategies. (Sec. 601) Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) facilitate significant innovation in elementary and secondary school education programs; (2) enrich the learning environment of students; (3) provide a safe learning environment for all students; (4) ensure that all students are technologically literate; and (5) assist SEAs and LEAs in building their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain innovative programs for public school students. Directs the Secretary to make grants to SEAs with approved plans to award grants to LEAs. Requires States to allocate grant funds among LEAs according to both their I-A population and their entire school-age population. Requires LEAs to use grant funds for programs designed to achieve each of the goals described in the following category areas: (1) school improvement; (2) 21st Century Opportunities programs; (3) safe learning environments; and (4) New Economy Technology Schools. Allows LEAs that meet or exceed AYP requirements to reallocate, at their own discretion, specified portions of grant funds among the four categories. Allows LEAs identified as in need of improvement to reallocate for school improvement activities a certain portion of funds from the other three categories. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Accountability - Establishes a new ESEA title VII, Accountability, with sanctions and rewards based on meeting performance objectives. Eliminates the current title VII, Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs (but sets forth some provisions for language minority students under the new title III). (Sec. 701) Requires certain sanctions if performance objectives established under a covered provision have not been met by a State receiving grant funds under such provision. Directs the Secretary to reduce the amount the State is entitled to receive by specified percentages if such objectives have not been met by the end of the third fiscal year or the end of the fourth fiscal year. Requires such reductions to continue for each subsequent fiscal year until the State demonstrates that it has met such objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, if sought, to a State subjected to such sanctions. Requires each State receiving assistance under ESEA titles I, II, III, or VI to develop a system, including sanctions, to hold LEAs accountable for meeting performance objectives and AYP requirements. Directs the Secretary to make awards to States that either ensure that all teachers teaching in their public schools are fully qualified by FY 2003, or for three consecutive years have: (1) exceeded their performance objectives; (2) exceeded their AYP levels; (3) significantly narrowed the gaps between minority and non-minority students, and between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students; (4) raised all students to the proficient standard level within ten years; or (5) significantly increased the percentage of core classes being taught by fully qualified teachers teaching in schools receiving funds under part A of title I. Requires States to: (1) distribute 80 percent of such award funds to LEAs that have been consistently high-performing and achieving in specified ways; and (2) use the remainder to establish demonstration sites with respect to high-performing schools in order to help low-performing schools, and to improve the level of performance of all elementary and secondary school students in the State. Requires LEAs to use such award funds to: (1) reward individual schools that demonstrate high performance with respect to specified criteria; (2) reward collaborative teams of teachers, or teams of teachers and principals, who significantly increase the annual performance of low-performing students or significantly improve in a fiscal year the English proficiency of LEP students; (3) reward principals who successfully raise the performance of a substantial number of low-performing students to high academic levels; (4) develop or implement school district-wide programs or policies to increase the level of student performance on State assessments aligned with State content standards; and (5) reward schools for consistently high achievement in another area that the LEA deems appropriate to reward. Authorizes appropriations for such awards. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain amounts not reserved for other specified activities to: (1) support activities of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; (2) study and disseminate information regarding model programs assisted under ESEA; (3) provide training and technical assistance to recipients of ESEA funds in administering and implementing ESEA-assisted activities; (4) support activities to promote systemic education reform at State and local levels; (5) award grants or contracts to public or private nonprofit entities to develop and disseminate exemplary reading, mathematics, science, and technology educational practices, and instructional materials to States, LEAs, and schools; (6) disseminate information on models of value-added assessments; (7) award a grant or contract to a public or private nonprofit entity or consortium to develop and disseminate exemplary programs and curricula for accelerated and advanced learning for all students, including gifted and talented students; (8) award a grant or contract with Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., and other public or private nonprofit entities to support and promote programs which include distribution of inexpensive books to students and literacy activities that motivate children to read; and (9) develop English language development standards and assessments, and native language tests for LEP students that States may use to assess student achievement in reading, science, and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: General Provisions and Repeals - Requires SEAs and LEAs to use ESEA funds to supplement, and not supplant, State or local funds. (Sec. 802) Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the following ESEA titles: (1) V, Promoting Equity; (2) X, Programs of National Significance; (3) XI, Coordinated Services; (4) XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement; and (5) XIII, Support and Assistive Programs to Improve Education.
Bill· HRH.R. 4043 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Fuel Energy Affordability and Conservation Act - Title I: Drawdown of Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to cite additional circumstances for a presidential determination of when a severe energy supply interruption shall be deemed to exist. Mandates that proceeds from sales of petroleum drawn down pursuant to such determinations be: (1) deposited in the SPR Petroleum Account; and (2) used only for specified purposes. Directs the President to report to certain congressional committees on causes and potential consequences if the price of a barrel of crude oil exceeds $25 for a period greater than 14 days. Title II: Credits for Energy Efficiency Improvements by Homeowners and Small Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a tax credit of 20 percent of the expenses (up to $2000) of qualified energy efficiency improvements by: (1) the taxpayer to an existing home; and (2) eligible small businesses to improvements placed in service during the taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4037 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
FEC Reform and Authorization Act of 2000 - Title I: Promoting Disclosure of Campaign Information - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to require a political committee of a national political party to disclose: (1) all funds transferred to any political committee of a State or a local political party, without regard to whether or not the funds are otherwise treated as contributions or expenditures under FECA; (2) each person who donates over $200 (in amount or value) during the calendar year to any of the committee's non-Federal accounts or building fund; and (3) each person to whom the committee made a disbursement of funds from any of the committee's non-Federal accounts or building fund, together with certain additional information. (Sec. 102) Directs the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to ensure that any electronic database it maintains, which contains information on the receipts and disbursements of a political committee of a national political party, permits users to find information on the receipts and disbursements of committee Federal and non-Federal accounts. (Sec. 103) Grants the FEC authority to waive reporting requirements or modify deadlines if it determines that such an action is consistent with the purposes of this title. Requires the FEC to publish, during each calendar quarter, a list of each waiver granted during the previous quarter. (Sec. 104) Prohibits fraudulent misrepresentation in solicitation of contributions for or on behalf of any candidate or political party; or knowing and willful participation in or conspiracy to participate in any plan, scheme, or design to violate this prohibition. (Sec. 105) Subjects to regulation under FECA: (1) as a contribution any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of influencing any clearly identified individual to seek nomination or election to Federal office; and (2) as an expenditure any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of influencing any clearly identified individual to seek such nomination or election. Applies this regulation to corporations and labor organizations. (Sec. 106) Permits the principal campaign committees of candidates for the House of Representatives or the Senate to file their reports on a monthly basis instead of quarterly or semiannually, as otherwise required. Requires monthly filers also to file: (1) a pre-primary election report (although the FEC may waive it if the primary occurs within the first 20 days of a month); and (2) (in lieu of monthly reports due in November and December of such year) pre-general election, post-general election, and year-end reports. (Sec. 107) Sets uniform 15-day deadlines for semiannual, year-end, and monthly reports. (Sec. 108) Requires electronic filings accessible by computers to be accessible by facsimile (FAX) machines or electronic mail in the case of any report required to be filed within 24 hours after the transaction reported has occurred. (Sec. 109) Deems the actual receipt of certain independent expenditure reports within 24 hours by the appropriate recipient to be the time of filing (thus requiring actual receipt of such reports within 24 hours). (Sec. 110) Requires certain multicandidate political action committees (PACs) to file monthly reports in presidential election years. (Sec. 111) Makes additional reporting requirements changes requiring: (1) the principal campaign committee of a candidate to provide appropriate notice, in writing, of any contribution of $1,000 or more received by any authorized committee of such candidate during the period which begins on the 20th day before an election and ends upon the closing of the polls (currently, received by any such authorized committee after the 20th day, but more than 48 hours before, any election); (2) such notification to be made within 24 (currently, 48) hours after the receipt of such contribution; (3) certain reports currently required to be filed cumulatively during the calendar year to which they relate, in the case of any such report which is the first report required to be filed after the date of an election, to include a statement of the total contributions received and expenditures made as of the election date; and (4) establishment of the status of election cycle reporting vs. calendar year reporting of certain expenditures and disbursements. Title II: Contributions and Expenditures - Repeals the current requirement that contributions to a candidate in a non-election year be considered as made during the election year (thus allowing an individual to make up to $25,000 in contributions during a non-election year as well as in an election year.) (Sec. 202) Revises the prohibition against direct or indirect campaign contributions by foreign nationals to specify donations and other disbursements as prohibited. Codifies applicable Federal regulations for the stated purpose of prohibiting use of foreign funds by PACs and for protecting the equal participation of eligible voters in campaigns and elections for Federal office. (Sec. 203) Excludes from the meaning of contribution any lines of credit obtained by candidates (including brokerage accounts, credit cards, and home equity lines of credit) if they constitute commercially reasonable loans. (Sec. 204) Prohibits the separate segregated political fund established by a corporation, labor organization, or other specified entity from causing another person to make a contribution or expenditure by physical force, job discrimination, financial reprisals, or the threat of force, job discrimination, or financial reprisal. (Sec. 205) Repeals the requirement that the annual estimate by the Secretary of Commerce of the U.S. voting age population specify such population by congressional district. Postpones the deadline: (1) for the annual voting age population estimate from the first week of each January to February 15; and (2) for the Secretary of Labor's annual estimate of the change in the consumer price index from the beginning of each calendar year to February 15. (Sec. 206) Repeals the exclusion from the meaning of contribution (thus including as a contribution) any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses (honorarium) made by any individual on behalf of any candidate or any political committee of a political party, regardless of the cumulative value of such activity. (Sec. 207) Prohibits any candidate or political committee from accepting any contributions of U.S. currency or the currency of any foreign country from any person which, in the aggregate, exceed $100. Title III: Promoting Enforcement of Campaign Finance Laws - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the FEC to issue orders granting immunity to witnesses in criminal cases who refuse to testify on the grounds of possible self-incrimination. (Sec. 302) Amends the Treasury and Government Appropriations Act, 2000 to make permanent the authority of the FEC, in the case of a violation of any requirement for the reporting of receipts or disbursements, to employ the following alternative procedures for imposition of penalties: (1) find (after written notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record) that a person committed such a violation on the basis of information obtained pursuant to specified current procedures; and (2) based on such finding, require the person to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule of penalties the FEC establishes and publishes, which takes into account the amount of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations by the person, and such other factors as the FEC considers appropriate. (Sec. 303) Extends from six months to 12 months after an election the period for audits for cause of a candidate's authorized committee. (Sec. 304) Revises the standard for initiation of actions to replace "reason to believe a person has committed, or is about to commit" a violation of FECA or specified tax law with "reason to seek additional information regarding a possible violation" of FECA or such tax law that has occurred or is about to occur. (Sec. 305) Confers on any member of the FEC (currently, only the chairman or vice-chairman) the authority to sign subpoenas and reason-to-believe (alleged violation) notifications. (Sec. 306) Includes under FECA enforcement provisions: (1) prescribed language for the written notice of a complaint provided by the FEC to an alleged violator; (2) authority for the FEC to seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction; and (3) permission for the FEC to refer possible violations to the Attorney General without regard to any limitation set forth under such enforcement provisions. Title IV: Public Financing of Presidential Election Campaigns - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to increase from 20 to 30 the number of States in each of which a presidential candidate must raise from residents more than $5,000 in contributions in order to be eligible for matching payments from the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account. (Sec. 402) Amends FECA to repeal the aggregate State expenditure limits for presidential primary candidates. (Sec. 403) Repeals the separate limit on expenditures for fundraising for primary candidates. Restricts to the general election the current exclusion from the meaning of expenditure of any costs incurred for fundraising on behalf of a presidential candidate (currently the exclusion applies to both primary and general elections). Increases from $10 million to $12 million the limit on expenditures in a campaign for nomination for President. (Sec. 404) Amends the IRC to make ineligible for payments from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account any candidate who: (1) has been convicted of willfully violating any provision of the Code with respect to the Fund or the Account; (2) has failed to make any required repayment; or (3) would not be eligible to serve as President if elected. (Sec. 405) Requires the deposit of repayments into the Presidential Election Campaign Fund instead of (as currently) the general fund of the Treasury. (Sec. 406) Amends FECA to prohibit contributions (except in accordance with specified restrictions) to presidential candidates certified to receive public financing. Title V: Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends FECA to authorize appropriations to the FEC for FY 2001. (Sec. 502) Directs FEC (directly or by contract), upon the request of the National Voting System Board, to: (1) update the current national voting systems standards and conduct ongoing analyses of the technological advances to the equipment; and (2) publish such updated standards. (Sec. 503) Amends FECA to abolish the ex officio membership on FEC of the Clerk of House of Representatives and the Secretary of Senate. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4050 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
School Bus Driver Tax Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain expenses of school bus owner-operators as an employee-related deduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 4048 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Gift of Life Tax Credit Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a (refundable) $10,000 credit to individuals who donate their organs at death under an approved plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 4044 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000
Charitable Giving Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, for all taxpayers, a charitable contribution tax credit of up to $200. States that such credit shall be in lieu of any deduction otherwise allowed for such contribution.
Bill· SS. 2249 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Social Security Reporting Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends title VII of the Social Security Act (Administration) to direct the Commissioner of Social Security, in conjunction with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of the Treasury and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to report annually to Congress on the social security program. Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should not miss a critical opportunity to enact comprehensive bipartisan social security reform legislation that meets the standard of 75-year actuarial solvency, and also addresses outlined issues, including the permanent sustainability of the social security program and the long-term impact of reform upon fiscal operations of the Federal Government as a whole. Expresses the sense of Congress that the recommendations of the Technical Panel on Assumptions and Methods of the Social Security Advisory Board should be implemented to the extent reasonable by the Board of Trustees of the social security trust funds.
Bill· SS. 2250 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify certain restaurant buildings as 15-year depreciable property.
Bill· HRH.R. 4035 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
National Resource Governance Act of 2000 - Establishes the National Energy Self-Sufficiency Commission, which shall: (1) investigate issues involving U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources; (2) evaluate proposals to make the United States self-sufficient in energy production by the year 2010; (3) explore alternative energy sources; (4) investigate areas currently not being used for oil exploration and drilling; and (5) expand drilling in areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore. Precludes the Commission from recommending an increase in taxes or other revenues, or import restrictions on oil or other commodities. Directs the Commission to detail its findings, conclusions and recommendations in a report to Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 290 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Declares that this resolution revises and replaces the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 2000. Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 2001, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2002 through 2005. (Sec. 2) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2000 through 2005, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) surpluses; and (5) public debt. (Sec. 3) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2000 through 2005. (Sec. 4) Directs the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill by specified dates in 2000 that consists of changes in law within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the total level of revenues by specified amounts for FY 2001 and for the period of FY 2001 through 2005. Directs the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever certain bills are reported after the date of this resolution's adoption that provide the health-related tax provisions contained in H.R. 2990 (as passed the House), to increase the reconciliation instruction by the amount of the revenue reduction provided by such measures up to specified limits. Requires the House Ways and Means Committee to report a reconciliation bill no later than May 26, 2000, and September 22, 2000, that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the public debt by $10 billion and up to $20 billion, respectively, for FY 2001. (Sec. 5) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any revision to this or the FY 2002 concurrent budget resolution (or an amendment or conference report) that sets forth a deficit for any fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that legislation should be enacted in this congressional session that would enforce the reduction of the public debt assumed in this resolution by the imposition of a statutory limit on such debt or other appropriate means. (Sec. 6) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any reported bill or joint resolution (or any amendment or conference report) that would cause a surplus for FY 2001 to be less than the level (as adjusted for reconciliation or tax-related legislation, Medicare, or agriculture pursuant to this resolution) set forth in this resolution. Requires the level of the surplus to take into account amounts of allocations and budget aggregates adjusted pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 7) Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report if the enactment of the bill or resolution as reported, the adoption and enactment of the amendment, or the enactment of the bill or resolution in the form recommended in the conference report would cause a decrease in the on-budget surplus for FY 2000. Makes such point of order inapplicable to any such legislation or motion if it reduces revenues or implements structural social security or Medicare reform. Waives or suspends the point of order under this Act in the Senate only by an affirmative three-fifths majority vote. Requires the same majority to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on such point of order. Terminates this section on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 8) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, upon the reporting of a reconciliation bill by the Ways and Means Committee or the offering of an amendment to, or the submission of a conference report on, H.R. 3081, H.R. 6, or H.R. 2990, whichever occurs first, to reduce to zero the amounts by which aggregate levels of Federal revenues should be reduced as set forth in this resolution. Directs the chairman, after such adjustments are made and such a bill is reported or such amendments or conference report are submitted, to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the reduction in revenue caused by the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 9) Provides that whenever the Ways and Means Committee reports such a bill or whenever an amendment or conference report to the bills referenced above is submitted that would cause the level by which Federal revenues should be reduced, as adjusted, to be exceeded, the House Budget Committee chairman is authorized to increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 10) Provides that if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) updated budget forecast for FY 2001 projects an increase in the surplus for FY 2000, FY 2001, and the period of FY 2001 through 2005 over the corresponding levels set forth in the March 2000 economic and budget forecast for FY 2001, the House Budget Committee chairman may increase the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding the level resulting from the bill, amendment, or conference report described above, but not to exceed the increase in the surplus set forth in the updated forecast. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Ways and Means or Commerce Committees report legislation or an amendment or conference report thereon is submitted that reforms the Medicare program and provides coverage for prescription drugs, to increase the aggregates and allocations of new budget authority (and resulting outlays) by the amount provided by that measure, with specified limits. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Agriculture Committee reports legislation or submits amendments or a conference report thereon that provides: (1) income support to farm owners and producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee for FY 2000 by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays provided by that measure, with specified limits; and (2) risk management or income assistance for agricultural producers, to increase the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget authority and resulting outlays, if such legislation does not exceed certain amounts of such authority and outlays. (Sec. 14) Requires the House Budget Committee chairman, whenever the Government Reform Committee reports a bill or submits an amendment or conference report thereon that permits Federal employees to immediately participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, to increase (if necessary) the levels by which Federal revenues should be reduced, with specified limits. (Sec. 15) Provides for the application and effect of changes in allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution. (Sec. 16) Expresses the sense of the House with respect to: (1) the reduction of waste, fraud, and abuse within the Federal Government; (2) CBO estimates on impacts of proposed Federal regulations on the private sector; (3) biennial budgeting; (4) Internal Revenue Service consideration of net loss of income in determining proper taxation rates; and (5) stabilization of Federal revenue-sharing payments to States, counties, and boroughs. (Sec. 17) Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) the use within the classrooms of funds appropriated for elementary and secondary education programs; (2) funding emergencies; (3) affordable health care coverage for all Americans; (4) access to home health care for seniors and disabled citizens; (5) full funding of the Medicare+Choice program; (6) the National Science Foundation; (7) quality skilled nursing care and the Medicare benefit; (8) funding for special education; (9) the Federal employee pay increase for 2001; (10) the Health Care Financing Administration Medicaid School-Based Administrative Claiming Guide; and (11) modification of the Federal tax law to encourage asset-building of the working poor.
Bill· HRH.R. 4006 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Fuel Tax Cost Reduction Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the petroleum fuel products excise tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 4029 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Long Term Care and Alzheimer's Disease Advancement Act of 2000 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Aging to establish and maintain the Alzheimer's disease Physician-Scientist program to enhance and promote the translation of new scientific knowledge into clinical practice toward the diagnosis, care, and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease by promising clinicians through awards for research, study, and practice at centers of excellence in Alzheimer's disease research and treatment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress on reimbursement rates under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) to physicians for Alzheimer services. Amends SSA title XVIII to cover as medical treatment under the Medicare home health agency benefit any participation by Medicare beneficiaries in an adult day care program for the therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount of eligible long-term care premiums paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents under a qualified long-term care insurance contract; (2) permit qualified long-term care insurance contracts to be offered under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements under certain conditions; and (3) allow a tax credit for the taxable year in an amount equal to the applicable credit amount multiplied by the number of applicable individuals with long-term care needs with respect to whom the taxpayer is an eligible caregiver for the taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4025 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Apples for Three Million Teachers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make the two percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions inapplicable to the qualified professional development expenses incurred by teachers; and (2) allow a credit to elementary and secondary school teachers who provide classroom materials.
Bill· HRH.R. 4003 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the targeted area limitation on the expense deduction for environmental remediation costs and to extend the termination date of such deduction from December 31, 2001, to June 30, 2004.
Bill· HRH.R. 4024 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an inflation adjustment to the exclusion amount on the gain from the sale of a personal residence.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 91 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Federal expenditures from exceeding revenues for any fiscal year unless three-fifths of the whole number of each House of Congress provides by law for a specific excess of expenditures over revenues by a rollcall vote. Authorizes Congress to waive such prohibition when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution that is adopted by a majority of each House and that becomes law. Declares that: (1) total revenues shall include all Federal receipts except those derived from borrowing; and (2) total expenditures shall include all Federal outlays except those for repayment of debt principal.
Law· HRH.R. 3995 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
District of Columbia Receivership Accountability Act of 2000 - Requires each court-appointed District of Columbia receiver who administers departments, offices, and agencies of the District of Columbia government to: (1) ensure that the costs incurred in their administration of such entities (including the receiver's personnel costs) are consistent with applicable regional and national standards (unless the appointing court waives this requirement during an interim period of up to two years); (2) use the best practices and methods which promote the financial stability and management efficiency of the District government; (3) consult with the Mayor and Chief Financial Officer of the District in preparing the entity's annual budget for a fiscal year; and (4) prepare and submit to the Mayor, for inclusion in the District's annual budget, estimates of the expenditures and appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of such entities for the year. Requires: (1) the Inspector General of the District to conduct an annual fiscal and management audit of each District department, agency, or office administered by a receiver; and (2) the receiver to carry out procurement on behalf of such entities through the Chief Procurement Officer of the District, in accordance with applicable policies and practices such Officer has established.
Bill· HRH.R. 3984 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Commitment to Kids and Character Act - Authorizes a grant to be made to a tax-exempt organization with specified qualifications to establish and support the operation of a National Clearinghouse for Character Education. Sets forth requirements for Clearinghouse functions and such organization's reports. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3982 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Emergency Tax Relief for Motorists and Truckers Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the taxes on highway gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene.
Bill· HRH.R. 3916 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
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Bill· HRH.R. 3908 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2000. Title I: Counternarcotics - Chapter 1: Department of Justice - Makes additional funds available for salaries and expenses of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Chapter 2: Department of Defense--Military - Makes additional funds available for defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Makes a limited amount available out of amounts appropriated in this Act for the Department of Defense (DOD) for support for counter-drug activities of the Government of Colombia. Subjects the obligation or expenditure of such funds to a specified certification by the Secretary of Defense under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 with respect to authorized uses, security of equipment, review by U.S. personnel, and certain other related factors. Chapter 3: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes funds available to the Department of State for Plan Colombia and Andean regional counternarcotics activities. Requires the Secretary of State, prior to obligation of such funds, to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Appropriations Committees on proposed uses of such funds on a country-by-country basis. Chapter 4: Military Construction, Defense-Wide - Provides additional funds for defense-wide military construction. Title II: Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo and Other National Security Matters - Chapter 1: Department of State - Makes additional funds available for security and maintenance of U.S. missions. Chapter 2: Department of Defense--Military - Provides additional funds for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard operation and maintenance (O&M) as well as defense-wide O&M for assistance to Vieques, Puerto Rico. Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (2) Air Force aircraft procurement; and (3) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 2201) Requires members of the uniformed services (from January 1, 2000 through FY 2001) entitled to a basic allowance for housing for a U.S. military housing area to be paid the allowance at a monthly rate not less than the rate in effect on December 31, 1999, in such area for members serving in the same pay grade and with the same dependency status. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in light of the rates so authorized, to exceed the limitation on the total amount paid for the basic housing allowance in FY 2000 and 2001. (Sec. 2202) Appropriates additional funds for the Defense-Wide Working Capital Fund for price increases resulting from worldwide increases in the price of petroleum. (Sec. 2205) Makes additional appropriations for the Defense Health Program for unanticipated increases in TRICARE contract costs for FY 1998 through 2001. Chapter 3: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Provides additional funds for: (1) operating expenses of the Agency for International Development; (2) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States only for assistance for Montenegro and Croatia, assistance to promote democratization in Serbia, and assistance for Kosovo for police activities; (3) international military education and training and foreign military financing for grants to Balkan and southeastern European countries. Chapter 4: Military Construction, Defense-Wide - Appropriates additional funds to DOD to cover incremental O&M costs to family housing. (Sec. 2403) Provides that this section supersedes authority provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000. Incorporates provisions similar to those contained in such Act that authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to carry out a Base Efficiency Project at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas. Bars the Secretary from exercising such authority until he submits a master plan for Base development to the appropriate congressional committees. Subjects the use of the Base Efficiency Project Fund to advance appropriations. Makes additional funds available for Army Reserve military construction to cover the costs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Floyd. Title III: Natural Disaster Assistance and Other Emergency Appropriations - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Office of the Inspector General; (2) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service salaries and expenses; and (3) Farm Service Agency salaries and expenses. Authorizes the use of unobligated balances under the emergency conservation program to be used to repair and reconstruct farm structures and equipment after a finding by the Secretary of Agriculture that: (1) the damage or destruction is the result of Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene; and (2) insurance was not available to the grantee or the grantee lacked financial resources to obtain insurance. Makes additional funds available for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund to provide premium discounts to purchasers of crop insurance reinsured by the Corporation (except for catastrophic risk protection coverage). Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce the amount of any principal due on a loan made to a marketing association for the 1999 crop of an agricultural commodity by up to 75 percent if the association suffered losses to the commodity due to Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene. Makes additional funds available for the Rural Community Advancement Program for water and waste grants and community facilities grants. Provides additional funds for the Rural Housing Service for: (1) the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account for needs resulting from natural disasters; (2) the rental assistance program for emergency needs resulting from Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, or Irene; (3) mutual and self-help and rural housing assistance grants and contracts for needs resulting from natural disasters; and (4) the farm labor program account for grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farm workers for needs resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Rural Utilities Service for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account for loans to enable nonprofit cooperatives to purchase a utility to address the high cost of electric power in a service area attributable in part to a hurricane disaster. Provides additional funds for: (1) the Foreign Agricultural Service and General Sales Manager; (2) Food and Drug Administration buildings and facilities; and (3) technical assistance performed by any Department of Agriculture agency in carrying out the Conservation or Wetlands Reserve Programs. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Economic Development Administration for economic development assistance programs for communities affected by Hurricane Floyd and other recent hurricanes and disasters; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, and facilities to provide disaster assistance; and (3) the Small Business Administration for the disaster loans program account. Chapter 3: Department of Defense--Civil - Provides additional funds for: (1) a Corps of Engineers study and report to Congress on the feasibility of a flood damage reduction project for Princeville, North Carolina; and (2) O&M for emergency expenses due to natural disasters. Provides additional funds for the Department of Energy (DOE) for: (1) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; and (2) atomic energy defense activities. Chapter 4: Department of the Interior - Makes additional funds available for: (1) Bureau of Land Management wildland fire management for emergency rehabilitation and wildfire suppression activities; (2) Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service construction activities with respect to facilities and sites damaged by natural disasters; and (3) Geological Survey surveys, investigations, and research to repair or replace stream monitoring equipment and associated facilities damaged by natural disasters. Provides additional funds for Forest Service wildland fire management for emergency rehabilitation, presuppression, and wildfire suppression. Chapter 5: Department of Health and Human Services - Makes additional funds available for the Administration for Children and Families for emergency low income home energy assistance. Chapter 6: Department of Transportation - Provides additional funds for: (1) Coast Guard operating expenses; (2) the Federal-aid highways emergency relief program; and (3) National Transportation Safety Board salaries and expenses for emergency expenses associated with the investigations of the EgyptAir 990 and Alaska Air 261 accidents. (Sec. 3601) Bars the use of funds provided in the Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 for operation of the transportation computer center. (Sec. 3602) Makes the Executive Draft on Federal Transportation in the National Capital Region submitted by the Secretary of Transportation effective on this Act's enactment date. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the implementation of the Executive Draft. Chapter 7: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Provides additional funds for the HOME investment partnerships program. Makes unobligated amounts available under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 available for certain one-year grants for permanent or rental housing for homeless persons with disabilities. Authorizes an increase in Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to use unobligated balances of disaster relief. Provides additional funds for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for: (1) human space flight for upgrades to the space shuttle fleet; (2) science, aeronautics and technology for unanticipated program needs; and (3) mission support for augmentation of personnel required to support the space shuttle program. Title IV: Supplemental Appropriations and Offsets - Chapter 1: Department of Energy - Makes additional funds available for atomic energy weapons activities. Chapter 2: Related Agencies - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Forest Service for State and private forestry to be derived by transfer from unobligated wildland fire management funds for volunteer fire assistance programs in eastern North Carolina; and (2) DOE energy conservation for weatherization assistance grants. Chapter 3: Department of Labor - Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 to authorize funds to be collected by the National Mine Health and Safety Academy for authorized activities under provisions making appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Provides additional funds for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Health Resources and Services Administration to make competitive grants to provide abstinence education to adolescents. Makes FY 2000 Administration for Children and Families refugee and entrant assistance provided under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 available through FY 2002. Provides additional funds for payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance. (Sec. 4302) Repeals a provision of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 that withholds the obligation of specified Department of HHS funds until certain dates. Chapter 4: Legislative Branch - Provides additional funds for: (1) the Capitol Police Board for security enhancements to Library of Congress buildings and grounds; and (2) Capitol buildings and grounds fire safety. Chapter 6 (sic): Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes funds appropriated for the Veterans Health Administration for medical care available for assistance for the 2000 Paralympic Games. Makes additional funds available for the Federal Housing Administration for the general and special risk program account. Chapter 7: Offsets - Bars the use of funds made available by any Act to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel to carry out provisions of law relating to the Fund for Rural America or the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems. Rescinds specified amounts of funds made available for: (1) DOE defense environmental restoration and waste management and for implementation of a U.S.-Russian accord for the disposition of excess weapons plutonium; (2) Department of HHS general departmental management; and (3) conversion of Federal information technology systems that were transferred to the Department of Transportation. Title V: General Provisions--This Act - Repeals provisions of law that require payment of: (1) basic pay and allowances for members of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy for the pay period ending on September 30, 2000, no earlier than October 1, 2000; and (2) pay of Federal employees that would be payable on September 29 or 30, 2000, for the preceding pay period on October 1, 2000. (Sec. 5104) Prohibits a sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate a FY 2000 breach that might be caused by appropriations or other provisions of this Act. (Sec. 5105) Deems funds made available in this Act for intelligence activities to be specifically authorized by Congress for purposes of the National Security Act of 1947. (Sec. 5106) Repeals certain provisions regarding progress payments and payment procedures of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000. (Sec. 5107) Bars the use of FY 2000 funds appropriated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the relocation of the Technical Training Center from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Sec. 5108) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should place the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia) on the list of foreign terrorist organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3917 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Service to exempt from penalty certain tobacco products reimported into the United States tax and duty free.
Bill· HRH.R. 3915 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2000
Reserve Employer Tax Credit Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) employers a business tax credit for a portion of compensation that was not paid with respect to members of the military reserves who were absent from work on qualified reserve duty; (2) a comparable credit for participating self-employed individuals; and (3) for the deduction of certain expenses paid or incurred by members of a Reserve component of the armed forces.
Bill· HRH.R. 3905 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2000
Life Insurance Tax Simplification Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions: (1) providing for the reduction in certain deductions of mutual life insurance companies; and (2) relating to distributions to shareholders from pre-1984 policyholders surplus accounts.
Bill· SS. 2237 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Seniors' Security Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 100 percent deduction for amounts paid for any Medicare supplemental policy which contains an outpatient prescription drug benefit with an annual actuarial value that is equal to or greater than $500, any Medicare-plus-Choice plan which contains an outpatient prescription drug benefit with an annual actuarial value that is equal to or greater than $500, and any coverage limited to qualified long- term care services or any qualified long-term care insurance contract. Provides for the establishment of procedures to determine the annual actuarial value of drug benefits under such plans and policies. Includes qualified long-term care insurance contracts in cafeteria and flexible spending arrangements. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit the modification of standards so as to provide for additional Medigap policies.
Bill· SS. 2244 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Working Families Trade Bonus Act - Provides for the determination and announcement of whether international trade of the United States contributed to an increase in the gross domestic product of the United States for such calendar year. States that if there is an increase in the portion of the gross domestic product of the United States for any calendar year which is attributable to international trade of the United States workers ought to share in the benefits of the increase through employee stock purchase plans and additional contributions to individual retirement plans for those unable to participate in employee stock purchase plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an exclusion of gain for stock acquired through an employee stock purchase plan when there is a declared trade bonus. Provides that for any year in which there is a declared trade bonus additional qualified retirement contributions may be made. Establishes a credit for small employer stock purchase plan start-up costs.
Bill· SS. 2246 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Small Business Tax Accounting Simplification Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain small businesses to use cash accounting. Declares that a taxpayer: (1) (including certain C corporations or partnerships with a C corporation partner) shall not be required to use an accrual method of accounting for any taxable year by reason of using merchandise or inventory, if the taxpayer's (or any predecessor's) average annual gross receipts for the three-year period ending with such prior taxable year does not exceed $5 million; and (2) shall not be required to use inventories to determine income if merchandise costs for the preceding year were less than 50 percent of gross receipts for such year.
Bill· SS. 2229 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Digital Empowerment Act - Title I: One-Stop Shop for Technology Education - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to provide that the Office of Educational Technology (OET) shall be administered by an Assistant Secretary (currently a Director) of Educational Technology. (Sec. 101) Requires OET to: (1) be a one-stop shop for all technology education programs within the Department of Education; (2) provide schools and community groups with information on technology education programs and sources of funds; and (3) serve as a clearinghouse for information on public and private efforts to bring technology to areas underserved by technology. (Sec. 102) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to include, among specified uses of Federal leadership funds for national programs of technology in education, the development of a national repository of information on the effective uses of educational technology and the dissemination of that information nationwide. Title II: Digital Education - Amends ESEA to require State educational agencies (SEAs), in awarding school technology resource grants under a program of national challenge grants for technology in education, to give priority to local educational agencies (LEAs) that have: (1) the highest numbers or percentages of children in poverty; and (2) a substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology. (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for such grants program. (Sec. 202) Includes among required local uses of such grant funds: (1) providing intensive training in the use of technology to school librarians and library media specialists; and (2) providing technical support and services to assist schools in maintaining their educational technology. (Sec. 203) Requires local grant applications to describe how the LEA will ensure that school libraries and media centers possess equipment and trained personnel that enables them to provide access to information in formats made possible by new information and communication technologies. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award: (1) formula grants to SEAs to establish Teacher Technology Preparation Academies for teachers, librarians, and library media specialists; (2) competitive grants to institutions of higher education to train students entering the teaching workforce to use technology effectively in the classroom; and (3) grants to SEAs to provide school library technology and training for school librarians and library media specialists. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Title III: Expansion of Universal Service Assistance - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize additional uses of universal service assistance (the e-rate program) by educational providers. (Sec. 301) Includes structured after-school activities among the educational purposes for which schools and libraries are to receive discount rates (E-rates) on telecommunications services. Allows schools to use specified offset funds, which they may receive in lieu of such discount E-rates, for maintenance and repair of technology necessary to use such services. (Sec. 302) Makes eligible for universal service assistance E-rates Head Start agencies and organizations that receive Federal job training funds. Title IV: E-Corps Programs - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to provide for E-Corps programs. (Sec. 401) Includes, among types of national service programs eligible for program assistance, an E-Corps program that involves participants who are proficient in technology and who provide service in a community by developing and assisting in carrying out technology programs in elementary schools, secondary schools, and community centers. Requires the Corporation for National and Community Services to ensure that specified funds are used only for E-Corps programs. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to carry out E-Corps programs and provide national service educational awards to E-Corps program participants. Title V: Community Technology Centers - Amends ESEA to establish a program for Community Technology Centers (CTCs). (Sec. 501) Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, of up to three-years' duration, for: (1) creating or expanding CTCs; or (2) providing technical assistance and support to CTCs. Sets forth provisions for eligibility, applications, matching share of costs, and required and permissible uses of funds. Authorizes appropriations for such CTC program. Title VI: Neighborhood Networks for Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for onsite computer access and training resources for public housing residents. (Sec. 601) Authorizes computer centers in and around public housing, through a Neighborhood Networks initiative and related activities, to be established, operated, and assisted by the use of: (1) public housing capital and operating funds, and certain technical assistance; and (2) demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants for projects. Title VII: Incentives for Technology Assistance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions for a tax deduction for corporate donations of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes (currently for elementary and secondary school purposes). (Sec. 701) Includes Head Start centers, structured after-school programs, and certain public libraries and community centers (in addition to elementary and secondary schools) as eligible donees of such deductible donations. Allows such deductible donations to include training or maintenance services with respect to such computer technology or equipment. Extends such deduction to donations made on or before June 30, 2004. Title VIII: Demonstration Project in K-12 Education Technology - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration project that: (1) delivers a highly flexible educational system designed for kindergarten through grade 12, or a component thereof, that includes hardware, software, training, and ongoing support and professional development; (2) implements an Internet-based, one-to-one pilot project that specifically targets the educational needs of students in grade three through grade 12 who reside in low-income school districts; and (3) is conducted by an organization with proven expertise in the research and development of education technology designed for kindergarten through grade 12. (Sec. 801) Requires the demonstration project to provide for: (1) a rugged notebook computer for every student participating in the project; (2) an infrared wireless connection to the school's local area network; (3) a low-cost, high-speed Internet connection; (4) customized, professional development for technical and instructional staff; (5) an academic information system that provides alignment between curricula, State standards, assessment, and teacher resources; and (6) a parental training component. Allows the Secretary to contract with a private company or organization to carry out such a demonstration. Requires the Secretary to coordinate project implementation and oversight with an LEA and a private company, if such a company is used in the project. Requires, to the extent practicable, the project to be conducted in a location where a similar program is already at least partially underway. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration project.
Bill· SS. 2230 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Military Guard and Reserve Fairness Act of 2000 - Title I: Tax Benefits for Reserves of the Armed Forces - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income pay of certain enlisted and commissioned reservists on active duty overseas contingency operations. (Sec. 102) Provides a business-related tax credit ($30,000 annual maximum) for qualifying employee reserve forces participation, equaling the sum of: (1) the employment credit of all qualified employees of the taxpayer; and (2) the self-employment credit of a qualified self-employed taxpayer. (Sec. 103) Deems the expenses of a reserve component member as away from home in pursuit of a trade or business during any time that such person is away from home on reserve service. Allows such expense for itemizers and non-itemizers. Exempts reserve member expenses from entertainment expense disallowance and partial meal and entertainment limitation. Title II: Additional Benefits for Reserves of the Armed Forces - Reserve Components Equity Act of 2000 - Amends Federal law to authorize armed forces reserve and National Guard personnel traveling to perform annual training duty outside the continental United States to travel on a space-required basis between the member's home and place of duty if there is no available road or rail transportation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to provide the following persons with transportation on Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft on a space-available basis under the same terms and conditions that apply to members of the armed forces entitled to retired pay: (1) members of the Selected Reserve in good standing; (2) a former reserve member under 60 years of age who would be eligible for retired pay except for being under such age; and (3) dependents of the above. Limits the required identification for such travel. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations authorizing a reserve member traveling to inactive duty training at least 50 miles from home to be eligible for billeting (housing) in DOD facilities on the same basis as active-duty personnel traveling under orders away from such member's duty station. Requires proof of the reason for such travel. Increases the maximum number of reserve retirement points that may be credited in a year for reserve service. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide civil legal services to reserve personnel (and their dependents) not otherwise entitled to such services following a release from active duty under a call or order to such duty for more than 30 days under a mobilization authority, but only for a period that is not in excess of twice the length of the duty period served.
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