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Bill· SS. 3021 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Provides that the certification of cooperation of Mexico with U.S. counterdrug efforts shall not be required in FY 2001 in order that certain limitations on bilateral and multilateral development assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall not apply to Mexico in FY 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 5129 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the unified estate and gift tax credit to $5,000,000; and (2) index such amount for inflation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5138 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Estate Tax Reduction Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the unified estate and gift tax credit to $4,000,000; and (2) index such amount for inflation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5128 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2000
Domestic Spirits Tax Equity Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a distilled spirits wholesaler a distilled spirits wholesalers credit equal to the product of: (1) the number of cases of bottled distilled spirits purchased by such wholesaler during the taxable year directly from the distiller or importer of such spirits; and (2) the average tax-financing cost per case for the most recent calendar year ending before the beginning of such taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 5117 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2000
Missing Children Tax Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a child who was kidnapped by a nonfamily member as a dependent for purposes of the deduction for personal exemptions, the child credit, and the earned income credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 5109 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2000
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Act of 2000 - Title I: Personnel Matters - Revises pay adjustment authority for nurses employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to require the director of such Department health-care facility to use third-party industry wage surveys in making such adjustments. Prohibits any adjustment from reducing the rate of basic pay applicable to any nurse grade. Prohibits a director, in determining whether to carry out an adjustment, from considering the absence of a current recruitment or retention problem for personnel in that position. Requires a director to make such determination based on whether there is a significant pay-related staffing problem for such position at that facility. Authorizes the Department's Under Secretary for Health to modify any adjustment determination made by a facility director. Requires each director to report annually to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on staffing for covered positions at that facility. Requires the Secretary to report annually on such staffing to the congressional veterans' committees. Makes annual (currently terminated in 1993) a reporting requirement from the Secretary to the veterans' committees regarding pay adjustments. Requires the Under Secretary to ensure that: (1) the director of a geographic service area, in formulating policy for the provision of patient care, consult regularly with a senior nurse executive(s); and (2) the director of a health-care facility include a registered nurse on any committee providing recommendations or decisions on medical center operations or policies affecting clinical services, clinical outcomes, budget, or resources. (Sec. 102) Increases the special pay for dentists for: (1) full-time status; (2) completing a post-graduate year of accredited hospital-based training; (3) length-of-service pay; (4) scarce specialty pay; (5) service in a geographic location in which there exists extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment and retention of qualified dentists; and (6) service in certain executive positions. Credits toward civil service retirement calculations 25 percent of the special pay for length-of-service pay for each two years that the dentist completes as a dentist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). (Sec. 103) Exempts VHA pharmacists from a required ceiling on special salary rates for certain VHA health professionals. (Sec. 104) Requires a physician assistant with appropriate experience to advise the Under Secretary on all matters relating to the utilization and employment of VHA physician assistants. (Sec. 105) Revises generally provisions regarding the temporary appointment of graduates of physician assistant training programs. Provides a three-year term for temporary full-time appointments of certain medical support personnel (with authorized renewals for additional three-year periods). (Sec. 106) Requires VHA social workers to be licensed or certified to independently practice social work in a State (with an authorized waiver on an individual basis for a reasonable period). (Sec. 107) Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1999 to: (1) revise the number of authorized participants in a plan for voluntary separation incentive payments; (2) revise the percentage of required agency contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to cover such payments; and (3) extend payment authority through 2002. Title II: Construction Authorization - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out major medical facility projects at Department medical centers in Palo Alto, California, Miami, Florida, and Long Beach, California. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a renovation project at the Department medical center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 for the Construction, Major Projects, account for such projects. Title III: Military Service Issues - Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) a protocol is used during at least one clinical evaluation of a patient to identify pertinent military experiences and exposures that may contribute to the health of the patient; and (2) such information is included in the patient's medical records. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on the feasibility and desirability of using a computer-based system in conducting such evaluations. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to contract with an appropriate entity to conduct a follow-up study on post-traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. Requires a report to the veterans' committees. Title IV: Medical Administration - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program in not more than four geographically dispersed areas to improve access to and coordination of inpatient care of eligible veterans. Terminates the pilot program on September 30, 2005. Authorizes the Secretary, under such program to pay the cost of hospital care and medical services furnished on an inpatient basis in a non-Department hospital to a veteran participant. Directs the Secretary to limit program care and services to general medical and surgical services, and to require that such services be provided only upon preauthorization by the Secretary. Makes eligible for the program a veteran who: (1) is enrolled to receive medical services from a nearby Department outpatient clinic; (2) has received care within 24 months preceding the veteran's application for program enrollment (3) requires such care and services for a non-service-connected condition and could not receive such care and services from a Department clinic; and (4) elects to receive such care and services under an entitled health plan. Directs the Secretary to ensure that at least 15 percent of program participants are veterans without a health care plan. Requires two reports from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on program implementation and operation. Limits to $50 million the total authorized program expenditure for any fiscal year. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the payment of veterans' disability compensation for veterans who are disabled during participation in a compensated work therapy program. (Sec. 403) Extends through December 31, 2005, the authority of the Secretary to establish nonprofit research and education corporations. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Secretary to furnish temporary lodging in Fisher houses (guest houses) or other appropriate facilities, in connection with the examination, care, and treatment of a veteran, to: (1) a veteran who must travel a significant distance to receive such care and treatment; and (2) a family member and others who accompany such veteran and provide familial support. Authorizes the Secretary to establish charges for such lodging. (Sec. 405) Extends through 2004 an annual reporting requirement describing activities of the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans. (Sec. 406) Excludes from the right of the Department to recover certain costs from a State for veterans' care facilities not so used for at least 20 years the establishment and operation of an outpatient clinic at such a facility. (Sec. 407) Prohibits the Secretary from entering into an enhanced-use lease of Department property until 90 days after notifying the veterans' committees of the intention to designate property for such use. (Sec. 409) Authorizes the Secretary to employ veterans claims examiners (also known as veterans service representatives) on a fee basis. Requires two reports on the implementation of such authority. (Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary to release a reversionary interest in certain real property in Johnson City, Tennessee, previously transferred to the State of Tennessee.
Bill· HRH.R. 5112 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2000
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,500 tax credit to elementary and secondary public school teachers.
Bill· SS. 3004 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2000
Revises Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning distributions by cooperative housing corporations to provide that: (1) no gain or loss shall be recognized to a cooperative housing corporation on the distribution by such corporation of a dwelling unit to a stockholder in exchange for the stockholder's stock (in such corporation); and (2) no gain or loss shall be recognized to the stockholder as a result of such exchange.
Bill· SS. 2999 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Health Care Provider Bill of Rights - Title I: Reform of HCFA Regulatory Process - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to: (1) prospective application of certain regulations used to carry out the administration of the Medicare program; (2) notice and hearing requirements for certain interim final regulations; (3) General Accounting Office audit and report to Congress on compliance with certain statutory administrative procedure requirements; (4) requirements for judicial and regulatory challenges of regulations; and (5) national coverage determination process. Title II: Reform of Appeals Process - Permits appeal of overpayment determinations under certain conditions. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) time lines for appeals; and (2) suspension of certain activities while appeals are pending. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to permit any health care provider to appeal any determination of the Secretary under the Medicare program on behalf of a deceased beneficiary where no substitute party is available. (Sec. 205) Makes any determination of the Departmental Appeals Board of the HHS Department under the Medicare program have national precedential value with respect to any determination of an administrative law judge under such program. (Sec. 206) Amends Federal money and finance law with regard to requirements for affirmative appeal of Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) actions. (Sec. 207) Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit for a report to Congress on: (1) the statistical validity of random sample audits conducted under Medicare before the enactment of this Act; (2) the necessity of such audits for specified purposes; and (3) the effects of the applications of such audits to health care providers. Title III: Reform of Overpayment Procedure - Amends SSA title XVIII to prohibit: (1) retroactive overpayment determinations; (2) sampling audits to reduce future reimbursements; (3) recovery of past overpayment by certain means; and (4) recovery of past overpayments if appeal pending. Title IV: Reform of Voluntary Disclosure Procedure - Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to establish, by regulation, voluntary disclosure procedures that apply with respect to any potential violations of Federal criminal, civil, or administrative laws by a health care provider under the Medicare program. Prohibits criminal prosecution under SSA title XI and no civil action under such title, Medicare, or under specified provisions of Federal money and finance law against a health care provider with respect to a matter that such provider has voluntarily disclosed in accordance with such regulations. Title V: Criminal Law Enforcement Reforms - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) deny law enforcement authority to employees of the HHS Office of Inspector General; and (2) establish guidelines for search warrants on health care facilities. Title VI: Provider Compliance Education - Mandates specified levels of funding for the stated purpose of ensuring that health care providers learn of new coverage, billing, documentation, and coding changes to Medicare laws and regulations in a timely manner. (Sec. 601) States that health care providers have the right to information about such matters that are applicable to local carrier guidelines under Medicare. Provides that fiscal intermediaries and carriers will offer each health care provider the right to receive this information by electronic or certified mail. Outlines requirements for additional educational outreach for health care providers for coverage, billing, documentation, and coding issues that have the most frequent billing errors. (Sec. 602) Sets forth provisions regarding advisory opinions. (Sec. 603) Amends SSA title XI to provide for an extension of existing advisory opinion provisions of law.
Bill· SS. 2987 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Rural Health Care in the 21st Century Act of 2000 - Title I: High Technology - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a High Technology Acquisition Grant and Loan program for the purpose of: (1) improving the quality of health care in rural areas through the acquisition of advanced medical technology; (2) fostering the development of described networks; (3) promoting resource sharing between urban and rural facilities; and (4) improving patient safety and outcomes through the acquisition of high technology. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to: (1) revise the Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA)) telehealth payment methodology; (2) make other specified revisions to the telehealth program; and (3) extend telehealth coverage to certain services furnished by a physician. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on additional telehealth items and services that would be appropriate for Medicare coverage; and (2) maintain through September 30, 2003, the grant and operational phases of any ongoing Medicare telemedicine demonstration project. Title II: Improvements in the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise DSH adjustments for payments to rural and urban hospitals for inpatient services. Title III: Improvements in the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Program - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payment to skilled nursing facilities for routine service costs to provide for the treatment of: (1) swing-bed services furnished by CAHs; (2) ambulance services furnished by certain CAHs; and (3) home health services furnished by certain CAHs. Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) direct the Secretary to designate a national agency or organization with an agreement to perform (single fiscal intermediary) functions with respect to each CAH electing to have such functions performed by such agency or organization; and (2) establish an all-inclusive payment option for outpatient CAH services. Title IV: Outpatient Services Furnished by Rural Providers - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) a permanent guarantee of pre-BBA' 97 payment levels for outpatient services furnished by rural hospitals; (2) repeal of the termination date for (thus permanently allowing) direct payment to a physician assistant for certain physician assistant services; (3) exclusion of rural health clinic services from the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities; and (4) bonus payments for rural home health agencies. Title V: Bad Debt - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for restoration of full payment for bad debts (uncollectible copayments) of qualified Medicare beneficiaries. Title VI: National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income certain amounts received under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship program. Title VII: Technical Corrections to the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) extend the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals; and (2) provide for supplementary medical insurance payments for the aged and disabled to CAHs for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests.
Bill· SS. 2983 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Guam Omnibus Opportunities Act - Guam Land Return Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services, with specified exceptions, to notify the Government of Guam of any excess U.S. real property (including property within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge) in Guam and to transfer such property to the Government of Guam, provided it notifies the Administrator of its intention to acquire it (thus granting the Government of Guam the right-of-first refusal to such property). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Administrator any military property that is the subject of such a notice, provided there is an agreement on its future ownership and use, except when an Act of Congress otherwise specifically identifies the property. Guam Foreign Direct Investment Equity Act - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to declare that the Government of Guam's tax treatment of income made in Guam shall be at the same rate that would apply if Guam were a part of the United States for purposes of treaty obligations of the United States. Deems Guam within the U.S. customs territory in the case of importation from Guam into the United States of betel nuts (also known as "areca nuts") by an individual for his or her personal consumption. Amends the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 to revise certain reporting requirements with respect to the impact of the Compact on U.S. areas to authorize the Governor of any of the U.S. territories or commonwealths or the State of Hawaii to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior (currently, the President must report to Congress) with respect to the financial and social impacts of the compacts of free association on the Governor's respective jurisdiction. Establishes the Guam War Claims Review Commission to: (1) review the facts and circumstances surrounding the implementation, administration, and effectiveness of a specified Federal law in addressing the war claims of American nationals residing on Guam between December 8, 1941, and July 21, 1944; (2) review all relevant Federal and Guam territorial laws, records of oral testimony previously taken, and documents; (3) receive oral testimony of persons who personally experienced the taking and occupation of Guam by Japanese military forces; (4) determine whether there was parity of war claims paid to the residents of Guam with war claims paid to U.S. citizens or nationals who lived in or had holdings in foreign countries and other U.S. possessions occupied by the Japanese during World War II; (5) estimate the amount necessary to compensate the people of Guam for death, personal injury, forced labor, forced march, and internment; and (6) by a certain deadline report to the Secretary of the Interior and specified congressional committees any comments or recommendations for action. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2979 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Professional Employer Organization Workers Benefits Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide that, for purposes of the taxes imposed by subtitle C (Employment Taxes), a certified professional employer organization shall be treated as the employer (and no other person shall be treated as the employer) of any work site employee performing services for any customer of such organization, but only with respect to remuneration remitted by such organization to such work site employee and exemptions and exclusions which would otherwise apply shall apply with respect to such taxes imposed on such remuneration. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) secondary customer liability for employment taxes; (2) liability with respect to individuals purported to be work site employees; and (3) special rules for related parties. Amends IRC definition provisions of subchapter D (Deferred Compensation, Etc.) of subtitle A (Income Taxes) to provide that, subject to exceptions, if a certified professional employer organization establishes or maintains a plan to provide employee benefits to work site employees, then, for purposes of applying the provisions of this title applicable to such benefits: (1) such plan shall be treated as a single employer plan established and maintained by the organization; (2) the organization shall be treated as the employer of the work site employees eligible to participate in the plan; and (3) the portion of such plan covering work site employees shall not be taken into account in applying such provisions to the remaining portion of such plan or to any other plan providing employee benefits (other than to work site employees). Defines "certified professional employer organization" and "work site employee." Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) employer aggregation rules; (2) determination of employment status; and (3) reporting requirements.
Bill· SS. 2971 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Clean and Renewable Fuels Act of 2000 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to prohibit, effective January 1, 2001, a person from selling or dispensing to ultimate consumers any fuel or fuel additive containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in the United States other than in specified nonattainment areas required to meet the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline and in which MTBE was used to meet such requirement before January 1, 2000. Provides for phased reductions in the use of MTBE in fuel or fuel additives and for a trading program to allow persons to sell and purchase authorizations to sell or dispense MTBE. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to require persons selling or dispensing gasoline that contains MTBE to label gasoline dispensing systems with a notice stating that the gasoline contains MTBE and that provides information concerning health and environmental risks. Prohibits, effective three years after this Act's enactment date, the manufacture, introduction into commerce, sale, or dispensing of a fuel or fuel additive containing MTBE or any other ether compound. Permits the Administrator to waive such prohibition with respect to an ether compound other than MTBE if the use of the compound will not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment. Authorizes the Administrator, if MTBE is contaminating or posing a substantial risk of contamination of soil, groundwater, or surface water in an area, to take necessary action to protect human health and the environment, including requiring a more rapid reduction (or immediate termination) of the quantity of MTBE sold or dispensed in a fuel or fuel additive in the area. Permits States to impose restrictions or prohibitions on the sale or use of MTBE as appropriate to protect human health and the environment. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the EPA Administrator to develop technical guidelines to assist in the investigation and cleanup of MTBE in soil or groundwater. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with interested parties to establish voluntary pilot projects for the cleanup of MTBE and the protection of private wells from MTBE and provide technical assistance in carrying out such projects. Requires the Administrator to amend certain guidance to require State source water assessment programs to be revised to give high priority to groundwater areas and aquifers that have been contaminated, or are most vulnerable to contamination, by MTBE. (Sec. 3) Amends the CAA to require the Administrator to promulgate regulations that establish a procedure for submission of petitions for: (1) a waiver for an area of any per-gallon oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline; and (2) averaging of such requirement over a period of time of up to one year. Directs the Administrator to grant such a petition if necessary to: (1) avoid a shortage or disruption in supply of reformulated gasoline; (2) avoid the payment by consumers of excessive prices for such gasoline; or (3) facilitate the attainment by an area of a national primary ambient air quality standard. Requires the regulations to ensure that the human health and environmental benefits of reformulated gasoline are maintained during the period of any waiver. Permits the Administrator, if the Secretary of Energy finds that there is an insufficient domestic supply of oxygenates to meet the oxygen content requirement and upon State petition, to promulgate regulations temporarily reducing or waiving such requirement for an area to ensure an adequate supply of reformulated gasoline. Requires such regulations to ensure that the human health and environmental benefits of reformulated gasoline are maintained during the period of the temporary reduction in the oxygen content requirement. (Sec. 4) Limits the aromatic hydrocarbon content of reformulated gasoline to 22 (currently, 25) percent by volume. Prohibits the average aromatic hydrocarbon content of such gasoline from exceeding the average aromatic hydrocarbon content of such gasoline sold in covered areas (specified ozone nonattainment areas where the use of such gasoline is required) for use in baseline vehicles when using such gasoline during 1999 or 2000. Limits the maximum aromatic hydrocarbon content per gallon of reformulated gasoline to 30 percent. Limits the olefin content of reformulated gasoline to eight percent by volume. Bars the average olefin content of reformulated gasoline from exceeding the average olefin content of such gasoline sold in covered areas for use in baseline vehicles when using such gasoline during 1999 or 2000. Limits the maximum olefin content per gallon of reformulated gasoline to ten percent. (Sec. 5) Applies certain limitations on emissions of toxic air pollutants from baseline vehicles using reformulated gasoline to precursors of such pollutants as well. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to revise performance standards regarding reformulated gasoline to ensure that: (1) the ozone-forming potential, taking into account all ozone precursors, of the aggregate emissions during the high ozone season from baseline vehicles when using reformulated gasoline does not exceed such potential of the emissions from such vehicles when using reformulated gasoline that complies with regulations that were in effect on January 1, 2000, and applicable to such gasoline sold in 2000 and subsequent calendar years; and (2) the aggregate emissions of specified pollutants or their precursors, including toxic air pollutants, from such vehicles when using such gasoline do not exceed such emissions from such vehicles when using reformulated gasoline that complies with the regulations described in (1). Provides for adjustments to the performance standard for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to account for emissions of carbon monoxide that are greater or less than a specified baseline for emissions achieved by reformulated gasoline containing two percent oxygen by weight and meeting other performance standards. Requires the Administrator to revise performance standards by redefining "baseline vehicles" to mean vehicles representative of vehicles (including off-road vehicles) in use as of January 1, 2000. (Sec. 8) Requires the Administrator, upon the application of a State Governor, to apply prohibitions on the sale of conventional gasoline in covered areas (areas requiring the use of reformulated gasoline), to any nonclassified areas (opt- in areas). (Sec. 9) Changes references to calendar year 1990 to 1999 or 2000 (whenever lower emissions occurred) in reformulated gasoline provisions concerning anti-dumping. Adds particulate matter, fine particulate matter, and precursor pollutants to the list of pollutants to which emissions limitations under such provisions apply. Updates the baseline from 1990 to 1999 or 2000 for purposes of such provisions. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations applicable to gasoline refiners, blenders, or importers to ensure that gasoline sold or introduced into commerce (other than reformulated gasoline) does not have an aromatic hydrocarbon or olefin content exceeding the content of gasoline sold or introduced into commerce in 1999 or 2000, in whichever occurred the lower of such content. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for gasoline renewable source content requirements applicable to refiners, blenders, or importers. Increases such requirement annually to require a content of 1.3 percent in 2000 and 4.2 percent by 2010 and thereafter. Provides for credits for persons who refine, blend, or import gasoline that contains a quantity of fuel derived from such sources that exceeds applicable requirements. Authorizes the use or transfer of such credits for compliance purposes. Allows the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such credits to prevent excessive geographical concentration in the use of fuel derived from renewable sources that would tend unduly to: (1) affect its price, supply, or distribution; (2) impede the development of the renewable fuels industry; or (3) otherwise interfere with this section's purposes. Permits the Administrator to waive renewable source content requirements with respect to an area on petition by a State and upon determining that: (1) implementation of the requirements would severely harm the area's economy or environment or there is an inadequate domestic supply or distribution capacity to meet such requirements; and (2) use of the credit program would not alleviate circumstances on which the petition is based. Terminates waivers on the earlier of the date on which the reason for the waiver no longer exists or one year after it is granted but authorizes renewals. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on reductions in emissions of criteria air pollutants listed under the Act and greenhouse gases that result from implementation of renewable source content requirements and on the impact of such requirements on demand for materials for producing renewable source fuels, adequacy of food and feed supplies, rural economic growth, and energy security. Requires the Administrator to promulgate renewable source content regulations applicable to diesel fuel and to establish a renewable source content program for diesel similar to the program for gasoline. Amends Federal highway provisions to provide that for purposes of determining the estimated tax payments attributable to highway users paid into the Highway Trust Fund, the amount paid into the Fund with respect to the sale of gasohol or other fuels containing alcohol by reason of taxes imposed on special fuels or gasoline shall be treated as equal to the amount that would have been imposed without regard to the reduction in revenues resulting from renewable source content regulations under the Clean Air Act, certain other regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act, and specified Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning alcohol fuels.
Bill· SS. 2967 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Electric Power Industry Tax Modernization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a governmental unit to make an irrevocable election to terminate certain tax-exempt financing for electric output facilities. Sets forth provisions concerning independent transmission companies. Provides for the exclusion from gross income as contributions to capital of certain amounts received by electric utilities. Revises the special rules concerning the tax treatment of nuclear decommissioning costs.
Bill· SS. 2955 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning designated settlement funds to exempt from tax any designated settlement fund established for the principal purpose of resolving and satisfying present and future claims relating to asbestos. Sets forth special rules concerning asbestos liability losses.
Bill· SS. 2984 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Long-Term Caregivers Assistance Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual income-based, long-term care credit of $2,000 times the number of eligible persons for whom a taxpayer is a qualifying caregiver. Prohibits a credit allowance for less than the full tax year, except in the case of a taxpayer's death.
Bill· SS. 2994 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Health Insurance Equity Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, in the case of a small employer, for an employee health insurance expenses credit. Provides for the establishment of qualified health benefit purchasing coalitions which shall enter into agreements with small business employers to provide health benefits to employees of such employers.
Bill· SS. 2972 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
International Counter-Money Laundering Act of 2000 - Title I: International Counter-Money Laundering Measures - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to require domestic financial institutions and agencies to take special measures (listed below) if the Secretary finds that reasonable grounds exist for concluding that a jurisdiction outside the United States, one or more financial institutions operating outside the United States, or one or more classes of transactions within or involving a jurisdiction outside the United States is of primary money laundering concern. Directs the Secretary to consider: (1) whether similar action has been or is being taken by other nations or multilateral groups; (2) whether the imposition of any particular special measure would create a significant competitive disadvantage for financial institutions organized in the United States; and (3) the extent to which the action would have a significant adverse systemic impact on the international payment, clearance, and settlement system, or on legitimate business activities involving the particular jurisdiction. Lists the special measures that the Secretary may take: (1) requiring record keeping and reporting of certain financial transactions; (2) requiring the identification of beneficial owners; (3) requiring disclosure of information relating to certain payable-through accounts; (4) requiring disclosure of information relating to certain correspondent accounts; and (5) prohibiting or placing conditions on opening or maintaining certain correspondent or payable-through accounts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consult with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General in making a finding that reasonable grounds exist for concluding that a jurisdiction, institution, or transaction is of primary money laundering concern; and (2) consider such information as the Secretary considers to be relevant, such as (in the case of a particular jurisdiction) the extent to which that jurisdiction or financial institutions operating therein offer bank secrecy or special tax or regulatory advantages to nonresidents or non-domiciliaries. Title II: Currency Transaction Reporting Amendments and Related Improvements - Revises Federal monetary law relating to reporting suspicious activities to provide that financial institutions and certain of their staff and independent public accountants who audit such institutions: (1) shall not be liable under Federal, State, or local law or under any contract for making certain disclosures of possible violations of laws to a government agency; and (2) may not notify any person involved in the transaction that the transaction has been reported. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Government or any State, local, tribal, or territorial government from disclosing to any person involved in the transaction that the transaction has been reported other than to fulfill duties required by law, with an exception involving employment references. (Sec. 202) Sets civil and criminal penalties for violation of geographic targeting orders and certain record keeping requirements. Lengthens the effective period of such orders. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize any insured depository institution, and any director, officer, employee, or agent of such institution, to disclose in any written employment reference relating to a current or former institution-affiliated party of such institution which is provided to another insured depository institution in response to a request from such other institution, information concerning the possible involvement of such institution-affiliated party in potentially unlawful activity. (Sec. 204) Amends the Annunzio-Wylie Anti-Money Laundering Act to: (1) direct that the Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group include representatives of nongovernmental organizations advocating financial privacy; and (2) make certain provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act applicable to it. (Sec. 205) Requires the Secretary and the banking agencies, within one year, to each submit their respective reports to Congress containing recommendations on possible legislation to conform the penalties imposed on depository institutions for violations of title 31 (Federal provisions regarding monetary transactions), to the penalties imposed on such institutions under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Title III: Anticorruption Measures - Expresses the sense of Congress that, in deliberations between the U.S. Government and any other country on money laundering and corruptions issues, the Government should: (1) emphasize an approach that addresses not only the laundering of the proceeds of traditional criminal activity but also the increasingly endemic problem of governmental corruption and the corruption of ruling elites; (2) encourage the enactment and enforcement of laws in such country to prevent money laundering and systemic corruption; (3) make clear that the United States will take all steps necessary to identify the proceeds of foreign government corruption which have been deposited in U.S. financial institutions and return such proceeds to the citizens of the country to whom such assets belong; and (4) advance policies and measures to promote good government and to prevent and reduce corruption and money laundering, including through instructions to the U.S. executive director of each international financial institution to advocate such policies as a systemic element of economic reform programs and advice to member governments. Directs the Secretary to issue guidance to financial institutions operating in the United States on appropriate practices and procedures to reduce the risk that such institutions may become depositories for, or transmitters of, the proceeds of corruption by or on behalf of senior foreign officials and their close associates. (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) continue to actively and publicly support the objectives of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) with regard to combating international money laundering; (2) identify noncooperative jurisdictions in as expeditious a manner as possible and publicly release a list directly naming those jurisdictions identified; (3) support the public release of the list naming non-cooperative jurisdictions identified by the FATF; (4) encourage necessary international action to encourage compliance by the identified jurisdictions; and (5) take the necessary countermeasures to protect the U.S. economy against money of unlawful origin and encourage other nations to do the same.
Bill· SS. 2968 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Local Housing Opportunities Act - Title I: Program Consolidation - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from carrying out any programs not expressly authorized by Federal law. Terminates specified Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Establishes the HUD Consolidation Task Force. Title II: Community Empowerment - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to authorize appropriations for the community development block grant program. Prohibits set-asides unless specifically provided for. Sets forth certain HUD property disposition provisions. Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1966 to make permanent the moving to work program. Title III: Homeless Assistance Reform - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to combine specified housing programs into a McKinney Homeless Assistance Performance Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for mutual and self-help housing technical assistance and training grants. Title V: Voucher Reform - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize appropriations for rental vouchers for witness and victims of crime relocation. Title VI: Program Modernization - Amends the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 to authorize appropriations for assistance for the self-help home ownership opportunity program. Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 to authorize and increase appropriations for the capacity building for community development and affordable housing program. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to establish a public housing work requirement. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to permit the use of section 8 assistance in grand family housing assisted with HOME funds. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the neighborhood reinvestment corporation. Title VII: State Housing Block Grant - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize States to assume control of Federal housing assistance funds upon execution of a qualifying performance agreement with the Secretary. Title VIII: Private Sector Incentives - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to low-income housing tax credit State ceilings and private activity bond caps. Title IX: Enforcement - Amends Federal law to prohibit HUD to use appropriated funds for lobbying activities.
Bill· SS. 2982 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
International Carbon Sequestration Incentive Act - Title I: Investment Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited tax carbon sequestration investment credit in the case of an eligible taxpayer who is subject to the terms and conditions of a carbon sequestration project contract with respect to a sponsored carbon sequestration project outside the United States. Title II: Loan Guarantees and Equity Investment Insurance - Permits an owner or operator of property that is located outside of the United States to enter into a carbon sequestration project contract under specified terms and conditions to be eligible for: (1) an extension of credit from the Export-Import Bank of the United States of up to 75 percent of the cost of carrying out the carbon sequestration practices specified in the contract to the extent that the Export-Import Bank determines that the cost sharing is appropriate, in the public interest, and otherwise meets requirements of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; and (2) investment insurance issued by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation pursuant to provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 if the Corporation determines that issuance of the insurance is consistent with such provisions.
Bill· SS. 2964 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Access to Affordable Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) in the case of an employer, for an employee health insurance expenses credit; (2) in the case of an individual (including the self-employed), for the deduction of 100 percent of the cost of medical care insurance.
Bill· SS. 2960 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Capital Construction Fund (CCF) Qualified Withdrawal Act of 2000 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and the Internal Revenue Act to provide for qualified withdrawals from the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) for fishermen leaving the industry and for the rollover of CCF funds to individual retirement plans.
Bill· SS. 2949 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include distributions from publicly traded partnerships as qualifying income of regulated investment companies. Excludes such distributions from the source-based inclusion limitation applicable to other partnerships. Applies specified passive activity provisions for publicly traded partnerships to regulated investment companies.
Bill· SS. 2954 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Dr. Nancy Foster Marine Biology Scholarship Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Dr. Nancy Foster Marine Biology Scholarship Program for the award and administration of graduate education scholarships in marine biological or oceanographic science studies to recognize outstanding scholarship by a woman or an member of a minority group in marine biological or oceanographic science studies and to encourage independent graduate level research in marine biology. Requires the amount of each scholarship to be provided directly to each recipient selected by the Secretary upon receipt of certification that the recipient will adhere to a specific and detailed plan of study and research approved by the sponsoring institution. Provides for repayment of the award in the case of fraud or noncompliance. Requires the Secretary to make one percent of the amount appropriated each fiscal year to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act available for such scholarships.
Bill· HRH.R. 5069 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Comprehensive Rural Telecommunications Act - Title I: Rural Telework - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Rural Utility Service, to establish a National Centers for Distance Working Program to provide grants to eligible organizations for the Federal share of establishing National Centers for Distance Working in rural areas. Directs a recipient Center to use grants for five-year projects to: (1) identify needed skills and provide training and employment-related services to persons in rural areas and Indian tribes to support the use of teleworking (the use of telecommunications to perform work functions over a distance) in technology fields; and (2) recruit employers and provide for high-speed employer-employee communications. Authorizes the Secretary to make limited grants for teleworking studies, including development of best practices for businesses that employ teleworkers. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Rural Telecommunications Modernization - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the rural telecommunications facilities investment tax credit. Title III: Rural Broadband Enhancement - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a proceeding to provide Federal universal service support for the deployment of broadband telecommunications service (high speed voice, data, graphic, and video telecommunications) to eligible rural communities (communities not located in an area designated as a metropolitan area by the Office of Management and Budget). Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administrative Organization Act to direct the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture to make loans or other credit extensions to eligible telecommunications carrier providers, or to companies that accept the obligations of such carriers, to finance the deployment of broadband service to eligible rural communities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 5063 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning the accelerated cost recovery system to provide that the alternative depreciation system shall be used for tangible property leased to a foreign person or entity.
Bill· HRH.R. 5090 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a 50 cent per mile deduction during calendar year 2000 for the use of a passenger automobile for: (1) a trade or business use; (2) charitable purposes; and (3) medical use.
Bill· HRH.R. 5027 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
National Advisory Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification Act of 2000 - Establishes within the legislative branch a National Advisory Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification which shall review and, when applicable, issue proposals on: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) whether tax systems imposed under the laws of other countries could provide more efficient, simple, and fair methods of funding the revenue requirements of the Government; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Internal Revenue Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Terminates the Commission after the submission of a report.
Bill· HRH.R. 5084 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Home Ownership Tax Credit Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a home ownership tax credit which shall be allocated, through State housing finance agencies, to qualified lenders making qualified home ownership loans to certain low-income households. Sets forth the allocation formula, related rules, and definitions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5066 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
National Missile Defense Deployment Criteria Act of 2000 - Amends the National Missile Defense Act of 1999 to allow deployment of a national missile defense system (system) only if: (1) the system is technologically feasible; (2) system cost in relation to other Department of Defense (DOD) priorities will not lead to an overall reduction in national security by reducing resources available for other defense priorities; (3) the system will not diminish overall U.S. national security; (4) the system will not threaten to disrupt relations with U.S. nuclear allies, U.S. European allies, Russia, the People's Republic of China, and other nations; and (5) the threat of a long-range ballistic missile attack from a nation of concern is clearly demonstrated. Prohibits the President from directing DOD to deploy a system unless and until: (1) the President certifies to Congress that the above deployment conditions have been met; and (2) a joint resolution is enacted concurring in the President's certification. (Sec. 4) Prohibits DOD procurement funds from being obligated for a system unless: (1) the President certifies to Congress that adequate system tests have been undertaken to meet identified threats against countermeasures; and (2) a joint resolution is enacted concurring in the President's certification. Outlines procedures for the consideration of each joint resolution. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization to: (1) include specified system countermeasures in system ground and flight testing conducted before the system becomes operational; and (2) determine the extent to which the exoatmospheric kill vehicle and the system can reliably discriminate between warheads and such countermeasures. Directs the Secretary to determine the funding required for fiscal years after 2001 for such countermeasures testing, and to submit such determination to the congressional defense committees. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to Congress on DOD's efforts to establish a program for operationally realistic system testing against countermeasures. Terminate the report requirement when a system becomes operational. Directs the Secretary to have the National Academy of Science establish an independent review panel of scientific and technical experts to assess system countermeasures, the system's operational effectiveness against such countermeasures, and the adequacy of the system's flight testing program. Requires: (1) an evaluation of system testing following such assessment; and (2) an annual report from the panel to the Secretary and Congress on such assessment and evaluation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5076 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning tax-exempt insurance companies to: (1) require such a tax-exempt company to be solely and directly owned by its policyholders and operate only in one State; and (2) increase from $350,000 to $531,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) the maximum amount of premiums that may be written annually by such a company in order to remain tax-exempt.
Bill· HRH.R. 5058 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the estate and gift tax rate to 30 percent; and (2) increase the unified credit exclusion to $10,000,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 5054 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Farmland Protection and Sprawl Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain on the sale or exchange of qualified conservation easements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5064 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a deduction for taxes paid by employees and self- employed individuals under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (social security and medicare taxes).
Bill· HRH.R. 5009 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase, from $50 to $200 per month, the deduction allowed for host families of foreign exchange and other students; and (2) provide an inflation adjustment for such amount.
Bill· HRH.R. 5044 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code concerning the confidentiality of return information to include within the definition of return information: (1) any closing agreement and any background file document related to such agreement; and (2) any agreement relating to a named taxpayer entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury with the competent authority of a foreign government pursuant to specified conventions and agreements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5040 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Farmer Tax Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income averaging for farmers shall not increase alternative minimum tax liability.
Bill· HRH.R. 5022 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction expenses paid, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, for medical care.
Bill· HRH.R. 4993 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of securities used to pay qualified higher education expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 5028 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Straight Talk on Social Security Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require social security account statements to contain: (1) a comparison of the annual social security tax inflows to the amount paid in benefits annually and a statement of whether the ratio will result in a cash flow deficit and what year such deficit will commence as well as the first year in which funds in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds will cease to be sufficient to cover the deficit and the percentage of benefits due at that time that could be paid from annual tax inflows; and (2) an explanation of the average rate of return that a taxpayer can expect to receive on old-age insurance benefits as compared to the total amount of social security taxes a taxpayer expects to pay.
Law· HRH.R. 4986 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
FSC Repeal and Extraterritorial Income Exclusion Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal subpart C (Taxation of Foreign Sales Corporations) of part III (Income From Sources Without the United States) of subchapter N ( Tax Based on Income From Sources Within or Without the United States) of chapter 1 (Normal Taxes and Surtaxes). Excludes from gross income "extraterritorial income," except that extraterritorial income which is not qualifying "qualifying foreign trade income" shall not be excluded from gross income. Defines "extraterritorial income" as gross income of the taxpayer attributable to "foreign trading gross receipts" of the taxpayer. Defines "qualifying foreign trade income," with respect to any transaction, as the amount of gross income which, if excluded, will result in a reduction of the taxable income of the taxpayer from such transaction equal to the greatest of: (1) 30 percent of the foreign sale and leasing income derived by the taxpayer from such transaction; (2) 1.2 percent of the foreign trading gross receipts derived by the taxpayer from the transaction; or (3) 15 percent of the foreign trade income derived by the taxpayer from the transaction. Prohibits in any event the amount determined under clause (2) from exceeding 200 percent of the amount determined under clause (3). Permits an alternative computation. Defines "foreign trading gross receipts" as the gross receipts of the taxpayer which are: (1) from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of qualifying foreign trade property; (2) from the lease or rental of qualifying foreign trade property for use by the lessee outside the United States; (3) for services which are related and subsidiary to either any sale, exchange, or other disposition of qualifying foreign trade property by such taxpayer, or any lease or rental of qualifying foreign trade property described in clause (2) by such taxpayer; (4) for engineering or architectural services for construction projects located (or proposed for location) outside the United States; or (5) for the performance of managerial services for a person other than a related person in furtherance of the production of foreign trading gross receipts described in clause (1), (2), or (3). Prohibits clause (5) from applying to a taxpayer for any taxable year unless at least 50 percent of its foreign trading gross receipts (determined without regard to this sentence) for such taxable year is derived from activities described in clause (1), (2), or (3). Excludes specified receipts from the definition. Sets forth additional definitions and rules.
Bill· HRH.R. 5012 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Firearms Safety Research and Development Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, for a taxpayer who is a Federal firearms licensee, a smart gun technology credit for the purpose smart gun technology research which is designed to: (1) prevent a firearm from being fired by any individual other than an authorized user of the firearm; and (2) convert the firearm from the inoperable condition to the operable condition in less than one second after contact with either the firearm or the arming device of an authorized user.
Bill· HRH.R. 4992 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Health Security for All Americans Act - Title I: Health Security for All Americans - Expansion Phase (Phase I) - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Health Security For All Americans) with a part A (Expansion Phase (Phase I) Plans) providing funds to participating States to enable them to ensure universal health insurance coverage by voluntarily establishing State administered systems which offer at least the benefits provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program standard Blue Cross-Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan. Makes appropriations. Title II: Health Security for All Americans - Universal Phase (Phase II) - Amends SSA title XXII to add a part B (Universal Phase (Phase II) Plans) requiring States by January 1, 2006, to establish and implement State-administered systems to ensure universal health insurance coverage equal to the benefits provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program standard Blue Cross-Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan. Provides for funds to States for the establishment and implementation of such systems. Makes necessary appropriations. (Sec. 202) Adds a part C (Consumer Protections) listing home care standards and providing for consumer protection: (1) in the event of termination or suspension of health services; (2) through disclosure of information regarding health care workers; and (3) through notice of changes in health care delivery. Title III: Patient Protections - Enacts into Federal law certain provisions of H.R. 2723 of the 106th Congress, as passed the House of Representatives on October 7, 1999 and H.R. 137 of the 106th Congress, as introduced on January 6, 1999. Title IV: Health Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Workforce Standards - Establishes within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Health Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Workforce Standards Institute to: (1) demonstrate how patient safety issues and workplace conditions are linked to quality patient care and the reduction of the incidence of medical errors; and (2) reduce the incidence of medical errors and improve patient safety and quality of care. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Establishes a Health Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Workforce Standards Committee to advise the Director of the Health Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Workforce Standards Institute. Title V: Improving Medicare Benefits - Requires that each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) be provided full mental health and substance abuse treatment parity under Medicare consistent with SSA title XXII (as added by this Act). Title VI: Long-Term and Home Health Care - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct studies and demonstration projects, through grant, contract, or interagency agreement, that are designed to identify model programs for the provision of long-term and home health care services; and (2) report to Congress on results. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Makes specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) inapplicable to health benefits provided under a group health plan qualified to offer such benefits under an expansion phase (phase I) plan or a universal phase (phase II) plan under SSA title XXII. (Sec. 702) Expresses the sense of Congress that any sums necessary for the implementation of this Act should be offset by: (1) general revenues available as a result of an on-budget surplus for a fiscal year; (2) direct savings in health care expenditures resulting from the implementation of this Act; and (3) reductions in unnecessary Federal tax benefits available only to individuals and large corporations in the maximum tax brackets.
Bill· HRH.R. 5004 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Technology Education and Training Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for information technology training program expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 4990 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000
Appropriates funds for FY 2001 for Environmental Protection Agency State and tribal assistance grants for a grant to the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, for payment of the Federal share of a balloon payment due by the city in July 2001 for the construction of a sewage treatment facility.
Bill· SS. 2939 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Resource Efficient Appliance Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit, for a limited time period, for producers of qualified energy efficient clothes washers and energy efficient refrigerators.
Bill· SS. 2935 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Omnibus Long-term Care Act of 2000 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to long-term health care. Title I: Long Term Care - Subtitle A: Tax Incentives - Amends IRC to allow an additional itemized deduction for a certain percentage of the amount of eligible long-term care premiums paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents under a qualified long-term care insurance contract. Sets forth special rules for individuals who have attained age 55. Adds contingent nonforfeiture requirements to specified insurance model regulations under IRC. Allows long-term care insurance to be offered under: (1) cafeteria plans, for purposes of IRC definition of qualified benefits; and (2) flexible spending arrangements, for purposes of IRC provisions relating to employer contributions to accident and health plans. (Sec. 102) Allows a nonrefundable personal credit for taxpayers who are eligible caregivers for individuals with long-term care needs. Sets forth: (1) limitations based on adjusted gross income; and (2) special rules where there is more than one eligible caregiver for an individual. Subtitle B: Federal Employees and Uniformed Services Group Long-Term Care Insurance - Long-Term Care Security Act - Amends Federal civil service provisions to direct the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish and administer a program through which Federal employees and annuitants, current and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives may obtain long-term care insurance through a qualified carrier (a company licensed to issue such insurance in all States). (Sec. 112) Directs OPM, without regard to statutes requiring competitive bidding, to contract with one or more qualified carriers to provide such insurance. Sets forth contract terms and conditions, including that the carrier participate in an administrative process to settle claim disputes. Provides for seven-year contracts. Requires OPM, after a certain period, to recommend to specified congressional committees whether the insurance program should be continued. Requires each master insurance contract to include full portability of benefits. Makes insured individuals responsible for 100 percent of the charges of coverage and allows individuals to have amounts withheld from pay for their coverage and coverage for qualified relatives. Requires each carrier to maintain a separate accounting of premium amounts received. Provides that contract terms for coverage or benefits under this Act shall preempt State and local law relating to long-term care insurance or contracts. Requires qualified carriers to furnish reasonable reports and permit audits. Requires two reports from the General Accounting Office to OPM and each House of Congress evaluating the insurance program. Provides jurisdiction for disputed claims through U.S. district courts after exhausting all available administrative remedies. Subtitle C: Seniors' Access to Continuing Care - Senior Access to Continuing Care Act of 2000 - Amends ERISA and PHSA to prohibit health insurance provided through a managed care organization under a group health plan (and, for the PHSA, health insurance in the individual market) from denying coverage with regard to a continuing care retirement community or other qualified facility concerning: (1) post-hospitalization services in the same community or facility as in pre-hospitalization; (2) skilled nursing services without a preceding hospitalization; and (3) the same facility the participant's or beneficiary's spouse already resides in. Makes the prohibition: (1) depend on whether such services are otherwise covered; and (2) regardless of whether the organization is under contract with the community or facility. Prohibits related denial of enrollment or renewal, incentives to enrollees, and penalties or incentives to physicians. Declares that this subtitle does not preempt State laws meeting certain requirements, including requirements more protective of participants or beneficiaries than requirements under this subtitle. Provides for enforcement. (Sec. 125) Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning the care of older Americans. Subtitle D: Expansion of Home-Based Long-Term Care Services Under the Social Services Block Grant - Amends SSA to restore a State's authority to transfer up to ten percent of funds for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to the Social Services Block Grant. (Sec. 132) Restores a specified amount of funds for the Social Services Block Grant. (Sec. 133) Appropriates additional funds for expansion of home-based long-term care services. Title II: Support and Planning for Long-Term Care - Subtitle A: Support and Surveys - Amends OAA to establish the National Family Caregiver Support Grant Program. Provides for: (1) grants to States for State programs and for area agencies on aging to provide multifaceted systems of support services for family caregivers and other caregivers who are informal providers of in-home services and community care for older individuals; (2) innovation grants; and (3) activities of national significance. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct and report on a multi-city and county survey to determine if communities are elder-ready, or prepared to accommodate the needs of aging baby boomers. Subtitle B: Education and Studies - Directs the Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of HHS and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, to establish and carry out a national public information campaign to provide employers and employees with information concerning the benefits of long-term health care coverage. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 212) Directs the Comptroller General to prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the long-term care programs of the Veterans Administration. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary of HHS to conduct, and report to Congress on, at least one study to determine: (1) activities or programs to improve the quality of life for the elderly; (2) measures to be taken to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly; (3) whether medicare health promotion and disease prevention benefits reduce or delay the need by seniors for long-term care services; and (4) the manner in which the aging of the population in the United States will impact the administration and solvency of Federal programs.
Bill· SS. 2936 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Creating New Markets and Empowering America Act of 2000 - Title I: New Markets Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to provide a limited new markets tax credit for taxpayers holding a qualified equitable investment for amounts paid to a qualified community development entity for authorized investments. Title II: America's Private Investment Companies - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to license America's Private Investment Companies (for-profit investment entities qualifying as community development entities). Title III: Community Development and Venture Capita l- Subtitle A: New Markets Venture Capital Program - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish a New Markets Venture Capital Program under which the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) is authorized to make grants to new market venture capital companies (NMVCs) and specialized small business investment companies and to guarantee debentures issued by NMVCs. Subtitle B: Community Development Venture Capital Assistance - Authorizes the SBA Administrator to: (1) contract with one or more community development organizations to carry out training and research activities for individuals in community development venture capital organizations (privately-controlled organizations which promote community development in low-income communities through investment in private businesses); and (2) make grants to community development organizations for the cost of such training and research activities and to intermediary organizations to provide intense marketing, management, and technical assistance and training to community development venture capital organizations. Subtitle C: Business LINC - Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, any coalition of private or public sector participants that: (1) expand business-to-business relationships between large and small businesses; and (2) provide businesses with information about companies interested in mentor-protegee programs or community-based, Statewide, or local business development programs. Title IV: Expansion and Extension of Empowerment Zone Tax Incentives - Provides for the designation of additional empowerment zones and increased empowerment zone tax incentives. Title V: American Community Renewal - Amends the Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 40 renewal communities (based on degree of poverty), of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Title VI: Homeownership and Revitalization - Revises the low-income housing credit. Establishes a home ownership tax credit which shall be allocated, through State housing finance agencies, to qualified lenders making qualified home ownership loans to certain low-income households. Establishes a credit for renovating historic homes. Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to direct the Secretary to transfer ownership of qualified HUD-held properties (substandard or unoccupied multifamily or unoccupied single family properties) to local governments and community development corporations under specified conditions. Title VII: Trade-Affected Communities Relief - Authorizes a trade-affected community, a group of such communities, or the Governor of a State on behalf of such communities to petition the Secretary of Commerce for eligibility certification for community-based economic development assistance. Title VIII: Delta Regional Authority - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Delta Regional Authority to: (1) develop comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs, establish priorities, and approve grants for the economic development of the Mississippi Delta region (parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee surrounding such Delta); (2) provide for research, demonstration, investigation, assessment and evaluation of such region's assets and needs; (3) encourage the formation and capacity of local development districts and private investment in industrial, commercial, and other economic development projects; and (4) provide a forum for the consideration of problems and possible solutions of the region. Title IX: Federal Grant Program Participation Expansion - Directs The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure an equal opportunity for religious and other community organizations to provide assistance under the programs administered by such Administration by providing information and contact for such programs to such organizations in a manner similar to that developed by the Office of Community Faith-Based Organizations in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title X: New Millennium Classrooms - Establishes a limited credit for the donation of computers to schools, senior centers, public libraries, and other training centers located in a renewal community, empowerment zone or enterprise community, Indian reservation, or defined low-income community.
Bill· HRH.R. 4971 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Electric Power Industry Tax Modernization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a governmental unit to make an irrevocable election to terminate certain tax-exempt financing for electric output facilities. Sets forth provisions concerning independent transmission companies. Provides for the exclusion from gross income as contributions to capital of certain amounts received by electric utilities. Revises the special rules concerning the tax treatment of nuclear decommissioning costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4985 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000
Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies. Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) department-wide systems and capital investments programs for development and acquisition of automatic data processing equipment, software, and services; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) the Inspector General for Tax Administration; (5) repair and restoration of the Treasury building and annex; (6) programs to expand access to financial services for low- and moderate-income individuals; (7) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (8) reimbursement of Treasury Department organizations for costs of providing support to counter, investigate, or prosecute terrorism; (9) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, including an amount for maintenance and facility improvements; (10) interagency crime and drug enforcement; (11) the Financial Management Service; (12) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (13) the U.S. Customs Service, including amounts for collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee, operation and maintenance of marine vessels and aircraft, and automation modernization; (14) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (15) the Internal Revenue Service, including amounts for tax law enforcement, earned income tax credit compliance and error reduction initiatives, and information systems and telecommunications support; and (15) the Secret Service, including an amount for construction and improvement of facilities. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 120) Amends Federal law to extend the Treasury Franchise Fund until October 1, 2002. Title II: Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for payment to the Postal Service Fund for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for: (1) compensation of the President and the White House office; (2) operating, maintenance, and reimbursable expenses of the Executive Residence at the White House; (3) White House repair and restoration; (4) special assistance to the President and the official residence of the Vice President; (5) the Council of Economic Advisers; (6) the Office of Policy Development; (7) the National Security Council; (8) the Office of Administration; (9) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (10) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (11) the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center; and (12) Federal drug control programs, including amounts for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and for a national anti-drug campaign for youth. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration (GSA), including amounts for the Federal Buildings Fund, Government-wide policy and operations, Office of Inspector General, and allowances and office staff for former Presidents; and (5) carrying out the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 408) Amends the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000 to extend to April 30, 2002, the date through which the GSA Administrator is authorized to offer voluntary separation incentives to specified employees to provide for the closing of the Federal Supply Service distribution centers, forward supply points, and associated programs. (Sec. 409) Designates the Federal building and courthouse located at 102 North 4th Street in Grand Forks, North Dakota, as the Ronald N. Davies Federal Building and United States Courthouse. (Sec. 411) Designates the U.S. bankruptcy courthouse at 1100 Laurel Street in Columbia, South Carolina, as the J. Bratton Davis United States Bankruptcy Courthouse. (Sec. 412) Designates the U.S. Courthouse Annex located at 901 19th Street in Denver, Colorado, as the Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse Annex. (Sec. 413) Designates the dormitory building currently being constructed on the Core Campus of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, as the Paul Coverdell Dormitory. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (3) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund to carry out activities authorized in the Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1998; (4) the National Archives and Records Administration, including amounts for repairs and restoration of archives; (5) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (6) the Office of Government Ethics; (7) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including an amount for the Office of Inspector General; (8) Government contributions for health and life insurance benefits for annuitants; (9) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (8) the Office of Special Counsel; and (9) the U.S. Tax Court. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds made available under this Act. (Sec. 506) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 509) Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being available for an abortion or the administrative expenses of any Federal employee health plan which provides benefits for abortions. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 514) Directs the Archivist of the United States to transfer certain Federal land located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the Gerald R. Ford Foundation in trust for the purpose of supporting the facilities and programs of the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids and the Gerald R. Ford Library in Ann Arbor. (Sec. 515) Requires the Director of OMB to issue guidelines under the Paperwork Reduction Act that provide policy and procedural guidance to Federal agencies for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information disseminated by agencies in fulfillment of such Act. (Sec. 517) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to propose or issue rules or orders for implementing the Kyoto Protocol. (Sec. 518) Requires the Director of OMB to submit a report to specified congressional committees that: (1) evaluates, for each agency, the extent to which Federal accounting and collection provisions, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, have reduced burdens imposed by rules issued by the agency; and (2) includes a determination of the need for additional procedures to ensure achievement of such provisions' purposes, evaluates the burden imposed by each major rule that imposes more than 10 million hours of burden, and identifies specific reductions expected to be achieved in FY 2001 and 2002 in the burden imposed by all rules issued by each agency that issued such a major rule. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds appropriated for Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 619) Bars the use of funds made available for the Customs Service in this Act to allow the importation of any good produced or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor. (Sec. 624) Requires the OMB Director to report to Congress: (1) estimates of annual costs and benefits of Federal rules and paperwork; (2) impacts of Federal regulation on State, local, and tribal government, small business, wages, and economic growth; and (3) recommendations for reform. Requires the Director to issue guidelines to agencies to standardize measures of costs and benefits and the format of accounting statements. (Sec. 630) Bars the use of funds appropriated by this Act to enter into or renew a contract which includes a provision providing prescription drug coverage, except where the contract also includes a provision for contraceptive coverage. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for religious health plans. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the use of appropriated funds by executive agencies to provide child care services for Federal civilian employees. (Sec. 634) Authorizes a woman to breastfeed her child on Federal property if the woman and child are otherwise authorized to be present at the location. (Sec. 636) Authorizes qualified Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) police officers, upon written election, to be treated as law enforcement officers for purposes of Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) provisions and to have prior service similarly treated. Defines a "qualified MWAA police officer" as any individual who is currently so employed and is subject to CSRS or FERS by virtue of Federal transportation provisions governing certain Federal employees who transferred to the MWAA. Describes prior service as service as an MWAA or Federal Aviation Administration police officer prior to the effective date of such election. (Sec. 637) Authorizes the President's pay agent, for purposes of determining appropriate pay localities and making comparability payment recommendations, to make comparisons of General Schedule (GS) and non-Federal pay within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) within the continental United States that have a high level of nonfarm employment and at least 2,500 GS employees using data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys and salary data sets from any entity that regularly compiles similar data for businesses in the private sector. Permits the pay agent to make further determinations or recommendations based on such comparisons for purposes of payments becoming payable between January 1, 2002, and 2007, respectively. Requires the pay agent, based on such comparisons, to determine whether any of the five MSAs with the highest levels of nonfarm employment that have not been previously surveyed by the BLS as discrete pay localities for purposes of provisions governing locality-based comparability payments for Federal employees warrants designation as a discrete pay locality and if so, make recommendations as to the level of payments appropriate during 2002. Requires any MSA that warrants such designation to be designated as a discrete pay locality in time for 2002 comparability payments. Directs the pay agent to report to specified congressional committees on the ongoing efforts of OPM, OMB, and the BLS to revise the methodology currently used by the BLS in performing surveys related to comparability payments. (Sec. 639) Amends Federal civil service provisions to require the removal from employment of Federal law enforcement officers convicted of felonies. (Sec. 640) Amends Federal retirement provisions to reduce to seven percent after December 31, 2000, the required retirement contribution by Federal employees participating under CSRS (such contribution currently is scheduled to be 7.5 percent for calendar years 2001 and 2002 and 7 percent after 2002). Reduces similarly the required percentage contribution under CSRS for Members of Congress and congressional employees, law enforcement and firefighting personnel, certain judges and magistrates, the Capitol police, and nuclear materials couriers. Makes similar reductions for participants in FERS. Makes conforming reductions with respect to military and volunteer service under FERS. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act, and the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to make similar employee retirement contribution reductions under the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, and the Foreign Service Pension System. Prescribes agency contributions for October 1 through December 31, 2002, in lieu of those required under current law, under CSRS, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. (Sec. 643) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1988 to require all existing and newly hired workers in any child care center located in an executive facility to undergo a criminal history background check. Defines an "executive facility" as a facility owned or leased by an office or entity within the executive branch (including one owned or leased by the GSA on behalf of an office or entity within the judicial branch). (Sec. 644) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act by any Federal agency to: (1) collect, review, or create aggregate lists that include personally identifiable information about an individual's access to or use of any Internet site of the agency; or (2) enter into an agreement with a third party to collect, review, or obtain any such list that includes personally identifiable information relating to an individual's access to or use of any nongovernmental Internet site. (Sec. 645) Amends Federal civil service provisions to set forth provisions regarding pay for certain administrative appeals judges. (Sec. 646) Requires the Inspector General of each agency to report to Congress any agency activity related to: (1) the collection or review of singular data, or the creation of aggregate lists that include personally identifiable information about individuals who access any Internet site of the agency; and (2) entering into agreements with third parties to collect, review, or obtain such lists or data relating to any individual's access or viewing habits for governmental and nongovernmental Internet sites.