Transport

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Jacobs delivered on 23 March 2000. # Commission of the European Communities v French Republic. # Failure to fulfil obligations - Public procurement contracts in the transport sector - Directive 93/38/EEC - Applicability ratione temporis - Rennes urban district light railway project - Contract awarded by negotiated procedure without a prior call for competition. # Case C-337/98.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 23 March 2000

Transportation and Infrastructure Reports Restoration Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

Transportation and Infrastructure Reports Restoration Act of 2000 - Declares that a specified provision of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 calling for the automatic elimination and sunset of certain reports required under law shall not apply to certain reporting requirements (effectively continuing such reporting requirements).

United States-Southeastern Europe Democratization and Burdensharing Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000

United States-Southeastern Europe Democratization and Burdensharing Act of 2000 - Title I: United States Assistance for the Countries of Southeastern Europe - Authorizes the President to provide specified U.S. foreign assistance for political and economic reforms in the countries of southeastern Europe (Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Bulgaria, and Romania) and the Kosovo region of the Republic of Serbia. Prohibits such assistance (except humanitarian assistance) to the Republic of Serbia, except if the President determines that such government has undertaken steps to become democratic and ensure equal rights for all of its citizens. Title II: Assistance for Democracy Building in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro - Declares that the United States supports the development of democracy in Serbia and Montenegro and those who are committed to the building of democratic institutions, defending human rights, promoting rule of law, and fostering tolerance in society. (Sec. 204) Earmarks certain U.S. foreign assistance funds for democracy building in all regions of the Republic of Serbia (with a separate availability for Kosovo) and in the Republic of Montenegro. (Sec. 205) Prohibits U.S. foreign assistance to: (1) rebuild the civilian infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia; and (2) the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (other than Montenegro), or individuals connected with these governments particularly if the governments are under the direction of Slobodan Milosevic, the Socialist Party of Serbia, or any other non-democratic party. (Sec. 206) Expresses the sense of Congress that political contacts between the U.S. officials and those who represent a genuine desire for democratic governance in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro should be developed through regular and well publicized meetings. Authorizes appropriations for a voluntary U.S. contribution to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Title III: Assistance to the Republic of Montenegro - Declares that the United States supports the development in Montenegro of a market-based economy and a democratic government based on equal rights for all of its citizens, regardless of ethnic background. Earmarks a specified amount of U.S. foreign assistance funds for political and economic reforms in the republic of Montenegro. Title IV: Assistance to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - Earmarks a specified amount of U.S. foreign assistance funds for economic and political reforms in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (Sec. 403) Earmarks specified amounts for: (1) the establishment and support of the faculty and programs of an American University for Southeastern Europe at Skopje, Macedonia, or at another suitable site there; (2) microenterprise credits and loans through existing programs funded by the United States in Macedonia; (3) the Trade and Development Agency for additional activities under the South Balkans Development Initiative and activities in support of related infrastructure projects in Macedonia, including those projects that, in cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Albania, would expedite completion of an East-West trade corridor across those countries; (4) foreign military assistance for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and (5) international military education and training (IMET) for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Title V: Equitable Burdensharing Requirement for Assistance for Southeastern Europe Region - Limits the total amount of U.S. foreign assistance to the countries of southeastern Europe, the Republic of Montenegro, and the Kosovo region of the Republic of Serbia to no more than 15 percent of the total amount of certain multilateral assistance provided to such countries and region. (Sec. 502) Urges the European Union member states to make a far greater effort to provide adequate numbers of personnel for the International Police in Kosovo so that the goal of an effective 4,700-officer International Police in Kosovo force is attained as soon as possible. Title VI: Policy Regarding Individuals Indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia - Declares that it is U.S. policy to assist the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as fully as possible in its apprehension and prosecution of individuals indicted for war crimes (including Slobodan Milosevic), and to encourage other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries and other interested countries to do the same.

Aussagen von Dipl.-Ing. Schmid Michael als Mitglied der Bundesregierung

Austria · National Council · 21 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Karl Öllinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Aussagen von Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid als Mitglied der Bundesregierung zur Arbeit des Aktionskomitees <i>("Nein zur EU-Osterweiterung")</i>

Entwicklung des ländlichen Raumes

Austria · National Council · 21 March 2000

Antrag der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Einrichtung eines Begleitausschusses zum Programm für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raumes

Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's)

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2000

Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention, and Responsibility Act (Three R's) - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY 2005 and revise various ESEA programs. (Sec. 3) Declares U.S. national educational priorities addressed by this Act. Title I: Student Performance - Revises and renames ESEA title I as Student Performance (currently Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards). (Sec. 102) Declares it to be U.S. policy to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education by: (1) holding States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools accountable for increased student academic performance results; and (2) facilitating improved classroom instruction. (Sec. 103) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the following title I programs under: (1) part A, LEA grants; (2) part B, Even Start; (3) part C, education of migratory children; (4) part D, prevention and intervention programs for youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk of dropping out; (5) provisions for capital expenses; and (6) part E, Federal evaluations, demonstrations, and transition projects. (Sec. 104) Requires State educational agencies (SEAs) to reserve a specified portion of their title I part A (I-A) funds to: (1) make at least 80 percent of such reserved funds available directly to LEAs; and (2) carry out SEA responsibilities for school improvement, including SEA statewide system of technical assistance and support for LEAs. Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies - Revises ESEA title I part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) (I-A) with respect to formulas for distributing funds to schools with the highest concentrations of poverty. (Sec. 105) Revises State plan requirements with respect to implementing challenging content and student performance standards (standards), yearly student assessments (assessments), and accountability. Requires State standards to: (1) be applied to all schools and children within the State; and (2) include at least the subjects of mathematics, science, and English language arts. Requires a State, if it allows LEAs to adopt more rigorous standards than the State, to allow LEAs to implement such standards. Requires each State plan to demonstrate what constitutes adequate yearly progress (AYP) of the State itself (as well as its schools and LEAs, as under current law) in enabling all children in all schools receiving I-A assistance to meet the State's challenging performance standards. Revises requirements for State definition of AYP. Adds requirements relating to: (1) accountability for AYP; (2) annual improvement by States, LEAs, and schools; and (3) public notice and comment. Requires assessments to be used, starting no later than the 2000-2001 school year, as the primary means of determining the yearly performance of each LEA and school in enabling all children to meet State standards (but does not require States to meet requirements for science standards or assessments until the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year). Requires State plans to provide that students who have attended school in the United States for at least three consecutive years are to be assessed in the English language, with certain exceptions. Requires State plans to describe what reasonable steps the State is taking to assist and encourage LEAs to: (1) measure literacy skills of first graders in schools receiving I-A funds by providing assessments that are developmentally appropriate, aligned with State standards, and scientifically research-based; and (2) identify and take developmentally appropriate and effective interventions in any school served under I-A in which a substantial number of first graders have not demonstrated grade-level literacy proficiency by the end of the school year. Requires State plans to describe how SEAs will: (1) assist each affected LEA and school to develop the capacity to comply with requirements for schoolwide programs, targeted assistance, and assessment and improvement; (2) hold each affected LEA accountable for improved student performance, including procedures for identifying and assisting LEAs and schools in need of improvement, and for corrective action if assistance is not effective; (3) provide low-performing students additional academic instruction, such as before- and after-school programs and summer academic programs; (4) ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers; and (5) evaluate and publicly report the State's progress in improving the quality of instruction in the schools served by the SEA and LEAs receiving ESEA funding. Requires State plans to assure that SEAs will: (1) use the disaggregated results of required student assessments, and other available measures or indicators, to review annually the progress of each LEA and school served under I-A to determine whether each one is making the annual progress necessary to ensure that all students will meet the proficient level of performance on such assessments within ten years of the enactment of this Act; (2) modify or eliminate State fiscal and accounting barriers so that elementary and secondary schools can easily consolidate funds from other Federal, State, and local sources for schoolwide programs under specified provisions; and (3) inform LEAs of LEA authority to obtain waivers under title VIII of ESEA and, if the State is an Ed-Flex Partnership State, under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999. Penalizes States for failing to meet statutory deadlines for demonstrating that they have in place standards, assessments, a system for measuring and monitoring AYP, and a statewide system for holding schools and LEAs accountable for making AYP with specified groups of students. Makes such States ineligible to receive any administrative funds under title I that exceed the amount received for such purposes in the previous year. Directs the Secretary of Education to withhold additional administrative funds in an amount determined appropriate based on the extent of the State's failure. Requires the Secretary, for each additional year that the State fails to comply with such requirements, to withhold at least one-fifth of the amount the State receives for such administrative expenses. Allows a State to request a one-time, one-year waiver to meet such requirements. (Sec. 106) Requires LEA plans to include descriptions of how they will: (1) assist low-performing schools, including those identified as in need of improvement; and (2) promote the use of alternative instructional methods, and extended learning time, such as an extended school year, before- and after-school programs, and summer programs. Requires various LEA assurances with respect to school accountability, improvement, and assessment. Requires LEAs to ensure that all teachers in both schoolwide programs and targeted assistance programs are fully qualified not later than December 31, 2005, and low-income students and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced, uncertified, or out-of-field teachers. Requires LEAs to reserve at least ten percent of the I-A funds they receive for high quality professional development for professional instructional staff. Sets forth requirements for parental notification and consent for English language instruction. (Sec. 107) Revises school eligibility criteria for school-wide programs. Allows an LEA to use I-A funds for a school-wide programs at schools that serve eligible school attendance areas in which: (1) not less than 40 percent of the children are from low-income families; or (2) not less than 40 percent of the children enrolled in the school are from such families. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements for public school choice plans to allow limited amounts of I-A funds to be used for transportation services. (Sec. 109) Revises requirements for assessment and LEA and school improvement. Requires the provision of public school choice for families of students attending I-A schools deemed to be in need of corrective action. (Sec. 110) Revises requirements for State assistance for school support and improvement. Requires SEAs to provide such assistance according to the following order of priorities: (1) LEAs and schools in need of improvement; (2) LEAs subject to corrective action, and to individual schools for which an LEA has failed to carry out certain responsibilities; and (3) LEAs and schools at risk of being identified as being in need of improvement within the next academic year. Directs SEAs to use for such State assistance certain funds available for technical assistance and support. Authorizes SEAs also to use for such State assistance certain State administrative funds. (Sec. 111) Revises requirements for parental involvement. (Sec. 112) Sets forth required qualifications and duties for teachers and paraprofessionals in I-A schools. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for professional development activities. Includes among required activities any strategies for identifying and eliminating gender and racial bias in instructional materials, methods, and practices. Includes among optional activities instruction in ways teachers, principals, and guidance counselors can work with parents and students from groups, such as females and minorities, that are underrepresented in careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, to encourage and maintain student interest in such careers. (Sec. 115) Includes among coordination requirements for LEAs the linking of LEA educational services with those provided in local Head Start agencies. (Sec. 116) Revises requirements for reservation and allocation of funds for grants for the outlying areas and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 117) Sets forth revised formulas for allocating amounts for basic grants, concentration grants, and targeted grants. (Sec. 118) Revises requirements for basic, concentration, and targeted grants to LEAs. (Sec. 121) Revises special allocation procedures. Part B: Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Revises ESEA title I part B (Even Start Family Literacy Programs) (Even Start). Directs the Secretary (currently the National Institute for Literacy) to disseminate, or designate another entity to disseminate, the results of certain research to States and recipients of Even Start subgrants. Part C: Education of Migratory Children - Revises ESEA title I part C (Education of Migratory Children) to refer to language instruction programs under the new ESEA title III provided by this Act (current law refers to bilingual education). Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out - Revises ESEA title I part D (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out). Part E: Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects - Revises title I part E (Federal Evaluations, Demonstrations, and Transition Projects) to set new deadlines for certain interim and final reports on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (Sec. 152) Establishes a Comprehensive School Reform program. (Replaces part E provisions for demonstrations of innovative practices.) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs to provide subgrants to LEAs to provide financial incentives for schools to develop comprehensive school reforms, based upon scientifically-based research and effective practices that include an emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement so that all children can meet challenging State content and performance standards. Allows reservation of specified amounts for schools supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), schools in U.S. territories, and national evaluation activities. Sets forth requirements for State awards, local awards, evaluation, and reporting. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Rural Education Development Initiative - Establishes a Rural Education Development Initiative as a new title I part F. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for elementary and secondary education development by LEAs that are eligible because they serve: (1) a school-age population of whom 15 percent or more are from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (2) a school district in a rural locality, or a school-age population of 800 or fewer. Reserves a specified portion of grant funds for schools operated by the BIA. Sets forth an allotment formula for grants to SEAs to make grants to eligible LEAs. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct competitive grants to specially qualified eligible rural LEAs in nonparticipating States. Requires LEAs or their schools to use grant funds for: (1) educational technology, including software and hardware; (2) professional development; (3) technical assistance; (4) teacher, and principal, recruitment and retention; (5) parental involvement activities; or (6) academic enrichment programs or other education programs. Requires SEAs to award grants on a formula basis. Requires that at least 99 percent of such funds be awarded to eligible LEAs in the first year, and 99.5 in the second and in each succeeding year that an SEA receives such a grant. Directs the Secretary, at the end of the third year an SEA participates in the program, to permit continued participation only if the SEA has met its performance goals and objectives for two consecutive years. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on this part F program's impact on student achievement. Authorizes appropriations. Part G: General Provisions - Transfers title I general provisions to a new part G (currently part F). Revises a deadline for the Secretary's issuance of final regulations for title I. Eliminates a provision for State reservation of certain amounts for administrative costs. Title II: Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size - Revises and renames ESEA title II as Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development, and Class Size (currently Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 201) Sets forth a part A, Teacher and Principal Quality, Professional Development (II-A). Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to raise the quality of, and provide professional development for, public school teachers, principals, and administrators. Provides for: (1) reservations, State allotments, and within-State allocations; (2) State and local plans; (3) performance objectives; (4) optional activities; (5) State administrative expenses; (6) local activities; (7) professional development for teachers; (8) parents' right to know; (9) State reports and a study by the Comptroller General, and (10) educator partnership grants. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a part B, Class Size Reduction. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help them and LEAs recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers to: (1) reduce nationally class size in grades one through three to an average of 18 students per regular classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early elementary school grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education - Establishes a new ESEA title III, Language Minority Students and Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education, which combines and revises provisions of the current title VII (Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs) and of the current title IX (Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education). (Eliminates the current title III, Technology for Education, but provides for some technology literacy programs under title VI.) (Sec. 301) Repeals the current ESEA title III part A, Technology for Education of All Students. Sets forth a new title III subtitle A, Language Minority Students (which also replaces the current title VII) Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs). Declares it to be U.S. policy that, in order to ensure equal educational opportunity for all children and youth, and to promote educational excellence, the Federal Government should: (1) assist SEAs, LEAs, and community-based organizations to build their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain programs of instruction and English language development for children and youth of limited English proficiency (LEP); (2) hold SEAs and LEAs accountable for increases in English proficiency and core content knowledge among LEP students; and (3) promote parental and community participation in LEP programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to help LEP students become proficient in English. Prohibits the Secretary from mandating or precluding a particular curricular or pedagogical approach to educating LEP students. Requires LEAs to certify to SEAs that all teachers in any language instruction program for LEP students funded under this subtitle are fluent in English. Requires LEAs to notify parents of students participating in language instruction educational program of: (1) the student's level of English proficiency and academic achievement, and certain implications of the student's strengths and needs; (2) various available programs; (3) instructional goals of such program; and (4) the parental option to decline the student's enrollment in such program. (Sec. 302) Repeals the current ESEA title III parts: (1) B, Star Schools Program; (2) C, Ready-to-Learn Television; (3) D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics; and (4) E, Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment Program. Eliminates current title VII part B provisions for the Foreign Language Assistance Program. Transfers to a new title III subtitle B the Emergency Immigration Education Program (currently part C of title VII). Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for such program. (Sec. 303) Transfers to a new title III subtitle C provisions for Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education (currently title XIX). Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs of Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. Title IV: Public School Choice - Establishes a new ESEA title IV, Public School Choice, and authorizes a new public school choice program. Redesignates certain parts of the current title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, under such new title IV (and provides for some school safety improvement programs under title VI). Transfers certain parts and provisions of the current titles V and X to such new title IV. (Sec. 401) Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Magnet Schools Assistance; and (2) Public Charter Schools. Requires SEAs that receive grants for charter schools assistance to hold assisted charter schools accountable for AYP for improving student performance under title I and as established in the school's charter, including the use of the same standards and assessments as established under title I. Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) support and stimulate improved public school performance through increased public school competition and increased Federal financial assistance; and (2) provide parents with more choices among public school options. (Sec. 402) Establishes a new title IV part C, Development of Public School Choice Programs (PSC programs). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make competitive grants to LEAs to develop such PSC programs; (2) reserve specified program funds for technical assistance, information dissemination, and evaluations; and (3) a priority to partnership projects. Requires the Secretary to give a priority to applications that would serve high-poverty LEAs. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a new title IV part D, Report Cards. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States, if they have State report cards on education which meet specified requirements, to publish such report cards for each elementary and secondary school receiving ESEA funding. Authorizes appropriations. Requires States, if they receive assistance under ESEA, to prepare and disseminate (or publicly report through other public means) annual report cards, in easily understandable language, on all elementary and secondary schools receiving funds under ESEA I-A or II-A. Requires such State report cards on LEAs and schools to contain specified information regarding indicators of school performance and quality. Title V: Impact Aid - Transfers ESEA Impact Aid provisions to a new title V (currently title VIII). Eliminates the current title V, Promoting Equity, including part B, Women's Educational Equity, and part C, Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems (but transfers the current part A of title V to part A of title IV). (Sec. 501) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various impact aid programs. Title VI: High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives - Establishes a new title VI, High Performance and Quality Education Initiatives. Eliminates the current title VI, Innovative Education Program Strategies. (Sec. 601) Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) facilitate significant innovation in elementary and secondary school education programs; (2) enrich the learning environment of students; (3) provide a safe learning environment for all students; (4) ensure that all students are technologically literate; and (5) assist SEAs and LEAs in building their capacity to establish, implement, and sustain innovative programs for public school students. Directs the Secretary to make grants to SEAs with approved plans to award grants to LEAs. Requires States to allocate grant funds among LEAs according to both their I-A population and their entire school-age population. Requires LEAs to use grant funds for programs designed to achieve each of the goals described in the following category areas: (1) school improvement; (2) 21st Century Opportunities programs; (3) safe learning environments; and (4) New Economy Technology Schools. Allows LEAs that meet or exceed AYP requirements to reallocate, at their own discretion, specified portions of grant funds among the four categories. Allows LEAs identified as in need of improvement to reallocate for school improvement activities a certain portion of funds from the other three categories. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Accountability - Establishes a new ESEA title VII, Accountability, with sanctions and rewards based on meeting performance objectives. Eliminates the current title VII, Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs (but sets forth some provisions for language minority students under the new title III). (Sec. 701) Requires certain sanctions if performance objectives established under a covered provision have not been met by a State receiving grant funds under such provision. Directs the Secretary to reduce the amount the State is entitled to receive by specified percentages if such objectives have not been met by the end of the third fiscal year or the end of the fourth fiscal year. Requires such reductions to continue for each subsequent fiscal year until the State demonstrates that it has met such objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, if sought, to a State subjected to such sanctions. Requires each State receiving assistance under ESEA titles I, II, III, or VI to develop a system, including sanctions, to hold LEAs accountable for meeting performance objectives and AYP requirements. Directs the Secretary to make awards to States that either ensure that all teachers teaching in their public schools are fully qualified by FY 2003, or for three consecutive years have: (1) exceeded their performance objectives; (2) exceeded their AYP levels; (3) significantly narrowed the gaps between minority and non-minority students, and between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students; (4) raised all students to the proficient standard level within ten years; or (5) significantly increased the percentage of core classes being taught by fully qualified teachers teaching in schools receiving funds under part A of title I. Requires States to: (1) distribute 80 percent of such award funds to LEAs that have been consistently high-performing and achieving in specified ways; and (2) use the remainder to establish demonstration sites with respect to high-performing schools in order to help low-performing schools, and to improve the level of performance of all elementary and secondary school students in the State. Requires LEAs to use such award funds to: (1) reward individual schools that demonstrate high performance with respect to specified criteria; (2) reward collaborative teams of teachers, or teams of teachers and principals, who significantly increase the annual performance of low-performing students or significantly improve in a fiscal year the English proficiency of LEP students; (3) reward principals who successfully raise the performance of a substantial number of low-performing students to high academic levels; (4) develop or implement school district-wide programs or policies to increase the level of student performance on State assessments aligned with State content standards; and (5) reward schools for consistently high achievement in another area that the LEA deems appropriate to reward. Authorizes appropriations for such awards. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain amounts not reserved for other specified activities to: (1) support activities of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; (2) study and disseminate information regarding model programs assisted under ESEA; (3) provide training and technical assistance to recipients of ESEA funds in administering and implementing ESEA-assisted activities; (4) support activities to promote systemic education reform at State and local levels; (5) award grants or contracts to public or private nonprofit entities to develop and disseminate exemplary reading, mathematics, science, and technology educational practices, and instructional materials to States, LEAs, and schools; (6) disseminate information on models of value-added assessments; (7) award a grant or contract to a public or private nonprofit entity or consortium to develop and disseminate exemplary programs and curricula for accelerated and advanced learning for all students, including gifted and talented students; (8) award a grant or contract with Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., and other public or private nonprofit entities to support and promote programs which include distribution of inexpensive books to students and literacy activities that motivate children to read; and (9) develop English language development standards and assessments, and native language tests for LEP students that States may use to assess student achievement in reading, science, and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: General Provisions and Repeals - Requires SEAs and LEAs to use ESEA funds to supplement, and not supplant, State or local funds. (Sec. 802) Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the following ESEA titles: (1) V, Promoting Equity; (2) X, Programs of National Significance; (3) XI, Coordinated Services; (4) XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement; and (5) XIII, Support and Assistive Programs to Improve Education.

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Alber delivered on 21 March 2000. # Criminal proceedings against Graeme Edgar Hume. # Reference for a preliminary ruling: Sedgefield Magistrates' Court - United Kingdom. # Social legislation relating to road transport - Weekly rest period - Postponement. # Case C-193/99.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 March 2000

Rails to Resources Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000

Rails to Resources Act of 2000 - Authorizes and urges the President to enter into an agreement with the government of Canada to establish a joint commission to study the technological and economic feasibility of linking the rail system in Alaska to the nearest appropriate point on the North American continental rail system. Provides for the establishment of the Rails to Resources Fund to pay for the costs of commission activities. Authorizes appropriations.

Uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road (amendment of Directive 95/50/EC)

European Union · European Parliament · 17 March 2000

budgetäre Benachteiligung des Verkehrsträgers Straße

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Alfred Schöls an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend budgetäre Benachteiligung des Verkehrsträgers Straße

geplante Zusammenlegung von Forschungsfonds

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Hedda Kainz an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Zusammenlegung des Forschungsförderungsfonds für die gewerbliche Wirtschaft (FFF), des Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF) und des Innovations- und Technologiefonds (ITF)

Steigerung der Effizienz der Infrastrukturinvestitionen mittels Bundesverkehrswegeplans

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Dr. André d'Aron an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Steigerung der Effizienz der Infrastrukturinvestitionen mittels Bundesverkehrswegeplans

Verbindung der anwendungsorientierten Forschung mit der Grundlagenforschung

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Dr. Peter Böhm an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Verbindung der anwendungsorientierten Forschung mit der Grundlagenforschung

unternehmenspolitische Maßnahmen bei den Österreichischen Bundesbahnen

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Karl Boden an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend unternehmenspolitische Maßnahmen bei den Österreichischen Bundesbahnen

Attraktivierung des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Johann Kraml an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Attraktivierung des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs

Reduzierung der Zahl der Verkehrsunfälle mit Todesfolge

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Ing. Walter Grasberger an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Reduzierung der Zahl der Verkehrsunfälle mit Todesfolge

Umsetzung der fahrleistungsabhängigen LKW-Maut

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Dipl.-Ing. Hannes Missethon an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Umsetzung der fahrleistungsabhängigen LKW-Mau

Empfehlung des Generalanwaltes am Europäischen Gerichtshof

Austria · Federal Council · 16 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Maria Grander an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schmid betreffend Empfehlung des Generalanwaltes am Europäischen Gerichtshof

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 16 March 2000.#Compagnie maritime belge transports SA (C-395/96 P), Compagnie maritime belge SA (C-395/96 P) and Dafra-Lines A/S (C-396/96 P) v Commission of the European Communities.#Competition - International maritime transport - Liner conferences - Regulation (EEC) No 4056/86 - Article 86 of the EC Treaty (now Article 82 EC) - Collective dominant position - Exclusivity agreement between national authorities and liner conferences - Liner conference insisting on application of the agreement - Fighting ships - Loyalty rebates - Rights of defence - Fines - Assessment criteria.#Joined cases C-395/96 P and C-396/96 P.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 16 March 2000

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding Internet security and "cyberterrorism".

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000

Designates cyberterrorism as an emerging threat to the national security of the United States and the nation's electronic infrastructure. Calls for: (1) a partnership between the Federal Government and private industry in combating the cyber menace; (2) a revised legal framework for the prosecution of hackers and cyberterrorists; and (3) a new interagency study to be conducted by the Departments of Commerce and Defense, the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assess the threat posed by cyberterrorists.

4. Linzer Donaubrücke

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend <i>(Projekt einer)</i> 4. Linzer Donaubrücke

Ausbau der Westbahn und Innviertler Bahn

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend <i>(Ausbau der )</i> Westbahn und Innviertler Bahn

Flugverkehr in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Landesverteidigung betreffend Flugverkehr in Österreich

Ausbau der B 125/310

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Ausbau der B 125/310 <i>(Prager Straße/Mühlviertler Straße)</i>

Summerauer Bahn

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Summerauer Bahn

Ausbau der Innkreisbahn

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Ausbau der Innkreisbahn

Flugverkehr in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Flugverkehr in Österreich

4. Linzer Donaubrücke

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend <i>(Projekt einer)</i> 4. Linzer Donaubrücke

City-S-Bahn für Linz

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend City-S-Bahn für Linz

Ausbau der B 125/310

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Ausbau der B 125/310 <i>(Prager Straße/Mühlviertler Straße)</i>

Freistellung der ÖPNV von der Ökosteuer (G-SIG: 14051675)

Germany · German Bundestag · 10 March 2000

76 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that adequate vehicle testing is in place for school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7056/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 March 2000

76 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that adequate vehicle testing is in place for school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7056/00]

76 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that adequate vehicle testing is in place for school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7056/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 March 2000

76 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that adequate vehicle testing is in place for school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7056/00]

11 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself on the safety and road worthiness of school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7055/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 March 2000

11 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself on the safety and road worthiness of school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7055/00]

National Women's Business Council Reauthorization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000

National Women's Business Council Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to add specified duties of the National Women's Business Council, including working with Federal agencies to assist them in meeting the five percent women's procurement goal (obtaining five percent of all Federal procurement contracts and subcontracts) established under the Small Business Act. Repeals deadline dates for the appointment of a Council chairperson, executive director, and members. Repeals a required Council study on the award of Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned businesses. Directs the Council to work with State and local officials and business leaders to develop the infrastructure for women's business enterprise so as to increase women's effectiveness in shaping the economic agendas of their States and communities. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Council activities.

6 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the input, if any, his Department had into the formulation of policy regarding the future of Aer Rianta in view of the fact that there is an onus on the State to facilitate the provision of frequent reliable and cost effective access to the country and to the regions. [6942/00

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 2000

6 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the input, if any, his Department had into the formulation of policy regarding the future of Aer Rianta in view of the fact that there is an onus on the State to facilitate the provision of frequent reliable and cost effective access to the country and to the regions. [6942/00

Driver Distraction Prevention Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

Driver Distraction Prevention Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into an arrangement with Temple University's Institute for Survey Research, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the impact on highway safety of distractions to drivers operating motor vehicles in the United States. Authorizes appropriations.

Expressing support for humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Mozambique.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2000

Commends: (1) the Government of the Republic of South Africa for its quick response and assistance to the Mozambican people; (2) the Government of the United Kingdom for announcing debt cancellation for Mozambique so that financial resources may be dedicated to the national relief and recovery effort; and (3) the Administration for its growing involvement and leadership in coordinating America's disaster assistance package to Mozambique. Urges the U.S. Government to take the lead in coordinating international efforts to help Mozambique salvage what remains of this year's food crops and to provide seeds for rural agricultural growers. Calls for the international community to: (1) continue to provide emergency relief, airlift capacity, and other disaster assistance to Mozambique for the next 90 days;(2) take all necessary steps to locate and demarcate areas that may now harbor semi-boyant plastic land mines transported to new locations by the flooding in Mozambique; (3) develop a coordinated response to the Government of Mozambique's request for recovery and reconstruction assistance for buildings and transportation infrastructure; and (4) assist the nations of southern Africa to increase their capacity to respond to national emergencies and natural disasters.

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Léger delivered on 7 March 2000. # The Queen v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, ex parte First Corporate Shipping Ltd, interveners: World Wide Fund for Nature UK (WWF) and Avon Wildlife Trust. # Reference for a preliminary ruling: High Court of Justice (England & Wales), Queen's Bench Division (Divisional Court) - United Kingdom. # Directive 92/43/EEC - Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - Definition of the boundaries of sites eligible for designation as special areas of conservation - Discretion of the Member States - Economic and social considerations - Severn Estuary. # Case C-371/98.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 7 March 2000

österreichisches Programm für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raumes

Austria · Federal Council · 6 March 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Ing. Franz Gruber an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft Mag. Wilhelm Molterer betreffend österreichisches Programm für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raumes

Generalsanierung der B 49 Angern-Marchegg und der Ortseinfahrt Waltersdorf an der March

Austria · National Council · 2 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Robert Rada, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Generalsanierung der B 49 <i>(Bernstein Straße)</i> Angern-Marchegg und der Ortseinfahrt Waltersdorf an der March

Mopedausweis mit 15 Jahren

Austria · National Council · 2 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Jakob Auer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Mopedausweis mit 15 Jahren

Trassenführung der künftigen Koralmbahn - Stadt Deutschlandsberg

Austria · National Council · 2 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ludmilla Parfuss, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Trassenführung der künftigen Koralmbahn - Stadt Deutschlandsberg

Vorgesehene EU-Richtlinie für Busse mit fahrzeuggebundener Einstiegshilfe (G-SIG: 14010917)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 March 2000

Umsetzung der EU-Richtlinie in nationales Recht, analoge Regelungen im öffentlichen Personen-Nah- und Fernverkehr

Reserveflächen für den Ausbau der Inntal Autobahn

Austria · National Council · 1 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Evelin Lichtenberger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Reserveflächen für den Ausbau der Inntal Autobahn

Autobahnauffahrt Innsbruck-Mitte

Austria · National Council · 1 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Evelin Lichtenberger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Autobahnauffahrt Innsbruck-Mitte

Ausbaupläne Bundesstraßennetz

Austria · National Council · 1 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Evelin Lichtenberger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Ausbaupläne Bundesstraßennetz

Semmeringbasistunnel

Austria · National Council · 1 March 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dieter Brosz, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Semmeringbasistunnel

11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the programme for his visits to East Timor, Australia and the USA has been finalised; the means of transport he will use for the trip; the size of his travelling party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5903/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the programme for his visits to East Timor, Australia and the USA has been finalised; the means of transport he will use for the trip; the size of his travelling party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5903/00]

A bill to authorize Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas.

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment, with respect to: (1) roofs, electrical wiring, or plumbing repair or replacement; (2) heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems' repair, replacement, or installation; (3) title XII repairs and renovations compliance with specified accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (4) other types of school repairs and renovations that the Secretary of Education may reasonably determine are urgently needed, particularly projects to correct facilities problems that endanger the health and safety of students and staff. Requires title XII grant or loan applicants to demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that they lack sufficient funds from other sources to carry out the repairs or renovations for which they are requesting assistance. Provides for the following types and portions of title XII assistance: (1) a specified amount reserved for allocated grants to LEAs with high concentrations of students living on Indian lands (which may be used for new school construction if renovating an existing school would not be cost-effective); (2) ten percent of the remainder for competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs (with at least a quarter of their students being from families with incomes below the poverty line); and (3) 90 percent of such remainder for competitive grants and loans to high-need LEAs that lack the ability to fund urgent school repairs (with a limitation on the amount of the loan volume). Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits title XII assistance for repair or renovation of athletic stadiums or other structures or facilities intended primarily for athletic events for which admission is charged to the general public.