[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2943 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        S.2943

                       One Hundred Sixth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

           Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday,
             the twenty-fourth day of January, two thousand


                                 An Act


 
 To authorize additional assistance for international malaria control, 
                         and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Assistance for International Malaria 
Control Act''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

          TITLE I--ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Assistance for malaria prevention, treatment, control, and 
          elimination.

       TITLE II--POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES WITH RESPECT TO MACAU

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings and declarations; sense of Congress.
Sec. 203. Continued application of United States law.
Sec. 204. Reporting requirement.
Sec. 205. Definitions.

         TITLE III--UNITED STATES-CANADA ALASKA RAIL COMMISSION

Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Findings.
Sec. 303. Agreement for a United States-Canada bilateral commission.
Sec. 304. Composition of Commission.
Sec. 305. Governance and staffing of Commission.
Sec. 306. Duties.
Sec. 307. Commencement and termination of Commission.
Sec. 308. Funding.
Sec. 309. Definitions.

            TITLE IV--PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION ACT OF 2000

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Purposes.
Sec. 403. Establishment of commission.
Sec. 404. Duties of Commission.
Sec. 405. Membership of Commission.
Sec. 406. Powers of Commission.
Sec. 407. Staff and support services of Commission.
Sec. 408. Termination.
Sec. 409. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 410. Effective date.

                    TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 501. Assistance efforts in Sudan.
Sec. 502. Authority to provide towing assistance.
Sec. 503. Sense of Congress on the American University in Bulgaria.

       TITLE VI--PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS ACT OF 2000

Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings.
Sec. 603. Designation of Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program.

         TITLE I--ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``International Malaria Control Act 
of 2000''.

SEC. 102. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
        (1) The World Health Organization estimates that there are 
    300,000,000 to 500,000,000 cases of malaria each year.
        (2) According to the World Health Organization, more than 
    1,000,000 persons are estimated to die due to malaria each year.
        (3) According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40 
    percent of the world's population is at risk of becoming infected.
        (4) About half of those who die each year from malaria are 
    children under 9 years of age.
        (5) Malaria kills one child each 30 seconds.
        (6) Although malaria is a public health problem in more than 90 
    countries, more than 90 percent of all malaria cases are in sub-
    Saharan Africa.
        (7) In addition to Africa, large areas of Central and South 
    America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Indian subcontinent, 
    Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are high risk malaria areas.
        (8) These high risk areas represent many of the world's poorest 
    nations.
        (9) Malaria is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. The 
    disease causes severe anemia and is a major factor contributing to 
    maternal deaths in malaria endemic regions.
        (10) ``Airport malaria'', the importing of malaria by 
    international aircraft and other conveyances, is becoming more 
    common, and the United Kingdom reported 2,364 cases of malaria in 
    1997, all of them imported by travelers.
        (11) In the United States, of the 1,400 cases of malaria 
    reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1998, 
    the vast majority were imported.
        (12) Between 1970 and 1997, the malaria infection rate in the 
    United States increased by about 40 percent.
        (13) Malaria is caused by a single-cell parasite that is spread 
    to humans by mosquitoes.
        (14) No vaccine is available and treatment is hampered by 
    development of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant 
    mosquitoes.
    SEC. 103. ASSISTANCE FOR MALARIA PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CONTROL, 
      AND ELIMINATION.
    (a) Assistance.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator of the United States Agency 
    for International Development, in coordination with the heads of 
    other appropriate Federal agencies and nongovernmental 
    organizations, shall provide assistance for the establishment and 
    conduct of activities designed to prevent, treat, control, and 
    eliminate malaria in countries with a high percentage of malaria 
    cases.
        (2) Consideration of interaction among epidemics.--In providing 
    assistance pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator should 
    consider the interaction among the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, malaria, 
    and tuberculosis.
        (3) Dissemination of information requirement.--Activities 
    referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the dissemination of 
    information relating to the development of vaccines and therapeutic 
    agents for the prevention of malaria (including information 
    relating to participation in, and the results of, clinical trials 
    for such vaccines and agents conducted by United States Government 
    agencies) to appropriate officials in such countries.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
        (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
    carry out subsection (a) $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 
    2001 and 2002.
        (2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the 
    authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) are authorized 
    to remain available until expended.

      TITLE II--POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES WITH RESPECT TO MACAU

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``United States-Macau Policy Act of 
2000''.

SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    (a) Findings and Declarations.--Congress makes the following 
findings and declarations:
        (1) The continued economic prosperity of Macau furthers United 
    States interests in the People's Republic of China and Asia.
        (2) Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of 
    United States foreign policy, and as such, that principle naturally 
    applies to United States policy toward Macau.
        (3) The human rights of the people of Macau are of great 
    importance to the United States and are directly relevant to United 
    States interests in Macau.
        (4) A fully successful transition in the exercise of 
    sovereignty over Macau must continue to safeguard human rights in 
    and of themselves.
        (5) Human rights also serve as a basis for Macau's continued 
    economic prosperity, and Congress takes note of Macau's adherence 
    to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 
    International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) the United States should play an active role in maintaining 
    Macau's confidence and prosperity, Macau's unique cultural 
    heritage, and the mutually beneficial ties between the people of 
    the United States and the people of Macau;
        (2) through its policies, the United States should contribute 
    to Macau's ability to maintain a high degree of autonomy in matters 
    other than defense and foreign affairs as promised by the People's 
    Republic of China and the Republic of Portugal in the Joint 
    Declaration, particularly with respect to such matters as trade, 
    commerce, law enforcement, finance, monetary policy, aviation, 
    shipping, communications, tourism, cultural affairs, sports, and 
    participation in international organizations, consistent with the 
    national security and other interests of the United States; and
        (3) the United States should actively seek to establish and 
    expand direct bilateral ties and agreements with Macau in economic, 
    trade, financial, monetary, mutual legal assistance, law 
    enforcement, communication, transportation, and other appropriate 
    areas.

SEC. 203. CONTINUED APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES LAW.

    (a) Continued Application.--
        (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any change in the exercise of 
    sovereignty over Macau, and subject to subsections (b) and (c), the 
    laws of the United States shall continue to apply with respect to 
    Macau in the same manner as the laws of the United States were 
    applied with respect to Macau before December 20, 1999, unless 
    otherwise expressly provided by law or by Executive order issued 
    pursuant to paragraph (2).
        (2) Exception.--Whenever the President determines that Macau is 
    not sufficiently autonomous to justify treatment under a particular 
    law of the United States, or any provision thereof, different from 
    that accorded the People's Republic of China, the President may 
    issue an Executive order suspending the application of paragraph 
    (1) to such law or provision of law. The President shall promptly 
    notify the Committee on International Relations of the House of 
    Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
    Senate concerning any such determination and shall publish the 
    Executive order in the Federal Register.
    (b) Export Controls.--
        (1) In general.--The export control laws, regulations, and 
    practices of the United States shall apply to Macau in the same 
    manner and to the same extent that such laws, regulations, and 
    practices apply to the People's Republic of China, and in no case 
    shall such laws, regulations, and practices be applied less 
    restrictively to exports to Macau than to exports to the People's 
    Republic of China.
        (2) Rule of construction.--Paragraph (1) shall not be construed 
    as prohibiting the provision of export control assistance to Macau.
    (c) International Agreements.--
        (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b) and paragraph (2), 
    for all purposes, including actions in any court of the United 
    States, Congress approves of the continuation in force after 
    December 20, 1999, of all treaties and other international 
    agreements, including multilateral conventions, entered into before 
    such date between the United States and Macau, or entered into 
    force before such date between the United States and the Republic 
    of Portugal and applied to Macau, unless or until terminated in 
    accordance with law.
        (2) Exception.--If, in carrying out this subsection, the 
    President determines that Macau is not legally competent to carry 
    out its obligations under any such treaty or other international 
    agreement, or that the continuation of Macau's obligations or 
    rights under any such treaty or other international agreement is 
    not appropriate under the circumstances, the President shall take 
    appropriate action to modify or terminate such treaty or other 
    international agreement. The President shall promptly notify the 
    Committee on International Relations of the House of 
    Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
    Senate concerning such determination.

SEC. 204. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and not later than March 31 of each of the years 
2001, 2002, and 2003, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the 
Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on 
conditions in Macau of interest to the United States. The report shall 
describe--
        (1) significant developments in United States relations with 
    Macau, including any determination made under section 203;
        (2) significant developments related to the change in the 
    exercise of sovereignty over Macau affecting United States 
    interests in Macau or United States relations with Macau and the 
    People's Republic of China;
        (3) the development of democratic institutions in Macau;
        (4) compliance by the Government of the People's Republic of 
    China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal with their 
    obligations under the Joint Declaration; and
        (5) the nature and extent of Macau's participation in 
    multilateral forums.
    (b) Separate Part of Country Reports.--Whenever a report is 
transmitted to Congress on a country-by-country basis, there shall be 
included in such report, where applicable, a separate subreport on 
Macau under the heading of the country that exercises sovereignty over 
Macau.

SEC. 205. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
        (1) Joint declaration.--The term ``Joint Declaration'' means 
    the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of 
    China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the 
    Question of Macau, dated April 13, 1987.
        (2) Macau.--The term ``Macau'' means the territory that prior 
    to December 20, 1999, was the Portuguese Dependent Territory of 
    Macau and after December 20, 1999, became the Macau Special 
    Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

         TITLE III--UNITED STATES-CANADA ALASKA RAIL COMMISSION

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Rails to Resources Act of 2000''.

SEC. 302. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
        (1) rail transportation is an essential component of the North 
    American intermodal transportation system;
        (2) the development of economically strong and socially stable 
    communities in the western United States and Canada was encouraged 
    significantly by government policies promoting the development of 
    integrated transcontinental, interstate and interprovincial rail 
    systems in the States, territories and provinces of the two 
    countries;
        (3) United States and Canadian federal support for the 
    completion of new elements of the transcontinental, interstate and 
    interprovincial rail systems was halted before rail connections 
    were established to the State of Alaska and the Yukon Territory;
        (4) rail transportation in otherwise isolated areas facilitates 
    controlled access and may reduce overall impact to environmentally 
    sensitive areas;
        (5) the extension of the continental rail system through 
    northern British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to the current 
    terminus of the Alaska Railroad would significantly benefit the 
    United States and Canadian visitor industries by facilitating the 
    comfortable movement of passengers over long distances while 
    minimizing effects on the surrounding areas; and
        (6) ongoing research and development efforts in the rail 
    industry continue to increase the efficiency of rail 
    transportation, ensure safety, and decrease the impact of rail 
    service on the environment.
    SEC. 303. AGREEMENT FOR A UNITED STATES-CANADA BILATERAL 
      COMMISSION.
    The President is authorized and urged to enter into an agreement 
with the Government of Canada to establish an independent joint 
commission to study the feasibility and advisability of linking the 
rail system in Alaska to the nearest appropriate point on the North 
American continental rail system.

SEC. 304. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Membership.--
        (1) Total membership.--The Agreement should provide for the 
    Commission to be composed of 24 members, of which 12 members are 
    appointed by the President and 12 members are appointed by the 
    Government of Canada.
        (2) General qualifications.--The Agreement should provide for 
    the membership of the Commission, to the maximum extent 
    practicable, to be representative of--
            (A) the interests of the local communities (including the 
        governments of the communities), aboriginal peoples, and 
        businesses that would be affected by the connection of the rail 
        system in Alaska to the North American continental rail system; 
        and
            (B) a broad range of expertise in areas of knowledge that 
        are relevant to the significant issues to be considered by the 
        Commission, including economics, engineering, management of 
        resources, social sciences, fish and game management, 
        environmental sciences, and transportation.
    (b) United States Membership.--If the United States and Canada 
enter into an agreement providing for the establishment of the 
Commission, the President shall appoint the United States members of 
the Commission as follows:
        (1) Two members from among persons who are qualified to 
    represent the interests of communities and local governments of 
    Alaska.
        (2) One member representing the State of Alaska, to be 
    nominated by the Governor of Alaska.
        (3) One member from among persons who are qualified to 
    represent the interests of Native Alaskans residing in the area of 
    Alaska that would be affected by the extension of rail service.
        (4) Three members from among persons involved in commercial 
    activities in Alaska who are qualified to represent commercial 
    interests in Alaska, of which one shall be a representative of the 
    Alaska Railroad Corporation.
        (5) One member representing United States Class I rail carriers 
    and one member representing United States rail labor.
        (6) Three members with relevant expertise, at least one of whom 
    shall be an engineer with expertise in subarctic transportation and 
    at least one of whom shall have expertise on the environmental 
    impact of such transportation.
    (c) Canadian Membership.--The Agreement should provide for the 
Canadian membership of the Commission to be representative of broad 
categories of interests of Canada as the Government of Canada 
determines appropriate, consistent with subsection (a)(2).

SEC. 305. GOVERNANCE AND STAFFING OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Chairman.--The Agreement should provide for the Chairman of the 
Commission to be elected from among the members of the Commission by a 
majority vote of the members.
    (b) Compensation and Expenses of United States Members.--
        (1) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission appointed by 
    the President who is not an officer or employee of the Federal 
    Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily 
    equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV 
    of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
    States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such 
    member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the 
    Commission. Each such member who is an officer or employee of the 
    United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that 
    received for services as an officer or employee of the United 
    States.
        (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Commission appointed 
    by the President shall be allowed travel expenses, including per 
    diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of 
    agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
    Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in 
    the performance of services for the Commission.
    (c) Staff.--
        (1) In general.--The Agreement should provide for the 
    appointment of a staff and an executive director to be the head of 
    the staff.
        (2) Compensation.--Funds made available for the Commission by 
    the United States may be used to pay the compensation of the 
    executive director and other personnel at rates fixed by the 
    Commission that are not in excess of the rate payable for level V 
    of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United 
    States Code.
    (d) Office.--The Agreement should provide for the office of the 
Commission to be located in a mutually agreed location within the 
impacted areas of Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and northern British 
Columbia.
    (e) Meetings.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission to 
meet at least biannually to review progress and to provide guidance to 
staff and others, and to hold, in locations within the affected areas 
of Alaska, the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia, such 
additional informational or public meetings as the Commission deems 
necessary to the conduct of its business.
    (f) Procurement of Services.--The Agreement should authorize and 
encourage the Commission to procure by contract, to the maximum extent 
practicable, the services (including any temporary and intermittent 
services) that the Commission determines necessary for carrying out the 
duties of the Commission. In the case of any contract for the services 
of an individual, funds made available for the Commission by the United 
States may not be used to pay for the services of the individual at a 
rate that exceeds the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 306. DUTIES.

    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--The Agreement should provide for the 
    Commission to study and assess, on the basis of all available 
    relevant information, the feasibility and advisability of linking 
    the rail system in Alaska to the North American continental rail 
    system through the continuation of the rail system in Alaska from 
    its northeastern terminus to a connection with the continental rail 
    system in Canada.
        (2) Specific issues.--The Agreement should provide for the 
    study and assessment to include the consideration of the following 
    issues:
            (A) Railroad engineering.
            (B) Land ownership.
            (C) Geology.
            (D) Proximity to mineral, timber, tourist, and other 
        resources.
            (E) Market outlook.
            (F) Environmental considerations.
            (G) Social effects, including changes in the use or 
        availability of natural resources.
            (H) Potential financing mechanisms.
        (3) Route.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission, 
    upon finding that it is feasible and advisable to link the rail 
    system in Alaska as described in paragraph (1), to determine one or 
    more recommended routes for the rail segment that establishes the 
    linkage, taking into consideration cost, distance, access to 
    potential freight markets, environmental matters, existing 
    corridors that are already used for ground transportation, the 
    route surveyed by the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II 
    and such other factors as the Commission determines relevant.
        (4) Combined corridor evaluation.--The Agreement should also 
    provide for the Commission to consider whether it would be feasible 
    and advisable to combine the power transmission infrastructure and 
    petroleum product pipelines of other utilities into one corridor 
    with a rail extension of the rail system of Alaska.
    (b) Report.--The Agreement should require the Commission to submit 
to Congress and the Secretary of Transportation and to the Minister of 
Transport of the Government of Canada, not later than 3 years after the 
Commission commencement date, a report on the results of the study, 
including the Commission's findings regarding the feasibility and 
advisability of linking the rail system in Alaska as described in 
subsection (a)(1) and the Commission's recommendations regarding the 
preferred route and any alternative routes for the rail segment 
establishing the linkage.

SEC. 307. COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Commencement.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission 
to begin to function on the date on which all members are appointed to 
the Commission as provided for in the Agreement.
    (b) Termination.--The Commission should be terminated 90 days after 
the date on which the Commission submits its report under section 306.

SEC. 308. FUNDING.

    (a) Rails to Resources Fund.--The Agreement should provide for the 
following:
        (1) Establishment.--The establishment of an interest-bearing 
    account to be known as the ``Rails to Resources Fund''.
        (2) Contributions.--The contribution by the United States and 
    the Government of Canada to the Fund of amounts that are sufficient 
    for the Commission to carry out its duties.
        (3) Availability.--The availability of amounts in the Fund to 
    pay the costs of Commission activities.
        (4) Dissolution.--Dissolution of the Fund upon the termination 
    of the Commission and distribution of the amounts remaining in the 
    Fund between the United States and the Government of Canada.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to any fund established for use by the Commission as 
described in subsection (a)(1) $6,000,000, to remain available until 
expended.

SEC. 309. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
        (1) Agreement.--The term ``Agreement'' means an agreement 
    described in section 303.
        (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means a commission 
    established pursuant to any Agreement.

            TITLE IV--PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION ACT OF 2000

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Pacific Charter Commission Act of 
2000''.

SEC. 402. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this title are--
        (1) to promote a consistent and coordinated foreign policy of 
    the United States to ensure economic and military security in the 
    Asia-Pacific region;
        (2) to support democratization, the rule of law, and human 
    rights in the Asia-Pacific region;
        (3) to promote United States exports to the Asia-Pacific region 
    by advancing economic cooperation;
        (4) to assist in combating terrorism and the spread of illicit 
    narcotics in the Asia-Pacific region; and
        (5) to advocate an active role for the United States Government 
    in diplomacy, security, and the furtherance of good governance and 
    the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific region.

SEC. 403. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

    (a) In General.--The President is authorized to establish a 
commission to be known as the Pacific Charter Commission (hereafter in 
this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
    (b) Expiration of Authority.--The authority to establish the 
Commission under this section shall expire at the close of December 31, 
2002.

SEC. 404. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Duties.--The Commission should establish and carry out, either 
directly or through nongovernmental organizations, programs, projects, 
and activities to achieve the purposes described in section 402, 
including research and educational or legislative exchanges between the 
United States and countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
    (b) Monitoring of Developments.--The Commission should monitor 
developments in countries of the Asia-Pacific region with respect to 
United States foreign policy toward such countries, the status of 
democratization, the rule of law and human rights in the region, 
economic relations among the United States and such countries, and 
activities related to terrorism and the illicit narcotics trade.
    (c) Policy Review and Recommendations.--In carrying out this 
section, the Commission should evaluate United States Government 
policies toward countries of the Asia-Pacific region and recommend 
options for policies of the United States Government with respect to 
such countries, with a particular emphasis on countries that are of 
importance to the foreign policy, economic, and military interests of 
the United States.
    (d) Contacts With Other Entities.--In performing the functions 
described in subsections (a) through (c), the Commission should, as 
appropriate, seek out and maintain contacts with nongovernmental 
organizations, international organizations, and representatives of 
industry, including receiving reports and updates from such 
organizations and evaluating such reports.
    (e) Annual Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
establishment of the Commission, and not later than the end of each 12-
month period thereafter, the Commission shall prepare and submit to the 
President and Congress a report that contains the findings of the 
Commission, in the case of the initial report, during the period since 
the date of establishment of the Commission, or, in the case of each 
subsequent report, during the preceding 12-month period. Each such 
report shall contain--
        (1) recommendations for legislative, executive, or other 
    actions resulting from the evaluation of policies described in 
    subsection (c);
        (2) a description of programs, projects, and activities of the 
    Commission for the prior year or, in the case of the initial 
    report, since the date of establishment of the Commission; and
        (3) a complete accounting of the expenditures made by the 
    Commission during the prior year or, in the case of the initial 
    report, since the date of establishment of the Commission.

SEC. 405. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Composition.--If established pursuant to section 403, the 
Commission shall be composed of seven members all of whom--
        (1) shall be citizens of the United States who are not officers 
    or employees of any government, except to the extent they are 
    considered such officers or employees by virtue of their membership 
    on the Commission; and
        (2) shall have interest and expertise in issues relating to the 
    Asia-Pacific region.
    (b) Appointment.--
        (1) In general.--The individuals referred to in subsection (a) 
    shall be appointed--
            (A) by the President, after consultation with the Speaker 
        and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the 
        Chairman and ranking member of the Committee on International 
        Relations of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader 
        and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Chairman and ranking 
        member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
            (B) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
        (2) Political affiliation.--Not more than four of the 
    individuals appointed under paragraph (1) may be affiliated with 
    the same political party.
    (c) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed for a 
term of 6 years.
    (d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the 
same manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (e) Chairperson; Vice Chairperson.--The President shall designate a 
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission from among the 
members of the Commission.
    (f) Compensation.--
        (1) Rates of pay.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), members 
    of the Commission shall serve without pay.
        (2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Commission may receive 
    travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
    accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States 
    Code.
    (g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
Chairperson.
    (h) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall 
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
    (i) Affirmative Determinations.--An affirmative vote by a majority 
of the members of the Commission shall be required for any affirmative 
determination by the Commission under section 404.

SEC. 406. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings and Investigations.--The Commission may hold such 
hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony and 
receive such evidence, and conduct such investigations as the 
Commission considers advisable to carry out this title.
    (b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure 
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the 
Commission considers necessary to carry out this title. Upon request of 
the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of any such department or 
agency shall furnish such information to the Commission as 
expeditiously as possible.
    (c) Contributions.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of 
gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real and 
personal, for the purpose of assisting or facilitating the work of the 
Commission. Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and proceeds from 
sales of other property received as gifts, bequests, or devises shall 
be deposited in the Treasury and shall be available for disbursement 
upon order of the Commission.
    (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the 
same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and 
agencies of the United States.

SEC. 407. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Executive Director.--The Commission shall have an executive 
director appointed by the Commission who shall serve the Commission 
under such terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be 
appropriate.
    (b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such 
additional personnel, not to exceed 10 individuals, as it considers 
appropriate.
    (c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the chairperson of 
the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a 
nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the 
Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties under 
this title.
    (d) Experts and Consultants.--The chairperson of the Commission may 
procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of 
title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 408. TERMINATION.

    The Commission shall terminate not later than 6 years after the 
date of the establishment of the Commission.

SEC. 409. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--In the event the Commission is established, there 
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $2,500,000 
for the initial 24-month period of the existence of the Commission.
    (b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the 
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) are authorized to 
remain available until expended.

SEC. 410. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This title shall take effect on February 1, 2001.

                   TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 501. ASSISTANCE EFFORTS IN SUDAN.

    (a) Additional Authorities.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, the President is authorized to undertake appropriate programs 
using Federal agencies, contractual arrangements, or direct support of 
indigenous groups, agencies, or organizations in areas outside of 
control of the Government of Sudan in an effort to provide emergency 
relief, promote economic self-sufficiency, build civil authority, 
provide education, enhance rule of law and the development of judicial 
and legal frameworks, support people-to-people reconciliation efforts, 
or implement any program in support of any viable peace agreement at 
the local, regional, or national level in Sudan.
    (b) Exception to Export Prohibitions.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the prohibitions set forth with respect to Sudan in 
Executive Order No. 13067 of November 3, 1997 (62 Fed. Register 59989) 
shall not apply to any export from an area in Sudan outside of control 
of the Government of Sudan, or to any necessary transaction directly 
related to that export, if the President determines that the export or 
related transaction, as the case may be, would directly benefit the 
economic development of that area and its people.

SEC. 502. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TOWING ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
        (1) The United States LST Association (in this section referred 
    to as the ``Association'') is a patriotic organization dedicated to 
    honoring the memories of those brave American servicemen who 
    selflessly served, and often made the ultimate sacrifice, in the 
    defense of the United States, its allies, and the principles of 
    democracy and freedom.
        (2) The Association is currently engaged in efforts to return 
    to the United States the former United States warship, Landing Ship 
    Tank 325 (LST 325) to serve as a memorial to those American 
    servicemen who went into harm's way aboard and from such warships.
    (b) Authorization.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to 
provide towing services from a suitable vessel of the United States 
Navy to tow the former LST 325 from its present location, or a location 
to be determined by the Secretary, to a port on the East Coast of the 
United States to be determined by the Secretary. The Secretary of the 
Navy may not provide such services unless the Secretary finds that the 
provision of such services will not interfere with military operations, 
military readiness, naval force presence requirements, or the 
accomplishment of the specific missions of the vessel providing the 
towing services.
    (c) Limitations.--The services authorized by subsection (b) may not 
be provided except as part of a regular rotation of the vessel 
providing the services back to the United States. Such services may be 
provided only after--
        (1) the former LST 325 has been determined by a professional 
    marine survey or by the United States Coast Guard to be seaworthy 
    for towing and meeting requirements for entry into a United States 
    port; and
        (2) the Association has named the United States Navy as an 
    additional insured party to the tow hull policy covering the former 
    LST 325, including a waiver of subrogation.
    (d) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary of the Navy may 
require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the 
provision of towing services under this section as the Secretary 
considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
    SEC. 503. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN BULGARIA.
    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that the American University in 
Bulgaria--
        (1) is a fine educational institution that has received 
    generous and well-deserved financial assistance from the United 
    States Government;
        (2) has a successful track record and is educating a generation 
    of leaders who will shape and determine the future of their own 
    societies;
        (3) has instilled in students in the Balkan region of Europe 
    the intellectual rigor of the American system of higher education;
        (4) promotes the study and understanding of democratic 
    governance principles;
        (5) maintains entrance and academic standards that are 
    exemplary and has a commitment to providing educational 
    opportunities that is based upon merit rather than solely on the 
    ability of students to bear the entire cost of their education; and
        (6) is a cost-effective institution of higher learning and 
    offers a high-quality education.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United 
States should assist the American University in Bulgaria to become a 
self-sustaining institution of higher education in the Balkan region of 
Europe.

       TITLE VI--PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS ACT OF 2000

SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Paul D. Coverdell World Wise 
Schools Act of 2000''.

SEC. 602. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
        (1) Paul D. Coverdell was elected to the Georgia State Senate 
    in 1970 and later became Minority Leader of the Georgia State 
    Senate, a post he held for 15 years.
        (2) As the 11th Director of the Peace Corps from 1989 to 1991, 
    Paul Coverdell's dedication to the ideals of peace and 
    understanding helped to shape today's Peace Corps.
        (3) Paul D. Coverdell believed that Peace Corps volunteers 
    could not only make a difference in the countries where they served 
    but that the greatest benefit could be felt at home.
        (4) In 1989, Paul D. Coverdell founded the Peace Corps World 
    Wise Schools Program to help fulfill the Third Goal of the Peace 
    Corps, ``to promote a better understanding of the people served 
    among people of the United States''.
        (5) The World Wise Schools Program is an innovative education 
    program that seeks to engage learners in an inquiry about the 
    world, themselves, and others in order to broaden perspectives; 
    promote cultural awareness; appreciate global connections; and 
    encourage service.
        (6) In a world that is increasingly interdependent and ever 
    changing, the World Wise Schools Program pays tribute to Paul D. 
    Coverdell's foresight and leadership. In the words of one World 
    Wise Schools teacher, ``It's a teacher's job to touch the future of 
    a child; it's the Peace Corps' job to touch the future of the 
    world. What more perfect partnership.''.
        (7) Paul D. Coverdell served in the United States Senate from 
    the State of Georgia from 1993 until his sudden death on July 18, 
    2000.
        (8) Senator Paul D. Coverdell was beloved by his colleagues for 
    his civility, bipartisan efforts, and his dedication to public 
    service.
    SEC. 603. DESIGNATION OF PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS 
      PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Effective on the date of enactment of this Act, 
the program under section 18 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2517) 
referred to before such date as the ``World Wise Schools Program'' is 
redesignated as the ``Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program''.
    (b) References.--Any reference before the date of enactment of this 
Act in any law, regulation, order, document, record, or other paper of 
the United States to the Peace Corps World Wise Schools Program shall, 
on and after such date, be considered to refer to the Paul D. Coverdell 
World Wise Schools Program.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.