[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 154 (Thursday, December 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11789-S11795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMPLAINT DATA DISCLOSURE ACT
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DURBIN AMENDMENT NO. 4362
Mr. GRAMS (for Mr. Durbin) proposed an amendment to the bill (H.R.
1023) to require that each Government agency post monthly, on its
public Web site, certain statistical data relating to Federal sector
equal employment opportunity complaints filed with such agency, and for
other purposes; as follows:
At the appropriate place, insert the following:
SEC. ____. PRIVATE RELIEF PROVISION.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
renunciation of United States citizenship by Valdas Adamkus
on February 25, 1998, in order to become the President of the
Republic of Lithuania shall not--
(1) be treated under any Federal law as having as one of
its purposes the avoidance of any Federal tax,
(2) result in the denial of any benefit under title II or
XVIII of the Social Security Act, or under title 5, United
States Code, or
(3) result in any restriction on the right of Valdas
Adamkus to travel or be admitted to the United States.
______
WATER POLLUTION PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS ACT OF 2000
______
COLLINS AMENDMENT NO. 4363
Mr. GRAMS (for Ms. Collins) proposed an amendment to the bill (S.
870) to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) to
increase the efficiency and accountability of Offices of Inspector
General within Federal departments, and for other purposes; as follows:
On page 23, line 18, strike ``inserting'' and insert
``adding''.
On page 23, lines 21 and 22, strike ``defined under
sections 11(4) and 8G(a)(5)'' and insert ``(as defined under
section 8G(a)(5) or 11(4))''.
On page 23, lines 23 and 24, strike ``defined under
sections 11(4) and 8G(a)(5)'' and insert ``(as defined under
section 8G(a)(5) or 11(4))''.
On page 24, lines 9 and 10, strike ``of Inspector
General''.
On page 24, lines 11 and 12, strike ``of Inspector
General''.
On page 25, line 16, strike ``annual reports'' and insert
``an annual report''.
On page 32, strike lines 8 through 10.
On page 34, insert between lines 18 and 19 the following:
``(30) Inspector General, Tennessee Valley Authority.''.
On page 36, line 16, strike the quotation marks and second
period.
On page 36, insert between lines 16 and 17 the following:
``Inspector General, Tennessee Valley Authority.''.
On page 36, line 23, insert ``of the United States'' after
``Comptroller General''.
On page 37, line 12, strike ``paragraph (2)'' and insert
``subsection (a)''.
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INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL ACT OF 2000
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HELMS AMENDMENT NO. 4364
Mr. BYRD. (for Mr. Helms) proposed an amendment to the bill (S. 2943)
to authorize additional assistance for international malaria control,
and to provide for coordination and consultation in providing
assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to
malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis; as follows:
In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the House
to the text of the bill, insert the following:
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.
[[Page S11792]]
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.
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
[[Page S11793]]
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
[[Page S11794]]
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 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.
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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
Unites 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 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.
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