[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H12504-H12508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL ACT OF 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the Senate 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, 
with a Senate amendment to the House amendments thereto, and concur in 
the Senate amendment to the House amendments.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate bill.
  The Clerk read the Senate amendment to the House amendments, as 
follows:

       Senate Amendment to House Amendments:
       In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the House 
     amendment to the text of the bill, insert:

     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

[[Page H12505]]

     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

[[Page H12506]]

       (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

[[Page H12507]]

     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.

     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

[[Page H12508]]

     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.

  Mr. GILMAN (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that the Senate amendment be considered as read and printed in the 
Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2943, a bill that 
authorizes the appropriation of $50 million for each of fiscal years 
2001 and 2002 to combat malaria in the developing world.
  The International Malaria Control Act of 2000 establishes a program 
to combat the spread of malaria in the developing world and encourage 
other governments and nongovernmental organizations to join the United 
States in this effort.
  I commend Senator Hatch, the Senate sponsor of this legislation, for 
his efforts to stem the spread of malaria and eradicate this disease 
that kills over one million people annually.
  This bill also contains a title, H.R. 825, sponsored by the gentleman 
from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, the distinguished Chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Affairs of the International 
Relations Committee, that provides for the continued application of 
U.S. laws and treaties to Macau in the same manner as prior to December 
20, 1999, when Macau was a Portuguese dependency. This title would also 
apply U.S. export control laws and practices with regard to Macau in 
the same manner as the People's Republic of China.
  The title contains no authorization of appropriations but is an 
important policy statement on the relationship of the U.S. with regard 
to Macau.
  Title III of the bill contains the The Rails to Resources Act of 
2000, S. 2253, a bill introduced by Senator Murkowski, which authorizes 
to be appropriated $6 million for the establishment of the Rails to 
Resources Fund and urges the President to enter into an agreement with 
the government of Canada to establish a joint commission of 20 members 
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.
  Mr. Speaker, title IV of the bill authorizes the establishment of a 
Pacific Charter Commission to carry out the monitor projects in the 
Pacific region of Asia with regard to human rights, rule of law, and 
security issues and to advise the Congress of the United States on 
significant foreign policy issues of interests of the United States.
  Title V of the measure contains three miscellaneous provisions. 
First, it provides the authorities needed to ensure that the Agency for 
International Development pursues development-oriented activities 
inside Sudan and enables U.S. government agencies, including AID and 
USDA, to provide assistance designed to rebuild sustainable agriculture 
inside Sudan. Second, it authorizes the President to provide towing 
services for the former LST 325 from its present location to one deemed 
suitable by the Secretary of the Navy. Third, it expresses the sense of 
Congress that the U.S. should continue to assist the American 
University in Bulgaria to become a self-sustaining institution.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, title VI of the bill would re-designate the 
Peace Corps World Wise Schools Program as the Paul D. Coverdell World 
Wise Schools Program.
  It incorporates H.R. 5357, a bill introduced by the gentleman from 
Georgia, Mr. Lewis, and is a fitting tribute to our late colleagues, 
the distinguished senior Senator form Georgia, Paul D. Coverdell, who 
also served as Peace Corps Director with great distinction.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support and pass S. 2943.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the original request 
of the gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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