[House Report 106-370]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



_______________________________________________________________________
106th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    106-370
_______________________________________________________________________

                                    

                                                                       

  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2000

                               ----------                              

                              R E P O R T

                              to accompany

                               H.R. 3037




October 7, 1999.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed




106th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    106-370

======================================================================



 
  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2000
                                _______
                                

October 7, 1999.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______


    Mr. Porter, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 3037]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
Services (except the Food and Drug Administration and the 
Indian Health Service), and Education, Armed Forces Retirement 
Home, Corporation for National and Community Service, 
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Federal Mediation and 
Conciliation Service, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review 
Commission, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Medicare 
Payment Advisory Commission, National Commission on Libraries 
and Information Science, National Council on Disability, 
National Education Goals Panel, National Labor Relations Board, 
National Mediation Board, Occupational Safety and Health Review 
Commission, Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security 
Administration, and the United States Institute of Peace for 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, and for other 
purposes.

                                  (1)

      

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Title I--Department of Labor:
        Employment and Training Administration.............     2
                                                                     12
        Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration........     7
                                                                     21
        Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation...............     7
                                                                     22
        Employment Standards Administration................     8
                                                                     22
        Occupational Safety and Health Administration......    12
                                                                     25
        Mine Safety and Health Administration..............    15
                                                                     28
        Bureau of Labor Statistics.........................    16
                                                                     29
        Departmental Management............................    17
                                                                     29
        Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and 
            Training.......................................    18
                                                                     30
        Office of the Inspector General....................    18
                                                                     31
        General Provisions.................................    19

Title II--Department of Health and Human Services:
        Health Resources and Services Administration.......    20
                                                                     31
        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.........    23
                                                                     50
        National Institutes of Health......................    24
                                                                     64
        Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
            Administration.................................    30
                                                                    117
        Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.........    30
                                                                    122
        Health Care Financing Administration...............    31
                                                                    123
        Administration for Children and Families...........    34
                                                                    129
        Administration on Aging............................    39
                                                                    140
        Office of the Secretary............................    40
                                                                    143
        General Provisions.................................    43

Title III--Department of Education:
        Education Reform...................................    48
                                                                    152
        Education for the Disadvantaged....................    48
                                                                    158
        Impact Aid.........................................    50
                                                                    162
        School Improvement Programs........................    50
                                                                    164
        Reading Excellence.................................    51
                                                                    172
        Indian Education...................................    51
                                                                    173
        Bilingual and Immigrant Education..................    51
                                                                    174
        Special Education..................................    52
                                                                    177
        Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research....    52
                                                                    181
        Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities.    52
                                                                    187
        Vocational and Adult Education.....................    53
                                                                    189
        Student Financial Assistance.......................    54
                                                                    192
        Federal Family Education Loans.....................    56
                                                                    195
        Higher Education...................................    56
                                                                    195
        Howard University..................................    57
                                                                    203
        College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans......    57
                                                                    204
        Historically Black College and University Capital 
            Financing......................................    58
                                                                    204
        Education Research, Statistics, and Improvement....    58
                                                                    204
        Departmental Management............................    59
                                                                    214
        Office for Civil Rights............................    59
                                                                    215
        Office of the Inspector General....................    60
                                                                    216
        General Provisions.................................    60
                                                                    216
Title IV--Related Agencies:
        Armed Forces Retirement Home.......................    68
                                                                    216
        Corporation for National and Community Service.....    69
                                                                    217
        Corporation for Public Broadcasting................    69
                                                                    218
        Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.........    70
                                                                    219
        Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission...    71
                                                                    219
        Institute of Museum and Library Services...........    71
                                                                    219
        Medicare Payment Advisory Commission...............    71
                                                                    219
        National Commission on Libraries and Information 
            Science........................................    71
                                                                    220
        National Council on Disability.....................    72
                                                                    220
        National Education Goals Panel.....................    72
                                                                    220
        National Labor Relations Board.....................    72
                                                                    220
        National Mediation Board...........................    73
                                                                    221
        Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission...    73
                                                                    221
        Railroad Retirement Board..........................    74
                                                                    221
        Social Security Administration.....................    75
                                                                    222
        United States Institute of Peace...................    80
                                                                    224
Title V--General Provisions................................    81

Title VI--Early detection, diagnosis, and interventions for 
    newborns and infants with hearing loss.................    88
                                                                    225
Title VII--Child Protection Act............................    98

Title VIII--NLRB Jurisdictional Thresholds.................   102

Title IX--Miscellaneous Provisions.........................   103
                                                                    225
Title X--Disaster Relief for Farmers.......................   107

House of Representatives Report Requirements...............
                                                                    225

                Summary of Estimates and Appropriations

    The following table compares on a summary basis the 
appropriations including trust funds for fiscal year 1999, the 
budget estimate for fiscal year 2000 and the Committee 
recommendation for fiscal year 2000 in the accompanying bill.

                                 2000 LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS BILL
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Fiscal Year--               2000 committee
                                                         ---------------------------------     compared to--
                                                                                          ----------------------
                                                             1999       2000       2000       1999        2000
                                                          comparable   budget   committee  comparable    budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor.....................................    $12,727    $13,352    $11,834      -$893     -$1,518
Department of Health and Human Services.................    213,665    232,521    230,431     16,766      -2,090
Department of Education.................................     35,821     37,051     35,660       -161      -1,391
Related Agencies........................................     36,759     37,640     37,329       -348        -312
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
    Grand Total, current year...........................    298,972    320,564    315,254     15,364      -5,311
    Advances............................................     49,414     53,597     51,886      1,722      -2,461
                                                         =======================================================
Current year total using 302(b) scorekeeping............    298,734    320,537    316,034     17,300      -4,503
    Mandatory...........................................    209,041    227,076    226,598     17,557        -478
    Discretionary.......................................     89,693     93,461  \1\ 89,43       -257      -4,025
                                                                                        6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Excludes $508 million in emergency agriculture disaster assistance funding included in title X of the bill.


                                                  DISCRETIONARY
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Fiscal Year--               2000 committee
                                                         ---------------------------------     compared to--
                                                                                          ----------------------
                                                             1999       2000       2000       1999        2000
                                                          comparable   budget   committee  comparable    budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor.....................................    $10,913    $11,588    $10,071      -$842     -$1,517
Department of Health and Human Services.................     37,425     39,056     37,021       -404      -2,035
Department of Education.................................     35,517     34,712     33,321       -196      -1,391
Related Agencies........................................      7,867      8,185      7,874          7        -311
Scorekeeping Adjustments................................        -29        -80      1,149      1,178       1,229
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
    Total Discretionary.................................     89,693     93,461  \1\ 89,43       -257      -4,025
                                                                                        6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Exludes $508 million in emergency agriculture disaster assistance funding included in title X of the bill.

                         Highlights of the Bill

    Funding levels in the fiscal year 2000 appropriation bill 
for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and 
Education and Related Agencies reflect the Committee's attempt 
to establish priorities within the very stringent limitations 
set by the bipartisan budget agreement between the President 
and the leadership of the Congress. As a result, discretionary 
spending in the bill is $257 million below the freeze level as 
calculated by the Congressional Budget Office.
    Mandatory spending continues its inexorable increase, this 
year by $17.5 billion or 8.4%. If the discretionary component 
of the Committee bill were to grow at the same rate, total 
funding would be $97.2 billion. Conversely, if mandatory 
spending were constrained to the same levels of growth as 
inflation, an additional $12.4 billion would be added to the 
surplus, almost doubling the currently projected $14 billion.
    As in past years, the Committee has increased funding for 
programs that work for people and which represent a core 
Federal responsibility. It has maintained or increased funding 
for block grants that provide maximum flexibility for local 
officials. It has rejected the President's hastily formulated 
and thinly justified new program initiatives, favoring instead 
to fund existing programs that will more efficiently and 
effectively address identified needs. Finally, to meet 
Presidential and Congressional priorities and to offset the 
very tight allocation, many programs have had to be cut or 
eliminated.
    Bill total.--Total funding for the fiscal year 2000 
appropriation bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and 
Human Services and Education and Related Agencies is 
$316,034,204,000. For Discretionary accounts the bill provides 
$89,435,706,000.
    Mandatory programs.--The bill provides $226,598,498,000 for 
entitlement programs in fiscal year 2000. Seventy-one percent 
of the funding in the bill is for these mandatory costs. 
Funding requirements for entitlement programs are determined by 
the basic authorizing statutes. Mandatory programs include 
general fund support for the Medicare and Medicaid programs, 
Supplemental Security Income, and Black Lung payments. The 
following chart indicates the funding levels for the major 
mandatory programs in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 and the growth 
in these programs.

                                                    MANDATORY
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Fiscal year     Fiscal year
                             Program                                   1999            2000           Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor:
    Black Lung Disability Trust Fund............................      $1,021,000      $1,013,266         -$7,734
Department of Health and Human Services:
    Health Care Financing Administration:
        Medicaid current law benefits...........................     102,265,000     108,257,500       5,992,500
        Medicare Payments to Health Care Trust Fund.............      62,823,000      69,289,100       6,466,100
Department of Education:
    Rehabilitation Services.....................................       2,304,411       2,338,977          34,566
Related Agencies:
    Social Security Administration:
        Special Benefits for Disabled Coal Miners...............         546,803         524,638         -22,165
        Supplemental Security Income............................      30,475,000      31,150,000         675,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Department of Labor.--The bill appropriates $11,834,368,000 
for the Labor Department, a decrease of $892,891,000 below 
fiscal year 1999 and $1,517,402,000 below the amount requested 
by the President. This funding level includes $4,561,058,000 to 
carry out the provisions of the Workforce Investment Act. The 
Committee recommends an increase in funding for the Job Corps 
operations of $66,358,000 over the fiscal year 1999 level. 
Based on the strong economy and low unemployment, the bill 
provides reduced funding for Adult and Youth training and 
Dislocated Worker Assistance. Total funding for these programs 
is $3,020,828,000, $335,647,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
level and $530,647,000 below the President's request. No 
funding is provided for school-to-work activities in the 
Departments of Labor and Education, completing the phase-out of 
this program one year early.
    Youth Opportunity Grants.--The Committee provides no 
funding for this program. The Committee chose to place the 
scarce funds available under the Bipartisan Budget Agreement 
caps in broader programs that give maximum flexibility to local 
officials.
    Employment Standards Administration.--The Committee 
recommends $314,000,000 for ESA, essentially a program freeze. 
This level is $1,104,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level and 
$62,487,000 below the President's request.
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration.--The 
Committee recommends funding for OSHA at $337,408,000, 
$50,734,000 below the request and $16,967,000 below last year's 
level. Within OSHA, state consultation grants are increased by 
5 percent while funding for Federal enforcement is reduced by 8 
percent.
    Department of Health and Human Services.--The bill 
appropriates $230,430,996,000 which is $1,923,047,000 below the 
President's request and $17,528,299,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 level. Funding for discretionary programs of 
$37,020,693,000 is $2,035,375,000 below the President's request 
and $854,102,000 above last year's level.
    Health Resources and Services Administration.--Funding for 
HRSA programs is $4,150,895,000, an increase of $34,137,000 
above last year and $9,812,000 above the President's request. 
Within HRSA, the community health centers funding is at 
$985,000,000, an increase of $60,294,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 level. Health professions training is funded at 
$301,986,000, essentially a freeze at last year's level. Ryan 
White AIDS Care Act programs are funded at $1,519,000,000, 
$108,149,000 above last year and $8,500,000 above the 
President's request.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.--Overall 
funding for CDC, including emergency spending for bioterriorism 
is $2,827,976,000, $61,899,000 above last year and $110,464,000 
below the President's request. Increases are provided for high 
priority activities including the preventive health block 
grant, tuberculosis control, sexually transmitted diseases, 
chronic and environmental disease prevention and breast and 
cervical cancer screening. Violence Against Women Act 
activities are funded at $51,000,000, the same as the 
President's request.
    National Institutes of Health.--The Committee proposes 
$16,950,581,000 for biomedical research activities at the 
National Institutes of Health. This funding level represents an 
increase of $1,017,795,000 over the President's request and 
$1,337,111,000 over last year. This funding level provides a 9% 
increase in programmatic funds and indicates the very high 
priority that the Committee places on the activities of NIH. 
The Committee has maintained its policy of resisting disease 
specific earmarks in the bill and report, believing that 
decisions as to appropriate levels of funding and appropriate 
avenues of research are best left to the scientific managers at 
NIH. NIH has indicated that its allocation will allow increases 
above the overall NIH level for research related to Parkinson's 
disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular 
disease, among others.
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration.--The bill provides $2,413,731,000 for the 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a 
decrease of $73,582,000 below fiscal year 1999 and $312,774,000 
below the request level. The Committee has provided 
$1,585,000,000 for the Substance Abuse Block Grant which is 
essentially a freeze at last year's level and $30,000,000 below 
the President's request. The Committee did not include an 
advance appropriation of $100,000,000 as proposed by the 
President.
    Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.--The bill 
provides $175,050,000 for the Agency for Health Care Policy and 
Research, an increase of $2,232,000 above last year and 
$31,205,000 below the President's request.
    Medicare and Medicaid.--The bill provides $114,820,998,000 
for Medicaid and $69,289,100,000 in Federal funds for the 
Government's share of payments to Medicare. Funding of 
$1,736,950,000 is provided for Medicare contractor payments.
    Low Income Home Energy Assistance.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $1,100,000,000 for the Low Income Home 
Energy Assistance Program. As is the Committee's normal 
practice, and authorized in statute, an additional $300,000,000 
is provided in emergency funding for heating and cooling 
emergencies.
    Child Care and Development Block Grant.--The fiscal year 
1999 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and 
Education and Related Agencies Act provided $1,182,672,000, for 
fiscal year 2000 funding of the Child Care and Development 
Block Grant. The Committee has not provided fiscal year 2001 
funding, believing that such funding should be considered as 
part of the FY 2001 funding cycle.
    Social Services Block Grant.--The Committee recommends 
$1,909,000,000, the same level as last year and $471,000,000 
below the President's request.
    Head Start.--The bill includes $4,760,000,000 for Head 
Start, $101,483,000 above last year's level and $507,000,000 
below the President's request.
    Community Services Block Grant.--Consistent with the 
Committee's policy of giving high priority to broad-based block 
and state grants, the bill provides $510,000,000 for the 
community services block grant, an increase of approximately 
$10,000,000 above fiscal year 1999 and the President's request.
    Funding of Abortions.--The bill includes the revised 
``Hyde'' language adopted last year which applied restrictions 
on the use of federal funds for abortions to all trust fund 
programs funded in the bill.
    Medicare+Choice/Abortion Services.--The bill includes 
compromise language that assures that Medicare+Choice plans are 
not required to provide abortion services, but that such 
services must be available to beneficiaries outside of the 
plan. In addition, the Committee provides $15,000,000 in 
Medicare+Choice user fees.
    Human Embryo Research.--The bill includes the same language 
included for the past several years to prohibit the use of 
funds for research involving human embryos. This language also 
has the effect of prohibiting human cloning.
    Needle Exchange.--The bill includes a prohibition on the 
use of Federal funds for needle exchange programs, which is the 
same as last year.
    Organ Transplantation.--The bill would prohibit 
implementation of HHS regulations that change the allocation 
methodology for human organs until October 1, 2000.
    Title X Compliance With State Laws.--The bill includes a 
provision, continued from last year, requiring Title X clinics 
to comply with State laws relating to notification or reporting 
of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape or 
incest.
    Department of Education.--The bill funds programmatic and 
support activities in the Department of Education at 
$33,320,697,000, a decrease of $1,391,196,000 below the 
President's request and $195,861,000 below last year's level.
    Education Reform.--The bill eliminates funding for Goals 
2000, a decrease of $491,500,000 below last year's level and 
the President's request. This program, along with Class Size 
Reduction and Eisenhower Professional Development, was 
consolidated into a single block grant in the Teacher 
Empowerment Act (HR 1995) which passed the House on July 20th. 
This block grant was funded at $1,800,000,000 contingent upon 
enactment. The Committee provides no additional funding for 
School-to-Work in both the Departments of Labor and Education. 
This level is $110,000,000 below the President's request and 
$250,000,000 below fiscal year 1999. This level completes the 
statutory phase-out of the program a year early. For Technology 
for Education, the bill provides $500,100,000, a decrease of 
$300,900,000 below the President's request and $198,000,000 
below last year's level.
    Education for the Disadvantaged.--The bill provides a 
program level of $8,417,897,000, for grants to local education 
agencies. This level is essentially the same as the fiscal year 
1999 amount and $326,023,000 below the request level. The bill 
also provides $120,000,000, the same level as last year, for 
Comprehensive School Reform. The Committee provides 
$6,204,763,000 in advance funding for fiscal year 2001, the 
same level as in fiscal year 1999 and $56,377,000 above the 
President's request.
    Impact Aid.---The bill provides $907,200,000 for school 
districts that are impacted by Federal activities, such as 
military bases or Indian lands. This is an increase of 
$171,200,000 above the fiscal year 1999 level, and $43,200,000 
above the President's request.
    School Improvement Programs.--The bill funds title VI (the 
education block grant) at $385,000,000, an increase of 
$10,000,000 over fiscal year 1999 and $385,000,000 above the 
President's Request. The bill provides $1,800,000,000 for the 
Teacher Empowerment Act, subject to enactment. This level is 
$1,800,000,000 above both the President's request and the 
fiscal year 1999 amount. No funding is provided for the 
Eisenhower Professional Development program nor the Class Size 
Reduction program. These programs, along with Goals 2000, were 
consolidated into a single block grant in the Teacher 
Empowerment Act.
    Safe and Drug Free Schools.--Safe and drug free schools is 
funded at $566,000,000, the same level as last year and 
$10,000,000 below the President's request.
    Reading Excellence Act.--The Committee bill provides 
$200,000,000 for the Reading Excellence Act, $86,000,000 below 
the President's Request and $60,000,000 below last year's 
level.
    Bilingual and Immigrant Education.--Bilingual and Immigrant 
Education programs are funded at $380,000,000, the same as the 
fiscal year 1999 amount and $35,000,000 below the President's 
request.
    Special Education.--The Committee recommends an overall 
program funding level for special education programs of 
$5,833,146,000, $499,000,000 above last year's level and 
$383,250,000 above the President's request. The bill provides a 
$500,000,000 increase for grants to states under part B of the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill also 
provides advance funding of $3,608,000,000 for special 
education in fiscal year 2001. This advance funding level is 
$1,683,000,000 above the President's request and $3,608,000,000 
above last year's level and has no impact on the total funding 
available under IDEA for school year 2000-2001, the school year 
funded by the FY 2000 appropriation.
    Vocational and Adult Education.--Vocational education state 
grants are funded at $1,080,650,000 and adult education state 
grants are funded at $365,000,000. Tech Prep is funded at last 
year's level. Overall, this account is funded at 
$1,582,247,000, $26,277,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level 
and $168,003,000 below the President's request.
    Student Financial Assistance and Higher Education.--The 
Committee places a high priority on direct assistance to 
students. The bill includes funding to allow the maximum Pell 
grant to rise to $3,275--the highest in history, $150 above 
last year and $25 above the President's request. Federal work-
study grants and TRIO are increased while institutional 
development for minority schools is frozen. TRIO is funded at 
$660,000,000, an increase of $60,000,000 above fiscal year 1999 
and $30,000,000 above the President's request.
    Education Research and Statistics.--The Committee proposes 
$390,867,000 for education research and statistics. This level 
is $66,000,000 below last year and $149,415,000 below the 
request level.
    Social Security Administrative Costs.--Funding for the cost 
of administering the social security programs is 
$6,076,000,000, $5,000,000 above last year and $225,000,000 
below the President's request. Full funding is provided for 
continuing disability reviews.
    National Labor Relations Board.--Funding for the National 
Labor Relations Board is $174,661,000, $9,790,000 below last 
year's level and $35,532,000 below the President's request. The 
bill includes a provision that effectively requires the NLRB to 
update for inflation the economic thresholds the agency uses to 
determine whether or not it has jurisdiction over a complaint. 
These thresholds have not been updated for inflation since the 
1950s. The current threshold for many retail businesses of 
$50,000 in annual sales would be revised to approximately 
$262,000 pursuant to the new provision.
    Corporation for Public Broadcasting.--CPB is an advance 
funded account with funds already appropriated through fiscal 
year 2001. Funding proposed by the Committee is $340,000,000 
for 2002, the same level as in 2001 and a decrease of 
$10,000,000 below the President's request.
    Infant hearing screening.--The Committee bill includes, as 
title VI, a provision authorizing grants to the states on a 
voluntary basis to aid in setting up newborn and infant hearing 
screening programs.
    Child Protection Act of 1999.--The bill includes the text 
of the Child Protection Act of 1999 which requires any school 
or library receiving federal funds for the purchase of 
computers or computer related equipment to install an obscenity 
and child pornography filter on any computer to which minors 
have access.
    Earned Income Tax Credit and other provisions.--The bill 
includes, as title IX, legislation amending the Internal 
Revenue Code to require that Earned Income Tax Credit payments 
be paid on a monthly basis rather than in a lump sum annual 
payment. It also includes an amendment to the Higher Education 
Act concerning student loan origination fees and an amendment 
to the National Housing Act concerning the premium rebate for 
FHA home mortgages.
    Agriculture Disaster Assistance.--The bill includes, as 
title X, an emergency appropriation of $508,000,000 for the 
Department of Agriculture to provide assistance to producers 
for crop and livestock losses incurred as a result of the 
hurricanes, and the flooding associated with the hurricanes, 
that struck the eastern United States in August and September, 
1999.

                           Transfer Authority

    The Committee, again this year, has included a general 
transfer authority for the Departments and agencies funded 
under this bill. In doing so, it is providing the Executive 
Branch with the ability to respond to emergencies or 
unanticipated needs. The Committee reiterates that it is not 
the purpose of this authority to provide funding for new policy 
proposals that can, and should, be included in subsequent 
budget proposals.
    The Congress sets funding levels for programs, projects and 
activities through the annual appropriations act and the 
accompanying tables included in the conference report. Absent 
the need to respond to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances 
discussed above, this authority cannot be used simply to 
increase funding for programs, projects or activities because 
of disagreements over the funding level or the difficulty or 
inconvenience with operating levels set by the Congress.

                 Government Performance and Results Act

    The Committee continues to believe that the Departments and 
agencies under its jurisdiction have made adequate progress 
toward the establishment of goals and other benchmarks as 
required by the Government Performance and Results Act. 
However, they remain a long way from meeting its overall 
intent. As noted in specific instances throughout this Report, 
the Committee feels that individual performance indicators need 
to be developed for each program. These indicators must focus 
on the improvements in employment and income, worker safety, 
health status, biomedical discoveries, the quality of life of 
various populations, educational achievement, and the many 
other goals that are the primary purpose of the programs funded 
by this bill. Individual indicators need to be specific and 
measurable wherever possible, need to be consistent with other 
measures used in similar programs and need to be supported by 
systems that can provide annual information on the progress 
being made toward achieving the stated goals. The Committee is 
disappointed that the baselines so necessary for measuring 
progress are not being established rapidly enough. The 
Committee continues to expect that levels of improvement 
associated with requested funding will be included with the 
President's budget request. The Committee notes that it is 
particularly hard to justify new programs when the budget 
request includes no empirical statement of the problems the new 
programs are designed to redress, no baseline data and no 
statement of yearly improvements to be achieved if the new 
program is funded at the requested level.
    Finally, the Committee believes that GPRA will not be 
successful until the Departments and agencies funded manage 
themselves based on performance and outcomes. They should use 
outcome and performance measures as the primary management tool 
for resource allocation and the evaluation of programs and 
individuals. The Committee expects that each Department and 
office funded in the bill will be prepared to testify during 
the fiscal year 2001 cycle on how performance and outcome 
measures are being used to manage their programs, including:
          How outcome and performance goals are being 
        established for individual offices within departments 
        and how they are held accountable for the achievement 
        of these goals;
          How such data is used to establish individual 
        performance goals; and
          How actual performance is measured against these 
        goals and the kinds of incentives, both positive and 
        negative, that are in place to assure the achievement 
        of overall goals.

                            Operating Plans

    The Committee directs the Departments and agencies 
identified in the report accompanying the fiscal year 1998 bill 
to continue to provide it with operating plans on the dates 
identified in that report. The Committee further directs that, 
in any account, other than state and formula grant accounts, in 
which the funding level appropriated is different from the 
President's request, the reporting agency provide information 
to the Committee at a level of detail, consistent with the 
budget request, on the programs, projects and activities to be 
funded during the fiscal year. Any significant change in the 
funding of programs, projects or activities in accounts funded 
at the President's request must be identified to the Committee 
as part of the normal Committee notification process.
    The Committee is pleased that the Departments and agencies 
are making progress in upgrading their financial management 
systems to better determine the actual flow of appropriated 
dollars to individual programs and identifying obligation 
schedules. However, the Committee is troubled by the fact that 
for many programs, simple formulas are used for outlay and 
obligation patterns rather than a true analysis of the likely 
obligation and spending patterns for the program.
    In addition to the account level estimates of outlays and 
obligations included in the fiscal year 1998 reports, the 
Committee directs that estimates of obligations and outlays be 
included for those accounts appropriated in this bill and those 
specific appropriations made in other authorizing acts for the 
Departments and agencies subject to this reporting requirement. 
Finally the Departments and agencies subject to this reporting 
requirement should include estimates of obligations and outlays 
of any program, project or activity newly funded in this bill 
and any program, project or activity with a funding level that 
changes by more than 20%. The Committee further directs that 
the Departments and agencies subject to this reporting 
requirement report within 30 days of the close of each quarter 
of the fiscal year on any account or program for which the 
obligations or outlays have varied by more that 20% from the 
estimates in the operating plans and provide an explanation for 
the variance. The Committee understands that some Departments 
and agencies are currently unable to provide all of the 
obligation and outlay data required by this report. While this 
inability is hard to understand given the funds that have been 
provided by this Committee to upgrade financial systems, 
agencies which find themselves in this situation are to submit 
such information as they can along with a timetable indicating 
their ability to meet all of the requirements of this section.

          Extended Availability of Salary and Expense Accounts

    The Committee has provided that salary and expense accounts 
funded in this bill remain available for obligation through 
December 31, 2000. This provision allows an additional, ``fifth 
quarter'' for the obligation of these funds. In making this 
provision available to the Executive, the Committee hopes to 
avoid the rush to obligate funds at the close of the fiscal 
year and the attendant lack of wisdom and forethought that 
often accompanies these last minute decisions. It is the 
Committee's intention to have this extended period of 
obligation used only sparingly for emergency or abnormal 
situations and it is specifically not the intention of the 
Committee to have the effective fiscal year for these accounts 
become January 1 to December 31.
    Therefore, the Committee directs the Departments and 
agencies funded under this bill to provide it with a report on 
September 15th of the funds it expects to obligate in the 
``fifth quarter'' made available in this bill and a report on 
January 15th of the funds actually obligated in this ``fifth 
quarter.''

                      TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR


                 Employment and Training Administration


                    training and employment services

    The Committee recommends $4,572,058,000 for this account 
which provides funding authorized primarily by the Workforce 
Investment Act (WIA). This is $708,861,000 below the fiscal 
year 1999 level and $902,740,000 below the budget request. Of 
the total amount made available, $1,964,758,000 is appropriated 
for fiscal year 2000 and $2,607,300,000 is appropriated for 
fiscal year 2001 for obligation on, or after, October 1, 2000.
    The Training and Employment Services account is comprised 
of programs that enhance the employment and earnings of those 
in need of such services, operated through a decentralized 
system of skill training and related services. The account is 
mostly forward-funded on a July to June cycle, with funds 
provided in the bill supporting the effort from July 1, 2000 
through June 30, 2001.
    Fiscal year 1999 was a transition year from the Job 
Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to the new Workforce Investment 
Act; fiscal year 2000 will be the first full year of operations 
under the new law, beginning July 1, 2000. The new legislation 
is expected to significantly enhance employment and training 
services, consolidating, coordinating, and improving programs 
utilizing a local level one-stop delivery system.
    The Committee notes that the Department is making progress 
in developing objective, measurable standards for achieving the 
goals of the various job training programs pursuant to the 
Government Performance and Results Act. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue to refine the baseline 
data presented in the budget justification and believes that it 
is essential to develop specific, measurable standards for each 
and every one of these programs. There is a particular need to 
develop more timely performance data. The annual performance 
plan should include the specific, measurable improvements that 
are expected to occur with respect to all measures as a result 
of the proposed funding levels. The emphasis must be on the 
programs' mission, that is to train and place people in real 
jobs, with a particular emphasis on those people who have the 
most difficulty in obtaining work.

Adult employment and training activities

    For adult employment and training activities, the Committee 
recommends $859,500,000. This is $95,500,000 less than the 1999 
comparable level and the same amount below the budget request. 
Given the extremely tight budget constraints under which it is 
operating this year, the Committee was compelled to reduce 
funding for this activity. Furthermore, the Committee believes 
that the economy is sufficiently strong to justify a reduction 
in this program at this time. This program is authorized by the 
Workforce Investment Act. The funds are allocated by formula to 
States and further distributed to local workforce investment 
boards. Services for adults will be provided through the One-
Stop system and most customers receiving training will use 
their individual training accounts to determine which programs 
and providers fit their needs. The Act authorizes core 
services, which will be available to all adults with no 
eligibility requirements, and intensive services, for 
unemployed individuals who are not able to find jobs through 
core services alone.

Dislocated worker employment and training activities

    For dislocated worker employment and training activities, 
the Committee recommends $1,260,459,000. This is $140,051,000 
less than the 1999 comparable level and $335,051,000 less than 
the budget request. Given the extremely tight budget 
constraints under which it is operating this year, the 
Committee was compelled to reduce funding for this activity. 
Furthermore, the Committee believes that the economy is 
sufficiently strong to justify a reduction in this program at 
this time. This activity, authorized by WIA, is a State-
operated program which provides core services, intensive 
services, training, and supportive services to help permanently 
separated workers return to productive, unsubsidized 
employment. In addition, States use these funds for rapid 
response assistance to help workers affected by mass layoffs 
and plant closures. Eighty percent of funding is distributed by 
formula to the States. The remaining twenty percent is 
available to the Secretary for activities specified in WIA, 
primarily to respond to mass layoffs, plant and/or military 
base closings, and natural disasters across the country, which 
cannot be otherwise anticipated, as well as technical 
assistance and training and demonstration projects.

Youth activities

    For youth activities, the bill includes $900,869,000. This 
is $100,096,000 less than the 1999 comparable level and the 
same amount below the budget request. Given the extremely tight 
budget constraints under which it is operating this year, the 
Committee was compelled to reduce funding for this activity. 
Furthermore, the Committee believes that the economy is 
sufficiently strong to justify a reduction in this program at 
this time. The Workforce Investment Act consolidates the Summer 
Youth Employment and Training Program under JTPA Title IIB and 
Youth Training Grants under JTPA Title IIC into a single youth 
training activity. The funds are allocated by formula to States 
and further distributed to local workforce investment boards. 
The local boards decide how much to spend on summer jobs and 
how much to spend on other youth activities. In addition to 
consolidating programs, WIA also requires youth activities to 
be connected to the One-Stop system as one way to link youth to 
all available community resources. The purpose of youth 
activities is to provide eligible youth with assistance in 
achieving academic and employment success through improving 
educational and skill competencies and providing connections to 
employers. Other activities include providing mentoring 
opportunities, opportunities for training, supportive services, 
summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to 
academic and occupational learning, incentives for recognition 
and achievement, and activities related to leadership 
development, citizenship and community service.

Youth opportunity grants

    The bill includes no funding for Youth Opportunity Grants. 
The 1999 appropriation was $250,000,000 and the budget request 
is the same for 2000. Youth Opportunity Grants are newly-
authorized in the recent Workforce Investment Act. These grants 
are aimed at increasing the long-term employment of youth who 
live in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and other 
high-poverty areas. Given the extremely tight budget 
constraints under which it is operating this year, the 
Committee was forced to make difficult choices. Under the 
circumstances, the Committee believes that it is more important 
to fund the core job training programs under which all States 
receive funds than to fund this discretionary grant program 
which would provide funds to only about 35 areas.

School-to-work opportunities

    The bill includes no further funding for the School-to-Work 
Opportunities Act. The President requested $55,000,000 to phase 
out the program. The 1999 appropriation was $125,000,000. 
School-to-Work is an educational strategy that aims to improve 
learning by connecting what goes on in the classroom to future 
careers and to real work situations, and to increase student 
access to a range of opportunities for postsecondary education 
and advanced training. Through this program, operated through a 
partnership between the Departments of Education and Labor, 
every State has had access to seed money to design and 
implement a comprehensive school-to-work transition system. 
Because of the extremely tight budget constraints under which 
the Committee is operating this year, it was not possible to 
provide further funding for the program.

Job Corps

    For Job Corps, the Committee recommends $1,359,000,000. 
This is $49,786,000 more than the 1999 comparable level and 
$11,809,000 more than the President's request. The Job Corps, 
authorized by WIA, is a nationwide network of residential 
facilities chartered by Federal law to provide a comprehensive 
and intensive array of training, job placement and support 
services to at-risk young adults. The mission of Job Corps is 
to attract eligible young adults, teach them the skills they 
need to become employable and independent, and place them in 
meaningful jobs or further education. Participation in the 
program is open to economically disadvantaged young people in 
the 16-24 age range who are unemployed and out of school. Most 
Job Corps students come from disruptive or debilitating 
environments, and it is important that they be relocated to 
residential facilities where they can benefit from the highly 
structured and carefully integrated services provided by the 
Job Corps program. A limited number of opportunities are also 
available for non-residential participation. The increase over 
1999 will provide for cost increases, vocational training 
modernization, upgrade of equipment and furnishings, an upgrade 
of post-termination services and salary increases for teachers 
and instructors. The Committee has provided additional funds 
over the request for salary increases to help bring Job Corps 
staff salaries to a more competitive level and to reduce 
turnover among instructional staff.
    Historically, low income young people with children have 
been the most difficult to serve population in Job Corps. A 
collaborative partnership between Job Corps and Head Start 
would allow both programs to maximize the use of limited 
resources to serve this target population and to reach 
geographic and demographic areas not currently being served by 
existing programs. Expanding child care services on Job Corps 
campuses would enable more economically disadvantaged single 
parents to obtain the education, training and parenting skills 
needed to make a better life for their children and for 
themselves. Job Corps and Head Start should co-locate child 
care programs on Job Corps campuses, whereby Job Corps would 
provide facilities and Head Start would operate programs.
    The Committee acknowledges the need for expanded child care 
services on Job Corps campuses to help more single parents 
enroll and succeed in the program. The Committee applauds the 
Department of Labor's efforts to collaborate and combine 
resources with the appropriate programs within the Department 
of Health and Human Services, such as Head Start, and to 
establish cost-effective partnerships furthering the mission 
and purpose of both Job Corps and Head Start as requested in 
last year's report. The Committee urges the Department of Labor 
to work with Head Start to select locations with available 
space for construction or rehabilitation of child care centers 
and with a need for child care services in areas where a 
qualified, high quality Head Start program is available and 
willing to participate. The Committee urges the Department to 
construct or rehabilitate facilities on some Job Corps campuses 
to co-locate Head Start programs to serve residential and non-
residential Job Corps students and their children. The bill 
includes $5,000,000 specifically for this purpose.
    The Committee supports the goal of the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998 of integrating our nation's many, diverse job 
training programs and its approach of retaining the national 
character of the Job Corps program within the new framework. To 
ensure the clearest possible accountability for all funds 
appropriated to Job Corps, as well as for the programmatic 
outcomes and societal benefits that represent the return on the 
taxpayer's investment, the Committee expects that Job Corps 
will continue to be administered through a distinct national-
level management structure within the Department of Labor. The 
Committee urges the Department to continue its work to develop 
national partnerships with major regional and national 
employers to increase employment opportunities for Job Corps 
graduates. The Department should also continue to establish 
connections between Job Corps and State workforce development 
programs, and between Job Corps and other national and 
community partners, to provide the most efficient, cost-
effective services possible.
    In January, the Department designated Carville, Louisiana, 
Exeter, Rhode Island, Hartford, Connecticut, and Wilmington, 
Delaware as the sites for four new Job Corps centers. The 
Committee requests the Department to provide a detailed report 
on the progress in constructing these four centers, including 
the most current projections for their commencing operations.
    Should funds become available in the future for the 
establishment of new Job Corps centers, the Department should 
give priority to sites within States that: currently have no 
more than one Job Corps center and exhibit strong employer, 
CBO, local and State support for Job Corps, including resources 
for child care and low cost center facilities.

Native Americans

    For Native Americans, the bill includes $53,815,000, the 
amount requested by the President. This is the same as the 1999 
comparable level after accounting for a one-time appropriation 
of $4,000,000 for a specific project in 1999. This program, 
authorized by WIA, is designed to improve the economic well-
being of Native Americans (Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native 
Hawaiians) through the provision of training, work experience, 
and other employment-related services and opportunities that 
are intended to aid the participants to secure permanent, 
unsubsidized jobs. The Department of Labor allocates formula 
grants to Indian tribes and other Native American groups whose 
eligibility for such grants is established in accordance with 
Department's regulations.

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers

    For Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, the Committee 
recommends $71,017,000, the same as the President's request. 
This is $500,000 less than the 1999 comparable level after 
accounting for a one-time emergency appropriation of 
$7,000,000. This program, authorized by WIA, is designed to 
serve members of economically disadvantaged families whose 
principal livelihood is derived from migratory and other forms 
of seasonal farmwork. Through training and other employability 
development services, the program prepares eligible seasonal 
farmworkers and their family members for stable, year-round 
employment, both in- and outside the agricultural industry. The 
program also provides health care, day care and other 
supportive services for farmworkers who choose to stay in 
agriculture. At least 94 percent of each year's appropriation 
is allocated to States according to a population-based formula. 
The remainder of each year's appropriation is set aside for 
technical assistance to grantees and for other special projects 
to benefit seasonal farmworkers such as the Migrant Farmworker 
Housing Program. The Department is expected to continue the 
farmworker housing program at the current year level.

Veterans workforce investment programs

    For veterans workforce investment programs, the Committee 
recommends $7,300,000. This is the same as the 1999 comparable 
level and the same as the budget request. This budget activity, 
authorized by WIA, supports efforts to provide lifelong 
learning and skills development to veterans who have service-
connected disabilities, who have significant barriers to 
employment, who served on active duty in the armed forces 
during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a 
campaign badge has been authorized, or who are recently 
separated.

National programs

    For national programs, the Committee recommends 
$60,098,000. This is $36,500,000 less than the 1999 comparable 
level and $78,902,000 less than the budget request. This 
activity includes WIA-authorized programs in support of the 
workforce system including technical assistance and incentive 
grants, evaluations, pilots, demonstrations and research. In 
addition, the activity includes the National Skills Standards 
Board, the Women in Apprenticeship program and the Homeless 
Veterans Reintegration Project.
    Technical Assistance/Incentive Grants: The Committee 
recommends $5,000,000, the amount requested, for the provision 
of technical assistance, staff development, and replication of 
programs of demonstrated effectiveness; as well as incentive 
grants to each State that exceeds State adjusted levels of 
performance for WIA State programs.
    Pilots, Demonstrations and Research: The Committee 
recommends $35,000,000 for grants or contracts to conduct 
research, pilots or demonstrations that improve techniques or 
demonstrate the effectiveness of programs. This is $32,500,000 
below 1999 and the same as the budget request.
    The Committee encourages the Department of Labor to work 
with private organizations to provide information to local 
communities, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, 
regarding workforce investment systems, welfare-to-work and 
other such activities.
    Right Track Partnerships: The Committee recommends no 
funding for this proposed new competitive grant program under 
WIA Pilot, Demonstration, and Research authority. The budget 
request was for $75,000,000. The program's stated goal is to 
prevent economically disadvantaged youth from dropping out of 
school and to encourage those who already have done so to 
return to school. The Committee believes that this proposal 
duplicates activities conducted by the Department of Education. 
School dropout problems should be addressed by that Department.
    Evaluation: The Committee recommends $9,098,000 to provide 
for the continuing evaluation of programs conducted under WIA, 
as well as of federally-funded employment-related activities 
under other provisions of law. This is the same as 1999 and 
$2,902,000 below the budget request.
    National Skills Standards Board: The Committee recommends 
$7,000,000 for the Board to continue the development of 
voluntary partnerships. This is the same as 1999 and the same 
as the budget request. The Committee concurs with the National 
Skills Standards Board's decision not to fund a voluntary 
partnership to develop skill standards for the construction 
industry, and its findings to close out the Cooperative 
Agreement with the Construction Industry Coalition. It is the 
Committee's understanding that the Construction Industry 
Coalition should undertake no further activity under the 
auspices of the National Skills Standards Board.
    Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project: The Committee 
recommends $3,000,000 for this program assisting homeless 
veterans to find jobs. This is the same as 1999 and $2,000,000 
less than the request.
    Women in Apprenticeship: The bill includes $1,000,000 for 
this program, the same as 1999. The President proposed not to 
fund it.

            community service employment for older americans

    The bill includes $440,200,000 for community service 
employment for older Americans. This is the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level and the President's budget request. The 
Committee notes that this program again this year lacks an 
authorization for appropriations. The program, under title V of 
the Older Americans Act, provides part-time employment in 
community service activities for unemployed, low-income persons 
aged 55 and over. Participants receive the minimum wage. It is 
forward-funded from July to June, and the fiscal year 2000 
appropriation will support the effort from July 1, 2000 through 
June 30, 2001. An estimated 61,500 job slots will be supported 
by the bill.

              federal unemployment benefits and allowances

    The bill includes $314,400,000, the same as the budget 
request and a reduction of $46,300,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level. The fiscal year 2000 allowance provides 
funding for certain worker adjustment entitlement programs.
    For trade adjustment assistance benefits, as authorized by 
the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, the bill includes 
$212,000,000. This is a reduction of $6,000,000 below the 
fiscal year 1999 level. The bill provides $94,400,000 for 
training, job search and job relocation allowances to workers 
adversely affected by imports. The funding for this activity is 
also authorized under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. This 
is about the same as the fiscal year 1999 level.
    For NAFTA transitional adjustment assistance benefits, also 
authorized by the Trade Act of 1974, as amended as a result of 
the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), 
the bill includes $8,000,000. This is a reduction of 
$18,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level.

     state unemployment insurance and employment service operations

    The bill includes $3,141,740,000 for this account, a 
reduction of $120,890,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level and 
$365,033,000 below the budget request. Included in the total 
availability is $3,018,288,000 authorized to be drawn from the 
Employment Security Administration Account of the Unemployment 
Trust Fund and $123,452,000 to be provided from the general 
fund of the Treasury. The funds in this account are used to 
provide administrative grants and assistance to State agencies 
which administer Federal and State unemployment compensation 
laws and operate the public employment service. In addition, 
funds are provided for the one-stop career center program.
    The Committee notes that the Department is making progress 
in developing objective, measurable standards for achieving the 
goals of these programs. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to refine the baseline data presented in 
the budget justification and believes that it is essential to 
develop specific, measurable standards for all activities. The 
annual performance plan must include the specific, measurable 
improvements that are expected to occur with respect to all 
measures as a result of the proposed funding levels.
    For Unemployment Insurance Services, the bill provides 
$2,220,125,000. This total includes a contingency amount of 
$75,000,000, which may be drawn from the Employment Security 
Administration Account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. The 
recommendation is $239,333,000 below the budget request and 
$74,390,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level. The Committee has 
not provided the request for an additional $71,000,000 for 
State integrity activities. Although the Committee realizes 
that this is an important area that deserves attention, 
sufficient funds do not exist in this year's budget allocation 
to accommodate it. It is estimated by the Department that the 
States are already spending about $360,000,000 for these 
activities in the current fiscal year. The Committee has also 
reduced the appropriation for the contingency fund by 
$86,884,000 below the 1999 level and $121,333,000 below the 
budget request. The economy continues to be very strong, and 
the Committee believes that the requested amount of contingency 
funds will not be needed. For national UI activities, the bill 
includes $10,000,000; this is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
level and $47,000,000 below the budget request.
    For the Employment Service, the bill provides $821,615,000 
which includes $23,452,000 in general funds together with an 
authorization to spend $798,163,000 from the Employment 
Security Administration Account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. 
These amounts are the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and 
$26,700,000 less than the budget request. Included in the bill 
for the Employment Service is $761,735,000 for State grants, 
available for the program year of July 1, 2000 through June 30, 
2001. This is the same as the budget request and the fiscal 
year 1999 level. Because of budget constraints, the Committee 
was unable to provide any funding for proposed new reemployment 
service grants for UI recipients.
    The Committee has provided $59,880,000 for ES national 
activities, an increase of $36,300,000 over the budget request 
and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The largest portion 
of these funds is used for the alien labor certification 
program. The bill includes $20,000,000 specifically for 
administration by the States of the Work Opportunities Tax 
Credit and the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit. No funds are 
provided for the proposed new AgNet for the agriculture 
industry.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department's proposal 
to transfer the alien labor certification processes currently 
performed by the Employment and Training Administration to the 
Employment Standards Administration is not in the best interest 
of users of the labor certification programs. The Committee is 
not convinced that the Employment Standards Administration has 
the capacity to carry out those functions now under the 
Employment and Training Administration's purview, nor is the 
Committee persuaded that cost savings and administrative 
efficiencies would result from the transfer. Therefore, the 
Committee directs the Department to retain the labor 
certification processes currently performed by the Employment 
and Training Administration in that agency and prohibits the 
Department from utilizing any funds to transfer these 
functions.
    The Committee remains concerned about the permanent labor 
certification program which continues to suffer systemic and 
habitual delays in a number of regions. The Committee believes 
that the labor certification process must be substantially 
streamlined and improved. The Department should develop a plan 
to reengineer the program within the Employment and Training 
Administration with a view towards substantially shortening 
processing times. The Department should be prepared to testify 
next year about its efforts to accomplish this.
    The Committee has provided $100,000,000 for States to 
establish one-stop career centers to integrate the provision of 
labor market and training services to unemployed workers and to 
employers through collaboration of local service providers. 
This is a reduction of $46,500,000 from the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and $49,000,000 below the budget 
request. This includes $20,000,000 for one-stop implementation 
grants to States and $80,000,000 for labor market information 
activities. One-stop implementation grants are declining in 
accordance with the original plan when the program was begun; 
this will be the final year of funding. The Committee has not 
approved the request for $49,000,000 for expansion of the labor 
market information systems. Given the extremely tight budget 
constraints under which it is operating this year, the 
Committee was forced to make difficult choices. The Committee 
believes that these are worthwhile activities, but that the 
additional funding will have to wait.
    Likewise, funds are not available to start a new work 
incentive grant program for the disabled.

        advances to the unemployment trust fund and other funds

    The bill includes $356,000,000, the same as the budget 
request and a reduction of $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 level. The appropriation is available to provide advances 
to several accounts for purposes authorized under various 
Federal and State unemployment compensation laws and the Black 
Lung Disability Trust Fund, whenever balances in such accounts 
prove insufficient. The bill anticipates that fiscal year 2000 
advances will be made to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
    The separate appropriations provided by the Committee for 
all other accounts eligible to borrow from this account in 
fiscal year 2000 are expected to be sufficient. Should the need 
arise, due to unanticipated changes in the economic situation, 
or for other legitimate reasons, advances will be made to the 
needy accounts to the extent funds are available. Funds 
advanced to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund are repayable 
with interest to the general fund of the Treasury.

                         PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

    The bill includes total funding for this account of 
$138,126,000. This is $2,924,000 below the request and 
$6,577,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level. After accounting 
for one-time funding in 1999 for Y2K activities and other one-
time expenses, the Committee recommendation for this account is 
a freeze. This includes $94,410,000 in general funds and 
authority to expend $43,716,000 from the Employment Security 
Administration Account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. General 
funds in this account provide the Federal staff to administer 
employment and training programs under the Workforce Investment 
Act, the Older Americans Act, the welfare-to-work program, the 
Trade Act of 1974, and the National Apprenticeship Act. Trust 
funds provide for the Federal administration of employment 
security functions under title III of the Social Security Act 
and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
    The Committee requests that the Department of Labor study 
and report back to the Committee by July 1, 2000, on which 
urban states have not accepted Welfare-to-Work funds available 
to them under the federal Welfare-to-Work program and assess 
the extent to which these states have met the goals intended by 
the federal Welfare-to-Work program in the absence of the 
available funds.

              Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

    The bill provides $90,000,000 for this account, a reduction 
of $11,831,000 from the budget request and the same as the 
fiscal year 1999 level after adjusting for one-time Y2K funding 
in 1999. The Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) 
is responsible for the enforcement of Title I of the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) in both civil 
and criminal areas. This involves ERISA fiduciary and 
reporting/disclosure requirements. PWBA is also responsible for 
enforcement of sections 8477 and 8478 of the Federal Employees' 
Retirement Security Act of 1986 (FERSA). The agency was also 
given new responsibilities under the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
    The Committee has followed carefully the public discussion 
on the affordability, quality and need for choice in our health 
care system. However, the Committee is concerned with proposed 
Department of Labor regulations that would substantially revise 
procedures for handling health benefits claims under employer-
sponsored health plans. In particular, the Committee is 
concerned that the Department's regulations will conflict with 
legislation that Congress is now considering that address the 
very same issue. Duplicative regulations issued by the 
Department will unnecessarily subject employers to high 
compliance costs. Moreover, the Committee is concerned that, in 
issuing the proposed regulations, the Department has failed to 
provide any meaningful analysis of the potential for increased 
costs to health plans and who would be responsible for these 
costs. Without understanding the magnitude of the proposed 
changes, costs and benefits to employer sponsored plans and 
their employees, the Committee cannot provide funding for their 
implementation. The Committee recommends the withdrawal of the 
current regulations and directs the Department of Labor to 
certify to the authorizing and appropriating committees the 
effect that similar regulations, if revised and reproposed, 
would have on health plan costs and administrative complexity 
and that it would continue to meet the fundamental objectives 
of ERISA prior to requesting funding for implementation.

                  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

    The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is a wholly-owned 
government corporation established by the Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act of 1974. The law places it within the 
Department of Labor and makes the Secretary of Labor the 
chairman of its board of directors. The Corporation receives 
its income from insurance premiums collected from covered 
pension plans, collections of employer liabilities imposed by 
the Act, and investment earnings. It is also authorized to 
borrow up to $100 million from the Treasury. The primary 
purpose of the Corporation is to guarantee the payment of 
pension plan benefits to participants if covered plans fail or 
go out of existence.
    The Corporation's budget for fiscal year 2000 includes 
benefit payments of $963,373,000, multi-employer financial 
assistance of $94,331,000, an administrative expenses 
limitation of $10,958,000, and administrative expenses that are 
exempt from limitation of $153,599,000. Only the administrative 
expenses limitation is subject to the appropriations process. 
The amount in the administrative expense limitation is a 
reduction of $394,000 below the request and the same as fiscal 
year 1999.

                  Employment Standards Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

    The bill includes $314,000,000 for this agency. This is a 
reduction of $62,487,000 below the budget request and a freeze 
at the fiscal year 1999 level after accounting for one-time 
funding in 1999 for Y2K activities. The bill includes 
$312,076,000 in general funds for this account and also 
contains authority to expend $1,924,000 from the Special Fund 
established by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation 
Act. In addition, an amount of $28,676,000 is available by 
transfer from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. This is the 
same as the request and $1,515,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
level.
    The Employment Standards Administration is involved in the 
administration of numerous laws, including the Fair Labor 
Standards Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Migrant 
and Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Protection Act, the Davis-
Bacon Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Federal 
Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), the Longshore and Harbor 
Workers' Compensation Act, and the Federal Mine Safety and 
Health Act (black lung). The agency also administers Executive 
Order 11246 related to affirmative action by Federal 
contractors and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure 
Act.
    With respect to the Government Performance and Results Act, 
the Committee notes that the agency's annual performance plan 
indicates that progress is being made in compiling baseline 
data for some of its performance goals. The agency is 
encouraged to continue to pursue refinements and improvements. 
The performance plan needs to show the specific, measurable 
improvements that are expected to occur with respect to all 
measures as a result of proposed funding levels.
    The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 to 
continue and accelerate the development and implementation of 
the electronic filing of reports required to be filed under the 
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, and a computer 
database of the information for each submission that is indexed 
and easily searchable by the public via the Internet.
    The Committee has previously expressed its concern about 
procedural errors which occurred during the initial proposal of 
regulations relating to black lung benefits. The Committee 
understands that the Department has rewritten these regulations 
and submitted them to the Office of Management and Budget for 
approval and its confirmation that the regulations are in full 
compliance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act (SBREFA). The Committee urges the Office of 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management 
and Budget to advise the Committee whether or not the re-
proposed regulations comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
and SBREFA. While judgment will be reserved until the re-
proposed regulations have been published, the Committee directs 
the Department to provide a report to the Committee on its 
efforts to provide outreach to small operators during the time 
in which the new proposals were developed. In addition, the 
Department is directed to provide advance notification to the 
Committee of any publication in the Federal Register relating 
to these regulations.
    The Secretary of Labor has recently proposed the long-
awaited Davis-Bacon helper regulations. Unfortunately, these 
regulations fail to address the widespread use of helpers and 
make assertions without providing evidence (such as suggesting 
that using more helpers would result in fewer apprentices, and 
that the previously proposed rule was an invitation to 
misclassification and abuse by contractors). More importantly, 
the regulations use a definition of helpers different from that 
used in the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics Davis-Bacon 
pilot program. As a result, the new definition limits the use 
of helpers, rather than reflecting actual industry practice of 
helper use. The Committee strongly urges the Department to 
reexamine these proposed regulations with a view toward 
reflecting industry practice and seeking further study on this 
issue.
    The Committee is concerned with a December 3, 1997 Opinion 
Letter issued by the Employment Standards Administration 
regarding section 3(o) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The 
Committee understands that this letter abruptly reversed the 
Department's long-standing interpretation of section 3(o) and 
did so without addressing the issue of retroactivity or the 
impact on collective bargaining agreements. The Committee urges 
the Department of Labor to clarify this letter with regard to 
retroactivity and to clearly state that the letter was not 
intended to adversely affect existing collective bargaining 
agreements or to be used in private litigation.
    Given the dynamics of today's workplace, it is important 
for the Department of Labor to provide up to date compliance 
assistance for employers. The Committee believes that the Wage 
and Hour Division should examine its policy concerning meal and 
break times with respect to the Fair Labor Standards Act and 
issue clear guidance in this area. The Committee expects the 
Department to conduct this examination and report back to the 
Committee by December 31.

                            special benefits

    The bill includes $79,000,000, the same as the budget 
request and a decrease of $100,000,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation. This appropriation primarily provides 
benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). 
The payments are required by law.
    The total amount to be available in fiscal year 2000 for 
FECA payments, including anticipated reimbursements from 
Federal agencies of $1,923,000,000, is just over 
$2,000,000,000, a decrease of $23,100,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level.
    The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation 
language to provide authority to deposit into the Special 
Benefits account those funds that the Postal Service, the 
Tennessee Valley Authority, and other entities are required to 
pay to cover their ``fair share'' of the costs of administering 
the claims filed by their employees under FECA. The Committee 
also recommends approval of appropriation language to provide 
that $21,849,000 of the funds transferred from the ``fair 
share'' agencies to pay the costs of administration will be 
available to the Secretary of Labor to finance capital 
improvements relating to upgrading and enhancing the Federal 
Employees' Compensation program computer system hardware and 
software and to finance staff costs related to the FECA 
periodic roll management project. The remaining balance of the 
administrative costs paid by the ``fair share'' agencies will 
revert to Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

                    black lung disability trust fund

    The bill includes authority to obligate $1,013,266,000 from 
the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund in fiscal year 2000. This 
is a decrease of $7,734,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level 
and $734,000 below the budget request.
    The total amount available for fiscal year 2000 will 
provide $430,506,000 for benefit payments, and $49,404,000 and 
$356,000 for administrative expenses for the Departments of 
Labor and Treasury, respectively. Also included is $533,000,000 
for interest payments on advances from the general fund of the 
Treasury. In fiscal year 1999, comparable obligations for 
benefit payments are estimated to be $453,275,000, while 
administrative expenses for the Departments of Labor and 
Treasury respectively are $50,919,000 and $356,000. Interest 
payments on advances are estimated at $516,000,000 for fiscal 
year 1999.
    The Trust Fund pays all black lung compensation/medical and 
survivor benefit expenses when no responsible mine operator can 
be assigned liability for such benefits, or when coal mine 
employment ceased prior to 1970, as well as all administrative 
costs which are incurred in administering the benefits program 
and operating the Trust Fund.
    It is estimated that 63,200 people will be receiving black 
lung benefits financed from the Trust Fund in fiscal year 2000. 
This compares with an estimated 67,000 receiving benefits in 
fiscal year 1999.
    The basic financing for the Trust Fund comes from a coal 
excise tax for underground and surface-mined coal. Additional 
funds come from reimbursement payments from mine operators for 
benefit payments made by the Trust Fund before the mine 
operator is found liable, and advances from the general fund, 
estimated at $356,000,000 in fiscal year 2000. The advances to 
the Fund assure availability of necessary funds when 
liabilities may exceed other income. The Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1987 continues the current tax structure 
until 2014.

             Occupational Safety and Health Administration


                         salaries and expenses

    The bill includes $337,408,000 for this agency. This is a 
reduction of $50,374,000 below the budget request and 
$16,967,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level. This agency is 
responsible for enforcing the Occupational Safety and Health 
Act of 1970 in the Nation's workplaces.
    The Committee has reduced OSHA's budget about 5 percent 
overall below last year, but it has reallocated funding within 
the total to place more emphasis on compliance assistance, in 
particular for State on-site consultation grants. Federal 
enforcement funding has been reduced by 8 percent below last 
year, while compliance assistance overall has been increased by 
2 percent. The Committee has provided $88,670,000 for 
compliance assistance, an increase of $2,057,000 over the 
fiscal year 1999 amount. Compliance assistance activities 
include on-site consultation programs by designated State 
agencies for which the bill includes $43,000,000, an increase 
of $2,057,000, or 5 percent. The remaining compliance 
assistance activities have been frozen. These activities 
include the following: conducting general outreach activities 
and providing technical assistance at the request of employers; 
training and education grants; fostering and promoting 
voluntary protection programs that give recognition and 
assistance to employers who establish exemplary occupational 
safety and health programs; and the OSHA training institute. 
Residential construction should be one of the priorities for 
the training and education grants. The agency should continue 
the dual strategy of enforcement targeted to the most hazardous 
industries and employers and expand partnerships and compliance 
assistance activities to assist employers and workers in 
meeting their obligations to ensure workplace safety and 
health.
    The Committee believes that the agency can expand its 
efforts in partnering with employers in establishing voluntary 
safety and health programs. Specifically, the Committee expects 
OSHA's directorate for Federal/State operations to utilize 
$2,000,000 from compliance assistance funds to implement a two-
year pilot project to partner with employers in the development 
and implementation of safety and health programs. OSHA should 
utilize existing programs, such as the state consultation 
program, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program 
(SHARP), the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) and the 
existing Safety and Health Program Management guidelines.
    Under this pilot project, the agency should collect data 
related to: the cost of development and implementation of 
safety and health programs; reduction in injury and illness 
rates; comparison of workers' compensation rates prior and 
after implementation; conflicts with the National Labor 
Relations Act (NLRA); and other benefits and costs associated 
with implementing such programs. The agency shall report its 
initial findings to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, the House Committee on Education and the 
Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor 
and Pensions not later than June 1, 2000.
    Finally, the Committee believes this type of educational 
effort represents a better approach than a possible regulation. 
Therefore, OSHA should give time to adequately consider the 
positive effects of this project before moving forward with a 
new regulation. In addition, it should consider offering 
participating businesses certain incentives such as relief from 
random inspection.
    With respect to the Government Performance and Results Act, 
the Committee notes that the agency's annual performance plan 
indicates that measurement systems and baseline data are not 
currently available for some of its performance goals. This 
concerns the Committee, and it urges the agency to take all 
necessary steps to correct the deficiencies. The performance 
plan needs to show the specific, measurable improvements that 
are expected to occur with respect to all measures as a result 
of proposed funding levels.
    The Committee is disappointed with OSHA's April, 1999 
decision to issue a technical information bulletin on potential 
natural rubber latex allergy. The bulletin was issued 
notwithstanding unresolved questions concerning the bulletin's 
apparent contradiction of the recommendations of the Centers 
for Disease Control's Hospital Infection Control Practices 
Advisory Committee and the Food and Drug Administration's work 
on the labeling and regulation of medical devices containing 
latex. The Committee believes that the technical bulletin 
creates a significant risk of regulatory confusion and is a 
matter that should have been handled through more formal 
procedures that afford notice and comment protections to 
affected parties. The Committee recognizes that technical 
information bulletins are intended by OSHA to be advisory in 
nature and informational in content, and that a failure to 
implement a specific recommendation in a technical information 
bulletin is not in itself a violation of the General Duty 
Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Committee 
directs that OSHA not use funds provided in this Act to issue 
any citation under the General Duty Clause that relies on this 
technical information bulletin.
    The Committee recognizes that accidental injuries from 
contaminated needles and other sharp medical objects that 
potentially carry bloodborne illnesses such as AIDS and 
hepatitis jeopardize the well-being of our nation's healthcare 
workers. An estimated 590,000 needlestick injuries occur each 
year. The Committee commends OSHA for its plans to promulgate 
revised rules designed to reduce the number of needlestick 
injuries that reflect the newer safer technologies now 
available. While significant advances have been made, the 
Committee is concerned that any compliance directive or new 
standard may not allow or encourage the use of other 
appropriate technologies as they become available. Therefore, 
the Committee urges OSHA to ensure that the use of all FDA-
approved devices which reduce the risk of needlestick injury is 
allowed, whether or not such safety feature is integrated into 
the needle or other sharp medical object.
    The Committee supports OSHA's efforts to expand the 
Voluntary Protection Program and other voluntary cooperative 
programs. The Committee is pleased with OSHA's efforts in 
placing high priority on the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) 
and other voluntary cooperative programs. The agency's work in 
expanding participation in the programs, and promoting prompt 
review and processing of applications is noteworthy. In FY 2000 
the Committee expects OSHA to continue to place priority on the 
VPP, making an effort to ensure significant growth in 
participation by sites covered under Federal OSHA jurisdiction. 
Cooperative voluntary programs, especially the VPP, are 
important to employers' ability to assure worker safety.
    Elsewhere in this bill, the Committee has provided $450,000 
for a contract to allow the National Academy of Sciences to 
conduct a full study of the proposed tuberculosis standard and 
report back to the Congress. The Committee strongly urges OSHA 
not to proceed further with this new standard until the NAS 
study has been completed and submitted to the Congress.
    The Committee is aware of concerns with recommendations by 
the Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee, 
established by the Department, with respect to metalworking 
fluids exposure levels. The Committee expects the Department to 
carefully consider peer-reviewed scientific research and 
examine the technical feasibility and economic consequences of 
its recommendations before proceeding in this area. The 
Committee understands that as part of the rulemaking process, 
the Department held a series of meetings with industry and 
other interested parties to develop its technical analyses. A 
risk assessment and an economic feasibility analysis to the 
three-digit SIC code should be completed on the impact of 
reduced exposure levels on employees of non-automotive 
manufacturing companies. The Committee expects the Department 
to make these analyses available for public review prior to 
issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking. Prior to issuance of 
any proposed rule or standard, the Department shall provide the 
Committee with a summary of the comments submitted to the 
Department on the proposal and the Department's response to the 
comments received. The Committee believes that the Department 
should not propose any new or amended rules or standards for 
metalworking fluids until completion of these analyses.
    The Committee has set aside $100,000 in OSHA compliance 
assistance funds to be awarded to a qualified non-profit 
educational foundation to train licensed employers in an 
Internet-based OSHA expert compliance assistance system. This 
system uses an online interview to create compliance profiles 
for each facility and generate comprehensive ``to-do'' lists to 
manage compliance--customized for each facility, and kept 
current over the Internet. In addition, the system would use 
the Internet to automatically download, index, view and print 
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) files. Once tagged, MSDS's 
would be monitored and user files would be automatically 
updated via the Internet.
    The Committee has included language carried in the bill 
since 1976 in one instance and 1979 in the other that restricts 
the use of funds for certain purposes. First, the bill includes 
language that effectively exempts farms employing 10 or fewer 
people from the provisions of the Act except those farms having 
a temporary labor camp. Second, the bill includes language 
exempting businesses employing 10 or fewer in industry 
classifications having a lost workday injury rate less than the 
national average from general schedule safety inspections.

                 Mine Safety and Health Administration


                         salaries and expenses

    The bill includes $211,165,000 for this agency. This is 
$17,208,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level after adjusting for the one-time funding in 
1999 of Y2K activities. This agency enforces the Federal Mine 
Safety and Health Act in underground and surface coal and metal 
and non-metal mines.
    The Committee wishes to commend the agency and the affected 
industries for working together effectively, as requested in 
last year's appropriations cycle, to revise the miner training 
regulations with respect to the companies engaged in the mining 
of sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal 
phosphate and surface limestone. The proposed regulations are 
currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget 
and are scheduled to be issued in final form by September 30. 
In order to ensure that there is a transition period after the 
regulations are finally issued, the Committee has decided to 
continue language in the bill prohibiting the use of funds to 
carry out the training provisions of the Act with respect to 
these industries until June 1, 2000. The Committee hopes and 
intends that the agency and the affected industry groups will 
continue to work together cooperatively to see that there is an 
appropriate transition period during which the affected 
industries can become familiar with the new regulations and can 
see that they are smoothly implemented. If sufficient progress 
has been achieved by the time the conference committee meets on 
this bill, every consideration will be given to dropping the 
prohibition entirely.
    The Committee believes that the promulgation of a proposed 
rule on diesel exhaust should be informed by the ongoing NCI/
NIOSH study of Lung Cancer and Diesel Exhaust among Non-Metal 
Miners. The Committee believes that this rule would be 
strengthened by the development and use of testing methods that 
more accurately identify actual toxic properties and exposure 
effects associated with diesel exhaust and notes that research 
presently being undertaken could lead to substantial 
improvements in current testing devices and analytical methods 
used to measure actual exposure.
    The Committee is concerned about the possible ramifications 
of a rulemaking on the use of conveyor belts in underground 
coal mines. A number of questions have been raised concerning 
this proposed rule, including concerns about the validity of 
the testing on which the rule is based and concerns about the 
amount of time that has elapsed since the rule was originally 
proposed. The Committee directs MSHA, before the agency issues 
a final rule on conveyor belts, to carefully examine the 
record, conduct additional research that may be required to 
address any significant concerns that have been raised, and to 
be very sure that any final rule does not have the unintended 
consequence of creating additional hazards in coal mines.

                       Bureau of Labor Statistics


                         salaries and expenses

    The total funding recommended by the Committee for the 
Bureau of Labor Statistics is $394,697,000. This is a reduction 
of $26,222,000 below the budget request and is a freeze at the 
1999 level after adjusting for the planned reduction in funds 
for the Consumer Price Index revision. The bill includes 
$340,551,000 in general funds for this account and authority to 
spend $54,146,000 from the Employment Security Administration 
Account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. The Bureau of Labor 
Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency in the Federal 
Government in the broad field of labor economics. Its principal 
surveys include the Consumer Price Index and the monthly 
unemployment series.
    The Committee has approved $6,986,000, the full amount 
requested by the Administration, for the completion of the 
Consumer Price Index revision. This revision is critical to the 
Nation's economy and to the Federal budget.

                        Departmental Management


                         salaries and expenses

    The bill includes $191,131,000 for Departmental Management 
activities. This is $66,523,000 below the budget request and is 
a freeze at the 1999 level after accounting for one-time 
funding in 1999 for Y2K activities and other one-time funding 
requirements related primarily to the Clinger-Cohen Act. The 
bill includes $190,832,000 in general funds for this account 
along with authority to transfer $299,000 from the Employment 
Security Administration account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. 
In addition, an amount of $20,422,000 is available by transfer 
from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. This is $722,000 
less than the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 
1999 level.
    The Departmental Management appropriation finances staff 
responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation 
of Departmental policy and management activities. In addition, 
this appropriation includes a variety of operating programs and 
activities that are not involved in Departmental Management 
functions, but for which other salaries and expenses 
appropriations are not suitable.
    The Committee commends the Department for again achieving a 
clean audit under the terms of the Government Management Reform 
Act of 1994. An audited financial statement is like a 
``scorecard'' that reflects a department's progress in 
achieving the significant financial management reforms required 
by the CFO Act, and in providing effective stewardship and 
management of government funds.
    The bill includes $30,000,000 in the Bureau of 
International Labor Affairs for the purpose of providing 
funding to the ILO to support the International Program for the 
Elimination of Child Labor. This is the same as 1999 and the 
same amount requested by the President. Given the extremely 
tight budget constraints under which it is operating this year, 
the Committee was forced to make difficult choices. Funding is 
simply not available for the requested increases of $35,400,000 
for international core labor standards and bilateral labor 
agreements. In addition, the Committee believes the Department 
did not make a strong case for appropriating these funds either 
in the hearings or in the budget justifications.
    The Committee urges the Women's Bureau to continue to 
support effective organizations that provide technical 
assistance and training on displaced homemaker programming.
    The Committee is encouraged by agency interest in 
intradepartmental coordination of programs within the 
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. 
The Committee continues to be concerned that the Departments 
have no forum in place for continuous interdepartmental 
collaboration. The Working Group on Comprehensive Early 
Childhood Family Centers, headed by the Department of 
Education, recommended that the Departments create such a 
forum, and this has yet to occur. Therefore, the Committee 
urges the Departments to institutionalize interdisciplinary 
collaboration at all levels, and requests a progress report on 
steps taken to accomplish such departmental collaboration and 
program coordination no later than March of 2000.

        assistant secretary for veterans employment and training

    The bill includes $182,719,000 to be expended from the 
Employment Security Administration Account of the Unemployment 
Trust Fund. This is the same as the 1999 appropriation and a 
reduction of $2,894,000 from the budget request.
    For State grants, the bill provides $80,040,000 for the 
Disabled Veterans Outreach program. This amount is sufficient 
to finance about 1,440 State staff. The bill also provides 
$77,078,000 for the Local Veterans Employment Representative 
program. This amount is sufficient to finance about 1,300 State 
staff.
    For Federal administration, the bill provides $25,601,000, 
a freeze at the 1999 level. This includes $2,000,000 to operate 
the National Veterans Training Institute, the same amount 
requested by the Administration as a separate line item. 
Attendees at the Institute are primarily State employees who 
provide employment services to veterans. The Committee believes 
that the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies 
should pay the full cost of training for their employees that 
is provided by the NVTI.

                    office of the inspector general

    The bill includes $47,500,000 for the Office of Inspector 
General. This is a reduction of $7,678,000 below the budget 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level after 
adjusting for one-time 1999 funding for Y2K activities. This 
includes $43,852,000 in general funds for this account along 
with authority to transfer $3,648,000 from the Employment 
Security Administration account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. 
In addition, an amount of $306,000 is available by transfer 
from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
    The Office of the Inspector General was created by law to 
protect the integrity of Departmental programs as well as the 
welfare of beneficiaries served by those programs. Through a 
program of audits, investigations, inspections, and program 
evaluations, the OIG attempts to reduce the incidence of fraud, 
waste, abuse, and mismanagement, and to promote economy, 
efficiency, and effectiveness throughout the Department.
    The Committee believes that all of the Inspectors General 
need to do a better job of accounting for and tracking the 
savings that they claim to generate by their efforts. More 
attention must be paid to how much money is actually collected 
each year and paid back to the Federal government. The 
Committee directs the Inspector General to continue to report 
to the Committee on:
          (1) the actual payments, as a result of fines, 
        restitutions or forfeitures, made to the United States 
        Government as a result of his activities; and
          (2) how ``funds put to better use'' were used; this 
        report must identify funds made available for use by 
        management and the programs, projects, and activities 
        that were increased as a result of these funds.
    The Committee continues to be concerned by the inability of 
the Inspector General to obtain the necessary data from the 
Department of Justice to inform the Committee about the amounts 
of money that are being recovered. The Inspector General must 
continue to take all necessary steps to address this 
shortcoming. The Committee will expect an update on this at 
next year's hearing.

           TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


              Health Resources and Services Administration


                     health resources and services

    The bill includes $4,204,395,000 for health resources and 
services programs. This is $87,637,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level for these activities and $63,312,000 
above the Administration request.
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 
supports programs which provide health services to 
disadvantaged, medically underserved, and special populations; 
improve infant mortality rates; direct the education, supply, 
and distribution of a wide range of health professionals; and 
provide technical assistance regarding the utilization of 
health resources and facilities.

Community health centers

    The Committee provides $985,000,000 for community health 
centers, which is $60,294,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $40,000,000 above the Administration 
request.
    The Committee repeats bill language from previous years 
limiting the amount of funds available for the payment of 
claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act to $5,000,000. Without 
such language, the Department of Justice could tap the 
community health centers line item for $30,000,000 for claims 
payment, which is far in excess of historical levels.
    Community health centers provide preventive and primary 
health care services to over 10 million individuals, many of 
whom are uninsured or Medicaid beneficiaries, in 3,500 
medically underserved communities. The number of uninsured 
Americans continues to grow at a rate of 100,000 per month and 
is expected to exceed 50 million by 2002. These Centers are a 
direct and cost-effective response to this growing national 
concern. In addition, health centers serve as an important 
program in reducing health disparities in minority populations. 
Of the 10 million individuals served by community health 
centers, over two-thirds are individuals of a racial or ethnic 
minority group.
    The Committee is pleased with the expeditious manner in 
which HRSA has distributed a substantial portion of the 
additional resources provided to the program in fiscal year 
1999 and with the use of a funding methodology that targeted 
these funds to Centers with the highest burden of uninsured 
patients. The Committee encourages HRSA to give priority to 
stabilizing the existing health center safety net and expansion 
of existing health centers to serve the neediest communities 
without access to primary and preventive care when distributing 
additional funding. In providing services to new communities, 
HRSA should first determine if the expansion of an existing 
health center through the development of a new site is feasible 
in order to build upon the expertise of centers that currently 
provide service to underserved populations. In targeting 
communities for establishment or expansion of a health center, 
preference should be given to communities where health centers 
are part of or are leading the development of an integrated 
delivery system.
    The Committee understands the difficulties with which the 
loan guarantee program established under section 330(d) of the 
Public Health Service Act is being implemented and requests the 
Secretary to study and report to the Committee, by March 31, 
2000, on the feasibility of a pool approach to allow HRSA to 
directly guarantee plan surplus/reserves rather than indirectly 
through guarantees to non-Federal lenders.
    The Committee recognizes HRSA for focusing its efforts on 
health services delivery to those most in need through the 
community health centers program. The Committee is pleased with 
the success of the school-based health centers funded under the 
Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities initiative. Healthy 
Schools, Healthy Communities currently serves children and 
adolescents by working in areas with the greatest need to 
target young people who are at risk for poor health because 
they are homeless, members of minority populations, or from 
low-income families. The Committee urges HRSA to expand the 
``community school'' model developed under the Healthy Schools, 
Healthy Communities initiative to other sites who will 
replicate the model.
    The Committee recognizes that asthma is a growing problem 
nationwide, particularly among ethnic and racial minorities and 
the underserved. The Committee encourages HRSA, through its 
community health centers program, to enhance its efforts aimed 
at reducing the incidence of asthma in these populations.
    The Committee notes the high prevalence of Hepatitis C in 
the low-income communities served by community health centers 
and encourages the Centers to train their medical personnel on 
the risks and treatment protocols for Hepatitis C and to 
provide culturally appropriate educational materials for their 
clientele.

National Health Service Corps: Field placements

    The Committee provides $38,244,000 for field placement 
activities, which is $1,012,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $1,247,000 above the Administration 
request. These funds are used to support the activities of 
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) obligors and volunteers in 
the field, including travel and transportation costs of 
assignees, training and education, recruitment of volunteers, 
and retention activities. Salary costs of most new assignees 
are paid by the employing entity.
    The Committee is concerned about the availability of 
behavioral and mental health services under National Health 
Service Corps programs. The Committee commends HRSA for 
initiating partnerships with six States to increase the number 
of sites employing mental health professionals and has provided 
an additional $1,000,000 to build on this initiative 
nationwide. This demonstration program should increase the 
number of behavioral and mental health professionals in 
underserved urban and rural areas, with particular attention 
focused on mental health needs in farming communities.

National Health Service Corps: Recruitment

    The Committee provides $78,166,000 for recruitment 
activities, which is $25,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. 
The program awards scholarships to health professions students 
and assists graduates in repaying their student loans. In 
return for every year of support, these students are obligated 
to provide a year of service in health professional shortage 
areas usually located in inner cities or rural areas, with a 
two-year minimum obligation. The Committee reiterates its 
intent that funds provided be used to support multi-year, 
rather than single-year commitments.
    The Committee is pleased with the progress NHSC has made in 
increasing dental participation in the loan repayment programs, 
but remains concerned that more could be done to meet the oral 
health needs of underserved populations, especially in rural 
and border areas. HRSA should be prepared to testify at the 
fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing on what steps are being 
taken to reach these populations, including the feasibility of 
reactivating the scholarship program and developing educational 
partnerships with dental schools. HRSA should also be prepared 
to testify on how NHSC plans to work with dental education 
institutions, dental organizations, and State and local dental 
health officials to determine dental site readiness and 
designation.

Health professions

    The Committee provides $301,986,000 for all health 
professions training programs, which is $70,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $50,292,000 above the 
Administration request. The Bureau of Health Professions 
provides both policy leadership and support for health 
professions workforce enhancement and educational 
infrastructure development. The Committee continues to support 
health professions training and urges continued funding for all 
of the programs within the new configuration of health 
professions training. The Committee also urges, as a general 
policy, that funding for specific programs within the new 
configuration should not be disproportionately reduced.

Centers of excellence

    The Committee provides $25,642,000 for centers of 
excellence, which is $8,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $7,500,000 below the Administration 
request. The program is designed to strengthen the national 
capacity to educate underrepresented minority (URM) students in 
the health professions by offering special support to those 
institutions which train a significant number of URM 
individuals, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native 
Americans. Funds are used for the recruitment and retention of 
students and faculty, information resources and curricula, 
faculty and student research, and the development of plans to 
achieve institutional improvements.
    The Committee is pleased that HRSA has re-focused the 
minority centers of excellence program on providing support to 
historically minority health professions institutions.

Health careers opportunity program

    The Committee provides $27,799,000 for the health careers 
opportunity program, which is $9,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $7,500,000 below the Administration 
request. This program provides grants and contracts to eligible 
health professions schools for identifying, recruiting, and 
selecting individuals from the various racial and ethnic 
populations who are from disadvantaged backgrounds for 
education and training in a health profession and facilitating 
their entry into, retention and completion of their education 
at a health professions school.
    The Committee is pleased that HRSA has given priority 
consideration for health careers opportunities program (H-COP) 
grants to minority health professions institutions and 
recommends that grant review committees have proportionate 
representation from these institutions.

Loan repayments and fellowships regarding faculty positions

    The Committee provides $1,100,000 for loan repayments and 
fellowships regarding faculty positions, which is the same as 
both the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the 
Administration request. The program provides for the repayment 
of educational loans of individuals from disadvantaged 
backgrounds who are health professions students or graduates, 
and who have agreed to serve for not less than two years as a 
faculty member of an eligible health professions school. The 
school matches the Federal contribution toward loan repayment. 
The program also supports fellowships for URM faculty members.

Scholarships for disadvantaged students

    The Committee provides $38,099,000 for scholarships for 
disadvantaged students, which is $12,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level and $867,000 below the Administration 
request. The program provides grants to eligible health 
professions and nursing schools to provide scholarships to 
eligible individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 
students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups. 
By statute, not less than 16 percent of the funds must go to 
schools of nursing. The Committee continues to intend that all 
health professions disciplines made eligible by statute be able 
to participate in the program.
    The Committee is supportive of the program's role in 
improving the health status of minority and disadvantaged 
citizens by increasing available opportunities for those 
individuals seeking a health professions career. Minority 
providers are more likely to serve in underserved areas. The 
program has recognized the contribution of historically 
minority health professions schools and has supported those 
institutions which have made a contribution to increasing the 
number of minorities in health professions careers.

Training in primary care medicine and dentistry

    The Committee provides $79,934,000 for training in primary 
care medicine and dentistry, which is the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level. The Administration did not request 
funding for this program. The program is comprised of four 
elements: (1) family medicine programs; (2) general internal 
medicine and general pediatrics (GIM/GP) training; (3) 
physician assistants (PA) training; and (4) general or 
pediatric dentistry training. Family medicine grants and 
contracts promote the predoctoral training of medical students, 
support family medicine residency programs and their trainees, 
train physicians who plan to teach in family medicine programs, 
and assist in establishing or improving family medicine 
academic administrative units. GIM/GP grants and contracts are 
to plan and operate residency programs and to provide financial 
assistance for residents, meet the costs of training programs 
for physicians who plan to teach in GIM/GP, as well as to 
support the faculty trainees, and develop programs to support 
predoctoral activities. PA training grants and contracts are to 
plan, develop, and operate or maintain programs for the 
training of PAs and for the training of individuals who will 
teach in programs to provide such training. General or 
pediatric dentistry training grants and contracts are to meet 
the costs of planning, developing, or operating programs and to 
provide financial assistance to residents in such programs.
    The Committee is concerned that there are not enough 
pediatric dentists being trained to address the growing demand 
for pediatric oral health care services, especially among low-
income children. The Committee urges HRSA to enhance funding 
for pediatric dentistry training programs to meet the dental 
needs of children covered by Medicaid and CHIP.
    The Committee encourages HRSA to expand training of health 
care providers in practice and providers in-training to improve 
the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic 
fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome patients.

Area health education centers

    The Committee provides $29,561,000 for area health 
education centers (AHEC), which is $983,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $974,000 above the 
Administration request. The program links university health 
science centers with community health service delivery systems 
to provide community-based training sites for students, 
faculty, and practitioners. The program supports two types of 
projects: (1) basic/core AHEC cooperative agreement projects to 
plan and implement new and developing programs; and (2) model 
programs to extend AHEC cooperative agreement projects, with 
not less than 50 percent of the project costs supported by non-
Federal contributions in cash.

Health education and training centers

    The Committee provides $3,889,000 for health education and 
training centers, which is $125,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $124,000 above the Administration request. 
The program funds schools of medicine and osteopathy to conduct 
training and education programs for health professions students 
to improve the access, diversity, and quality of health 
personnel along the border between the United States and 
Mexico, in the State of Florida, and in other urban and rural 
areas with populations with serious unmet health care needs. 
The program also provides educational support to health 
professionals, including nursing, practicing in the area.

Allied health and other disciplines

    The Committee provides $6,722,000 for allied health and 
other disciplines, which is $371,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level. The Administration did not request funding 
for this program. The program is comprised of three elements: 
(1) allied health special projects; (2) podiatric primary care 
residency training; and (3) chiropractic demonstration 
projects. Allied health special projects assist entities in 
meeting the costs associated with expanding or establishing 
programs that will increase the number of individuals trained 
in allied health professions. Activities included are those 
that: (1) expand enrollments; (2) provide rapid transition and 
career advancement training programs; (3) establish community-
based training programs; (4) expand or establish 
interdisciplinary training programs, demonstration centers, and 
clinical training sites in medically underserved or rural 
communities; (5) provide traineeships to students; and (6) 
plan, develop, and operate or maintain graduate programs in 
behavioral and mental health practice. Podiatric primary care 
residency training grants and contracts are for planning and 
implementing projects in residency programs and providing 
traineeships to residents who plan to specialize in primary 
care. Chiropractic demonstration grants and contracts are to 
carry out demonstration projects in which chiropractors and 
physicians collaborate to identify and provide effective 
treatment of spinal and lower-back conditions.
    The Committee continues to encourage HRSA to give priority 
consideration to those projects for schools training allied 
health professionals experiencing shortages, such as medical 
technologists and cytotechnologists.

Geriatric programs

    The Committee provides $9,206,000 for geriatric programs, 
which is $491,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level. 
The Administration did not request funding for this program. 
The program provides grants and contracts to eligible entities 
to: (1) establish geriatric education centers to provide 
training for health care professionals who provide treatment 
and for training and retraining of faculty who teach 
geriatrics; (2) provide support for geriatric training projects 
to train physicians, dentists, and behavioral and mental health 
professionals who plan to teach geriatrics; and (3) establish a 
program to provide Geriatric Academic Career Awards to eligible 
individuals to promote the career development of such 
individuals as academic geriatricians.
    The number of aged Americans is expected to double by the 
year 2030 making the care of the aging an important priority. 
The Committee encourages HRSA to support programs to examine 
the delivery of aging-related health services including the 
best practices in long-term care, clinical drug trials, 
palliative and end-of-life care, and economic issues related to 
aging. The Committee also encourages HRSA to provide a focus on 
the challenge of health care delivery for the aging population 
in rural areas, such as West Texas.
    The aging of our population also highlights the need for 
increased emphasis on geriatric training in medical schools so 
that all physicians, no matter what their specialty, are better 
prepared to provide the most appropriate care for their elderly 
patients. The Committee requests that HRSA explore ways the 
Federal government and the private sector can form partnerships 
to enhance the training required for physicians to become 
academic geriatricians and promote geriatric programs for all 
medical students and be prepared to update the Committee on 
this issue at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.

Quentin N. Burdick program for rural interdisciplinary training

    The Committee provides $4,314,000 for the Quentin N. 
Burdick program for rural interdisciplinary training program, 
which is $230,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level 
and $231,000 below the Administration request. The program 
provides grants and contracts to entities for the purpose of 
funding interdisciplinary training projects that are designed 
to train, recruit, and retain teams of interdisciplinary 
professionals to work in underserved areas.

Health professions workforce information and analysis

    The Committee provides $714,000 for health professions 
workforce information and analysis, which is the same as both 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the Administration 
request. The program provides grants and contracts to eligible 
entities to provide for the collection and analysis of targeted 
information, research on high priority workforce questions, the 
development of a non-Federal analytic and research 
infrastructure, and the conduct of program evaluation and 
assessment.

Public health, preventive medicine and dental public health programs

    The Committee provides $8,294,000 for public health, 
preventive medicine and dental public health programs, which is 
$3,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level. The 
Administration did not request funding for this program. The 
program is comprised of three elements: (1) public health 
training centers; (2) public health traineeships; and (3) 
preventive medicine and dental public health residencies. 
Grants or contracts for the operation of public health training 
centers are awarded to an accredited school of public health, 
or another public or nonprofit private institution accredited 
for the provision of graduate or specialized training in public 
health, that plans, develops, operates, and evaluates projects 
that are in furtherance of the goals for the year 2000 in the 
areas of preventive medicine, health promotion and disease 
prevention, or improving access to and quality of health 
services in medically underserved communities. Public health 
traineeship grants provide graduate or specialized public 
health training to individuals in the fields of epidemiology, 
environmental health, biostatistics, toxicology, nutrition, and 
maternal and child health. Preventive medicine and dental 
public health residency grants and contracts assist schools in 
developing new residency training programs or improving 
existing programs and in providing financial assistance to 
residency trainees.

Health administration programs

    The Committee provides $1,136,000 for health administration 
programs, which is $1,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level. The Administration did not request funding for this 
program. These programs provide grants to eligible entities 
with an accredited program in health administration, hospital 
administration, or health policy analysis and planning to 
provide traineeships to students and assist accredited health 
administration programs in the development or improvement of 
programs to prepare students for employment with public or 
nonprofit private agencies. Priority in awarding of 
traineeships is given to students who demonstrate a commitment 
to employment with public or non-profit entities in the fields 
with respect to which the traineeships are awarded.

Children's hospitals graduate medical education program

    The Committee does not provide funding for the children's 
hospitals graduate medical education program. The 
Administration requested $40,000,000 for this program. 
Currently, children's teaching hospitals that have a separate 
Medicare provider number receive a small amount of funding from 
Medicare for graduate medical education (GME) training. The 
Committee is sympathetic to the need to provide a more adequate 
level of support for GME training at children's hospitals, but 
does not have the discretionary resources to begin funding a 
mandatory program that is expected to grow to over $200 million 
in the future. The Committee believes this is an issue that 
needs to be addressed within the context of Medicare reform.

Advanced education nursing

    The Committee provides $50,598,000 for advanced education 
nursing, which is $17,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and the same as the Administration request. The program 
provides grants and contracts to eligible entities to meet the 
costs of: (1) projects that support the enhancement of advanced 
nursing education and practice; and (2) traineeships for 
individuals in advanced nursing education programs. The program 
prepares nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse 
midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse 
administrators, public health nurses or other nurse specialists 
for advanced practice roles. The type of advanced education 
programs include master's and doctoral degree programs, 
combined registered nurse/master's programs, post-nursing 
master's certificate programs, or in the case of certificate 
nurse midwifery programs, those in existence on November 12, 
1998.

Nursing workforce diversity

    The Committee provides $4,010,000 for nursing workforce 
diversity, which is $1,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. 
The program provides grants and contracts to schools of nursing 
and other eligible entities to meet the costs of special 
projects to increase nursing education opportunities for 
individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 
racial and ethnic minorities, by providing student scholarships 
or stipends, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities. 
The program also contributes to the basic preparation of 
disadvantaged and minority nurses for leadership positions 
within the nursing and health care community.

Basic nurse education and practice

    The Committee provides $10,968,000 for basic nurse 
education and practice, which is $3,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level and the same as the Administration 
request. The program provides grants and contracts to schools 
of nursing and other eligible entities for projects to 
strengthen capacity for basic nurse education and practice by 
strengthening programs that provide basic nurse education 
through establishing or expanding nursing practice arrangements 
in non-institutional settings; providing care for underserved 
populations and other high-risk groups, such as the elderly, 
individuals with HIV/AIDS, substance abusers, the homeless, and 
victims of domestic violence; providing managed care, quality 
improvement, and other skills needed to practice in existing 
and emerging health care systems; develop cultural competencies 
among nurses; expand the enrollment in baccalaureate programs; 
promote career mobility and cross training or specialty 
training among diverse population groups; and providing 
education in informatics, including distance learning 
methodologies or other priority areas.

Hansen's disease services

    The Committee provides $18,670,000 to support the operation 
of the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center in Carville, 
Louisiana, research in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the regional 
ambulatory care program for Hansen's disease patients. This is 
$2,993,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$1,388,000 above the Administration request. The Gillis W. Long 
Center operates as a research and treatment center for persons 
with Hansen's disease (leprosy). The Federal government is 
required to provide care for anyone presenting themselves at 
the facility for care of Hansen's disease. The facility is 
expected to begin fiscal year 2000 with an inpatient census of 
approximately 75 patients. The regional ambulatory care program 
provides secondary and tertiary care in support of direct care 
at the Center and regionalized care of patients on an 
outpatient basis. It is expected to serve 3,000 patients in 11 
locations.

Maternal and child health block grant

    The Committee provides $800,000,000 for the Maternal and 
Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, which is $105,223,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $105,000,000 above the 
Administration request. The MCH block grant provides funds to 
States to meet a broad range of enhanced and wraparound health 
services, including personal health services; general, 
population-wide health services, such as screening; family 
support services; and integrated systems of care. About 17 
million women, infants, children, adolescents and children with 
special health care needs will be served in fiscal year 2000. 
The authorizing statute provides that, up to a funding level of 
$600,000,000, 85 percent of the funds are distributed to the 
States, with 15 percent of the funds set-aside by the Secretary 
for special projects of regional and national significance 
(SPRANS). When the appropriation exceeds $600,000,000, 12.75 
percent of the amount over $600,000,000 is directed to the 
Community Integrated Service Systems set-aside program. The 
remaining 87.25 percent is distributed by the same 85/15 
percent allocation as in the basic block grant formula.
    In addition, the Committee provides $95,000,000 more for 
SPRANS activities than would otherwise be the case under the 
statutory formula, of which $90,000,000 is to continue the 
Healthy Start program and $5,000,000 is to continue the 
traumatic brain injury health services demonstration projects 
initiated in fiscal year 1997 under this authority. The 
Committee anticipates phasing out the Healthy Start program 
over the next three years. The Committee expects HRSA to work 
with States and Healthy Start project recipients to begin 
incorporating those activities that are proven successful and 
can be replicated into the mission of the block grant and 
eliminating those activities that do not meet performance 
goals. The Committee requests HRSA to submit a plan to complete 
this phase out by fiscal year 2002 no later than January 31, 
2000.
    The Committee is concerned that HRSA has not provided the 
report requested in the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 regarding the Section 
340B drug pricing program. The Secretary was requested to 
submit the report within six months of October 19, 1999. The 
Secretary is directed to provide the Committee with an 
explanation of why this report is late no later than October 
31, 1999. The Committee continues to believe that hemophilia 
treatment centers (HTCs) should not be required to distribute 
clotting factor as a condition of their MCH block grant. The 
Committee also remains concerned that some HTCs that distribute 
clotting factor may be excessively marking-up the cost of the 
factor to patients and public and private insurers.
    The Committee urges the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to 
work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention in addressing long-term issues related to improving 
care for persons with hemophilia and other bleeding and 
clotting disorders through the hemophilia treatment center 
network.
    The Committee commends the Bureau for the recently 
established Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) program support 
center and encourages the Bureau to continue research and data 
collection related to SIDS.

Healthy Start

    The Committee has included funding for this program under 
the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant. The 
Administration requested $105,000,000 for this initiative, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 comparable level. Healthy Start 
began as a five-year demonstration program in 1991 to reduce 
infant mortality in 22 urban and rural communities. It has 
never been authorized as a separate program and continues 
operating under section 301 of the Public Health Service Act 
demonstration authority. The Committee notes that other Federal 
programs, such as the MCH block grant, the Supplemental 
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and 
Medicaid, have the goal of reducing infant mortality as one of 
its missions. The Committee believes that the Healthy Start 
demonstrations are duplicative of these programs. The Committee 
has provided the MCH block grant with $90,000,000, within the 
SPRANS account, to continue all ongoing projects in fiscal year 
2000. The Committee anticipates phasing out the Healthy Start 
program over the next three years and incorporating those 
activities that have been proven successful and can be 
replicated into the mission of the block grant and eliminating 
those activities that do not meet performance goals.

Newborn and infant hearing screening

    The Committee provides $2,500,000 to begin implementation 
of Title VI of this bill, authorizing a new program to assist 
States in developing newborn and infant hearing screening 
programs on a voluntary basis. The Administration requested 
$4,000,000 under general authority of the Public Health Service 
Act.

Organ transplantation

    The Committee provides $10,000,000 for organ 
transplantation activities, which is $3,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and the same as the Administration 
request. The program supports a scientific registry of organ 
transplant recipients; the National Organ Procurement and 
Transplantation Network, which matches organ donors with 
potential recipients; and grants and contracts with public and 
private non-profit organizations to promote and improve organ 
donations.
    The Committee believes that increasing the supply of organs 
available from voluntary donations is a high public health 
priority. Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) have a lead 
responsibility to increase organ donation. The Committee 
encourages HRSA work with OPOs to accelerate nationwide its 
efforts to increase the rate of donations.

Health teaching facilities interest subsidies

    The Committee provides $150,000 for health teaching 
facilities interest subsidies, which is the same as both the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the Administration 
request. The program continues support of interest subsidies 
and loan guarantees for three loans for construction of health 
professions teaching facilities under a now discontinued Public 
Health Service Act authority. The remaining Federal commitment 
on these loans will expire in the year 2004.

Bone marrow program

    The Committee provides $18,000,000 for the bone marrow 
program, which is $6,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and the same as the Administration request. In addition 
to funding from HRSA in fiscal year 2000, the National Marrow 
Donor Program is expected to receive $19,000,000 from the U.S. 
Navy. Funds are used for donor medical costs, donor centers, 
tissue typing, research, minority recruitment, and program 
administration. The registry is run by contract.

Rural outreach grants

    The Committee provides $38,892,000 for rural outreach 
grants, which is $12,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level. The Administration proposed to transfer $7,496,000 to 
create the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. The 
program supports projects that provide health services to rural 
populations not currently receiving them and that enhance 
access to existing services.
    The Committee commends HRSA's commitment to telehealth 
demonstrations to serve as national models for the efficient 
delivery of health care services to rural, underserved, and 
hard to reach populations such as those in prison and in the 
custody and care of other public institutions. Many rural 
hospitals use some form of telehealth technology and the most 
common uses of telehealth are diagnostic consultations, medical 
information transmissions, and management of chronic 
conditions. Behavioral and mental health consultation are also 
a frequently used telehealth activity. The Committee encourages 
HRSA to demonstrate cost effective models to reach prison and 
other public institution populations with behavioral and mental 
health services that combine delivery of service with advanced 
training of health care professionals.

Rural health research

    The Committee provides $11,713,000 for rural health 
research, which is $4,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level. The Administration proposed to transfer $5,628,000 to 
create the office for the Advancement of Telehealth. The 
activity supports several rural health research centers and the 
Office for Rural Health Policy's advisory committee.

Office for the Advancement of Telehealth

    The Committee does not provide separate funding for the 
Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Funding for the 
activities of this office are provided within the rural 
outreach grants program and the rural health research program.

Emergency medical services for children

    The Committee provides $17,000,000 for emergency medical 
services for children, which is $2,005,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $2,000,000 above the 
Administration request. The program supports demonstration 
grants for the delivery of emergency medical services to 
acutely ill and seriously injured children.

Traumatic brain injury program

    The Committee has included $5,000,000 for traumatic brain 
injury activities under the MCH block grant, SPRANS funding, 
which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 comparable level. The 
Administration requested $5,000,000 as a separate account.

Trauma/emergency medical services

    Due to fiscal constraints, the Committee does not provide 
funding for the trauma/emergency medical services program. The 
Administration requested $1,000,000 for this new program.

Poison control centers

    Due to fiscal constraints, the Committee does not provide 
funding for poison control centers. The Administration 
requested $1,500,000 for this new program.

Black lung clinics

    The Committee provides $5,000,000 for black lung clinics, 
which is $2,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
the same as the Administration request. The program supports 14 
grantees which treat a declining population of coal miners with 
respiratory and pulmonary impairments. The clinics presently 
receive more than one-third of their funding from other 
sources, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Of the 14 grantees, 
three actually receive community health center funding as well 
as black lung grants.

Nurse loan repayment for shortage area service

    The Committee provides $2,279,000 for nurse loan repayment 
for shortage area service, which is $1,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and the same as the Administration 
request. This program offers student loan repayment to nurses 
in exchange for an agreement to serve not less than two years 
in an Indian Health Service health center, Native Hawaiian 
health center, public hospital, community or migrant health 
center, or rural health clinic.

Payment to Hawaii for treatment of Hansen's disease

    The Committee provides $2,045,000 for the treatment of 
persons with Hansen's Disease in the State of Hawaii, which is 
$1,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the same 
as the Administration request. The program, which provides a 
partial matching payment to the State of Hawaii, dates to the 
period of Father Damien's facility for sufferers of Hansen's 
disease (leprosy). That facility now has only 45 residents who 
live there by choice, and the grounds have been converted to a 
historical site. Most patients diagnosed with Hansen's disease 
in Hawaii are now treated in the same manner as new patients on 
the mainland; their care is handled on an out-patient basis, 
with the program paying for about 5,500 outpatient visits per 
year.

Ryan White AIDS programs

    The Committee provides $1,519,000,000 for Ryan White AIDS 
programs, which is $108,149,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $8,500,000 above the Administration 
request. The Committee recognizes that each Part of the Ryan 
White CARE Act provides services, which enable individuals to 
adhere to HIV drug treatments and access needed medical care.
    The Committee urges HRSA to include Indian Health Service 
(IHS) programs in the definition of Federal facility for 
purposes of allowing Ryan White CARE Act grantees to 
subcontract with IHS for appropriate HIV-related health and 
social services to American Indians and Native Alaskans.
    The Committee is concerned with the growing number of HIV/
AIDS reported cases in the Hispanic community, the African-
American community, the Native-American community and other 
affected ethnic and minority populations. To address this 
growing epidemic, the Committee urges HRSA to provide funding 
for initiatives to address the needs of these communities.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.

Emergency assistance

    The Committee provides $525,000,000 for the Part A, 
emergency assistance program, which is $19,961,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $3,800,000 above the 
Administration request. These funds provide grants to 
metropolitan areas with very high numbers of AIDS cases for 
outpatient and ambulatory health and social support services. 
Half of the amount appropriated is allocated by formula and 
half is allocated to eligible areas demonstrating additional 
need through a competitive grant process.
    The Committee is concerned that the health improvements and 
reductions in deaths in individuals living with HIV/AIDS are 
not being realized by all affected Americans regardless of 
race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, and age. Recent 
national improvements in access to combination therapies 
require that the essential medical and supportive services 
provided by Part A be bolstered in order to promote and sustain 
participation in health care services. The Committee urges that 
the targeted initiatives to reduce the disparity in health 
outcomes and utilization of existing services between 
populations remain a high priority for all funded localities, 
particularly Part A communities serving the majority of people 
with AIDS in the country.

Comprehensive care programs

    The Committee provides $785,000,000 for Part B, 
comprehensive care programs, which is $47,235,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $2,000,000 above the 
Administration request. The funds provided support formula 
grants to States for the operation of HIV service delivery 
consortia in the localities most heavily affected, for the 
provision of home and community-based care, for continuation of 
health insurance coverage for infected persons, and for 
purchase of therapeutic drugs.
    The Committee continues to be encouraged by the success of 
new drugs and combination therapies for HIV and AIDS, whose 
purchase is principally financed under Part B, and has included 
bill language identifying $500,000,000 specifically for the 
purchase of AIDS drugs. The fiscal year 1999 bill designated 
$461,000,000 for this purpose.
    The Committee encourages HRSA to allow States to redirect a 
reasonable portion of earmarked ADAP funds, as determined in 
collaboration with the States, to such services that enhance 
the ability of eligible people living with HIV and AIDS to 
access, adhere to and monitor their progress in taking HIV-
related pharmaceuticals. Such services can include coverage of 
medical care, laboratory tests, services to enhance patient 
adherence to pharmaceuticals, and social services directly 
related to access to medical care and adherence to 
pharmaceuticals, especially among underserved populations, 
including racial and ethnic minorities.

Early intervention program

    The Committee provides $132,000,000 for Part C, the early 
intervention program, which is $37,730,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $1,700,000 above the 
Administration request. Funds are used for discretionary grants 
to migrant and community health centers, health care for the 
homeless grantees, family planning grantees, hemophilia 
centers, and other private non-profit entities that provide 
comprehensive primary care services to populations with or at 
risk for HIV disease. The grantees provide testing, risk 
reduction counseling, transmission prevention, and clinical 
care; case management, outreach, and eligibility assistance are 
optional services. Approximately 95,000 HIV positive persons or 
persons at high risk for HIV infection are expected to be 
served in fiscal year 2000.
    The Committee is concerned about the continuing disparities 
in access to treatment and care in Native American, Asian 
American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander 
communities and urges HRSA to use Part C planning grants to 
build the HIV primary care capacity of indigenous organizations 
serving these populations. HRSA is also urged to provide 
technical assistance and training activities to indigenous, 
community-based and tribal organizations to increase the 
participation of these populations in Ryan White CARE Act 
planning councils and to develop and disseminate culturally and 
linguistically appropriate materials, education, and training 
on HIV/AIDS treatments for consumers and health care providers.
    The Committee encourages HRSA to expand eligible applicants 
for planning grants to include public or private non-profit 
community-based organizations not providing primary care, but 
with identified relationships with primary care providers and 
institutions.

Pediatric demonstrations

    The Committee provides $49,000,000 for Part D, pediatric 
AIDS demonstrations, which is $3,015,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level and $1,000,000 above the Administration 
request. The program supports demonstration grants to foster 
collaboration between clinical research institutions and 
primary community-based medical and social service providers 
for the target population of HIV-infected children, pregnant 
women and their families. The projects are intended to increase 
access to comprehensive care, as well as voluntary 
participation in NIH and other clinical trials.

AIDS dental services

    The Committee provides $8,000,000 for AIDS dental services, 
which is $202,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level 
and the same as the Administration request. The program 
provides grants to dental schools and postdoctoral dental 
education programs to assist with the cost of providing 
unreimbursed oral health care to patients with human 
immunodeficiency virus disease. Dental students and residents 
participating in this program receive extensive training in the 
understanding and management of the oral health care needs of 
people living with HIV/AIDS.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of oral health care 
providers in the diagnosis of HIV and in treatment of the 
painful and debilitating oral manifestations of this disease. 
The Committee supports this program as it improves access to 
oral health services for low-income and uninsured people living 
with HIV and AIDS by providing partial reimbursement to dental 
education institutions for delivering uncompensated care.

Education and training centers

    The Committee provides $20,000,000 for AIDS education and 
training centers, which is $6,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. 
The centers train health care personnel who care for AIDS 
patients and develop model education programs.

Family planning

    The Committee provides $215,000,000 for the family planning 
program, which is $68,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and the $24,952,000 below the Administration request. The 
program provides grants to public and private non-profit 
agencies to support projects which provide a range of family 
planning and reproductive services, as well as screening for 
ancillary health problems such as hypertension and diabetes. 
The program also supports training for providers, an 
information and education program, and a research program which 
focuses on family planning service delivery improvements. 
During fiscal year 2000, an estimated 6.0 million clients are 
expected to be served.
    The bill repeats language from the 1999 appropriations bill 
making clear that these funds shall not be expended for 
abortions, that all pregnancy counseling shall be nondirective, 
and that these funds shall not be used to promote public 
opposition to or support of any legislative proposal or 
candidate for public office.

Health care facilities

    The Committee has not included funding for health care 
facilities. A total of $65,345,000 was provided for this 
purpose in fiscal year 1999; no funding was included in the 
Administration request. This expired authority provides funds 
to public and private nonprofit entities for construction or 
modernization of outpatient medical facilities. This activity 
has not been funded by the Committee on a regular annual basis.

Buildings and facilities

    The Committee provides $250,000 for buildings and 
facilities, which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the Administration request. These funds 
are used to finance the repair and upkeep of buildings at the 
Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center at Carville, Louisiana.

Rural hospital flexibility grants

    The Committee provides $25,000,000 for rural hospital 
flexibility grants, which is $8,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. 
The program provides grants to States to help them improve 
access to health care services in rural communities by: (1) 
developing and implementing a State rural health plan; (2) 
assisting small, at risk rural hospitals that wish to convert 
to Critical Access Hospitals and receive cost-based payments 
from Medicare; and (3) supporting these hospitals and the 
communities they serve in developing networks of care that meet 
the requirements of the law and integrate Critical Access 
Hospitals with emergency services and other sources of health 
care in the communities.

National practitioner data bank

    The Committee does not provide funding for the national 
practitioner data bank for fiscal year 2000, which is the same 
as both the fiscal year 1999 action on appropriations and the 
Administration request. The Committee recommendation and the 
Administration request assume that the data bank will be self-
supporting, with collections of $16,000,000 in user fees. The 
national data bank receives, stores, and disseminates 
information on paid medical malpractice judgments and 
settlements, sanctions taken by Boards of Medical Examiners, 
losses of membership in professional societies, and certain 
professional review actions taken by health care entities. 
Insurance companies, State licensure boards and authorities, 
and other health care entities and professional societies are 
required to report information to the data bank within 30 days 
of each action. The coverage of the data bank includes dentists 
and physicians, and, with respect to malpractice settlements 
and judgments, other categories of licensed health 
professionals. Hospitals are required to search the data bank 
when a health care provider applies for employment and once 
every two years thereafter. State licensing boards, other 
health care entities, licensing authorities, and professional 
societies also have access to the data bank. Traditional bill 
language is included to ensure that user fees are collected to 
cover the full costs of the data bank operations.

Healthcare integrity and protection data bank

    The Committee does not provide funding for the healthcare 
integrity and protection data bank (HIPDB) for fiscal year 
2000. HIPDB receives, stores, and disseminates information on 
final adverse actions taken against health care providers, 
suppliers, and practitioners. This information is collected 
from and made available to Government agencies and health 
plans. In addition, disclosure of the information is made 
available, upon request, to health care providers, suppliers, 
and practitioners who wish to self-query.

Program management

    The Committee provides $115,500,000 for the cost of Federal 
staff and related activities to coordinate, direct, and manage 
the programs of the Health Resources and Services 
Administration. This amount is $3,462,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level, when adjusted for one-time emergency 
funding for Y2K activities, and $6,163,000 below the 
Administration request.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department has not 
developed adequate measures of the quality of health care 
services, the maintenance or improvement in health status and 
cost, and other administrative measures that are called for by 
the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). These 
measures need to be developed in consultation with the 
Committee and be consistent with both indicators used for other 
Federal health service programs and standards of health quality 
in the non-Federal health care sector. In addition, all 
demonstration projects should include data to prove the 
effectiveness of the project as well as data on who is using 
the project results and what outcomes they are achieving. The 
Committee expects the Administrator to provide a detailed 
summary of its GPRA activities at the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    The Committee is aware of reports that there is a shortage 
of pharmacists in the U.S., especially in rural areas. The 
Committee encourages HRSA to work with the affected 
professionals to determine the extent and nature of the 
shortage and be prepared to provide the Committee with an 
update at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.

               Medical Facilities Guarantee and Loan Fund


           federal interest subsidies for medical facilities

    The Committee provides $1,000,000 for the Medical 
Facilities Guarantee and Loan Fund, which is the same as both 
the fiscal year 1999 level and the Administration request. 
Appropriations are used to pay interest subsidies on loans made 
or guaranteed prior to fiscal year 1977 for hospital 
construction. The bill includes language, as in prior years, 
which prohibits commitments for new loans or loan guarantees in 
fiscal year 2000.

               health education assistance loans program

    The Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) program 
insured loans provided by non-Federal lenders to students in 
health professions schools. Under the accounting rules 
established in the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, one account 
is maintained to pay the obligations arising from loans 
guaranteed prior to fiscal year 1992. A second account pays 
obligations and collects income from premiums on loans 
guaranteed in fiscal year 1992 and beyond. Each annual cohort 
of loans is independently tracked in this account. The 
authority for this program expired in fiscal year 1999. Fiscal 
year 1998 was the last year in which loans were obligated to 
previous borrowers under the HEAL authority.
    The Committee provides $31,500,000 to liquidate obligations 
from loans guaranteed prior to 1992, which is $5,500,000 below 
the fiscal year 1999 level and the same as the Administration 
request.
    The Committee provides $3,688,000 for HEAL program 
management, which is $1,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request.

              national vaccine injury compensation program

    The Committee makes available the release of $63,000,000 
from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund in fiscal year 
2000, which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 level and 
the Administration request.
    The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides a 
system of compensation for individuals with vaccine-associated 
injuries or deaths. Funds for claims from vaccines administered 
on or after October 1, 1988 are generated by a per-dose excise 
tax on the sale of selected prescribed vaccines. Revenues 
raised by this tax are maintained in a Vaccine Injury 
Compensation Trust Fund.
    Trust funds made available in the bill will support the 
liability costs of vaccines administered after September 30, 
1988. They will also support the $3,000,000 in costs incurred 
by the agency in the operation of the program, which is the 
same as both the fiscal year 1999 level and the Administration 
request.

               Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


                 disease control, research and training

    The Committee provides $2,810,476,000 for the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when adjusted for the 
transfers from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency 
Fund, which is $44,399,000 above the comparable fiscal year 
1999 level and $162,964,000 below the Administration request. 
The CDC assists State and local health authorities and other 
health-related organizations to control and reduce disease and 
other health problems.
    The Committee remains concerned about the manner in which 
administrative expenditures at CDC are summarized and reported 
to the Committee. The Committee commends CDC for its efforts to 
address these concerns and expects CDC to continue to display 
the administrative amounts associated with programmatic 
activities in all accompanying tables and budget documents. 
Administrative activities encompass all non-extramural 
activities with the exception of program support services, 
centrally managed services, buildings and facilities, and the 
Office of the Director. The Committee intends that designated 
amounts for administrative activities are ceilings. CDC may 
allocate administrative funds for extramural program activities 
according to its judgment.
    The Committee considers the table accompanying this report 
to be determinative of the CDC budget. Funds should be 
apportioned and allocated consistent with the table, and any 
changes in funding are subject to the normal notification 
procedures.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department has not 
developed adequate measures of the quality of health care 
services, the maintenance or improvement in health status and 
cost, and other administrative measures that are called for by 
the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). These 
measures need to be developed in consultation with the 
Committee and be consistent with both indicators used for other 
Federal health service programs and standards of health quality 
in the non-Federal health care sector. In addition, all 
demonstration projects, such as health disparities 
demonstrations, should include data to prove the effectiveness 
of the project as well as data on who is using the project 
results and what outcomes they are achieving. The Committee 
expects the Director to provide a detailed summary of its GPRA 
activities at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.

Preventive health services block grant

    The Committee provides $152,247,000 for the preventive 
health services block grant, which is $2,247,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $32,247,000 above the 
Administration request. This program provides grants to States 
for a wide range of public and preventive health activities. 
The authorizing statute designates the first $7,000,000 
appropriated for the block grant for rape services and 
prevention.

Prevention centers

    The Committee provides $17,500,000 for prevention centers, 
which is $4,000,000 above both the comparable fiscal year 1999 
level and the Administration request. This program awards 
grants to academic institutions for centers that conduct 
applied research to promote disease prevention and better 
health.
    Prevention research promotes healthy behaviors, expands 
screening for detection of diseases treatable in early stages, 
offers education on making wise health choices, and encourages 
community action for programs, policies, and practices that can 
reduce disease risks. The Committee provides increased funding 
for prevention research centers to expand community-based 
interventions further into communities and allow wider access 
to lifesaving research and interventions.

Childhood immunization

    The Committee provides $421,477,000 for childhood 
immunization. In addition, the Committee provides $20,000,000 
in the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund for 
polio eradication making the total amount available for 
childhood immunization $441,477,000, which is $8,000,000 below 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $84,690,000 below the 
Administration request. In addition, the Vaccines for Children 
(VFC) program funded through the Medicaid program is expected 
to provide $545,043,000 in vaccine purchases and distribution 
support in fiscal year 2000, a decrease of $21,235,000 below 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and the same as the 
Administration request. The Committee notes that there are 
other Federal programs that provide immunization access to 
children, including the new Children's Health Insurance Program 
(CHIP) and the community health centers program.
    Immunization project grants are awarded to States and local 
agencies for planning, developing, and conducting childhood 
immunization programs including enhancement of the vaccine 
delivery infrastructure. The CDC directly maintains a stockpile 
of vaccines, supports consolidated purchase of vaccines for 
State and local health agencies, and conducts surveillance, 
investigations, and research into the safety and efficacy of 
new and presently used vaccines.
    The bill includes a provision from the fiscal year 1999 
Appropriations Act authorizing the CDC to transfer funds 
available from the sale of surplus vaccine from the vaccine 
stockpile to other activities within the jurisdiction of CDC.
    While the Hepatitis B vaccination has been available 
nationwide for several years, only 16 States currently have 
laws requiring HBV vaccinations as a requirement for middle 
school admission. The Committee encourages CDC to work with 
physicians, nurses, public health care providers, and others to 
increase the rate of compliance with the HBV vaccination 
program.
    The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently 
recommended an increased effort to reach children for Hepatitis 
A virus immunizations in 11 States where the rate of Hepatitis 
A exceeds 20 cases per 100,000 of population. The Committee 
urges CDC to work with State and local health departments in 
these States.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

    The Committee provides $657,036,000 for human 
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activities, which is $36,000 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $44,360,000 below the 
Administration request. The HIV programs support HIV research, 
surveillance, epidemiologic and laboratory studies, and 
prevention activities. The CDC provides funds to State and 
local health departments to develop and implement integrated 
community prevention plans.
    In implementing targeted HIV/AIDS prevention activities for 
minority communities, the Committee urges CDC to fund HIV 
prevention activities, technical assistance, and training 
activities by indigenous, community-based and tribal 
organizations with a history of providing services to the 
Native American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other 
Pacific Islander communities. The Committee also urges CDC to 
include these populations for research activities on behavioral 
risks for HIV and community-based prevention programs. Finally, 
CDC is urged to improve the collection, analysis, and 
dissemination of HIV and AIDS surveillance and other 
epidemiological data regarding these populations.
    The Committee supports the comprehensive review of HIV/AIDS 
programming currently underway at CDC. CDC is encouraged to 
involve representatives of HIV-affected groups and HIV 
prevention scientists in this review.
    A preventive vaccine is the best hope for controlling the 
HIV epidemic, especially in developing countries where 95 
percent of the world's HIV-infected individuals live. The 
Committee encourages CDC to work collaboratively with the 
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative in pursuing promising 
vaccine approaches to prevent AIDS.
    The Committee encourages CDC to consider increased support 
of minority community-based organizations and minority regional 
and national organizations, including education, technical 
assistance, capacity building, and community development to 
more fully target minorities in HIV prevention efforts.
    The Committee is concerned about the increasing number of 
inmates in Federal correctional facilities with HIV/AIDS, 
particularly women of color and encourages CDC to collaborate 
with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Health Resources and 
Services Administration, the White House Office on AIDS Policy, 
and other entities of jurisdiction, to ensure that the 
prevention, treatment, and management of HIV/AIDS in 
correctional facilities is a high priority and that the care 
rendered meets current medical standards for AIDS cases.
    The Committee is concerned with the growing number of HIV/
AIDS reported cases in the Hispanic community, the African-
American community, the Native-American community and other 
affected ethnic and minority populations. To address this 
growing epidemic, the Committee urges CDC to provide funding 
for initiatives to address the needs of these communities.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.

Tuberculosis

    The Committee provides $121,962,000 for the tuberculosis 
(TB) program, which is $2,000,000 above both the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 level and the Administration request. In 
addition to funding provided in this line item, CDC AIDS 
activities support HIV-related tuberculosis control efforts. 
The tuberculosis program provides grants to States and large 
cities for a broad range of tuberculosis control activities. In 
addition, the CDC supports State and local laboratories and 
conducts research, epidemiological investigations, and 
education and training seminars.
    Communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, do not 
recognize international borders. A recent report by the United 
States Agency for International Development on cross-border TB 
highlights the special burdens of controlling TB within the 
U.S. border States, particularly California and Texas where 
incidence rates are well above national averages. The Committee 
urges CDC to intensify its efforts in border States vulnerable 
to an influx of TB-infected individuals, such as the Tijuana-
San Diego-Los Angeles corridor where the number of TB cases is 
increasing. In addition, the Committee urges CDC to continue to 
work with domestic and international partners to maintain 
strong prevention and control programs. CDC is encouraged to 
support the development of new treatments whenever possible, 
particularly in the area of vaccines. The Committee also 
commends CDC's proposal to include emerging infectious diseases 
in its National Electronic Disease Surveillance Network 
Initiative.

Sexually transmitted diseases

    The Committee provides $129,097,000 for the sexually 
transmitted diseases (STDs) program, which is $5,344,000 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $1,552,000 below the 
Administration request. This program awards grants to State and 
local health departments and other nonprofit entities to 
support a wide variety of public health activities to prevent 
and treat STDs. The CDC directly conducts special 
investigations, surveillance and epidemiologic research.
    Abstinence education is an effective method in preventing 
pregnancy and reducing sexually transmitted diseases. The 
Committee encourages CDC to enhance its efforts to provide 
grants to organizations specializing in abstinence training, in 
the standardization of abstinence training, and in research to 
identify the particular messages that work best on targeted 
audiences.
    Although syphilis rates are decreasing in some areas, there 
continues to be an increase in the transmission of syphilis in 
certain parts of the country. Individuals with this disease are 
three times as likely to contract AIDS and women with AIDS are 
likely to pass these diseases onto their children. CDC has been 
successful in substantially reducing the transmission of 
syphilis and AIDS through education and intensive work and the 
Committee urges CDC to enhance its efforts to eliminate 
syphilis.

Chronic and environmental disease prevention

    The Committee provides $315,511,000 for chronic and 
environmental disease prevention. In addition, the Committee 
provides $5,000,000 in the Public Health and Social Services 
Emergency Fund for the environmental health laboratory making 
the total amount available for chronic and environmental 
disease prevention, $21,122,000 above the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 level and $5,432,000 below the Administration 
request. The chronic and environmental disease program supports 
a wide variety of chronic and environmental disease research 
and prevention activities.
    Americans make approximately 500 million dental visits per 
year. Much of the health and economic burden associated with 
oral diseases and conditions could be prevented. The Committee 
urges CDC to further enhance its oral health activities. These 
activities should target efforts with public and private 
partners to implement proven prevention programs to reduce 
dental decay and the health burden from oral cancer, gum 
disease, and related health conditions with links to oral 
health such as diabetes and heart disease and to expand 
community fluoridation, targeted sealant programs, and oral 
health surveillance.
    In May of 1999, the Inspector General released her audit of 
costs charged to the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Program. 
The Committee was outraged to learn through this audit that, of 
$22.7 million charged to the CFS program during fiscal years 
1995 through 1998, $8.8 million was incurred for non CFS-
related activities and the applicability of an additional $4.1 
million of indirect costs could not be determined. As a result 
of these inappropriate charges, CDC officials provided untrue 
information to Congress.
    The Committee regards this as a matter of the gravest 
concern. The Committee understands that the CDC is undertaking 
a series of actions to redress this situation, including, but 
not limited to: restoration to the CFS program of misspent 
funds; placement of the Division of Viral and Rickettsial 
Diseases on probationary status; separate apportionment of CFS 
funds for the Office of Management and Budget; mandatory 
training of staff with budget and accounting responsibilities; 
establishment of an internal review capacity to regularly 
assess fiscal policies, procedures, practices and controls; and 
development and implementation of a new system for allocation 
of CDC-wide indirect program support costs. The Committee 
supports full implementation of each of these actions and 
expects to be kept regularly informed of the CDC's progress on 
these matters, including the status of contracts to develop 
long-overdue systems to appropriately identify and allocate 
indirect costs incurred within Centers, Institutes and Offices 
and the nature and extent of the probationary sanctions 
ultimately imposed upon the Division of Viral and Rickettsial 
Diseases. With respect to the restoration of misspent funds, 
the Committee directs the CDC to include not only the $8.8 
million spent on other activities, but also the $4.1 million in 
indirect costs in its four year restoration plan.
    Finally, the Committee notes the Director's commitment to 
reinvigorate the CDC's efforts to better understand CFS and its 
effects on sufferers by establishing a long-term research and 
program agenda with in-depth advice from the research and 
advocacy community. The Committee has confidence in the 
Director's ability to make good on this commitment and to work 
to build the necessary bonds of trust and cooperation between 
the agency and the public.
    Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common 
genetic disorders. The Committee commends CDC's efforts to 
address hemochromatosis and other iron-related disorders and 
encourages CDC to enhance the scope and support of its 
activities in this regard.
    The Committee notes the work of CDC, the National Institute 
of Child Health and Human Development, and the Health Resources 
and Services Administration in developing a model guideline for 
a death scene protocol for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 
The Committee encourages CDC to implement projects to 
demonstrate the effectiveness of the protocol in a variety of 
locales throughout the Nation.
    Neural tube defects (NTD), such as spina bifida, are among 
the most serious, common, and preventable birth defects that 
occur in the United States. Up to 70 percent of NTDs can be 
prevented by consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday, 
beginning before pregnancy. Unfortunately, not enough women of 
childbearing age are getting the message about the need for 
adequate folic acid intake prior to conception. The Committee 
encourages CDC to enhance its efforts with public and private 
organizations in launching the National Folic Acid Campaign. 
The Committee also encourages CDC to enhance State and local 
activities to educate women about this highly effective 
prevention strategy. The Director is requested to be prepared 
to testify on the status of this initiative at the fiscal year 
2001 appropriations hearing.
    Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed 
cancer for both men and women in the U.S. and the second 
leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite the 
availability of screening tests, only 37 percent of colorectal 
cancers are diagnosed while the disease is still in a localized 
stage. The Committee commends the leadership of CDC's National 
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable in promoting the availability and 
advisability of screening to both health care providers and the 
general public. The Committee encourages CDC to expand its 
partnerships with State health departments, professional and 
patient organizations, and private industry to combat this 
disease.
    The Committee encourages CDC to expand its support into the 
potential of environmental factors associated with lymphoma and 
encourages continued and expanded collaborative research 
efforts with the National Institutes of Health.
    Diabetes remains a leading cause of early death and 
disability. There currently are 16 million Americans with 
diabetes and the incidence of diabetes is projected to 
increase. Obesity and lack of physical activity continue to 
place adults at greater risk of diabetes. The recent Diabetes 
Research Working Group report highlighted areas where 
additional diabetes research and prevention efforts are needed. 
The Committee encourages CDC to enhance funding for diabetes 
prevention activities as well as the comprehensive diabetes 
grant program.
    The Committee is encouraged by CDC's work with State and 
national health organizations to develop an integrated and 
comprehensive national cardiovascular disease program. The 
Committee understands that, to date, eight States have received 
funding to develop programs for prevention and control of 
cardiovascular diseases and encourages CDC to expand these 
activities to additional States.
    The Committee notes the importance of rehabilitative 
information in improving outcomes among persons with limb loss 
and the role of the National Limb Loss Information Center in 
addressing this need. The Committee supports the ongoing 
efforts of the Center and encourages CDC to continue support of 
this initiative.
    Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in 
the United States. CDC funds eight Centers for Birth Defects 
Research and Prevention, which identify cases for inclusion in 
the National Birth Defect Prevention Study. The Centers also 
work with State health officials to expand and improve State 
birth defect surveillance systems and conduct other 
epidemiological studies. The Committee encourages CDC to expand 
this program and collect information that would allow for the 
study of genetic and environmental causes of birth defects to 
provide information for developing effective prevention 
programs as well as help establish the systems needed to track 
birth defects.
    Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the leading cause of mental 
retardation. FAS is completely preventable, yet more than 2,000 
infants are born each year with FAS in the United States. The 
Committee encourages CDC to enhance its FAS surveillance 
programs and preconceptional intervention projects that target 
high risk women.
    The Committee urges CDC to coordinate food recall 
activities with the Food and Drug Administration and the 
Department of Agriculture. The Committee requests CDC to submit 
a report, by March 1, 2000, which provides a detailed outline 
of the steps taken before, during, and after there is a recall 
of an adulterated or misbranded meat, poultry, or other food 
product. The report should highlight the responsibilities of 
each agency, the type of communications that occur between 
agencies and the company involved, and the time allotted for 
each step in the process.
    The Committee encourages CDC to continue to implement the 
National Arthritis Action Plan. This plan provides assistance 
to States, supports prevention research and surveillance 
activities, and mitigates the effects of the disease through 
targeted interventions using voluntary health organizations 
experienced in addressing the needs of the arthritis 
population. Further, the Committee supports the efforts of CDC 
to collaborate with the Arthritis Foundation in the 
implementation of the plan at the national and local levels.
    The Committee remains concerned about the high incidence of 
prostate cancer and its disproportionate impact on minorities. 
The Committee urges CDC to expand its prostate cancer awareness 
and outreach program with special attention to minority and 
underserved populations and other populations which are at 
high-risk and bear a disproportionate burden of disease through 
collaborations with public and non-profit cancer education 
organizations. The Committee requests that the Director be 
prepared to testify on this issue at the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    CDC testified to the alarming increase in obesity in the 
U.S. population. Obesity is increasing most rapidly among young 
children, raising concern about their long-term health and 
quality of life. The Committee agrees this is an important 
public health issue because of its correlation with a wide 
range of debilitating and chronic health conditions, including 
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The 
Committee urges CDC to continue work on obesity as a national 
public health priority.
    Epilepsy affects over 2.5 million people in the U.S., one-
third of whom are children. The Committee urges CDC to enhance 
its efforts related to epilepsy with a focus on expanding 
disease surveillance, increasing public awareness activities, 
public and provider education, prevention research, and the 
stigma associated with this disorder. The Committee also urges 
CDC to work with a National voluntary health agency to 
implement these initiatives.
    The Committee is encouraged by the collaboration being 
developed between CDC and the Agency for Health Care Policy and 
Research to assess the elements of epilepsy care as they relate 
to clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that this effort will 
benefit persons with epilepsy by furthering the optimal medical 
goal of eliminating seizures while preventing side effects.
    Asthma is a growing national problem with about 14 million 
Americans affected by the disease. The Committee urges CDC to 
assess the usefulness of creating a national asthma registry 
and other approaches for improving surveillance of asthma, 
including methods for tracking self-reported causes of 
asthmatic symptoms, and report back to the Committee in the 
agency's fiscal year 2001 budget justification. The Committee 
also urges CDC to expand its outreach aimed at increasing 
public awareness of asthma control and prevention strategies, 
particularly among at risk minority populations in underserved 
communities.
    The Committee has included a separate title, Title VI, 
authorizing grants to States on a voluntary basis for a three-
year period to aid in setting up newborn and infant hearing 
screening programs. CDC will provide technical assistance for 
data management and applied research.
    The Committee is supportive of CDC's effort to promote and 
strengthen public/private partnerships in disease prevention, 
chronic disease management, and patient provider education. The 
Committee encourages CDC to work collaboratively with public 
and non-profit local health plans that serve Medicaid 
beneficiaries through a network of community and private care 
providers.

Breast and cervical cancer screening

    The Committee provides $161,071,000 for the breast and 
cervical cancer screening program, which is $2,000,000 above 
both the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and the 
Administration request. The breast and cervical cancer 
screening program supports screening, education, and follow-up 
services for low-income women, training for health care 
providers, quality assurance activities, national technical 
assistance and support, surveillance and program evaluation.
    The Committee is aware of and supports the WISEWOMAN 
screening demonstration program. This program uses the 
framework of CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early 
Detection Program to screen women for heart attack, stroke, and 
other cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood 
pressure, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The Committee 
encourages CDC to increase the number of States participating 
in the WISEWOMAN program.
    The Committee encourages CDC to enhance its efforts to tie 
the infrastructure of screening programs with that of States, 
tribes, and community health organizations' cancer prevention 
and treatment programs to build capacities to translate and 
deliver Federal cancer research, control, prevention and 
education, and prevention trials to local communities through 
public/private partnerships.
    While an effective screening tool has not yet been 
developed to detect ovarian cancer, early detection is the key 
to improving outcomes in women diagnosed with this form of 
gynecological cancer. The Committee supports the development of 
a comprehensive response to ovarian cancer, including 
population studies and epidemiological research on ovarian 
cancer using statewide cancer registries and implementation of 
public education efforts. The Committee encourages CDC to 
coordinate its efforts with those of the National Cancer 
Institute, the HHS Office of Women's Health, and the ovarian 
cancer patient community in the development and implementation 
of an ovarian cancer public health education program.

Infectious diseases

    The Committee provides $145,610,000 for the infectious 
diseases program. In addition, the Committee provides 
$20,000,000 for infectious disease-related bioterrorism 
activities in the Public Health and Social Services Emergency 
Fund for a total program level of $165,610,000, which is 
$27,974,000 above the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and 
$16,316,000 below the Administration request. The program 
supports national surveillance of infectious diseases, the 
development of new or improved prevention and control methods 
and techniques, the acceleration of the general application of 
accepted prevention technologies, and strengthening of the 
capability to respond to outbreaks of new and re-emerging 
infectious diseases.
    The Committee is aware of a growing concern to the public 
health of the U.S. population in the form of antimicrobial 
resistance to the current U.S. inventory of antibiotics. This 
resistance is due in part to the inappropriate use of these 
products, both through subtherapeutic use and in improper 
prescribing patterns. The Committee is also aware that CDC, 
FDA, and NIH are co-hosting a meeting on ``Development of a 
Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance''. 
As such, the Committee requests that CDC, in conjunction with 
FDA, NIH, and other interested governmental agencies, prepare 
the Action Plan to include an examination of the prescribing 
patterns and use of antimicrobial products in humans. Of 
particular interest to the Committee is whether current 
prescribing and use patterns for classes of antimicrobial 
therapeutics have reduced their effectiveness and whether the 
exposure of older antibiotics to resistant strains of organisms 
is encouraging further resistance. CDC is requested to submit 
the Action Plan to the Committee and the public 12 months after 
the date of enactment of this bill.
    The Committee commends CDC's collaborative efforts with the 
National Hemophilia Foundation to reduce hospitalization and 
morbidity among persons with hemophilia through its chronic 
disease management and patient outreach activities. The 
Committee encourages CDC to enhance support for the prevention 
of the complications of hemophilia and other bleeding and 
clotting disorders, including von Willibrand and other women's 
bleeding disorders. The agency should also strengthen its 
collaboration with FDA in monitoring and investigating any 
possible contamination of blood and blood products.
    The Committee is concerned with the future availability of 
sufficiently trained personnel within the hemophilia treatment 
center network and requests CDC to submit a report by March 31, 
2000 on recommended strategies needed for maintaining high 
quality care for bleeding and clotting disorders.
    The Committee is pleased that the targeted lookback 
initiative to reach individuals who may have been infected with 
the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) through blood transfusions has been 
initiated back to 1988 and extended to recipients from donors 
tested positive for HCV since May of 1990. The Committee urges 
CDC to study the feasibility of extending this initiative to 
individuals who received blood and blood products from HCV 
positive donors prior to 1988. The Committee also encourages 
CDC to consider a comprehensive nationwide public health 
Hepatitis C education campaign regarding the risks of Hepatitis 
C beyond the transfusion population, including educating 
primary care physicians and supporting a nationwide HCV 
information referral, counseling, and support network.
    Like tuberculosis, infectious diseases do not recognize 
international borders and, with increased commerce and travel 
across U.S. borders, this poses a major public health problem. 
In addition, the growing prevalence of infectious bacterial 
conditions that are resistant to antibiotics raises a number of 
difficult public health issues. CDC is urged to place a 
particular focus on preventing infectious disease in high 
migration areas, such as the Tijuana-San Diego-Los Angeles 
corridor.
    Many of the estimated four million Americans infected with 
HCV are not aware they are infected. The Secretary of HHS and 
the Surgeon General have been implementing a plan to identify 
infected individuals and as more of them become aware they are 
infected, it is important to have a model care system in place 
that can be replicated across the country to treat these 
individuals. The Committee urges CDC, in conjunction with other 
Federal agencies, to enhance its efforts to develop such a 
model system of care. This model system should be developed in 
an area where a significant number of HCV patients are being 
evaluated and treated and where the program can become self-
sustaining and have the greatest capacity to serve as a model 
for use in other areas of the country.
    The Committee is concerned about the incidence of the 80 
primary immune deficiency diseases. While 500,000 cases have 
been diagnosed, many more cases remain undiagnosed and 
misdiagnosed. Early intervention and effective treatment can 
save pain, suffering, and millions of dollars in health care 
costs associated with treating these diseases. The Committee 
urges CDC to enhance its commitment to the education and 
awareness campaign established by NICHHD, NIAID, and the 
Jeffrey Modell Foundation.
    Patients differ in their use of blood or blood products, 
depending upon their disease. For example, Cooley's anemia 
patients rely on blood and not blood products. It is not 
uncommon for Cooley's anemia patients to receive 30 to 35 
transfusions per year. The Committee encourages CDC to 
recognize these differences when implementing its improved 
blood safety plans and work with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation 
to establish a system for monitoring the safety of the blood 
supply.
    The Committee is concerned by reports that cases of Lyme 
disease is under-reported and urges CDC to consider re-
evaluating current surveillance criteria used to track cases of 
the disease and continue its work to assist States to more 
accurately evaluate and assess the prevalence and incidence of 
the disease.
    The Department has identified health care issues among 
prison inmates and high rates of several forms of hepatitis as 
an area deserving more attention. A number of State 
correctional agencies are discovering that the rate of 
hepatitis C infection among incoming inmates is alarmingly 
high. For example, 41 percent of California and 33 percent of 
Texas incoming inmates were infected with the hepatitis C 
virus. As about 80 percent of all inmates in the U.S. will 
leave prison and return to the community, addressing the health 
of the prison population becomes important to protecting the 
health of the public at large. The Committee urges CDC to 
enhance efforts in this area and work with States to address 
this issue.

Lead poisoning prevention

    The Committee provides $38,248,000 for the lead poisoning 
prevention program, which is $43,000 above both the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 level and the Administration request. The 
program provides grants to States and communities for 
screening, surveillance, epidemiology, education, laboratory 
activities and development of better lead screening devices.
    A recent GAO report estimated that more than 400,000 
children eligible for Federal health care programs have 
undetected harmful levels of lead in their blood. Last year, 
the Committee learned that the Food and Drug Administration had 
given final approval to a portable, easy to use lead screening 
device developed with the support and participation of CDC. The 
Committee continues to believe that this device holds great 
promise for increasing childhood screening rates in underserved 
communities in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Injury control

    The Committee provides $57,581,000 for the injury control 
program, which is the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 
level and $12,917,000 below the Administration request. The 
injury control program supports intramural research, injury 
control research centers, extramural research grants, and 
technical assistance to State and local health departments.
    The bill retains a limitation included in previous 
Appropriation Acts to prohibit the National Center for Injury 
Prevention and Control from engaging in any activities to 
advocate or promote gun control. The Committee does not believe 
that CDC should advocate or promote policies to advance gun 
control initiatives, or discourage responsible private gun 
ownership. The Committee expects research on gun violence to be 
objective and grants to be awarded through an impartial peer 
review process.
    The Committee is aware that the Institute of Medicine has 
recommended that a uniform trauma surveillance data system be 
created and encourages CDC to consider establishing such a 
system within available resources.
    The Committee encourages CDC to adopt the recommendations 
contained in the recent Institute of Medicine report titled, 
``The Burden of Injury.'' CDC is urged to assist States in 
developing comprehensive injury programs, provide States and 
other injury partners with the necessary information on the 
implementation of a program in specific injury areas, and 
support investigator-initiated research, injury control 
research centers, and formal training of injury researchers.
    Residential fires remain the fourth leading cause of 
unintentional injury and death in the United States. The 
Committee commends CDC for its efforts to prevent such injuries 
and deaths. The Center has funded fire-related injury 
prevention programs in 19 States, including Mississippi and 
many other Southeastern States where residential fire death 
rates are the highest. The Committee encourages CDC to continue 
support for programs which include multiple strategies for and 
comprehensive approaches to preventing fire-related injuries 
and deaths.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

    The Committee provides $200,000,000 for the National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is 
the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and 
$11,849,000 below the Administration request. NIOSH conducts 
applied research, develops criteria for occupational safety and 
health standards, and provides technical services to 
government, labor and industry, including training for the 
prevention of work-related diseases and injuries. This 
appropriation supports surveillance, health hazard evaluations, 
intramural and extramural research, instrument and methods 
development, dissemination, and training grants.
    The Committee encourages CDC, in conjunction with the 
National Cancer Institute, to enhance the ongoing study of Lung 
Cancer and Diesel Exhaust among Non-Metal Miners in order to 
accelerate development of more accurate testing devices and 
analytical methods used to measure actual exposure.
    The Committee notes that a NIOSH funded study estimates 
that the annual economic burden of occupational illness and 
injury is comparable to cancer at $171 billion. The Committee 
is encouraged that this Institute is using the National 
Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to invest research funds 
where they will do the most good both for reducing this 
financial burden and for protecting the health and safety of 
U.S. workers. The Committee continues to be pleased with NIOSH 
progress on implementing NORA with the responsiveness of the 
plan for addressing the health and safety needs of workers in 
the rapidly changing workplace. The Committee urges NIOSH to 
continue its efforts to co-sponsor NORA extramural research 
with the NIH and other Federal agencies.

Epidemic services

    The Committee provides $85,916,000 for epidemic services, 
which is the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and 
$868,000 above the Administration request. The objectives of 
the program include the prevention and control of epidemics, 
the maintenance of surveillance systems, the training of public 
health epidemiologists, and the operation of the quarantine 
program. The program supports the Epidemic Intelligence Service 
program, the publication of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly 
Report, and a variety of infant and minority health programs.
    More than six million American women become pregnant in the 
U.S. each year. Studies have shown that for every 100,000 
deliveries, approximately 20 women will die from complications. 
In addition, about one in five women who deliver each year will 
experience serious complications before they start labor and 
one in four will experience complications during labor, 
including bleeding, high blood pressure, or infection. Women 
who experience physical violence during pregnancy also is a 
concern. The Committee encourages CDC to enhance its activities 
related to safe motherhood, including research on risk factors, 
prevention strategies, and the role of the family, health care 
providers, and the community in safe maternal outcomes. CDC is 
also encouraged to examine the higher rates of maternal 
mortality among minority populations.

Office of the Director

    The Committee provides $31,136,000 for the activities of 
the Office of the Director, which is the same as the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 level and $814,000 above the Administration 
request. The Committee intends this amount to be a ceiling. The 
Director may transfer these funds to non-administrative, 
programmatic activities at his discretion. This line item 
includes amounts previously identified in the report for 
program management activities.
    One of the major goals of the Department of Health and 
Human Services is to improve the health of the American 
population. The Committee believes that, if we are to have a 
positive impact on the future health of the American 
population, we must change the behaviors of our children and 
young adults. Therefore, we must reach them at an early age 
with important health messages, such as tobacco prevention, 
sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition and exercise, and 
underage drinking. The Committee also believes that media is an 
effective way to reach this population with these and other 
messages, but to be most effective, media ads must run at times 
when children and young adults are watching and listening. The 
Committee is concerned that most public service announcements 
are put on the air at times when children are either not at 
home or are asleep. In developing this plan, the Committee 
expects CDC to consult and coordinate with other government 
agencies that have public education efforts currently underway 
or have particular expertise in at-risk behaviors. The 
Committee understands that CDC has limited experience with 
purchasing media time, but believes that this is an area worth 
investment. CDC is requested to submit a plan for such a public 
campaign no later than January 31, 2000. The Committee also 
expects CDC to take the necessary steps to begin its 
implementation, on a pilot basis, prior to the full plan's 
completion.
    The Committee is pleased with CDC's commitment to improving 
the health status of minority and disadvantaged individuals and 
urges the agency to support an innovative program involving the 
coordination of preventive health care with substance abuse 
treatment and HIV/AIDS care.

National Center for Health Statistics

    The Committee provides a total of $94,573,000 for the 
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is $9,000 
above the comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $15,000,000 
below the Administration request. Of this amount, $71,793,000 
is derived from the one percent evaluation set-aside. The 
Center is responsible for collecting, interpreting, and 
disseminating data on the health status of the U.S. population 
and the use of health services. NCHS surveys include the 
National Vital Statistics System, the National Health Interview 
Survey, the National Survey of Family Growth, the National 
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and the National 
Health Care Survey.
    Each agency in the Public Health Service (PHS) is tapped 
one percent and the funds are used by the Secretary for other 
purposes, including funding a portion of the Center. The 
Administration proposed to increase this set-aside from one 
percent to one and a half percent and fund a significant 
portion of the Center's increased request from this tap, 
thereby shifting funding from one PHS program, such as 
community health centers to another. The Committee did not 
approve this request.
    It is estimated that one million people in the U.S. suffer 
from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known 
as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent advancements in 
treatment for these diseases and the increased risk that IBD 
patients have for developing colorectal cancer highlight the 
need for enhanced epidemiological research in this area. The 
Committee encourages CDC to work to further understand the 
prevalence of these diseases through appropriate 
epidemiological and surveillance activities.
    More than 80 primary immune deficiency diseases have been 
identified to date. Primary immune deficiency patients require 
regular infusions of immune globulin intravenous, which has 
been in severe shortage in the U.S. for over 18 months, to 
bolster their immune system. The Committee encourages CDC to 
initiate an epidemiological study of the primary immune 
deficient population to further understand the prevalence of 
these diseases and the difficulties that patients encounter in 
receiving treatment.
    Diabetes is known to cause the onset of other diseases such 
as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease, yet it 
is not listed as an underlying cause of death on death 
certificates. The Committee encourages CDC to work with the 
States to find a way to better identify and report underlying 
or contributing causes of death on death certificates.
    The Committee commends CDC for its efforts to collect and 
assess data on autism incidence and prevalence in Brick 
Township, New Jersey as well as metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia 
and encourages CDC to enhance its epidemiological activities 
beyond these initial areas.

Buildings and facilities

    The Committee provides $40,000,000 for buildings and 
facilities, which is $22,200,000 above the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 level and $200,000 above the Administration request. 
This line item supports ongoing maintenance projects, as well 
as safety repairs and equipment purchases.

Prevention research

    The Committee provides $15,000,000 for the prevention 
research program, which is $5,000 above the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 level and the same as the Administration request. 
This program supports extramural research programs.

Health disparities demonstration

    The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the health 
disparities demonstration program, which is $3,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $25,000,000 below the 
Administration request. This program supports community-based 
demonstrations of prevention and service delivery interventions 
with the goal of eliminating health disparities among racial 
and ethnic populations and to improve the health status at the 
community level. The Committee is concerned that there are no 
specific GPRA goals and measurement data accompanying these 
demonstrations.

Crime bill activities

    The Committee provides $51,000,000 for crime bill 
activities, which is $16,000 above the comparable fiscal year 
1999 level and the same as the Administration request.
    The Committee encourages CDC to enhance services by 
providing more assistance to women in existing and underserved 
locations, develop an evaluation research program and continue 
to translate promising practices, and monitor violence against 
women by improving the quality of data at national and State 
levels. The Committee also encourages CDC to support efforts to 
change social norms by working with key national partners to 
reach children and adolescents, build on existing efforts to 
reach business groups, corporations, and worker organizations 
to develop policies and educational materials regarding 
violence against women prevention and services, and conduct 
research on behavioral change to help understand the specific 
social norms that support violence against women.

                     National Institutes of Health

    The Committee provides $16,964,547,000, when adjusted for 
transfers from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency 
Fund for bioterrorism activities, for the 24 appropriations, 
which together fund the programs of the National Institutes of 
Health (NIH). These include appropriations for the 18 research 
Institutes, the National Center for Research Resources, the 
John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of 
Medicine, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative 
Medicine, the Office of the Director, and Buildings and 
Facilities. The total in the bill is $1,351,077,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $1,031,761,000 above the 
Administration request. This funding level provides a 9.1 
percent increase for the research components of NIH. Programs 
funded in this account are not authorized for fiscal year 2000.
    Committee Priorities.--The Committee views NIH as one of 
its very highest priorities and has made difficult resource 
allocation decisions throughout the bill to provide what it 
believes is the necessary funding level for NIH. NIH is the 
world's leading biomedical research institution; its 
investments in research save lives and reduce health care costs 
while creating jobs and economic growth in a global economy. 
This research has produced major advances in the treatment of 
cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness that have 
helped thousands of American families. NIH research has spawned 
the biotechnology revolution, whose products are projected to 
grow into a $50 billion industry by the turn of the century. 
The U.S.'s ability to translate scientific discoveries into new 
product development has resulted in its lead over Europe and 
Japan in pharmaceutical and biotechnology patents. While the 
Committee is firm in its commitment to budget restraints, it 
believes that funding of biomedical research is an important 
investment in the future health and economic well-being of our 
nation.
    Balance in the Research Portfolio.--The Committee believes 
that NIH should distribute funding on the basis of scientific 
opportunity. As a result, the Committee has allocated the 
Institute appropriations consistent with the distribution 
recommended by NIH and reflecting the Director's judgment of 
scientific opportunity. If NIH believes that adjustments to 
this allocation are necessary as the fiscal year 2000 
appropriations bill moves through the legislative cycle, the 
Committee would be pleased to consider them in later action on 
the bill.
    To enhance NIH's flexibility to allocate funding based on 
scientific opportunity, the Committee has attempted to minimize 
the amount of direction provided in the report accompanying the 
bill. For example, there are no directives to fund particular 
research mechanisms, such as centers or requests for 
applications, or specific amounts of funding for particular 
diseases.
    In stating that scientific opportunity should be the basis 
for allocating research funding, the Committee understands that 
other factors also are relevant to NIH's decisions, including 
such considerations as the infectious nature of a disease, the 
number of cases and deaths associated with a particular 
disease, the Federal and other costs of treating a disease, the 
years of productive life lost due to a particular disease, and 
the estimated proximity to research breakthroughs. The 
Committee does not presume to judge which criteria should take 
precedence or carry the greatest weight in individual funding 
decisions, but urges NIH to consider the full array of relevant 
criteria as it constructs its research portfolio.
    AIDS Funding.--Consistent with the philosophy outlined 
above, the Committee has again chosen not to earmark a specific 
dollar amount for AIDS research. The Committee understands that 
it would be NIH's intent to allocate AIDS funding consistent 
with the Director's recommendations. The Committee understands 
that this allocation may change before the beginning of the 
fiscal year.
    The Committee intends that the funds allocated for AIDS 
should be spent in a manner fully consistent with the AIDS 
research plan developed by the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) 
and expects the Director of NIH to use the full authority of 
his office to ensure that this occurs. The Committee has 
provided the Director of OAR, jointly with the Director of NIH, 
transfer authority to reallocate up to three percent of funds 
designated for AIDS research among Institutes, subject to 
normal reprogramming procedures. The Committee encourages NIH 
to use this authority whenever it believes that an adjustment 
in the allocation of AIDS funding between Institutes is 
appropriate to achieve scientific objectives or to facilitate 
promising research efforts.
    The Committee continues to support OAR, its leadership, and 
its coordinated budget planning process and expects the 
individual institutes, centers and divisions to fully cooperate 
with OAR's work. The Committee has provided funding for the OAR 
within the Office of the Director and intends that the OAR will 
maintain its current structure and responsibilities, including 
the allocation of an emergency discretionary fund.
    Government Performance and Results Act.--The Committee 
recognizes that the development of programmatic indicators for 
NIH under the Government Performance and Results Act is one of 
the most difficult conceptual and methodological problems in 
the Act's implementation. NIH should continue to work with the 
National Academy of Sciences and the other science agencies to 
develop a better conceptual and theoretical framework for such 
measures. The Committee believes that NIH should begin to 
implement the Act where it can. Measures of administrative 
efficiency and effectiveness can and should be adopted and 
tracked. Similarly, indicators of the ability of systems to 
support the research enterprise exist, and should be included. 
Presentation of these measures, including goals for 
improvements, baselines and reporting systems are an initial 
step. Information presented with the President's budget should 
include improvements in these indicators resulting from 
proposed funding levels. In addition, the Committee will expect 
the Director to include a report in the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing on the progress toward indicators 
relating directly to research and the translation of basic 
research findings to medical and other applications.
    Circular A-110.--The Committee commends the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) on its efforts in developing 
revisions to Circular A-110 to comply with a provision in the 
fiscal year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The Committee is 
aware of the concerns expressed by the research community and 
urges OMB to give full and careful consideration to the 
concerns of the biomedical research community when drafting the 
final revision. The Committee believes that Federally-funded 
scientific data used to make public policy should be made 
available to the public. The Committee also believes that clear 
and defined guidelines are needed relating to issues such as 
the protection of the identity of research subjects and the 
terms and conditions for release of the data.

                       national cancer institute

    The Committee provides $3,163,727,000, when adjusted for 
the transfer from the Public Health and Social Services 
Emergency Fund for bioterrorism activities, for the National 
Cancer Institute (NCI), which is $261,352,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $190,808,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NCI conducts and supports basic and applied 
cancer research in early detection, diagnosis, prevention, 
treatment and rehabilitation. NCI provides training support for 
research scientists, clinicians and educators, and maintains a 
national network of cancer centers, clinical cooperative 
groups, and community clinical oncology programs, along with 
cancer prevention and control initiatives and outreach programs 
to rapidly translate basic research findings into clinical 
practice.
    Cancer Coordination.--The Committee encourages NCI to 
continue its leadership role as coordinator of the National 
Cancer Program. As the facilitator of the Nation's fight 
against cancer, the Committee encourages NCI to continue to 
work in collaboration with private and voluntary sector 
organizations, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 
and other Federal agencies to address the coordination 
challenges outlined in the National Cancer Advisory Board's 
report entitled ``Cancer at a Crossroads''.
    Cancer Demographics.--The Committee is concerned by cancer 
incidence projections relative to the aging of the population. 
Based on current incidence rates, new cases of cancer and 
cancer deaths are estimated to increase by 29 percent and 25 
percent, respectively, by 2010. The Committee looks forward to 
hearing from the Director of the Institute at the fiscal year 
2001 appropriations hearing on what steps should be considered 
in order to address the changing demographics of cancer in this 
country.
    Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus.--The Committee is 
encouraged by the research progress that has been achieved in 
the development of a vaccine for the human papilloma virus 
(HPV) and in treatment for advanced stage cervical cancer. The 
need to coordinate this research both nationally and 
internationally should be recognized. The Committee urges NCI 
to initiate a strategic planning process to review, coordinate, 
and expand all aspects of cervical cancer research and enhance 
efforts to expand access to the Pap test for all women. The 
Committee also encourages NCI to continue its collaboration 
with the NIAID in sponsoring basic and clinical research on HPV 
diagnosis and prevention as a risk for cervical cancer.
    Complementary and Alternative Medicine.--Estimates are that 
more than 50 percent of cancer patients include some form of 
complementary and alternative medicine in their treatment 
regime over the course of their disease. The Committee 
encourages NCI to coordinate its research efforts with the 
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
    Endometrial Cancer.--While the number of new cases of 
endometrial cancer remained constant over the last decade, the 
number of deaths per year from endometrial cancer has more than 
doubled. Given this two-fold increase, the Committee urges NCI 
to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including 
holding a workshop to examine research opportunities to 
identify molecular determinants and markers for this type of 
cancer.
    Gastrointestinal Cancers.--Gastrointestinal cancers include 
colorectal cancer, lower esophageal and upper stomach cancers, 
pancreatic cancer, liver/intrahepatic bile duct cancer, and 
gallbladder and other biliary cancers. The Committee urges NCI 
to enhance its efforts in these areas with particular focus on 
the genetic aspects of gastrointestinal cancer, diagnostic 
tests for genetic abnormalities and prevention, and 
environmental factors relating to the development of this 
disease. The Committee also urges NCI to enhance its efforts in 
the development and treatment of Barrett's syndrome, a 
precursor to lower esophageal and upper stomach cancer, in 
patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
    Head and Neck Carcinoma--Head and neck squamous cell 
carcinoma continues to be the most common from of head and neck 
cancer. The Committee encourages NCI to enhance research on the 
mechanisms of tumor-induced immunosuppression through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including specialized 
projects of oncology research excellence.
    Hepatitis C.--The Committee commends NCI for participating 
in the trans-Institute request for applications for Hepatitis C 
research and urges enhanced research in this area consistent 
with the recommendations made by the Hepatitis C Consensus 
Development Conference.
    Lymphoma.--Despite strides made in other forms of cancer, 
the rate of incidence of lymphoma is increasing. Lymphoma is 
the second fastest growing cancer by rate of incidence. The 
Committee encourages NCI to enhance lymphoma research, promote 
new innovative research models based on collaborative methods 
to maximize current lymphoma research conducted at NCI, 
collaborate research efforts with NIEHS to explore 
environmental factors as causes of lymphoma, and collaborate 
research efforts with CDC. The Committee also encourages NCI to 
consider exploring research in currently incurable lymphomas 
such as low-grade and aggressive incurable lymphomas.
    Marine Mammals Research.--The Committee notes the unusually 
low incidence of cancer in sharks, skates, and rays and 
encourages basic research through the study of the immune 
system of these marine animals and the examination of bioactive 
molecules from shark, skate, and ray cells and tissues that 
have the potential to inhibit disease processes in humans.
    Multiple Myeloma.--Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable 
cancer of the plasma cells of the bone marrow. MM affects 
approximately 50,000 Americans annually and the five-year 
survival rate has only increased from 24 percent to 28 percent 
from 1974 to 1983 respectively. The Committee urges NCI to use 
all available mechanisms, as appropriate, to: review its MM 
research portfolio and both enhance its support of promising 
research and encourage new investigators into the field; 
convene an NIH-sponsored Consensus Conference to determine the 
state of MM research, promising opportunities, and make 
recommendations to NCI for further research; and integrate 
epidemiological and occupational health research and data 
gathering activities relevant to MM to learn more about the 
molecular pathogenesis of the disease and its suspected agents. 
The Committee also encourages the Institute to enhance research 
on the skeletal complications of malignancy.
    Neurofibromatosis.--Enormous advances continue to be made 
in research on neurofibromatosis (NF) since the discovery of 
the NF1 and NF2 gene, including recent discoveries that NF's 
suppression of Ras is involved with learning disabilities and 
heart disease in addition to cancer. The Committee encourages 
NCI to strengthen its NF research portfolio through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including the further 
development of animal models, natural history studies, and 
therapeutic experimentation and clinical trials. The Committee 
urges NCI to continue to coordinate its efforts with other 
Institutes engaged in NF research and be prepared to report on 
the status of the NF research program at its fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    Nutrition Science.--Continuing research to determine the 
precise role of nutrients in the development or prevention of 
particular forms of cancer is important. The Committee 
encourages NCI to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, 
including small scale clinical trials emphasizing collaboration 
between clinical research and molecular genetics, to determine 
the effects of specific dietary behavior on cancer for patients 
at risk and establishing biomarkers for these conditions.
    Ovarian Cancer.--While early detection improves the chances 
that ovarian cancer can be treated successfully, this type of 
cancer rarely produces symptoms that would alert women, but 
rather produces symptoms that are mistaken for other ailments 
or illnesses. As a result, almost 70 percent of women with 
ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is in the 
advanced stage. The five-year survival rate for these women is 
28 percent. The Committee is pleased by the progress that has 
been made in defining a strategic plan for ovarian cancer, 
particularly with the creation of a SPORE and encourages NCI to 
move forward with its implementation. The Committee requests 
that the Director of the Institute be prepared to give a 
progress report at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Pancreatic Cancer.--Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading 
cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States. 
Typically not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages 
when treatment options are limited and largely ineffective, the 
five-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 
only four percent. The Committee requests NCI to submit a 
report, by January 31, 2000, which details the Institute's plan 
to enhance its support for pancreatic cancer research and 
education efforts.
    Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases.--The Committee is 
pleased to learn that NCI will participate in a symposium, in 
conjunction with the Office of Rare Diseases, NICHHD, NIAID, 
and NHGRI, to investigate the relationship between primary 
immune deficiency diseases and cancer with the goal of 
identifying areas of scientific research that can be enhanced 
through appropriate funding mechanisms. The symposium will 
bring together leading national and international experts in 
cancer, pediatrics, immunology, and genetics. The Committee 
looks forward to reviewing the report of the symposium prior to 
the fiscal year 2000 appropriations hearing. The Committee also 
supports NCI's interest in the creation of a trans-Institute 
intramural clinic for the diagnosis of immune deficient 
patients.
    Prostate Cancer.--Cancer of the prostate is the most 
commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer in America. If detected 
early, it can be treated successfully with no negative impact 
on the cancer survivor's quality of life. However, existing 
forms of detection are insufficient, and available treatments 
frequently result in erectile dysfunction, urinary problems, or 
other disorders and disruptions that do negatively impact the 
patients quality of life. The Committee urges NCI to place an 
increased priority on research through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, including clinical trials, that 
will result in earlier, more reliable detection methods and 
more effective and less disfiguring treatment regimes.
    The Committee commends NCI and other NIH Institute 
Directors for the five-year investment strategy for prostate 
cancer research and encourages its implementation.
    Tobacco.--Tobacco remains one of the leading risk factors 
in developing cancer. The Committee is pleased that NCI is 
continuing to support research aimed at preventing and 
controlling tobacco use and urges the Institute to continue 
these efforts.
    Urological Cancers.--The Committee commends the new 
initiatives proposed for prostate cancer and urges the 
Institute to develop a plan to expand its research for other 
urologic cancers, such as kidney and bladder cancer, to take 
advantage of new knowledge that has been acquired about cancer 
diagnosis and treatment.

               national heart, lung, and blood institute

    The Committee provides $1,937,404,000 for the Heart Lung 
and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which is $154,827,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $111,555,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
provides leadership for a national research program in diseases 
of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and blood, in transfusion 
medicine, and in sleep disorders through support of basic, 
clinical, and population-based and health education research. 
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was transferred from the 
Office of the Director to NHLBI. WHI is a large cross-Institute 
initiative to study prevention of conditions responsible for 
deaths, disability and frailty in older women--breast and 
colorectal cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. There are 
three components of the study: a randomized clinical trial; an 
observational study; and a community prevention study. The 
clinical trial is being conducted at 40 centers with 46,000 
women participating. It is scheduled for completion in 2004.
    Advanced Non-Surgical Imaging Technology for Heart Disease 
and Stroke.--Scientists recently described preliminary findings 
on how magnetic resonance imaging can detect unstable plaque 
obstructions in blood vessels. If this technology proves 
effective, it may provide a new way to diagnose people at high 
risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke and to start 
treatment to stabilize the obstruction or reduce chances that a 
blood clot will form if a plaque ruptures. Other areas of 
cardiology could also benefit from this technology such as 
guiding local injections for angiogenesis, tracking and 
delivering modified cells in the blood vessel system, and 
performing biopsies. The Committee encourages NHLBI to expand 
research on advanced imaging technology.
    Angiogenesis.--Angiogenesis is a genetically engineered 
therapy that stimulates growth of new heart blood vessels from 
existing ones. In the next century, millions of Americans with 
heart disease may be routinely treated using this procedure to 
help restore blood flow to hearts of people whose arteries are 
obstructed by fat-laden plaque. It has the potential to become 
an adjunct or an alternative to other therapies for heart 
disease, including surgical procedures, such as heart bypass 
surgery or angioplasty. The Committee encourages NHLBI to 
support research on designing approaches to translate knowledge 
of angiogenesis for use in preclinical studies and clinical 
applications.
    Aneurysm.--The Committee notes from the NHLBI Director's 
testimony that the Institute is increasing its research efforts 
in the area of aneurysms. An aneurysm in the brain can result 
in a debilitating stroke and an aneurysm in the abdomen can 
result in rapid bleeding and death. Aneurysms are rarely 
detected until a catastrophic health event occurs in the 
victim. NHLBI is encouraged to continue its focus on this 
condition, particularly on early detection and, in coordination 
with other NIH Institutes, more effective treatments.
    Asthma.--The Committee is pleased with the early efforts of 
the Asthma Clinical Network to determine the effectiveness of 
asthma drugs and to identify better asthma management 
practices. During its first four years, the Network has 
completed and published two clinical trials of medication usage 
in patients with mild and moderate asthma. Two ongoing studies 
are evaluating the effects of asthma medications in altering 
clinical outcomes and airway inflammation in moderate and 
severe asthma patients. Another study to establish doses of 
different inhaled corticosteroids is expected to be complete in 
the near future.
    The Committee was pleased to learn that the National Asthma 
Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) has published updated 
asthma management guidelines in the 1997 Expert Panel Report 2: 
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma and that 
NAEPP is working with national and local organizations to 
increase their use. The NAEPP has prepared a summary of asthma 
self-management approaches and published it for use by local 
asthma coalitions in programs for patients. Professionals will 
be encouraged to use the materials to support patient education 
efforts.
    The Committee commends NAEPP for its leadership in helping 
to educate physicians, asthma patients, their families, and the 
general public regarding asthma and its management. The 
Committee urges NAEPP to enhance the role its Advisory 
Committee plays in helping to coordinate asthma education 
throughout the United States. The Committee also encourages 
NHLBI to continue to expand the role NAEPP takes in stimulating 
partnerships among local asthma coalitions to implement asthma 
education activities at the community level.
    The Committee recognizes the strong commitment of the NHLBI 
to research asthma in minority populations and is pleased at 
recent efforts by the Institute to extend its educational 
programs for these populations. In particular, the Committee 
has learned that NHLBI plans to modify existing educational 
materials on asthma management to include documents, 
audiovisual materials, and information packages for general 
dissemination and for target groups of patients, families, and 
health care providers at the community level based on 
sociodemographic and cultural considerations.
    Little is known about the optimal treatment for asthma in 
infants and young children. Many questions remain unanswered, 
such as what is the most effective dose and type of medication 
for different types of asthma and whether early therapy can 
prevent asthma from becoming more severe or even eliminate it 
as a child gets older. The Committee urges NHLBI to use the 
research amassed through the Pediatric Asthma Clinical Research 
Network to provide clearer choices for childhood asthma 
therapy, to encourage the development and dissemination of new 
therapies, and to identify optimum asthma management strategies 
for children.
    Cardiovascular Diseases.--Cardiovascular diseases remain 
America's number one killer and a major cause of disability. 
Nearly 60 million Americans of all ages suffer from 
cardiovascular diseases. The Committee supports an intensive 
research program on cardiovascular diseases at NHLBI and urges 
the Institute to place a high priority on such research by 
supporting existing heart and stroke-related research and 
investing in promising heart and stroke-related research 
initiatives.
    Cardiovascular Diseases in Women.--The clinical course of 
cardiovascular disease is different in men than in women and 
current diagnostic capabilities are less accurate in women than 
in men and are largely unrecognized by women and their 
physicians. The Committee encourages NHLBI to expand research 
on cardiovascular diseases in women, through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, including studies to develop safe, 
efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic approaches for women 
and to create informational and educational programs for female 
patients and health care providers on heart disease and stroke 
risk factors as authorized in Public Law 105-340, the Women's 
Health Research and Prevention Amendment of 1998.
    Congestive Heart Failure.--Congestive heart failure affects 
about 4.6 million Americans and is the leading cause of 
hospitalization for Americans age 65 and older. More research 
is needed to understand how and why congestive heart failure 
occurs and how it can be treated and prevented. The Committee 
encourages NHLBI to expand its study of congestive heart 
failure to promising areas of treatment such as mechanical 
assist devices, animal hearts for transplant and 
transplantation of healthy heart cells, and the role of 
programmed cell death in the development of congestive heart 
failure. The Committee also urges NHLBI to enhance research on 
cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease afflicting about 50,000 
Americans who are also prone to congestive heart failure and 
sudden cardiac death. Recent progress in identifying the 
specific genetic malformations responsible for familial 
cardiomyopathy opens the door to new understanding of the 
mechanisms of this disease.
    Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee is pleased with the 
progress that NHLBI has made with regard to the creation of the 
Thalassemia Clinical Research Network that will facilitate 
research into Cooley's anemia. The Committee understands that a 
Request for Applications has been issued with the intention to 
establish the Network during fiscal year 2000. The Institute 
should keep the Committee informed as to the development of 
this network.
    Diabetes.--One of the major complications of diabetes is an 
increased risk of suffering a heart attack and stroke. The 
Committee encourages NHLBI to support research focusing on 
further understanding, preventing, and curbing the 
microvascular and macrovascular complications in people with 
diabetes. The Committee is concerned with the rate of coronary 
artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes and urges an 
increased research focus in this area.
    Gene Therapy Translation.--Gene therapy has the potential 
to revolutionize the practice of medicine in the next century. 
The leap from basic studies to practical application will 
require carefully designed clinical studies to evaluate the 
safety and efficacy of gene therapy in humans. The Committee 
urges NHLBI to pursue an integrated program of basic and 
clinical studies in gene therapy to enable the rapid 
translation of new findings into medical practice.
    Genomic Applications.--The Committee notes that NHLBI is 
initiating a new program in genomic applications for heart, 
lung, and blood diseases that will use data and technologies 
emerging from the Human Genome Project. The program will relate 
biological functions to specific variations of the genome. The 
Committee urges the Institute to use this project as a 
springboard for new research, to make resources available that 
are difficult or too expensive to develop in most individual 
laboratories, and to accelerate the development of new and 
better ways to diagnose, manage, prevent, and treat heart, 
lung, and blood diseases.
    Hemophilia.--The Committee has received the comprehensive 
hemophilia and blood safety research plan requested from the 
NIH Director and commends NHLBI in coordinating the development 
of this plan with NIAID, NHGRI, and NIDDK. The Committee 
understands that NHLBI, in collaboration with other Institutes, 
will be implementing the research actions specified in the 
report, including expanded efforts in the areas of hemophilia 
gene therapy, hepatitis C treatment, and research to improve 
blood safety and the treatment of the complications of bleeding 
and clotting disorders. The Committee requests that the 
Director of the Institute be prepared to testify at the fiscal 
year 2001 appropriations hearing on the status of these 
efforts, including the funding levels provided for each area of 
research.
    Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis.--The Committee supports the 
efforts of NHLBI to establish an on-going intramural research 
program to conduct basic research on Langerhans' Cell 
Histiocytosis. The Committee encourages the Institute to pursue 
further research in this area and keep the Committee informed 
as to the progress of this research.
    Lymphangioleiomyomatosis--Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is 
a progressive and often fatal lung disease that predominately 
affects women of child bearing age. Currently, there is no 
effective treatment for LAM patients, and little research is 
being conducted on the disease. The Committee encourages NHLBI 
to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including a 
Request for Applications for LAM proposals, to stimulate a 
broad range of research on this disease such as establishing an 
animal model and/or immortalized cell line from LAM patients to 
facilitate laboratory studies on the pathogenesis of LAM and as 
a future source of DNA for genetic studies.
    Neurofibromatosis.--Advances continue to be made in 
research on neurofibromatosis (NF). Recent studies have 
documented the involvement of NF1 in valve formation which may 
open up a new area for future research in congenital heart 
disease. Understanding how NF1 deficiency leads to heart 
disease may help to unravel the molecular pathways affected in 
genetic and environmental caused of heart disease. The 
Committee encourages NHLBI to enhance its NF research 
activities, coordinate its efforts with other Institutes 
engaged in NF research, and be prepared to report on its 
research at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.--Primary Pulmonary 
Hypertension (PPH) is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease 
affecting predominantly women of all races and ages. This 
disease involves deadly deterioration of the heart and lungs 
and treatment is often exorbitantly expensive. The Committee 
urges NHLBI to actively pursue research in this area and to 
take the necessary steps to ensure the submission of high 
quality proposals and qualified experts in the field to 
evaluate these proposals.
    Sleep Disorders.--The Committee urges the Institute to 
enhance its support for sleep disorders research to address the 
neurobiology of sleep and the pathophysiology of disorders 
affecting sleep and assess therapies for treating patients 
afflicted with sleep disorders through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate. In addition, the Committee 
recognizes the work of the Institute's National Center on Sleep 
Disorders Research in educating adolescents, their parents and 
educators about the importance of sleep and its impact in 
school performance and driving and encourages further efforts 
in this area.
    Stroke.--The Committee recognizes the advances made 
recently in the treatment of stroke with medicines such as TpA, 
a treatment developed and tested through research supported by 
NHLBI. While stroke victims once were expected to never 
improve, early detection and rapid treatment of stroke today 
can often result in little to no loss of brain function. 
Increased awareness of the symptoms of stroke as a brain attack 
requires a rapid and appropriate medical response. The 
Committee encourages NHLBI to develop a research, public health 
and public education strategy to combat this disease.

         national institute of dental and craniofacial research

    The Committee provides $257,349,000 for the National 
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), when 
adjusted for the transfer from the Public Health and Social 
Services Emergency Fund for bioterrorism activities, which is 
$19,031,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$13,243,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIDCR conducts and supports research and 
research training to improve craniofacial, oral and dental 
health. The Institute's programs reflect the genetic, 
behavioral and environmental factors that result in complex 
human disease and are clustered into the following areas: 
inherited disorders; infection and immunity; oral, pharyngeal 
and laryngeal cancers; chronic and disabling conditions such as 
bone and joint diseases and chronic pain; behavioral science, 
epidemiology and health promotion; and tissue engineering and 
biomimetics research to improve diagnostics and tissue repair 
and regeneration.
    Bone Diseases.--Osteoporosis and related bone diseases 
affect millions of Americans. The Committee encourages the 
Institute to enhance its research on osteoporosis, Paget's 
disease of bone, fibrous dysplasia, dentinogenesis imperfecta, 
and other bone diseases with a special emphasis on further 
research on bone morphogenetic proteins and cartilage-derived 
morphogenetic proteins, which is directed to the therapeutic 
regeneration of bone and joint tissues.
    Early Childhood Caries.--The Committee is aware of the 
findings of the Early Childhood Caries Conference that dental 
caries is of epidemic proportions in many low socioeconomic 
preschool children in the United States. The Committee urges 
NIDCR to expand its research on this problem and, to the extent 
possible, collaborate with the Agency for Health Care Policy 
and Research to identify effective means of preventing and 
treating early childhood caries.
    Oral Health.--Recent research is showing that good oral 
health is a link to the control and prevention of many 
diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Much of the 
health and economic burden associated with oral diseases and 
conditions could be prevented. In light of these facts, the 
Committee urges NIDCR to enhance its oral health research 
efforts.

    national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases

    The Committee provides $1,087,455,000 for the National 
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 
(NIDDK), which is $90,607,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $66,386,000 above the Administration 
request.
    Mission.--The NIDDK supports research in three major 
disease categories: diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic 
diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; and kidney, 
urologic, and hematologic diseases. The NIDDK supports a 
coordinated program of fundamental and clinical research and 
demonstration projects relating to the causes, prevention, 
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases within these categories. 
The Institute also supports efforts to transfer the knowledge 
gained from its research program to health professionals, 
patients, and the general public.
    Bladder Diseases.--Diseases of the bladder afflict more 
than 35 million Americans. One half of all women will 
experience incontinence at some point in their lives. Serious 
and painful diseases such as interstitial cystitis and bladder 
cancer cause significant human suffering and mortality. The 
Committee urges NIDDK to enhance its research efforts on 
bladder disease through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, including requests for applications and 
multicenter research initiatives. The Director should be 
prepared to testify on the status of its bladder research 
activities at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Bone Diseases.--Osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, 
osteogenesis imperfecta, multiple myeloma, and other bone 
diseases collectively strike over 30 million Americans causing 
pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. The 
Committee encourages the Institute to enhance its basic 
biomedical research and training related to bone diseases.
    Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee has long supported research 
in the area of Cooley's anemia. Due to the numerous red blood 
cell transfusions that patients receive, iron accumulates in 
the major organs, particularly the heart and liver. The 
effective removal of this iron by chelating drugs requires an 
accurate assessment of iron levels in the patient. Accuracy is 
impeded by the lack of a high quality, non-invasive test to 
measure iron levels. In addition, compliance with treatment 
regimens could be enhanced by the development of a safe and 
effective iron chelator drug that can be taken orally rather 
than infused. The Committee is pleased that NIDDK, in 
collaboration with NHLBI, has issued a Request for Applications 
for both basic and clinical research in areas related to 
understanding the biological consequences of iron overload and 
improving methods of therapy leading to removal of excess iron. 
The Committee looks forward to learning of the progress made in 
this field during the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Chronic Renal Disease.--Early identification of those at-
risk for or who have chronic renal disease is essential in the 
effort to stem the growth of the population with end stage 
renal disease. The Committee encourages NIDDK to enhance its 
efforts in this area, through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, including working with national renal 
organizations to develop epidemiological studies of patients 
who are at-risk for or who have this disease as well as working 
with national kidney organizations on a national education 
campaign for providers and the public.
    Diabetes.--Diabetes remains a leading cause of early death 
and disability and affects approximately 16 million Americans. 
The Committee is encouraged by the opportunities identified in 
the Diabetes Research Working Group report and urges NIDDK to 
implement the recommendations of the report as soon as possible 
with particular emphasis on research that focuses on Type 1, or 
juvenile diabetes. The Committee encourages the Institute to 
focus increased efforts into areas of diabetes research that 
could lead to a cure in the short term, such as beta cell 
replacement and supply, as well as other avenues to normalize 
blood glucose.
    Raising the awareness of diabetes and its risk factors is 
an important step to improving the lives of all individuals 
affected by this chronic disease. Obesity, a family history of 
diabetes, and being an African American, Hispanic, or Native 
American are some of the factors that increase the risk for 
diabetes. Early detection and treatment of the disease can 
prolong life and save billions in health care costs. The 
Committee urges NIDDK to continue to expand promising research 
to improve early detection and treatment of diabetes and to 
eventually find a cure for the disease.
    Digestive Diseases.--Diseases of the digestive system 
continue to affect more than one-half of all Americans at some 
time in their lives. Serious disorders such as colorectal 
cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, 
and viral hepatitis take a significant toll in terms of human 
suffering, mortality, and economic burden. The Digestive 
Disease Centers program has been successful in addressing a 
wide range of disorders that result in tremendous human 
suffering and economic costs. The Committee encourages NIDDK to 
enhance its research in this area. The Committee also 
encourages NIDDK to strike an appropriate balance between 
conducting basic studies on digestive diseases and bringing 
those research findings to the bedside in the form of improved 
patient care.
    End Stage Renal Disease.--Approximately 360,000 individuals 
in the U.S. suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need 
dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. There is increasing 
evidence that the progression of renal failure can be slowed 
under certain circumstances and that chronic kidney disease at 
all levels of progression may benefit from therapeutic 
interventions. The Committee encourages NIDDK to initiate a 
process of translating science to practice by fostering 
consensus as to the interventions which could prevent or delay 
ESRD and the patients who could benefit from such 
interventions.
    Endoscopic Research.--The Committee notes that NIDDK 
sponsored a joint workshop last year with the gastroenterology 
community to review three areas of endoscopic practice judged 
to have a need for further research: Barrett's esophagus, colon 
surveillance for neoplasia, and chronic pancreatic disease. The 
Committee encourages NIDDK to develop a plan to address the 
findings of the workshop.
    Hepatitis C.--The Committee commends NIDDK for its 
leadership in providing for a trans-Institute request for 
proposals to address several research opportunities regarding 
Hepatitis C. The Committee understands that a contract has been 
awarded to study the natural history of Hepatitis C and the 
long-term consequences of various therapies. The Committee 
urges the Institute to continue to support research focused on 
ancillary studies to support this research as well as 
additional research on disease complications and issues of 
special populations with Hepatitis C, such as minority and 
indigent populations, the uninsured, incarcerated individuals, 
and those infected with HIV.
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease.--The Committee is encouraged by 
recent discoveries related to Crohn's disease and ulcerative 
colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease 
(IBD). These extremely complex disorders represent the major 
cause of morbidity and mortality from intestinal illness. The 
Committee encourages NIDDK to give priority consideration to 
investigation into the cellular, molecular, and genetic 
structure of IBD, identification of the genes that determine 
susceptibility or resistance to IBD in various patient 
subgroups, and coordination and integration of basic 
investigations designed to clarify mechanisms of action and 
disease pathogenesis into clinical trials, as described in the 
recent research agenda developed by the scientific community 
entitled ``Challenges in Inflammatory Bowel Disease''.
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome.--The Committee remains concerned 
about the increasing frequency of irritable bowel syndrome 
(IBS), a chronic complex of disorders that malign the digestive 
system. These common dysfunctions strike people from all walks 
of life and result in tremendous human suffering and 
disability. The Committee encourages NIDDK to provide adequate 
funding for IBS functional bowel disorders research through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including education/
scientific symposiums.
    Interstitial Cystitis.--The Committee is pleased with the 
efforts NIDDK has taken to expand research into a basic 
understanding of normal bladder function and encourages the 
Institute to translate this research into meaningful studies 
related to the pathogenesis and treatment of interstitial 
cystitis (IC). NIDDK is also encouraged to pursue an 
epidemiology study of IC that includes scientifically valid 
statistics of the incidence of the disease, the demographics, 
occurrence in minority populations, and health care costs.
    Liver Disease.--The Committee commends the leadership of 
NIDDK in preparing the Liver and Biliary Disease strategic 
plan. The most common cause of acute liver failure is the 
reaction to various prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 
The Committee urges NIDDK to enhance its liver disease research 
on the toxicity of drugs as well as pediatric liver disease and 
liver disease caused by exposure to iron through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate.
    Nutrition Sciences.--Diet and nutrients are factors in the 
prevention of many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, 
hypertension, and birth defects. NIH and the Agricultural 
Research Service (ARS) of the Department of Agriculture both 
have a role in nutrition research. It is clear that there is a 
need to more fully integrate basic and clinical nutrition 
science and the work of both agencies. NIDDK is urged to 
coordinate with ARS regarding its recent research on diabetes 
and its nutritional prevention and mitigation as well as 
examining cellular glucose metabolism and the factors that 
influence that metabolism, especially the influence of 
chromium-containing compounds on glucose receptors.
    Obesity constitutes a major national health problem 
involving diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other 
disorders. The Committee supports efforts by NIDDK to find 
effective clinical interventions for the management of obesity 
and its research regarding the influence of nutrients on 
inflammatory and immune responses in critical care patients.
    Pediatric Kidney Disease.--In last year's report, the 
Committee called attention to the alarming number of children 
and adolescents suffering from kidney disease, many of whom are 
minorities. In calling for enhanced research emphasis on this 
vulnerable segment of our population, the Committee noted that 
chronic kidney failure among young people results in 
particularly severe consequences. Normal growth and development 
are impaired, and many scientists believe that chronic kidney 
failure has a profound effect on the developing brain, often 
causing learning disabilities and mental retardation. The 
Committee recently received a report from NIDDK outlining a set 
of goals reflecting the needs and opportunities in pediatric 
nephrology research. The Committee concurs with NIDDK's plans 
to pursue those goals, particularly those focusing on diseases 
that injure the kidney in childhood and eventually lead to 
devastating illness in adulthood, such as diabetes and 
hypertension and encourages the Institute to enhance its 
efforts in these areas.
    Polycystic Kidney Disease.--The Committee is pleased with 
the recent Request for Applications for proposed new 
multidisciplinary research centers targeting Polycystic Kidney 
Disease (PKD). The Committee understands that there is growing 
evidence from the scientific community that the opportunity for 
dramatic progress toward a cure for PKD is within as few as 
five years given the right research investment. The Committee 
urges the Institute to give serious consideration to 
implementing the Strategic Planning Workshop Report on PKD and 
develop a research program that will ultimately lead to a cure 
for this life threatening genetic disease that affects more 
than 600,000 Americans.
    Urological Diseases.--The Committee continues to encourage 
NIDDK to enhance its research on the prevention, diagnosis, and 
treatment of urological diseases. Urological diseases have a 
significant impact on men and women in this country and the 
Institute is encouraged to enhance its research efforts in this 
area.
    Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) affects more than 12 
million men over the age of 50. The Committee urges NIDDK to 
increase its research into prostate growth factors and related 
issues toward the goal of improved diagnostic and treatment 
tools for BPH as well as prostate cancer and prostatitis.
    The Committee is pleased that NIDDK responded to the 
request for a women's urological health initiative by hosting a 
conference to identify research issues and needs. The Committee 
is concerned with the need for further progress and urges the 
Institute to implement the conference recommendations. The 
Director of the Institute should be prepared to testify on the 
progress of this initiative at the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    The Committee remains concerned by the absence of research 
support for several critical areas of urology including male 
infertility and impotence, congenital anomalies of the 
genitourinary tract, and kidney stone disease and encourages 
the Institute to consult with the urologic scientific community 
to define research needs and priorites in this area as well as 
recommendations for new programmatic activities.

        national institute of neurological disorders and stroke

    The Committee provides $979,281,000 for the National 
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which 
is $80,162,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$58,311,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NINDS supports and conducts basic and 
clinical neurological research and research training to 
increase understanding of the brain and improve the prevention 
and treatment of neurological and neuromuscular disorders. The 
NINDS mission encompasses over 600 disorders, including stroke; 
head and spinal cord injury; epilepsy; multiple sclerosis; and 
neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
    Alzheimer's Disease.--The Committee is pleased that NINDS 
continues to regard Alzheimer's disease as one of its top 
research priorities. Today, an estimated four million Americans 
suffer from Alzheimer's disease and given the rate at which the 
population is aging, as many as 14 million will fall victim to 
the disease in the coming decades. The Committee encourages 
NINDS to continue its close collaboration with NIA and NIMH and 
to expand its research into the basic mechanisms of the 
disease, identifying risk factors and striving to determine how 
its progression can be slowed or stopped altogether.
    Batten's Disease.--The Committee is pleased with the 
progress that has been made with regards to both the infantile 
and juvenile forms of Batten's Disease, specifically that the 
genes for the late infantile form have been found and that the 
research is focusing on developing a model to impact the 
disease. The Committee encourages NINDS to continue to focus on 
Batten's Disease research and to take advantage of promising 
opportunities in this area.
    Diabetes.--The Committee encourages NINDS to expand its 
research into further understanding, preventing, and curing the 
complications of diabetes. In particular, NINDS is encouraged 
to enhance research on the impact of hypoglycemia on the brain 
in individuals taking insulin as well as diabetic neuropathy, 
which can lead to severe pain and amputation.
    Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--Duchenne muscular dystrophy 
remains the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy. 
The Committee is encouraged that NINDS, NIAMS, and other 
Institutes are continuing to pursue an understanding of this 
progressive, heritable disease. In particular, the Committee is 
aware of the recent Program Announcement issued to encourage 
new applications on the ``Pathogenesis and Therapy of the 
Muscular Dystrophies.'' The Committee looks forward to learning 
about new research opportunities as a result of this effort 
during the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing as well as 
information on possible breakthroughs from the overall 
scientific enterprise.
    Dystonia.--The Committee is pleased with the extramural 
research initiatives that NINDS has conducted in dystonia 
specific research. The Committee continues to encourage NINDS 
to work with the dystonia community, particularly in the study 
of the DYT1 gene for early on-set dystonia. The Committee is 
also pleased that NINDS will be supporting an epidemiological 
study on dystonia and encourages NINDS to explore the 
opportunities for increased professional and public awareness 
of the disease.
    Epilepsy.--The Committee encourages NINDS to expand its 
research efforts in the prevention, treatment, and eventual 
cure of epilepsy. The Committee urges the Institute to develop 
research plans and goals for the anti-epileptic drug 
development program. The Committee also urges NINDS to expand 
its support for intractable or uncontrolled epilepsy. The 
Committee is interested in the ongoing progress being made in 
understanding the critical issues impacting women with 
epilepsy, in particular, the relationship between seizures and 
women's hormonal cycles and reproductive function. Of further 
note, the elderly represent a growing segment of the population 
with epilepsy and the Committee urges NINDS to explore the 
mechanisms and factors that affect the development of seizures 
in older Americans. The Director should be prepared to testify 
on its efforts to advance these areas of research at the fiscal 
year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Facioscapulohumeral Disease.--The Committee is concerned 
that NIH has not responded to a previous request to develop a 
plan for enhancing NIH research into facioscapulohumeral (FSH) 
disease. The Committee urges NIH to convene a research planning 
conference and establish a comprehensive portfolio into the 
causes, prevention, and treatment of FSH disease through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate. The Director is requested 
to be prepared to testify on the status of this initiative at 
the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Friedreich's Ataxia.--The Committee is pleased with the 
innovative approaches being demonstrated by NINDS in regard to 
pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. The Institute is to be 
commended for the leadership role it took in co-hosting an 
international scientific workshop on Friedreich's ataxia 
earlier this year with a patient advocacy group and for its 
efforts to follow up on the workshop results, including a new 
program announcement on pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. 
The Committee urges NINDS to continue its work toward finding a 
treatment for this incurable disease.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee commends NINDS for 
its efforts to explore the neurological aspects of learning 
disabilities and encourages the Institute to continue to 
coordinate with other Institutes working on related activities.
    Leukodystrophies.--Leukodystrophies are genetically 
determined progressive disorders that affect the brain, spinal 
cord, and peripheral nerves and result in death the first few 
years of life. Bone marrow and cord blood transplantations are 
possible treatments, which give hope to children diagnosed 
early in life, but more research is needed. The Committee urges 
NINDS to enhance it efforts in this area through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, including collaborating with other 
organizations in order to increase the awareness of these 
diseases.
    Mucolipidosis (ML) 4.--It is hoped that recent advances 
linking ML 4, a rare genetic metabolic disease, to a segment of 
chromosome 19p13 will facilitate further and more targeted 
research into identifying the defect and treatment options. The 
Committee encourages NINDS to enhance research in this area 
through all available mechanisms, as appropriate.
    Neurodegenerative Disorders.--The Committee is encouraged 
by the level of emphasis placed on neurodegenerative disorders 
research within NINDS and across NIH. The Committee continues 
to support research investigating the role of neurotransmitters 
in neurodegenerative disorders.
    Neurofibromatosis.--Recent advances in Neurofibromatosis 
(NF) research have linked NF to cancer, brain tumors, learning 
disabilities, and heart disease. The Committee encourages NINDS 
to strengthen its NF basic and clinical research portfolio 
through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including 
clinical trials. The Committee urges the Institute to continue 
to coordinate its efforts with other Institutes engaged in NF 
research and be prepared to report on the status of the NF 
research portfolio at its fiscal year 2001 appropriations 
hearing.
    Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee is encouraged by 
continuing discoveries in the cause, pathophysiology, and 
treatment of Parkinson's disease and continues to urge NINDS to 
enhance its efforts in the development of effective therapies 
for this devastating disorder. Several recent findings 
demonstrate a strong scientific foundation for a major new 
initiative in Parkinson's-focused research. The Committee is 
pleased that the Institute has funded three of the ten 
authorized Morris K. Udall Research Centers and urges the 
Institute to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, to 
further implement the 1997 Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research 
Act.
    Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.--The Committee is 
supportive of research on progressive supranuclear palsy and 
urges NINDS to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, to 
enhance research on this disease, including the testing of 
neurotropic factors that delay disease progression.
    Rett Syndrome.--The Committee continues to be concerned 
about Rett syndrome, a crippling brain disorder that strikes 
baby girls after early normal development. Recent research has 
narrowed the gene research to a specific area on the X 
chromosome (Xq28). It is hoped that in the near future the 
exact location will be identified allowing for a prenatal test, 
a biological marker, and potential treatment for girls who 
already suffer from the disease. Other neurochemical studies 
have revealed dramatic alterations in specific 
neurotransmitters, alterations which may provide promising 
treatment avenues. It is important that NINDS and NICHHD keep 
momentum with these new discoveries, which may soon lead to 
knowledge of the cause, treatment, and cure. Research in this 
area also holds promise for progress in other disorders such as 
autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The Committee 
urges the Institute to continue to support further research on 
the causes of, biological markers for, and treatment and cure 
for Rett syndrome.
    Spina Bifida.--Research has shown that many cases of spina 
bifida can be avoided through the use of folic acid supplements 
in women of childbearing age, but less than 30 percent of women 
of childbearing age take folic acid supplements as a 
preventative measure. The Committee urges NINDS, NICHHD, and 
NIDDK to use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, 
including a consensus conference, to evaluate the existing 
scientific data regarding spina bifida, develop a plan that 
prioritizes research identifying early intervention strategies 
and treatment protocols that address the conditions affecting 
persons with spina bifida, and make recommendations regarding 
the effective translation of existing prevention initiatives 
into clinical practice.
    Spinal Cord Injury.--Approximately 450,000 people live with 
spinal cord injuries in the United States with about 12,000 new 
cases every year, the majority of which are males between the 
ages of 16 to 30. NINDS leads the Federal government's research 
mission to overcome paralysis and supports an extensive program 
of basic and clinical studies on the biomedical aspects of 
spinal cord injury. The Committee encourages NINDS to apply the 
latest advances in biomedical research to further accelerate 
the search for a cure, including the study of trauma to the 
brain and central nervous system.
    Spinal Muscular Atrophy.--The Committee recognizes the 
personal hardship, emotional distress, and economic costs 
resulting from the diseases known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy 
(SMA) Type I, II, and III. The Committee is encouraged by the 
recent breakthrough in understanding the role that is played by 
the SMA protein in normal motor neurons. It is important that 
NINDS keep momentum with this new discovery that may lead to 
knowledge of effective therapies and ultimately a cure. The 
Committee encourages NINDS to utilize all available mechanisms, 
as appropriate, including Requests for Applications and 
extended funding of selected investigators in the field to 
discover the biological pathway in which the SMN protein is 
involved. The Committee also encourages the Institute to 
explore areas of promising research identified in the 1999 
Families of SMA International Workshop.
    Stroke.--Stroke remains the third leading cause of death, a 
leading cause of permanent disability, and a major contributor 
of late-life dementia. Opportunities to improve prevention and 
to treat stroke in progress have never been greater. The 
Committee encourages NINDS and NIH to support an intensive 
stroke research program. The Committee also encourages NINDS to 
expand its stroke education program and to initiate and 
continue innovative approaches to improve stroke diagnosis, 
treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

         national institute of allergy and infectious diseases

    The Committee provides $1,714,705,000, when adjusted for 
the transfer from the Public Health and Social Services 
Emergency Fund for bioterrorism activities, for the National 
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is 
$138,601,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$100,255,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIAID supports and conducts basic and 
clinical research and research training programs in infectious 
diseases caused by, or associated with, disorders of the immune 
system. NIAID supported research includes research on acquired 
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma and allergies, 
tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, tropical diseases, 
and emerging microbes. The goals of NIAID research are to 
better understand disease pathogenesis, to improve drugs to 
treat diseases, and to develop new and improved vaccines to 
prevent disease, many of which significantly affect public 
health.
    Asthma.--The Committee notes that the number of asthma 
patients and asthma-related deaths have increased dramatically 
in the past decade. Morbidity and mortality among minority 
populations continue to be disproportionately high. The 
prevalence of asthma is 24 percent higher in African American 
children than in white children. Inner city residents suffer 
disproportionately from asthma. The Committee urges NIAID to 
strengthen research in this area.
    The Committee recognizes the leadership role the Institute 
has played in the Inner City Asthma Study. Results of the study 
have shown that home-based interventions coupled with a 
counselor-based intervention program has lead to a reduction in 
asthma symptoms for children with severe asthma. Interventions 
studied in the Inner City Asthma Study led to an additional six 
weeks of symptom free days for children. The Committee commends 
the Institute for their research into these community-based 
intervention strategies for treating and managing asthma.
    Autoimmune Diseases.--The Committee encourages the 
development of the Autoimmune Centers of Excellence. These 
Centers should enhance the care of patients with autoimmune 
diseases. Early and proper diagnosis of these diseases 
increases treatment effectiveness and reduces related 
morbidity, mortality, and health care costs.
    Bone Marrow Transplantation.--While the risk associated 
with bone marrow transplantation are always substantial, the 
risks for transplant from blood-related donors with partial 
match antigens and from unrelated donors with well matched 
antigens is exceptionally high. For many patients, transplant 
represents their best and often only hope for survival. The 
Committee urges NIAID to enhance research toward the prevention 
and treatment of Graft v. Host Disease (GVHD) and toward the 
improvement of the diagnostic tools for GVHD including both 
invasive and non-invasive methods for diagnosis and monitoring 
the course of GVHD.
    Diabetes.--The Committee understands that NIAID has begun a 
major research project aimed at better understanding, and 
eventually curing, autoimmune diseases. The Committee is 
pleased with this initiative and remains particularly 
interested in the impact that this research may have in the 
cure of Type 1 diabetes. The Committee urges NIAID to enhance 
research focused on perfecting methods of transplanting 
insulin-producing islet cells through all available mechanisms, 
as appropriate, including immune modulation and clinical 
trials.
    Hemophilia.--The Committee notes the significant role of 
NIAID in the NIH Director's report to the Committee on NIH's 
hemophilia research plan. The Committee urges NIAID, through 
its on-going relationship with the national hemophilia 
leadership, to continue its work to address the needs of 
persons with hemophilia who are infected with HIV and hepatitis 
C.
    Hepatitis C Virus.--The Committee commends NIAID for 
participating in the trans-Institute request for applications 
for Hepatitis C and urges enhanced research in this area 
consistent with the recommendations made by the Hepatitis C 
Consensus Development Conference.
    HIV/AIDS.--HIV/AIDS is rapidly spreading throughout the 
world. The Committee urges NIAID and NIH to pursue strategies 
to accelerate the development and clinical testing of promising 
HIV vaccine products.
    HIV and Women.--The rate of HIV infection in women is 
rapidly rising and AIDS is the leading cause of death in 
minority women. The Committee encourages NIAID to make HIV-
related prevention, treatment, and care needs of women, 
particularly minority women, a top priority. The Institute is 
also encouraged to continue its collaboration with NICHHD, 
particularly on the development and utilization of female-
controlled barrier methods for HIV prevention.
    Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer.--The Committee 
is encouraged by the research progress that has been achieved 
in the development of a vaccine for the human papilloma virus 
(HPV) and in the treatment for advanced stage cervical cancer. 
It is estimated that more than 90 percent of cervical cancer 
cases result from sexually transmitted HPV. The Committee urges 
NIAID to continue its collaboration with NCI in sponsoring 
basic and clinical research on HPV diagnosis and prevention, 
including possible vaccines and, as applicable, develop 
screening techniques.
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease.--The Committee continues to 
note with interest a scientific research agenda entitled 
``Challenges in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)'' that 
identifies linkages between the immune system and IBD. The 
Committee encourages NIAID to support research focused on the 
immunology of IBD as well as the interaction of genetics and 
environmental factors in the development of the disease.
    Lyme Disease.--Lyme disease is the nation's leading tick-
borne illness. It affects many systems of the body and can 
require expensive, long-term treatment in some patients unless 
they are diagnosed and treated early. The Committee encourages 
NIAID, in collaboration with other relevant Institutes, to 
enhance research in the area of development of sensitive, 
specific, and reproducible tests for the diagnosis of Lyme 
disease.
    Malaria.--The Committee remains concerned about the global 
growth rate of malaria and the growing incidence of malaria 
outbreaks in the United States. Malaria results in two to three 
million deaths every year. The Committee urges NIAID to make 
malaria research and vaccine development one of its highest 
priorities. The Committee also encourages NIAID to continue 
pursuing collaborations with other public and private sector 
partners and international organizations to leverage resources 
in the global effort to eliminate this disease.
    Multiple Vaccines in Humans.--There is increasing concern 
about the effect of multiple vaccines in humans. The Committee 
encourages NIAID, in coordination with NICHHD, the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug 
Administration, to support research into multiple vaccine 
interactions.
    Peanut Allergy.--It is estimated that one to two percent of 
the general population suffers from a food allergy. While 
individuals who experience food allergies as children often 
outgrow them, that is not generally the case with products such 
as peanuts, which tend to be lifelong. The Committee urges 
NIAID to enhance research efforts toward a vaccine for people 
suffering with peanut allergy.
    Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases.--The Committee 
recognizes the quality of research that has been funded by 
NIAID into this class of 80 related diseases, both individually 
and collaboratively. The Committee continues to believe that 
the Centers of Excellence in Immunology remain an ideal vehicle 
for further research and hopes that they will involve existing 
research centers as the quickest means of promoting this 
effort. The Committee urges NIAID to use all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, to take the necessary steps to 
address the estimated 500,000 currently undiagnosed or 
misdiagnosed cases including participation in an education and 
awareness campaign with NICHHD, CDC, and the Jeffrey Modell 
Foundation. In addition, the Committee commends NIAID for the 
expansion of its primary immune deficiencies clinical research 
registry and encourages the Institute to enhance its research 
portfolio with respect to these devastating diseases.
    Vaccine Development.--The Committee notes the important 
strides made by NIAID and NIH over the years in the development 
of new vaccines and encourages the continued interaction with 
the private sector to advance research and development of new 
vaccines. The Committee also recognizes the key role that 
organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) play 
in the development of vaccines. In this regard, the Committee 
encourages NIAID and NIH to continue its efforts at building 
effective partnerships and collaborations with the WHO and 
other international health organizations.

             national institute of general medical sciences

    The Committee provides $1,298,551,000 for the National 
Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), which is 
$100,954,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$71,853,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIGMS supports research and research training 
in the basic biomedical sciences. Institute grantees, working 
in such fields as cell biology, biophysics, genetics, 
developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, and biological 
chemistry, study normal biological processes to better 
understand what goes wrong when disease occurs. In this way, 
NIGMS supports the new knowledge, theories, and technologies 
that can then be applied to the disease-targeted studies 
supported by other NIH components. NIGMS-supported basic 
research advances also find applications in the biotechnology 
and pharmaceutical industries. The Institute's training 
programs help provide the scientists needed by industry and 
academia and have a special focus on increasing the number of 
minority scientists through programs such as Minority Access to 
Research Careers (MARC) and Minority Biomedical Research 
Support (MBRS). The Committee urges NIGMS to continue to 
support these training programs.
    Behavioral Research and Training.--There is a range of 
basic behavioral research and training that the Institute could 
support, such as the fundamentals relationships between the 
brain and behavior, basic cognitive processes such as 
motivation, learning, and information processing, and the 
connections between mental processes and health. The Committee 
encourages NIGMS to support basic behavioral research and 
training and to consult with the behavioral science research 
community and other Institutes to identify priority research 
and training areas.

        national institute of child health and human development

    The Committee provides $817,470,000, when adjusted for the 
transfer from the Public Health and Social Service Emergency 
fund for bioterrorism activities, for the National Institute of 
Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD), which is 
$64,064,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$45,757,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NICHHD conducts and supports laboratory and 
clinical research on the reproductive, developmental, and 
behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health and 
well-being of children, adults, families and populations. In 
addition, research in medical rehabilitation is supported.
    Children's Research and Development.--The Committee is 
concerned that fragmentation in children's research and 
development exists across Federal agencies and that this 
fragmentation is contributing to a lack of priorities and an 
underlying scientific framework that would allow research-based 
knowledge affecting children and youth to accumulate in a 
manner that characterizes research in other areas. The 
Committee urges NICHHD to develop a strategic plan for 
children's research and development through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, including contracting with a 
Federally-funded research and development center with expertise 
in science and technology policy. This plan should be conducted 
in coordination with all relevant Federal agencies, such as 
NIH, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of 
Education as well as leading members of the scientific 
community. It should include, but not be limited to, an 
assessment of how children's research can be moved toward a 
more scientific model, an evaluation of ongoing and future 
longitudinal data collections and potential for coordination 
and expansion, and identifying mechanisms for establishing 
priorities and coordination for children's research across 
Federal agencies. The Committee requests a status report of 
this initiative no later than May 31, 2000. In addition, the 
Committee urges NICHHD to begin taking the necessary steps in 
fiscal year 2000 to achieve a more coordinated and focused 
children's research and development program.
    Chromosome 18.--The Committee commends the Institute for 
its efforts over the past year to encourage new scientific work 
into molecular, genetic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of 
chromosomal abnormalities. The Committee continues to urge 
NICHHD to seek ways to expand and intensify such research, 
especially studies involving the syndromes of chromosome 18.
    Contraceptive Research and Development.--For more than 
three decades, NICHHD has been a world leader in the research 
and development of new contraceptive drugs and devices which 
are safe, effective, easy to use, and inexpensive. The 
Committee recognizes and supports NICHHD's contribution in this 
area, particularly in its efforts to develop microbicides that 
would offer protection against both STDs and pregnancy.
    Demographic Research.--The Committee continues to place a 
high priority on research that provides policy-makers with 
accurate information on population trends and problems. NICHHD 
is urged to continue its support for demographic research on 
such issues as fatherhood, early childbearing, health 
disparities, welfare-to-work transitions, and the causes and 
impact of migration within and across our borders. The 
Institute is also urged to assure the adequacy of training and 
infrastructure needed to sustain innovative demographic 
research in the decades to come.
    Diabetes.--The Committee is concerned about the high 
incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children. Enhanced research in 
this area is needed. The Committee requests that the Director 
be prepared to testify at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations 
hearing on the steps the Institute is taking to increase its 
support in this area.
    E. coli:0157.--NICHHD research has lead to the development 
and testing of a vaccine for the deadly foodborne bacterium E. 
coli:0157. The Committee understands that the Institute is now 
seeking to determine whether the vaccine is best administered 
to livestock or to children and others who are most vulnerable 
to catastrophic food poisoning caused by the bacterium. The 
Committee urges NICHHD to continue this research.
    Fragile X.--Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of 
mental retardation. Most children with Fragile X require a 
lifetime of special care at immense expense and comprise a 
homogenous study population for advancing the understanding of 
these disorders. The Committee encourages NICHHD to enhance its 
research efforts on Fragile X.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee is pleased that 
NICHHD continues to place a high priority on learning 
disabilities research. The efforts to address the special needs 
of children affected by a learning disability and improve 
literacy are showing promising results. The Committee 
encourages NICHHD to continue to focus on reading disability 
and mathematics development research and continue to take the 
lead in coordinating this research effort with the other 
Institutes working on related activities.
    Maternal-Fetal Medicine.--The Committee encourages NICHHD 
to enhance its efforts to promote collaboration with centers of 
excellence in maternal-fetal medicine that are not currently 
participating in cooperative agreements with the Institute and 
support initiatives to ensure that obstetricians obtain 
adequate subspecialty training in maternal-fetal medicine. The 
Committee also encourages NICHHD to enhance research efforts 
into such areas as prematurity, pre-eclampsia, amniotic fluid 
embolism, post-partum hemorrhage, and pelvic floor disorders.
    National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research.--The 
Center is responsible for basic and clinical research dealing 
with the causes of physical disability and medical 
rehabilitation interventions to reduce disability and improve 
the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The 
Committee supports the programs being developed at NCMRR for 
Centers of Excellence and a clinical research network to serve 
as a resource for experiments with new medical rehabilitation 
interventions. The Institute is encouraged to implement 
recommendations of the brain injury consensus conference and 
establish a pediatric trauma initiative.
    National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.--NICHHD 
is the lead agency on one of the largest and most informative 
studies ever developed on adolescent behavior, the National 
Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which was authorized 
by Congress in 1993. The study has already begun to yield 
invaluable information on family, schools, and communities' 
effects on the behaviors of teenagers and its impact on their 
health. The next phase of the study represents an opportunity 
to build on these findings as these young people reach 
adulthood. The Committee encourages NICHHD to continue this 
study.
    Neurofibromatosis.--Learning disabilities occur with high 
frequency in children with Neurofibromatosis (NF). NF1 provides 
an opportunity to uncover a molecular basis for cognitive 
impairment and identify a marker for brain dysfunction. 
Research in understanding the cognitive deficits of NF1 
patients possesses broad application to learning disabilities 
in the general population. NICHHD is encouraged to enhance its 
NF research portfolio, coordinate its efforts with other 
Institutes engaged in NF research, and be prepared to report on 
the status of its NF research at its fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    Osteogenesis Imperfecta.--The Committee encourages NICHHD 
to enhance its research on Osteogenesis Imperfecta through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, with special emphasis 
into the mapping of gene markers associated with the disease 
and animal models as well as rehabilitation techniques.
    Preterm Labor.--Preterm births result in costly neonatal 
intensive care and long-term health complications and account 
for approximately 75 percent of newborn deaths that are not 
related to birth defects. The Committee urges the Institute to 
enhance efforts through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, including Request for Applications, to identify 
risk factors and genetic disposition to premature labor to 
better diagnose, prevent, and advise women of health risks 
regarding premature labor.
    Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases.--The Committee is 
pleased with the comprehensive approach that NICHHD has 
employed in its efforts to address this class of 80 diseases. 
Its peer-reviewed research collaborations with non-profit 
organizations have been successful. The Committee is also aware 
of the leadership role NICHHD has taken with regard to the 
establishment of a national education and awareness campaign in 
partnership with NIAID, CDC, and the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. 
The Committee encourages NICHHD to continue and expand its 
commitment to and support for this collaboration.
    Reading Disabilities.--The Committee has followed with 
interest the progress of the National Reading Panel and its 
success in developing rigorous methodological criteria that 
will be used to evaluate the quality of the research relevant 
to instructional reading practices that are used in the 
classrooms. The Committee looks forward to the Panel's final 
report and to its use in helping teachers, school 
administrators, and educational policymakers identify those 
reading instructional approaches and strategies that are most 
effective and based upon the best scientific research.
    The Committee is pleased with the productive collaboration 
between NICHHD, the Office of Educational Research, Statistics, 
and Improvement (OERI) within the Department of Education, 
NIFL, and NRC in developing the necessary programmatic, 
funding, and peer-review procedures that will ensure that the 
goals and objectives of the Reading Excellence Act are realized 
and that both children and teachers will benefit from the joint 
commitment of these agencies to selecting those applications 
that are characterized by the highest quality of 
scientifically-based research.
    The Committee commends NICHHD for developing the Spanish-
to-English Reading initiative and as well as the collaboration 
with OERI to conduct this extremely important project in the 
most effective manner. The Committee urges NICHHD and OERI to 
pursue research so that scientific evidence can be obtained 
that will inform the development and application of 
instructional approaches and strategies to prevent and 
remediate reading and writing difficulties among children whose 
first language is Spanish. The Committee is pleased with the 
progress being made in developing rigorous peer-review 
practices for the evaluation of research applications relevant 
to academic development, instruction, teacher preparation, and 
school reform efforts. The Committee also commends NICHHD for 
its collaborative efforts in working with the National Science 
Foundation and the Department of Education in the development 
of the Interagency Educational Research Initiative.
    The Committee is pleased with the scientific progress and 
contributions that have been made by NICHHD through its 
research efforts to understand how children learn to read, why 
some children have difficulties learning to read, and to 
identify the most effective instructional approaches and 
strategies that help children read at maximum levels at 
different phases of reading development. The Committee also is 
pleased with the progress made in developing and applying 
systematic training programs for teachers engaged in reading 
instruction with children in kindergarten and elementary 
classrooms in several locations, including Washington, D.C. As 
part of the NICHHD early reading intervention research program 
underway in Washington, D.C., teacher training efforts have 
been highly productive in helping teachers select and apply 
reading instructional approaches and strategies that are most 
effective with children at-risk for reading failure.
    Rett Syndrome.--The Committee continues to be concerned 
about Rett syndrome, a crippling brain disorder that strikes 
baby girls after early normal development. Recent research has 
narrowed the gene research to a specific area on the X 
chromosome (Xq28). It is hoped that in the near future the 
exact location will be identified allowing for a prenatal test, 
a biological marker, and potential treatment for girls who 
already suffer from the disease. Other neurochemical studies 
have revealed dramatic alterations in specific 
neurotransmitters, alterations of which may provide promising 
treatment avenues. It is important that NICHHD and NINDS keep 
momentum with these new discoveries, which may soon lead to 
knowledge of the cause, treatment, and cure. Research in this 
area also holds promise for progress in other disorders such as 
autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The Committee 
urges the Institute to continue to support further research on 
the causes of, biological markers for, and treatment and cure 
for Rett syndrome.
    Spina Bifida.--Research has shown that many cases of spina 
bifida can be avoided through the use of folic acid supplements 
in women of childbearing age, but less than 30 percent of women 
of childbearing age take folic acid supplements as a 
preventative measure. The Committee urges NICHHD to take the 
lead along with NINDS and NIDDK to use all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, including a consensus conference, 
to evaluate the existing scientific data regarding spina 
bifida, develop a plan that prioritizes research identifying 
early intervention strategies and treatment protocols that 
address the conditions affecting persons with spina bifida, and 
make recommendations regarding the effective translation of 
existing prevention initiatives into clinical practice.
    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.--The Committee is pleased 
with NICHHD's continued efforts to extend the reach of its 
extremely successful ``Back to Sleep'' campaign to underserved 
populations and daycare providers. The Committee also commends 
NICHHD's attempts to further progress in SIDS research by 
initiating a third SIDS five-year research plan. This third 
five-year plan will continue the efforts of the past two five-
year plans which have been responsible for many of the research 
breakthroughs in the effort to reduce SIDS cases in the United 
States.
    Women's Health Research.--There are many areas of women's 
health that need further attention such as the long-term 
consequences women experience related to child bearing, 
including incontinence, uterine and rectal prolapse, and other 
disabling conditions. The Committee encourages NICHHD to 
enhance research toward women's health care throughout the 
life-span.
    Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development 
Centers.--The Committee commends NICHHD for providing grants to 
establish 12 Women's Reproductive Health Research Career 
Development Centers within ob-gyn departments at various 
universities and hospitals. At these Centers, newly trained ob-
gyn clinicians are provided training and support to assist them 
in pursuing research careers to address problems in women's 
obstetric and gynecologic health. NICHHD is encouraged to 
expand the Centers program.

                         national eye institute

    The Committee provides $428,594,000 for the National Eye 
Institute (NEI), which is $31,698,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level and $22,055,000 above the Administration 
request.
    Mission.--The NEI conducts and supports basic and clinical 
research, research training, and other programs with respect to 
blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual 
function, preservation of sight, and the special health 
problems and needs of individuals who are visually-impaired or 
blind. In addition, the NEI is responsible for the 
dissemination of information, specifically public and 
professional education programs aimed at the prevention of 
blindness.
    Age-related Macular Degeneration.--Age-related macular 
degeneration is the most common form of irreversible blindness 
for persons over age 65. Studies of carotenoid lutein, found in 
green leafy vegetables and sold as a dietary supplement, 
suggest that diet may play a role in the prevention of age-
related macular degeneration. The Committee encourages NEI to 
study all factors, including diet and nutrition, in the search 
for treatments and a cure for this disease.
    Autoimmune Disease Research.--Little is known about the 
factors that determine susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. 
Associated eye diseases and conditions affect so many 
Americans. The Committee is pleased that NEI is a participant 
with NIAID and other Institutes in the autoimmune disease 
research initiative.
    Diabetes.--NEI is the lead NIH Institute focusing on curing 
and preventing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that often 
leads to blindness. The Committee encourages NEI to continue 
its efforts in this area and to explore new strategies to 
alleviate suffering from this condition.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee commends NEI for its 
efforts to explore the visual aspects of learning disabilities 
and encourages the Institute to continue to coordinate with 
other Institutes working on related activities.
    Low Vision.--As the size of the elderly population in this 
country increases so will the number of people with age-related 
eye diseases such as low vision. The Committee encourages NEI 
to consider extending the National Eye Health Education Program 
to include activities related to low vision and its 
rehabilitation.
    Neuroscience.--The Institute supports research on the 
development of the nervous system, nerve rescue and 
regeneration, and on the development of advanced non-invasive 
methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, to 
study visual processing in the brain. The Committee looks 
forward to hearing more about this exciting research.
    Retinal Degenerative Diseases.--The social and economic 
impact of retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis 
pigmentosa and macular degeneration, is extensive. Age-related 
macular degeneration will become an even greater public health 
problem as the baby-boomers age. The Committee supports the 
Institute's decision to make retinal degeneration one of its 
top research priorities.
    Vision Research.--The collaboration of scientists from 
different disciplines on specific disease problems can hasten 
new treatment approaches as evidenced from the successes in 
cancer and AIDS disease fields. The Committee encourages NEI to 
use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including a task 
force, to explore ways of exploiting new advances in molecular 
biology, genetics, immunology, cell biology, and other 
disciplines to accelerate the effort to find new cures for 
blinding diseases. The Committee requests that the Director of 
the Institute be prepared to provide a status report at the 
fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.

          national institute of environmental health sciences

    The Committee provides $421,109,000 for the National 
Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), when 
adjusted for the transfer from the Public Health and Social 
Services Emergency Fund for bioterrorism activities, which is 
$32,632,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$23,197,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIEHS mission is to reduce the burden of 
environmentally related illness and dysfunction by 
understanding how environmental exposures affect health, how 
individuals differ in their susceptibility to these effects, 
and how these susceptibilities change over time. This mission 
is achieved through multidisciplinary biomedical research 
programs, prevention and intervention efforts, and 
communication strategies that encompass training, education, 
technology transfer, and community outreach.
    Asthma.--The Committee recognizes the collaborative effort 
between NIEHS and NIAID lead to the identification of cockroach 
allergens as a cause of asthma attacks in inner city children 
with asthma. The Committee urges NIEHS and NIAID to continue 
this excellent example of cooperation through the prevention/
intervention phase of the project designed to reduce exposure 
to these allergens. The study will determine how reducing 
exposures to cockroaches, dust mites, and animal dander will 
decrease morbidity associated with this chronic inflammatory 
disease.
    There has been an increased recognition in the scientific 
and public health communities that minority and disadvantaged 
populations are disproportionately exposed to a variety of 
health hazards including air pollution. Its relationship to 
asthma and other pulmonary disorders is beginning to be 
documented. The Committee encourages NIEHS to continue research 
in this area.
    Children's Health.--The Committee is pleased to learn that 
NIEHS, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA), is supporting eight children's health centers 
focused on environmental aspects of asthma and other 
respiratory diseases. The Committee encourages NIEHS and EPA to 
support additional centers with a focus on disease endpoints in 
children.
    Diabetes.--Many researchers believe that Type 1 diabetes is 
caused by a combination of several factors, including an 
unknown environmental factor. The Committee urges NIEHS to 
support research that focuses on the identification of 
environmental components which could trigger the onset of 
diabetes in individuals who are genetically susceptible to the 
disease.
    Endocrine Disruptors.--Endocrine disruptors are compounds 
in the environment, which may have an effect on thyroid and 
reproductive function and development. Research to determine 
the nature and extent to which this is a human problem and 
whether fish neurons can be used as bioassay for the endocrine 
disruptors is needed. The Committee urges NIEHS to continue to 
support research in this area.
    Health Disparities Outcomes.--Many of the populations 
disproportionately exposed to the impact of environmental 
factors are minority and disadvantaged groups. This exposure 
manifests itself into a variety of health problems such as 
asthma. The environmental justice programs of the NIEHS serve 
as models in addressing this issue. The Committee urges the 
Institute to continue this program and encourages the Institute 
to work closely with minority communities and organizations to 
enhance the participation of special populations in biomedical 
research.
    Lymphoma.--Lymphoma is the second fastest growing cancer by 
rate of incidence. The Committee encourages NIEHS to 
collaborate its research efforts with NCI to better understand 
environmental factors that may contribute to the cause of the 
disease and expand overall knowledge of the disease.
    National Occupational Research Agenda.--The Committee is 
pleased with the progress made to date by the National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on 
implementing the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). 
The Committee urges NIEHS to work with NIOSH in relevant NORA 
priority areas such as Indoor Environment, Fertility and 
Pregnancy Abnormalities, Hearing Loss, Mixed Exposures, 
Emerging Technologies, Cancer Research Methods, Exposure 
Assessment Methods, Risk Assessment Methods, and Special 
Populations at Risk.
    NTP Report on Carcinogens.--The Report on Carcinogens lists 
all chemicals known to be a human carcinogen and makes no 
distinction between types of chemicals. Tamoxifen, a 
prescription drug used to treat breast cancer patients, is a 
carcinogen that has been recommended for listing in the next 
report. Tamoxifen has recently been approved as a preventive 
measure in women who are susceptible to breast cancer, but 
don't actually have the disease, making it the first carcinogen 
to be prescribed for use by healthy women. The Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) has recommended that pharmaceutical agents 
be listed separately from non-pharmaceutical chemicals in the 
National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens. The 
Committee recognizes the increasingly complex nature of 
exposure to prescription pharmaceuticals that may have 
carcinogenic side effects and urges NIEHS to give careful 
consideration to FDA's recommendation when preparing the 9th 
and future editions of this report.
    Parkinson's Disease.--There is a growing body of evidence 
linking Parkinson's to environmental exposure. The Committee is 
pleased that NIEHS is funding investigation of Parkinson's risk 
factors, including epidemiological studies of exposure to heavy 
metals and pesticides. The Committee urges the Institute to 
enhance its research on the cause, pathogenesis, and treatments 
of the disease, in coordination with other relevant Institutes. 
The Committee requests that the Director be prepared to testify 
on the Institutes Parkinson's research agenda at the fiscal 
year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Population-based Studies.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the development of environmental cohorts to help 
understand disease risks as a function of environmental 
exposures and gender and encourages the Institute to pursue 
this approach in the study of diseases, such as breast cancer.
    Research Priority Setting.--One mechanism that the 
Institute has used to seek public input in setting its research 
agenda has been the use of regional town hall meetings. The 
Committee is pleased to learn that NIEHS has recently invited 
public input and advice about environmental health problems of 
concern to the American people in four such meetings. The 
Committee encourages NIEHS to work with minority communities 
and organizations to enhance the participation of special 
populations in setting the research agenda.

                      national institute on aging

    The Committee provides $651,665,000 for the National 
Institute on Aging (NIA), which is $51,529,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $36,948,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIA conducts biomedical, behavioral, and 
social research related to the aging process to prevent disease 
and other problems of the aged, and to maintain the health and 
independence of older Americans.
    Alzheimer's Disease.--An estimated four million Americans 
now suffer with Alzheimer's disease and by the time the baby 
boomer generation reaches the age of greatest risk, as many as 
14 million persons could be afflicted. the disease has a 
significant impact on the Nation's health care system, which 
will only be exacerbated as the population ages. There is 
compelling evidence indicating that Alzheimer's actually begins 
to attack brain cells years before the first symptoms of the 
disease appear. By that time, however, it is too late to halt 
or reverse the damage. In response to this new evidence and the 
Committee's support for research in this area, NIA recently 
announced the start-up of a three-year, multi-site clinical 
trial to test the usefulness of two therapeutic agents to slow 
or stop the progression of mild cognitive impairment to the 
disease. The Committee is pleased by this action and encourages 
the Institute to work with NINDS and NIMH to expand its total 
investment in Alzheimer's research.
    Bone Diseases.--The Committee urges NIA to enhance its 
research on osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and related 
bone diseases. As the population ages, the cost of acute and 
long-term care for these diseases will escalate. The Committee 
encourages the Institute to work with NIAMS to expand research 
on these diseases. The Committee also encourages NIA to enhance 
research of these diseases in non-Caucasian women and all men.
    Cardiovascular Aging Research.--Heart attack, congestive 
heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases remain 
the number one killer of older men and women and a main cause 
of disability. Of the Americans who die from cardiovascular 
diseases, about half are age 65 or older. The Committee 
encourages the Institute to support both innovative intramural 
and extramural cardiovascular disease research programs.
    Demographic Research.--The Committee commends NIA for 
building and sustaining high quality data infrastructures 
needed to examine the changing patterns of old age, disease, 
and disability. Implications of such data are critical in 
understanding the health and well-being of the elderly and 
their families. The Demography of Aging Centers are playing an 
important role in analyzing health disparities among the 
elderly which persist despite general improvements. The 
Committee looks forward to the induction of the oldest baby-
boomers into the ongoing Health and Retirement Study.
    Diabetes.--Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic illness 
that is common in the elderly and is the cause of serious 
health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, 
amputation, heart disease, and stroke. The Committee encourages 
NIA to work with other Institutes to jointly support research 
on the cure and prevention of the complications of diabetes.
    National Occupational Research Agenda.--The Committee is 
pleased with the progress made to date by the National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on 
implementing the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). 
The Committee urges NIA to work with NIOSH in relevant NORA 
priority areas such as Special Populations at Risk, Hearing 
Loss, Low Back Disorders, Traumatic Injuries, Musculoskeletal 
Disorders of the Upper Extremities, and Organization of Work.
    Parkinson's Disease.--Parkinson's disease continues to 
exact a costly toll on the Nation, both in human and financial 
terms. With the average age of diagnosis at 57 years, the 
demographic surge known as the baby boomers will vastly 
increase this problem. The Committee is encouraged, however, by 
the continued discoveries in the cause, pathophysiology, and 
treatment of the disease and by the growing opportunities for 
collaboration with Alzheimer's disease. Given the age-related 
impact and the potential for development of more effective 
treatments, the Committee urges the Institute to use all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, to further implement the 
1997 Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act.

 national institute of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases

    The Committee provides $333,378,000 for the National 
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
(NIAMS), which is $26,094,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $18,628,000 above the Administration 
request.
    Mission.--The NIAMS conducts and supports basic and 
clinical research and research training, and the dissemination 
of health information on the more than 100 forms of arthritis; 
osteoporosis and other bone diseases; muscle biology and muscle 
diseases; orthopaedic disorders, such as back pain and sports 
injuries; and numerous skin diseases.
    Alopecia Areata.--NIAMS has cosponsored three International 
Research Workshops on alopecia areata, presenting research 
which has been both government and Foundation funded. The 
Committee commends NIAMS for its cooperative and innovative 
private/public initiatives in seeking a cure for this disease. 
NIAMS is encouraged to enhance its role in seeking a cure 
through tested research strategies and partnerships with the 
private sector. The Director of the Institute should be 
prepared to testify on this effort during the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    Bone Diseases.--Over 30 million Americans suffer from some 
form of bone disease. The Committee encourages NIAMS to enhance 
its research on diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, 
osteogenesis imperfecta, multiple myeloma, and other bone 
diseases with a special emphasis on the role that proteins such 
as Cbfa-1 and parathyroid hormones and bisphosphonates play in 
the growth and development of bone; on research and development 
of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) which offer 
promise in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and 
related bone diseases; and on the diagnosis and treatment of 
osteoporosis as it relates to non-Caucasian women and all men. 
The Committee also encourages the Institute to follow-up on 
research opportunities arising out of the 1999 NIH workshop on 
Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
    Connective Tissue Biopolymer Research.--The Committee 
encourages NIAMS to pursue research on designing and developing 
new methods to use polymers in connective tissue repair, 
replacement, and regeneration. The Institute is also encouraged 
to undertake training activities to ensure a viable workforce 
in the emerging field of polymer material tissue engineering.
    Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--Duchenne muscular dystrophy 
remains the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy. 
The Committee is encouraged that NIAMS, NINDS, and other 
Institutes are continuing to pursue an understanding of this 
progressive, heritable disease. In particular, the Committee is 
aware of the recent Program Announcement issued to encourage 
new applications on the ``Pathogenesis and Therapy of the 
Muscular Dystrophies.'' The Committee looks forward to learning 
about new research opportunities as a result of this effort 
during the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing as well as 
information on possible breakthroughs from the overall 
scientific enterprise.
    Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.--Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a 
group of heritable disorders of connective tissue that has been 
misunderstood and under-diagnosed by the medical community. It 
is believed that research on EDS would not only assist with 
development of diagnostic tools and treatment, but would also 
benefit the understanding of other connective tissue related 
diseases as well as arthritis, premature membrane rupture, 
premature births, and wound healing in the elderly. The 
Committee urges NIAMS and NIH to enhance research on EDS 
through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, to increase 
healthcare provider and public education on the disease, to 
facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment, and develop 
standards of care and treatment protocols.
    Facioscapulohumeral Disease.--The Committee is concerned 
that NIH has not responded to a previous request to develop a 
plan for enhancing NIH research into facioscapulohumeral (FSH) 
disease. The Committee urges NIH to convene a research planning 
conference and establish a comprehensive portfolio into the 
causes, prevention, and treatment of FSH disease through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate. The Director of the 
Institute is requested to be prepared to testify on the status 
of this initiative at the fiscal year 2001 approprations 
hearing.
    Fibromyalgia.--Fibromyalgia is a clinically diagnosed 
disorder which is poorly understood and difficult to treat. It 
is a syndrome of debilitating, chronic, widespread pain, 
fatigue, sleep disturbance, and other associated disorders. The 
Committee encourages NIAMS to enhance research to further 
understand this disease through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, including centers for multiple disciplinary 
research.
    Ichthyosis.--The Committee is pleased with the NIAMS 
intramural research program's study of ichthyosis and 
encourages the Institute to continue this research and enhance 
research of the genetic components of all of the ichthyoses.
    Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue.--The Committee 
acknowledges NIAMS for its support of research on heritable 
disorders of connective tissue and for its sponsorship of two 
conferences held on this body of disorders in 1990 and 1995. 
These disorders are difficult to diagnose, they are incurable 
connective tissue syndromes, and they affect more than a 
million Americans. The Committee encourages NIAMS to enhance 
efforts in this area through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, to understand the molecular and clinical burden of 
these disorders, to understand the interaction between the 
molecular genetic defect and the body systems, to be able to 
predict manifestations of disease before they occur, and to 
develop effective therapies that will improve the quality of 
life for people affected by the disorders.
    Lupus.--Lupus is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects 
women of child-bearing age, can lead to severe organ injury, 
and the treatment is often as devastating as the disease. 
African-American women are three times more likely to have 
lupus than Caucasian women. The Committee is encouraged by 
recent NIAMS research success in identifying genes and 
mechanisms which lead to the onset of lupus and urges enhanced 
research to continue this work. Gaining understanding of the 
factors associated with the high prevalence of lupus in women 
and minorities and developing new and innovative treatments 
while protecting the poor and the uninsured from financial 
devastation are important priorities for the Committee.
    Osteoarthritis.--Early diagnosis of a disease is important 
to prevent or reduce long-term disability. For many diseases, 
such as osteoarthritis, early diagnosis is hampered due to 
insufficient knowledge of the early stages of the disease. 
Osteoarthritis, which can completely destroy the joints of the 
hips and knees, affects over 20 million Americans, most often 
the elderly. With the number of aged Americans expected to 
double over the next 20 years, the Committee encourages the 
Institute to make osteoarthritis research a priority.
    Recent advances in biomedical research have raised the 
possibility of regenerating articular cartilage and perhaps 
preventing this disease in weight-bearing joints. The Committee 
urges NIAMS to enhance research into understanding the spectrum 
of cellular/biological processes that occur in and around the 
joint, in addition to joint biomechanics, and joint disease 
pathology and progression. The Committee also encourages the 
Institute to strengthen research efforts to restore proper 
joint function through tissue engineering and regeneration, 
surgery, drug therapy, gene therapy, and other modalities.
    Osteogenesis Imperfecta.--Osteogenesis Imperfecta (IO) is a 
genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break 
very easily and affects 20,000 to 50,000 people in the United 
States. Through private and public support, research into 
treatment for this disorder is resulting in the possibility of 
significant breakthroughs in clinical and basic research. The 
Committee commends the Institute for holding a conference on 
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) in collaboration with the 
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and the Children's Brittle 
Bone Foundation and urges the Institute to carefully review the 
results of the conference and expand and promote its support of 
research on OI accordingly.
    Osteoporosis Education.--A task force convened by the 
Office of Public Health and Science on Women's Health, in 
conjunction with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, has 
determined that a public campaign is needed. The first phase of 
this campaign was initiated in 1999 and is focused on 
adolescent girls, ages 9 to 18. A second phase focusing on 
women age 45 to 64 was also recommended. The Committee 
encourages NIAMS to assist in carrying out this phase of the 
public education campaign.
    Scoliosis.--The Committee urges NIAMS, in coordination with 
other Institutes, to enhance research relevant to scoliosis 
toward the objectives of identifying genetic markers, 
developing prenatal and childhood detection testing, and 
developing genetic therapies to prevent the disease.
    Skin Diseases.--The Committee has learned of the efforts by 
the skin diseases researchers and patient advocacy 
organizations to develop a comprehensive analysis of research 
opportunities and a research plan for future progress in 
finding cures and improving care for patients with these 
diseases. The Committee commends this initiative and encourages 
NIAMS to publicize and support widespread use of this material.

    national institute on deafness and other communication disorders

    The Committee provides $251,218,000 for the National 
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 
(NIDCD), which is $19,671,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $14,047,000 above the Administration 
request.
    Mission.--The NIDCD funds and conducts research in human 
communication. Included in its program areas are research and 
research training in the normal and disordered mechanisms of 
hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The 
Institute addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems 
associated with people who have communication impairments or 
disorders. In addition, the NIDCD is actively involved in 
health promotion and disease prevention, dissemination of 
research results, and supports efforts to create devices that 
substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication 
functions.
    Dysphonia.--The Committee continues to be pleased with 
NIDCD's research into spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder 
which makes speech difficult due to uncontrolled voice and 
pitch breaks. The Committee encourages NIDCD to enhance its 
dysphonia research portfolio.
    Dystonia.--The Committee is pleased with the extramural 
research initiatives that NIDCD has conducted in dystonia 
specific research. The Committee continues to encourage NIDCD 
to work with the dystonia community, particularly in the study 
of the DYT1 gene for early on-set dystonia. The Committee is 
also pleased that NIDCD will be supporting an epidemiological 
study on dystonia and encourages the Institute to explore the 
opportunities for increased professional and public awareness 
of the disease.
    Genetics.--The Committee is encouraged by NIDCD's research 
into the genetics of hearing impairment and other communication 
disorders and believes that a high priority should be placed on 
support of collaborative research to identify, characterize, 
and understand the function of all genes affecting the auditory 
and vestibular system as well as research into methods to use 
gene therapy to prevent or treat hearing loss.
    Hair Cell Regeneration.--The Committee encourages NIDCD to 
enhance research in developmental biology related to inner ear 
hair cell regeneration, including the mechanisms of hair cell 
growth and activation, and cell differentiation into hair cells 
and supporting cells.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee is pleased the NIDCD 
continues to support research activities focused on speech 
processing and on the development of expressive and receptive 
language. The Committee encourages the Institute to continue 
its efforts in this area and continue to coordinate with other 
Institutes working on related activities.
    National Multipurpose Research and Training Centers.--The 
Committee understands NIDCD is proposing to discontinue the 
National Multipurpose Research and Training Centers program 
after the current awards expire. The Committee requests that 
the Institute provide a full justification for this decision to 
the Committee as soon as possible, but no later than October 
31, 1999.
    Neurofibromatosis.--NF2 accounts for approximately five 
percent of genetic forms of deafness and, unlike other genetic 
forms of deafness, NF2 associated deafness is potential 
preventable or curable if tumor growth is halted before damage 
has been done to the adjacent nerve. The Committee encourages 
NIDCD to enhance its research in this area, through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including the use of 
conditional mutant mice. The Committee requests that the 
Director of the Institute be prepared to report on the status 
of NF research at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Otitis Media.--The Committee urges NIDCD to enhance 
research of otitis media investigations, especially continued 
development of a vaccine for otitis media in children.
    Patient-Oriented Clinical Research.--The Committee is 
pleased that NIH is committed to reinvigorating clinical 
research and recognizes that translating research into improved 
human health is dependent upon a healthy clinical research 
enterprise. The Committee encourages NIDCD to continue its 
support of patient-oriented clinical research by clinician-
scientists, including physician-scientists, particularly the 
clinical trial cooperative group program.
    Stuttering.--Stuttering exists across all cultures, races, 
and socioeconomic classes and affects about three million 
Americans. Genetics and neuroimaging are two areas of research 
which hold promise to understand the causes and features of 
stuttering as well as the development of much needed therapies. 
The Committee encourages NIDCD to enhance research on 
stuttering through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, 
including a consensus conference.
    Therapies for Inner Ear Disease.--The Committee encourages 
NIDCD to enhance its research to study the efficacy of local 
therapies for the treatment of inner ear diseases, such as 
Menieres disease, sudden hearing loss, and tinnitus.

                 national institute of nursing research

    The Committee provides $76,204,000 for the National 
Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), which is $6,173,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $4,474,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NINR supports and conducts scientific 
research and research training to reduce the burden of illness 
and disability; improve health-related quality of life; and 
establish better approaches to promote health and prevent 
disease.
    Diabetes.--Until a cure is found, careful blood-glucose 
control in individuals with diabetes can help prevent the onset 
of complications from the disease. However, such control is, at 
best, difficult to obtain, especially in children. The 
Committee encourages NINR to support research that focuses on 
new strategies to assist diabetics, particularly children, to 
cope and live with the disease.
    Pressure Ulcers.--The Committee encourages NINR to advance 
the clinical evaluation of pressure ulcer prevention technology 
developed through the SBIR program.

           national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism

    The Committee provides $279,901,000 for the National 
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which is 
$20,699,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$14,404,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIAAA supports research to generate new 
knowledge to answer crucial questions about why people drink; 
why some individuals are vulnerable to alcohol dependence or 
alcohol-related diseases and others are not; the relationship 
of genetic and environmental factors involved in alcoholism; 
the mechanisms whereby alcohol produces its disabling effects, 
including organ damage; how to prevent alcohol misuse and 
associated damage and how alcoholism treatment can be improved. 
NIAAA addresses these questions through a program of 
biomedical, behavioral, and epidemiologic research on 
alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and related problems. This program 
includes various areas of special emphasis such as medications 
development, fetal alcohol syndrome, genetics, and moderate 
drinking.
    Alcohol Liver Disease.--Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is a 
major cause of morbidity and mortality in this country and 
developing effective interventions for this disease is 
important. The Committee is pleased by the NIAAA funded 
research on ALD, such as the role of cytokines in the 
inflammatory response, and encourages the Institute to enhance 
its research on treatment.
    Dietary Recommendations for Alcoholics.--Almost 14 million 
American adults meet the medical criteria for a diagnosis of 
alcohol abuse or alcoholism at a significant cost to society. 
There is much that is unknown in the treatment of those with an 
alcohol problem. For example, at present alcoholics in 
treatment receive conflicting dietary guidance. Some treatment 
programs encourage sweets as a way to stave off the craving for 
alcohol while others advocate a diet void in sweets in order to 
prevent sugar-induced mood swings. The Committee encourages 
NIAAA to pursue research in this area.
    Domestic Violence.--The abuse of alcohol too often 
correlates with domestic violence. While domestic violence is 
the culmination of a complex set of interactions in the 
environment of the abuser, NIAAA is pursuing research that 
would identify the impact of alcohol on the brain and behavior 
of the abuser. In this way, an agent or a behavior modification 
that may counteract these effects may be identified thus 
preventing domestic violence from occurring. The Committee 
commends NIAAA for pursuing this line of research and 
encourages its continuation.
    Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.--Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a 
leading preventable cause of mental retardation and birth 
defects in the United States. The Committee is pleased with the 
new Request for Applications on prevention of FAS and 
encourages NIAAA to enhance research on the prevention of 
drinking during pregnancy and on effective treatments for 
children who have been exposed to alcohol during gestation. The 
Committee also commends NIAAA for its leadership in chairing 
the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol 
Syndrome (ICCFAS). The Committee encourages NIAAA to consider 
developing a National Clearinghouse on Alcohol-Related Birth 
Defects to serve as a national resource to educate the public 
about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy using 
science-based prevention and education strategies.
    Genetics.--The NIAAA funded Collaborative Study on the 
Genetics of Alcoholism has discovered areas of the genome that 
are potentially related to alcoholism. The Committee is aware 
that data from this study will be released to the scientific 
community soon and encourages access to and continuing analysis 
of the data by the broader scientific community.
    Hepatitis C.--Alcohol consumption by patients infected with 
Hepatitis C virus markedly increases liver damage and worsens 
the prognosis of the disease. Nearly four million Americans are 
infected with Hepatitis C virus, which causes an estimated 
8,000 to 10,000 deaths per year. The Committee commends NIAAA 
for working with other NIH Institutes to cosponsor a symposium 
and is pleased by the new Request for Applications that focuses 
specifically on alcohol and Hepatitis C. The Committee urges 
further research and collaboration on this significant topic.
    Medications Development.--The Committee commends NIAAA's 
new initiative to develop medications based on the developing 
understanding of the neuroscience of alcohol. The development 
of medications and their testing in clinical trials are 
important for expanding treatment options in combating this 
disease. The Committee encourages NIAAA to continue research on 
methods for delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier and 
on medications that target specific receptor subunits in the 
brain.
    Moderate Drinking.--The Committee is pleased that NIAAA has 
expanded its studies on the benefits and risks of moderate 
drinking. In addition to currently funded research on the 
health effects of alcohol on atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, 
cerebrovascular diseases, women's health, and those taking 
medications, the Committee encourages NIAAA to expand its 
investigations to include research into alcohol's effect on 
insulin metabolism, as well as the role of organic components 
in beverages, including antioxidant effects of phenolic 
compounds, on overall health.
    Neuroscience.--Neuroscience research funded by NIAAA 
continues to play an important role in determining the 
biological basis of alcohol-related behaviors. The Committee 
recognizes the Institute's extensive neuroscience portfolio and 
supports continued research in areas such as neural circuitry, 
the action of alcohol on cell membranes and receptors, and the 
mechanism of craving, reward and reinforcement. The Committee 
anticipates the development of new medications for treatment of 
alcoholism and related disorders that will follow this 
research.
    Research to Practice Forums.--The Committee commends NIAAA 
for co-sponsoring the Research to Practice Forum with the 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the 
New York State Office on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse 
Services, the Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse 
Programs of New York State, and the American Society of 
Addiction Medicine, which focused on bridging the gap between 
researchers and practitioners and translating scientific 
research into clinical applications. The Committee encourages 
NIAAA to support the implementation and evaluation of research-
based services within the alcohol treatment system.

                    national institute on drug abuse

    The Committee provides $656,551,000 for the National 
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which is $48,572,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $33,800,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--NIDA-supported science addresses questions about 
drug abuse and addiction, which range from its causes and 
consequences to its prevention and treatment. NIDA research 
explores how drugs of abuse affect the brain and behavior and 
develops effective prevention and treatment strategies; the 
Institute works to ensure the transfer of scientific data to 
policy makers, practitioners, and the public.
    Centers for Drug Abuse Research and Treatment.--The 
Committee commends NIDA for its strategy of developing and 
establishing centers for drug abuse research and treatment 
around the country. Consideration should be given to locating 
one or more centers in areas where drug trafficking, the 
production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, and drug 
abuse is more prevalent.
    Children and Adolescents.--Recognizing the devastating 
impact of drug addiction on children and youth, the Committee 
is pleased that NIDA has developed a children and adolescent 
research initiative. The Committee urges NIDA to work with 
other NIH Institutes to expand its research portfolio into 
areas of co-occurring mental disorders, developmental 
consequences, prenatal exposure, genetic vulnerability, and 
environmental protective and risk factors. This type of 
research offers hope of improved prevention of initial drug use 
and prevention of the health consequences of addiction.
    Clinical Trials.--The Committee is pleased with NIDA's 
continuing progress in developing behavioral and 
pharmacological drug abuse treatments and supports NIDA's new 
treatment initiative to establish a National Drug Abuse 
Treatment Clinical Trials Network designed to test the efficacy 
of promising pharmacological and behavioral treatments through 
large-scale clinical trials. The Committee is also pleased with 
NIDA's leadership in forging strong partnerships with treatment 
researchers and community-based treatment providers as a means 
of assuring that effective new treatments will be tested in 
real-life settings and incorporated into ongoing community-
based drug treatment programs.
    Genetic Vulnerability.--Genetics and the environment are 
two factors that influence drug abuse and addiction. The 
relationship between the two is complex, requiring continued 
research in areas of behavioral genetics, psychiatric and 
epidemiological genetics, molecular genetics, and population 
genetics. The Committee encourages NIDA to expand its 
development of research for improving prevention and treatment 
interventions in this area.
    Hepatitis C.--The Committee commends NIDA for participating 
in the trans-Institute request for applications for Hepatitis C 
and urges enhanced research in this area consistent with the 
recommendations made by the Hepatitis C Consensus Development 
Conference.
    Medications Development.--The Committee encourages NIDA to 
study the development of anti-addiction medications to clarify 
the neurological and behavioral benefits of the use of various 
pharmacological agents and to continue to develop an 
understanding of how physicians can best utilize these 
medications. NIDA is also encouraged to expand its support for 
research to develop medications that are specifically geared to 
the needs of varied populations as well as research on 
treatment approaches for application to poly-drug addiction.
    Neuroscience.--Basic neuroscience provides a foundation for 
NIDA's research portfolio. The Committee urges NIDA to continue 
efforts to develop new areas of research in neuroscience and 
commends NIDA's support for continued research and 
dissemination of information to the public on the neurobiology 
of drug addiction to specific drugs of abuse.
    Nicotine Research.--The Committee recognizes that the 
health consequences of nicotine addiction are substantial to 
adults, children, and adolescents and applauds the gains NIDA 
has made in supporting research that has yielded effective 
replacement therapies and behavioral interventions. The 
Committee encourages NIDA to continue to develop research on 
the prevention, behavioral, and pharmacological treatment of 
nicotine addiction. The Committee also supports NIDA's ongoing 
research in the basic sciences, behavioral and medical 
treatments, and epidemiology of nicotine use and abuse.

                  national institute of mental health

    The Committee provides $930,436,000 for the National 
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which is $75,226,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $54,443,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NIMH is responsible for research activities 
that seek to improve diagnosis, treatments, and overall quality 
of care for persons with mental illnesses. Disorders of high 
priority to NIMH include schizophrenia, depression and manic 
depressive illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety 
disorders and other mental and behavioral disorders that occur 
across the lifespan; these include childhood mental disorders 
such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; 
eating disorders; Alzheimer's disease; and other illnesses. 
NIMH supports and conducts fundamental research in 
neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral science. In addition to 
laboratory and controlled clinical studies, the NIMH supports 
research on the mental health needs of special populations and 
health services research.
    Alzheimer's Disease.--NIMH's expanding neuroscience and 
behavioral research portfolios continue to play an instrumental 
role in advancing science's understanding of Alzheimer's 
disease. It was NIMH supported researchers who found that a 
particular gene product, APO E-4, is associated with increased 
behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's disease. The Institute 
is urged to continue its close collaboration with NIA and NINDS 
and to enhance its investment in research on Alzheimer's 
disease.
    Depression.--The Committee urges NIMH to enhance research 
that will help explain depression, including the search for 
genes through which susceptibility is inherited, environmental 
risk factors that may interact with genetic factors, and 
biological changes in the brain associated with this disorder. 
The Committee commends NIMH's emphasis on funding clinical 
research to develop new ways to treat children and adolescents 
for depression and to adequately test the effectiveness of 
adult medications being routinely prescribed for children. The 
Committee also supports NIMH's commitment to assess different 
treatments and therapies for treatment-resistant depression.
    Gambling Addiction.--The National Gambling Impact Study 
Commission recently issued its final report, which includes 
recommendations for additional support of investigator-
initiated peer-reviewed research that would lead to a better 
understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in 
pathological gambling behavior. The Committee is aware that 
NIMH has issued a program announcement to encourage research 
grant applications in this area. The Committee encourages NIMH 
to continue to express this interest in funding such high 
quality research, especially in the areas identified by the 
Commission, and to consider including other relevant Institutes 
through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including 
reissuing the program announcement and supplementing existing 
research grants. The Committee is pleased to learn that NIMH 
will award a grant for the first treatment intervention study 
of pathological gambling, and urges the Institute to consider 
encouraging additional applications for treatment outcome 
studies.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee commends NIMH for its 
efforts to explore the neurological and behavioral aspects of 
learning disabilities and encourages the Institute to continue 
to coordinate with other Institutes working on related 
activities.
    Manic-depressive Illness.--Manic-depressive illness, also 
known as bipolar disorder, is a brain disorder involving 
episodes of serious mania and depression. This illness usually 
begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues 
throughout life. It is often not recognized as a mental illness 
and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years or even 
decades. The Committee commends NIMH for moving forward with 
its current research plan for manic depression and urges the 
Institute to expand its research for new treatments through all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including clinical 
trials.
    Schizophrenia.--Schizophrenia is the most severely 
disabling mental disorder in terms of functional impairment and 
while there have been some significant advances in the 1990s, 
much remains to be learned about this disease. Scientists still 
do not understand what causes this illness and treatments are 
largely palliatives, not cures. The Committee urges NIMH to 
continue basic and clinical research opportunities that will 
advance both the understanding and treatment of this most 
disabling of mental illnesses.

                national human genome research institute

    The Committee provides $308,012,000 for the National Human 
Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), which is $38,926,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $32,390,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NHGRI coordinates extramural research and 
research training for the NIH component of the Human Genome 
Project, an effort to determine the location and sequence of 
the estimated 100,000 genes which constitute the human genome. 
The Division of Extramural Research supports research in 
genetic and physical mapping, DNA sequencing and technology 
development, database management and analysis, and studies of 
the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genome 
research. The Division of Intramural Research focuses on 
applying the tools and technologies of the Human Genome Project 
to understanding the genetic basis of disease and developing 
DNA-based diagnostics and gene therapies.
    Avian Genomics.--The Committee encourages NHGRI to enhance 
research in the area of avian genomics that could possibly 
complement and enhance the ongoing human genome project through 
all available mechanisms, as appropriate.
    Learning Disabilities.--The Committee commends NHGRI for 
its efforts to explore the genetic aspects of learning 
disabilities and encourages the Institute to continue to 
coordinate with other Institutes working on related activities.

                 national center for research resources

    The Committee provides $642,311,000 for the National Center 
for Research Resources (NCRR), when adjusted for the transfer 
from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for 
bioterrorism activities, which is $87,668,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $74,192,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The NCRR develops and supports critical research 
technologies and shared resources that underpin biomedical 
research. The NCRR programs develop a variety of research 
resources; provide resources for complex biotechnologies, 
clinical research and specialized primate research; develop 
research capacity in minority institutions; and enhance the 
science education of pre-college students and the general 
public. The Committee places a special emphasis on programs 
such as the Research Centers in Minority Institutions and urges 
their continued support at levels commensurate with the 
importance of their mission.
    Animal Research Facilities.--The Committee encourages NCRR 
to work with minority health professions schools to upgrade 
their animal research facilities in an effort to assist them in 
complying with Federal laws and regulations and receive 
accreditation by the appropriate scientific accreditation 
organization.
    Class B Animal Dealers.--The Committee recognizes the 
inherent difficulties in enforcing the regulations and 
standards of the Animal Welfare Act with respect to USDA-
licensed Class B dealers who supply dogs and cats for research 
purposes. The Committee understands that NIH has a prohibition 
on the use of dogs or cats obtained from Class B dealers in 
intramural research, but not in extramural research. The 
Committee encourages NIH to extend this prohibition to 
extramural research grants, as appropriate, and requests that 
NCRR be prepared to testify at the fiscal year 2001 
appropriations hearing.
    Cystic Fibrosis.--The Committee understands that NCRR is 
supporting a gene therapy monitoring center. This type of a 
center is important to effectively and efficiently translate 
research progress from the laboratory to the clinical area in 
genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The Committee 
commends NCRR for its support to realize this objective.
    Extramural Facilities.--The Committee has included bill 
language identifying $30,000,000 in extramural biomedical 
facility renovation and construction, which is the same as both 
the fiscal year 1999 level and the Administration request. 
These funds are to be awarded competitively, consistent with 
the requirements of section 481A of the Public Health Service 
Act, which allocates 25 percent of the total funding to 
institutions of emerging excellence. The Committee commends 
NCRR for taking a more proactive role in fulfilling this 
requirement.
    General Clinical Research Centers.--The Committee urges 
NCRR to enhance its support of General Clinical Research 
Centers, through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, in 
such areas as the training of clinical investigators, 
implementing the newly established guidelines for Informatics, 
providing support for Centers to conduct pilot studies, and 
enhancing patient access to clinical research. The Committee 
also urges NCRR to continue progress toward funding of Centers 
at Advisory Council at approved levels.
    Institutional Development Awards.--The Institutional 
Development Awards (IDeA) program provides capacity building 
assistance for biomedical research efforts in States which have 
not previously participated fully in the research programs of 
the NIH. The Committee provides $40,000,000 for this program to 
enhance NCRR's efforts in this area so that States can more 
fully exploit the opportunities to develop a competitive 
biomedical research base.
    Medical Isotopes.--Medical isotopes hold the promise for 
new treatments for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular 
disease, and arthritis. The Committee encourages NIH to enhance 
research in this area through all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate. The Committee also encourages NIH to work with the 
Department of Energy to enhance the availability, reliability, 
and variety of domestically-produced isotopes.
    MRI Technology.--The Committee encourages NCRR to use all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, to support functional MRI 
technology development that reflects the current state of 
clinical practice using a magnet strength in common clinical 
use and can be applied to the largest possible general 
population of patients in the field of neuroscience.
    Primate Centers.--The Committee is pleased with the 
addition of an eighth Regional Primate Research Center during 
fiscal year 1999. The Center will complement existing Centers 
by providing expertise in primate genetics and chronic disease 
research and by strengthening the current programs capabilities 
in infectious disease research. The Committee urges NCRR to 
enhance its funding support for this Center.
    Science Education Program.--The Committee commends NCRR for 
its efforts in science education, particularly for supporting 
science education programs which enhance the interest of K-12 
students in science and increases the science knowledge of the 
general public. The Committee supports increased funding for 
the Center's Science Education Program and urges NCRR to use a 
portion of its increase to strengthen or establish exhibits 
related to science and health-related research in the nation's 
science centers and museums. The science centers and museums 
will complement existing programs to provide additional venues 
for augmenting the scientific awareness and interest in medical 
research by broad cross-sections of the public.

                  john e. fogarty international center

    The Committee provides $40,440,000 for the Fogarty 
International Center (FIC), when adjusted for the transfer from 
the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for 
bioterrorism activities, which is $5,025,000 above the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $4,166,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The FIC was established to improve the health of 
the people of the United States and other nations through 
international cooperation in the biomedical sciences. In 
support of this mission, the FIC pursues the following four 
goals: mobilize international research efforts against global 
health threats; advance science through international 
cooperation; develop human resources to meet global research 
challenges; and provide leadership in international science 
policy and research strategies.
    Tuberculosis.--The Committee recognizes the growing 
importance of international research surveillance programs with 
respect to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). The 
Committee is pleased by the Center's research collaboration 
with international organizations and governments on multi-drug 
resistant TB and encourages the Center to continue these 
studies.

                      national library of medicine

    The Committee provides $202,027,000 for the National 
Library of Medicine (NLM), which is $20,718,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $16,373,000 above the 
Administration request.
    Mission.--The National Library of Medicine collects, 
organizes, disseminates, and preserves biomedical literature in 
all forms, regardless of country of origin, language, or 
historical period. The Library's collection is widely 
available; it may be consulted at the NLM facility on the NIH 
campus; items may be requested on interlibrary loan; and the 
extensive NLM bibliographic databases may be searched online by 
health professionals around the world. NLM has a program of 
outreach to acquaint health professions with available NLM 
services. The Library also is mandated to conduct research into 
biomedical communications and biotechnology; to award grants in 
support of health science libraries and medical informatics 
research and training; and to create specialized information 
services in such areas as health services research, 
environmental health, AIDS, hazardous substances, and 
toxicology.
    Capacity.--The Committee heard testimony regarding the 
limits of the Library's physical capacity and that by 2003 the 
Library will have run out of space for its collection. The 
Committee is pleased that NLM has begun to examine its space 
situation and requests that the Director be prepared to give a 
status report on how it will address this problem at the fiscal 
year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Next Generation Internet and Telemedicine.--The Committee 
commends NLM's numerous telemedicine sites and the positive 
impact that these programs are having on the delivery of health 
care in underserved communities. The Committee encourages the 
Library to continue the expansion of its research and 
development of telemedicine efforts and the Next Generation 
Internet. The Committee also encourages NLM to improve access 
to and quality of cost-effective interactive telemedicine 
systems in the areas of pediatric health care for patients in 
medically underserved rural and Native American areas.
    Outreach.--The Committee continues to note the success of 
the MEDLINE database and the new MEDLINEplus initiative and 
encourages NLM to continue its outreach activities aimed at 
educating health care professionals and the general public 
about the Library's products and services, in coordination with 
medical librarians and other health information specialists.

       NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

    The Committee provides $68,000,000 for the National Center 
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is 
$18,000,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$17,832,000 above the Administration request.
    Mission.--The Center was established to stimulate, develop, 
and support rigorous and relevant research of high quality and 
open, objective inquiry into the safety and effectiveness of 
complementary and alternative medicine practices in order to 
provide the American public with reliable information about 
these practices.
    Integrative Medicine Fellowships.--The Committee urges the 
Center to give priority consideration to funding post-graduate 
fellowships that train physicians in integrative medicine, that 
support research on strategies for implementing the teaching of 
integrative medicine in education curricula, and that support 
efforts to design medical school curricula on integrative 
medicine.
    Safety and Effectiveness.--Surveys have shown that between 
30 and 40 percent of the U.S. population use health care 
services for practices classified as complimentary and 
alternative medicine and visits to alternative practitioners 
have increased almost 50 percent since 1990. The Committee 
believes that research into the safety and effectiveness of 
complimentary and alternative medicine practices is necessary, 
especially given the increased number of individuals who are 
turning to complimentary and alternative medicine practices. 
The Committee also believes that this research should focus on 
and encourage the integration of effective complimentary and 
alternative practices into traditional medicine.
    Traditional Medicine.--The World Health Organization 
estimates that over 80 percent of the world's population relies 
on traditional medicine as its primary source of medical care. 
The Committee encourages NCCAM, in coordination with NICHHD and 
FIC, to develop programs to build bridges between traditional 
practitioners around the world and western medicine in order to 
improve medical care to mothers and children the world.

                         office of the director

    The Committee provides $270,383,000 for the Office of the 
Director (OD), which is $13,921,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $7,674,000 above the Administration 
request. The bill includes language proposed by the 
Administration and included in the 1998 appropriations bill 
authorizing the collection of third party payments for the cost 
of clinical services.
    Mission.--The Office of the Director provides leadership to 
the NIH research enterprise and coordinates and directs 
initiatives which cross-cut the NIH. The OD is responsible for 
the development and management of intramural and extramural 
research and research training policy, the review of program 
quality and effectiveness, the coordination of selected NIH-
wide program activities, and the administration of centralized 
support activities essential to operations of the NIH.
    Minority Health Initiative.--The Minority Health Initiative 
(MHI) is a coordinated set of programs designed to address the 
health needs of minorities across the lifespan and to expand 
the participation of minorities in all phases of biomedical and 
biobehavioral research. The MHI comprises a portfolio of multi-
year research projects as collaborative efforts with NIH 
Institutes, centers and divisions (ICDs) as well as new 
components developed to confront emerging and unaddressed 
health research areas.
    Office of Research on Minority Health.--The Office of 
Research on Minority Health (ORMH) serves as the coordinating 
office for minority health research and research training 
activities at NIH. Through partnerships with the ICDs, and 
other federal agencies and outside organizations, the ORMH 
strives to improve the health status of all minorities and 
increase the numbers of minority scientists. The ORMH provides 
supplemental support to ICD projects, develops programs to 
increase minority participation in clinical trials, and 
initiates and develops programs to increase the competitiveness 
of grant applications submitted by minority researchers.
    The Committee urges ORMH to increase the number of Native 
American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific 
Islander principal investigators funded, through all available 
mechanisms, as appropriate, to conduct HIV behavioral research 
targeting the links between sexual behaviors, substance abuse, 
and HIV infection among the same populations. This research 
should be designed to build a culturally competent community 
knowledge base and activities to expand and strengthen 
population-based research to more effectively target at-risk 
persons, address community norms and support the adoption of 
HIV risk reduction behaviors, and sustain behavioral change 
among high risk populations.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.
    The Committee commends ORMH for participating in the trans-
Institute request for applications for Hepatitis C and urges 
enhanced research in this area consistent with the 
recommendations made by the Hepatitis C Consensus Development 
Conference.
    Office of Research on Women's Health.--The Office of 
Research on Women's Health (ORWH) works in collaboration with 
the ICDs of the NIH to promote and foster efforts to address 
gaps in knowledge related to women's health through the 
enhancement and expansion of funded research and/or the 
initiation of new investigative studies. The ORWH is 
responsible for ensuring the inclusion of women in clinical 
research funded by the ICDs, including the development of a 
computerized tracking system and the implementation of new 
guidelines on such inclusion. This Office is also involved in 
promoting programs to increase the number of women in 
biomedical science, and in the development of women's health as 
a focus of medical/scientific research.
    Office of AIDS Research.--The Office of AIDS Research (OAR) 
is responsible for coordination of the scientific, budgetary, 
legislative, and policy elements of the NIH AIDS research 
program. The OAR develops a comprehensive plan for NIH AIDS-
related research activities which is updated annually. The plan 
is the basis for the President's budget distribution of AIDS-
related funds to the Institutes, centers and divisions within 
NIH. The Committee expects the Director of NIH to use this plan 
and the budget developed by OAR to guide his decisions on the 
allocation of AIDS funding among the Institutes. The Director 
of NIH also should use the full authority of his office to 
ensure that the ICDs spend their AIDS research dollars in a 
manner consistent with the plan. In addition, the OAR allocates 
an emergency AIDS discretionary fund to support research that 
was not anticipated when budget allocations were made.
    The Committee has included the same general provisions in 
bill language that was contained in the 1999 appropriations 
bill. This language permits the Director of OAR, jointly with 
the Director of NIH, to transfer between ICDs up to three 
percent of the funding determined by NIH to be related to AIDS 
research. This authority could be exercised throughout the 
fiscal year subject to normal reprogramming procedures, and is 
intended to give NIH flexibility to adjust the AIDS allocations 
among Institutes if research opportunities and needs should 
change. The Committee also repeats language from last year's 
bill making the research funds identified by NIH as being AIDS 
related available to the OAR account for transfer to the 
Institutes. This provision permits the flow of funds through 
the OAR in the spirit of the authorization legislation without 
requiring the Congress to earmark a specific dollar amount for 
AIDS research.
    The Committee is supportive of the efforts of the NIH to 
create extramural, multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS Research Centers 
and understands that there has been substantial scientific 
benefit from these Centers, particularly in the effort to 
prevent new HIV infections, the care for people living with HIV 
disease, and the advancement of basic biomedical research 
efforts. The Committee encourages NIH to enhance its support 
for these Centers.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.
    The Committee commends the OD for participating in the 
trans-Institute request for applications for Hepatitis C and 
urges enhanced research in this area consistent with the 
recommendations made by the Hepatitis C Consensus Development 
Conference.
    Office of Dietary Supplements.--The Office of Dietary 
Supplements (ODS) was established in recognition that dietary 
supplements can have an important impact on the prevention and 
management of disease and on the maintenance of health. ODS is 
charged with promoting, conducting, and coordinating scientific 
research within NIH relating to dietary supplements.
    Diabetes affects over 16 million Americans and is a major 
contributor to heart disease, strokes, liver diseases, and 
kidney disorders. As previously stated, there is evidence that 
chromium supplementation may play an effective role in 
mitigating the effects or reversing the disease. The Committee 
urges the Director to examine the effectiveness and efficacy of 
this treatment modality in collaboration with the United States 
Department of Agriculture. The Committee further urges ODS to 
use all available mechanisms, as appropriate, including 
research grants and clinical trial protocols. Research should 
include representatives from ethnic and minority populations, 
including Native Americans, and should be coordinated with a 
University affiliated College of Public Health experienced in 
working with these populations.
    Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.--The 
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) 
provides leadership and direction for the development of a 
trans-NIH plan to increase the scope of and support for 
behavioral and social science research and in defining an 
overall strategy for the integration of these disciplines 
across NIH Institutes and centers; develops initiatives to 
stimulate research in the behavioral and social sciences arena 
and integrate a biobehavioral perspective across the research 
areas of NIH; and promotes studies to evaluate the 
contributions of behavioral, social and lifestyle determinants 
in the development, course, treatment, and prevention of 
illness and related public health problems.
    Office of Rare Disease Research.--The Office of Rare 
Disease Research (ORDR) was established in recognition of the 
need to provide a focal point of attention and coordination at 
NIH for research on rare diseases. ORDR works with Federal and 
non-Federal national and international organizations concerned 
with rare disease research and orphan products development; 
develops a centralized database on rare diseases research; and 
stimulates rare diseases research by supporting scientific 
workshops and symposia to identify research opportunities.
    Autism.--There is little information on the prevalence of 
autism and other pervasive developmental disabilities in the 
United States. There have never been any national prevalence 
studies in the United States and recent studies in other 
countries suggest that the prevalence of classic autism alone 
may be substantially higher than previously estimated. The 
rapid advancements in biomedical science suggest that effective 
treatments and a cure for autism are attainable if: there is 
appropriate coordination of the efforts of the various 
Institutes involved in biomedical research on autism and autism 
spectrum disorders; there is an increased understanding of 
autism and autism spectrum disorders by the scientific and 
medical communities involved in autism research and treatment; 
and sufficient resources are allocated to research. The 
Committee encourages NICHHD, NIMH, NINDS, and NIDCD to continue 
to work together to aggressively pursue research opportunities 
and make finding a cure for autism a high priority for NIH.
    The Committee commends NIH for its commitment to 
researching the genetic susceptibility of developing children 
to autism spectrum disorders as well as possible environmental 
triggers. The Committee understands there are community 
concerns about what role immunologic factors play in the 
development of autism. NIH is encouraged to enhance research in 
the area of possible links between certain gastrointestinal 
conditions and autism.
    Bioinformatics.--The biomedical community is increasingly 
taking advantage of the power of computing, both to manage and 
analyze data and to model biological processes. The Committee 
urges the Director to enhance efforts in this area to give 
biomedical researchers optimal use of information technology 
and develop cross-disciplinary skills in biology, computation, 
and mathematics. Any initiative in this area should take into 
account the contributions that other agencies' programs have 
made, particularly that of the Partnerships for Advanced 
Computational Infrastructure program.
    Cancer in Ethnic Minorities and the Medically 
Underserved.--The Committee continues to be concerned about the 
disproportionately high incidence and/or mortality rates of 
many cancers in ethnic minorities, rural poor, and other 
medically underserved populations. The Committee encourages the 
NIH to develop a strategic plan to address the recommendations 
in the January 1999 Institute of Medicine study on this issue. 
The Committee also encourages the NIH to enhance funding for 
population, behavioral, socio-cultural, communications, and 
community-based research; recruiting and training efforts to 
attract more candidates from ethnic minority and medically 
underserved populations in all areas of cancer research; cancer 
data collection and management; and dissemination of research 
results. In addition, greater coordination efforts with the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Cancer Registry 
program and other public and private sector cancer data 
collection programs should be pursued.
    Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome.--The 
Committee urges the Director to enhance efforts to focus on 
promising areas of Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction 
Syndrome (CFIDS) research, such as efforts to define the 
etiology and pathophysiology of the illness and identify 
diagnostic markers. The Committee urges NIH to use all 
available mechanisms, as appropriate, including program 
announcements, to study all facets of pediatric CFIDS. The 
Committee also urges NIH to improve its communication across 
Institutes in order to better coordinate CFIDS research and 
outreach to public and private scientists with the goal of 
stimulating research interest and encouraging investigators to 
bring their research interests to bear in the field. Finally, 
the Committee urges NIH officials to identify appropriate NIH 
advisory committees for CFIDS representation and ensure 
appointment of qualified persons thereon.
    Clinical Investigators.--The Committee is concerned about 
the number of physician-scientists leaving biomedical research 
careers and the continuing decline in the number of first time 
applicants to the NIH. The Committee recognizes NIH for its 
initial efforts to address the training and career development 
of clinical investigators and urges the Director to continue 
these efforts through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, 
including increasing the number of Mentored Patient-Oriented 
Research Career Development Awards, Mid-Career Investigator 
Patient-Oriented Research Awards, support for the Clinical 
Research Curriculum Award, and re-establishing the Director's 
Advisory Panel on Clinical Research.
    Cost of Illness Report.--The Committee requests NIH to 
combine and update two previously requested reports entitled, 
``HHS and National Costs for 13 Diseases and Conditions'' and 
``Disease-Specific Estimates of Direct and Indirect Costs of 
Illness and NIH Support''. The Committee requests this 
consolidated report by January 31, 2000.
    Diabetes.--Diabetes remains a leading cause of early death 
and disability. Because diabetes impacts so many different 
parts of the body, the Committee views it as an area of cross-
cutting among several NIH Institutes. The Committee urges the 
Director to take the lead role in overseeing implementation of 
the recommendations of Diabetes Research Working Group report 
among the many Institutes with an interest and role in diabetes 
research. The Committee also urges NIH to place a high priority 
on research to cure Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, which 
generally is diagnosed in children and young adults and is the 
most severe form of the disease. The Committee requests the 
Director be prepared to provide the Committee with a status 
report on the progress of diabetes research and specifically 
Type 1 diabetes at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Gene Therapy.--The Committee notes the advances that have 
been made in gene therapy research and the potential this 
research has in treating patients with minimally, non-invasive 
procedures. NIH is urged to expand its research efforts in this 
area to capitalize on recent advancements being made, 
especially with therapeutic angiogenesis and myocardial gene 
therapy.
    Hepatitis C.--NIH sponsored a Hepatitis C Consensus 
Development Conference in May 1997. The Committee requests the 
Director to submit a status report of actions that have taken 
place to date and those planned for the future, across all 
Institutes and Centers, to meet the recommendations of the 
conference. The Committee requests the report by January 31, 
2000.
    International Collaborations.--The Committee is aware of 
the promising biomedical research being conducted at 
international research facilities, such as the Weizmann 
Institute in Israel, and encourages NIH to collaborate, 
whenever possible, with this Institute and other international 
organizations conducting biomedical research.
    Liver and Biliary Diseases.--The Liver and Biliary Diseases 
Strategic Plan submitted in March, 1998 outlined research 
opportunities to prevent, treat, and cure liver disease. The 
Committee requests that the Director be prepared to provide an 
update on the progress made to date in implementing the plan at 
the fiscal year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Microbicide Research.--The Committee encourages the 
Director to work with the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services to develop an integrated and coordinated strategy for 
microbicide research and development which provides clear lines 
of responsibility and builds on the strengths of NIH 
Institutes, including NIAID, NICHHD, and OAR as well as other 
relevant agencies such as USAID and CDC. The Committee also 
encourages NIH and the Secretary to promote product development 
in this area through all available mechanisms, as appropriate, 
including Small Business Innovative Research grants.
    Minority Programs.--The Committee has provided adequate 
funding for the continuation of a variety of competitive 
programs at NIH that emphasize improving the health status of 
disadvantaged populations, including racial and ethnic 
minorities. The Committee places a special emphasis on the 
Minority Access to Research Careers, the Minority Biomedical 
Research Support, the Research Centers in Minority 
Institutions, and the Office of Research on Minority Health 
programs, and expects these programs to continue to be 
supported at a level commensurate with their importance.
    National Occupational Research Agenda.--The Committee is 
pleased about the progress made to date by the National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on 
implementing the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). 
The Committee urges NIH to work with NIOSH in relevant NORA 
priority areas such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary 
Disease, Fertility and Pregnancy Abnormalities, Special 
Populations at Risk, Organizations of Work, Infectious 
Diseases, Allergic and Irritant Dermatitis, Indoor Environment, 
Mixed Exposures, Exposure Assessment Methods, Low Back 
Disorders, Traumatic Injuries, Hearing Loss, Cancer Research 
Methods, and Risk Assessment Methods.
    National Research Service Awards.--The National Academy of 
Sciences report on National Research Service Awards recommended 
that the number of awards for research training in nursing, 
oral health, health services, and behavioral science be 
increased. The Committee encourages NIH to develop a plan to 
comply with this recommendation. The Committee also encourages 
NIH to develop a plan for encouraging all Institutes to 
establish training programs for young behavioral science 
investigators similar to programs at NIMH, NIDA, and NIAAA.
    Nutrition Science.--Nutrition science and obesity research 
continue to be priorities for the Committee. The Committee is 
encouraged by the collaboration between the NCRR and its 
general clinical research centers in clinical nutrition 
research in order to link the advances in molecular genetics 
with clinical research in nutrition, but believes that more 
could be done to integrate basic science and clinical sciences 
through training programs which permit nutritional scholars to 
develop training in molecular genetics and clinical science.
    Pediatric Research.--The Committee believes that it is of 
critical importance for NIH to conduct and support research 
into the causes, opportunities for prevention, and more 
effective treatments and cures for the illnesses that are the 
principal causes of death and disability among infants and 
children. The Committee urges the Director to strengthen and 
expand research in this area. The Committee also urges the 
Director to ensure that the priorities of each of the 
Institutes in this area are recognized and appropriately 
pursued and to ensure that these activities are appropriately 
coordinated. NIH is encouraged to further investigate the 
differences between children and adults in the causes, 
mechanisms, and treatments of diseases, in order to identify 
the unique features of the diseases as they occur in children. 
In addition, the Committee encourages NIH to further 
investigate the impacts of therapeutic treatments on pediatric 
patients and focus on research to expand our knowledge 
regarding the unique impact of therapeutic agents on children 
as compared to adults. The Committee requests the Director to 
report to the Committee on the status of this initiative, by 
Institute, no later than January 31, 2000.
    Population-based Prevention Research.--The Committee 
believes that NIH should place a greater emphasis on 
population-based research strategies targeted at precluding the 
development of disease or postponing its symptomatic onset 
through changes in personal habits and factors in the social 
and physical environment. Such research should be directed 
toward developing population-based interventions to minimize 
disease and injury, promote health and establish policy and 
cost-effective management systems to address public health 
threats. The Committee requests the Director be prepared to 
testify on population-based prevention research at the fiscal 
year 2001 appropriations hearing.
    Reducing Regulatory Burden.--The Committee has urged NIH in 
past reports to address the growing problem of duplicative and 
wasteful regulation of researchers and research institutions. 
The Committee commends NIH's leadership in creating a series of 
panels to define specific areas where Federal regulation should 
be reformed and in publishing the panel's work in a report 
entitled, ``NIH Initiative to Reduce Regulatory Burden''. The 
Committee doesn't believe that NIH's work in this area should 
end with this report and urges NIH to continue this initiative 
and adopt the report suggestion to establish an advisory 
committee or identify a group of advisors from the research 
community to be advisory to the overall effort. NIH is further 
requested to advise the Committee about non-NIH regulations 
that should be reformed.
    Spinal Cord Regeneration.--Advances in biomedical research 
in the area of spinal cord regeneration is showing promise. The 
Committee encourages the Director, in conjunction with the 
appropriate Institutes, to use all available mechanisms, as 
appropriate, including a consensus conference, to evaluate the 
current status and future direction of research in this area as 
well as identifying opportunities for public/private 
partnerships. The Committee requests the Director be prepared 
to testify on the status of this research at the fiscal year 
2001 appropriations hearing.
    Urological Cancers.--The Committee remains concerned about 
the degree of coordination of urologic research across the 
various Institutes. While the Committee commends the creation 
of a special emphasis panel to review urology grant 
applications, NIH is encouraged to consider further steps to 
strengthen this research program. The Director should be 
prepared to testify at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations 
hearing on what further steps have been taken to improve 
coordination of urology research.

                        buildings and facilities

    The Committee provides $108,376,000 for buildings and 
facilities, which is $89,080,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. In 
addition, $40,000,000 was provided as an advance appropriation 
in the fiscal year 1999 appropriations bill as the final year 
of funding for the clinical research center.
    Mission.--The Buildings and Facilities appropriation 
provides for the design, construction, improvement, and major 
repair of clinical, laboratory, and office buildings and 
supporting facilities essential to the mission of the National 
Institutes of Health. The funds in this appropriation support 
the 77 buildings on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland; 
the Animal Center in Poolesville, Maryland; the National 
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences facility in Research 
Triangle Park, North Carolina; and other smaller facilities 
throughout the United States.
    Essential Safety and Health Improvement.--This account 
supports continued essential safety and health improvements to 
maintain the clinical center; the continuation of the campus 
infrastructure modernization program as well as programs for 
power plant safety, asbestos abatement, fire protection and 
life safety, the elimination of barriers to persons with 
disabilities, safety and reliability upgrades at the Rocky 
Mountain Laboratory, and indoor air quality improvement.
    Repairs and Improvements.--Support is also provided for the 
continuing program of repairs and improvements required to 
maintain existing buildings and facilities.

       Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration


               substance abuse and mental health services

    The Committee provides a program level of $2,413,731,000 
for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SAMHSA), which is $73,582,000 below the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $212,774,000 below the 
Administration request. Many programs funded in this account 
are not authorized for fiscal year 2000. The Committee did not 
provide an advance appropriation of $100,000,000 as proposed by 
the Administration.
    SAMHSA is responsible for supporting mental health, 
alcoholism, and other drug abuse prevention and treatment 
services nationwide through discretionary knowledge development 
and applied research grants and formula block grants to the 
States. The agency consists of three principal centers: the 
Center for Mental Health Services, the Center for Substance 
Abuse Treatment, and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. 
The Office of the Administrator is responsible for overall 
agency management.

Center for Mental Health Services

    The Committee provides at total of $519,808,000 for the 
Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), which is $7,532,000 
above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $68,929,000 
below the Administration request.
            Knowledge development and application
    The Committee provides $85,851,000 for the mental health 
knowledge development and application (KDA) program, which is 
$10,788,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$12,113,000 below the Administration request. The program 
includes multi-state studies and other knowledge development 
activities that identify the most effective service delivery 
practices, knowledge synthesis activities that translate 
program findings into useful products for the field, and 
knowledge application projects that support adoption of 
exemplary service approaches throughout the country.
    The Committee provides for the continuation of all ongoing 
projects, including those related to improving mental health 
services for children with emotional and behavioral disorders 
who are at-risk of violent behavior.
    The Committee recognizes the role that the Minority 
Fellowship program plays in training mental health 
professionals to provide services to individuals who would 
otherwise go untreated and urges SAMHSA to enhance its efforts 
in this program through its three Centers.
            Mental health performance partnerships
    The Committee provides $300,000,000 for mental health 
performance partnership grants, which is $11,277,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $58,816,000 below the 
Administration request. The performance partnerships provide 
funds to States to support mental health prevention, treatment, 
and rehabilitation services. Funds are allocated according to 
statutory formula among the States that have submitted approved 
annual plans. The Committee notes that the mental health 
performance partnerships grant funding represents less than 2 
percent of total State mental health funding and less than 5 
percent of State community-based mental health services.
    The Committee has modified bill language that was included 
in the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, 1999 to ensure that States do not receives 
less than they did in fiscal year 1998.
            Children's mental health
    The Committee provides $83,000,000 for the grant program 
for comprehensive community mental health services for children 
with serious emotional disturbance, which is $5,026,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $5,000,000 above the 
Administration request. Funding for this program supports 
grants and technical assistance for community-based services 
for children and adolescents up to age 22 with serious 
emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. The program assists 
States and local jurisdictions in developing integrated systems 
of community care. Each individual served receives an 
individual service plan developed with the participation of the 
family and the child. Grantees are required to provide 
increasing levels of matching funds over the five-year grant 
period.
            Grants to states for the homeless (PATH)
    The Committee provides $28,000,000 for the grants to States 
for the homeless (PATH) program, which is $2,009,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $3,000,000 below the 
Administration request. PATH grants to States provide 
assistance to individuals suffering from severe mental illness 
and/or substance abuse disorders and who are homeless or at 
imminent risk of becoming homeless. Grants may be used for 
outreach, screening and diagnostic treatment services, 
rehabilitation services, community mental health services, 
alcohol or drug treatment services, training, case management 
services, supportive and supervisory services in residential 
settings, and a limited set of housing services.
            Protection and advocacy
    The Committee provides $22,957,000 for the protection and 
advocacy program, which is $8,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and the same as the Administration request. 
This funding is distributed to States according to a formula-
based on population and income to assist State-designated 
independent advocates to provide legal assistance to mentally 
ill individuals during their residence in State-operated 
facilities and for 90 days following their discharge.
    Recent media reports have documented the fact that needless 
deaths and serious injuries have resulted from the misuse of 
restraints and seclusion in facilities serving people with 
developmental disabilities and mental illness. The true extent 
of the problem is unclear due to a lack of reporting 
requirements. The Committee encourages SAMHSA to work with 
States to provide for appropriate investigations and corrective 
action regarding the misuse of restraints and seclusion.

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

    The Committee provides a total of $1,721,613,000 for the 
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), which is 
$33,650,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$120,255,000 below the Administration request.
            Knowledge development and application
    The Committee provides $136,613,000 for the substance abuse 
treatment knowledge development and application (KDA) program, 
which is $34,158,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and $90,255,000 below the Administration request. The 
program supports activities of developing and field testing new 
treatment models in order to facilitate the provision of 
quality treatment services and service delivery. These 
activities are undertaken in actual service settings rather 
than laboratories and results are disseminated to State 
agencies and community treatment providers. The goal is to 
promote continuous, positive treatment service delivery change 
for those people who use and abuse alcohol and drugs. The 
Committee provides for the continuation of all ongoing 
projects.
            Substance abuse performance partnerships
    The Committee provides $1,585,000,000 for the substance 
abuse performance partnership grants, which is $508,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $30,000,000 below the 
Administration request. The substance abuse performance 
partnerships provide funds to States to support alcohol and 
drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. 
Funds are allocated among the States according to a statutory 
formula. State applications including comprehensive State plans 
must be approved annually by SAMHSA as a condition of receiving 
funds.
    The Committee has modified bill language that was included 
in the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, 1999 to distribute the block grant funding 
to the States the same way it was distributed in fiscal year 
1999.
    The Committee commends SAMHSA's proposed revision to the 
block grant application for fiscal year 2000 to permit States 
to voluntarily report on selected treatment and prevention 
performance measures. The collection of data on the 
unduplicated number of persons served with block grant funds, 
client perceptions and attitudes regarding substance abuse and 
substance abuse treatment, and changes in client behavior 
during and following treatment will provide States and local 
governments with invaluable information that will improve and 
enhance their ability to map and respond to the substance abuse 
problem in their communities.
    The Committee requests SAMHSA to prepare and submit a 
report, by January 31, 2000, which details actions needed, 
including any legislative requirements, to assure that entities 
receiving substance abuse block grant funding use a portion of 
the funds for developing and expanding services targeted to the 
needs and life circumstances of the homeless population.

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

    The Committee provides a total of $118,910,000 for the 
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, which is $44,246,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $19,090,000 
below the Administration request. The Committee does not 
provide funding for high-risk youth grants.
            Knowledge development and application
    The Committee provides $118,910,000 for the substance abuse 
prevention knowledge development and application (KDA) program, 
which is $37,249,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and $12,090,000 below the Administration request. The 
program identifies effective approaches in preventing substance 
abuse and implements its primary mission in bridging the gap 
between research and practice. The Committee provides for the 
continuation of all ongoing projects.

Program management

    The Committee provides $53,400,000 for program management 
activities, which is $3,218,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $4,500,000 below the Administration 
request. The appropriation provides funding to coordinate, 
direct, and manage the agency's programs. Funds are used for 
salaries, benefits, space, supplies, equipment, travel and 
overhead.
    The Committee commends SAMHSA for issuing a policy 
memorandum clarifying that States may use funds from the 
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and the 
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant to provide 
integrated treatment for individuals with co-occurring 
substance abuse and mental health disorders. The Committee 
encourages SAMHSA to provide technical assistance to the States 
to assist them in implementing this policy.
    The Committee is aware of a proposal developed by a 
coalition of four Florida communities to provide integrated 
mental health and substance abuse services to troubled and at-
risk children and youth, and their families. Building upon 
successful juvenile justice programs, this effort responds 
directly to nationwide concerns about youth violence, substance 
abuse, declining levels of service availability, and the 
inability of some communities to respond to the needs of their 
youth in a coordinated manner. The Committee encourages SAMHSA 
to give this proposal full and fair consideration.
    The Committee encourages SAMHSA to develop and strengthen 
substance abuse treatment and prevention programs for Native 
Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific 
Islanders to include an HIV component. Programs should also be 
strengthened through the development of increased linkages 
between HIV/AIDS programs and Native Americans, Asian 
Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islander 
substance abuse treatment programs.
    The Committee urges SAMHSA to enhance funding in all 
programs for cultural competency education and training of 
health care providers and culturally and linguistically 
appropriate outreach and services to local minority 
communities, including Asian American communities.
    The Committee encourages SAMHSA to study and develop public 
health interventions related to improving the health and health 
care of underserved, impoverished, and high-risk children, 
teens, adults, and the elderly living in public housing. These 
interventions should focus on education for health promotion 
and identification of illness at early stages, specialized 
mental health and substance abuse services, and enhance the 
mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment 
practices of community health care and social service 
providers.
    A study recently released by the National Gambling Impact 
Study Commission found that there are an estimated 15.4 million 
Americans who are either problem or pathological gamblers and 
that over half are adolescents. In order to understand the 
expanding dimensions of the problem nationwide, gambling 
prevalence studies need to be conducted. The Committee urges 
SAMHSA to identify appropriate methods of gathering information 
in order to track gambling addiction prevalence rates, gambling 
behaviors, and related factors, including adding gambling 
components to the Survey of Mental Health Organizations, 
General Hospital Psychiatric Services, and Managed Behavioral 
Health Care Organizations. The Committee requests SAMHSA to 
provide a report by January 31, 2000.
    The Committee is concerned with the growing number of HIV/
AIDS reported cases in the Hispanic community, the African-
American community, the Native-American community and other 
affected ethnic and minority populations. To address this 
growing epidemic, the Committee urges SAMHSA to provide funding 
for initiatives to address the needs of these communities.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.
    The Committee urges that no portion of the funding for the 
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse should be drawn from 
the five percent set-aside in the mental health block grant.

               Agency for Health Care Policy and Research


                    health care policy and research

    The Committee provides a total of $175,050,000 for the 
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), which is 
$4,027,000 above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level, 
adjusted for one-time costs related to Y2K emergency funding, 
and $31,205,000 below the Administration request. Included in 
this amount is $104,403,000 in general funds and $70,647,000 in 
one percent evaluation funding. Each agency in the Public 
Health Service (PHS) is tapped one percent and the funds are 
used by the Secretary for other purposes, including funding a 
portion of AHCPR. The Administration proposed to increase this 
set-aside from one percent to one and half percent and fund a 
significant portion of the agency's increased request from this 
tap, thereby shifting funding from one PHS program, such as 
community health centers to another. The Committee did not 
approve this request. Programs funded in this account are not 
authorized for fiscal year 2000.
    The mission of the Agency is to generate and disseminate 
information that improves the delivery of health care. Its 
research goals are to determine what works best in clinical 
practice; improve the cost-effective use of health care 
resources; help consumers make more informed choices; and 
measure and improve the quality of care. The Committee is 
supportive of high quality, peer-reviewed research and supports 
appropriate funding for investigator-initiated research within 
the funding levels provided.
    For Research on Health Costs, Quality, and Outcomes, the 
Committee provides $144,909,000, which is $4,027,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 comparable level and $23,005,000 below the 
Administration request. The Research on Health Costs, Quality, 
and Outcomes program identifies the most effective and 
efficient approaches to organize, deliver, finance, and 
reimburse health care services; determines how the structure of 
the delivery system, financial incentives, market forces, and 
better information affects the use, quality, and cost of health 
services; and facilitates the translation of research findings 
for providers, patients/consumers, plans, purchasers, and 
policymakers. It also funds research that determines what works 
best in medical care by increasing the cost effectiveness and 
appropriateness of clinical practice; supports the development 
of tools to measure and evaluate health outcomes, quality of 
care, and consumer satisfaction with health care system 
performance; and facilitates the translation of information 
into practical uses through the development and dissemination 
of research databases.
    For Health Insurance and Expenditure Surveys, the Committee 
provides $27,800,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $8,200,000 below the Administration 
request. The entire amount provided is derived through the one 
percent evaluation set-aside. The Health Insurance and 
Expenditure Surveys provide timely national estimates of health 
care use and expenditures, private and public health insurance 
coverage, and the availability, costs, and scope of private 
health insurance benefits. This activity also provides analysis 
of changes in behavior as a result of market forces or policy 
changes on health care use, expenditures, and insurance 
coverage; develops cost/savings estimates of proposed changes 
in policy; and identifies the impact of changes in policy for 
subgroups of the population. These objectives are accomplished 
through the fielding of the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys 
(MEPS), an interrelated series of surveys that replaced the 
National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES).
    For program support, the Committee provides $2,341,000, 
which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 level, adjusted 
for one-time costs related to Y2K emergency funding, and the 
Administration request. This activity supports the overall 
direction and management of the agency.
    The Committee encourages AHCPR to collaborate with the 
Health Resources and Services Administration on trauma outcomes 
research, including research on the delivery and financing of 
acute care services and rehabilitation.
    Given the economic burden to society of treating oral 
diseases and the findings of the Early Childhood Caries 
Conference that dental caries is of epidemic proportions in 
many low socioeconomic preschool children in the United States, 
the Committee urges AHCPR to enhance its investment in dental 
health services research.
    The Committee encourages the agency to collaborate with the 
Health Care Financing Administration on conducting an optical 
memory card demonstration project, which uses a decentralized 
database to address the need for portable medical information.
    The Committee encourages the agency to initiate an 
evidence-based review of Parkinson's disease and related 
neurological conditions for developing criteria and outcome 
measures for treatment of these conditions.

                  Health Care Financing Administration


                     grants to states for medicaid

    The bill provides $86,087,393,000 for the Federal share of 
current law State Medicaid costs, which is $11,366,849,000 
above the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the same as the 
Administration request. This amount does not include 
$28,733,605,000, which was advance funded in the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation. In addition, the bill provides an advance 
appropriation of $30,589,003,000 for program costs in the first 
quarter of fiscal year 2001. The bill also includes indefinite 
budget authority for unanticipated costs in fiscal year 2000.
    Federal Medicaid grants reimburse States for 50 to 83 
percent (depending on per capita income) of their expenditures 
in providing health care for individuals whose income and 
resources fall below specified levels. Subject to certain 
minimum requirements, States have broad authority within the 
law to set eligibility, coverage, and payment levels. It is 
estimated that 33.8 million low-income individuals will receive 
health care services in 2000 under the Medicaid program. State 
costs of administering the program are matched at rates that 
generally range from 50 to 90 percent, depending upon the type 
of cost. Total funding for Medicaid includes $545,043,000 for 
the entitlement Vaccines for Children program. These funds, 
which are transferred to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention for administration, support the costs of 
immunization for children who are on Medicaid, uninsured or 
underinsured and receiving immunizations at Federally qualified 
health centers or rural health clinics. Indefinite authority is 
provided by statute for the Vaccines for Children program in 
the event that the current estimate is inadequate.
    The Committee is pleased with HCFA's legislative proposal 
to provide demonstration grants to States, through the Medicaid 
program, to test innovative asthma disease management 
techniques for children enrolled in Medicaid.

                  payments to health care trust funds

    The bill includes $69,289,100,000 for the Payments to the 
Health Care Trust Funds account, which is $6,466,100,000 above 
the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and the same as the 
Administration request.
    This entitlement account includes the general fund subsidy 
to the Medicare Part B trust fund as well as other 
reimbursements to the Part A trust fund for benefits and 
related administrative costs which have not been financed by 
payroll taxes or premium contributions. The amount provided 
includes $129,100,000 for program management administrative 
expenditures, which is the fiscal year 2000 estimate of the 
general fund share of HCFA program management expenses. This 
general fund share will be transferred to the Federal Hospital 
Insurance Trust Fund to reimburse for the funds drawn down in 
fiscal year 2000 from the trust fund to finance program 
management.
    The bill limits the amount HCFA can collect and spend for 
the Medicare+Choice program to $15,000,000, which is 
$80,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level and $85,000,000 
below the Administration request. The goal in implementing the 
Medicare+Choice beneficiary education campaign was to provide 
seniors with all the information they need about the new 
choices available to them in the program. Despite the 
collection of $190,000,000 in user fees over the last two years 
to implement the program, only a small percentage of seniors 
have been reached. There is growing concern that HCFA's costs 
far exceeded the cost of providing the same function or service 
in the private sector. The Committee directs HCFA to undertake 
a complete review of the education campaign and provide the 
Committee a full accounting of money spent and an evaluation of 
the value, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of the activities 
conducted to date as well as a detailed plan for the future.
    The Committee understands that HCFA is undertaking an 
aggressive review of mental health care providers who have 
billed Medicare for partial hospitalization services. The 
Committee urges HCFA to reexamine its implementation of this 
policy with an eye toward taking steps to reduce the burden of 
this review on traditional, non-profit community mental health 
centers and any negative impact that it is having on their 
ability to serve the Medicare population and to ensure 
compliance with Social Security Act provisions on partial 
hospitalization. The Committee requests a status report of this 
reexamination by January 31, 2000.

                           program management

    The bill makes available $1,752,050,000 in trust funds for 
Federal administration of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, 
which is $390,785,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable 
level and $264,077,000 below the Administration request.

Research, demonstration, and evaluation

    The bill provides $50,000,000 for research, demonstration 
and evaluation, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $5,000,000 below the Administration 
request. These funds support a variety of studies and 
demonstrations in such areas as monitoring and evaluating 
health system performance; improving health care financing and 
delivery mechanisms; modernization of the Medicare program; the 
needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of health care 
access, delivery systems, and financing; and information to 
improve consumer choice and health status.
    The Committee urges HCFA to investigate the feasibility of 
utilizing a commercially available claims auditing service for 
Medicare Part A for the detection of fraudulent claims. This 
program should be tested in a large Medicare market with a 
diverse group of providers including both community and 
teaching hospitals. Furthermore, the contractor should have 
experience working with the Medicaid program as well as 
extensive experience working with commercial insurers in the 
State.
    The Committee understands there is a degree of variability 
in skilled nursing certification and compliance surveys between 
and, sometimes, within States. While an Informal Dispute 
Resolution (IDR) process can serve as the venue for the 
provider to air a disagreement with the surveyor's findings, it 
is not always an objective process. Therefore, the Committee 
urges HCFA to conduct a pilot study in at least three States 
utilizing an independent body to perform the IDR process in 
order to ascertain if an independent IDR process facilitates 
resolution of differences.
    The Committee urges HCFA to conduct a demonstration project 
using optical memory card technology that uses a decentralized 
database to address the need for portable medical information 
for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
    It is estimated that more than 400,000 children eligible 
for Federal health care programs have undetected harmful levels 
of lead in their blood. The Committee understands that HCFA 
recently revised its Medicaid screening and reimbursement 
policy for childhood lead poisoning testing. The Committee 
urges HCFA to monitor the impact of these policy changes and to 
take every appropriate step to ensure that screening rates 
among children enrolled in Medicaid are substantially 
increased. The Committee also encourages HCFA to consider the 
development of new screening technologies that have the 
potential to significantly increase screening rates when 
evaluating its reimbursement policy.
    Pessaries offer a treatment alternative to surgery for 
elderly women suffering from uterine prolapse. Medicare 
reimbursement for pessaries are below the actual cost 
physicians and other health providers must incur to furnish 
these prosthetic devices to Medicare beneficiaries. The 
Committee urges HCFA to review the Medicare reimbursement level 
for pessaries and report their findings to the Committee no 
later than January 31, 2000.
    HCFA is encouraged to conduct a demonstration to evaluate 
the use of managed health care principles in the delivery of 
traditional and alternative long-term care services. The 
demonstration should permit the discharge of patients to 
medically appropriate least restrictive settings if implemented 
at the request of the patient and such discharge will have a 
positive effect on the health treatment regime of the patient. 
Outcomes should be measured by life span and length of time 
patient is not in a nursing home or acute care setting and such 
other determinants as established by the agency.
    In last year's report, the Committee encouraged HCFA to 
conduct a survey to determine which states are funding Program 
for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) services and develop a 
model on how States can successfully integrate PACT into 
managed care programs. The Committee understands that this has 
not yet been done and reiterates its request for HCFA to 
undertake such a study.
    The Committee encourages HCFA to continue funding the 
Medicare Community Nursing Organization Demonstration projects 
in fiscal year 2000. These projects operate in four States to 
test the efficacy of nursing organizations at providing managed 
care for Medicare home care and non-physician services.
    The Committee is aware of a unique skilled nursing facility 
treatment program operated by Mercy Medical in Baldwin and 
Mobile Counties, Alabama, and is concerned that it faces 
serious financial hardships which could alter its ability to 
continue this comprehensive level of care. The Committee 
encourages HCFA to designate a demonstration project for Mercy 
Medical taking into consideration its unique treatment regimen.
    The Committee urges HCFA to conduct a demonstration project 
utilizing national minority aging organizations to improve 
older minorities' participation in, and understanding of, 
Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare contractors

    The bill includes $1,176,950,000 to support Medicare claims 
processing contracts, which is $88,131,000 below the fiscal 
year 1999 comparable level and $190,103,000 below the 
Administration request. In addition, the bill includes language 
limiting the amount from the Health Care Fraud and Abuse 
Control Account to carry out the Medicare Integrity Program to 
$560,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 level.
    Medicare contractors are responsible for paying Medicare 
providers promptly and accurately. In addition to processing 
claims, contractors also identify and recover Medicare 
overpayments, as well as review claims for questionable 
utilization patterns and medical necessity. Contractors also 
provide information and technical support both to providers and 
beneficiaries regarding the administration of the Medicare 
program. In 2000, contractors are expected to process 925 
million claims.

State survey and certification

    The bill includes $106,000,000 for State inspection of 
facilities serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, which 
is $69,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 comparable level and 
$163,347,000 below the Administration request.
    Survey and certification activities ensure that 
institutions and agencies providing care to Medicare and 
Medicaid beneficiaries meet Federal health, safety and program 
standards. On-site surveys are conducted by State survey 
agencies, with a pool of Federal surveyors performing random 
monitoring surveys. Over 30,000 facilities are expected to be 
reviewed in 2000.

Federal administration

    The bill includes $421,084,000 to support Federal 
administrative activities related to the Medicare and Medicaid 
programs, which is $36,700,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
comparable level and $100,119,000 below the Administration 
request.
    The Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance 
programs ensure the health care security of over 70 million 
beneficiaries. The Federal Administration costs budget provides 
funds for the staff and operations of HCFA to administer these 
programs.
    Federal law does not allow Federal Medicaid funding for 
services provided to individuals aged 22 through 64 if they 
live in an Institution of Mental Diseases (IMD). The Committee 
understands that while HCFA guidelines identify the criteria to 
be used to determine if a facility is an IMD, it's the States 
responsibility to establish the assessment methods used to 
determine a patient's health status. The Committee further 
understands that the lack of specific HCFA criteria to assess 
patient health status creates significant uncertainties for the 
states in making these determinations. The Committee therefore 
urges HCFA to work closely with States, such as Illinois, to 
develop a standardized set of measurement tools using existing 
data that could be used to assess a patient's health, thereby 
reducing the fluctuation in the number of designated IMDs 
within a State per year and providing more funding stability. 
The Committee also urges HCFA to withhold from undertaking 
reviews of facility IMD status or from imposing disallowances, 
penalties or sanctions related to IMD status until such 
standardized measurement tools have been developed.
    The Committee is concerned that HCFA's proposed regulation 
regarding Medicare coverage of diabetes self-management 
education and training services will impose burdensome 
personnel requirements on community retail pharmacies seeking 
to qualify to provide this training, including those pharmacies 
currently providing these services through private health 
plans. The Committee urges HCFA to review its proposed 
regulations to eliminate any requirement that may hinder 
beneficiary access to appropriate diabetes self-management 
education and training services through community retail 
pharmacies. The Committee also requests that the Administrator 
be prepared to testify at the fiscal year 2001 appropriations 
hearing on the steps that have been taken to promote access to 
these services in a variety of settings, including those 
provided by State licensed health care professionals or 
nationally certified nutrition or diabetes educators as well as 
community retail pharmacies.
    HCFA is charged with administering the Medicare program, 
which is relied upon by millions of American citizens. As with 
any program of this size and magnitude, it is extremely 
important to have the trust of the people being served. There 
is some concern that issues surrounding resolution of the Y2K 
problem, implementing the BBA, and aggressively combating 
program fraud and abuse have greatly reduced the image of HCFA 
as a compassionate and effective agency. The Committee urges 
HCFA to improve its image through better management practices 
and clear communication of its policies to beneficiaries and 
providers.
    The Committee believes that increasing the supply of organs 
available from voluntary donations is a high public health 
priority. Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) have a lead 
responsibility to increase organ donation. The Committee is 
concerned that the performance evaluation and recertification 
process for OPOs, which evaluates performance on the basis of 
population-based donation rates and does not adjust for the 
potential for organ donation, may hinder the goal of increased 
donations. The Committee understands that the industry is 
examining alternative performance measures. HCFA is encouraged 
to work with and support the industry with this endeavor. HCFA 
is also encouraged to use existing authority to extend OPO 
certification period and place a moratorium on its current 
recertification process until such time as an acceptable 
alternative performance evaluation and recertification process 
has been adopted.
    Recent media reports have documented the fact that needless 
deaths and serious injuries have resulted from the misuse of 
restraints and seclusion in facilities serving people with 
developmental disabilities and mental illness. The true extent 
of the problem is unclear due to a lack of reporting 
requirements. The Committee urges HCFA to develop and issue 
standards, applicable to all facilities that receive either 
Medicaid or Medicare funding, on the appropriate use of 
restraints and seclusion. These standards should address issues 
such as the criteria to be met for use of restraints and 
seclusion, training requirements and contingency plans for 
facility staff, and reporting requirements.
    The Committee is pleased that HCFA has revoked its non-
coverage policy for pancreas transplantations. However, for 
more patients to benefit from this decision, HCFA is encouraged 
to address the issues of segmented and split pancreas 
transplantations and claims processing instructions to reflect 
the cost of the procedure.
    The Committee understands that HCFA has begun efforts to 
review and update the reimbursement rate for the cost of 
copying medical records requested by Peer Review Organizations 
in their audits of Medicare claims. The Committee supports 
HCFA's efforts to ensure that these rates better reflect 
current costs required to provide these services.
    The Committee is concerned that there is a lack of senior 
technical personnel to manage the modernization of the Medicare 
information system and urges the Administrator to evaluate 
staffing resources to address this issue.

                Administration for Children and Families


  payments to states for child support enforcement and family support 
                                programs

    The Committee recommends $650,000,000 in advance funding 
for the first quarter of fiscal year 2001 to ensure timely 
payments for the child support enforcement program, the same as 
the request. No appropriation is required for fiscal year 2000 
because the account has sufficient unobligated balances to 
maintain the program. The bill continues to provide estimated 
funding of $38,000,000 for Payments to Territories, the same as 
the comparable amount for fiscal year 1999 and the budget 
estimate. The bill provides $1,000,000 for the repatriation 
program, the same as the request and the comparable amount 
provided for fiscal year 1999.

                   low-income home energy assistance

    The Committee recommends an advance appropriation of 
$1,100,000,000 for the fiscal year 2001 for the low-income home 
energy assistance program (LIHEAP), the same as the budget 
request and the same as the appropriation for fiscal year 2000 
that was enacted in last year's appropriations act. The bill 
also provides $300,000,000 as requested for LIHEAP for fiscal 
year 2000 subject to Presidential submission to Congress of a 
budget request designating the amount of the request as an 
emergency for the purposes of the Budget Act. In addition, the 
bill includes language that declares the regular fiscal year 
2000 appropriation for LIHEAP of $1,100,000,000 to be an 
emergency under the Budget Act.
    The LIHEAP program provides assistance to low income 
households to help pay the costs of home energy. Funds are 
provided through grants to States, Indian Tribes and 
territories, and are used for summer cooling and winter 
heating/crisis assistance programs.

                     refugee and entrant assistance

    The bill provides $423,500,000 for refugee assistance 
programs, a reduction of $7,000,000 from the President's 
request and an increase of $8,632,000 above the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 amount after adjusting for a one-time 
emergency appropriation for Kosovo refugees in 1999. In 
addition, the bill provides the Office of Refugee Resettlement 
(ORR) the authority to carry over unexpended funds from the 
fiscal year 1998 and 1999 appropriations to reimburse the cost 
of services provided in fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001. It is 
estimated that approximately $20,000,000 will be available in 
FY 2000 from carryover funds, and the Committee intends that 
these funds be used under social services to increase 
educational support to schools with a significant proportion of 
refugee children and for the development of alternative cash 
assistance programs that involve case management approaches to 
improve resettlement outcomes. Such support should include 
intensive English language training and cultural assimilation 
programs.

Transitional and medical services

    The bill provides $221,000,000 for transitional and medical 
services, about the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and the 
request. The bill continues the policy of providing eight 
months of assistance to new arrivals. The transitional and 
medical services program provides funding for the State-
administered cash and medical assistance program that assists 
refugees who are not categorically eligible for AFDC or 
Medicaid, the unaccompanied minors program that reimburses 
States for the cost of foster care, and the voluntary agency 
grant program in which participating national refugee 
resettlement agencies provide resettlement assistance with a 
combination of Federal and matched funds.

Social services

    The bill provides $140,000,000 for social services, about 
the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $7,990,000 
below the budget request. Funds are distributed by formula as 
well as through the discretionary grant making process for 
special projects. The Committee agrees that $19,000,000 is 
available for assistance to serve communities affected by the 
Cuban and Haitian entrants and refugees whose arrivals in 
recent years have increased. The Committee has set aside 
$26,000,000 for increased support to communities with large 
concentrations of refugees whose cultural differences make 
assimilation especially difficult justifying a more intense 
level and longer duration of Federal assistance. Finally, the 
Committee has set aside $14,000,000 to address the needs of 
refugees and communities impacted by recent changes in Federal 
assistance programs relating to welfare reform. The Committee 
urges ORR to assist refugees at risk of losing, or who have 
lost, benefits including SSI, TANF and Medicaid, in obtaining 
citizenship.

Preventive health

    The bill includes $5,000,000 for preventive health 
services, about the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and the request. These funds are awarded to the States to 
ensure adequate health assessment activities for refugees.

Targeted assistance

    The bill provides $50,000,000 for the targeted assistance 
program, about the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and the 
request. These grants provide assistance to areas with high 
concentrations of refugees.

Victims of torture

    The bill includes $7,500,000 for this newly-authorized 
activity to provide a comprehensive program of support for 
domestic centers and programs for victims of torture. The 
Committee expects that funds appropriated to assist victims of 
foreign governmental torture will be distributed to non-
governmental organizations specifically established to assist 
victims of torture. This assistance should be limited to 
rehabilitation and social services for victims of torture and 
to support training of resettlement and health care workers on 
how to assist torture victims.

                 child care and development block grant

    The bill includes no advance appropriation for the Child 
Care and Development Block Grant program for fiscal year 2001. 
Funds for fiscal year 2000 were already appropriated in last 
year's appropriations act in the amount of $1,182,672,000. The 
Committee does not believe it is necessary to provide an 
appropriation for 2001 at this time. That funding decision can 
be made next year.
    The Child Care and Development Block Grant program was 
originally enacted in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1990 to increase the availability, affordability and quality of 
child care by providing funds to States, Territories and Indian 
Tribes for child care services for low-income families. In the 
1996 Welfare Reform Act, the block grant was reauthorized 
through 2002. In addition, that Act contains additional 
mandatory appropriations for child care in the amounts of 
$2.367 billion for fiscal year 2001 and increasing amounts for 
each year through 2002.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific, measurable performance standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for the Child Care Block Grant. The Committee 
believes that it is essential for the Department to develop 
specific, measurable outcomes for this program. Such data 
should include meaningful baseline data and specific, 
measurable improvements that are expected to occur as a result 
of proposed increased funding.

                      social services block grant

    The bill provides $1,909,000,000 for the social services 
block grant (SSBG), the same as the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $471,000,000 below the President's request. 
The bill includes language that reduces the statutory limit on 
appropriations to the amount provided. Because of the severe 
budgetary constraints this year, the Committee believes it is 
necessary to freeze this program. The Committee is also aware 
that under existing law the appropriation for this block grant 
may not exceed $1,700,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2001. In 
addition, the bill includes language proposed by the 
Administration to reduce the percentage of TANF funds that 
States may transfer to the social services block grant from 10 
percent to 4.25 percent.
    SSBGs are designed to encourage States to furnish a variety 
of social services to needy individuals to prevent and reduce 
dependency, help individuals achieve and maintain self-
sufficiency, prevent or reduce inappropriate institutional 
care, secure admission or referral for institutional care when 
other forms of care are not appropriate, and prevent neglect, 
abuse and exploitation of children and adults.
    Funds are distributed to the territories in the same ratio 
such funds were allocated in fiscal year 1981. The remainder of 
the appropriation is distributed to the States and the District 
of Columbia according to population.

                children and families services programs

    The bill includes $6,219,216,000, an increase of 
$81,011,000 over the fiscal year 1999 amount and $487,237,000 
under the budget request. This includes amounts provided under 
the Violent Crime Trust Fund, as well as a rescission of 
$21,000,000 from permanent appropriations. This account 
finances a number of programs aimed at enhancing the well-being 
of the Nation's children and families, particularly those who 
are disadvantaged or troubled.

Head Start

    The bill includes $4,760,000,000 for the Head Start program 
for fiscal year 2000, an increase of $101,483,000 over the 
fiscal year 1999 amount and a reduction of $507,000,000 from 
the budget request. The Committee notes that this program has 
been increased by $3.2 billion from fiscal year 1990 to fiscal 
year 2000, or 206 percent. Of the total amount made available 
for Head Start, $3,360,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 
2000 and $1,400,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 
for obligation on October 1, 2000.
    The Committee applauds the Department's inclusion of 
seasonal farmworker children within the Migrant Head Start 
program. However, the Committee is concerned that funding for 
the Migrant Head Start program has not kept pace with other 
elements of Head Start and has kept children of farmworkers 
from gaining access to Head Start services. While fifty percent 
of children eligible for the regular Head Start program receive 
services, only about ten percent of children of farmworkers are 
served by Migrant Head Start. The Committee recommends that 
assistance for migrant and seasonal farmworker children be 
increased above the FY 1999 level.
    The Committee is concerned with recent reports of 
mismanagement within the Migrant Head Start program, including 
disregard for grantee concerns and late payments to grantees. 
The Committee urges the Department to address these concerns.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific baseline data for a number of Head Start 
performance standards consistent with the requirements of the 
Government Performance and Results Act. Despite the fact that 
the program is over 30 years old, rigorous evaluation of it has 
been minimal. The Committee believes the Department should 
establish and maintain a rigorous evaluation component for Head 
Start. We need to have hard evidence that the program is doing 
what it is supposed to be doing. The Committee believes that it 
is essential for the Department to develop meaningful 
achievement measures for this program. Such data must include 
valid baseline data and specific, measurable improvements that 
are expected to occur as a result of proposed increased 
funding.
    Head Start provides comprehensive development services for 
children and their families. Intended for preschoolers from 
low-income families, the program seeks to foster the 
development of children and enable them to deal more 
effectively with both their present environment and later 
responsibilities in school and community life. Head Start 
programs emphasize cognitive and language development, 
emotional development, physical and mental health, and parent 
involvement to enable each child to develop and function at his 
or her highest potential. At least ten percent of enrollment 
opportunities in each State are made available to handicapped 
children.
    Grants to carry out Head Start programs are awarded to 
public and private non-profit agencies. Grantees must 
contribute 20 percent of the total cost of the program; this is 
usually an in-kind contribution. The Head Start Act does not 
include a formula for the allotment of funds to local grantees; 
however, it does require that 87 percent of the appropriation 
be distributed among States based on a statutory formula. In 
addition, grants, cooperative agreements and contracts are 
awarded in the areas of research, demonstration, technical 
assistance and evaluation from the remaining 13 percent.
    A collaborative partnership between Job Corps and Head 
Start allows both programs to maximize the use of limited 
resources to serve their target populations and to reach 
geographic and demographic areas not currently being served by 
existing programs. The Committee believes there is a need for 
locating Head Start programs on Job Corps campuses to help more 
low-income single parents and their children. The Committee 
recognizes the Administration on Children and Families' efforts 
to collaborate with the Department of Labor's programs, such as 
Job Corps, and to develop cost-effective partnerships 
furthering the mission of both programs as requested in last 
year's report. The Committee urges the Department to work with 
Job Corps to select campuses with available space for 
construction or rehabilitation of child care centers and with a 
need for child care services in areas where a qualified Head 
Start program is available and willing to participate.
    The Committee urges the Head Start Bureau to work with 
other federal agencies to support the expansion, evaluation, 
and technical support of public/private partnerships, an 
initiative aimed at strengthening families and communities in 
their efforts to reduce the negative effect of substance abuse 
and use on the development of young children.
    The Committee applauds the expansion of the Early Head 
Start program that serves children under age three and their 
families, and urges the Secretary to ensure the best possible 
management of this expanding program so that its rapid growth 
does not undermine its quality or effectiveness. Last October, 
authorizing legislation was passed that required the Department 
to hire a full-time Early Head Start Director to oversee the 0-
3 program, including the training and technical assistance 
provided by the regional offices to individual Early Head Start 
programs. The Committee understands that the Department has not 
yet hired that individual, and urges the Department to bring on 
board a highly qualified manager with experience in Early Head 
Start to oversee these important services.
    The Committee notes that accelerating efforts to encourage 
welfare recipients to enter the workforce can be expected to 
generate increasing demand for full day child care options. The 
Committee requests that the Administration consider and be 
prepared to testify on the extent to which full day child care 
is a need for Head Start program participants and the extent to 
which the Head Start program can respond to that need.

Runaway and homeless youth

    The bill includes $58,602,000 for runaway and homeless 
youth activities, about the same as the amount available for 
fiscal year 1999 and $5,000,000 less than the budget request. 
The basic program, for which the bill includes $43,653,000, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 amount, is intended to help 
address the needs of runaway and homeless youth and their 
families through support of activities sponsored by State and 
local governments and private nonprofit agencies.
    Grants are used to develop and strengthen community-based 
facilities which are outside the law enforcement structure and 
the juvenile justice system. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act 
mandates that funds for this program be allocated to each State 
on the basis of its youth population under 18 years of age in 
proportion to the national total. Runaway youth programs have 
been very successful in reuniting runaway children with their 
families and preventing runaways which, in turn, decreases the 
number of high school dropouts, incidents of juvenile drug 
abuse, crime and incarceration.
    The Committee has provided $14,949,000 for the transitional 
living program for homeless youth, the same as the fiscal year 
1999 amount. The program was created to serve those young 
people who cannot return home. Funds are used to provide 
appropriate shelter and services for up to 18 months for youths 
ages 16-20 who have no safe available living arrangements. 
Services are designed to help youth move towards self-
sufficient and independent living, and to prevent long-term 
dependency on social services. In addition to shelter, such 
services may include education, vocational training, basic life 
skills, interpersonal skills building, and mental and physical 
health care. Grants are available to public and private 
programs.

Child abuse

    For child abuse prevention and treatment, the Committee 
recommends $35,170,000, the same as the fiscal year 1999 level 
and about the same as the budget request. The total amount 
recommended includes $21,020,000 for State grants and 
$14,150,000 for discretionary projects; these amounts are the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 amounts. The child abuse programs 
attempt to improve and increase activities at all levels of 
government which identify, prevent, and treat child abuse and 
neglect through State grants, technical assistance, research, 
demonstration, and service improvement.

Abandoned infants assistance

    The Committee recommends $12,255,000 for the Abandoned 
Infants Assistance Act, about the same as the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and the budget request. The purpose of this 
program is to provide financial support to public and non-
profit private entities to develop, implement, and operate 
demonstration projects that will prevent the abandonment of 
infants and young children; identify and address their needs, 
especially those infected with HIV; assist such children to 
reside with their natural families or in foster care, as 
appropriate; provide respite care for families and caregivers; 
and recruit and train caregivers. Grantees must establish a 
care plan and case review system for each child.

Child welfare services

    The bill includes $291,900,000 for child welfare services, 
the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and $89,000 below the 
budget request. This program authorized by title IV-B of the 
Social Security Act provides grants to States to assist public 
welfare agencies establish, extend, and strengthen child 
welfare services in order to enable children to remain in their 
homes under the care of their parents, or, where that is not 
possible, to provide alternative permanent homes for them.
    The bill includes $7,000,000 for child welfare training, 
the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget request. 
The Committee recognizes the need for trained, skilled and 
qualified child welfare protection personnel. This program 
provides teaching and traineeship grants to schools of social 
work to train social workers in the specialty of child welfare. 
The Committee strongly encourages the schools of social work to 
provide in-service training to those public child welfare staff 
not eligible for the graduate IV-E program.

Adoption opportunities

    The Committee recommends $27,500,000 for adoption 
opportunities, an increase of $137,000 over the budget request 
and an increase of $2,508,000 over the fiscal year 1999 amount. 
The Adoption Opportunities Program provides funding 
specifically targeted to improving the adoption of children 
with special needs and minority children and for providing for 
innovative services that support families involved in adoption. 
The Committee believes that the activities funded by this 
program should provide the direction, leadership, and 
innovation which are needed to achieve the goals and reforms of 
the Adoption and Safe Families Act.
    Toward that end, the Committee intends that funds available 
for Adoption Opportunities be broadly directed toward 
supporting innovative strategies which can improve practices 
and establish model procedures for organizations and agencies 
serving children and families in every State, including: model 
services that demonstrate reasonable efforts to place children 
for adoption; public education on the adoption of children with 
special needs; the development of models for the removal of 
geographic barriers to adoption; recruiting adoptive parents; 
post-adoption services to families; and the increased use of 
electronic exchange systems to facilitate adoptive placements.

Adoption incentives

    The bill includes $20,000,000 for the adoption incentives 
program, the same as the budget request and the same as the 
1999 level. This program was authorized in the Adoption and 
Safe Families Act of 1997. These funds are used to pay bonuses 
to States that increase their number of adoptions; the goal is 
to double the number of children adopted or permanently placed 
out of public child welfare systems by 2002. This should make 
adoption a higher priority at the State level. The Committee 
understands that adoptions are occurring at a higher rate than 
previously anticipated. The Committee will consider providing 
additional funding for this activity in conference with the 
Senate.

Social services and income maintenance research

    The bill includes $27,000,000 for social services and 
income maintenance research, the same as the fiscal year 1999 
amount and the budget request. These funds support research, 
demonstration, evaluation and dissemination activities. Areas 
covered include such things as welfare reform, child care, and 
child welfare.
    The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Act (TANF) 
affords states more flexibility in the design of programs aimed 
at promoting work over welfare. At the same time, TANF assigns 
states greater responsibility for meeting complex information 
systems and federal reporting requirements. To assist in this 
effort, ACF last year called on the state information 
technology consortium to identify information systems issues 
confronting states and to determine best practices for 
resolving those issues. The next phase of this effort will 
enable states to discern which best practices are appropriate 
for their particular needs. States will then work with the 
consortium to implement those practices. The Committee 
encourages continuation of this effort at the current level of 
support.

Community-based resource centers

    The bill includes $32,835,000 for this program; the fiscal 
year 1999 amount was the same. The President's budget requested 
$32,835,000 for fiscal year 2000. According to the Department, 
the purpose of the program is ``to assist each State in 
developing and operating a network of community-based, 
prevention-focused family resource and support programs that 
coordinate resources among a broad range of human service 
organizations * * *''.
    The Committee finds that respite services for caregivers of 
individuals with disabilities are critical components of 
comprehensive family support and longterm care services that 
can prevent costly institutional placements. The Committee 
supports continuation of a national resource center to provide 
technical assistance, evaluation, and networking for these 
vital respite and crisis services.

Developmental disabilities

    For programs authorized by the Developmental Disabilities 
Assistance Act, the Committee recommends $115,012,000, a 
reduction of $4,182,000 from the amount available for fiscal 
year 1999 and $4,220,000 below the budget request. The total 
includes $64,800,000 for allotments to the States to fund State 
Councils, about the same as fiscal year 1999. These Councils 
engage in such activities as planning, policy analysis, 
demonstrations, training, outreach, interagency coordination, 
and public education. They do not provide direct services to 
the developmentally-disabled population.
    In addition, $27,710,000 will be available to the States to 
be used for operating an advocacy program to protect the rights 
of the developmentally disabled. This is an increase of 
$1,000,000 over the fiscal year 1999 level. The Committee 
recognizes that the protection and advocacy system is in need 
of additional resources to develop projects to monitor 
community care for people with developmental disabilities, 
given the inadequacy of current state monitoring systems and 
the great potential for abuse and neglect in these placements. 
Accordingly, the Committee intends that the $1,000,000 increase 
in appropriations for the protection and advocacy system be 
used by the protection and advocacy program for persons with 
developmental disabilities to fund start-up community 
monitoring projects by the system.
    The Committee recognizes that a large number of persons 
eligible under the TANF program have disabilities and that many 
may be unable to comply with state requirements relating to 
participation in the workforce. Thus, these individuals may 
lose their benefits unless accommodations in the workplace, 
alternative work arrangements, and specialized supports and 
services are provided. The Committee believes that the 
protection and advocacy system may be able to provide the 
benefits counseling and workplace advocacy assistance necessary 
to minimize the potentially significant hardships that could be 
imposed on persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the 
Committee urges the Administration for Children and Families to 
develop a plan to provide, through the protection and advocacy 
system, such services for persons with disabilities who are 
eligible for TANF benefits.
    The bill includes $5,042,000 for special discretionary 
projects for training, technical assistance and demonstration. 
This is a reduction of $5,205,000 from the fiscal year 1999 
funding level and $5,208,000 below the budget request.
    The Committee approves a total of $17,460,000 for grants to 
university affiliated facilities and satellite centers to 
support the cost of administering and operating demonstration 
facilities and interdisciplinary training programs. This is the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 level and the budget request. 
These are discretionary grants to public and private non-profit 
agencies affiliated with a university. These grants provide 
basic operational and administrative core support for these 
agencies. In addition, these funds support interdisciplinary 
training, community services, technical assistance to State 
agencies and information dissemination.

Native American programs

    The bill includes $34,933,000, about the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level and the same as the amount requested in the 
budget. The Administration for Native Americans assists Indian 
Tribes and Native American organizations in planning and 
implementing their own long-term strategies for social and 
economic development. In promoting social and economic self-
sufficiency, this organization provides financial assistance 
through direct grants for individual projects, training and 
technical assistance, and research and demonstration programs.

Community services

    The bill includes $568,555,000 for Community Services 
activities, which is $5,169,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
level and $48,555,000 over the budget request.
            State block grant
    For the State Block Grant, the bill includes $510,000,000, 
which is an increase of $10,000,000 over the President's 
request and $10,159,000 over the fiscal year 1999 level. This 
program provides grants to States for services to meet 
employment, housing, nutrition, energy, emergency services, and 
health needs of low-income people. By law, 90% of these funds 
are passed directly through to local community action agencies 
which have previously received block grant funds. The Committee 
is convinced that this program provides the kind of flexibility 
at the local level necessary to assist people who are in 
temporary need of government assistance to get back on their 
feet.
    The 1998 reauthorization of the Community Services Block 
Grant included a change which makes family literacy services an 
allowable activity in the use of CSBG funds. In order to 
fulfill the intent of the law, the Committee urges the 
Department to seek the assistance of a national organization 
with a record of providing effective services to family 
literacy providers to assist community action agencies seeking 
to implement family literacy services.
            Community economic development/rural facilities
    The bill includes $30,055,000 for community economic 
development grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
level. The President proposed not to fund this. These 
activities provide assistance to private, locally-initiated 
community development corporations which sponsor enterprises 
providing employment, training and business development 
opportunities for low-income residents in poor communities. In 
certain instances, projects which have been awarded funding may 
not be able to go forward because of changed circumstances. The 
Secretary may approve the use of the funds for another project 
sponsored by the same community development corporation if the 
project meets the requirements of the law and the goals and 
objectives of the original project for which the grant was 
made. The bill also includes $3,500,000 for rural community 
facilities, the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The 
President proposed no funding for this. These grants are 
provided to multi-state, private nonprofit organizations to 
provide training and technical assistance to small, rural 
communities in meeting their community facilities needs. The 
Committee believes that these two activities could not be done 
by local community action agencies.
            National youth sports program
    The bill includes $15,000,000 for the National Youth Sports 
Program, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The 
President proposed no funding for this program. These funds are 
made available to a private, non-profit organization to provide 
recreational activities for low-income youth, primarily in the 
summer months. College and university athletic facilities are 
employed in the program. The Committee is aware of the many 
ways in which this program has had a positive impact on low-
income youth. In addition to giving students a chance to spend 
time on a college campus, the program also provides them with 
math and science instruction, drug and substance abuse 
programs, and health and nutrition services. The Committee 
encourages the program to continue its outstanding work in 
these areas and to provide direction to youth on educational 
and career opportunities and violence prevention.
            Community food and nutrition
    The bill provides no funding for the Community Food and 
Nutrition program, which was funded at $4,999,000 in fiscal 
year 1999. There is no budget request for it. The program does 
not provide any direct feeding services. It provides grants to 
public and private agencies to coordinate existing food 
assistance programs, to identify sponsors of child nutrition 
programs and attempt to initiate new programs and to do 
advocacy work at the State and local levels. These are 
activities that could just as easily and probably more 
appropriately be funded by the States and local governments.

Violent Crime Trust Fund

    The bill includes $105,000,000 for programs funded from the 
Violent Crime Trust Fund. That is about the same as the amount 
for fiscal year 1999 and $13,500,000 below the request. 
Included is $15,000,000 for a program which is designed to 
reduce the sexual abuse of runaway youth. The fiscal year 1999 
amount was about the same. The Committee recommends $88,800,000 
for family violence prevention and services and battered 
women's shelters, which is about the same as the fiscal year 
1999 level. This program is designed to assist States in 
efforts to prevent family violence and to provide immediate 
shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence 
and their dependents, and to provide for technical assistance 
and training relating to family violence programs to State and 
local public agencies (including law enforcement agencies), 
nonprofit private organizations, and persons seeking such 
assistance. The bill also includes $1,200,000 to continue 
funding the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Program direction

    The Committee has approved $144,454,000 for program 
direction expenses of the Administration for Children and 
Families, the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and $6,114,000 
below the budget request.

                    family preservation and support

    The Committee recommends $295,000,000 for the family 
preservation and support account, an increase of $20,000,000 
over the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and the same as the 
budget request. This capped entitlement program provides grants 
to States to develop and expand child welfare services 
including family preservation, family reunification, and 
community-based family support services for families at-risk or 
in crisis.

       PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE

    The bill provides $4,307,300,000 for payments to States for 
foster care and adoption assistance, that in combination with 
$1,355,000,000 in advance fiscal year 2000 appropriations 
provided in the fiscal year 1999 Appropriations Act, makes 
available $5,662,300,000 for foster care and adoption 
activities, a reduction of $5,000,000 from the budget request 
and $543,300,000 above the fiscal year 1999 amount. The 
reduction from the request is accounted for by the fact that 
$5,000,000 of the request is based upon proposed legislation 
which has not been enacted. The bill also includes an advance 
appropriation of $1,538,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 
year 2001 to ensure timely completion of first quarter grant 
awards.
    Of the total appropriation, including the advance 
appropriation from the prior year, the bill provides 
$4,537,200,000 for the foster care program to provide 
maintenance payments to States on behalf of children who must 
live outside their homes, the same as the request and 
$554,500,000 above the fiscal year 1999 amount.
    Within the total appropriation, including the advance 
appropriation from the prior year, the bill provides 
$1,020,100,000 for adoption assistance, the same as the budget 
request and an increase of $151,300,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation. This program provides training for parents 
and State administrative staff as well as payments on behalf of 
categorically eligible children considered difficult to adopt. 
This annually appropriated entitlement is designed to provide 
alternatives to long, inappropriate stays in foster care by 
developing permanent placements with families.
    Within the total appropriation for this account, the bill 
provides $105,000,000 for the independent living program, an 
increase of $35,000,000 over the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and the same as the budget request. The program is designed to 
assist foster children age 16 or older to make successful 
transitions to independence. Funds assist children to earn high 
school diplomas, receive vocational training, and obtain 
training in daily living skills. Funds are awarded to States on 
the basis of the number of children on behalf of whom Federal 
foster care payments are received.

                        Administration on Aging


                        AGING SERVICES PROGRAMS

    For programs administered by the Administration on Aging, 
the Committee recommends a total of $881,976,000, which is 
about the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and $166,079,000 
below the budget request. This account finances all programs 
under the Older Americans Act in this bill, with the exception 
of the Community Services Employment Program under title V, 
which is administered by the Department of Labor. The Committee 
notes that the older Americans programs again this year lack an 
authorization for appropriations.
    The Committee has not recommended funding for two new 
initiatives requested in the budget totaling $129,000,000. 
These are a new national family caregiver support program and a 
program of health disparities interventions. These are 
proposals that have never been authorized by law. The Committee 
believes that they should be acted upon by the authorizing 
committees of jurisdiction prior to any appropriations being 
made for them.
    The Committee is disappointed that the Department has not 
identified better and more ambitious performance standards for 
the Older Americans Act programs consistent with the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act. The 
Committee believes that it is essential for the Department to 
develop more meaningful outcomes measures for these programs.

Supportive services and centers

    The Committee has included $310,192,000 for supportive 
services and centers. The amount provided is $10,000,000 over 
the fiscal year 1999 level and about the same as the budget 
request. This includes funding for in-home services for frail 
elderly persons who are at risk of losing their self-
sufficiency due to physical or mental impairments. The budget 
request proposes to fund this under supportive services and 
centers in FY 2000 rather than as a separate line item, and the 
Committee concurs.
    Funds for supportive services and centers are awarded to 
each State with an approved State plan. The formula under title 
III of the Older Americans Act mandates that no State be 
allotted less than the total amount allotted to it in fiscal 
year 1987. The statute also requires that additional funds be 
distributed on the basis of each State's proportionate share of 
the total age 60 and over population, with no State receiving 
less than one-half of one percent of the funds awarded. The 
funds contained in the bill will support coordinated, 
comprehensive service delivery systems at the local level.
    The States have the ability under the basic law to transfer 
up to 20% of funds appropriated between the senior centers 
program and the nutrition programs; this allows the State to 
concentrate its resources in the program it deems most 
critical. Many States do transfer funds into this program from 
the congregate meals program.

Ombudsman/elder abuse

    The bill includes $12,181,000 for the State long-term care 
ombudsman activities, the elder abuse prevention program, State 
elder rights and outreach and counseling authorized by title 
VII of the Older Americans Act. The amount provided is the same 
as the fiscal year 1999 level and the budget request. This 
program provides the assistance needed by vulnerable older 
Americans to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation, to 
exercise control over their environment, and to locate the 
resources they need for care and daily living.

Preventive health

    The bill includes $16,123,000 for preventive health 
services authorized under part F of title III of the Act. This 
is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 
funding level. These funds are awarded to States by formula to 
allow States and communities the flexibility to meet the health 
promotion and disease prevention needs of older people.

Nutrition programs

    For congregate nutrition services, the Committee includes 
$374,258,000, the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and about 
the same as the budget request. For home-delivered nutrition 
services, the Committee provides $112,000,000, the same as the 
fiscal year 1999 level and $35,000,000 below the budget 
request. The Committee agrees that the home-delivered meals 
program is an effective and valuable program for homebound 
older Americans. However, given the extremely tight budget 
constraints under which the Committee is operating this year, 
it was simply not possible to provide the increased funding for 
this program. These programs are intended to address some of 
the difficulties confronting older individuals, namely 
nutrition deficiencies due to inadequate income, lack of 
adequate facilities to prepare food, and social isolation. The 
States have the ability under the basic law to transfer up to 
20% of funds appropriated between the senior centers program 
and the nutrition programs; this allows the State to 
concentrate its resources in the program it deems most 
critical.
    The nutrition programs also collect substantial sums each 
year in voluntary contributions from participants; private 
sector funds are also contributed. Volunteers also make a 
significant contribution to these programs.

Grants to Indian tribes

    The bill provides $18,457,000 for grants to Indian tribes. 
This is the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget 
request. Funds under this program are awarded to tribal 
organizations to be used to promote opportunities for older 
Indians, to secure and maintain independence and self-
sufficiency, and to provide transportation, nutrition, health 
screening and other services to help meet the needs of this 
population.

Research, training and special projects

    The bill provides $18,000,000 for research, training and 
special projects under title IV of the Older Americans Act, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 funding level and the President's 
request. Funds under this program are used to support education 
and training activities for personnel working in the field of 
aging and to finance research, development, and demonstration 
projects.
    The Committee urges the Secretary to provide $3,000,000 for 
social research into Alzheimer's disease care options, best 
practices and other Alzheimer's research priorities that 
include research into cause, cure and care, as well as respite 
care, assisted living, the impact of intervention by social 
service agencies on victims, and related needs. The Committee 
recommends this research utilize and give discretion to Area 
Agencies on Aging and their non-profit divisions in 
municipalities with aged populations (over the age of 60) of 
over 1 million, with preference given to the largest 
population. The Committee also recommends that unique 
partnerships to effect this research be considered by the 
selected Area Agency on Aging. A comprehensive ``single point 
of entry'' system for informational services on Alzheimer's 
care, cure and cause will also be established as a 
demonstration project, offering case assistance and case 
management, as needed. Alzheimer's disease afflicts 10 percent 
of Americans over the age of 65, and as many as 47 percent of 
Americans over the age of 85, and has no effective treatment or 
cure.
    The Committee recommendation includes sufficient funds for 
the pension information and counseling demonstration program, 
authorized under Title IV of the Older Americans Act, to 
continue the existing demonstration projects, technical 
assistance and training projects, and any new model projects 
that were created in other regions of the country during fiscal 
year 1999. Pension counseling projects provide information, 
advice, and assistance to workers and retirees about pension 
plans, and pursuing claims when pension problems arise. Also 
included are funds for a study to examine the feasibility of 
implementing a financing mechanism that would allow the 
pension-counseling program to become self-sustaining.
    The Committee is aware of the special needs and problems 
facing senior citizens who desire to remain in their homes to 
increasingly advanced ages. With appropriate housing 
modifications, seniors and disabled citizens can live at home 
comfortably and safely for many years, thus averting 
confinement to a nursing home and lessening the costs of our 
health care delivery systems. The Committee urges the 
Administration on Aging, in collaboration with nongovernmental 
organizations, to develop a national seniors' housing center, 
which will develop innovative approaches for the lifestyles of 
older Americans.

Alzheimer's demonstration grants

    The Committee provides $5,970,000 for Alzheimer's 
demonstration grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
level and the budget request. The program provides grants to 
States to help them plan and establish programs to provide 
health care services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease. 
Funds are used for respite care and supportive services, 
clearinghouses, training, and administrative costs for State 
offices. By law, States are required to match the Federal 
funding--45 percent of the cost of the program by the third 
year of the grant.

Program administration

    The bill includes $14,795,000 for program administration 
expenses of the Administration on Aging. This is $2,035,000 
below the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 
amount after accounting for the one-time appropriation for Y2K 
activities in 1999. This activity provides administrative and 
management support for all Older Americans Act programs 
administered by the Department. No funding is provided for the 
Federal Council on Aging.

                        Office of the Secretary


                    GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

    The bill includes $227,787,000 for general departmental 
management, an increase of $28,445,000 over the fiscal year 
1999 amount and $10,375,000 over the budget request. Included 
in this amount is authority to spend $5,851,000 from the 
Medicare trust funds. Of the total amount made available, 
$177,787,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2000 and 
$50,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 for obligation 
on October 1, 2000.
    This appropriation supports those activities that are 
associated with the Secretary's roles as policy officer and 
general manager of the Department. The Office of the Secretary 
also implements Administration and Congressional directives, 
and provides assistance, direction and coordination to the 
headquarters, regions and field organizations of the 
Department. These activities have been basically frozen at the 
FY 1999 level after accounting for the one-time funding in 1999 
for Y2K activities. This account also supports several small 
health activities that are centrally administered.
    The Committee has not recommended funding for a new 
$25,000,000 initiative requested in the budget to address the 
question of health care access for the uninsured. This proposal 
has never been authorized by law. The Committee believes that 
it should be acted upon by the authorizing committees of 
jurisdiction prior to any appropriation being made for it.
    Each of the departments under the Committee's jurisdiction 
is statutorily required to have audited financial statements 
covering all the department's accounts and activities. Congress 
enacted this requirement in the Government Management Reform 
Act of 1994 after having observed the benefits of the pilot 
program of audited financial statements that had been required 
by the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990. An audited 
financial statement is like a ``scorecard'' that reflects a 
department's progress in achieving the significant financial 
management reforms required by the CFO Act, and in providing 
effective stewardship and management of government funds. 
Accordingly, the Committee expects the Department to work 
vigorously towards obtaining a clean opinion on its financial 
statements. The transfer and reprogramming authority the 
Committee has granted provides substantial flexibility to the 
Department and is particularly valuable during periods of 
increasing fiscal constraints. However, the Committee questions 
the extent to which agencies can properly exercise such 
authority and accurately account for affected funds if they 
have not made substantial progress towards achieving the CFO 
Act's financial management reforms. Accordingly, in subsequent 
years, the Committee will consider the Department's progress in 
making such reforms and in obtaining a clean opinion on its 
financial statements when scrutinizing requests for current 
appropriations and in deciding whether to continue, expand or 
limit transfer and reprogramming authority.
    The Committee has provided $450,000 for a National Academy 
of Sciences study of OSHA's proposed rule relating to 
occupational exposure to tuberculosis. The study should address 
the following questions:
          1. Are health care workers at a greater risk of 
        infection, disease, and mortality due to tuberculosis 
        than the general community within which they reside? If 
        so, what is the excess risk due to occupational 
        exposure?
          2. Can the occupationally acquired risk be quantified 
        for different work environments, different job 
        classifications, etc., as a result of implementation of 
        the 1994 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
        (CDC) guidelines for the prevention of tuberculosis 
        transmission at the worksite or the implementation of 
        specific parts of the CDC guidelines?
          3. What effect will the implementation of OSHA's 
        proposed tuberculosis standard have in minimizing or 
        eliminating the risk of infection, disease, and 
        mortality due to tuberculosis?
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to allocate 
necessary funds to maintain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 
Coordinating Committee (CFSCC). The Committee supports the use 
of this body to coordinate and expand CFIDS research across the 
Public Health Service. The Committee expects the CFSCC to 
create a yearly action plan and to focus attention on the four 
priority areas: expanding research on CFS; augmenting health 
care provider education; improving access to SSA regarding 
disability benefits; and executing the CFSCC's charter to 
provide coordination and ensure accountability of the agencies' 
CFS programs.
    The Committee instructs the Department and the agencies 
represented on the CFSCC to take a leadership role in informing 
health care professionals and the general public about CFS, 
focusing on the prevalent and serious nature of CFS. The 
Committee directs the Secretary and the Surgeon General to 
undertake a prominent educational campaign to inform the public 
that CFS is a serious and disabling illness.
    In light of the Inspector General's finding of misspent CFS 
funds at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 
Committee directs the Secretary to ensure that all of the 
agencies' CFS research programs are effective and ambitious and 
that the accounts of CFS research activity and spending 
reported to Congress are thorough and accurate.
    The Committee is pleased with the work of the Department's 
Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability. Persons 
with primary immune deficiency disorders represent a 
significant population dependent on blood products to maintain 
their health. As opportunities to do so permit, the Committee 
continues to encourage the Department to appoint a 
representative to the committee who has expertise in primary 
immune deficiency diseases.
    The Committee urges the Department to continue to consider 
the establishment of an Office of Reserve Coordination for the 
PHS Commissioned Corps in order to make better use of the 
inactive reserve of the Corps. The Department should be 
prepared to discuss progress made on this matter in connection 
with next year's budget.
    The Committee is encouraged by agency interest in 
intradepartmental coordination of programs within the 
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. 
The Committee continues to be concerned that the Departments 
have no forum in place for continuous interdepartmental 
collaboration. The Working Group on Comprehensive Early 
Childhood Family Centers, headed by the Department of 
Education, recommended that the Departments create such a 
forum, and this has yet to occur. Therefore, the Committee 
urges the Departments to institutionalize interdisciplinary 
collaboration at all levels, and requests a progress report on 
steps taken to accomplish such departmental collaboration and 
program coordination no later than March of 2000.
    It is essential that states and the federal government work 
together to ensure that welfare reform efforts are successful, 
when providing essential social services to those in need. 
However, the Committee is concerned that states may be using 
federal financial resources provided as a result of welfare 
reform to supplant state funds for social service and 
entitlement programs. Since federal funds were to be provided 
on a short term basis, the Committee is concerned that the 
states have not prepared for future social service needs, 
including the needs of the disabled community and the 
profoundly disabled. At the same time, the Committee is aware 
that many states have developed new programs which are not 
related to the provision of social services. The Committee 
requests the General Accounting Office to examine the actions 
of the states and their efforts to contribute existing state 
resources to social service programs and to report its findings 
to this Committee, six months after enactment.
    The Committee bill includes funds to address the HIV/AIDS 
needs of racial and ethnic minority communities. These funds 
are to be available to address prevention, treatment and 
research needs of minority communities that are impacted by 
HIV/AIDS, and should complement existing and previously planned 
targeted HIV/AIDS minority activities. In allocating these 
funds, consideration should be given to the specific Native 
American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific 
Islander populations at highest risk for HIV/AIDS as well as 
ensuring culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible 
programs and services, especially for urban and rural 
populations, immigrants and refugees, and populations that are 
either geographically concentrated or geographically isolated.
    The Committee is concerned with the growing number of HIV/
AIDS reported cases in the Hispanic community, the African-
American community, the Native-American community and other 
affected ethnic and minority populations. To address this 
growing epidemic, the Committee urges the Secretary to provide 
funding for initiatives to address the needs of these 
communities. The Committee also urges the Secretary to include 
these ethnic and racial communities as eligible applicants for 
existing programs under the HIV/AIDS initiative.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.
    The Committee requests that the Secretary examine and 
report on mechanisms to develop a more efficient and seamless 
medical and social service delivery system for persons with HIV 
and AIDS through the blending of entitlement and discretionary 
federal funds; specifically, Medicaid, Medicare, and Ryan White 
CARE Act funds. The Committee recommends that the Department 
explore opportunities to develop and implement, through 
existing authority, demonstration projects to examine the 
integration of federally funded medical and social service 
programs. The Committee requests that a full report be 
completed no later than six months after the beginning of the 
fiscal year and include policy, legislative and programmatic 
issues and analyses necessary for full assessment of 
implementing such a demonstration.
    The Committee recognizes that there is a clear public 
health need for HIV and STD prevention technologies that women 
can control, and tremendous scientific opportunity in the field 
of microbicides. The Committee strongly believes microbicide 
research and development should be a high priority area within 
the Department of Health and Human Services.
    The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report to 
the Committee within 120 days of enactment of the fiscal 2000 
appropriations bill on the overall annual federal investment in 
microbicide research, including lists of projects devoted 
specifically to microbicide product development and testing, as 
well as initiatives serving multiple purposes. In addition, the 
Committee directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the 
Director of the National Institutes of Health, to develop and 
provide the Committee with an integrated, coordinated strategy 
directed toward microbicide research and development, which 
provides clear lines of responsibility and builds on the 
strengths of appropriate NIH Institutes and Offices, including 
NIAID, NICHD, and the OAR. In developing this strategy, the 
Secretary and the Director should consult with other relevant 
agencies, such as the US Agency for International Development 
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 
Committee further directs the Secretary to provide a report to 
the Committee within 120 days on progress toward this 
initiative. The Committee encourages the Secretary and the 
Director to use all available resources, including Small 
Business Innovation Research grants, to promote product 
development in this area.
    The 1998 reauthorization of the Community Services Block 
Grant (CSBG) included a change which makes family literacy 
services an allowable activity in the use of CSBG funds. In 
order to fulfill the intent of the law, the Committee urges the 
Department of Health and Human Services to seek the assistance 
of a national organization with a record of providing effective 
services to family literacy providers to assist community 
action agencies seeking to implement family literacy services.
    The Committee has provided adequate funding for the 
continuation and growth of a variety of competitive programs 
throughout the Public Health Service that emphasize improving 
the health status of disadvantaged populations, including 
racial and ethnic minorities. The need for strong support and 
continued emphasis on these programs is embodied in the mission 
of the Department of Health and Human Services.
    The Committee understands that there are many qualified 
minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and small 
businesses that design and place advertising and advertising 
campaigns, that can assist the Department in its efforts using 
print and electronic media. The Committee believes these firms 
can provide valuable new insights and expertise and expects the 
Department to increase its use of these qualified businesses.
    Indirect Costs.--The Committee requests the Secretary to 
provide a report on indirect costs. The report should include a 
list of all grantees, including schools and non-profit 
organizations, the amount of grant funds they received, and 
what percentage was for overhead costs. It should also discuss 
regional differences and provide an average amount of money for 
their entire budget that goes to indirect costs. This 
information should be provided to the Committee electronically 
in XLS or DBF format.

Adolescent family life

    The bill provides $67,700,000 for the adolescent family 
life abstinence counseling program, an increase of $58,500,000 
over the President's request and $50,000,000 over the fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation. This program is designed to promote 
activities to delay premature sexual activity and promote 
abstinence.
    Delaying sexual activity by even a few years has 
demonstrated dramatic results in reducing the incidence of 
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy.
    The Committee intends for the $50,000,000 increase in Title 
XX of the Public Health Service Act funding to be used for 
grants to organizations that clearly and consistently focus on 
abstinence as the clearly preferred and primary method of 
preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancy. [Abstinence shall have 
the same meaning as defined in Public Law 104-193, Title IX, 
section 912.]
    Grants to these organizations should focus on developing a 
national certification program for abstinence trainers, 
training persons as abstinence instructors, and on providing 
actual presentations to youth at vulnerable ages (Grades 7 
through 12). The Department will hold competition for these 
grants during the regular cycle in FY 2000, and issue these 
grants at the beginning of FY 2001.

Physical fitness and sports

    The bill includes no funding for the President's Council on 
Physical Fitness and Sports. The fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
was $1,005,000 and the request for fiscal year 2000 was roughly 
the same. While the Committee believes the Council has provided 
some valuable service to the country, some of its activities 
are widely duplicated throughout the economy and could and 
should be provided with non-federal support.
    The Council has sought to improve the level of physical 
fitness nationwide through professional consultation, technical 
assistance, and public information which is provided to school 
systems, government agencies, employee organizations, private 
business and industry, and professional organizations.

Minority health

    The bill includes $30,000,000 for the Office of Minority 
Health, an increase of $2,000,000 over the President's budget 
request and $6,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation.
    According to the budget request, the Office of Minority 
Health works with Public Health Service agencies and other 
agencies of the Department in a ``catalytic, coordinative, 
advocacy and policy development role'' to establish goals and 
coordinate other activities in the Department regarding disease 
prevention, health promotion, service delivery and research 
relating to disadvantaged and minority individuals; concludes 
interagency agreements to stimulate and undertake innovative 
projects; supports research, demonstration, and evaluation 
projects; and coordinates efforts to promote minority health 
programs and policies in the voluntary and corporate sectors.
    The Committee is pleased that the Office of Minority Health 
has taken a leadership role in conducting and coordinating a 
study on managed care and historically minority health 
professions schools, and encourages continued support.
    The Committee is aware of the ongoing demonstration project 
at a historically black medical school that focuses on 
integrating health delivery systems in an underserved 
community. The Committee encourages the Department to consider 
sustaining the project through the Office of Minority Health 
and other operating divisions.
    The Committee is concerned about a recent cardiac 
catheterization study with respect to ethnic biases in the 
diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The 
Committee has provided funds to the Office of Minority Health 
for a one-time, Institute of Medicine study of the prevalence 
and impact of ethnic bias in medicine. The Committee expects 
IOM to work closely with ethnic medical organizations to 
develop the parameters of the study.
    The Committee urges the continued funding of HIV/AIDS 
prevention activities by the Office of Minority Health through 
its Minority Community Coalition Demonstration Grants program 
and its Bilingual/Bicultural Demonstration Grants program.
    The Committee urges the Department to make sufficient funds 
available to support the establishment of at least one multi-
State minority HIV/AIDS technical assistance and resource 
center. The funds should be made available to a minority 
organization that has experience in (1) providing technical and 
capacity-building assistance to minority organizations; (2) 
developing educational materials for states, community-based 
organizations and healthcare providers; and (3) working on 
issues related to minority women and other populations 
disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
    Sufficient funding is included to support the 
implementation of a perinatal HIV/AIDS educational, testing and 
outreach demonstration, targeting providers and the minority 
women of childbearing age they serve.

Office on Women's Health

    The bill includes $15,495,000 for the Office on Women's 
Health, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 funding level 
and $2,027,000 less than the Administration request. The 
Committee notes that each of the Public Health Service agencies 
under its jurisdiction supports an office or program which 
focuses on women's health. The Office on Women's Health advises 
the Secretary and provides Department-wide coordination of 
programs focusing specifically on women's health.

Emergency preparedness

    The Committee has elected to provide all funding for 
emergency preparedness, including bioterrorism activities, in 
the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund rather 
than providing a portion of it in this account as proposed in 
the budget.

                    office of the inspector general

    The bill includes $29,000,000 for the Office of the 
Inspector General, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 
level, after adjusting for one-time funding in 1999 for Y2K 
activities, and a reduction of $2,500,000 from the budget 
request. A large permanent appropriation for this office is 
contained in the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996. Total funds provided between this 
bill and the permanent appropriation would be $129,000,000 in 
FY 2000. The bill includes language limiting the permanent 
appropriation to the fiscal year 1999 funding level.
    The Office of the Inspector General was created by law to 
protect the integrity of Departmental programs as well as the 
health and welfare of beneficiaries served by those programs. 
Through a comprehensive program of audits, investigations, 
inspections and program evaluations, the OIG attempts to reduce 
the incidence of fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, and to 
promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness throughout the 
Department.
    The Committee instructs the Inspector General of the 
Department of Health and Human Services to provide the 
Committee with semi-annual reports on the actual deficit 
reduction impact of the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996. The Committee has made this request 
in the past and has received some reports from the IG. However, 
the reports have been sporadic.
    The Committee believes that all of the Inspectors General 
need to do a better job of accounting for and tracking the 
savings that they claim to generate by their efforts. More 
attention must be paid to how much money is actually collected 
each year and paid back to the Federal government. The 
Committee directs the Inspector General to continue to report 
to the Committee on:
          (1) the actual payments, as a result of fines, 
        restitutions or forfeitures, made to the United States 
        Government as a result of her activities; and
          (2) how ``funds put to better use'' were used; this 
        report must identify funds made available for use by 
        management and the programs, projects, and activities 
        that were increased as a result of these funds.

                        office for civil rights

    The bill includes $20,652,000, the same as the fiscal year 
1999 level and $1,507,000 less than the budget request. This 
includes authority to transfer $3,314,000 from the Medicare 
trust funds.
    The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing 
civil rights statutes that prohibit discrimination in health 
and human services programs. OCR implements the civil rights 
laws through a compliance program designed to generate 
voluntary compliance among all HHS recipients.

                            policy research

    The bill includes $14,000,000, about the same as the amount 
available in fiscal year 1999 and the same as the budget 
request. The Policy Research account, authorized by section 
1110 of the Social Security Act, is the Department's principal 
source of policy-relevant data and research on the income 
sources of low-income populations; the impact, effectiveness, 
and distribution of benefits under existing and proposed 
programs; and other issues that cut across agency lines.

     retirement pay and medical benefits for commissioned officers

    The Committee provides an estimated $214,905,000 for 
retirement pay and medical benefits for commissioned officers, 
which is $13,270,000 above the fiscal year 1999 level and the 
same as the Administration request. This activity provides 
mandatory payments to Public Health Service commissioned 
officers who have retired for age, disability, or specified 
period of service. This appropriation also provides for the 
cost of medical care in non-Public Health Service facilities to 
dependents of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and 
for payments to the Social Security trust funds for the costs 
to them for granting credits for military service.

            public health and social services emergency fund

    The Committee provides an emergency allocation of 
$391,833,000 for the Public Health and Social Services 
Emergency Fund, which is $168,411,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 comparable level and $5,811,000 above the Administration 
request. The Administration did not request this funding as an 
emergency.
    The amount provided includes $138,000,000 for the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention for the following 
activities: $1,000,000 to enhance technical capabilities to 
identify certain biological agents; $2,000,000 to assist States 
in developing emergency preparedness plans; $2,000,000 for 
public health training centers; $2,000,000 to discover, 
develop, and transition anti-infective agents to combat 
emerging diseases; $2,000,000 to expand epidemiological 
intelligence service; $5,000,000 to develop rapid toxic 
screening; $5,000,000 for the environmental health laboratory; 
$7,000,000 to strengthen State and local epidemiological and 
surveillance capacity; $8,400,000 to better identify potential 
biological and chemical terrorism agents; $9,000,000 to develop 
new sources and methods for surveillance; $9,600,000 for 
regional labs for measuring chemical exposures and for regional 
labs for detecting and measuring biological and chemical 
agents; $20,000,000 for infectious diseases; $20,000,000 for 
polio eradication activities; $28,000,000 to establish a 
national health alert network; and $17,000,000 for a 
pharmaceutical and vaccine stockpile.
    The amount provided includes $29,233,000 for the National 
Institutes of Health for bioterrorism activities to be 
distributed as follows: $250,000 for the Fogarty International 
Center; $310,000 for the National Cancer Institute; $1,327,000 
for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; 
$1,500,000 for the National Institute of Child Health and Human 
Development; $2,100,000 for the National Institute of 
Environmental Health Sciences; $3,060,000 for the National 
Center for Research Resources; and $20,686,000 for the National 
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
    The amount provided also includes $20,000,000 for the 
Health Resources and Services Administration for the Ricky Ray 
Hemophilia Relief Fund Act; $24,600,000 for the Office of 
Emergency Preparedness and $30,000,000 for the Office of the 
Secretary for bioterrorism activities; and $150,000,000 for Y2K 
activities at the Health Care Financing Administration.
    The Committee encourages Federal HIV/AIDS services and 
prevention funds be responsive to the demographic trends of the 
epidemic.

                   TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    The bill includes a total of $33,320,697,000 for programs 
in the Department of Education. Overall, the bill provides an 
increase in Elementary and Secondary Education programs of 
$47,254,000 above last year. However, there are many education 
programs funded elsewhere in the bill. The following chart 
indicates the major funding sources for education in the bill.

                            EDUCATION FUNDING
                          [Dollars in millions]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FY 2000,
                                                  FY 2000     above (+)
                                     FY 1999     (Committee  or below (-
                                                  action)     ) FY 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary:
    Department of Education......      $33,517      $33,321        -$196
    Head Start...................        4,659        4,760          101
    NIH Training Grants..........          819          892           73
    Health Professions Training..          302          302  ...........
                                  --------------------------------------
      Total Discretionary........       39,297       39,264          -33
                                  ======================================
Mandatory:
    Department of Education......        2,304        2,339           35
    Medicare direct/indirect             7,660        7,850          190
     costs of medical education..
                                  --------------------------------------
      Total Mandatory............        9,964       10,189          225
                                  ======================================
``Off budget'' spending:
    Direct loan obligations......       16,232       16,155          -77
    Federal Family Education            23,577       25,006        1,429
     Loans.......................
                                  --------------------------------------
      Total ``Off budget''.......       39,809       41,161        1,352
      Total education spending...       89,070       90,615        1,545
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            education reform

    The bill includes $800,100,000 for Education Reform 
programs. This amount is $1,146,900,000 less than the 
Administration's fiscal year 2000 budget request and 
$714,000,000 less than the 1999 amount. This appropriation 
account includes Goals 2000 under the Goals 2000: Educate 
America Act, School-to-Work under the School-To-Work 
Opportunities Act, technology programs under the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act, and 21st Century Schools under the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill accepts the 
Administration's proposal for transferring the 21st Century 
Schools program from the Education, Research, Statistics and 
Improvement account to the Education Reform account.

Goals 2000: Educate America Act: State and local education systematic 
        improvement grants

    The bill does not include funding for programs authorized 
by title III of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. This 
amount is $461,000,000 below the budget request and the fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation level for this activity. The Goals 2000 
programs are due to expire at the end of fiscal year 2000. 
Consistent with the Teacher Empowerment Act, the Committee has 
consolidated funding for this program under a new line item, 
subject to the Teacher Empowerment Act's enactment into law.

Goals 2000: Educate America Act: parental assistance

    The bill does not include funding for parental assistance 
under Goals 2000. This amount is $30,000,000 below both the 
request level and the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. The Goals 
2000 programs are due to expire at the end of fiscal year 2000. 
Consistent with the Teacher Empowerment Act, the Committee has 
consolidated funding for this program under a new line item, 
subject to the Teacher Empowerment Act's enactment into law.

School-to-work opportunities

    The bill does not include funding for State grants and 
local partnerships under the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. 
This is $55,000,000 below the budget request and $125,000,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 level. The recommended funding level 
reflects the phase-out of the program as States assume full 
responsibility for institutionalizing their school-to-work 
systems, as outlined in the School-to-Work Opportunities Act.

Education technology

    The bill includes $500,100,000 for Education Technology. 
This amount is $300,900,000 below the Administration's fiscal 
year 2000 request and $198,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. Included in this account are the technology 
literacy challenge fund, technology innovation challenge 
grants, regional technology in education consortia, teacher 
training in technology, community-based technology centers, and 
technology leadership activities. Three demonstration programs 
(star schools, ready to learn TV, and telecommunications 
demonstration projects for mathematics) are also included in 
this account.
    The Committee remains concerned by the rapid increase in 
funding in these programs in addition to funding provided in 
other programs of the Department of Education. The Committee 
expects that the Department will continue to abide by, and 
supply the data required by, the conference report on P.L. 104-
208. In addition, the Committee expects the Department to 
continue providing such data for all programs funded in this 
account under the heading ``Education Technology'' and for 
funding made available through the ``E-Rate'' program as part 
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104) in their 
annual operating plan.
    In the report on H.R. 2264 (H. Rpt. 105-205) the Committee 
directed the Department to provide it with an ``overall plan 
for education technology, including all funds for technology 
available from the Department and giving recognition to other 
funds and funding discounts available under the 
Telecommunications Act.'' It has been almost two years since 
the Committee requested this plan and it has yet to appear. It 
is difficult for the Committee to understand how such large 
sums can be requested and spent without any clear understanding 
as to the amounts of federal funding involved and any clear 
policy as to the role of federal funding vis-a-vis on-going 
local funding in increasing the use of technology in the 
classroom. The Committee directs the Department to provide the 
Committee with this plan by December 1, 1999.

Education technology: technology literacy challenge fund

    The Committee recommends $425,000,000 for the technology 
literacy challenge fund, the same as the fiscal year 1999 level 
and $25,000,000 below the President's request. The fund assists 
States in integrating technology into curriculum. The goal of 
this program is to assure that students become technologically 
literate and possess the academic, communications and critical 
thinking skills essential for success in the information age.
    Each State receives a share of funding based on its share 
of funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act. Funds are distributed to local 
education agencies on the basis of competitive sub-grants. 
States receive funding on the basis of a State plan describing 
its long-term strategies for financing technology education in 
the State, involving the private sector and assisting school 
districts with the greatest needs.
    The Committee believes that, while the Department has made 
some progress toward developing measurable student achievement 
standards consistent with the requirements of the Government 
Performance and Results Act for the technology literacy 
challenge fund, more work remains in specifying goals and 
baseline data for this program. For example, the Department 
should develop data on the percentage of students who are 
currently computer-proficient and how that figure will increase 
as a result of proposed funding increases.

Education technology: technology innovation challenge grants

    The Committee recommends $115,100,000 for technology 
innovation challenge grants, $5,100,000 above the President's 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level.
    The technology innovation challenge grants program is 
designed to support partnerships among educators, business, and 
industry, and other community organizations to develop 
innovative applications of technology and plans for fully 
integrating technology into schools. The program provided 80 
new and continuing competitive grants in fiscal year 1999 to 
consortia that include at least one local educational agency 
with a high percentage or number of children living in poverty.
    In past years, the Committee has funded initiatives to 
improve student mathematics and reading skills through the use 
of in-class technology. The Committee encourages the Secretary 
to continue to place high priority on providing schools, 
particularly those located in inner cities and rural areas, the 
resources to integrate effective technology for mathematics and 
reading in their classrooms.
    The Committee believes that, while the Department has made 
some progress toward developing measurable student achievement 
standards consistent with the requirements of the Government 
Performance and Results Act for the technology innovation 
challenge grants, more work remains in specifying goals and 
baseline data for this program. For example, the Department 
should develop data on the percentage of students who are 
currently computer-proficient and how that figure will increase 
as a result of proposed funding increases.

Education technology: regional technology in education consortia

    The Committee recommends no funding for regional technology 
in education consortia, $10,000,000 below both the President's 
request and the fiscal year 1999 level. The regional technology 
in education consortia supports 6 regional programs of 
information and resource dissemination, professional 
development, and technical assistance. The Committee is 
disappointed with the lack of baseline data and outcome-based 
performance indicators for this program. The Committee notes 
that the budget request for fiscal year 2000 will support only 
new awards; all existing awards under this program will be 
concluded with fiscal year 1999 funds. Given the limited 
Federal discretionary budget, and the fact that this program 
has come to the end of a funding cycle and will expire at the 
end of fiscal year 2000, the Committee has chosen to focus its 
resources on higher priority programs in this bill.

Education technology: national activities

    The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for existing education 
technology national activities. These include teacher training 
in technology, community based technology, and technology 
leadership activities. The Committee does not recommend funding 
for two new initiatives requested by the Administration in this 
account: Middle school teacher training and software 
development initiative. The President requested $35,000,000 for 
these new activities.

Teacher training in technology

    The Committee recommends no funding for teacher training in 
technology, which is $75,000,000 below both the President's 
request and the fiscal year 1999 funding level. Given the 
limited Federal discretionary budget, the Committee has chosen 
to focus its resources on higher priority programs in this 
bill. The Committee notes that the bill provides support for 
many other teacher training programs, including $1,800,000,000 
for the new Teacher Empowerment Act.

Community-based technology centers

    The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for community-based 
technology centers, which is the same as fiscal year 1999 and 
$55,000,000 below the President's request.
    This program provides access to technology and other 
services for disadvantaged students and adults unable to 
purchase computers for use at home.
    The Department has not identified specific, measurable 
standards consistent with the requirements of the Government 
Performance and Results Act for the community-based technology 
centers program. The Committee encourages the Department to 
develop indicators that will track how many disadvantaged 
students and adults receive technology access through this 
program that would not otherwise have access to computer 
services. The Department should also track how the computer 
skills of persons served under this program improve and compare 
with those of more affluent classmates. The Committee does not 
believe that additional funding for this program is warranted 
until GPRA standards are in place.

Technology leadership activities

    The Committee recommends no funding for technology 
leadership activities, which is $2,000,000 below fiscal year 
1999 and the President's request. According to the 
Administration, funds under this program will be used to 
disseminate the results of technology program evaluations, to 
prepare a framework for ongoing evaluations, and to provide 
leadership and assistance to schools in applying for and using 
the discounts of the Universal Service Fund.
    Although the Administration states in the budget 
justification for this program that the activities funded under 
this program are coordinated with other agencies and programs 
such as the E-rate, the Department of Commerce's 
Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Program and 
the National Science Foundation, the Department has not 
provided specific strategies for coordinating with these other 
agencies. The Committee expects the Department to coordinate 
with other agencies as part of its day-to-day operations. 
Therefore, given the limited Federal discretionary budget, the 
Committee has chosen to focus its resources on higher priority 
programs in this bill and notes that the Department has the 
ability to carry out technology leadership activities through 
regular program administration funds.

Middle school teacher training

    The Committee recommends no funding for the middle school 
teacher training initiative, which is the same level as in 
fiscal year 1999 and $30,000,000 below the President's request. 
The Committee notes that funds provided under the new 
$1,800,000,000 Teacher Empowerment Act, the Title VI block 
grant, the technology literacy challenge fund program, and the 
technology innovation challenge grant program are available for 
school districts to use to assist middle school teachers in 
using technology in the classroom.
    The Administration's budget justification states that the 
purpose of this program is to enable middle school students to 
become ``technologically literate,'' with funds going to States 
that agree to establish technology literacy as a requirement 
for middle school graduation. However, the Administration has 
not included any performance measures describing how many 
students would be served by the program, how ``technologically 
literate'' would be defined for the purpose of this program, 
how many students are currently technologically literate, and 
how many would become technologically literate by participating 
in this program.
    Considering the broad range of existing programs that the 
Committee has chosen to fund that can be used to support 
technology and professional development in technology in middle 
schools, the Committee does not recommend funding for this new, 
separate program.

Software development initiative

    The Committee recommends no funding for the software 
development initiative, which is the same level as in fiscal 
year 1999 and $5,000,000 below the President's request. The 
Administration has not provided clear objectives or performance 
measures for this program.
    According to the Educational Software Institute, there are 
over 8,000 different educational software programs, ranging 
from preschool to high school in all subject areas, currently 
available to schools. For example, there are over 400 different 
mathematics software packages designed for middle school 
students. There are over 250 science software programs designed 
for high school level coursework, and over 200 reading software 
programs targeted at elementary school students. Dozens of new 
programs come into the market each month. The Committee does 
not believe that there is a clear need for federal involvement 
in this area and therefore recommends no funding for this 
program.

Educational technology: star schools

    The Committee recommends no funding for the star schools 
program, $45,000,000 below both the budget request and the 
fiscal year 1999 amount. Given the limited Federal 
discretionary budget, the Committee has chosen to focus its 
resources on higher priority programs in this bill.

Educational technology: ready to learn television

    The bill includes no funding for ready to learn television, 
$7,000,000 less than the budget request and $11,000,000 less 
than the 1999 amount. Program objectives include the 
development and distribution of educational and instructional 
video programming for preschool and elementary school children 
and their parents.
    The Committee notes that of the $25,000,000 in funding 
appropriated for this program since fiscal year 1997, only 
$3,000,000 have been outlayed to date. Until funds from the 
past three fiscal years are drawn down, the Committee is 
unwilling to recommend a new appropriation for this program.

Telecommunications demonstration projects for mathematics

    The Committee recommends no funding for this demonstration 
program. This amount is $5,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
amount and $2,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee 
notes that of the $8,070,000 appropriated for this program 
since fiscal year 1997, only $1,446,000 have been outlayed to 
date. Until funds from the past three fiscal years are drawn 
down, the Committee is unwilling to recommend a new 
appropriation for this program.

21st century community learning centers

    The bill provides $300,000,000 for 21st century community 
learning centers, $300,000,000 below the budget request and 
$100,000,000 above the fiscal year 1999 level.
    The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program 
supports grants to rural and inner-city public elementary or 
secondary schools, or consortia of such schools, to enable them 
to plan, implement, or expand projects that benefit the 
educational, health, social service, cultural, and recreational 
needs of a rural or inner-city community. Assistance must be 
equitably distributed among the States, among urban and rural 
areas of the United States, and among urban and rural areas of 
a State. Grants must be made for at least $35,000, and priority 
must be given to applications offering a broad selection of 
services that address the needs of the community. Each grantee 
must provide at least four services listed in the authorizing 
legislation. These include: literacy education programs; 
children's day care services; summer and weekend school 
programs in conjunction with recreation programs; expanded 
library service hours to serve community needs; 
telecommunications and technology education programs for 
individuals of all ages; parenting skills education programs; 
employment counseling, training, and placement; services for 
individuals who leave school before graduating from secondary 
school, regardless of the age of such individual; and services 
for individuals with disabilities.
    The Committee provides funding to the 21st Century 
Community Learning Centers for after-school activities. These 
funds are to supplement, not supplant, existing programs which 
are being offered by nonprofit organizations in communities of 
need.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to ensure that funds 
provided under this program and utilized for after-school arts 
activities do not supplant other resources devoted to existing 
music and arts education programs as part of a regular school 
curriculum.
    The Committee is pleased with the progress the Department 
has made in developing measurable indicators for the 21st 
Century Learning Centers program. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to develop indicators that specifically 
measure how participating in the program will help improve 
academics for at-risk students, promote healthier attitudes 
toward school and improve community involvement.

                    EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED

    The bill includes $8,417,897,000 for the disadvantaged 
programs. This amount is $326,023,000 less that the 
administration's fiscal year 2000 budget request and $9,000,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This appropriation 
account includes compensatory education programs authorized 
under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965.

Grants to local educational agencies

    Of the amounts provided for Title I programs, 
$6,574,000,000 is available for basic grants to local education 
agencies and state administration. This is the same as the 
amount for the 1999-2000 school year and $434,000,000 above the 
request. Funding for concentration grants, which targets funds 
to local education agencies in counties with high levels of 
disadvantaged children, is $1,158,397,000, the same as last 
year and $58,397,000 above the request level. The Committee has 
not provided funds under targeted grants. The administration 
requested $756,020,000 for targeted grants.
    Of the total of $7,732,397,000 made available for school 
year 2000-2001 for grants to LEAs, $1,524,134,000 is 
appropriated for fiscal year 2000 for obligation after July 1, 
2000 and $6,204,763,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 
for obligation on, or after, October 1, 2000. A remaining 
$3,500,000 for title I evaluations is made available for 
obligation on October 1, 1999.
    Financial assistance flows to school districts by formula, 
based in part on the number of school-aged children from low-
income families. Within districts, local school officials 
target funds on school attendance areas with the greatest 
number or percentage of children from poor families. Local 
school districts develop and implement their own programs to 
meet the needs of disadvantaged students. About 14,000 local 
school districts participate in the program, which served an 
estimated 6.2 to 6.5 million pupils in 1995.
    Funds under this account will also be used to pay the 
Federal share of State administrative costs for title I 
programs. The maximum State administration grant is equal to 
one percent of title I local educational agency plus State 
agency grants to the State, or $400,000, whichever is greater. 
These funds are included in the grants to local educational 
agencies account, rather than being a separate line item.
    The Committee believes that the Department has made good 
progress in developing measurable standards for improvement in 
student academic achievement consistent with the requirements 
of the Government Performance and Results Act for education for 
the disadvantaged. However, the Committee believes that more 
work needs to be done in terms of defining specific, numerical 
goals for the programs relating to academic achievement, 
developing baseline data and providing specific improvements 
that are to be achieved with any increased funding above those 
improvements that would be expected without additional funding.
    The Committee notes that the Administration's budget 
request rejects the ``100 percent hold harmless'' legislative 
rider for the Title I program. The Committee bill does not 
include this provision either. The Committee believes that such 
legislative riders unfairly penalize schools and states that 
educate a growing number of disadvantaged children. The 
Committee strongly concurs with the following statement of the 
Department of Education submitted for the record as part of the 
fiscal year 2000 budget hearings:

          The hold harmless [included in fiscal years 1998 and 
        1999 appropriations acts] prevented retargeting from 
        taking effect with the use of new poverty data. We 
        strongly believe that special [hold-harmless] 
        appropriations language should not be included [in the 
        fiscal year 2000 appropriations bill], since the 
        authorizing statute for Title I already provides a 
        hold-harmless for Title I Basic Grants in an amount 
        equal to between 85 and 95 percent of each district's 
        prior year Title I allocation, depending on the 
        district poverty level. Inserting a 100 percent hold-
        harmless prevents funds from flowing to districts that 
        are gaining poor children, as documented by the updated 
        data. But the whole purpose of using updated data is to 
        reflect, in the allocations, these population shifts. A 
        basic principle in targeting should be to drive funds 
        to where the poor children are, not to where they were 
        a decade ago.

    The Committee is also deeply concerned about the 
Department's application of the Title I hold harmless provision 
to other education programs that use the Title I formula to 
determine funding levels. The Committee notes that some States 
are losing as much as $3,000,000 they would have otherwise 
received under the Eisenhower Professional Development, Safe 
and Drug Free Schools State Grants, Even Start family literacy, 
and Class Size Reduction programs due to this decision.

Demonstrations of comprehensive school reform

    The bill includes $120,000,000 for demonstrations of 
comprehensive school reform; this is $30,000,000 below the 
budget request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The 
Committee expects that the Department will continue to follow 
the directives in the Conference Report accompanying the fiscal 
year 1998 bill (House Report 105-390) and in the conference 
report accompanying the fiscal year 1999 bill (House Report 
105-825). The Committee provides these funds to continue the 
wide-scale application of effective approaches to comprehensive 
school reform in title I schools.
    The Committee expects the Department to provide specific, 
numerical baseline data as well as specific, measurable goals 
for this program in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.

Capital expenses for private school students

    The Committee recommends no funding for capital expenses 
grants for private schools. This amount is the same as the 
Administration's request and $24,000,000 below the fiscal year 
1999 amount.
    Capital expenses grants were authorized to pay some of the 
additional costs of providing title I services to children who 
attend nonpublic schools. A 1985 U.S. Supreme Court decision, 
Aguilar v. Felton, determined that public school teachers or 
other employees could not be sent to sectarian nonpublic 
schools for the purpose of providing title I services. The 
capital expenses grants were used for rental of classroom space 
in neutral sites (i.e., locations other than private or public 
schools), rental of mobile vans used for title I instruction, 
or transportation of nonpublic pupils to public schools or 
neutral sites.
    The United States Supreme Court recently reconsidered, and 
reversed, its decision in the Aguilar case and both the 
President's request and the Committee's recommendation 
implement a policy of discontinuing this program. The Committee 
notes that school districts may continue to reserve funds from 
their annual Title I allocations to cover extra expenses 
involved in providing services to private-school students.

Even Start

    The Committee provides $150,000,000 for Even Start, 
$15,000,000 above last year and $5,000,000 above the request. 
Even Start provides demonstration grants for model programs of 
joint education of disadvantaged children, aged 1-7 years, who 
live in title I target school attendance areas, plus their 
parents who are eligible to be served under the Adult Education 
Act. These parents are not in school, are above the State's 
compulsory school attendance age limit, and have not earned a 
high school diploma (or equivalent). At appropriations levels 
above $50,000,000, Even Start funds are allocated to the States 
in proportion to title I LEA grants.
    The Committee believes that the Department has made good 
progress in developing specific, outcome-based performance 
indicators for the Even Start program. The Committee encourages 
the Department to continue to develop specific goals that will 
measure improvements realized by both parent and child 
participants in Even Start.
    The Committee notes that funding under the Reading 
Excellence Act ($10,000,000) and the Adult Education Act state 
grants program ($365,000,000) can also be used to support and 
expand family literacy activities.

State agency programs: migrant

    The bill includes $354,689,000 for the migrant education 
program, $25,311,000 below the budget request and the same as 
the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This program supports 
formula grants to State agencies for the support of special 
educational and related services to children of migratory 
agricultural workers and fishermen. The purpose of this program 
is to provide supplementary academic education, remedial or 
compensatory instruction, English for limited English 
proficient students, testing, plus guidance and counseling.
    The Committee believes that the Department must continue to 
work on developing specific, numerical standards for 
improvement in student academic achievement consistent with the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act for 
the State agency program for migrants. The Committee believes 
that the indicators developed thus far do not contain the 
specific, numerical baseline data or expected improvement 
resulting from the funding request needed to adequately meet 
the requirements of GPRA.

State agency programs: neglected and delinquent

    For the State agency program for neglected and delinquent 
children, the bill includes $40,311,000; this level is 
$1,689,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation. This formula grant program provides 
services to participants in institutions for juvenile 
delinquents, adult correctional institutions, or institutions 
for the neglected.
    The Committee believes that the Department must continue to 
work on developing specific, numerical standards for 
improvement in student academic achievement consistent with the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act for 
the State agency program for neglected and delinquent youth. 
The Committee believes that the indicators developed thus far 
do not contain the specific, numerical baseline data or 
expected improvement resulting from the funding request needed 
to adequately meet the requirements of GPRA.

Evaluation

    The Committee provides $7,500,000 for evaluation, the same 
as the 1999 appropriation and $1,400,000 below the budget 
request. Title I evaluation supports large scale national 
evaluations that examine how title I is contributing to 
improved student performance at the State, local education 
agency, and school levels. It also supports short-term studies 
that document promising models and other activities to help 
States and local education agencies implement requirements in 
the title I statute.
    The Committee believes that the Department should allocate 
resources for evaluations such that sufficient funding is 
provided to assure the implementation of the changes in GPRA 
measures discussed above.

Migrant education, high school equivalency program

    The bill includes $9,000,000 for the high school 
equivalency program. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 
1999 amount and $6,000,000 below the request. The high school 
equivalency program recruits migrant students aged 16 and over 
and provides academic and support services to help those 
students obtain a high school equivalency certificate and 
subsequently to gain employment or admission to a postsecondary 
institution or training program.

College assistance migrant programs

    The bill includes $4,000,000 for the college assistance 
migrant programs. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 
1999 amount and $3,000,000 below the request. The college 
assistance migrant program (CAMP) provides tutoring and 
counseling services to first-year, undergraduate migrant 
students and assists those students in obtaining student 
financial aid for their remaining undergraduate years.

                               impact aid

    The bill provides $907,200,000 for Federal impact aid 
programs in fiscal year 2000, an increase of $43,200,000 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $171,200,000 
above the President's request. This account supports payments 
to school districts affected by Federal activities and is 
authorized under title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act.
    While military deployments and poverty on Indian 
reservations continue, the Committee is perplexed as to why the 
Administration continues to recommend cuts in the Impact Aid 
program. Impact Aid represents a federal responsibility to 
local schools educating children whose families are connected 
with the military or who live on Indian land. Therefore, the 
Committee bill does not adopt the President's proposal to amend 
the authorizing statute to reduce the number of school 
districts receiving payments and to reduce the number of 
children on behalf of whom payments are made. The Committee 
regards impact aid as an obligation of the Federal Government 
and has included funds sufficient to adequately reimburse 
school districts impacted by Federal activities. The Committee 
notes that the President proposes to substantially increase 
funding for general Federal assistance to school districts at 
the same time he proposes to dramatically reduce impact aid 
payments to some of the neediest school districts.
    The Committee is aware that significant delays occurred in 
the Department's payment of Impact Aid in fiscal year 1999. 
These delays cost some of the nation's poorest schools 
substantial interest payments and other unanticipated costs. 
The Committee expects that fiscal year 2000 payments in the 
Impact Aid program will be made in a timely fashion.
    The Committee encourages the Department to improve its 
performance indicator relating to the consultation between 
school districts and the Indian community such that all title 
IX coordinators in school districts receiving impact aid will 
report that the districts solicit input from the Indian 
community on strategies for increasing the achievement of 
Indian children.

Basic support payments

    The bill includes $737,200,000 for basic support payments 
to local educational agencies, an increase of $33,200,000 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $53,200,000 
above the President's request. Basic support payments 
compensate school districts for lost tax revenue and are made 
on behalf of Federally-connected children such as children of 
members of the uniformed services who live on Federal property.

Payments for children with disabilities

    The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for payments on behalf 
of Federally-connected children with disabilities, an increase 
of $10,000,000 above the President's request and the same as 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation. These payments 
compensate school districts for the increased costs of serving 
Federally-connected children with disabilities.

Payments for heavily impacted districts

    The bill includes $76,000,000 for payments to heavily 
impacted districts, an increase of $6,000,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 level and $76,000,000 above the 
President's request. These payments assist especially heavily 
impacted school districts to raise their per-pupil spending to 
levels comparable to other school districts in their States.
    The bill also includes a legislative provision included in 
fiscal year 1999 that changes the method by which payments made 
under this section are allocated to provide supplemental 
payments for federally connected students only. The Committee 
understands that this provision has resulted in greater budget 
stability for school districts that are heavily impacted by the 
presence of federally connected children. Four months after the 
passage of the fiscal year 1999 appropriations bill, all 
heavily impacted school districts had received 70% of their 
payments, compared to the previous year in which only half the 
schools had received 50% of their payments a full year after 
the fiscal year 1998 appropriations bill was completed.
    The Committee opposes the Administration's proposal to 
significantly expand the Military Housing Privatization 
Initiative and applauds the decision to scale back the 
initiative. The Committee is concerned that in some 
privatization projects, the property itself is privatized, 
causing serious implications for the affected school districts' 
ability to receive funding under the Impact Aid program. The 
loss of Impact Aid support could have a devastating effect on 
school revenues and, ultimately, on the quality of education 
for the children of military personnel. Thus, the Committee 
strongly urges the Administration to clarify that military 
housing privatization proposals will have no effect on Impact 
Aid payments to local school districts, even if land is 
privatized.

Facilities maintenance

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for facilities 
maintenance, the same as both the fiscal year 1999 amount and 
the budget request. These capital payments are authorized for 
maintenance of certain facilities owned by the Department of 
Education.

Construction

    The Committee recommends $7,000,000 for the construction 
program, the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and the 
request. This program provides formula grants to eligible 
locally owned school districts for building and renovating 
school facilities.

Payments for Federal property

    The bill provides $32,000,000 for payments related to 
Federal property, an increase of $32,000,000 above the 
President's request and $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. The Committee does not concur in the President's 
proposal to terminate assistance to all 223 school districts 
currently receiving assistance under this program. Funds are 
awarded to school districts to compensate for lost tax revenue 
as the result of Federal acquisition of real property since 
1938.

                      school improvement programs

    The bill includes $3,115,188,000 for school improvement 
programs. This amount is $392,654,000 more than the 
Administration's budget request and $304,054,000 more than the 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This appropriation account 
includes programs authorized under titles IV, V, VI, IX, X, and 
XIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; title VII 
of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; and title 
IV-A of the Civil Rights Act.

Professional development and program innovation: Eisenhower 
        professional development State grants

    The Committee provides no funding for the Eisenhower 
professional development state grants, $335,000,000 below both 
the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 level. This program 
provides funds to state educational agencies, local educational 
agencies, state agencies for higher education, institutions of 
higher education and qualified non-profit organizations to 
support sustained and intensive high-quality professional 
development for educators in the core academic subjects.
    Consistent with the Teacher Empowerment Act, the Committee 
has consolidated funding for this program under a new line 
item, subject to the Teacher Empowerment Act's enactment into 
law.

Professional development and program innovation: Innovative Education 
        Program Strategies State Grants. (The title VI education block 
        grant)

    The Committee recommends $385,000,000 for State grants 
under Innovative Education Program Strategies, $10,000,000 
above the fiscal year 1999 level and $385,000,000 above the 
request. The Committee strongly supports this program, which 
provides funding, without bureaucratic strings, to State and 
local educational agencies that can be used for:
          (1) obtaining technology and training in technology 
        related to the implementation of school based reform;
          (2) acquiring and using educational materials;
          (3) educational reform projects such as ``effective 
        schools'' and magnet schools;
          (4) improving educational services for disadvantaged 
        students;
          (5) combating illiteracy among children and adults;
          (6) addressing the educational needs of gifted and 
        talented children;
          (7) implementing school reform activities consistent 
        with Goals 2000; and
          (8) implementing school improvement and parental 
        involvement activities under ESEA Title I.
    Out of the total of $385,000,000 made available for school 
year 2000-2001, $97,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 
2000 for obligation after July 1, 2000 and $288,000,000 is 
appropriated for fiscal year 2001 for obligation on, or after, 
October 1, 2000.

Class-size reduction

    The Committee recommends no funding for the Class Size 
Reduction program, $1,200,000,000 below fiscal year 1999 and 
$1,400,000,000 below the President's request. Consistent with 
the Teacher Empowerment Act, the Committee has consolidated 
funding for this program under a new line item, subject to the 
Teacher Empowerment Act's enactment into law.
    The Committee also notes that a recent study of the 
California class-size reduction initiative has produced mixed 
results. One disturbing finding is that skilled and experienced 
teachers are moving from poor and urban areas to teach in more 
affluent suburban districts, leaving more uncredentialed 
teachers in schools with the most disadvantaged children. Given 
the limited Federal discretionary budget, the Committee has 
chosen to focus its resources on higher priority programs that 
have been proven effective in improving educational 
opportunities for students facing the greatest challenges.

Teacher Empowerment Act

    The Committee recommends $1,800,000,000 for the Teacher 
Empowerment Act, subject to authorization. This funding level 
is $1,800,000,000 above both fiscal year 1999 and the budget 
request. Out of the total of $1,800,000,000 made available for 
school year 2000-2001, $450,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal 
year 2000 for obligation after July 1, 2000 and $1,350,000,000 
is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 for obligation on, or 
after, October 1, 2000. The Teacher Empowerment Act 
consolidates and streamlines multiple teacher training programs 
and provides States and local schools additional flexibility in 
how to use these funds in exchange for increased accountability 
to parents and taxpayers.
    The Teacher Empowerment Act strikes a balance between 
hiring more teachers to reduce class size, and recruiting, 
retaining and retraining quality teachers. It also empowers 
teachers to choose the training that best meets their classroom 
needs and encourages states and localities to implement 
innovative strategies such as tenure reform, merit-based 
performance plans, alternative routes to certification and 
differential and bonus pay for teachers. Ninety-five percent of 
funds would go directly to the local level.

Safe and drug-free schools and communities

    The Committee recommends $566,000,000 for the Safe and Drug 
Free Schools and Communities Act. This funding level is 
$25,000,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level.
    The Committee believes that the Department must continue to 
identify specific, measurable standards consistent with the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act for 
safe and drug free schools and Communities. After two years of 
Committee interest, several years of program existence and six 
years since the passage of GPRA, it is essential for the 
Department to be able to report on the decline in substance 
abuse or the precursors of substance abuse and the reduction of 
violence resulting from this program. National programs should 
report on the usefulness of the information and technical 
assistance provided and the degree to which programs and 
techniques demonstrated in national programs are adopted at the 
State and local levels and are effective in reducing substance 
abuse and violence. Systems should be developed to assure that 
there is annual data on the success of programs, and baseline 
data should continue to be refined. Specific, measurable 
changes that are expected to occur as a result of proposed 
funding levels should be included in the President's budget 
request.

Safe and drug-free schools and communities: State grants

    The Committee bill includes $441,000,000 for the State 
grants program of the safe and drug-free schools and 
communities act. This level is $2,000,000 above the budget 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The program 
supports State formula grants for comprehensive, integrated 
approaches to drug and violence prevention. Local educational 
agencies must use their funds to implement a drug and violence 
prevention program for students and employees.
    The Committee continues to be concerned about the general 
lack of evidence of the effectiveness of the Safe and Drug Free 
Schools Program. The Committee believes that the Department 
should focus on disseminating drug and violence prevention 
programs that have been rigorously evaluated and found to be 
promising or exemplary to more school districts.

Safe and drug-free schools and communities: national programs

    For the national programs under the Safe and Drug-Free 
Schools and Communities Act, the bill provides $90,000,000 
which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 amount and the 
budget request. Under this program, the Secretary of Education 
administers a variety of activities to prevent the illegal use 
of drugs and violence among, and promote safety and discipline 
for, students at all educational levels, preschool through 
postsecondary.
    The Committee encourages the Department to work with 
private groups in its efforts to combat school violence.
    The Committee remains concerned that, after two years of 
Committee interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department has not identified specific, measurable standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for activities funded under the Safe and Drug 
Free Schools and Communities Act national programs. The 
Committee believes that it is essential for the Department to 
develop specific, measurable standards for the effectiveness of 
national programs as well as developmental and dissemination 
activities, and postsecondary prevention programs. These 
measures should focus on (1) the effectiveness of the various 
funded programs and (2) the degree to which they are being 
integrated into broader substance abuse and violence prevention 
strategies sponsored by the Department of Education, other 
federal departments, State or local governments or other non-
governmental agencies. Such data should include baseline data 
on the substance abuse and violence as well as the transfer of 
programmatic innovations and specific, measurable changes that 
are expected to occur as a result of the proposed funding 
levels.

Safe and drug free schools and communities: coordinator initiative

    The Committee recommends $35,000,000 for the safe and drug 
free schools and communities coordinator initiative, the same 
as the fiscal year 1999 funding level and $15,000,000 below the 
President's request.
    This initiative funds discretionary grants for LEAs to 
recruit, hire, and train drug prevention and school safety 
program coordinators in middle schools with significant drug 
and school safety problems.
    The Committee is disappointed that the only performance 
indicator the Department has identified for this program is the 
number of coordinators who have received training. The 
Department has provided no indicators on the expected impact of 
the program on reduced student drug use and school violence. 
The Committee is unwilling to appropriate a significant 
increase for a new program in the absence of such information. 
Given the demonstrated interest of the Committee in numerical 
goals focusing on the achievement of programmatic goals, such 
limited effort by the Department is particularly disturbing.

Safe and drug free schools and communities: Project SERV

    The Committee recommends no funding for the proposed new 
initiative, Project SERV (School Emergency Response to 
Violence). The Administration requested $12,000,000 for this 
program. The Administration proposed this initiative to provide 
resources to school districts that experience a major crisis.
    This program is not authorized. The Safe and Drug Free 
Schools and Communities Act is scheduled for reauthorization 
this year and it is in this context that the Administration's 
proposal should be considered. More importantly, the 
Administration has provided the Committee with no specific, 
measurable indicators consistent with the requirements of the 
Government Performance and Results Act for this program.

Inexpensive book distribution (reading is fundamental)

    The bill provides $18,000,000 for the inexpensive book 
distribution program. This is the same as both the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation and the President's request. This program 
makes an award to Reading is Fundamental, Inc., to buy 
inexpensive books, offer them through local community programs 
to children from low-income families, and motivate children to 
read. Federal funds provide for up to 75 percent of the costs 
of the books. This program annually provides an estimated 7.6 
million books to 2.4 million children nationwide.
    The Committee expects the Department to provide specific, 
measurable goals for the inexpensive book distribution program 
in the fiscal year 2001 budget request. The Committee 
encourages the Department to include measures that focus on how 
participation in this program increases student reading 
achievement.

Arts in education

    The bill provides $10,500,000 for the arts in education 
program. This is the same as both the budget request and the 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This program supports arts 
programs in elementary and secondary education and supports 
demonstration programs for the involvement of disabled persons 
in the arts.
    The Committee expects the Department to provide specific, 
measurable goals for the arts in education program in the 
fiscal year 2001 budget request. The Committee encourages the 
Department to include measures that focus on how participation 
in the arts programs supported by this funding help members of 
at-risk groups to learn to high standards.

Magnet schools assistance

    The bill includes $104,000,000 for the magnet schools 
assistance program, $10,000,000 below the budget request and 
the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. The magnet schools 
assistance program awards competitive grants to local 
educational agencies for use in establishing or operating 
magnet schools that are part of a desegregation plan approved 
by a court or by the Department of Education's Office for Civil 
Rights. A magnet school is defined by the statute as ``a school 
or education center that offers a special curriculum capable of 
attracting substantial numbers of students of different racial 
backgrounds.'' A funding priority is given to local educational 
agencies that have not participated during the most recent 
funding cycle.
    While the Department has made progress in developing 
objective, measurable standards for achieving the desegregation 
goals of the programs, the Committee remains concerned that, 
after two years of Committee interest and six years since the 
passage of GPRA, the Department has not developed adequate 
baseline data or specific goals for student academic 
achievement and reduction in minority isolation. The Committee 
encourages the Department to provide such data in the fiscal 
year 2001 budget request.

Education for homeless children and youth

    For the education of homeless children and youth program, 
authorized by section 722 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless 
Assistance Act, the Committee recommends $28,800,000. This 
level is $2,900,000 below the budget request and the same as 
the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. Grants are allocated to 
States in proportion to the total that each State receives 
under the title I program. For local grants, at least 50 
percent must be used for direct services to homeless children 
and youth, including tutoring or remedial or other educational 
services.
    The Committee is concerned that, after two years of 
Committee interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department has not identified specific numerical performance 
goals consistent with the requirements of the Government 
Performance and Results Act for education for homeless children 
and youth. The Committee encourages the Department to develop 
specific numerical goals for this program, and expects these 
goals to focus on program effectiveness, techniques learned in 
this program that can be adopted in other programs dealing with 
homeless children, and the success of those techniques in 
broader programs.

Women's educational equity

    The bill includes $3,000,000 for Women's Educational 
Equity, the same as the fiscal year 1999 and the request level. 
This program supports projects, technical assistance and 
dissemination activities to promote educational equity for 
girls and women including those who suffer multiple 
discrimination based on gender and race, ethnicity, national 
origin, disability, or age. It also provides funds to help 
educational agencies and institutions meet the requirements of 
title IX of the education amendments of 1972.
    The Committee remains concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific, measurable student achievement standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for Women's Educational Equity. The Committee 
believes that it is essential for the Department to focus its 
primary, if not exclusive, efforts on the development of 
baseline data and indicators of specific, measurable student 
academic achievement for this program and the ability to 
integrate successful techniques developed in this program into 
other federally funded and other education programs.

Training and advisory services

    The bill includes $7,334,000 for training and advisory 
services authorized by title IV-A of the Civil Rights Act. This 
amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 
1999 amount. Title IV-A authorizes technical assistance and 
training services for local educational agencies to address 
problems associated with desegregation on the basis of race, 
sex, or national origin. Competitive awards are made to civil 
rights units within State educational agencies and to regional 
desegregation assistance centers. The Department awards 3-year 
grants to regional equity assistance centers (EACs) (formerly 
known as desegregation assistance centers or DACs) located in 
each of the 10 Department of Education regions. The EACs 
provide services to school districts upon request. Typical 
activities include disseminating information on successful 
education practices and legal requirements related to 
nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, and national 
origin in educational programs; training designed to develop 
educators' skills in specific areas, such as the identification 
of race and sex bias in instructional materials; increasing the 
skills of educational personnel in dealing with race-based 
confrontations such as hate crimes; and providing technical 
assistance in the identification and selection of appropriate 
educational programs to meet the needs of limited English 
proficient students.
    The Committee remains concerned that, after two years of 
Committee interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department has not identified specific, measurable standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for training and advisory services. The 
Department must develop specific, measurable indicators of the 
degree to which local education agencies and teachers are 
accessing training and technical assistance services, the 
degree to which these new techniques are integrated into school 
or classroom practices and the degree to which the techniques 
are successful in addressing ``problems associated with 
desegregation.'' Such data should include baseline data on the 
problems and specific, measurable improvements that are 
expected to occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Ellender fellowships/Close-Up

    The bill provides $1,500,000 for Ellender fellowships, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 level and $1,500,000 above the 
budget request. The Ellender fellowship program makes an award 
to the Close-Up Foundation of Washington, D.C. This 
organization provides fellowships to students from low income 
families and their teachers to enable them to participate with 
other students and teachers for a week of seminars on 
government and meetings with representatives of the three 
branches of the Federal government.
    The Committee remains concerned that, after two years of 
Committee interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department has not identified specific, measurable standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for the Ellender Fellowship program. The 
Department needs to focus on setting specific, numerical goals 
for the program and developing baseline data for each goal.

Education for Native Hawaiians

    The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for education for 
Native Hawaiians, the same as the budget request and the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. A number of programs limited to Native 
Hawaiians are supported with these funds, including a model 
curriculum project, family-based education centers, 
postsecondary education fellowships, gifted and talented 
education projects, and special education projects for disabled 
pupils.
    The Committee remains concerned that, after two years of 
Committee interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department has not identified specific, measurable student 
achievement standards consistent with the requirements of the 
Government Performance and Results Act for the education for 
native Hawaiians program. The Committee believes that it is 
essential for the Department to develop broader indicators of 
effectiveness addressing native Hawaiian students' performance 
on national tests, high school graduation rates, postsecondary 
school attendance, over-representation in special education and 
substance abuse problems identified in the Department's 
justification of its budget. Such data should include baseline 
data relating to these and other disparities facing Native 
Hawaiians and specific, measurable improvements that are 
expected to occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Alaska Native education equity

    The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the Alaska Native 
education equity program, the same as both the President's 
request and the fiscal year 1999 amount. These funds are used 
to develop supplemental educational programs to benefit Alaska 
Natives.
    The Committee is concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific, measurable student achievement standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for the Alaska Native education equity program. 
The Committee believes that it is essential for the Department 
to develop broader indicators of effectiveness addressing the 
performance of Alaska Native students on test scores, high 
school graduation rates, and numbers of students performing at 
grade level as identified in the Department's justification of 
its budget. Such indicators should include baseline data 
relating to these and other disparities facing Alaska Natives 
and specific, measurable improvements that are expected to 
occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Charter schools

    The Committee recommends $130,000,000 for support of 
charter schools, the same as the budget request and $30,000,000 
above the fiscal year 1999 amount. Charter schools are 
developed and administered by individuals or groups of 
individuals, which may include teachers, administrators, and 
parents. These groups enter into charters for operation of 
their schools, which must be granted exemptions from State and 
local rules that limit flexibility in school operation and 
management. Under this program, grants are made to State 
educational agencies in States that have charter school laws; 
the State educational agencies will in turn make sub-grants to 
authorized public chartering agencies in partnerships with 
developers of charter schools.
    The Committee believes that the Department has made good 
progress in developing specific, measurable indicators for the 
charter schools program. However, work still needs to be done 
in terms of tracking the academic improvement of children who 
attend charter schools, as well as indicators relating to 
avoiding the ``creaming'' of high-achieving students from 
regular public schools.

Technical assistance for improving ESEA programs: comprehensive 
        regional assistance centers

    The Committee recommends $27,054,000 for comprehensive 
regional assistance centers, $4,946,000 below the budget 
request and $946,000 below the fiscal year 1999 amount. This 
program supports the consolidation of 7 former technical 
assistance programs that funded 48 technical assistance centers 
into a program of 15 comprehensive regional technical 
assistance centers for improving ESEA programs. The Committee 
instructs the Department to continue the policy of informing it 
of any directives or funding earmarks that would require the 
Centers to carry out work not directly in response to local or 
State requests for assistance.
    The Committee believes that, after two years of Committee 
interest and six years since the passage of GPRA, the 
Department needs to do more work in developing specific 
performance indicators for this program. Specifically, the 
Department needs to develop a system of tracking the extent to 
which the assistance provided by the centers helps in local 
reform efforts and improves student achievement outcomes. The 
Committee believes the Department should also set higher goals 
for customer satisfaction than has been presented in the fiscal 
year 1999 performance plan. For example, the Committee believes 
that the Department should seek to increase customer 
satisfaction with the usefulness of technical assistance above 
the stated goal of 65%, particularly since the baseline for 
this indicator was 64% in 1998.

Advanced placement test fee program

    The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for advanced placement 
fees. This recommendation is $16,000,000 below the President's 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount. The 
advanced placement test fee program awards grants to States to 
enable them to cover part or all of the cost of advanced 
placement test fees of low-income students who are enrolled in 
advanced placement classes and plan to take the advanced 
placement test. Under the 1998 reauthorization, this program 
will also support competitive grants to states for programs 
that encourage greater participation by low-income students in 
advanced placement courses.
    The Committee is disappointed to learn that the 
Department's delayed payment schedule to the states has 
effectively made this a forward-funded program. The Committee 
expects that the Department will make fiscal year 2000 advanced 
placement fee program allocations and payments within 90 days 
of the date of enactment, rather than eight or more months into 
the federal fiscal year.

                         reading excellence act

    The Committee recommends $200,000,000, $60,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 1999 funding level and $86,000,000 below the 
President's request.
    The Reading Excellence Act supports competitive, 3-year 
grants to state educational agencies that have established a 
state reading and literacy partnership. States that receive 
funding will make 2-year subgrants, called ``local reading 
improvement grants,'' on a competitive basis to LEAs that have 
at least one school in Title I school improvement status, or 
have the highest or second highest percentage of poverty or 
number of poor children in the state. School districts use the 
funds to provide professional development for teachers, operate 
tutoring programs and provide family literacy services. States 
must also award at least one ``tutorial assistance grant'' to 
LEAs most in need of help. The Act also requires $10,000,000 of 
the appropriation to be reserved for the Even Start program.
    The Committee is pleased with the productive collaboration 
between NICHD, OERI, the National Institute for Literacy and 
the National Research Council in developing the necessary 
programmatic, funding and peer review procedures that will 
ensure that the goals and objectives of the Reading Excellence 
Act are realized and that both children and teachers will 
benefit from the joint commitment of these agencies to 
selecting those applications that are characterized by the 
highest quality of scientifically-based research.
    The Committee expects the Department to continue to develop 
specific, measurable baseline data and performance indicators 
for this program. Specifically, the Committee expects the 
Department to report on how this program has improved student 
reading abilities and improved the instructional practices of 
teachers and other instructional staff.

                            indian education

    The bill includes $66,000,000 for Indian education. This 
amount is the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation and 
$11,000,000 below the budget request. This account supports 
programs authorized by part A of Title IX of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act and section 215 of the Department of 
Education Organization Act. When combined with funds provided 
in the Interior Appropriations bill, federal support for Indian 
education totals over $500,000,000.

Grants to local education agencies

    The bill provides $62,000,000 for grants to local education 
agencies, the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 
1999 amount. This program provides assistance through formula 
grants to school districts and schools supported or operated by 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Nearly 90 percent of funds go to 
public school districts that are not affiliated with the Bureau 
of Indian Affairs. The purpose of this program is to reform 
elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian 
students, including preschool children. Grantees must develop a 
comprehensive plan and assure that the programs they carry out 
will help Indian students reach the same challenging standards 
that apply to all students. This program supplements the 
regular school program to help Indian children sharpen their 
academic skills, bolster their self-confidence, and participate 
in enrichment activities that would otherwise be unavailable.
    The Department has made progress in setting performance 
goals for student achievement in the Indian education programs. 
The Committee encourages the Department to continue to refine 
the baseline data and indicators for the grants to local 
educational agencies programs that relate specifically to the 
cultural enrichment components of these programs.

Special programs for Indian children

    The Committee recommends $3,265,000 for special programs 
for Indian children, the same as fiscal year 1999 and 
$10,000,000 below the budget request. These programs make 
competitive awards to improve the quality of education for 
Indian students.

National activities

    The bill provides $735,000 for national activities, the 
same as fiscal year 1999 and $1,000,000 below the budget 
request. Funds under this authority support research, 
evaluation and data collection to provide information on the 
status of education for the Indian population and on the 
effectiveness of Indian education programs.

                   BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT EDUCATION

    The bill includes $380,000,000 for bilingual and immigrant 
education programs. This amount is $35,000,000 below the 
Administration's fiscal year 2000 budget request and the same 
as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This account supports 
programs authorized by parts A, B, and C of title VII of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Bilingual education: instructional services

    The bill provides $160,000,000 for instructional services, 
$10,000,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. Instructional Services programs assist local 
educational agencies (LEAs) in implementing programs for 
limited English proficient (LEP) students.
    There are four types of grants, primarily to LEAs, for 
instructional services to limited English proficient students:
          Three-year Program Development and Implementation 
        Grants for school districts to develop and implement 
        new programs for LEP students;
          Two-year Program Enhancement Grants to enhance or 
        expand existing programs for LEP students;
          Five-year Comprehensive School Grants for school-wide 
        programs for LEP students that reform, restructure, and 
        upgrade all relevant programs and operations within an 
        individual school; and
          Five-year Systemwide Improvement Grants for district-
        wide projects for LEP students to improve, reform, and 
        upgrade relevant programs and operations within an 
        entire LEA.
    Funding for projects that primarily instruct in English and 
emphasize the rapid transition to regular classes (``special 
alternative instruction projects''), is limited to 25 percent 
of the appropriation.
    The Committee believes that the Department must focus its 
Government Performance and Results Act indicators on the speed 
of transition to regular classes by limited English proficient 
students and the levels of academic achievement of these 
students while still in bilingual classes and after the 
transition to regular classes. The Department has not yet 
implemented the Committee's recommendation that they focus on 
limited English proficient students moving rapidly to regular 
classes and achieving at levels that equal or exceed that of 
English speakers in challenging classes meeting high academic 
standards.
    The Committee also believes that the Department, after 
having administered the bilingual education program for 30 
years, should be able to provide baseline data on the average 
time needed for LEP students to transition to regular classes 
and their academic achievement after transition. The Committee 
expects the Department to include such information in its 
fiscal year 2001 budget justification.

Bilingual education: support services

    The bill provides $14,000,000 for support services. This 
amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 
1999 amount. This program provides discretionary grants and 
contracts in four specific areas: research and evaluation; 
dissemination of effective instructional models; data 
collection and technical assistance; and a national 
clearinghouse to support the collection, analysis, and 
dissemination of information about programs for limited-English 
proficient students.
    The Committee continues to be disappointed with the 
indicators presented by the Department in its budget 
justification for this program. It is essential for the 
Department to develop specific, measurable indicators of the 
degree to which local education agencies and teachers are 
accessing training and technical assistance services, the 
degree to which these new techniques are integrated into school 
or classroom practices and the degree to which the techniques 
are successful in improving the rapid transition to regular 
classes by limited English proficient students and how these 
techniques have improved the success of students that have made 
the transition to regular classes. Current indicators stating 
that an ``increasing percentage of local project directors will 
express satisfaction with Federal assistance'' and that the 
number of inquiries to the national clearinghouse will increase 
are insufficient. The Committee expects the Department to 
provide specific, numerical goals and baseline data for this 
program in its fiscal year 2001 budget justification.

Bilingual education: professional development

    The bill provides $50,000,000 for professional development 
services. This amount is $25,000,000 below the President's 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level.
    The purpose of professional development grants is to 
increase the pool of trained teachers and strengthen the skills 
of teachers providing instruction to limited English proficient 
students. Funds are available to support the training and 
retraining of bilingual education teachers and teacher's aides, 
graduate fellowships related to fields of bilingual education, 
and grants to institutions of higher education to improve 
bilingual teacher training programs.
    The Department has made good progress in developing 
specific, measurable standards consistent with the requirements 
of the Government Performance and Results Act for bilingual 
education professional development. Specifically, the 
Department has developed indicators relating to the number of 
teachers placed each year and the percentage of teachers 
trained who are actually placed in an instructional setting 
with LEP students, along with specific baseline data and goals. 
The Committee also encourages the Department to develop 
indicators relating to the graduate program and the impact of 
training graduate students on the expansion of capacity of 
institutions to train bilingual teachers.

Immigrant education

    The bill includes $150,000,000 for immigrant education, the 
same as both the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 level.
    The Immigrant Education program provides Federal assistance 
to local educational agencies (LEAs) that have large numbers of 
recently arrived immigrant students. LEAs then uses those funds 
to enhance instruction for immigrant children and youth or for 
the costs of basic instructional services directly attributable 
to the presence of immigrant children. Eligible LEAs are those 
that enroll at least 500 recent immigrant students or where 
those students represent at least 3 percent of the total 
enrollment. Immigrant students may be counted only if they have 
been enrolled in U.S. schools for less than three complete 
academic years.
    The Department makes grants to State educational agencies, 
which then make subgrants to eligible LEAs within the State. A 
1991 GAO study found that most LEAs use their Immigrant 
Education funds to provide special instruction to limited 
English proficient students.
    The Department has included measures required under the 
Government Performance and Results Act relating to the amount 
of immigrant education funds going directly to the classroom. 
However, in this program, as in most others, the Committee 
feels that indicators of academic achievement must be 
developed. Baselines and annual reporting systems need to be 
developed and projections of improvements in various program 
indicators as a result of proposed funding levels need to be 
included in the President's budget.

Foreign language assistance

    The bill provides $6,000,000 for the foreign language 
assistance program, the same as both the request and fiscal 
year 1999 amount. This program provides competitive grants to 
State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational 
agencies (LEAs) to increase the quantity and improve the 
quality of instruction in foreign languages deemed critical to 
the economic and security interests of the United States. Under 
this program, 3 year grants are awarded to SEAs to promote 
systemic improvement of foreign language instruction and to 
LEAs to support model programs of instruction that exhibit the 
capability for continuing beyond the 3 year grant period. LEA 
grants may include a professional development component. At 
least three-quarters of the appropriation must be used for the 
expansion of foreign language education in the elementary 
grades.
    The Department has included measures required under the 
Government Performance and Results Act relating to the 
improvement in foreign language fluency and the continuation of 
foreign language in the curriculum after the period of federal 
funding ceases. However, in addition to the identification of 
goals, baselines and annual reporting systems need to be 
developed and projections of improvements in various program 
indicators as a result of proposed funding levels need to be 
included in the President's budget.

                           SPECIAL EDUCATION

    The bill includes $5,833,146,000 for programs for children 
with disabilities authorized under the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act. This funding level is $383,250,000 
above the Administration's fiscal year 2000 budget request and 
$500,000,000 above the fiscal year 1999 appropriation.

State Grants: State grants for special education

    The bill provides $4,810,700,000 for grants to States, 
which is $496,700,000 above the budget request and $500,000,000 
above the fiscal year 1999 level. This program provides formula 
grants to assist the States in meeting the excess costs of 
providing special education and related services to children 
with disabilities. In order to be eligible for funds, States 
must make free appropriate public education available to all 
children with disabilities. Funds are currently distributed 
based on the number of children with disabilities to whom the 
States provide a free appropriate education. Under Section 613 
of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments 
of 1997 (P.L. 105-17), when funding for State grants reached 
$4,100,000,000, the local education agency maintenance of 
effort requirements are reduced by 20% of the increase over the 
prior year.
    The Committee notes that a recent U.S. Supreme Court 
decision in the case of Cedar Rapids Community School District 
v. Garret F., which determined that school districts must 
provide all-day nursing services to disabled students, has the 
potential for dramatically increasing the costs of providing 
special education services. The Committee recognizes that 
special education is already one of the largest and fastest 
growing expenses facing local school districts. Therefore, the 
Committee does not concur with the Administration's 
recommendation that this program receive no funding increase in 
fiscal year 2000. Under the Committee's recommended funding 
level, the federal contribution to the cost of educating 
children with disabilities is expected to reach 12 percent.
    The Committee has accepted the Department's recommendation 
to advance fund a portion of this program. Out of the total of 
$4,810,700,000 made available for school year 2000-2001, 
$1,202,700,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2000 for 
obligation after July 1, 2000 and $3,608,000,000 is 
appropriated for fiscal year 2001 for obligation on, or after, 
October 1, 2000.
    The Committee believes that the Department has made good 
progress in developing specific, measurable standards of 
academic achievement and postsecondary attendance or employment 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for special education State grants. The 
Committee encourages the Department to continue to refine 
baseline data and performance goals for this program.

State grants: Preschool grants

    The bill provides $373,985,000 for preschool grants, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 level and $28,450,000 below the 
budget request. This program provides grants to States on the 
basis of their proportionate share of the total number of 
children in the 3 through 5 age range. These funds are provided 
in order to assist States to make a free appropriate education 
available to all children with disabilities in the 3 through 5 
age range.
    The Committee believes that while the Department has 
proposed several worthwhile indicators of programmatic success, 
it must continue work on specific numerical goals consistent 
with the requirements of the Government Performance and Results 
Act for special education preschool grants. The Department must 
also continue to develop baseline data for these indicators.

State Grants: Grants for infants and families

    The bill provides $370,000,000 for grants for infants and 
families, the same as fiscal year 1999 and $20,000,000 below 
the budget request. This formula grant assists States in 
developing and implementing statewide systems of coordinated, 
comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency programs to make 
available early intervention services to all children with 
disabilities, aged birth through 2, and their families.
    The Committee is pleased that the Department has proposed 
several worthwhile indicators of programmatic success 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for special education grants for infants and 
families. The Department has provided specific, numerical goals 
and baseline data for most of the indicators presented. The 
Committee encourages the Department to continue to refine the 
baseline data and revise performance goals as necessary.

IDEA National Program: State improvement

    The bill includes $35,200,000 for State improvement, which 
is $10,000,000 below the budget request and the same as the 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This program supports 
competitive grants to State educational agencies to assist 
them, in partnership with parents, teachers, institutions of 
higher education, interest groups, and others, to improve 
results for children with disabilities by reforming and 
improving their educational, early intervention, and 
transitional service systems. Among these systems are those for 
professional development, technical assistance, and 
dissemination of knowledge about best practices. Awards are 
based on State improvement plans developed by the States.
    The Department has made progress in developing performance 
indicators for this program. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to work on indicators which assess the 
degree to which local education agencies and teachers are 
accessing training and technical assistance services, the 
degree to which these new techniques are integrated into school 
or classroom practices and the degree to which the techniques 
are successful in improving the academic achievement and 
successful transition to postsecondary education and 
employment.

IDEA National Program: Research and innovation

    The bill includes $64,508,000 for research and innovation, 
the same as both the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. This program supports competitive awards to 
produce and advance the use of knowledge to improve services 
and results for children with disabilities. The program focuses 
on producing new knowledge, integrating research and practice 
and improving the use of knowledge.
    The Committee also believes that the Department has not 
identified appropriate specific, measurable standards 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for special education national programs-
research and innovation. The Department must develop specific, 
measurable indicators which measure the utility of the research 
and demonstration programs supported within this account. 
Measures should relate to the degree to which research and 
demonstration programs are translated into change and 
improvement in programs serving individuals with disabilities. 
Such data should include baseline data and measurable 
improvements that are expected to occur as a result of proposed 
funding levels.
    The Committee commends the Department for its consistent 
efforts to support and conduct work on behalf of individuals 
with learning disabilities. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to fund research and intervention 
studies that are of the highest scientific quality and which 
can lead to dissemination and program replication that produce 
measurable positive improvements in student learning. The 
Committee also encourages the Office of Special Education 
Programs to coordinate efforts within the Department of 
Education, NIH, NSF and other federal agencies working on 
related activities.
    The Committee continues to be concerned about unmet needs 
among children with disabilities in rural areas and the lack of 
adequate support in these areas for parents, school personnel, 
child care staff and health providers to make effective use of 
and expand local resources. The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to consider funding programs in fiscal year 2000 that 
address this concern and to include such issues in the GPRA 
standards for this program.

IDEA National Program: Technical assistance and dissemination

    The bill includes $44,556,000 for technical assistance and 
dissemination. This funding level is the same as the budget 
request and the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This program 
provides technical assistance and information through 
competitive awards that support institutes, regional resource 
centers, clearinghouses, and efforts to build State and local 
capacity to make systemic changes and improve results for 
children with disabilities.
    The Committee is also concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific, measurable output standards consistent 
with the requirements of the Government Performance and Results 
Act for the IDEA national programs-technical assistance and 
dissemination. These standards should include an assessment of 
the value of the assistance and information, increases in use 
by former non-users and the degree to which assistance and 
information is translated to successful changes in classroom 
activities or other activities directly related to the students 
and their achievements. Such indicators should include baseline 
data and specific, measurable improvements that are expected to 
occur as a result of proposed increased funding.

IDEA National Program: Personnel preparation

    The bill includes $82,139,000 for personnel preparation, 
which is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation. This program supports competitive awards to 
help address State-identified needs for qualified personnel to 
work with children with disabilities, and to ensure that those 
personnel have the skills and knowledge they need to serve 
those children. Awards focus on addressing the need for 
personnel to serve low incidence populations and high incidence 
populations, leadership personnel, and projects of national 
significance.
    The Department has made progress on developing indicators 
for this program. However, the Committee remains concerned that 
more work must be done that demonstrates how this program is 
improving the quality and number of teachers for individuals 
with disabilities. Such data should include information on the 
increase in the preparation of teachers, the numbers of 
teachers and percentage of teachers trained who actually teach 
disabled children. Information on how the program is increasing 
the ability of institutions of higher education to assure that 
increasing numbers of teachers are entering the field is also 
critical. Baseline data on these indicators and specific, 
measurable changes that are expected to occur as a result of 
proposed funding levels should be included in the future.

IDEA National Program: Parent information centers

    The bill includes $18,535,000 for parent information 
centers which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and 
$4,000,000 below the budget request. This program makes awards 
to parent organizations to support parent training and 
information centers, including community parent resource 
centers. These centers provide training and information to meet 
the needs of parents of children with disabilities living in 
the areas served by the centers, particularly underserved 
parents and parents of children who may be inappropriately 
identified. Technical assistance is also provided under this 
program for developing, assisting and coordinating centers 
receiving assistance under this program.
    While the Department has identified some worthwhile 
indicators for this program, it has still not provided baseline 
data or specific goals for these indicators. The Committee 
expects such information to be included in the fiscal year 2001 
budget justification.

IDEA National Program: Technology and media services

    The bill includes $33,523,000 for technology and media 
services, which is $500,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $1,000,000 below the budget request. This 
program makes competitive awards to support the development, 
demonstration, and use of technology and educational media 
activities of educational value to children with disabilities.
    The bill includes $7,000,000 for the recording for the 
blind and dyslexic program, an increase of $500,000 over the 
amount appropriated for 1999 and $1,000,000 more than the 
amount requested by the President. These funds support 
continued production and circulation of recorded textbooks, 
increased outreach activities to print disabled students and 
their teachers, and accelerated use of digital technology.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of very small 
businesses in increasing the quality and cost-effectiveness of 
the television captioning program. As this program transitions 
into a mandatory program under the Telecommunications Act, the 
Committee urges the Department to give full and fair 
consideration to the applications of very small businesses.
    The Committee believes the Department needs to develop 
specific, measurable performance indicators for this program. 
The Committee believes that the single performance indicator 
presented in the budget justification for this program is not 
sufficient to meet the requirements of the Government 
Performance and Results Act.

Primary education intervention

    The Committee does not recommend funding for the primary 
education initiative proposed by the Administration for funding 
at $50,000,000. This initiative was not funded in the fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation.
    The Committee believes that it has already been established 
that some children are in special education solely because of 
reading difficulties or behavioral problems. In fact, in 
response to questions submitted for the record as part of the 
fiscal year 2000 budget hearing, the Department stated that: 
``Research has also shown that some early childhood 
intervention programs can significantly reduce the prevalence 
of emotional and behavioral problems in young children.''
    The Committee does not believe that new demonstration 
projects need to be funded to reiterate these findings; 
however, the Committee agrees that if children are taught how 
to read properly or receive intervention to change their 
behavioral patterns at an early age, they may not end up in 
special education. Therefore, the Committee encourages the 
Department to disseminate, through its research and national 
activities programs in OSERS, OERI and OESE, information on 
effective practices in teaching young children to read and 
effective practices in preventing and intervening in children's 
behavioral problems. The Committee also expects the Department 
to focus on this issue as part of its GPRA standards for 
special education programs.

            REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH

    The bill includes $2,687,150,000 for rehabilitation 
services and disability research. This amount is $29,964,000 
below the budget request and $34,566,000 above the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation. The programs in this account are authorized 
by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Helen Keller National 
Center Act, and the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. The 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 redesignated all programs in 
this account, with the exception of vocational rehabilitation 
state grants, as discretionary funding. All funding for 
programs under this account were previously considered 
mandatory, except for assistive technology.

Vocational rehabilitation grants to States

    For vocational rehabilitation State grants, the bill 
includes $2,338,977,000, $34,566,000 above fiscal year 1999 and 
the same as the budget request. This program supports basic 
vocational rehabilitation services through formula grants to 
the States. These grants support a wide range of services 
designed to help persons with physical and mental disabilities 
prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of 
their capabilities. Emphasis is placed on providing vocational 
rehabilitation services to persons with the most severe 
disabilities.
    The Department has made good progress in developing 
specific, numerical indicators, along with baseline data, for 
the vocational rehabilitation State grants program. However, 
the Committee believes the Department should continue to work 
with the vocational rehabilitation community to discuss 
strategies to improve program outcomes above the goals 
currently stated in the budget justification. For example, the 
Committee expects that the State grants program could 
significantly increase the percentage of persons served who 
obtain employment above the current baseline level of 61% in 
future years.

Client assistance

    The bill includes $10,928,000 for the client assistance 
program, the same as both the budget request and the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. A client assistance program is required in 
each State as a condition of receipt of a basic State grant. 
State formula grants are used to help persons with disabilities 
overcome problems with the service delivery system and improve 
their understanding of services available to them under the 
Rehabilitation Act.
    While the Department has identified some worthwhile 
indicators for this program, the Committee believes it should 
continue to work on developing baseline information and 
specific, numerical goals for this program.

Training

    For training personnel to provide rehabilitation services 
to persons with disabilities, the bill includes $39,629,000, 
$2,000,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. The program supports long-term and short-term 
training, in-service personnel training, and training of 
interpreters for deaf persons. Projects in a broad array of 
disciplines are funded to ensure that skilled personnel are 
available to serve the vocational needs of persons with 
disabilities.
    The Committee believes that the Department must continue to 
develop information on the efficacy of the training programs 
funded under this account. Indicators should include the number 
of students supported and the number of these students who go 
into direct service to individuals with disabilities or who are 
training additional service providers. It is also important to 
provide information on the degree to which skill training to 
upgrade existing providers of service is, in fact, assisting in 
providing better, more up-to-date service to the disabled. The 
Committee also believes the Department should develop 
indicators which focus on the degree to which students trained 
through the program are retained as professionals within the 
vocational rehabilitation system over time.

Demonstration and training programs

    The bill includes $13,942,000 for demonstration and 
training programs, $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 level 
and $3,000,000 below the budget request. These programs 
authorize discretionary awards on a competitive basis to public 
and private organizations to support demonstrations, direct 
services, and related activities for persons with severe 
disabilities.
    The Department needs to continue to work on developing 
specific, numerical goals and baseline data for this program. 
Current performance indicators do not include baseline data or 
specific goals.

Migratory workers

    For programs serving migratory workers, the bill provides 
$2,350,000, which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 
amount and the budget request. This program provides 
discretionary grants to make comprehensive vocational 
rehabilitation services available to migrant or seasonal 
farmworkers with vocational disabilities. Projects emphasize 
outreach activities, specialized bilingual rehabilitation 
counseling, and coordination of vocational rehabilitation 
services with services from other sources.
    The Committee concurs with the Department's emphasis on the 
accessibility of disability services for qualified individuals 
with disabilities and their employment and income after 
receiving vocational rehabilitation services. The Department 
should move as expeditiously as possible to developing baseline 
data and annual reporting systems. Each year's annual budget 
justification should include the expected improvements that 
will occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Recreational programs

    For recreational programs, the bill provides $2,596,000, 
the same as both the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget 
request. This program provides individuals with recreation and 
related activities to aid in their employment, mobility, 
independence, socialization, and community integration. 
Discretionary grants are made on a competitive basis to States, 
public agencies, and nonprofit private organizations, including 
institutions of higher education.
    The Committee believes that the performance indicators 
relating to the continuation of programs after the period of 
federal funding ceases are particularly important. However, as 
the Department has indicated in its budget justification, the 
program is also supposed to improve the employability of 
individuals with disabilities. Programmatic indicators relating 
to this objective should be developed and in all cases, 
baseline data, and annual reporting systems should be 
developed. Specific information on the improvement in outcomes 
expected as a result of requested funding levels should be 
included in the Department's budget justification. The 
Committee also encourages the Department to revise its goals to 
increase the level of services, rather than simply maintain 
them over time.

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

    For protection and advocacy for persons with severe 
disabilities, the bill provides $11,894,000, $1,000,000 above 
both the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget request. Grants 
are awarded to entities that have the authority to pursue 
legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies needed to 
protect and advocate the rights of persons with severe 
disabilities.
    The Department should continue to develop specific, 
numerical performance indicators for this program that include 
baseline data and specific goals. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to involve disability advocacy groups in 
the development and refinement of these indicators.

Projects with industry

    For projects with industry, the bill provides $22,071,000, 
the same as both the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget 
request. This program is the primary Federal vehicle for 
promoting greater participation of business and industry in the 
rehabilitation process. The program provides training and 
experience in realistic work settings to persons with 
disabilities to prepare them for employment in the competitive 
labor market. Awards are made to a variety of agencies and 
organizations, including business and industrial corporations, 
rehabilitation facilities, labor organizations, trade 
associations, and foundations.
    The Committee is pleased that the Department has developed 
performance indicators that focus specifically on employment, 
wages and job retention for participants of projects with 
industry. The Department should continue to develop baseline 
data and systems to provide annual data on the progress of the 
program in meeting its performance goals. Information should 
also be provided on how funding levels proposed will increase 
performance.

Supported employment State grants

    For supported employment State grants, the bill includes 
$38,152,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount 
and the budget request. These formula grants assist States in 
developing collaborative programs with public agencies and 
nonprofit agencies for training and post-employment services 
leading to supported employment. In supported employment 
programs, persons with severe disabilities are given special 
supervision and assistance to enable them to perform a job.
    The Committee is pleased with the indicator presented in 
the budget justification relating to the percentage of 
individuals who obtain a job. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to pursue data collection with respect 
to the program's focus on the most severely disabled 
individuals and their employment and income achievements. In 
addition, the Department must begin to rectify the lack of 
information it has identified and provide the Committee with 
baseline data, develop systems to provide annual data on 
progress toward program objectives and submit information on 
improvements in performance to be expected as a result of 
proposed funding levels.

Independent living: State grants

    For State grants for independent living, the bill includes 
$22,296,000. This amount is the same as both the fiscal year 
1999 amount and the budget request. This program supports 
formula grants to the States to provide services designed to 
meet the current and future needs of persons whose disabilities 
are so severe that they do not presently have the potential for 
employment, but who may benefit from services to enable them to 
live and function independently.

Independent living: centers

    For centers for independent living, the bill provides 
$46,109,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount, 
and $4,777,000 below the budget request. Discretionary grants 
support a network of consumer-controlled, nonresidential, 
community-based private nonprofit centers that provide a wide 
range of services to help persons with severe disabilities live 
more independently in family and community settings. Centers 
provide information and referral services, independent living 
skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems 
advocacy. Discretionary grants are made to State vocational 
rehabilitation agencies or other public agencies or private 
nonprofit organizations.

Independent living: services for older blind persons

    For independent living services for older blind 
individuals, the bill provides $11,169,000. This amount is the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and $223,000 below the 
budget request. Discretionary grants support services for 
persons 55 years old or over whose severe visual impairment 
makes gainful employment extremely difficult to obtain, but for 
whom independent living goals are feasible.
    The Department has provided a consolidated set of 
objectives for these three independent living programs. The 
Committee is supportive of these objectives in that they focus 
on the quality of life of individuals with severe disabilities. 
The Committee is pleased that the Department has provided 
baseline data for most of these indicators. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue to refine the indicators 
and goals for the independent living programs. The annual 
budget justification should include information on the 
improvements in programmatic indicators to be expected as a 
result of proposed funding levels.

Program improvement

    For program improvement activities, the bill provides 
$1,900,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and 
the budget request. The program: (1) provides technical 
assistance and consultative services to public and non-profit 
private agencies and organizations; (2) provides short-term 
training and technical instruction; (3) conducts special 
demonstrations; (4) collects, prepares, publishes and 
disseminates educational or informational materials, and; (5) 
carries out monitoring and conducts evaluations.
    The Committee believes that the Department must identify 
specific, measurable standards consistent with the requirements 
of the Government Performance and Results Act for program 
improvement. Unfortunately, the budget justification 
accompanying the President's fiscal year 2000 budget request 
indicates that performance indicators for this activity have 
not been established. After two years of Committee interest and 
six years after the passage of GPRA, the Committee believes 
that it is essential that standards be developed relating to 
the degree to which practices identified and technical 
assistance provided by the program are actually adopted and 
prove successful in improving the employment status, income and 
quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Such data 
should include baseline indicators on the adoption of new 
practices and techniques and specific, measurable changes that 
are expected to occur as a result of proposed increased 
funding.

Evaluation

    The bill includes $1,587,000 for program evaluation, the 
same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget request. 
These funds are used to evaluate the impact and effectiveness 
of individual programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. 
Contracts are awarded on an annual basis for studies to be 
conducted by persons not immediately involved in the 
administration of the programs authorized by the Act.

Helen Keller National Center

    For the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth 
and Adults, the bill includes $8,550,000, which is the same as 
the fiscal year 1999 amount and the budget request. These funds 
are used for the operation of the national center for intensive 
services for deaf-blind individuals and their families at Sands 
Point, New York and a network of 10 regional offices for 
referral and counseling. In addition to support for the 
national and regional staff, the Helen Keller Center provides 
seed money to State and private nonprofit affiliate agencies to 
assist them in initiating programs for deaf-blind persons.
    The Department has provided the Committee with several 
objectives, along with baseline data, for this program 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act. They relate to developing self-sufficiency, 
enabling family members to provide and obtain services and 
system improvement. While there is substantial information on 
accomplishments, there is little information yet on projected 
improvements as a result of funding proposed in the request. 
The Department should provide this information in future 
submissions. The Committee also encourages the Department to 
revise its goals significantly above current baselines.

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

    The bill includes $81,000,000 for the National Institute on 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research, $9,964,000 below the 
budget request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount. The 
Institute supports research, demonstration and training 
activities that are designed to maximize the employment and 
integration into society of individuals with disabilities of 
all ages.
    The Committee encourages NIDRR to strongly consider 
supporting research on neurofibromatosis and its connection to 
learning disabilities as well as to pseudoarthrosis through 
various funding mechanisms, such as Field-Initiated Research 
Grants.
    The Committee is pleased that the National Institute on 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research has recognized chronic 
fatigue syndrome as an unmet area of research and encourages 
NIDRR to actively solicit chronic fatigue syndrome-related 
research proposals.
    The Committee believes that the Department has put forward 
goals that focus on the utility of the research and 
effectiveness of information dissemination. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue to develop baseline data, 
as well as specific numerical goals, for this program.

Assistive technology

    For assistive technology activities, the bill provides 
$34,000,000, $11,000,000 below the budget request and the same 
as the fiscal year 1999 amount. Technology assistance 
activities are authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 
1998, which was reauthorized in 1994. This program provides 
discretionary grants to the States to assist them in developing 
statewide programs to facilitate the provision of devices for, 
and services to, persons with disabilities.
    While the Department has included output-oriented 
indicators in its fiscal year 2000 budget justification, the 
Committee does not believe these are consistent with the 
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act. The 
Committee believes the Department should work on specific 
measurements as to how these new or innovative techniques have 
contributed to improved academic achievement, employment, 
earnings, or lifestyles of disabled persons. Such data should 
include baseline data and specific, measurable changes that are 
expected to occur as a result of proposed increased funding.

           Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities


                 american printing house for the blind

    The bill provides $9,000,000 for the American Printing 
House for the Blind, an increase of $339,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $27,000 above the 
President's request. This appropriation subsidizes the 
production of educational materials for legally blind persons 
enrolled in pre-college programs. The Printing House, which is 
chartered by the State of Kentucky, manufactures and maintains 
an inventory of special materials that is distributed free of 
charge to schools and States based on the number of blind 
students in each State. The Printing House also conducts 
research and field activities to inform educators about the 
availability of materials and how to use them.
    The Committee is aware that one of the primary goals of the 
American Printing House for the Blind is to ensure that quality 
accessible textbooks are available to blind and visually 
impaired students at the same time that sighted students 
receive print copies. However, there are three obstacles which 
impede this process: there is no standard format used by 
publishers in providing electronic files of textbooks and some 
titles use multiple publication codes; there is no software to 
translate graphs, charts, scientific formulas and other 
pictorial presentations; and copyright permissions must be 
obtained from publishers prior to reproduction of textbooks in 
larger type format. Each of these obstacles have resulted in 
additional time and effort of Printing House staff, as well as 
delay in processing publications.
    The Committee supports the continuation of the cooperative 
effort initiated at the Printing House's Annual Meeting in 
October 1998 and recommends that the American Printing House 
for the Blind hold a meeting with the Association of American 
Publishers, the National Council on Disabilities, the National 
Federation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind, 
American Foundation for the Blind and other relevant 
organizations to identify strategies to resolve these obstacles 
and provide accessible textbooks to blind and visually impaired 
students in a timely manner.

               national technical institute for the deaf

    The bill provides $48,151,000 for the National Technical 
Institute for the Deaf (NTID), an increase of $2,651,000 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 amount and $226,000 above the 
request. The bill allows the NTID to transfer a portion of its 
appropriation to the endowment at its discretion. The Committee 
directs the NTID to report to it within 15 days of executing 
such a transfer.
    The bill includes $2,651,000 to remain available until 
expended for construction on dormitory renovations. This is 
based upon the Department's estimate that NTID would raise 15 
percent of the cost of this project through private fundraising 
efforts. The Committee notes that NTID raised concerns in its 
budget hearings about the feasibility of raising these funds. 
The Committee will closely monitor NTID's fundraising efforts 
and will re-evaluate the assumption that NTID pay 15 percent of 
the renovation costs at a later time.
    The Committee continues to emphasize the importance of 
student retention and improving the institutional graduation 
rate at NTID. The Committee also encourages NTID and the 
Department to revise performance goals relating to enrollment 
and graduation rates so they are significantly above current 
baselines.
    The NTID was established by Congress in 1965 to provide a 
residential facility for postsecondary technical training and 
education for deaf persons with the purpose of promoting the 
employment of deaf individuals. The Institute also conducts 
applied research and provides training in various aspects of 
deafness. The Secretary of Education administers these 
activities through a contract with the Rochester Institute of 
Technology in Rochester, New York.

                          gallaudet university

    The bill provides $85,980,000 for Gallaudet University, an 
increase of $2,500,000 above the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $860,000 above the budget request. The bill 
includes a provision that allows Gallaudet to transfer a 
portion of its appropriation to the endowment at its 
discretion. The Committee directs Gallaudet to report to it 
within 15 days of executing such a transfer.
    The bill includes $2,500,000 to remain available until 
expended for renovation of facilities at the Model Secondary 
School for the Deaf, as described in the President's budget 
justification.
    Gallaudet is a private, non-profit educational institution 
Federally-chartered in 1864 providing elementary, secondary, 
undergraduate, and continuing education for deaf persons. In 
addition, the University offers graduate programs in fields 
related to deafness for deaf and hearing students, conducts 
various deafness research, and provides public service programs 
for deaf persons.
    The Committee continues to emphasize the importance of 
student retention and improving the institutional graduation 
rate at Gallaudet. The Committee also encourages Gallaudet and 
the Department to revise performance goals relating to 
enrollment and graduation rates so they are significantly above 
current baselines.

                     vocational and adult education

    The bill includes $1,582,247,000 for vocational and adult 
education programs. This amount is $168,003,000 below the 
budget request and $26,277,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. This appropriation account includes vocational 
education programs originally authorized by the Carl D. Perkins 
Vocational and Technical Education Act and recently 
reauthorized in 1998. The account also includes adult education 
programs originally authorized by the Adult Education Act and 
recently reauthorized in 1998 under the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998.

Vocational education basic grants

    The bill includes $1,080,650,000 for basic grants to States 
under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education 
Act, which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 amount and 
the budget request. Out of the total of $1,080,650,000 made 
available for school year 2000-2001, $308,650,000 is 
appropriated for fiscal year 2000 for obligation after July 1, 
2000 and $772,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 for 
obligation on, or after, October 1, 2000. State grants support 
a variety of vocational education programs developed in 
accordance with the State plan. The Act concentrates federal 
resources on institutions with high concentrations of low-
income students. The populations assisted by Basic Grants range 
from secondary students in pre-vocational courses to adults who 
need retraining to adapt to changing technological and labor 
markets.
    The Department has made good progress in developing 
performance indicators consistent with the requirements of the 
Government Performance and Results Act. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue to refine indicators and 
provide specific numerical goals for the vocational education 
programs.

Tech-prep

    The bill includes $106,000,000 for tech-prep, which is the 
same as fiscal year 1999 and $5,000,000 below the budget 
request. This appropriation includes activities under title II 
of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act. 
The tech-prep education program provides planning and 
demonstration grants to consortia of local educational agencies 
and postsecondary institutions to develop and operate model 
technical education programs. These programs begin in high 
school and provide students with the mathematical, science, 
communications and technological skills needed to enter a 2-
year associate degree or 2-year certificate program in a given 
occupational field, and to make a successful transition into 
further postsecondary education or begin their careers. The 
purpose of tech-prep is to develop structural links between 
secondary and postsecondary institutions that integrate 
academic and vocational education and better prepare students 
to make the transition from school to careers.

Tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions

    The bill includes $4,100,000 for grants for tribally 
controlled postsecondary vocational institutions, the same as 
the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 amount. This 
program provides grants for the operation and improvement of 
training programs to ensure continuation and expansion of 
vocational training opportunities for Indian youth.
    The Committee believes the Department needs to develop 
specific, measurable performance indicators relating to this 
program. The Department must identify specific program goals 
and baseline data relating to degree completion, employment and 
continuing education. The Committee expects the Department to 
work with the tribal community in developing these indicators.

National programs

    For national programs, the Committee provides $13,497,000, 
which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount and $4,003,000 
below the President's fiscal year 2000 request. This authority 
supports the conduct and dissemination of research in 
vocational education, and includes support for the National 
Center for Research in Vocational Education, and other 
discretionary research.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for national programs. The Committee encourages the Department 
to continue to work on baseline data and indicators that focus 
on the degree to which research produced under this account is 
translated into educational practices in the classroom and the 
improvements in achievement resulting from the adoption of 
these practices.

State programs for adult education

    For state grants, the Committee recommends $365,000,000, 
which is the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount, and 
$103,000,000 below the budget request. Out of the total of 
$365,000,000 made available for school year 2000-2001, 
$92,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2000 for obligation 
after July 1, 2000 and $273,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal 
year 2001 for obligation on, or after, October 1, 2000. State 
formula grants support programs to enable all adults to acquire 
basic literacy skills, to enable those who so desire to 
complete a secondary education, and to make available to adults 
the means to become more employable, productive, and 
responsible citizens.
    Grants are provided on a formula basis to States under the 
new Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The formula 
provides an initial allotment of $250,000 for each state and 
$100,000 to each outlying area, with additional allotments 
distributed on the basis of population aged 16 and over who are 
without a high school diploma or equivalent who are not 
enrolled in secondary school.
    States may use 12.5% of their allotments for state 
leadership activities and may use an additional 5% or $65,000 
for state administration. States and localities must give 
priority to adult education and literacy activities that are 
built on a strong foundation of research on effective practices 
and that effectively employ technology. Funds are provided on a 
forward-funded basis.
    The Committee notes that over 40 percent of new adult 
education entrants are seeking English as-a-second language 
(ESL) services and that ESL accounts for 51 percent of all 
adults receiving adult education services and 76 percent of the 
hours of instruction received. The Committee expects that the 
funds provided in this program will be used by states with 
large concentrations of students who seek English language 
proficiency training to meet the needs of those individuals.
    The Committee is very pleased with indicators of 
effectiveness, baseline data and goals to be achieved set forth 
by the Department pursuant to the Government Performance and 
Results Act for adult education State grants.

National Programs--National Leadership Activities

    The Committee provides $7,000,000 for national leadership 
activities. This amount is $7,000,000 below fiscal year 1999 
and $94,000,000 below the President's request.
    Through applied research, development, dissemination, 
evaluation, and program improvement activities, this program 
assists State efforts to improve the quality of adult 
education. The funds support such projects as evaluations on 
the status and effectiveness of adult education programs, 
national and international adult literacy surveys, and 
technical assistance on using technology to improve instruction 
and administration that show promise of contributing to the 
improvement and expansion of adult education.
    The Committee has not included $70,000,000 for the new 
``Common Ground Partnership Initiative'' proposed by the 
Administration. The Committee believes that the proposed 
initiative would result in unnecessary duplication, paperwork, 
and cost for states and localities that already operate 
successful ESL programs. The Committee expects that funds 
provided under the state grant program will be used by states 
with large concentrations of students who seek English language 
proficiency training to meet the needs of those individuals. In 
response to questions submitted for the record as part of the 
fiscal year 2000 budget hearing, the Department stated that:

          States can and do undertake ESL for immigrants with 
        their [adult education] State grants * * * States that 
        do not target specific amounts of Federal or State 
        grant funds for this type of service usually do not 
        have the concentration of foreign born persons seeking 
        English language and citizenship instruction.

    The Department has also stated that States spend about one-
third of their adult education grant funds for English-as-a-
second language programs. If the percentage of state spending 
on ESL programs remains constant next year, over $122,000,000 
will be spent on ESL activities in fiscal year 2000 under the 
Committee's recommendations.
    The Committee notes that $4,000,000 in fiscal year 1999 
funds are being used by the Department to support a 
discretionary competition to identify best practices in 
teaching ESL/citizenship programs. The Committee believes it is 
best to wait for the results of this demonstration program 
before committing the substantial funding requested for this 
new initiative by the Administration.

National Institute for Literacy

    For the National Institute for Literacy, the bill provides 
$6,000,000, which is the same as both the fiscal year 1999 
amount and the budget request. The Institute supports research 
and development projects, tracks progress made toward national 
literacy goals, supports research fellowships, disseminates 
information through a national clearinghouse, and coordinates 
literacy information data from national and State sources.
    The Department has identified several worthwhile 
performance indicators for this program. However, the Committee 
believes the Department needs to continue to work with the 
National Institute for Literacy to develop specific baseline 
data, numerical goals and measurable standards relating to the 
utility of information and technical assistance provided and 
the degree to which such information and assistance has 
improved the teaching of literacy. Such data should include 
baseline data on the transfer of programmatic innovations and 
specific, measurable changes that are expected to occur as a 
result of proposed increased funding.

State grants for incarcerated youth offenders

    The Committee recommends no funding for state grants for 
incarcerated youth offenders, $12,000,000 below the budget 
request and $16,723,000 below the fiscal year 1999 amount. 
Given the limited Federal discretionary budget, the Committee 
has chosen to focus its resources on higher priority programs 
in this bill.

                      student financial assistance

    The bill provides $9,259,000,000 for student financial 
assistance programs, a decrease of $89,000,000 from the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and an increase of 
$76,000,000 above the President's budget request.
    The Committee urges the Department to expand its outreach 
activities to inform the general public regarding the cost of 
college and the many Federal loans and awards available to 
students, especially low-income and first-generation students.

Pell grants

    The bill increases the maximum Pell Grant to $3,275, an 
increase of $25 above the President's request and $150 above 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 amount, providing the highest 
maximum grant ever awarded. This raise in the maximum grant 
will increase the number of students who qualify for Pell 
Grants to 3,886,000.
    The bill provides $7,620,000,000 in new budget authority 
for the Pell Grant program, an increase of $157,000,000 over 
the President's request and $84,000,000 below the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 amount. Out of the total of $7,620,000,000 
made available for school year 2000-2001, $5,334,000,000 is 
appropriated for fiscal year 2000 for obligation after July 1, 
2000 and $2,286,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2001 
for obligation on, or after, October 1, 2000. The Committee 
considers this program to be among the highest priorities under 
its jurisdiction and has limited funds for other lower priority 
programs elsewhere in the bill in order to increase the maximum 
Pell Grant. Pell Grants provide portable education vouchers to 
postsecondary students who may use them at any of over 6,000 
eligible schools.
    The bill includes a provision, enacted in each of the last 
five annual Appropriations Acts, requiring the Department to 
adjust grant awards at the time of publication of the payment 
schedule. Awards for 2000-2001 would be adjusted downward if 
the estimates of the budget authority necessary to support a 
$3,275 maximum grant have increased substantially.

GPRA Measures

    The Committee is encouraged by the Office of Student 
Financial Aid's focus on the development of performance 
measures. The Office should use these measures as the primary 
management tool for resource allocation and the evaluation of 
programs and individuals. The Committee is very concerned that 
the Office has not consulted with it, and other Committees of 
Congress, on the definition of performance measures, baseline 
development and the development and implementation of regular 
progress reports to Congress. The Office of Student Financial 
Aid is directed to establish a regular consultative process 
with the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce and the analogous Committees in the 
Senate. The Committee also instructs the Office regularly to 
brief the Congress on how these tools are being used to manage 
the Student Financial Assistance programs, how such data is 
used to establish program and individual performance goals, how 
actual performance is measured against these goals and the 
kinds of incentives, both positive and negative, that are in 
place to assure the achievement of overall goals.
    The Committee concurs with the Secretary's proposal to 
provide a single set of performance measures. However, it 
believes that, in addition to various measures of timeliness, 
accuracy and student satisfaction, the Secretary should include 
measures relating to the successful completion of degrees or 
certificates by students assisted through the various student 
financial aid programs.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

    The bill provides $629,000,000 for federal supplemental 
educational opportunity grants, $10,000,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $2,000,000 below 
the request. The bill declares $10,000,000 of the total to be 
emergency funding under the Budget Act and allows the Secretary 
of Education to waive statutory and regulatory requirements for 
this program for students that live in, work in, or attend 
school in areas affected by Hurricane Floyd and the subsequent 
flooding that occurred in August and September 1999. The SEOG 
program provides grants through postsecondary institutions to 
qualified students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. 
Institutions have broad flexibility within the eligibility 
criteria for awarding these grants with the exception that 
priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients.

Work-study

    The bill provides $880,000,000 for the work-study program, 
an increase of $10,000,000 over the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $54,000,000 below the budget request. Funding 
for this program is provided through institutions to students 
who work part-time to meet the cost of education. Institutions 
receive funding according to a statutory formula and may 
allocate it for job location and job development centers.

Perkins loans capital contributions

    The Committee bill provides $100,000,000 in funding for new 
capital contributions to Federal Perkins revolving loan funds, 
the same as the budget request and the comparable fiscal year 
1999 appropriation.

Perkins loans cancellations

    The bill provides $30,000,000 for Federal Perkins loans 
cancellations, the same as the budget request and the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 amount. The Federal Government 
reimburses institutional Perkins revolving loan funds for loan 
cancellations permitted under Federal law. Loans may be 
canceled when the borrower pursues a career in one of 12 
statutorily-designated professions including corrections, 
medical technical work, and peace corps or VISTA service.

Leveraging educational assistance partnership

    The bill does not provide funding for the leveraging 
educational assistance partnership (LEAP) program. The fiscal 
year 1999 Appropriations Act provided $25,000,000 for this 
program and the President requested $25,000,000 for fiscal year 
2000. The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 reauthorized the 
state student incentive grant (SSIG) program as the new 
leveraging educational assistance partnership (LEAP) program. 
LEAP provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds to States as an 
incentive for providing need-based grant and work study 
assistance to eligible postsecondary students. Federally 
supported grants and job earnings are limited to $5,000 per 
award year for full-time students. By law, each State's 
allocation is based on its relative share of the total national 
population of students eligible to participate in the programs, 
except that no state is to receive less than it received in 
1979, when the appropriation was $76,750,000. If LEAP amounts 
are below this level, each State is allocated an amount 
proportional to the amount of funds it received in 1979. If a 
State does not use all of its allocation, the excess funds are 
distributed to other States in the same proportion as the 
original distribution. States must, at a minimum, match LEAP 
grants dollar for dollar with State funds provided through 
direct State appropriations for this purpose.

                 Federal family education loan program

    The bill provides $46,482,000 for administration of the 
federal family education loan (FFEL) program, the same as 
fiscal year 1999 and a decrease of $1,518,000 below the budget 
request. This discretionary administrative funding is provided 
in the FFEL appropriation account rather than under the 
Department's Salaries and Expenses account pursuant to a 
requirement of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990. These 
funds support Federal administrative activities including 
processing payments and claims, reducing loan default costs, 
and program monitoring. FFEL loans are financed with private 
capital and reinsured by the Federal Government against 
borrower default, death, disability and bankruptcy. Federal 
costs include payments for such insurance claims as well as 
support for borrower interest benefits. FFEL loans have 
supported over $150,000,000,000 in loans to student and parent 
borrowers since their inception. This account includes 
discretionary Federal administrative costs only. Additional 
amounts for new FFEL subsidies and mandatory administrative 
expenses for fiscal year 2000 are provided under permanent 
legislative authority.

                            Higher education

    The bill provides $1,151,786,000 for higher education 
programs, a decrease of $140,837,000 below the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $427,420,000 below the 
budget request.

Strengthening institutions

    The bill provides $60,250,000 for the strengthening 
institutions program, $1,325,000 below the budget request and 
the same as the fiscal year 1999 level. This program provides 
general operating subsidies to institutions with low average 
educational and general expenditures per student and 
significant percentages of low-income students. Awards may be 
used for faculty and academic program development, management, 
joint use of libraries and laboratories, acquisition of 
equipment, and student services.
    The Committee encourages the Department to continue to 
develop specific numerical goals for this program.

Hispanic serving institutions

    The bill provides $28,000,000 for the Hispanic serving 
institutions (HSI) program, the same as the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and $14,250,000 below the budget 
request.
    The HSI program provides operating subsidies to schools 
that serve at least 25 percent Hispanic students of whom at 
least half are low-income, first-generation students and at 
least a quarter of whom are either low-income or first-
generation students.
    The Committee expects the Department to continue to develop 
specific numerical goals for this program. Specifically, the 
Committee expects the Department to focus on performance 
indicators related to student persistence, academic skills, 
endowment building, technology, institutional stability and 
program quality.

Strengthening historically black colleges and universities

    The bill provides $136,000,000 for strengthening 
historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the same 
as the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and 
$12,750,000 below the budget request.
    This program provides operating subsidies to accredited, 
legally authorized HBCUs established prior to 1964 whose 
principal mission is the education of Black Americans. Funds 
may be used to support both programs and management and are 
distributed through a formula grant based on the enrollment of 
Pell Grant recipients, number of graduates, and the number of 
graduates entering graduate or professional schools in which 
Blacks are underrepresented. The minimum grant is $500,000.
    The Committee expects the Department to continue to develop 
specific numerical goals for this program. Specifically, the 
Committee expects the Department to focus on performance 
indicators related to student persistence, academic skills, 
endowment building, technology, institutional stability and 
program quality.

Strengthening historically black graduate institutions

    The bill provides $30,000,000 for the strengthening of 
historically black graduate institutions program, the same as 
the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $2,000,000 
below the budget request.
    The program provides 5-year grants to the following 18 
post-secondary institutions that are specified in section 
326(e)(1) of the Higher Education Act: Morehouse School of 
Medicine, Meharry Medical School, Charles R. Drew Postgraduate 
Medical School, Clark-Atlanta University, Tuskegee University 
School of Veterinary Medicine, Xavier University School of 
Pharmacy, Southern University School of Law, Texas Southern 
University Schools of Law and Pharmacy, Florida A&M University 
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central 
University School of Law, Morgan State University qualified 
graduate program, Hampton University qualified graduate 
program, Alabama A&M qualified graduate program, University of 
Maryland Eastern Shore qualified graduate program, Jackson 
State qualified graduate program, Norfolk State University, and 
Tennessee State University. Of the amount appropriated, the 
first $26,600,000 is used to make grants to the first 16 
institutions listed above. Any amount appropriated in excess of 
$26,600,000 but less than $28,600,000 is used to make grants to 
Norfolk State University and Tennessee State University and any 
remaining appropriation is made available to each of the 18 
institutions based on a formula. Awards may be used for 
building endowments as well as the same purposes for which the 
strengthening HBCU grants may be used.
    The Committee expects the Department to continue to develop 
specific numerical goals for this program. Specifically, the 
Committee expects the Department to focus on performance 
indicators related to student persistence, academic skills, 
endowment building, technology, institutional stability and 
program quality.

Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions

    The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for strengthening 
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, the 
same as both the fiscal year 1999 level and the budget request. 
This is a new program that was authorized in the Higher 
Education Act Amendments of 1998. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to develop specific numerical goals for 
this program.

Strengthening tribally controlled colleges and universities

    The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for the strengthening 
tribally controlled colleges and universities program, 
$3,000,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level. This is a new program that was authorized in 
the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue to develop specific 
numerical goals for this program.

Fund for the improvement of postsecondary education

    The Committee recommends $22,500,000 for the fund for the 
improvement of postsecondary education (FIPSE), $5,000,000 
below the budget request and $27,500,000 below the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 amount. FIPSE awards grants and contracts to a 
variety of postsecondary institutions and other organizations 
to improve the quality and delivery of postsecondary education.
    The globalization phenomenon is increasingly changing the 
world and its constituent entities in powerful and as yet not 
fully understood ways. The Nation's well-being depends on its 
ability to comprehend the nature of these international forces 
and to develop responses that will sustain and promote U.S. 
interests and values. The Committee strongly urges the 
Department to enhance its efforts to provide research and 
educational development in the area of globalization and its 
implications for U.S. interests, and to make the information 
gleaned rapidly available to the Nation's teachers for use in 
the classroom through innovative uses of the Internet. In 
particular, the Committee supports efforts to provide research 
and training on the international aspects of trade, commerce, 
technological development and trends affected by global change.
    The Department has developed a number of performance 
indicators for the FIPSE program. The Committee encourages the 
Department to develop specific numerical goals and baseline 
data for this program.

Minority science and engineering improvement

    The bill provides $7,500,000 for the minority science 
improvement program (MSIP), the same as the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and $1,000,000 below the budget 
request.
    The MSIP program awards grants to improve mathematics, 
science, and engineering programs at institutions serving 
primarily minority students and to increase the number of 
minority students who pursue advanced degrees and careers in 
those fields. The Committee encourages the Department to 
develop specific numerical goals and baseline data for this 
program.

International education and foreign languages studies

            Domestic programs
    The bill provides $62,000,000 for the domestic activities 
of the international education and foreign languages studies 
programs, an increase of $2,000,000 over the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $680,000 above the budget request. The 
program assists graduate and undergraduate foreign language and 
area studies programs and students at institutions of 
postsecondary education. Programs include national resource 
centers, foreign language and area studies fellowships, 
undergraduate international studies and foreign language 
programs, international research and studies projects, business 
and international education projects, international business 
education centers, language resource centers, and American 
overseas research centers. In general, the Secretary has 
discretion to allocate funding among these various activities.
    The Department has developed some performance indicators 
for this program; however, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, numeric goals and 
baseline data for these programs.
            Overseas programs
    The bill provides $6,536,000 for the overseas programs in 
international education and foreign language studies authorized 
under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, 
popularly known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The appropriation is 
$144,000 below the budget request and the same as the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation. Funding for these 
programs supports group projects abroad, faculty research 
abroad, special bilateral projects, and doctoral research 
abroad.
    The Department has developed some performance indicators 
for this program; however, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, numeric goals and 
baseline data for these programs.

Institute for International Public Policy

    The bill provides $1,000,000 for the Institute for 
International Public Policy, $22,000 below the budget request 
and the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This 
program provides a grant to the United Negro College Fund to 
operate the Institute through sub-grantees chosen among 
minority serving institutions.
    The Department has developed some performance indicators 
for this program; however, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, numeric goals and 
baseline data for these programs.

Urban community service

    The bill does not provide funding for the urban community 
service program, nor does the budget request funding for it. 
The comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation was $4,637,000. 
The fiscal year 1999 Omnibus Appropriations Bill stated that 
fiscal year 1999 funding would ``complete the grant cycle for 
non-competing project continuations. No further funding will be 
provided for the Urban Community Service program.''

Interest subsidy grants

    The bill provides $12,000,000 for interest subsidy grants 
authorized under section 702 of the Higher Education Act, the 
same amount requested in the budget and $1,000,000 below the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This program 
provides loan subsidies to higher education institutions for 
facilities acquisition, construction and renovation loans taken 
prior to 1974. All loans will terminate by the fiscal year 
2013. The authority to initiate new loan subsidy commitments 
was repealed in the 1992 amendments to the Higher Education 
Act. Interest subsidies provide institutions the difference 
between the interest they pay on commercially-obtained loans 
and 3 percent of the loan balance. The bill provides funding 
sufficient to meet the Federal Government's commitments on the 
241 loans expected to be in repayment status in fiscal year 
2000.

TRIO

    The bill provides $660,000,000 for the six TRIO programs, 
an increase of $30,000,000 above the President's request and 
$60,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. The Committee notes that funding for the TRIO 
programs has increased by $187,000,000, or 40 percent, since 
fiscal year 1995.
    The TRIO programs provide a variety of outreach and support 
services to encourage low-income, potential first-generation 
college students to enter and complete college. Discretionary 
grants of up to four or five years are awarded competitively to 
institutions of higher education and other agencies. At least 
two-thirds of the eligible participants in TRIO must be low-
income, first-generation college students.
    The Department has identified several worthwhile 
performance indicators for the TRIO programs and has provided 
some baseline data. However, the budget request did not present 
any specific, numerical goals for the program. The Committee 
expects this information to be included in the fiscal year 2001 
budget request.

GEAR UP

    The Committee recommends no funding for the GEAR UP 
program, $120,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and $240,000,000 below the budget request. This is a new 
program authorized in the Higher Education Act Amendments of 
1998 which essentially duplicates the services provided in the 
TRIO programs. The Committee notes that this is the first year 
of operation for the GEAR UP program. Given the limited 
resources available to the Committee, the Committee believes 
that funds are better invested in established programs such as 
TRIO until more data is available on the results of the initial 
GEAR UP projects.

Byrd scholarships

    The Committee recommends no funding for the Byrd 
scholarships program, $39,859,000 below the budget request and 
$39,288,000 below the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. The Byrd 
scholarship program provides formula grants to States to award 
four-year, $1,500 scholarships to students who demonstrate 
academic excellence in high school. The program was initiated 
as a one-year scholarship program and was later expanded to a 
four-year program.
    The Department has not identified performance objectives 
and indicators consistent with the requirements of the 
Government Performance and Results Act for this program. The 
Department's sole indicator for the program is that states will 
award all scholarship funds. Given the absence of performance 
indicators relating to college entry and completion for 
participants, the Committee was unable to fund this program 
under current budget constraints.

Javits fellowships and graduate assistance in areas of national need 
        program

    The Committee recommends $31,000,000 for the Javits 
fellowships and the graduate assistance in areas of national 
need (GAANN) program, a decrease of $10,000,000 below the 
budget request and the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation.
    Under the Javits program, institutions receive Federal 
support to make fellowship awards of up to $14,400 to students 
pursuing doctoral study in the arts, humanities, and social 
sciences. The GAANN program awards grants to institutions of 
higher education to provide fellowships of up to five years and 
$14,400 to economically disadvantaged students who have 
demonstrated academic excellence and who are pursuing graduate 
education in designated areas of national need.
    The Department has developed a number of worthwhile 
indicators for this program. However, work still needs to be 
done in terms of developing baseline data and specific, 
numerical goals for the program. The Committee expects this 
information to be included in the fiscal year 2001 budget 
request.

Learning anytime anywhere

    The Committee recommends no funding for learning anytime 
anywhere partnerships, which is $10,000,000 below the fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and $20,000,000 below the budget 
request. This is a new program authorized in the Higher 
Education Act Amendments of 1998. The Department has not 
developed performance indicators for this program that are 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act. One performance indicator the Department is 
using for this program is that the number of grants will equal 
the Department's estimates. This type of indicator is not 
acceptable. Given the absence of outcome based indicators or 
goals that focus on how the program is helping workers gain 
training or education above the levels that would be expected 
in the absence of the program, the Committee has chosen to 
focus its resources on higher priority programs in this bill.

Teacher quality enhancement grants

    The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for teacher quality 
enhancement grants, which is $40,000,000 below the budget 
request and $2,212,000 below the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. This program was authorized in the Higher 
Education Act Amendments of 1998. Teacher quality enhancement 
grants have three components: state grants, partnership grants 
and recruitment grants. By statute, state and partnership 
grants each receive 45 percent of the appropriation, and 
recruitment grants receive 10 percent.
    Under the state grant component, states apply to receive up 
to three years of funding to improve the quality of their 
teaching force through promoting reform activities such as 
teacher licensing and certification, accountability for high 
quality teacher preparation and professional development and 
recruiting teachers for high-need schools. States must match 50 
percent of the federal award.
    Under the partnership component, partnerships apply to 
receive a five-year grant to strengthen the capacity of K-12 
educators in designing and implementing effective teacher 
education programs, and by increasing collaboration among these 
practitioners and departments of arts and sciences and schools 
of education at institutions of higher education. Partnerships 
must match 25 percent of the federal grant in the first year, 
35 percent in the second year, and 50 percent for the remaining 
years.
    The recruitment component supports the efforts to reduce 
shortages of qualified teachers in high-need school districts. 
States or partnerships may apply to receive these grants.
    The Committee rejects the Administration's proposal to 
rewrite the statutory formula allocating funds among the three 
grant components.
    The Department has begun to develop indicators for this 
program. The Committee encourages the Department to develop 
indicators that focus on program outcomes, such as decreased 
teacher attrition rates, increased percentages of teachers who 
are prepared to teach to high standards, decreased qualified-
teacher shortages and increased student academic achievement in 
states participating in the program. The Committee expects this 
information, including baseline data and specific, numerical 
goals for the program, to be included in the fiscal year 2001 
budget request.

Child care access means parents in school

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for child care access 
means parents in school program, which is the same as both the 
budget request and the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. This 
program was authorized in the Higher Education Act Amendments 
of 1998.
    Under this program, institutions may receive discretionary 
grants of up to four years to support or establish a campus-
based childcare program primarily serving the needs of low-
income students enrolled at the institution. Priority is given 
to childcare programs that leverage significant local or 
institutional resources and utilize a sliding fee scale. Grants 
can only be used to supplement childcare services or start new 
programs.
    The Committee is concerned that the only performance 
measure developed by the Department for this program is an 
increase in the number of children served. The Committee 
believes that the purpose of this program is to encourage 
participation of low-income students in the postsecondary 
education system. As such, the Committee encourages the 
Department to develop indicators that track how many low-income 
parents are attending school because of this program who would 
not otherwise be able to attend.

Demonstration projects to ensure quality higher education for students 
        with disabilities

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for demonstration 
projects to ensure quality higher education for students with 
disabilities, the same as both the budget request and the 
fiscal year 1999 level. This program was authorized under the 
Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998.
    This program provides discretionary grants for three years 
to support model demonstration projects that provide technical 
assistance and professional development activities for faculty 
and administrators in institutions of higher education in order 
to provide students with disabilities a high-quality 
postsecondary education.
    The Department has begun to develop indicators for this 
program. The Committee urges the Department to focus upon 
outcome oriented indicators that demonstrate how this program 
is improving access to higher education for students with 
disabilities above the levels that would be expected in the 
absence of the program. Indicators should also be developed to 
track how the models developed under this program are 
disseminated nationwide and how technical assistance in 
training faculty to meet the needs of students with 
disabilities improves.

Web based education commission

    The bill provides no funding for the web based education 
commission. The Administration did not request funding for this 
program; a one-time appropriation of $450,000 was made in 
fiscal year 1999. The Commission will conduct a study to assess 
the educational software available in retail markets for 
secondary and postsecondary students. The Commission will be 
terminated 90 days after its report is submitted.

Underground Railroad Program

    The Committee recommends no funding for the underground 
railroad program, which is $1,750,000 below both the budget 
request and the fiscal year 1999 appropriation. The underground 
railroad program is a grant to a non-profit institution to 
research, display, interpret and collect artifacts relating to 
the history of the underground railroad. The only performance 
indicator the Department has developed for this program is that 
funds be provided in a timely manner and be used in accordance 
with the authorizing statute. Because of the limited resources 
available to it this year, the Committee has chosen to fund 
programs that provide direct services to low-income students.

Preparing for college

    The Committee does not recommend funding for the proposed 
preparing for college program, for which the Administration 
requested $15,000,000. The Administration requested funding to 
provide information on preparation for college to middle and 
high school students, especially those from low-income areas.
    This program is not authorized. The Committee notes that 
TRIO upward bound, talent search and educational opportunity 
centers programs are specifically designed to target low-income 
middle and high school students to tell them the importance of 
a higher education, the kinds of courses needed to succeed in 
college, and how to access student financial aid. The Committee 
is not willing to fund an unauthorized program that would 
duplicate these existing efforts.

College completion challenge grants

    The Committee does not recommend funding for the proposed 
preparing for college program, for which the Administration 
requested $35,000,000. The Administration requested funding to 
provide discretionary grants to institutions of higher 
education to help increase the retention of students who are at 
risk of dropping out.
    This program is not authorized. The Committee notes that 
the TRIO student support services program is specifically 
designed to increase the college retention and graduation rate 
of low-income students. The Committee is not willing to fund an 
unauthorized program that would duplicate these existing 
efforts.

GPRA data/HEA program evaluation

    The Committee recommends $4,000,000 for program evaluation 
and development of data required under the Government 
Performance and Results Act for Higher Education programs 
administered by the Department. This is the same as the budget 
request and $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation.
    The Committee understands that for many higher education 
programs, baseline and performance indicator data is sparse, 
nonexistent or difficult to collect. Funding under this 
activity will support the Department in developing high-quality 
data as required under the Government Performance and Results 
Act. The Committee also expects funds to be used to conduct 
evaluations of higher education programs, particularly new 
programs such as teacher quality enhancement grants. The 
Committee believes these evaluations should focus particularly 
on the impact the programs are making on student academic 
achievement.

                           howard university

    The bill provides $219,444,000 for Howard University, the 
same as the President's request and $4,955,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation. Howard University is 
a ``Research I'' university located in the District of 
Columbia. Direct appropriations for Howard University are 
authorized by 20 U.S.C. 123, originally enacted in 1867.
    The bill includes a provision that allows the University to 
dedicate a portion of its appropriation to the endowment at its 
discretion. The Committee directs that Howard notify the 
Congress of any transfer from the regular appropriation to the 
endowment at least 15 days prior to execution of the transfer. 
The budget request earmarks a minimum of $3,530,000 for the 
endowment. The Committee has adopted this recommendation.
    Howard University provides undergraduate liberal arts, 
graduate and professional instruction to 11,000 students from 
all 50 States. Masters degrees are offered in over 55 fields 
and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 26 fields. The Committee 
notes that according to Howard University, the direct 
appropriation represents 47% of University revenue.
    The Committee continues to emphasize the importance of 
student retention and improving the institutional graduation 
rate at Howard University. The Committee also encourages Howard 
and the Department to continue to develop performance goals, 
especially relating to student retention and graduation rates.

         college housing and academic facilities loans program

    The bill provides $698,000 for the Federal administration 
of the college housing and academic facilities loan (CHAFL) 
program, the Higher Educational Facilities Loans program and 
the College Housing Loans program, $39,000 below the budget 
request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation.

historically black college and university capital and financing program

Federal administration

    The bill provides $96,000 for the administration of the 
historically black college and university capital financing 
program authorized under part B of title VII of the Higher 
Education Act, the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and $111,000 below the President's request. The program is 
intended to make capital available for repair and renovation of 
facilities at historically black colleges and universities. In 
exceptional circumstances, capital provided under the program 
can be used for construction or acquisition of facilities.

Bond subsidies

    Under the HBCU capital program, a private, for-profit 
``designated bonding authority'' issues construction bonds to 
raise capital for loans to historically black colleges and 
universities for construction projects. The Department provides 
insurance for these bonds, guaranteeing full payment of 
principal and interest to bond holders. Federally insured bonds 
and unpaid interest are limited by statute to $357,000,000. The 
letter of credit limitation establishes the total amount of 
bonds which can be issued by the designated bonding authority. 
The credit limitation must be explicitly stated in an 
appropriation act according to the authorizing legislation.

            education research, statistics, and improvement

    The bill includes $390,867,000 for education research, 
statistics, and improvement programs. This amount is 
$149,415,000 less than the budget request, and $66,000,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 level. This account supports 
education research authorized under the Educational Research, 
Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994; title 
VI of P.L. 103-27; the National Center for Education Statistics 
and the National Assessment of Educational Progress authorized 
by the National Education Statistics Act of 1994, title VI of 
P.L. 103-382; and titles II, X, and XIII of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act.
    While the Department has made some progress, the Committee 
believes that work still remains in developing specific, 
measurable standards for quality of the research or data and 
the degree to which the research and data are employed in the 
improvement or innovation in teaching methodologies. There 
should also be specific measurements as to how these new or 
innovative techniques have contributed to improved student 
academic achievement. Such data should include baseline data on 
the academic improvements and transfer of programmatic 
innovations and specific, measurable changes that are expected 
to occur as a result of proposed funding levels.
    The Committee expects the Department to comply with a 
directive in the fiscal year 1999 House Report (105-635) to 
provide the Committee with an overall research, demonstration, 
dissemination, technical assistance and evaluation plan by 
March 31, 2000. This plan should include the Departmental 
priorities for these activities, coordination mechanisms that 
are, or will be, in place for the activities, and the single 
official responsible for the quality and relevance of each of 
these activities. The plan should provide assurance that 
Government Performance and Results Act programmatic indicators 
have been developed and focus on the quality, utility and 
acceptance of the information or techniques developed. Finally, 
the plan should indicate how the research and other activities 
funded by OERI are coordinated with other research institutions 
such as NIH.

Research

    This bill includes $83,567,000 for educational research, 
$49,715,000 below the budget request and $1,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 1999 amount. The Office of Educational Research and 
Improvement conducts research and development activities, which 
are authorized under the Educational Research, Development, 
Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994, title IX of P.L. 
103-227. The 1994 Act established a National Educational 
Research Policy and Priorities Board within the Office of 
Educational Research and Improvement, and authorized five 
national research institutes for the following subject areas: 
(1) student achievement, curriculum, and assessment; (2) 
education of at-risk students; (3) educational governance, 
finance, policymaking, and management; (4) early childhood 
development and education; and (5) postsecondary education, 
libraries, and lifelong learning. The Assistant Secretary is 
authorized to support activities to increase the participation 
of minority researchers and institutions as well as research 
and development centers, in order to support the objectives of 
the national research institutes.
    The Committee is impressed with the important developments 
reported from the Department of Education, the National 
Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the 
National Science Foundation on how children learn, and is eager 
to have this information brought to the attention of educators, 
policymakers and parents. Noting the fact that the Department 
of Education is already collaborating with NICHD and NSF, the 
Committee urges the Secretary to work with the Directors of 
NICHD and NSF to coordinate an interagency panel to assess the 
current status of research-based knowledge on reading 
instructional practices for students who are English language 
learners; mathematics curriculum and instruction; science 
curriculum and instruction; school and classroom management; 
and educational technology uses and applications. The panel 
shall adopt rules of evidence consistent with those adopted by 
the National Reading Panel. The panel shall report its findings 
to the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services, 
the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the House 
and Senate Appropriations and relevant authorizing committees. 
The report shall indicate the readiness for the results of this 
research in classroom application and, if appropriate, a 
strategy for rapidly disseminating this information to 
facilitate effective instruction and management in schools.
    The Committee has followed with interest the progress of 
the National Reading Panel and its success in developing the 
rigorous methodological criteria that will be used to evaluate 
the quality of the research relevant to instructional reading 
practices that are employed in our Nation's classrooms. The 
Committee looks forward to the panel's final report and to its 
use in helping teachers, school administrators, and educational 
policymakers identify those reading instructional approaches 
and strategies that are most effective and based upon the best 
scientific research. The Committee is pleased with the 
coordinated efforts of the Department of Education and the 
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development on 
this project.
    The Committee commends OERI for its collaboration with the 
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development to 
conduct the Spanish-to-English Reading initiative in the most 
effective manner. The Committee urges NICHD and OERI to pursue 
this research so that scientific evidence can be obtained that 
will inform the development and application of instructional 
approaches and strategies to prevent and remediate reading and 
writing difficulties among children whose first language is 
Spanish. The Committee also is pleased with the progress being 
made by NICHD and OERI in developing rigorous peer-review 
practices for the evaluation or research application relevant 
to academic development instruction, teacher preparation, and 
school reform efforts.
    The Committee is impressed by the recommendations of the 
National Research Council (NRC) for new strategies to improve 
the effectiveness and impact of educational research, 
particularly its call for new large-scale and sharply defined 
program of education research, demonstration and evaluation. 
The NRC report recommends a research program focused on three 
fundamental issues in education:
          How can advances in research on human cognition, 
        development, and learning be incorporated into 
        educational practice and effective teaching methods and 
        materials?
          How can student engagement in the learning process 
        and motivation to achieve in school be increased?
          How can schools and school districts be transported 
        into organizations that have the capacity to 
        continuously improve their practices?
    These findings mirror those of the President's Committee of 
Advisors on Science and Technology and others calling for more 
scientifically rigorous, empirical research to find out what 
education practices actually work in classrooms.
    The Committee notes the activities of the recent 
Interagency Education Research Initiative between the Office of 
Education Research and Improvement in the Department of 
Education, National Science Foundation, and NICHD focused on 
school readiness, learning core subjects in the early grades, 
and teacher training. The Committee understands that the goal 
of this joint initiative is to begin supporting the type of 
large-scale, interdisciplinary, and scientifically rigorous 
research recommended by the NRC in a manner that builds on the 
research expertise and portfolios of each agency.
    The Committee encourages the three agencies to continue 
this research collaboration, with funding contributed by each 
agency. The Committee directs the OERI, in consultation with 
the NSF and NICHD, to develop a 5-year plan for an expanded 
research program of large-scale, systematic experimentation and 
demonstration focused on strategic education issues and has 
included $1 million for this purpose. This 5-year plan shall be 
developed in collaboration with the National Research Council 
and shall identify the highest priority research studies needed 
to improve teaching and learning in the classroom and shall be 
grounded in the concerns of education practitioners and 
policymakers. The Committee directs that this 5-year plan be 
submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
no later than May 31, 2000.
    The Committee is aware of a growing body of research 
strongly associating the formal study of music with the 
development of spatial reasoning skills in young children, 
which is required in mathematics, physics, engineering, 
architecture and any task requiring an understanding of how 
objects fit together. To the extent possible, the Committee 
encourages the Department to pursue further study in this area, 
with the goal of informing citizens, students, music educators 
and local school districts, so that they may consider the 
future of their own music education programs with the benefit 
of peer-reviewed research.
    The Committee recognizes the difficulty in developing 
outcome-oriented performance measures for research programs. 
The Department has begun to develop measures for the national 
education research institutes. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to refine these indicators, as well as 
to provide baseline data and specific, numerical goals for 
research programs in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.

Regional educational laboratories

    The Committee has included $61,000,000 for the regional 
educational laboratories. This amount is $4,000,000 below the 
budget request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 level.
    The Committee reiterates its intent, expressed in the 
Conference Report on the fiscal year 1996 bill (House Report 
104-537) that all work of the Regional Education Laboratories 
be based on the priorities established by their regional 
governing boards.
    The Committee is also concerned that the Department has not 
identified specific, measurable output standards consistent 
with the requirements of the Government Performance and Results 
Act for the regional educational laboratories. These standards 
should include an assessment of the value of the assistance and 
information, increases in use by former non-users and the 
degree to which assistance and information is translated to 
successful changes in classroom activities or other activities 
directly related to the students and their achievements. Such 
indicators should include baseline data and specific, 
measurable improvements that are expected to occur as a result 
of proposed funding levels.

Statistics

    This bill includes $68,000,000 for the activities of the 
National Center for Education Statistics, exclusive of the 
National Assessment of Educational Progress. This amount is 
$9,500,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. Statistics activities are authorized under 
the National Education Statistics Act of 1994, title VI of P.L. 
103-382. The Center collects, analyzes, and reports statistics 
on all levels of education in the United States. Activities are 
carried out directly and through grants and contracts. Major 
publications include ``The Condition of Education'' and 
``Digest of Education Statistics.'' Other products include 
projections of enrollments, teacher supply and demand, and 
educational expenditures. Technical assistance to state and 
local education agencies and postsecondary institutions is 
provided. International comparisons are authorized.
    The Committee recognizes the difficulty in developing 
outcome-oriented performance measures for statistics programs. 
The Department has begun to develop measures for the National 
Center on Education Statistics. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue to refine these indicators, as well as 
the baseline data and specific, numerical goals in the fiscal 
year 2001 budget request.

Assessment

    This bill includes $40,000,000 for the National Assessment 
of Educational Progress, the same as the fiscal year 1999 
amount, and $4,500,000 below the budget request. The Assessment 
is authorized under section 411 of the National Education 
Statistics Act of 1994, and is the only nationally 
representative survey of educational ability and achievement of 
American students. The primary goal of the Assessment is to 
determine and report the status and trends of the knowledge and 
skills of students, subject by subject. Subject areas assessed 
in the past have included reading, writing, mathematics, 
science, and social studies, as well as citizenship, 
literature, art, and music. The Assessment is operated by 
contractors through competitive awards made by the National 
Center for Education Statistics; a National Assessment 
Governing Board formulates the policy guidelines for the 
program. Within the amounts provided, $4,000,000 is for the 
National Assessment Governing Board.
    The Committee recognizes the difficulty in developing 
outcome-oriented performance measures for assessment programs. 
The Department has begun to develop measures for this activity. 
The Committee encourages the Department to continue to refine 
these indicators as well as baseline data and specific, 
numerical goals in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.

Fund for the improvement of education

    The bill includes $76,000,000 for the fund for the 
improvement of education, which is $63,500,000 below the budget 
request and $63,000,000 below the fiscal year 1999 amount. The 
fund for the improvement of education has a broad portfolio of 
activities related to the national education goals and systemic 
education reform. Under the fund, the Secretary of Education 
supports activities that identify and disseminate innovative 
educational approaches.
    The Committee has not provided funding for any new 
activities identified in the President's budget request. Given 
the limited Federal discretionary budget, the Committee has 
chosen to focus its resources on higher priority programs in 
this bill.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Fiscal year     Fiscal year       Amount
                             Program                                   1999        2000 request      provided
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voluntary National Tests........................................      $2,000,000     $16,000,000  ..............
Schools as Centers of Community.................................  ..............      10,000,000  ..............
Worksite schools................................................  ..............      10,000,000  ..............
Troops to Teachers..............................................  ..............      18,000,000  ..............
Writing Initiative..............................................  ..............       4,000,000  ..............
Joint Initiative to Track Discrimination........................  ..............         500,000  ..............
National Constitution Center....................................  ..............       5,000,000  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee notes that the fiscal year 1999 conference 
report included a permanent amendment to the General Education 
Provisions Act which permitted the National Assessment 
Governing Board to proceed with very limited test development 
activities, but specifically prohibited any pilot testing, 
field testing, administration or distribution of individualized 
national tests that are not specifically and explicitly 
provided for in authorizing legislation enacted into law. The 
Committee notes that, at the present time, there is no specific 
and explicit authority in Federal law for individualized 
national tests. Such testing is thus prohibited and the 
Committee has therefore provided no funding for national 
testing activities in the fiscal year 2000.
    The Committee remains concerned that major initiatives are 
being established within the fund for the improvement of 
education with no Congressional involvement. It is particularly 
concerned that these major initiatives are not being disclosed 
in the Congressional justifications submitted by the Department 
as part of the President's budget submission. In addition, the 
Committee is concerned that funding levels displayed in the 
justifications and other submissions to the Committee during 
the consideration of the President's request are unilaterally 
changed by the Department without notification of the 
Committee.
    The Committee therefore continues the policy of last year 
which directs the Department to treat these changes as 
reprogrammings and to employ the usual reprogramming rules, for 
any significant change in funding for programs or activities 
within FIE from the levels provided to the Committee during the 
appropriations process. The Committee also directs the 
Department to consider any new activities, not mandated by 
Congress, to be reprogrammings and to follow the usual 
reprogramming rules prior to any public notification or 
obligation of funds for these new activities. The Committee 
further directs the Department to provide a complete and final 
listing of activities within FIE in the annual operating plan 
required by this bill.
    The Committee has included funding for Comprehensive School 
Reform in this account. The Committee expects that the 
Department will continue to follow the directives in the 
Conference Report accompanying the fiscal year 1999 bill (House 
Report 105-390) and in the Conference Report accompanying the 
fiscal year 1999 bill (House Report 105-825).
    The bill provides sufficient funding to expand the 
activities of the National Student/Parent Mock Election to 
state coordinators in fiscal year 2000.
    The Committee is impressed with vision screening programs 
operating for children in inner-city schools in five states. 
These programs provide refractions by eye doctors and supply 
prescription glasses to students in economically distressed 
schools systems. The simple and low cost act of providing 
glasses can improve the educational performance of children who 
have been severely hindered because of their inability to see 
properly. The Committee encourages the expansion of vision-
screening programs in additional locations.
    The Committee notes that high school dropout prevention is 
one of the nation's primary public policy goals, and that 
innovative methods of decreasing dropout rates, such as 
providing in-class communication to students on the benefits of 
completing a high school education and the difficulties created 
by failing to do so, should be encouraged.
    The Committee notes that recruitment efforts for the 
Nation's armed services have benefited from communications that 
fairly present the opportunities of such service to American 
high school students in partnership with in-class educational 
program providers.
    The Committee is interested and concerned about how 
perinatal risks, child health conditions and community 
environment affect readiness for learning skills such as 
reading, and encourages the Department of Education to further 
its efforts in examining these issues. The Committee encourages 
the Department of Education to support projects which examine 
direct intervention with infants and preschool children to 
ensure learning readiness.
    The Committee is concerned about violence which has invaded 
our schools. While individual schools have developed school 
safety programs, more research should be conducted to determine 
the best way to prevent, control and react to school-based 
violence. The Committee urges the Department of Education and 
the Department of Justice to develop model programs in this 
area involving university-based units, local school systems, 
and local law enforcement.
    The Committee is aware that Congress has provided 
substantial direct funding for technology-assisted education 
and is concerned that oversight and assessment need to be a 
departmental priority to properly address how these funds can 
best be used. Accordingly, the Committee would be supportive of 
efforts by the Department of Education's Office of Educational 
Research and Improvement to work with accredited universities 
or university systems to develop assessments for new 
technology-assisted education programs.
    The Department has not developed performance indicators 
consistent with the requirements of the Government Performance 
and Results Act for the FIE program. The Committee expects the 
Department to provide specific, measurable performance 
indicators for the various initiatives funded under FIE, 
including baseline data and numerical goals in the fiscal year 
2001 budget request.

International education exchange

    The Committee includes $7,000,000 for the international 
education exchange program which is the same as both the 
President's request and the fiscal year 1999 amount. 
International education exchange is authorized under title VI 
of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. The International 
Education Exchange program provides support for education 
exchange activities in civics and government education and 
economic education between the United States and eligible 
countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of 
Independent States, and any country that was formerly a 
republic of the Soviet Union. Grantees provide for the exchange 
of ideas and experiences among educators and leaders through 
seminars on the basic principles of U.S. constitutional 
democracy and economics, and through visits to school systems, 
institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations 
which are conducting exemplary programs in civics and economic 
education.
    The program is designed and implemented in collaboration 
with the United States Information Agency, which is charged 
with ensuring that the assistance provided is not duplicative 
of other efforts. The authorizing statute requires that 50 
percent of the funds be reserved for activities in civics and 
government education activities, and 50 percent for economic 
education.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. The Committee encourages the Department to 
continue to develop indicators that focus on program outcomes, 
baseline data and specific, numerical goals for the program in 
the fiscal year 2001 budget request.

Civic education

    This bill includes $5,500,000 for the civic education 
program, $4,000,000 below the budget request and $2,000,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 level. The Civic Education program 
funds the Center for Civic Education to educate students about 
the history and principles of the Constitution of the United 
States and foster civic competence and responsibility. This 
purpose is accomplished primarily through the Center's program 
``We the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution.'' In 
addition to a course of instruction made available to public 
and private elementary and secondary schools, the program 
provides, at local request, simulated congressional hearings, 
and sponsors a national competition of such hearings for 
secondary school students. ``We the People'' is made available 
in all 435 Congressional districts. Funds may also be used for 
training teachers about the Constitution and the political 
system of the United States, and to provide instruction for 
middle school students on the roles of State and local 
governments in the Federal system established by the 
Constitution.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. The Committee expects the Department to 
continue to develop indicators that focus on program outcomes, 
baseline data and specific, numerical goals for the program in 
the fiscal year 2001 budget request.

Eisenhower professional development national activities

    This bill includes $23,300,000 for the Eisenhower 
professional development national activities, which is 
$6,700,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 amount. This program supports activities of national 
significance contributing to the development and implementation 
of high-quality professional development in the core subject 
areas. Examples of authorized activities include: providing 
seed money to agencies and organizations to develop their 
capacity to provide professional development; supporting 
professional development with strong academic and pedagogical 
content for teams of teachers and other educators from 
individual schools; encouraging the development of professional 
networks to allow for interaction among teachers of the core 
academic subjects; encouraging development of models for 
recruiting and retaining new, highly qualified teachers; 
promoting the transferability of certification; and 
disseminating information about emerging academic standards and 
related professional development.
    Support for the National Board for Professional Teaching 
Standards (NBPTS), which has implemented a voluntary system of 
challenging professional certification for teachers, is 
specifically authorized. Funding is also authorized for the 
National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education. 
Evaluation of activities carried out under both the Federal and 
State Eisenhower programs is also authorized.
    The Committee encourages the Department to work with States 
to develop innovative ways of encouraging teachers to 
participate in continuing professional development activities 
through a variety of federal, state and local programs, 
including programs that recognize their high performance, such 
as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. However, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, measurable indicators 
of the effectiveness of professional development activities in 
this account including the degree to which training and 
certification results in better student achievement. The 
Committee is also interested in performance indicators which 
compare the number and percentages of teachers in Title I 
schools who achieve certification from NBPTS versus teachers in 
non-Title I schools who achieve such certification. The 
Department should also include indicators on the degree to 
which the dissemination activities are serving the needs of 
users, attracting new users and are providing information that 
changes the techniques and curricula in the classroom resulting 
in better student outcomes. Such data should include baseline 
data and specific, measurable changes that are expected to 
occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Eisenhower regional mathematics and science education consortia

    This bill includes $15,000,000 for the Eisenhower regional 
mathematics and science education consortia, $2,500,000 below 
the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 1999 amount. 
Regional mathematics and science education consortia (at least 
one in each of the ten regions served by the regional 
educational laboratories) disseminate exemplary mathematics and 
science instructional materials and provide technical 
assistance in the use of improved teaching methods and 
assessment tools. Awards are for up to 5 years. Matching is 
required, with the Federal share set at 80 percent and at least 
10 percent of the 20 percent non-Federal share required to come 
from sources other than State or local government. Eligible 
recipients--State and local educational agencies, elementary or 
secondary schools, institutions of higher education, nonprofit 
organizations, regional educational laboratories, or 
combinations of these entities--must demonstrate their 
expertise in mathematics and science education. Each recipient 
must establish a regional board, representative of 
participating organizations, to oversee administration of the 
project and establish program priorities.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. However, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, measurable indicators 
on the degree to which practices identified and technical 
assistance provided by the Consortia are actually adopted and 
prove successful in improving academic achievement. The 
Department should also include indicators on the degree to 
which the dissemination activities are serving the needs of 
users, attracting new users and are providing information that 
changes the techniques and curricula in the classroom resulting 
in better student outcomes. Such data should include baseline 
data and specific, measurable changes that are expected to 
occur as a result of proposed funding levels.

Javits gifted and talented education

    This bill includes $6,500,000 for the Jacob K. Javits 
Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, the same as both 
the budget request and the fiscal year 1999 amount. The purpose 
of this program is to build nationwide capability to meet the 
special educational needs of gifted and talented students. The 
program functions through support for research, demonstration 
projects, teacher training, and other activities. Competitive 
grants are awarded to State and local educational agencies, 
institutions of higher education, and other public and private 
agencies and organizations. Not more than 30 percent of 
available funds may be used for research, evaluation, and the 
collection and analysis of information related to program 
purposes. These funds include support for a National Center for 
Research and Development in the Education of Gifted and 
Talented Children and Youth.
    Priority must be given to projects identifying and serving 
gifted and talented students who may not be identified and 
served through traditional assessment methods, and to those 
developing or improving the capacity of schools in an entire 
State or region of the Nation to identify and serve gifted and 
talented students. At least half of the applications approved 
for funding each year must address the priority of serving 
students not identified through traditional means.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. However, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, measurable indicators 
relating to the development of teaching techniques for the 
gifted and talented and identifying such students who would not 
normally be identified by traditional assessment methods. 
Indicators should also be developed to demonstrate the degree 
to which such developmental activity is actually integrated 
into existing and new gifted and talented programs and specific 
goals for improved academic achievement of students. Such data 
should include baseline indicators as well as measurable 
changes that are expected to occur as a result of proposed 
funding.

National writing project

    The bill provides $5,000,000 for the National Writing 
Project, $5,000,000 below the budget request and $2,000,000 
below the fiscal year 1999 level. Funds are provided to the 
National Writing Project (NWP), a nonprofit educational 
organization that supports teacher training programs in the 
effective teaching of writing, and supports classroom-level 
research on teaching writing that documents effectiveness in 
terms of student performance. To provide these services, the 
National Writing Project contracts with numerous institutions 
of higher education and nonprofit education providers to 
operate small ($40,000 or less) teacher training programs. 
Federal funds support 50 percent of the costs of these 
programs, and recipients must contribute an equal amount. A 
National Advisory Board provides advice and support and reviews 
the Project's programs and activities.
    The Department has begun to develop performance indicators 
for this program. However, the Committee believes more work 
needs to be done in developing specific, measurable indicators 
relating to the development of teaching techniques for the 
gifted and talented and identifying such students who would not 
normally be identified by traditional assessment methods. 
Indicators should also be developed relating to the degree to 
which practices identified and technical assistance provided by 
the project are actually adopted and prove successful in 
improving academic achievement. Such data should include 
baseline indicators on the adoption of new practices and 
techniques and improved student academic achievement above that 
expected to occur in the absence of the program.

                        DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

    The bill includes $459,242,000 for departmental management 
(salaries and expenses) at the Department of Education. This 
amount is $2,521,000 below the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and $34,020,000 less than the Administration's 2000 budget 
request. These activities are authorized by the Department of 
Education Organization Act, P.L. 96-88, and include costs 
associated with the management and operations of the Department 
as well as separate costs associated with the Office for Civil 
Rights and the Office of the Inspector General.
    The Committee compliments the Department for implementation 
of its Grant Administration and Payment System (GAPS), which 
enables the Department to identify and track separately the 
actual rate of budget outlays at the program level and provides 
an opportunity for improving budget outlay estimates. However, 
the Committee remains concerned that the Department's Office of 
Budget Service is only using this system for technology grants, 
and may therefore be mis-estimating outlays in other program 
areas. The Committee therefore directs the Office of Budget 
Service to utilize GAPS to systematically monitor program 
outlay data and use this information to adjust spendout rates 
at the account level to reflect actual program-level data.
    The Committee is pleased with the emphasis the Department's 
senior management team has placed on complying with the 
Government Performance and Results Act. The Committee expects 
the Department to continue to develop and refine GPRA measures 
for all programs, focusing particularly on student achievement 
outcomes.
    The Committee also believes that GPRA will not be 
successful until the Department manages itself based on 
programmatic performance and outcomes. These measures should 
become the primary management tool for resource allocation and 
the evaluation of program and individual performance. The 
Committee expects that the Department will be prepared to 
testify during the fiscal year 2001 cycle on how programmatic 
performance and outcome measures are being established and 
implemented as an integral part of management. Such testimony 
should include:
          How outcome measures and programmatic performance 
        goals are being established for individual offices and 
        how they are held accountable for the achievement of 
        these goals;
          How such data is used as part of the Department's 
        overall personnel system; and
          How actual performance is measured against these 
        goals and the kinds of incentives, both positive and 
        negative, that are in place to assure the achievement 
        of overall goals.

Program administration

    The bill includes $362,000,000 for program administration. 
This amount is the same as the fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and $24,000,000 below the budget request. These funds support 
the staff and other costs of administering programs and 
activities at the Department. Items include personnel 
compensation and health, retirement and other benefits as well 
as travel, rent, telephones, utilities, postage fees, data 
processing, printing, equipment, supplies, technology training, 
consultants and other contractual services.
    The Department is instructed to continue to provide 
information on revenues resulting from the actions of the 
inspector general as required in last year's House report.

Office for Civil Rights

    The bill includes $66,000,000 for the salaries and expenses 
of the Office for Civil Rights. This amount is the same as the 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $7,262,000 below the budget 
request. This Office is responsible for enforcing laws that 
prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national 
origin, sex, handicap, and age in all programs and institutions 
that receive funds from the Department. These laws extend to 50 
State educational agencies, 16,000 local educational agencies, 
110,000 institutions of higher education, as well as to 
proprietary schools, State rehabilitation agencies, libraries, 
and other institutions receiving Federal funds.

Office of the Inspector General

    The bill includes $31,242,000 for the Office of the 
Inspector General. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 
1999 appropriation and $2,758,000 below the budget request. 
This Office has authority to inquire into all program and 
administrative activities of the Departments as well as into 
related activities of grant and contract recipients. It 
conducts audits and investigations to determine compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations, to check alleged fraud and 
abuse, efficiency of operations, and effectiveness of results.
    The Committee expects the Inspector General to continue 
reporting to the Committee on actual collections, offsets and 
funds put to better use as a result of the Office's actions and 
investigations as required by the fiscal year 1999 House report 
(105-635) and as agreed upon by the Committee and the Office of 
the Inspector General.

General Provisions

    The bill includes an amendment to the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 which would allow local 
projects to continue to participate in the Title I Even Start 
Family Literacy programs after eight years. Current law limits 
local projects to eight years of federal funding and gradually 
reduces the federal share of funding on an annual basis, down 
to 50 percent in the eighth year. This amendment reduces the 
federal share for the 9th and succeeding years to 35 percent. 
In addition, the amendment adds additional accountability 
provisions requiring States to monitor the progress of grantees 
to insure they are meeting state performance standards and 
allowing States to refuse additional funding to projects which 
are not meeting the program objectives and state performance 
standards.
    The bill includes a technical amendment to the Omnibus 
Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 
1999.
    The bill includes an amendment which freezes administrative 
spending on the William D. Ford Direct Student Loan program at 
the fiscal year 1999 level, consistent with other salaries and 
expenses accounts in this bill.

                       TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES


                      Armed Forces Retirement Home

    The bill provides authority to expend $68,295,000 from the 
Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for operations and 
capital activities at the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's 
Home and the United States Naval Home, a decrease of $2,450,000 
below the comparable fiscal year 1999 authority and the same as 
the budget request.

Operations

    The bill provides authority to expend $55,599,000 from the 
Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for operations of the 
United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home and the United States 
Naval Home, an increase of $571,000 above the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 authority and the same as the budget request.

Capital outlay

    The bill provides authority to expend $12,696,000 from the 
Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for capital activities 
at the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home and the United States Naval 
Home, a decrease of $3,021,000 below the comparable fiscal year 
1999 authority and the same as the budget request. The 
Committee supports the capital proposal submitted by the AFRH, 
the largest component of which is construction of a health care 
facility and repair of hurricane damage at the United States 
Naval Home.

             Corporation for National and Community Service


                  DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS

    The bill provides $274,959,000 for the Domestic Volunteer 
Service Programs that are administered by the Corporation for 
National and Community Service. The recommended amount is 
$1,880,000 below the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation 
and $24,573,000 below the budget request. Appropriations for 
these programs are not authorized in law for fiscal year 2000. 
Funding for the Americorps program that is also administered by 
the Corporation for National and Community Service is provided 
in the VA/HUD and Independent Agencies appropriations bill.
    The Committee directs the Corporation not to reduce funding 
for traditional VISTA and senior volunteer programs below the 
amounts allocated for fiscal year 1999. In addition, the 
Committee directs the Corporation not to reduce the number of 
traditional VISTAs or senior volunteers below fiscal year 1999 
levels.

VISTA

    The bill provides $73,000,000 for the Volunteers in Service 
to America (VISTA) program, the same as fiscal year 1999 and 
$8,000,000 below the budget request. The VISTA program supports 
individuals who recruit volunteers and organize community 
volunteer activities but who do not provide direct volunteer 
services.

National Senior Volunteer Corps

    The bill provides a total of $172,830,000 for the National 
Senior Volunteer Corps, $1,080,000 below fiscal year 1999 and 
$12,202,000 below the budget request.
    The bill provides $93,256,000 for the Foster Grandparents 
program, the same as fiscal year 1999 and $1,744,000 below the 
budget request. This program provides volunteer service 
opportunities for low-income people aged 60 and over.
    The bill provides $36,573,000 for the Senior Companion 
program, the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $2,458,000 below the budget request. The 
program provides project grants to private, non-profit 
organizations and State and local public agencies to offer 
volunteer service opportunities to low-income individuals aged 
60 and over. These volunteers assist older adults with 
physical, mental or emotional impairments that put them at risk 
for institutionalization.
    The bill provides $43,001,000 for the Retired Senior 
Volunteer Program (RSVP), the same as the fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and $3,000,000 below the budget request. This 
program provides part-time volunteer service opportunities for 
low-income individuals aged 55 and over to recruit volunteers 
and organize volunteer activities relating to a variety of 
social needs.
    The Committee does not recommend funding for the senior 
demonstration program. The request includes $5,000,000 for this 
purpose. The Committee continues to express serious concern 
that demonstration programs pay non-taxable, non-income 
stipends to people who do not meet the income guidelines 
established by Congress for other senior service programs. The 
Committee notes that providing these stipends to individuals 
who are wealthier than the statutory thresholds denies other 
eligible seniors who have greater financial need the 
opportunity to serve.
    The Domestic Volunteer Service Act, which provides 
authority for the senior service programs, expired in 1996. The 
Committee understands that the authorizing committees of 
jurisdiction are currently considering changes to this law. The 
Committee believes that funding for demonstration programs that 
do not comply with current program income guidelines should be 
curtailed pending this reauthorization. The Committee will 
consider funding for demonstration activities at such time as 
these activities are reauthorized.

Program administration

    The bill provides $29,129,000 for program administration, 
the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and 
$4,371,000 below the budget request.
    The Committee recognizes that the Corporation for National 
and Community Service has experienced tremendous financial 
problems during the past several fiscal years. The Committee is 
pleased that the Corporation has taken steps to remedy this 
situation, including the implementation of a financial 
management system and hiring a chief financial officer.

                  Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    The bill provides $340,000,000 in advance funding for 
fiscal year 2002 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 
(CPB), the same as the comparable appropriation for fiscal year 
2001 and $10,000,000 below the budget request. Appropriations 
for the CPB are not authorized in law for fiscal year 2002.
    The Committee remains extremely concerned and disappointed 
by recent reports that public broadcasting stations have traded 
or sold their donor lists to political organizations. The 
Committee is pleased that CPB has issued new grant criteria for 
public television stations which prohibits such exchanges in 
the future.
    The bill also includes $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2000 
funding for CPB digital conversion activities, if such 
activities are authorized in law by September 30, 2000. Digital 
activities are currently unauthorized.

               Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

    The bill provides $34,620,000 for the Federal Mediation and 
Conciliation Service (FMCS), the same as fiscal year 1999 and a 
decrease of $2,214,000 below the budget request. The Committee 
commends the Service on implementation of its strategic plan to 
improve long-term efficiency and reduce administrative 
overhead.
    The FMCS attempts to prevent and minimize labor-management 
disputes having a significant impact on interstate commerce or 
national defense, except in the railroad and airline 
industries. The agency convenes boards of inquiry appointed by 
the President in emergency disputes and conducts dispute 
mediation, preventive mediation, and arbitration. In addition, 
the Service offers alternative dispute resolution services and 
training to other Federal agencies to reduce litigation costs 
and speed Federal administrative proceedings.
    The bill also includes provisions first enacted in the 
fiscal year 1996 Appropriations Act granting the agency the 
authority to accept gifts and to charge fees for certain 
services.

            Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission

    The bill provides $6,060,000 for the Federal Mine Safety 
and Health Review Commission, the same as fiscal year 1999 and 
$99,000 below the budget request. The Commission is responsible 
for reviewing the enforcement activities of the Secretary of 
Labor under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. The 
Commission's administrative law judges hear and decide cases 
initiated by the Secretary of Labor, mine operators, or miners. 
The five-member Commission hears appeals from administrative 
law judge decisions, rules on petitions for discretionary 
review, and may direct, of its own initiative, review of cases 
that present unusual questions of law.

                Institute of Museum and Library Services

    The Committee recommends $149,500,000 for the Institute of 
Museum and Library Services, $16,675,000 below the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $5,000,000 below the budget 
request. The Institute makes state formula grants for library 
services and discretionary national grants for joint library 
and museum projects.
    The Committee does not recommend funding the $5,000,000 
National Digital Library initiative for the Institute of Museum 
and Library Services. Digitization projects are already funded 
under the National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. The 
Committee believes that more quality Internet access should be 
available in public and school libraries before this initiative 
is funded.

                  Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

    The Committee recommends $7,015,000 for the Medicare 
Payment Advisory Commission, the same as the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and the budget request. The Commission 
advises Congress on matters of physician and hospital 
reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

        National Commission on Libraries and Information Science

    The bill provides $1,000,000 for the National Commission on 
Libraries and Information Science, the same as the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation and $300,000 below the budget 
request. The Commission advises the President and Congress on 
national policy in the library and information fields, 
developing overall plans for meeting national library and 
information needs, and coordinating activities at the Federal, 
State and local levels. Pursuant to the 1996 reauthorization of 
Federal library programs, the Commission advises the Institute 
on Museum and Library Services regarding implementation of the 
new library legislation.

                     National Council on Disability

    The bill provides $2,344,000 for the National Council on 
Disability (NCD), the same as fiscal year 1999 and a decrease 
of $56,000 below the budget request. The Council monitors 
implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes 
recommendations to the President, the Congress, the 
Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research on public 
policy issues of concern to individuals with disabilities.
    The Committee continues to encourage NCD to augment its 
appropriation with other sources of Federal and non-Federal 
revenues including grants and contracts.

                     National Education Goals Panel

    The bill provides $2,100,000 for the National Education 
Goals Panel (NEGP), the same as fiscal year 1999 and $150,000 
below the budget request. The NEGP was established in 1990 
following the National Education Summit held in September 1989. 
The Panel reports on National and State progress toward 
achieving the National education goals, works with states to 
develop high academic standards and assessments, identifies 
promising and effective practices at the local level, assists 
states and communities with their progress reports, and helps 
build a bipartisan consensus for education improvement.

                     National Labor Relations Board

    The bill provides $174,661,000 for the National Labor 
Relations Board, $9,790,000 below fiscal year 1999 and 
$35,532,000 below the budget request.
    The NLRB receives, investigates, and prosecutes unfair 
labor practice charges filed by businesses, labor unions, and 
individuals. It also schedules and conducts representation 
elections. The five-member Board considers cases in which 
administrative law judge decisions are appealed.
    The Committee understands that various proposals to 
restructure or close certain regional or subregional offices 
have been under consideration for some time. The Committee 
encourages the Board to continue these discussions and to come 
to a decision soon in an effort to streamline the processing of 
cases.

                        National Mediation Board

    The bill provides $8,400,000 for the National Mediation 
Board (NMB), the same as the fiscal year 1999 level and 
$700,000 below the budget request. The NMB mediates labor 
disputes between employees and railroad and airline carriers 
subject to the Railway Labor Act. The Board also resolves 
representation disputes involving labor organizations seeking 
to represent railroad or airline employees.

            Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

    The bill provides $8,100,000 for the Occupational Safety 
and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), the same as the fiscal 
year 1999 level and $400,000 below the budget request. The 
Commission adjudicates contested citations issued by the 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) against 
employers for violations of safety and health standards. The 
Commission's administrative law judges settle and decide cases 
at the initial level of review. The agency's three appointed 
Commissioners also review cases, issue rulings on complicated 
issues, and may direct review of any decision by an 
administrative law judge.

                       Railroad Retirement Board


                         dual benefits account

    The bill provides $175,000,000 for dual benefits, the same 
as the request and a reduction of $14,000,000 below the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation. These funds are used 
to pay dual benefits to those retirees receiving both railroad 
retirement and social security benefits. The bill includes a 
provision permitting a portion of these funds to be derived 
from income tax receipts on dual benefits as authorized by law. 
The Railroad Retirement Board estimates that approximately 
$10,000,000 may be derived in this manner.

           federal payment to the railroad retirement account

    The bill provides $150,000 for the interest earned on 
unnegotiated checks, the same as the budget request and the 
comparable amount provided for fiscal year 1999.

                      limitation on administration

    The bill provides a consolidated limitation of $90,000,000 
on the expenditure of railroad retirement and railroad 
unemployment trust funds for administrative expenses of the 
Railroad Retirement Board, $3,500,000 above the budget request 
and the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 limitation. The 
bill includes a provision from the fiscal year 1999 
Appropriations Act prohibiting the transfer of resources 
formerly identified in a Memorandum of Understanding from the 
RRB to the Inspector General.
    The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers 
comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness 
insurance benefit programs for railroad workers and their 
families. This account limits the amount of funds in the 
railroad retirement and railroad unemployment insurance trust 
funds that may be used by the RRB for administrative expenses.
    The Committee is pleased with the management of the Board 
and reiterates its interest in quickly and comprehensively 
implementing the Government Performance and Results Act.

             limitation on the office of inspector general

    The bill provides authority to expend $5,400,000 from the 
railroad retirement and railroad unemployment insurance trust 
funds for the Office of Inspector General, the same as the 
budget request and $200,000 below the comparable fiscal year 
1999 limitation. This account provides funding for the 
Inspector General to conduct and supervise audits and 
investigations of programs and operations of the Board.
    The Committee expects the Inspector General to continue 
reporting to the Committee on actual collections, offsets and 
funds put to better use as a result of the Office's actions and 
investigations as required by the fiscal year 1999 House report 
(105-635) and as agreed upon by the Committee and the Office of 
the Inspector General.

                     Social Security Administration


                payments to social security trust funds

    The bill provides $20,764,000 for mandatory payments 
necessary to compensate the Old Age and Survivors Insurance 
(OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds for special 
payments to certain uninsured persons (for which no payroll tax 
is received), costs incurred for administration of pension 
reform activities and interest lost on the value of benefit 
checks issued but not negotiated. This amount is the same as 
the budget request and $1,075,000 above the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation. This appropriation restores the trust 
funds to the position they would have been in had they not 
borne these costs properly charged to the general funds. The 
amount provided includes $364,000 for the cost of special 
payments to a declining population of uninsured persons who 
were at least 72 years of age in 1968 and attained retirement 
age before they could accumulate sufficient wage credits to 
qualify for benefits under the normal retirement formulas. This 
account also includes $3,400,000 for reimbursements to the 
trust funds for administrative costs incurred in providing 
private pension plan information to individuals and $17,000,000 
to reimburse the trust funds for the value of the interest for 
benefit checks issued but not negotiated.

               special benefits for disabled coal miners

    The bill provides $524,638,000 for special benefits for 
disabled coal miners, the same as the budget request and 
$22,165,000 below the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. This amount does not include $124,000,000 in 
advance funding provided in this bill for the first quarter of 
fiscal year 2001, but does include $141,000,000 in advance 
funding for fiscal year 2000 which was provided in the fiscal 
year 1999 Appropriations Act. The appropriation provides cash 
benefits to miners who are disabled because of black lung 
disease and to widows and children of such miners. The Social 
Security Administration was responsible for taking, processing, 
and paying claims for miners' benefits filed from December 30, 
1969 through June 30, 1973. Since that time, SSA has continued 
to take claims but forwards most to the Department of Labor for 
adjudication and payment. The SSA will continue to be 
responsible for paying benefits and maintaining the beneficiary 
roll for the lifetime of all persons who filed during its 
jurisdiction. During fiscal year 2000, SSA expects to provide 
benefits to 97,000 miners, widows, and dependents who will 
receive a basic benefit rate of $488.00.

                  supplemental security income program

    The bill provides $21,474,000,000 for the Supplemental 
Security Income (SSI) program, not including $9,550,000,000 in 
fiscal year 2000 funding provided in the fiscal year 1999 
Appropriations Act and not including $9,890,000,000 in advance 
funding provided in the bill for the first quarter of fiscal 
year 2001. The appropriation is $89,000,000 below the budget 
request and $321,000,000 below the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation. These funds are used to pay Federal cash 
benefits to approximately 6,355,000 aged, blind, and disabled 
persons with little or no income. The maximum monthly Federal 
benefit in fiscal year 2000 is expected to be $512 for an 
individual and $769 for an eligible couple. In addition to 
Federal benefits, the SSA administers a program of 
supplementary State benefits for those States that choose to 
participate. The funds are also used to reimburse the trust 
funds for the administrative costs of the program. The SSI 
appropriation includes $64,000,000 for beneficiary services, an 
increase of $3,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and the same as the budget request. This funding 
reimburses State vocational rehabilitation services agencies 
for successful rehabilitation of SSI recipients.
    Within the appropriation for SSI, the Committee provides 
$24,000,000 for research and demonstration activities conducted 
under section 1110 of the Social Security Act, the same as the 
request. The bill provides an additional $200,000,000 to 
process continuing disability reviews (CDRs) related to the SSI 
caseload as authorized by P.L. 104-121, the same as the budget 
request and an increase of $23,000,000 above the comparable 
fiscal year 1999 appropriation.

                 limitation on administrative expenses

    The bill provides a limitation on administrative expenses 
for the Social Security Administration (SSA) of $5,996,000,000 
to be funded from the Social Security and Medicare trust funds, 
the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 limitation and a 
decrease of $206,000,000 below the budget request. The bill 
provides that not less than $1,800,000 within the limitation on 
administration shall be available for the Social Security 
Advisory Board, the same as the budget request and $200,000 
more than the comparable fiscal year 1999 amount.
    The Committee has noted in previous reports that victims of 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome face substantial obstacles in applying 
for Social Security Disability Insurance. The Committee is 
pleased that SSA has issued a ruling clarifying the proper 
adjudication of CFS disability claims. Given the long history 
of difficulty in obtaining benefits by CFS sufferers, the 
Committee urges SSA to undertake an aggressive training program 
to assure that the new ruling is understood and implemented in 
considering claims by CFS sufferers. The Committee also 
supports the formation of an active CFIDS advisory committee 
within SSA. Finally, the Committee encourages SSA to continue 
its review of the obstacles to benefits for persons with CFIDS, 
to assess the impact of the new ruling and to keep medical 
information updated throughout all levels of the application 
and review process.

User fees

    In addition to other amounts provided in the bill, the 
Committee recommends an additional limitation of $80,000,000 
for administrative activities funded from user fees that were 
authorized in the fiscal year 1999 Appropriations Act. This is 
the same as the request and an increase of $5,000,000 over the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 amount.

Continuing disability reviews

    The bill provides an additional $405,000,000 for continuing 
disability reviews (CDRs) above the base amount of $200,000,000 
provided in the regular limitation on administration. This 
amount rep-resents an increase of $50,000,000 above the 
comparable fiscal year 1999 appropriation and is the same as 
the budget request. The Committee has provided this funding 
with the expectation that processing of additional CDRs will 
reduce trust fund liabilities far in excess of the cost of such 
processing.

Automation funding

    The bill makes $100,000,000 available for necessary 
expenses, which was previously available for automation.

                      office of inspector general

    The bill provides $12,000,000 for the Office of the 
Inspector General, the same as the comparable fiscal year 1999 
appropriation and a decrease of $3,000,000 below the budget 
request. The bill also provides authority to expend $44,000,000 
from the Social Security trust funds for activities conducted 
by the Inspector General, the same as the comparable fiscal 
year 1999 appropriation and a decrease of $7,000,000 below the 
budget request.

                    United States Institute of Peace

    The bill provides $12,160,000 for the United States 
Institute of Peace, the same as fiscal year 1999 and $840,000 
below the budget request. The Institute was created in 1984 to 
provide education and training, basic and applied research, and 
information services to promote conflict resolution.

                                Title VI


         newborn and infant hearing screening and intervention

    The Committee agrees that there is a need for States to 
have the ability and assistance to set up newborn infant 
hearing screening programs on a voluntary basis to help ensure 
that infants are exposed in infancy to the best communications 
modalities possible for each child. Children who are identified 
with hearing loss later in childhood risk developmental, 
social, and academic delays. Scientific data from the 
University of Colorado now shows that children tested for 
hearing loss by age three months and given intensive 
intervention by the first six months can develop communications 
skills on par with their normal hearing counterparts.
    The Committee has included bill language authorizing grants 
to States on a voluntary basis for a three-year period to aid 
in setting up newborn infant hearing screening programs. This 
language authorizes funding for the Health Resources and 
Services Administration (HRSA), the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health 
(NIH) for the implementation of these programs and provides 
that State programs shall work with participants to ensure that 
all children are given options for care to include, but not be 
limited to medical, audiologic, rehabilitative, education, and 
community service programs.
    The Committee has provided $2,500,000 to HRSA and 
$2,500,000 to CDC to begin implementing this new program. HRSA 
is encouraged to support statewide newborn and infant hearing 
screening, evaluation, and intervention programs and services 
and CDC is encouraged to provide technical assistance for data 
management and applied research. In addition, the National 
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders is 
encouraged to enhance research on the efficacy of new screening 
techniques and technology for newborn infants.

                                Title IX


                        earned income tax credit

    The Committee directs the General Accounting Office to 
conduct a study of the impact on EITC recipients with respect 
to a disbursement over 12 months versus the current one-time, 
lump sum payment.

              House Of Representatives Report Requirements

    The following items are included in accordance with various 
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives:

                        CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

    Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives states that:

          Each report of a committee on a public bill or public 
        joint resolution shall contain the following: (1) A 
        statement citing the specific powers granted to 
        Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed 
        by the bill or joint resolution.

    The Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to 
report this legislation on Clause 7 of Section 9 of Article I 
of the Constitution of the United States of America which 
states:

          No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in 
        consequence of Appropriations made by law * * *.

    Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to 
this specific power granted by the Constitution.

                   COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

    Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires an explanation of compliance with 
section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 
(Public Law 93-344), as amended, which requires that the report 
accompanying a bill providing new budget authority contain a 
statement detailing how the authority compares with the report 
submitted under section 302 of the Act for the most recently 
agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal 
year. This information follows:

                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Sec. 302(b)                This bill
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Budget                    Budget
                                                               authority     Outlays     authority     Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary...............................................       73,028       75,108       77,035       75,908
Mandatory...................................................      233,459      233,644      233,459      233,644
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
    Total...................................................      306,487      308,752      310,494      309,552
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note.--Pursuant to section 314 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended, increases to the Committee's
  section 302(a) allocation are mandated for funding in the reported bill for continuing disability reviews
  under the heading ``Limitation on Administrative Expenses'' for the Social Security Administration, for
  adoption incentive payments under the heading ``Children and Families Services Programs'' in the
  Administration for Children and Families, and for amounts provided and designated as emergency requirements
  under the headings ``Low Income Home Energy Assistance'', ``Public Health and Social Services Emergency
  Fund'', ``Student Financial Assistance'', and ``Commodity Credit Corporation Disaster Assistance''. After the
  bill is reported to the House, the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget will provide an increased section
  302(a) allocation consistent with the funding provided in the bill, and the Committee will increase the
  suballocation accordingly.

    In accordance with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 
(Public Law 93-344), as amended, the following information was 
provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office:

                         Five-Year Projections

    In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as 
amended, the following table contains five-year projections 
associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                        [In millions of dollars]

Budget authority in the bill............................         254,339
Outlays:
    2000................................................         202,956
    2001................................................          85,703
    2002................................................          14,739
    2003................................................           2,016
    2004................................................             646

          financial assistance to state and local governments

    In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as 
amended, the financial assistance to State and local 
governments is as follows:

                        [In millions of dollars]

Budget authority........................................          25,017
Fiscal year 2000 outlays resulting therefrom............           9,529

                           transfer of funds

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2), rule XIII of the House of 
Representatives, the following table is submitted describing 
the transfers of funds provided in the accompanying bill.
    The table shows, by Department and agency, the 
appropriations affected by such transfers.

                                 APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Account from which transfer is
    Account to which transfer is to be made         Amount                 to be made                 Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor: Employment Standards                       U.S. Postal Service:
 Administration:
    Special Benefits..........................           (\1\)    Postal Service fund...........           (\1\)
    Salaries and expenses.....................     $28,676,000    Black lung disability trust        $28,676,000
                                                                 fund.
Departmental management:
    Salaries and expenses.....................      20,422,000    Black lung disability trust         20,422,000
                                                                 fund.
    Office of Inspector General...............         306,000    Black lung disability trust           306,000
                                                                 fund.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indefinite.

                              rescissions

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2), rule XIII of the House of 
Representatives, the following table is submitted describing 
the rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill.

                  rescissions recommended in the bill

Department of Health and Human Services: Children and 
    Families Services Programs..........................    $21,000,000.

            Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3 (Ramseyer Rule)

    In compliance with clause 3 of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

             ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



               PART I--ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



     TITLE I--HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN MEET HIGH STANDARDS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             PART B--EVEN START FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1204. USES OF FUNDS.

  (a)  * * *
  (b) Federal Share Limitation.--
          (1) In general.--(A) Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), the Federal share under this part may not exceed--
                  (i) 90 percent of the total cost of the 
                program in the first year that such program 
                receives assistance under this part or its 
                predecessor authority;
                  (ii) 80 percent in the second such year;
                  (iii) 70 percent in the third such year;
                  (iv) 60 percent in the fourth such year; 
                [and]
                  [(v) 50 percent in any subsequent such year.]
                  (v) 50 percent in the fifth, sixth, seventh, 
                and eighth such years; and
                  (vi) 35 percent in any subsequent such year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1208. AWARD OF SUBGRANTS.

  (a)  * * *
  (b) Duration.--
          (1)  * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Continuing eligibility.--In awarding subgrant 
        funds to continue a program under this part for the 
        second, third, or fourth year, the State educational 
        agency shall evaluate the program based on the 
        indicators of program quality developed by the State 
        under section 1210. Such evaluation shall take place 
        after the conclusion of the startup period, if any.
          [(4) Insufficient progress.--The State educational 
        agency may refuse to award subgrant funds if such 
        agency finds that the eligible entity has not 
        sufficiently improved the performance of the program, 
        as evaluated based on the indicators of program quality 
        developed by the State under section 1210, after--
                  [(A) providing technical assistance to the 
                eligible entity; and
                  [(B) affording the eligible entity notice and 
                an opportunity for a hearing.]
          (3) Continuing eligibility.--In awarding subgrant 
        funds to continue a program under this part after the 
        first year, the State educational agency shall review 
        the progress of each eligible entity in meeting the 
        objectives of the program and State performance 
        indicators.
          (4) Insufficient progress.--The State educational 
        agency may refuse to award subgrant funds in a 
        subsequent fiscal year if such agency finds that the 
        eligible entity is not meeting State performance 
        indicators and continues to fail to demonstrate that it 
        is achieving substantial success in meeting the 
        performance standards, after--
                  (A) providing technical assistance to the 
                eligible entity; and
                  (B) affording the eligible entity notice and 
                an opportunity for a hearing.
          (5) Grant renewal.--(A) An eligible entity that has 
        previously received a subgrant under this part may 
        reapply under this part for additional subgrants. [An 
        eligible recipient may receive funds under this part 
        for a period not to exceed eight years.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


   TITLE III OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, 
       EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            education research, statistics, and improvement

  For carrying out activities authorized by the Educational 
Research, Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 
1994, including part E; the National Education Statistics Act 
of 1994; section 2102 of title II, and parts A, B, I, and K and 
section 10601 of title X, and part C of title XIII of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, and 
title VI of Public Law 103-227, $664,867,000: Provided, That 
$25,000,000 shall be available to demonstrate effective 
approaches to comprehensive school reform to be allocated and 
expended in accordance with the instructions relating to this 
activity in the statement of managers on the conference report 
accompanying Public Law 105-78 and in the statement of the 
managers on the conference report accompanying this Act: 
Provided further, That the funds made available for 
comprehensive school reform shall become available on July 1, 
1999, and remain available through September 30, 2000, and in 
carrying out this initiative, the Secretary and the States 
shall support only approaches that show the most promise of 
enabling children to meet challenging State content standards 
and challenging State student performance standards based on 
reliable research and effective practices, and include an 
emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement: Provided 
further, That $16,000,000 of the funds made available for title 
X, part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, shall 
be carried out consistent with the subject areas outlined in 
the House and Senate reports and the statement of the managers, 
and should be administered in a manner consistent with current 
departmental practices and policies: Provided further, That, in 
addition to the $6,000,000 for Title VI of Public Law 103-227 
and notwithstanding the provisions of section 601(c)(1)(C) of 
that Act, $1,000,000 shall be available to the Center for Civic 
Education to conduct a civic education program with Northern 
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and, consistent with the 
civics and government activities authorized in section 
601(c)(3) of Public Law 103-227, to provide civic education 
assistance to democracies in developing countries. The term 
``developing countries'' shall have the same meaning as the 
term ``developing country'' in the Education for the Deaf Act: 
Provided further, That of the amount provided for part A of 
title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 
$2,000,000 shall be for a demonstration of full service 
community school sites in Charles County, Maryland, Westchester 
County, New York, Cranston, Rhode Island, and Skagit County, 
Washington; $2,000,000 shall be awarded to First Book for 
literacy programs; $1,750,000 shall be awarded to the Whitaker 
Center for Science and the Arts, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for 
teaching of science education using the arts; $350,000 shall be 
awarded to the School of Education at the University of Montana 
and the Montana Board of Crime Control for community-based 
initiatives to promote non-violent behavior in schools; 
$1,000,000 shall be awarded to the NetDay organization to 
assist schools in connecting K-12 classrooms to the Internet; 
$1,000,000 shall be awarded to the National Museum of Women in 
the Arts; $1,000,000 shall be awarded to Youth Friends of 
Kansas City to improve attendance and academic performance; 
$750,000 shall be awarded to the Thornberry Center for Youth 
and Families, Kansas City, Missouri to assist at-risk children; 
$400,000 shall be for Bay Shore, New York for Literacy 
Education and Assessment Partnerships; $1,150,000 shall be 
awarded to provide technology assistance and for operation of a 
math/science learning center in Perry County, Kentucky; 
$100,000 shall be for Presidio School District, Texas for 
library equipment and materials; $1,200,000 shall be for the 
Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education; 
$1,000,000 shall be for the Dowling College Global Learning 
Center [at the former LaSalle Academy] in New York for a master 
teacher training and education center; $10,000,000 for 
continuing a demonstration of public school facilities repair 
and construction to the Iowa Department of Education; and 
$1,000,000 shall be awarded to the Hechkscher Museum of Art, 
Long Island, New York for incorporating arts into education 
curriculum: Provided further, That of the amount provided for 
part I of title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965, $500,000 shall be for after school programs for the 
Chippewa Falls Area United School System, Wisconsin; $400,000 
shall be for after-school programs for the Wausau School 
System, Wisconsin; $350,000 shall be for the New Rochelle 
School System, New York, after-school programs; $100,000 shall 
be for the New York Hall of Science, Queens, New York, after-
school program; $25,000 shall be for Louisville Central 
Community Centers Youth Education Program to support after-
school programming; $25,000 shall be for Canaan's Community 
Development Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky for the Village 
Learning Center after-school program; $300,000 shall be for the 
Bay Shore Community Learning Wellness and Fitness Center for 
Drug Free Lifestyles in Bay Shore, New York; $2,500,000 shall 
be for an after school anti-drug pilot program in the Chicago 
Public Schools; and $400,000 shall be for the Green Bay, 
Wisconsin Public School System after school program: Provided 
further, That $10,000,000 of the funds provided for the 
national education research institutes shall be allocated 
notwithstanding section 931(c)(2)(B) of Public Law 103-227.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


            SECTION 458 OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

SEC. 458. FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

  (a) Administrative Expenses.--
          (1) In general.--Each fiscal year there shall be 
        available to the Secretary, from funds not otherwise 
        appropriated, funds to be obligated for--
                  (A) administrative costs under this part and 
                part B, including the costs of the direct 
                student loan programs under this part; and
                  (B) account maintenance fees payable to 
                guaranty agencies under part B and calculated 
                in accordance with subsections (b) and (c),
        not to exceed (from such funds not otherwise 
        appropriated) $617,000,000 in fiscal year 1999, 
        [$735,000,000] $617,000,000 in fiscal year 2000, 
        $770,000,000 in fiscal year 2001, $780,000,000 in 
        fiscal year 2002, and $795,000,000 in fiscal year 2003.
                              ----------                              


               TITLE XIX OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT


                        TITLE XIX--BLOCK GRANTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



    Part B--Block Grants Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse


Subpart I--Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1918. DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF ALLOTMENT.

  (a) * * *
  [(b) Minimum Allotments for States.--
          [(1) In general.--With respect to fiscal year 1999, 
        the amount of the allotment of a State under section 
        1911 shall not be less than the amount the State 
        received under section 1911 for fiscal year 1998.]
  (b) Minimum Allotments for States.--With respect to fiscal 
year 2000, the amount of the allotment of a State under section 
1911 shall not be less than the amount the State received under 
section 1911 for fiscal year 1998.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Subpart II--Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance 
Abuse

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1933. DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF ALLOTMENT.

  (a) * * *
  [(b) Minimum Allotments for States.--
          [(1) In general.--With respect to fiscal year 1999, 
        the amount of the allotment of a State under section 
        1921 shall not be less than the amount the State 
        received under section 1921 for fiscal year 1998 
        increased by 30.65 percent of the percentage by which 
        the amount allotted to the States for fiscal year 1999 
        exceeds the amount allotted to the States for fiscal 
        year 1998.
          [(2) Limitation.--
                  [(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), a State shall not receive an 
                allotment under section 1921 for fiscal year 
                1999 in an amount that is less than an amount 
                equal to 0.375 percent of the amount 
                appropriated under section 1935(a) for such 
                fiscal year.
                  [(B) Exception.--In applying subparagraph 
                (A), the Secretary shall ensure that no State 
                receives an increase in its allotment under 
                section 1921 for fiscal year 1999 (as compared 
                to the amount allotted to the State in the 
                fiscal year 1998) that is in excess of an 
                amount equal to 300 percent of the percentage 
                by which the amount appropriated under section 
                1935(a) for fiscal year 1999 exceeds the amount 
                appropriated for the prior fiscal year.
          [(3) Only for the purposes of calculating minimum 
        allotments under this subsection, any reference to the 
        amount appropriated under section 1935(a) for fiscal 
        year 1998, allotments to States under section 21 and 
        any references to amounts received by States in fiscal 
        year 1998 shall include amounts appropriated or 
        received under the amendments made by section 105 of 
        the Contract with America Advancement Act of 1996 
        (Public Law 104-121).]
  (b) Minimum Allotments for States.--Each State's allotment 
for fiscal year 2000 for programs under this subpart shall be 
equal to such State's allotment for such programs for fiscal 
year 1999.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                              ----------                              --
--------


             SECTION 14 OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT

    Sec. 14. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [(c)(1) The Board, in its discretion, may, by rule of 
decision or by published rules adopted pursuant to the 
Administrative Procedure Act, decline to assert jurisdiction 
over any labor dispute involving any class or category of 
employers, where, in the opinion of the Board, the effect of 
such labor dispute on commerce is not sufficiently substantial 
to warrant the exercise of its jurisdiction: Provided, That the 
Board shall not decline to assert jurisdiction over any labor 
dispute over which it would assert jurisdiction under the 
standards prevailing upon August 1, 1959.]
    (c)(1)(A) Mandatory jurisdiction.--The Board shall assert 
jurisdiction over any labor dispute involving any class or 
category of employers over which it would assert jurisdiction 
under the standards prevailing on August 1, 1959, with the 
financial threshold amounts adjusted for inflation under 
subparagraph (B).
    (B) Inflation adjustments.--The Board, beginning on October 
1, 1999, and not less often than every 5 years thereafter, 
shall adjust each of the financial threshold amounts referred 
to in subparagraph (a) for inflation, using as the base period 
the later of (i) the most recent calendar quarter ending before 
the financial threshold amount was established, or (ii) the 
calendar quarter ending June 30, 1959. The inflation 
adjustments shall be determined using changes in the Consumer 
Price Index for all urban consumers published by the Department 
of Labor and shall be rounded to the nearest $10,000. The Board 
shall prescribe any regulations necessary for making the 
inflation adjustments.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                     Subtitle C--Employment Taxes

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


       CHAPTER 25--GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT TAXES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3507. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF EARNED INCOME CREDIT.

    (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (g) Termination.--
            (1) In general.--This section shall not apply after 
        September 30, 1999.
            (2) Exception for certificates in effect.--
        Paragraph (1) shall not apply to earned income 
        eligibility certificates in effect on September 30, 
        1999, and to renewals of such certificates which are so 
        in effect.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                Subtitle F--Procedure and Administration

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             CHAPTER 65--ABATEMENTS, CREDITS, AND REFUNDS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   Subchapter A--Procedure in General

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 6402. AUTHORITY TO MAKE CREDITS OR REFUNDS.

    (a) General Rule.--In the case of any overpayment, the 
Secretary, within the applicable period of limitations, may 
credit the amount of such overpayment, including any interest 
allowed thereon, against any liability in respect of an 
internal revenue tax on the part of the person who made the 
overpayment and shall, subject to subsections [(c) and (e)] 
(c), (d), and (l), refund any balance to such person.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (l) Installment Payments of Earned Income Credit Refunds.--
            (1) In general.--Earned income credit refunds shall 
        be paid in 12 substantially equal installments with--
                    (A) the first installment payable without 
                regard to this subsection,
                    (B) the second installment payable not 
                later than the 90th day after the first 
                installment is paid, and
                    (C) the remaining installments payable at 
                monthly intervals over the 10 months following 
                the month in which the second installment is 
                paid.
            (2) Earned income credit refunds.--For purposes of 
        this subsection, the term ``earned income credit 
        refund'' means, with respect to any taxable year, the 
        lesser of--
                    (A) the credit allowed by section 32 for 
                such year (determined without regard to section 
                32(n)), or
                    (B) the overpayment for such year 
                determined after the reductions under 
                subsections (c), (d), and (e) and without 
                regard to the credit under section 31.
            (3) Exception if earned income credit refund is 
        $600 or less.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
        earned income credit refund which does not exceed $600 
        for the taxable year.
            (4) Interest.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
        of this title, interest shall not be allowed or paid 
        on--
                    (A) any earned income credit refund payable 
                in installments under this subsection, or
                    (B) any such installment under this 
                subsection which is paid within 45 days after 
                the due date for the payment of such 
                installment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


            SECTION 455 OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 455. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LOANS.

    (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (c) Loan Fee.--[The Secretary shall] Notwithstanding 
subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall charge the borrower of a 
loan made under this part an origination fee of 4.0 percent of 
the principal amount of loan. For purposes of subsection 
(a)(1), this subsection is one of many provisions of this part 
that specifies a term, condition, or benefit of a loan under 
this part that is different than the terms, conditions, and 
benefits of loans made to borrowers under sections 428, 428B, 
and 428H of this title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                SECTION 203 OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING ACT

      Sec. 203. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

      (c)(1) * * *
      (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, 
each mortgage secured by a 1- to 4-family dwelling and executed 
on or after October 1, 1994, that is an obligation of the 
Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund or of the General Insurance Fund 
pursuant to subsection (v), shall be subject to the following 
requirements:
            (A) The Secretary shall establish and collect, at 
        the time of insurance, a single premium payment in an 
        amount not exceeding 2.25 percent of the amount of the 
        original insured principal obligation of the mortgage. 
        In the case of a mortgage for which the mortgagor is a 
        first-time homebuyer who completes a program of 
        counseling with respect to the responsibilities and 
        financial management involved in homeownership that is 
        approved by the Secretary, the premium payment under 
        this subparagraph shall not exceed 2.0 percent of the 
        amount of the original insured principal obligation of 
        the mortgage. Upon payment in full of the principal 
        obligation of a mortgage prior to the maturity date of 
        the mortgage, the Secretary shall refund all of the 
        unearned premium charges paid on the mortgage pursuant 
        to this subparagraph. Notwithstanding any other 
        provision of this section or section 205, in the case 
        of a mortgage executed after the date of the enactment 
        of this sentence, the entire premium charge collected 
        pursuant to this subparagraph shall be considered to be 
        earned by the Secretary at the time of insurance, and 
        no portion of the premium charge collected may be 
        refunded to the mortgagor as unearned.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                 Changes in Application of Existing Law

    Pursuant to clause 3, rule XIII of the House of 
Representatives, the following statements are submitted 
describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill 
which may directly or indirectly change the application of 
existing law.
    In some instances the bill includes appropriations for 
certain ongoing programs which are not yet authorized for 
fiscal year 2000.
    The bill provides that appropriations shall remain 
available for more than one year for some programs for which 
the basic authorizing legislation does not presently authorize 
such extended availability.
    In various places in the bill, the Committee has earmarked 
funds within appropriation accounts in order to fund specific 
sections of a law. Whether these actions constitute a change in 
the application of existing law is subject to individual 
interpretation, but the Committee felt that this fact should be 
mentioned.
    In several instances, the bill provides advance 
appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for programs for which such 
advances are not authorized by law.

                      TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

                    Training and Employment Services

    Language prohibiting the use of funds from any other 
appropriation to provide meal services at or for Job Corps 
centers.

     State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service Operations

    Language allowing the use of funds for amortization 
payments to States which had independent retirement plans in 
their State employment service agencies prior to 1980.
    Language allowing the Labor Department to withhold from 
State allotments funds available for penalty mail under the 
Wagner-Peyser Act.
    Language providing that funds in this Act for one-stop 
career centers may be used for contracts, grants or agreements 
with non-State entities.
    Language providing that funds in this Act may be used by 
the States for integrated Employment Service and Unemployment 
Insurance automation efforts.

                  Employment Standards Administration

                         salaries and expenses

    Language authorizing the Secretary of Labor to accept and 
spend all sums of money ordered to be paid to the Secretary, in 
accordance with the terms of a Consent Judgment in U.S. 
District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Language authorizing the Secretary of Labor to collect user 
fees for processing certain applications and issuing certain 
certificates and registrations under the Fair Labor Standards 
Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection 
Act.

                            special benefits

    Language providing funds may be used under the Federal 
Employees' Compensation Act in which the Secretary of Labor may 
reimburse an employer, who is not the employer at the time of 
injury, for portions of the salary of a reemployed, disabled 
beneficiary.
    Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to transfer 
certain administrative funds from the Postal Service fund and 
certain other government corporations and agencies related to 
the administration of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act.
    Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to require any 
person filing a claim for benefits under the Federal Employees' 
Compensation Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' 
Compensation Act to provide such identifying information as the 
Secretary may require, including a Social Security number.

             Occupational Safety and Health Administration

                         salaries and expenses

    Language establishing a maximum amount available for grants 
to States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which 
grants shall be no less than 50 percent of the costs of State 
programs required to be incurred under plans approved by the 
Secretary under section 18 of the Act.
    Language authorizing the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration to retain and spend up to $750,000 of training 
institute course tuition fees for training and education 
grants.
    Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to collect and 
retain fees for services provided to Nationally Recognized 
Testing Laboratories.

                 Mine Safety and Health Administration

                         salaries and expenses

    Language allowing the Mine Safety and Health Administration 
to collect up to $750,000 at the National Mine Health and 
Safety Academy for room, board, tuition, and the sale of 
training materials, otherwise authorized by law to be 
collected, to be available for mine safety and health education 
and training activities, notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302.
    Language allowing the Mine Safety and Health Administration 
to purchase and bestow certificates and trophies in connection 
with mine rescue and first-aid work; to accept land, buildings, 
equipment, and other contributions from public and private 
sources; to prosecute projects in cooperation with other 
agencies, Federal, State, or private; and to promote health and 
safety education and training in the mining community through 
cooperative programs with States, industry, and safety 
associations.
    Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to use any funds 
available to the Department to provide for the costs of mine 
rescue and survival operations in the event of major disasters.

                        Departmental Management

                         salaries and expenses

    Language providing that no funds made available by this Act 
may be used by the Solicitor of Labor to participate in a 
review in any United States court of appeals of any decision 
made by the Benefits Review Board under section 21 of the 
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act where such 
participation is precluded by the decision of the Supreme Court 
in Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs v. 
Newport News Shipbuilding, 115 S. Ct.1278 (1995), 
notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in 
Rule 15 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
    Language providing that any decision under the Longshore 
Act pending before the Benefits Review Board for more than one 
year shall be considered affirmed by the Board and shall be 
considered the final order of the Board.

           TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

              Health Resources and Services Administration

                     health resources and services

    Language providing that the Division of Federal 
Occupational Health may utilize personal services contracting 
in certain instances.
    Language providing that $25,000,000 from general revenues, 
notwithstanding section 1820(j) of the Social Security Act, 
shall be available for carrying out the Medicare rural hospital 
flexibility grants program under section 1820 of such Act.
    Language providing that in addition to fees authorized by 
section 427(b) of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 
1986, fees shall be collected for the full disclosure of 
information under the Act sufficient to recover the full costs 
of operating the National Practitioner Data Bank, and shall 
remain available until expended to carry out that Act.
    Language providing that all pregnancy counseling under the 
family planning program shall be nondirective.
    Language identifying a specific amount for maternal and 
child health SPRANS activities, notwithstanding current law.

               Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    Language permitting the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention to insure official motor vehicles in foreign 
countries.
    Language providing that collections from user fees may be 
credited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
appropriation.
    Language making amounts under section 241 of the Public 
Health Service Act available to carry out the National Center 
for Health Statistics surveys.
    Language allowing the Director of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention to redirect certain funds appropriated 
under Public Law 101-502.

                     National Institutes of Health

                      national library of medicine

    Language providing that the National Library of Medicine 
may enter into certain personal services contracts.

                         office of the director

    Language providing that the National Institutes of Health 
is authorized to collect third party payments for the cost of 
the clinical services that are incurred in NIH research 
facilities and that such payments shall be credited to the NIH 
Management Fund and shall remain available for one fiscal year 
after they are deposited.
    Language providing the Director of NIH authority to 
transfer funds between appropriation accounts in this or any 
other Act.
    Language permitting funds to be transferred from the 
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to the 
National Institutes of Health, notwithstanding current law.

               Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

    Language is included to permit the Agency for Health Care 
Policy and Research to retain and expend amounts received from 
Freedom of Information Act fees, reimbursable and interagency 
agreements and the sale of data tapes.

                  Health Care Financing Administration

                     Grants to States for Medicaid

    A provision that in the administration of title XIX of the 
Social Security Act, payments to a state for any quarter may be 
made with respect to a State plan or plan amendment in effect 
during any such quarter, if submitted in, or prior to, such 
quarter and approved in that or any such subsequent quarter.

                           Program Management

    A provision that all funds collected in accordance with 
section 353 of the Public Health Service Act, together with 
such sums as may be collected from authorized user fees, 
administrative fees collected relative to Medicare overpayment 
recovery activities, and the sale of data, shall be available 
for expenditure by the Health Care Financing Administration.
    Language allowing fees charged in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 
9701 to be credited to the Health Care Financing Administration 
administrative account.
    Language limiting the amount of funds available from the 
Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account of the Federal 
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.

                Administration for Children and Families

  payments to states for child support enforcement and family support 
                                programs

    Language providing that the sum of the amounts available to 
a State with respect to expenditures under title IV-A of the 
Social Security Act in fiscal year 1997 under this 
appropriation and under such title IV-A as amended by the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 
of 1996 shall not exceed the limitations under section 116(b) 
of such Act.

                   low income home energy assistance

    Language declaring the fiscal year 2000 funds appropriated 
in P.L. 105-277 an emergency requirement under the Budget Act 
and requiring that such funds be allocated by the statutory 
formula.

                     refugee and entrant assistance

    Language providing that funds appropriated pursuant to 
section 414(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for 
fiscal years 1998 and 1999 shall be available for the costs of 
assistance provided and other activities through September 30, 
2001.

                      social services block grant

    Language providing that notwithstanding section 2003(c) of 
the Social Security Act, the amount specified for allocation 
under such section for fiscal year 2000 shall be 
$1,909,000,000.
    Language specifying that notwithstanding subparagraph (B) 
of section 404(d)(2) of the Social Security Act, the applicable 
percent specified under such subparagraph for a State for 
fiscal year 2000 shall be 4.25 percent.

                children and families services programs

    Language providing that unexpended Community Services Block 
Grant funds may be carried over to the next fiscal year by 
local grantees.

                        Administration on Aging

                        aging services programs

    Language providing that State administrative costs under 
title III of the Older Americans Act shall not be reduced more 
than 5 percent below the amount that was available to each 
State in fiscal year 1995.
    Language providing that in considering grant applications 
for nutrition services for elder Indian recipients, the 
Assistant Secretary for Aging shall provide maximum flexibility 
to applicants who seek to take into account subsistence, local 
customs, and other characteristics that are appropriate to the 
unique cultural, regional, and geographic needs of the American 
Indian, Alaska and Hawaiian Native communities to be served.

                        Office of the Secretary

                    office of the inspector general

    Language limiting the amount of funds available from the 
Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account of the Federal 
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.

                   TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

                            education reform

    Language setting aside up to one-half of one percent of 
certain technology funds for the outlying areas to be 
distributed by the Secretary; and language stating that if a 
State does not apply for a grant under section 3132 of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Secretary shall use 
the State's share for grants directly to local educational 
agencies in that State that apply directly for the funds.

                    Education for the Disadvantaged

    The bill includes language providing that funds may be used 
by the Department of Education to obtain certain data from the 
Census Bureau.
    Language providing that certain amounts shall be reserved 
for section 1308 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
    Language providing that funds shall be available to 
demonstrate effective approaches to comprehensive school reform 
to be allocated and expended in accordance with the 
instructions relating to this activity in the statement of the 
managers on the conference reports accompanying Public Law 105-
78 and Public Law 105-277 and that in carrying out this 
initiative, the Secretary and the States shall support only 
approaches that show the most promise of enabling children 
served by title I to meet challenging State content standards 
and challenging State student performance standards based on 
reliable research and effective practices, and include an 
emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement.

                      School Improvement Programs

    Language providing that certain funding will be available 
for the Teacher Empowerment Act, if such legislation is 
enacted.

                   Bilingual and Immigrant Education

    Language is included waiving section 7103(b) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    The bill includes language providing that immigrant 
education funds may be allocated by States for competitive 
grants to local school districts.

               National Technical Institute for the Deaf

                          Gallaudet University

    The bill includes language providing that the National 
Technical Institute for the Deaf and Gallaudet University may 
use funds for their endowment programs at their discretion.

                      Student Financial Assistance

    The bill includes language providing that the maximum Pell 
grant a student may receive in the 2000-2001 academic year 
shall be $3,275.
    The bill includes language providing that notwithstanding 
section 401(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, if the 
Secretary determines, prior to publication of the payment 
schedule for award year 2000-2001, that the funds included 
within this appropriation for Pell Grant awards for award year 
2000-2001, and any funds available from the FY 1999 
appropriation for Pell Grant awards, are insufficient to 
satisfy fully all such awards for which students are eligible, 
as calculated under section 401(b) of the Act, the amount paid 
for each such award shall be reduced by either a fixed or 
variable percentage, or by a fixed dollar amount, as determined 
in accordance with a schedule of reductions established by the 
Secretary for this purpose.
    The bill includes language providing funds under 
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants specifically for 
individuals who suffered financial harm from the hurricanes, 
and the flooding associated with the hurricanes, that struck 
the eastern United States in August and September 1999 and 
allowing the Secretary of Education to waive or modify any 
statutory or regulatory provision applicable to such program; 
and that notwithstanding the Higher Education Act, allocations 
from such additional funds shall not be taken into account in 
determining institutional allocations in future years.

                            Higher Education

    The bill includes language providing that funds provided 
herein for carrying out part A, subpart 2 of title VII of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 shall be available to fund awards 
for academic year 2000-2001 for fellowships under part A, 
subpart 1 of title VII of said Act, under the terms and 
conditions of part A, subpart 1.

                           Howard University

    The bill includes language providing that Howard University 
shall use not less than $3,530,000 for the endowment program 
pursuant to the Howard University Endowment Act.

            Education Research, Statistics, and Improvement

    The bill includes language providing that a certain amount 
shall be available to demonstrate effective approaches to 
comprehensive school reform to be allocated and expended in 
accordance with the instructions relating to this activity in 
the statement of managers on the conference reports 
accompanying Public Law 105-78 and Public Law 105-277 and that 
in carrying out this initiative, the Secretary and the States 
shall support only approaches that show the most promise of 
enabling children to meet challenging State content standards 
and challenging State student performance standards based on 
reliable research and effective practices, and include an 
emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement.
    Language providing that $10,000,000 of the funds provided 
for the national education research institutes shall be 
allocated notwithstanding section 931(c)(2)(B) of Public Law 
103-227.

                       TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES

                      Armed Forces Retirement Home

    Language providing that notwithstanding any other provision 
of law, a single contract or related contracts for development 
and construction, to include construction of a long-term care 
facility at the United States Naval Home, may be employed which 
collectively include the full scope of the project and 
providing that the solicitation and contract shall contain the 
clause ``availability of funds'' found at 48 CFR 52.232-18 and 
252.232-7007, Limitation of Government Obligations.

                  Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    Language providing that $10,000,000 shall be for 
digitalization, only if specifically authorized by subsequent 
legislation enacted by September 30, 2000.

               Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

                         Salaries and Expenses

    The bill includes language specifying that notwithstanding 
31 U.S.C. 3302, fees charged by the Federal Mediation and 
Conciliation Service, up to full-cost recovery, for special 
training activities and for arbitration services shall be 
credited to and merged with its administrative account, and 
shall remain available until expended; that fees for 
arbitration services shall be available only for education, 
training, and professional development of the agency workforce; 
and that the Director of the Service is authorized to accept on 
behalf of the United States gifts of services and real, 
personal, or other property in the aid of any projects or 
functions within the Director's jurisdiction.

                     National Labor Relations Board

                         Salaries and Expenses

    The bill includes a provision requiring that appropriations 
to the NLRB shall not be available to organize or assist in 
organizing agricultural laborers or used in connection with 
investigations, hearings, directives, or orders concerning 
bargaining units composed of agricultural laborers as referred 
to in section 2(3) of the Act of July 5, 1935 (29 U.S.C. 152), 
and as amended by the Labor-Management Relations Act, 1947, as 
amended, and as defined in section 3(f) of the Act of June 25, 
1938 (29 U.S.C. 203), and including in said definition 
employees engaged in the maintenance and operation of ditches, 
canals, reservoirs, and waterways, when maintained or operated 
on a mutual non-profit basis and at least 95 per centum of the 
water stored or supplied thereby is used for farming purposes.

                        National Mediation Board

                         Salaries and Expenses

    Language providing that funds remaining unobligated at the 
end of the year that are not needed for emergency boards shall 
remain available for other statutory purposes for an additional 
year.

                       Railroad Retirement Board

                     Dual Benefits Payments Account

    The bill includes language providing that the total amount 
provided for railroad retirement dual benefits shall be 
credited to the Dual Benefits Payments Account in 12 
approximately equal amounts on the first day of each month in 
the fiscal year.

                      Limitation on Administration

    The bill includes language providing that the Railroad 
Retirement Board shall determine the allocation of its 
administrative budget between the railroad retirement accounts 
and the railroad unemployment insurance administration fund.

                     Social Security Administration

                 Limitation on Administrative Expenses

    Language providing that unobligated balances at the end of 
fiscal year 2000 shall remain available until expended for the 
agency's computing network, including related equipment and 
non-payroll administrative expenses associated solely with this 
network; language authorizing the use of up to $10,000 for 
official reception and representation expenses; and language 
providing that reimbursement to the trust funds under this 
heading for expenditures for official time for employees of the 
Social Security Administration pursuant to section 7131 of 
title 5, United States Code, and for facilities or support 
services for labor organizations pursuant to policies, 
regulations, or procedures referred to in section 7135(b) of 
such title shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury, with 
interest, from amounts in the general fund not otherwise 
appropriated, as soon as possible after such expenditures are 
made.
    Language providing that unobligated balances at the end of 
fiscal year 1999, not to exceed $50,000,000, shall be available 
notwithstanding a provision in Public Law 105-277; and language 
providing that funds previously made available under this 
heading for a state-of-the-art computing network, not to exceed 
$100,000,000, shall be available for necessary expenses under 
this heading, subject to the same terms and conditions.
    Language providing that funds may be derived from 
administration fees collected pursuant to section 1616(d) of 
the Social Security Act or section 212(b)(3) of Public Law 93-
66 and that, to the extent that the amounts collected pursuant 
to such sections in fiscal year 2000 exceed $80,000,000, the 
amounts shall be available in fiscal year 2001 only to the 
extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts.

                      office of inspector general

    Language permitting the transfer of a certain amount of 
funds into this account from the SSA administrative account 
provided that the Appropriations Committees are promptly 
notified.

                           General Provisions

    Sections 102, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 
211, 212, 301, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 501, 504, 506, 
507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 513 and 514 of the bill are general 
provisions, most of which have been carried in previous 
appropriations acts, which place limitations on the use of 
funds in the bill or authorize or require certain activities, 
and which might, under some circumstances, be construed as 
changing the application of existing law.
    Title VI of the bill authorizes additional activities 
pertaining to early detection, diagnosis, and interventions for 
newborns and infants with hearing loss.
    Title VII of the bill is the Child Protection Act of 1999 
that requires any school or library receiving federal funds for 
the purchase of computers or computer related equipment to 
install an obscenity and child pornography filter on any 
computer to which minors have access.
    Title VIII of the bill is a provision that effectively 
requires the NLRB to update for inflation the economic 
thresholds the agency uses to determine whether or not it has 
jurisdiction over a complaint. These thresholds have not been 
updated for inflation since the 1950s.
    Title IX of the bill includes language amending Internal 
Revenue Code to require that Earned Income Tax Credit payments 
be paid on a monthly basis rather than in a lump sum annual 
payment. It also includes an amendment to the Higher Education 
Act concerning student loan origination fees and an amendment 
to the National Housing Act concerning the premium rebate for 
FHA home mortgages.

              Definition of program, project, and activity

    During fiscal year 2000 for purposes of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177), 
as amended, the following information provides the definition 
of the term ``program, project, and activity'' for departments 
and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Labor, Health and 
Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies 
Subcommittee. The term ``program, project, and activity'' shall 
include the most specific level of budget items identified in 
the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and 
Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000, the 
accompanying House and Senate Committee reports, the conference 
report and accompanying joint explanatory statement of the 
managers of the committee of conference.

                  Appropriations Not Authorized by Law

    Pursuant to clause 3 of rule XIII of the House of 
Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations 
in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law:

                      TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration:
        National Skill Standards Board
        Homeless veterans
        Community Service Employment for Older Americans
        Trade Adjustment Assistance/NAFTA Transitional 
        Adjustment Assistance
        Work Opportunity Tax Credit
        Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit

           TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration:
        Organ Transplantation
        Health Teaching Facilities Interest Subsidies
        Family Planning
        Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: HRSA 
        Administration
Centers for Disease Control:
        Preventive Health Services Block Grant
        Sexually-transmitted diseases
        Injury control
National Institutes of Health (except National Center for 
    Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Fogarty Center, 
    Office of the Director and Buildings and Facilities)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
        Mental Health Performance Partnership
        Children's Mental Health
        Grants to States for the Homeless
        Protection and Advocacy
        Substance Abuse Performance Partnership
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research: Health Care Policy 
and Research
Administration for Children and Families:
        Runaway and Homeless Youth
        Runaway Youth--Transitional Living
        Developmental Disabilities Program
        Native American Programs
Administration on Aging: Aging Services Programs
Office of the Secretary:
        Adolescent Family Life

                   TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

School Improvement Programs:
        Teacher Empowerment Act
Education Research, Statistics, and Improvement:
        National Assessment
        National Assessment Governing Board

                       TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES

Corporation for National and Community Service: Domestic 
Volunteer Service Programs, Operating Expenses
Corporation for Public Broadcasting:
        FY 2002 regular appropriation
        Digitalization program
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 1

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Ms. Pelosi.
    Description of Motion: To strike a provision prohibiting 
the use of funds to implement a Department of Labor rule, 
``Procedure for Predetermination of Wage Rates'' (64 Fed. Reg. 
17441 et. seq.) relating to Davis-Bacon helpers.
    Results: Rejected 29 yeas to 31 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Boyd                            Mr. Aderholt
Mr. Cramer                          Mr. Blunt
Ms. DeLauro                         Mr. Bonilla
Mr. Dicks                           Mr. Callahan
Mr. Dixon                           Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Edwards                         Mr. DeLay
Mr. Farr                            Mr. Dickey
Mr. Forbes                          Mr. Frelinghuysen
Mr. Hinchey                         Ms. Granger
Mr. Hoyer                           Mr. Hobson
Mr. Jackson                         Mr. Istook
Ms. Kaptur                          Mr. Kingston
Ms. Kilpatrick                      Mr. Knollenberg
Mrs. Lowey                          Mr. Kolbe
Mrs. Meek                           Mr. Latham
Mr. Mollohan                        Mr. Lewis
Mr. Moran                           Mr. Miller
Mr. Murtha                          Mr. Nethercutt
Mr. Obey                            Mrs. Northup
Mr. Olver                           Mr. Packard
Mr. Pastor                          Mr. Peterson
Ms. Pelosi                          Mr. Porter
Mr. Price                           Mr. Rogers
Mr. Regula                          Mr. Skeen
Ms. Roybal-Allard                   Mr. Sununu
Mr. Sabo                            Mr. Taylor
Mr. Serrano                         Mr. Tiahrt
Mr. Visclosky                       Mr. Wamp
Mr. Walsh                           Mr. Wicker
                                    Mr. Wolf
                                    Mr. Young
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 2

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Ms. DeLauro.
    Description of Motion: To strike a provision prohibiting 
the use of funds to implement a Department of Labor rule 
revising 29 CFR 2520 and 2560 relating to ERISA ``Patient 
Protection'' provisions.
    Results: Rejected 27 yeas to 32 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Boyd                            Mr. Aderholt
Mr. Cramer                          Mr. Bonilla
Ms. DeLauro                         Mr. Callahan
Mr. Dicks                           Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Dixon                           Mr. DeLay
Mr. Edwards                         Mr. Dickey
Mr. Farr                            Mrs. Emerson
Mr. Forbes                          Mr. Frelinghuysen
Mr. Hinchey                         Ms. Granger
Mr. Hoyer                           Mr. Hobson
Mr. Jackson                         Mr. Istook
Ms. Kaptur                          Mr. Kingston
Ms. Kilpatrick                      Mr. Knollenberg
Mrs. Lowey                          Mr. Kolbe
Mrs. Meek                           Mr. Lathan
Mr. Mollohan                        Mr. Lewis
Mr. Moran                           Mr. Miller
Mr. Murtha                          Mr. Nethercutt
Mr. Obey                            Mrs. Northup
Mr. Olver                           Mr. Packard
Mr. Pastor                          Mr. Peterson
Ms. Pelosi                          Mr. Porter
Mr. Price                           Mr. Regula
Ms. Roybal-Allard                   Mr. Rogers
Mr. Sabo                            Mr. Skeen
Mr. Serrano                         Mr. Sununu
Mr. Visclosky                       Mr. Taylor
                                    Mr. Walsh
                                    Mr. Wamp
                                    Mr. Wicker
                                    Mr. Wolf
                                    Mr. Young
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 3

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Mrs. Lowey.
    Description of Motion: To amend the Public Health Service 
Act, ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code to require health 
insurance plans to allow women direct access to their 
obstetrician or gynecologist without having to receive a 
referral from any other primary care provider or plan.
    Results: Rejected 28 yeas to 32 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Cramer                          Mr. Aderholt
Ms. DeLauro                         Mr. Blunt
Mr. Dicks                           Mr. Bonilla
Mr. Dixon                           Mr. Boyd
Mr. Edwards                         Mr. Callahan
Mrs. Emerson                        Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Farr                            Mr. DeLay
Mr. Forbes                          Mr. Dickey
Mr. Hinchey                         Mr. Frelinghuysen
Mr. Hoyer                           Ms. Granger
Mr. Jackson                         Mr. Hobson
Ms. Kaptur                          Mr. Istook
Ms. Kilpatrick                      Mr. Kingston
Mrs. Lowey                          Mr. Knollenberg
Mrs. Meek                           Mr. Kolbe
Mr. Mollohan                        Mr. Latham
Mr. Moran                           Mr. Lewis
Mr. Murtha                          Mr. Miller
Mr. Obey                            Mrs. Northrop
Mr. Olver                           Mr. Packard
Mr. Pastor                          Mr. Peterson
Ms. Pelosi                          Mr. Porter
Mr. Price                           Mr. Regula
Ms. Roybal-Allard                   Mr. Rogers
Mr. Sabo                            Mr. Skeen
Mr. Serrano                         Mr. Sununu
Mr. Visclosky                       Mr. Taylor
Mr. Wolf                            Mr. Tiahrt
                                    Mr. Walsh
                                    Mr. Wamp
                                    Mr. Wicker
                                    Mr. Young
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 4

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Mr. Obey.
    Description of Motion: To amend the DeLay amendment by 
changing the matter inserted to be a provision to require the 
payment of tax refunds on a monthly basis for taxpayers 
receiving more than a $5,000 refund from capital gains.
    Results: Rejected 27 yeas to 32 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Boyd                            Mr. Blunt
Mr. Cramer                          Mr. Bonilla
Ms. DeLauro                         Mr. Callahan
Mr. Dicks                           Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Dixon                           Mr. DeLay
Mr. Edwards                         Mr. Dickey
Mr. Farr                            Mrs. Emerson
Mr. Forbes                          Mr. Frelinghuysen
Mr. Hinchey                         Ms. Granger
Mr. Hoyer                           Mr. Hobson
Mr. Jackson                         Mr. Istook
Ms. Kaptur                          Mr. Knollenberg
Ms. Kilpatrick                      Mr. Kolbe
Mrs. Lowey                          Mr. Latham
Mrs. Meek                           Mr. Lewis
Mr. Mollohan                        Mr. Miller
Mr. Moran                           Mr. Nethercutt
Mr. Murtha                          Mrs. Northup
Mr. Obey                            Mr. Packard
Mr. Olver                           Mr. Peterson
Mr. Pastor                          Mr. Porter
Ms. Pelosi                          Mr. Regula
Mr. Price                           Mr. Rogers
Ms. Roybal-Allard                   Mr. Skeen
Mr. Sabo                            Mr. Sununu
Mr. Serrano                         Mr. Taylor
Mr. Visclosky                       Mr. Tiahrt
                                    Mr. Walsh
                                    Mr. Wamp
                                    Mr. Wicker
                                    Mr. Wolf
                                    Mr. Young
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 5

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Mr. DeLay.
    Description of Motion: To strike a provision to delay 
payments to States under the Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families and to insert in lieu thereof a provision to require 
that payments under the Earned Income Tax Credit be made on a 
monthly, rather than yearly basis; to require the Secretary of 
Education to follow current law requiring the collection of a 
four percent origination fee on direct student loans; and, to 
prohibit certain refunds for federal mortgage insurance.
    Results: Adopted 33 yeas to 27 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Blunt                           Mr. Boyd
Mr. Bonilla                         Mr. Cramer
Mr. Callahan                        Ms. DeLauro
Mr. Cunningham                      Mr. Dicks
Mr. DeLay                           Mr. Dixon
Mr. Dickey                          Mr. Edwards
Mrs. Emerson                        Mr. Farr
Mr. Frelinghuysen                   Mr. Forbes
Ms. Granger                         Mr. Hinchey
Mr. Hobson                          Mr. Hoyer
Mr. Istook                          Mr. Jackson
Mr. Kingston                        Ms. Kaptur
Mr. Knollenberg                     Ms. Kilpatrick
Mr. Kolbe                           Mrs. Lowey
Mr. Latham                          Mrs. Meek
Mr. Lewis                           Mr. Mollohan
Mr. Miller                          Mr. Moran
Mr. Nethercutt                      Mr. Murtha
Mrs. Northup                        Mr. Obey
Mr. Packard                         Mr. Olver
Mr. Peterson                        Mr. Pastor
Mr. Porter                          Ms. Pelosi
Mr. Regula                          Mr. Price
Mr. Rogers                          Ms. Roybal-Allard
Mr. Skeen                           Mr. Sabo
Mr. Sununu                          Mr. Serrano
Mr. Taylor                          Mr. Visclosky
Mr. Tiahrt
Mr. Walsh
Mr. Wamp
Mr. Wicker
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Young
                          Full Committee Votes

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a)(1)(b) of rule 
XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each 
rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, 
together with the names of those voting for and those voting 
against, are printed below:

                             rollcall no. 6

    Date: September 30, 1999.
    Measure: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill, FY 
2000.
    Motion by: Mr. Regula.
    Description of Motion: To report the bill, the authorize 
the Chairman to seek a rule for consideration of the bill, and 
to authorize the Chairman to move that the House disagree to 
the amendments of the Senate and agree to a conference 
requested by the Senate.
    Results: Adopted 34 yeas to 26 nays.
        Members Voting Yea            Members Voting Nay
Mr. Blunt                           Mr. Boyd
Mr. Bonilla                         Mr. Cramer
Mr. Callahan                        Ms. DeLauro
Mr. Cunningham                      Mr. Dicks
Mr. DeLay                           Mr. Dixon
Mr. Dickey                          Mr. Edwards
Mrs. Emerson                        Mr. Farr
Mr. Frelinghuysen                   Mr. Forbes
Ms. Granger                         Mr. Hinchey
Mr. Hobson                          Mr. Hoyer
Mr. Istook                          Mr. Jackson
Mr. Kingston                        Ms. Kaptur
Mr. Knollenberg                     Ms. Kilpatrick
Mr. Kolbe                           Mrs. Lowey
Mr. Latham                          Mrs. Meek
Mr. Lewis                           Mr. Mollohan
Mr. Miller                          Mr. Moran
Mr. Nethercutt                      Mr. Murtha
Mrs. Northup                        Mr. Obey
Mr. Packard                         Mr. Olver
Mr. Peterson                        Mr. Pastor
Mr. Porter                          Ms. Pelosi
Mr. Price                           Ms. Roybal-Allard
Mr. Regula                          Mr. Sabo
Mr. Rogers                          Mr. Serrano
Mr. Skeen                           Mr. Visclosky
Mr. Sununu
Mr. Taylor
Mr. Tiahrt
Mr. Walsh
Mr. Wamp
Mr. Wicker
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Young



                            DISSENTING VIEWS

    This bill affects so many aspects of American life that we 
often plunge into the details without thinking about the bigger 
picture. Therefore, at the outset, it is worth thinking about 
the context in which we are considering this legislation.
    Our nation is not only the most dominant nation in the 
world but many experts believe that it is more dominant than 
any nation at any time in history. That dominance is not 
limited to any single dimension of human endeavor. It is as 
true of our military capability as of our economy and it is 
true culturally and technologically as well. American ships 
sail every sea and American planes can strike any target. Our 
currency is the foundation of the world economy and our films, 
plays, music and literature fill the theatres and airwaves of 
cities and villages around the world. Our technology drives 
innovation in manufacturing, transportation and medicine on 
every continent and in every society.
    We are not only strong but we are growing stronger. Despite 
the fact that economists label us as a developed nation our 
share of world income is actually growing. Chairman Greenspan 
says that we have entered a new economic era driven by 
technological advances ranging from semiconductors to gene-
splicing and the American people have never been more 
prosperous. The fiscal condition of their government has never 
been stronger. During the fiscal year just ended, we have paid 
down $115 billion on our public debt which has dropped from 
more than 50% of GDP in the early 1990s to only a little more 
than 40% today. In the coming fiscal year we will make an even 
bigger payment on that debt, and debt as a share of GDP will 
drop to under 38%, a decline of nearly two percentage points in 
a single year. We will add about $150 billion to our Social 
Security reserves, far more than we added during the entire 
eight years of the Reagan administration.
    As a nation we really face only one major threat-our own 
failure to invest in ourselves. And if there was ever any 
evidence that that threat was real, it is this legislation that 
the Majority on the Committee has approved on a party line 
vote. It is extreme. It is out of touch with the American 
people. It is out of line with reality.
    On a program level comparison, the House Labor HHS 
appropriations bill is almost $4 billion or 4% below the 
President's Budget request. It is about $5 billion or 6% below 
the funding level contained in the bill currently under 
consideration in the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate. 
Excluding the National Institutes of Health, which received a 
$1.3 billion increase in the bill, the remaining programs in 
the bill are in the aggregate cut close to $1 billion below 
current year levels. There are 45 major programs cut below 1999 
or eliminated entirely in the bill that total almost $2 billion 
in cuts. But the most disturbing aspect of this bill is 
specific programs and activities that were singled out for 
cuts.
    At a time when the number of students in our schools is 
increasing, when more of our students come from households with 
limited educational attainment, when private industry is 
drawing more of our teachers from the classroom with offers of 
higher pay, when our economy is starved for workers with 
technological skills we have a bill that cuts education below 
last year's spending level. This bill cuts $2.9 billion from 
education programs requested by the President and is in total 
$1.4 billion below his request when Committee increases are 
factored in. The bill is not only out of line with the request 
of a Democratic President, it is even more out of line with the 
education spending levels proposed by a Republican Senate. We 
are cutting Safe and Drug Free schools. We are cutting after 
school programs. We are cutting compensatory education for low 
income students. We are cutting reading programs. We are 
cutting programs to improve teacher quality. We are cutting 
funds to reduce school class sizes. We are cutting Head Start 
by half a billion dollars below the request.
    But the damage done by this legislation is not confined to 
education. A modern economy is one that ensures that its 
workers are protected and cared for. We invest too much in them 
to treat them other wise. But this bill cuts worker protection 
programs at OSHA and NLRB by 5% below last year's level in real 
dollar terms--undermining efforts to protect health and safety 
in the workplace and to ensure worker bargaining rights.
    With a booming economy offering job opportunities to people 
who have never before been in the labor force and with welfare 
rolls shrinking and with employers scouring the labor market 
for qualified workers, this bill is cutting job training funds 
by $700 million dollars below last year. According to a survey 
of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 86% of cities suffer 
shortages of technology workers, 73% suffer shortages of health 
workers, and 72% lack enough construction workers to fill 
available jobs. While the President's budget proposal looks 
forward and addresses these national needs, the Majority has 
gone the other direction in this bill.
    And it isn't just children, young adults seeking job 
training or average workers who are ignored by this bill. It is 
our senior citizens as well. This bill cuts funds requested for 
the mealson wheels program targeted at the growing number of 
elderly shut-ins that currently are not getting that assistance. It 
eliminates a new initiative aimed at protecting our disabled elderly 
from abuse in nursing homes. It eliminates the family caregiver support 
program that would help seniors remain in their own homes and out of 
nursing homes as long as possible.

Gimmicks used to hide the true cost of this bill

    All of these cuts are occurring in the midst of mindless 
and sterile debate over accounting technicalities so arcane 
that most Members themselves don't understand them. And rather 
than clarifying these questions so that the public and the 
Congress itself can understand them, this bill does everything 
possible to confuse the issues. This is an $90 billion bill 
pretending to be a $73 billion bill. It pushes about $20 
billion in spending forward into another fiscal year and 
creates a giant hole to impede future investments in education 
and health research. It declares as an emergency the entire 
$1.1 billion Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that has 
been in existence since 1975, and that the Committee last year 
proposed to eliminate. It directs the Congressional Budget 
Office to artificially lower the outlay scoring of the bill by 
$857 million.
    Despite these massive accounting gimmicks, the bill as 
reported by the subcommittee was $8.9 billion over its 302(b) 
allocation for outlays, counting the emergency spending.
    In order to bring the bill under its outlay allocation 
before it was reported by the full Appropriations Committee, an 
amendment offered by House Majority Whip Tom DeLay was adopted 
on a party line vote. The amendment delays payment of Earned 
Income Tax Credits to most of the 20 million working low income 
and poor families that now receive them.
    The Washington Post called the amendment a ``gimmick with a 
cost.'' A married couple with two children in which both 
parents worked full time at the minimum wage during 1999 would 
earn $21,424 during the year and would be eligible for an 
earned income tax credit of about $1,928 after they had filed 
their 1999 tax return documenting that income. The DeLay 
amendment would reduce their first check from $1,928 to $160. 
After 90 days they would get a second check for $160 and then 
each month after that they would get a $160 check until they 
had received the full $1,928. The purpose of the amendment is 
to push about 30% of the EITC payments that would occur 
otherwise occur in fiscal 2000 off until fiscal 2001, reducing 
outlays in the fiscal 2000 by $8.75 billion. While the proposal 
would create a serious cash shortfall for millions of working 
families, it would not affect the public debt over the long 
term. As the Post editorial pointed out: ``But what is worst 
about the idea is that, in the end, it serves no real-world 
governmental purpose. The timing change--the moving of some of 
these payments into the next fiscal year--is a gimmick in the 
service of a phony budget position whose only purpose is 
political show.''
    This proposal, which was rejected by Senate Republicans 
even before it was offered in the House Appropriations 
Committee, was also rejected by the leading GOP presidential 
candidateGeorge W. Bush on the day of the mark-up. Bush 
commented: ``I don't think they ought to balance their budget on the 
backs of the poor.''
    All of this maneuvering appears to be aimed at trying to 
strengthen the implausible argument that the House is producing 
Appropriations bills that do not cause federal spending 
excluding Social Security payments to exceed the federal 
revenue estimates excluding Social Security taxes. 
Congressional Budget Office projections indicate that such a 
feat would require the federal government to run a surplus of 
$146 billion using the more traditional unified budget 
definition of fiscal balance.
    CBO analysis of House-passed Appropriation bills shows that 
the GOP has lost that argument whether tax credits to the 
working poor are postponed or not. In a letter to House Budget 
Committee Ranking Member, John Spratt dated October 4, 1999, 
the Director of CBO indicates that spending in the 13 
Appropriation bills will cause a $16 billion deficit even if 
the DeLay amendment is retained. That figure assumes that House 
and Senate conferences on the remaining bills remain very close 
to House-passed levels. This would require the conferences to 
reject virtually all of the increases proposed by the Senate 
for agencies and programs such as the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, Low 
Income Housing, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric 
Administration, The National Institutes of Standards and 
Technology, The National Institutes of Health, Compensatory 
Education, Safe and Drug Free Schools, Head Start, Student 
Financial Assistance, Job Training and Worker Protection. If 
conferees agree to split the difference on these programs it is 
likely to add several billion more to total appropriations. It 
also requires the House to reject additional supplemental 
appropriations--some of which have already been promised by 
House leaders. These include funds to facilitate the Wye River 
agreement, additional money for anti-drug activities in 
Colombia, additional disaster assistance funds to cover the 
full costs of Hurricane Floyd and the costs of other possible 
disasters, and additional funds to support U.S. troops in 
Kosovo. Finally, it assumes that there will be no passage of a 
tax extender package or a ``Medicare give back'' package or 
that such legislation will be fully offset.
    In 1995, Republican leaders said strict adherence to CBO 
scoring was so important that it was worth shutting the 
government down in order to insist on it. Now they are 
blatantly ignoring their own scorekeeper's estimates, and 
mindlessly repeating a public myth that they are not using 
surplus Social Security receipts to finance general government 
expenditures. The numbers are undeniable.
    This accounting fraud is bad enough, but to add insult to 
injury, if the Majority is going to tell CBO how to count, then 
why not tell them to count in a way that doesn't force the 
withholding of EITC payments from working class families 
struggling to make ends meet? If the Majority is going to cook 
the books, don't cook them in a way that drives policy 
decisions aimed at hurting working people.
    This is as bad a bill as this Committee has ever produced. 
It should not be passed by the House. The President has issued 
an unequivocal statement that he would veto this bill.
    Attached to these Dissenting Views are:
          --A table listing key Administration education 
        requests that are cut in the bill
          --A table listing programs that are eliminated or cut 
        in the bill below 1999 levels
          --A copy of the President's statement on the bill
          --A letter from the OMB Director stating the 
        Administration's views on this bill.
    More specific information about objectionable funding cuts 
and riders is summarized in the attached Appendix.
    OSHA State tables and State tables showing cuts in selected 
programs on a state-by-state basis are included following the 
Appendix.


          APPENDIX--ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CUTS IN THE BILL


                               EDUCATION

    The Committee bill provides $33.3 billion for the 
Department of Education, a cut of $1.4 billion (-4%) below the 
President's 2000 request and $196 million (-1%) below the 1999 
level on a school-year basis. Despite the fact that schools 
will have more children to educate in the 2000-2001 school 
year, this bill provides them with fewer federal resources than 
was provided last year for the current school year.
    The Committee bill cuts $2.9 billion from the President's 
priority education requests (after increases not requested by 
the President are taken into account).
    As we head into the 21st century, our nation faces a 
daunting challenge of reforming our education system so that 
our students are well prepared for the global, information age. 
Our communities are overwhelmed by powerful dynamics that are 
reshaping public education--rising enrollments, more 
disadvantaged and culturally diverse students, teacher 
shortages, rapidly changing technology, inadequate and unsafe 
facilities, and violent incidents on school property that 
threaten students and school personnel.
    This year, we have more young people in public schools than 
ever before--a record 47.2 million students, 17% more than 10 
years ago. Next year, another 289,000 students will be enrolled 
and continued record enrollments are expected each year through 
the year 2006.
    We can invest the necessary resources for the education of 
these students if we have the will to do so. Our nation is the 
most prosperous, most productive country in the world. Yet, 
instead of taking a step forward by providing the federal 
resources needed to provide these children with an education 
equal to the best in the world, this bill takes a giant leap 
backward by cutting the existing federal funding commitment to 
education.

The bill denies 42,000 children a ``Head Start'' in life

Head Start

    Research has shown consistently that Head Start helps low-
income children get ready and stay ready for school, improves 
parenting, and helps parents get on the road to economic and 
social self sufficiency. There are over 2 million low-income 
children under the age of 5 who are eligible for Head Start, 
but the program currently provides services to only 835,000 
children, 40% of those who are eligible. The President's 
request of $5.3 billion would provide a Head Start experience 
to an additional 42,000 children (including 7,000 children ages 
0 to 3) and their families as part of the Administration's 
commitment to enrolling 1 million children in Head Start by 
2002.
    The Committee cuts the President's Head Start $5.3 billion 
request by $507 million or 10%. The bill provides insufficient 
funding to continue with Head Start quality improvements--staff 
development and training, staffing increases, promoting 
language skills and literacy of children--agreed upon as an 
important element in the bipartisan reauthorization of the Head 
Start Act only last year. Based on the quality improvements 
made to date, Head Start has decreased staff turnover to under 
10%, far below annual rates of 30-40% experience in child care. 
Over the last 6 years, the proportion of teachers with 
credentials has grown by 9%, helping Head Start meet the 
statutory requirement that 50% of all its teachers have at 
least an associate degree in early childhood education or a 
related field by 2003.
    In addition, the bill delays the availability of $1.4 
billion of Head Start funds until fiscal year 2001. Under this 
provision, Head Start grantees would not have access to these 
funds until after October 1, 2000. This delay would necessitate 
making less than the standard 12 month awards to nearly all of 
the over 1,500 Head Start grantees, thereby disrupting the 
continuity of these programs and drawing attention away from 
their prime mission of serving disadvantaged children and 
families and focusing them instead on budget and accounting 
matters.

The bill repeals last year's bipartisan plan to hire 100,000 teachers 
        and cuts teacher quality funding

Class size reduction/teacher quality

    Last year, Congress agreed on a bipartisan basis to enact 
the President's plan to reduce our nation's class sizes by 
hiring 100,000 new teachers over the next 7 years. The 
President's initiative is based on research that clearly 
documents that gains in student academic achievement occur when 
class sizes are reduced. Project STAR (Student-Teacher 
Achievement Ratio), a four-year longitudinal study begun in 
1985 in Tennessee, is the largest, longest-lasting, most 
controlled study to date on class size. Results from Project 
STAR show that children in smaller classes did better than 
students in larger classes in math and reading, every year and 
in every grade. Follow-up studies confirm that small classes 
have a lasting impact on student achievement even in the 
absence of additional teacher training. Further, the greatest 
gains were achieved by lower-achieving, minority, poor, and 
inner-city children. Small classes allow teachers to spend more 
time on instruction and less on classroom management. Students 
in small classes receive more individualized attention. 
Teachers are better able to identify students with learning 
problems, provide remediation within the class, and reduce the 
potential need to refer students to special education.
    The bill repeals last year's bipartisan agreement to 
dedicate funding solely for Class Size Reduction, jeopardizing 
the President's goal of helping schools to hire 100,000 new 
teachers. The Committee bill eliminates a total of $2.2 billion 
in funding requested for Class Size Reduction, Goals 2000 and 
the Eisenhower Teacher Training Program and shifts $1.8 billion 
of these funds into the Teacher Empowerment Act, subject to 
authorization.
    Not only does the bill cut the President's combined request 
for the Class Size Reduction, Goals 2000 (state grants) and 
Eisenhower Teacher Training programs by $396 million, it also 
cuts the funding level proposed by the House Committee on 
Education and Workforce for the teacher training/class size 
block grant program by $200 million or 10%. The Teacher 
Empowerment Act is a new teacher training/class size block 
grant program that has passed the House, but not the Senate, 
and has not been enacted into law. Should the Teacher 
Empowerment Act fail to become law, assistance to schools would 
be cut not by $200 million, but by $2.0 billion below the 1999 
level for the programs combined into the block grant.

Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant Program

    We face an unprecedented need for high quality teaching at 
a time when we also face potential shortfalls in supply. Our 
teachers will have to bring new knowledge and skills to the 
classroom, but a growing share of our teachers will be 
inexperienced and without the necessary disciplinary 
preparation in the fields they teach unless we heavily invest 
now in better preparation for new teachers. We must recruit and 
hire an estimated 2.2 million teachers over the next ten years 
to handle these significant enrollment increases, replace an 
aging teaching workforce, and respond to chronic attrition 
among new teachers, among whom up to 50% leave teaching within 
5 years in some districts.
    This bill cuts the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant 
Program which invests in increasing the number of highly 
qualified teachers entering teaching. The bill cuts $40 million 
from the President's request of $115 million, and cuts the 
program $2 million below the current level of $77 million.
    For the first round of competition, a total of 364 grant 
proposals were submitted in the three program areas, but 
funding was sufficient only to make 77 awards. According to the 
Department of Education, at least 70 unfunded proposals would 
be of sufficient quality to make a contribution to solving 
these important national problems.
    This reduction means that eleven new State Grants will not 
be funded. The state grants are intended to improve the quality 
of preparation for every teacher in a state, resulting in 
student achievement gains for all students in that state. 
Additionally, twelve new Partnership Grants and five new 
recruitment grants will be not be funded, denying support for 
about 3,000 fewer newly-trained teachers.
            Troops To Teachers
    The bill denies $18 million in new funding requested by the 
Administration for the Troops To Teachers initiative in the 
Department of Education. This initiative would help meet the 
need for 2.2 million new teachers in the next decade by 
building on a successful model developed by the Department of 
Defense to recruit and prepare qualified retired military 
personnel as teachers.

The Bill Cuts Increases Requested for School Violence Prevention and 
        After School Programs

    We have traditionally thought of our schools as safe havens 
for our children. The violent shootings in Littleton, Colorado; 
Atlanta, Georgia; West Paducah, Kentucky; Pearl, Mississippi; 
Jonesboro, Arkansas; Springfield, Oregon; and Edinboro, 
Pennsylvania have forced us to reassess the true safety of our 
schools. Ten percent of all public schools experience one or 
more serious violent crimes such as rape, suicide, robbery, and 
fights with weapons, and half of all public schools report at 
least one crime incident that was reported to law enforcement.
    Our efforts to improve public education are seriously 
undermined when students, educators and parents are threatened 
by violence in and around their schools Fear of violence in 
school cafeterias, libraries, and classrooms deeply affects a 
student's ability to learn. We know that the best way to 
address violence in our schools to prevent violence before it 
occurs. Curbing school violence is a complicated problem, but 
it is not unsolvable if we give schools the tools and resources 
they need.

Safe and Drug Free Schools

    Yet, the bill freezes funding for the Safe and Drug Free 
Schools Program at $566 million, a reduction of $25 million 
below the President's request of $591 million. Although the 
Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDF) program is the primary federal 
program available to help schools combat drugs and violence in 
schools, it provides most school districts with only $6-8 per 
student or about $7,000 per school district--not nearly enough 
to mount the comprehensive prevention strategies that research 
suggests is most effective. The bill denies the President's 
initiative to target a portion of SDF funds to help school 
districts with the most severe problems mount comprehensive 
solutions to school violence and drugs. A 1996 evaluation of 
school-based drug prevention programs found that most school 
programs fall far short of the comprehensive approaches that 
research has found to be most effective in preventing alcohol 
and drug use among youth. A major barrier has been lack of 
adequate funding. School districts have requested approximately 
$1 billion in school safety assistance under the interagency 
Safe Schools/Healthy Students school violence prevention 
initiative, yet in 1999 the Department of Education had funding 
sufficient to support only about 10% of these applications.
    The bill also denies the President's request to expand the 
SDF Middle School Coordinator Initiative from $35 million to 
$50 million. The goal of this initiative, begun in 1999, is to 
reach 6,500 middle schools--about half of all middle schools. 
The initiative provides a strong focus on school violence and 
drug prevention when students first begin experimenting with 
drugs and disruptive behavior. In 1999, 900 middle school 
coordinators were funded, reaching approximately 4,500 schools. 
Under the President's request, an additional 400 school 
coordinators would be hired serving about 2,000 schools. The 
funds requested but denied by theCommittee would have reached 
an additional 2 million middle school students.

21st Century Learning Centers

    One in every five violent crimes committed by juveniles 
occur between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. when many youths 
have little or nothing to do. Yet, this bill cuts $300 million 
or 50% from the President's request of $600 million for the 
21st Century Learning Centers, a program that provides 
supervised education and recreational activities to some of the 
15 million school children who would otherwise return to an 
empty home after school. Demand for school-based after school 
programs outstrips supply at a rate of about 2 to 1. In 1999, 
the Department of Education once again had a tremendous 
response to this program, but was able to fund fewer than 10% 
of the more than 2,000 applications it received. By failing to 
provide the additional $300 million requested, the bill denies 
700 school districts an opportunity to provide not just a safe 
place for their students, but an opportunity to enrich their 
lives with computer skills, the arts, drama, music, community 
service, and basic skill training. Under the Committee 
recommendation, 3,300 fewer after school centers would be 
funded and 850,000 fewer children would be served than 
requested by the President.

The bill cuts additional funds requested for diverse and disadvantaged 
        students

    Our schools must be prepared to teach a student population 
with increasing ethnic and cultural diversity. Increasingly, 
America's students will come to school with different levels of 
readiness and progress at different rates due to the variety of 
ethnic, social, economic influences that impact their lives. In 
1995, 67% of U.S. school age children were white; 15% were 
black, 13% were Hispanic, and 5% were other minorities. By 
2000, nearly half of all students will be minorities and rapid 
growth in the number of Asian, Hispanic and African-American 
children is expected to continue through 2020 and beyond. The 
Committee bill fails to invest adequately in these children.

Title 1

    The Title 1 program is the cornerstone of the federal 
government's effort to ensure that educational opportunities 
for children are not limited by their social and economic 
circumstances. Nearly 14,000 of the nation's 15,000 local 
school systems participate in the Title 1 program and about 12 
million children are served in Title 1 schoolwide and targeted 
assistance programs. A recent expansion of schoolwide programs 
in high poverty schools has allowed more children to benefit, 
but the per pupil allocation of Title 1 funds has fallen from 
$946 per child in 1994 to about $650 in 1999. The Congressional 
Research Services has estimated that $25 billion would be 
needed to fully fund the program. Rather than reaching more 
eligible Title 1 children and fully funding the federal per 
child allocation, this bill instead freezes Title I grants to 
school districts at the 1999 level of $7.73 billion. This is a 
cut of $264 million or 3% below the President's $8.0 billion 
request. The additional funding denied in the bill would have 
helped school districts to hire an additional 7,500 teachers to 
teach reading and math to an additional 400,000 disadvantaged 
children.

Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program

    The Committee bill cuts $30 million or 20% from the 
President's request for $150 million in Title 1 funds for the 
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program. The CSRD 
Program helps approximately 2,200 schools to implement 
research-based and effective reform models that provide a 
blueprint for schoolwide change, integrating instructional 
improvement, professional development, and parental involvement 
strategies. The bill provides only a freeze level of $120 
million in Title 1 and $25 million in FIE funding for CSRD. At 
this level, the bill would preclude an estimated 500 Title 1 
schools from receiving CSRD ``seed'' grants to implement 
comprehensive, research-based reforms.

Reading Excellence Act

    Just last year, Congress passed on a bi-partisan basis the 
Reading Excellence Act to help all children read independently 
and well by the end of the 3rd grade, and to improve the 
preparation of teachers in reading instruction. The Committee 
cuts this initiative by $86 million or 30% from the President's 
$286 million request and $60 million below 1999, denying 
330,000 children services needed to improve their reading 
skills.

Bilingual Education

    The Bilingual Education Program helps school districts 
teach approximately 3.4 million students--about 6% of total 
school enrollments--who have difficulty speaking English. This 
number has grown by 57% between 1990 and 1997 and will continue 
to grow as the number of Hispanic children entering school 
increases. Despite this growth, the Committee bill freezes 
funding for Bilingual Education at $224 million, denying an 
extra $10 million to aid approximately 70 school districts 
facing growing enrollments of LEP students but have little 
experience in serving these students. The bill also denies an 
additional $25 million to provide bilingual training 
opportunities to an additional 2,000 teachers in 2000.

The bill fails to invest in education technology

    In recent years, the strain on school facilities that are 
old, outmoded and teeming with students has been joined by 
another key element--technology. We are now living in a more 
demanding, high stakes environment where the ability to 
interact with technology, and work with others using 
technology, is essential. Everywhere we look, technology is 
changing the way we work and live. Everywhere, that is, except 
in our schools. In an information age, we still have factory 
era schools. In classrooms that should be modern communications 
centers for learning, the basic method of instruction continues 
to be the blackboard and chalk.
    One 1 in 5 teachers in our schools report that they are not 
well prepared to integrate technology in the classroom. 
Classroom teachers hold the key to the effective use of 
technology to improve learning. But, if teachers don't 
understand how to employ technology effectively to promote 
student learning, millions of dollars being invested in 
educational technology will be wasted.
    Moreover, the majority of American classrooms, where 
learning actually takes place, are not even wired for 
telephones, much less local area networks and Internet on-
ramps. This is particularly true in low-income communities. In 
1998, only 39% of classrooms in poor schools were connected to 
the Internet, compared with 62% of classrooms in wealthy 
schools. More often than not, children in low-income families 
not only lack access to advanced technology in their schools, 
they also do not have the opportunity to develop computer and 
technology skills at home compared with their more advantaged 
peers. In 1997, only 13% of families with household income 
between $10,000-$15,000 had computers, while 61% of families 
with household income between $50,000-$74,000 had computers. 
Yet, the Committee bill cuts technology programs that help to 
close this ``digital divide''.

Education Technology Programs

    The Committee bill funds education technology programs at a 
total of $500 million, a cut of $301 million or 38% below the 
President's request and $198 million or 28% below current 
levels:
    The Committee bill terminates five important technology 
initiatives:
    --Teacher Training in Technology, funded at $75 million in 
1999, prepares new teachers to use technology effectively in 
the classroom.
    --STAR Schools, funded at $45 million in 1999, uses 
distance learning technology to improve instruction in rural or 
geographically remote schools.
    --Regional Technology Consortia, funded at $10 million in 
1999, promote the effective use of technology for teaching and 
learning. Six centers would no longer be funded.
    --Ready-to-Learn TV, funded at $11 million in 1999, 
provides quality programming to over 37 million children.
    --PBS MATHLINE, funded at $5 million in 1999, provides 
professional development to teachers across the country.
    The Committee bill also denies schools additional funding 
requested by the President to make technology an integral part 
of every classroom and community. Programs underfunded or not 
funded in the bill include:
    --The Technology Literacy Challenge Fund is funded at $375 
million, a cut of $75 million or 17% below the President's 
request of $450 million, and a cut of $50 million below the 
1999 level of $425 million. The bill will deny additional 
funding to approximately 200 school districts to purchase 
hardware and software.
    --Community-based Technology Centers are frozen at $10 
million, a cut of 85% below the President's request of $65 
million. Under the request, disadvantaged adults and students 
in 260 high-poverty communities would be denied new access to 
modern computers and computer training.
    --Middle School Teacher Training is a new initiative 
requested by the President to support the training of teacher 
technology leaders in 4,700 middle schools. The Committee bill 
denies the $30 million requested for the first year of a three-
year effort to target teacher technology training in all 14,000 
public middle schools.
    --Software Development is a new $5 million initiative to 
support competitive grants to encourage the development of 
high-quality educational software and websites by middle and 
high school students in partnership with university faculty and 
other experts in the field. Projects would focus on math, 
science or reading in year one, and social studies, humanities 
or the arts, in the following two years. The Committee bill 
provides no funding for the new initiative.

The bill cuts needed R&D investments to improve educational practice

Education research, development and dissemination

    The bill provides $145 million for educational research, 
development and the dissemination, a cut of $54 million or 27% 
below the request. Together, these programs help to provide 
specific evidence-based guidance to parents, educators, and 
policymakers that can lead to dramatic improvements in the 
effectiveness of the educational system and can help children 
meet challenging educational standards.
    Under the Committee recommendation, the Department of 
Education will not be able to make its planned contribution of 
$25 million and continue its support for the Interagency 
Education Research Initiative--Technology-Enhanced Teaching and 
Learning to Improve Achievement in Reading and Mathematics. 
This initiative was begun in FY 1999 with funding from the 
National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Child 
Health and Human Development, and the Education Department. 
Without the requested increase, the program would not be able 
to build a knowledge base that could lead to significant 
improvements in school readiness, math and reading instruction, 
and teacher preparation in math, reading, and science.
    Additional studies that would not be conducted under the 
bill include:
    --Comprehensive studies of effective reading instruction 
for children whose first language is Spanish. Without the 
requested funding, ED would be unable to build the necessary 
knowledge base that could improve the literacy of these 
students.
    --Although many adult literacy programs are available, the 
average progress which adults make in reading comprehension in 
these programs is minimal. The Committee mark would prohibit 
support of research that is necessary for helping middle and 
high school students and young adults learn to read and write.
    --Studies to develop, and integrate into classrooms, the 
software and resources needed to make the new technologies part 
of everyday teaching.

Education statistics

    The bill provides $68 million for education statistics, a 
cut of $ 9.5 million or 12% below the request. The bill cuts 
out new funding needed to improve data collection activities on 
higher education enrollment, completion, salaries, finance, 
libraries and staff. Moreover, additional studies, mandated by 
the Higher Education Act, related to the cost of higher 
education may have to be deferred under the Committee bill. For 
example,
    --$2 million is needed to conduct a national study of 
tuition and fees, faculty salaries and factors associated with 
the identified expenditures.
    --Another $1 million is needed for the dissemination of 
information to parents and students that would allow them to 
make informed decisions based on the costs for typical full-
time undergraduate study.
    --Another $1 million would be used to develop a higher 
education ``market basket'' that identifies the items that 
comprise the costs of higher education.

The bill fails to invest sufficiently in a highly skilled workforce

    One of the greatest economic challenges facing America in 
the 21st century will be to support the highly-skilled 
workforce necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and 
technology-driven workplace. The importance of postsecondary 
education in meeting this challenge should not be understated. 
In terms of earning power, there is a vast difference between 
those with college degrees and those without. In 1997, the 
median annual income for adult men and women with college 
degrees (full-time workers 25 years and older) was 56 and 60 
percent more, respectively, than that of men and women with 
only high school diplomas. Further, the unemployment rate for 
adults with high school diplomas is twice that of adults with 
bachelor's degrees or higher. There is no doubt that American 
workers who have difficulty adapting to the demands of a 
changing workplace will continue to experience a falling 
standard of living.

Student financial aid

    The President's FY 2000 request provides nearly $9.2 
billion for the Student Financial Assistance (SFA) account, 
which yields an estimated $10.9 billion in available aid to 
students. The SFA account includes five programs (Pell Grants, 
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-
Study, Perkins Loan, and Leveraging Educational Assistance 
Partnerships) designed to work together to provide the 
financial support necessary to ensure access to postsecondary 
education for all Americans. No single program can succeed in 
funding education for needy students; only through the 
combination of grant, work-study, and loan aid can this goal be 
met. The variety of aid programs provides the flexibility to 
fund the various levels of need demonstrated by eligible 
students.
            Pell grants
    The Pell Grant program is the cornerstone of federal 
student financial aid, providing aid to nearly 3.8 million 
needy students in FY 1999. Pell Grants are targeted to the 
neediest students. Approximately 90 percent of Pell Grants 
assistance goes to students from families with annual incomes 
below $30,000 and 41 percent goes to students from families 
with incomes below $12,000.
    Unfortunately, the increases in the maximum Pell Grant 
award have not kept pace with the growing cost of postsecondary 
education. According to the College Board, between the 1988-89 
and 1998-99 academic years, the average cost of attending a 
public university rose 75 percent. Costs at private schools 
during the same period increased 81 percent. This significant 
increase in college costs has reduced the relative value of the 
Pell Grant. In 1976, the maximum Pell Grant of $1,400 covered 
72 percent of the $1,935 average cost (i.e. tuition, fees, room 
and board) at a public, four-year school. In 1998, the maximum 
Pell Grant of $3,000 covered only 39 percent of the $7,769 
average cost at a public, four-year school.
    While the bill does increase the maximum Pell grant by $150 
to $3,275, it is far short of the $400 increase which the House 
set as a goal under a Republican sponsored resolution H. Con. 
Res. 88 which passed the House May 4, 1999 by a vote of 397-13. 
To fully fund the $400 increase in Pell grants would require 
another $776 million.
            College work-study
    Federal Work-Study provides financial assistance to needy 
students through part-time employment opportunities. Federal 
contributions require a one-third institutional match. The 
Committee bill provides $880 million for the Work-Study 
program. This level is $10 millionhigher than the FY 1999 
level, but $54 million below the President's FY 2000 request of $934 
million. The number of Work-Study awards funded under the FY 2000 bill 
would increase to 941,000 from 930,000 in FY 1999; but they would still 
be 59,000 less than the corresponding increase provided by the 
President's request to reach 1 million students.
            Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnerships (LEAP)
    LEAP leverages State support of need-based aid. Federal 
contributions require a minimum dollar-for-dollar match. This 
bill eliminates funding in FY 2000, which would cut 83,000 
student awards. The President requested $25 million for this 
program. By statute, a minimum federal contribution triggers 
state maintenance of effort requirements. The total elimination 
of federal funding in this bill negates this provision and 
potentially allows for the total elimination of the state need-
based aid.

GEAR UP

    In 1994, only 49 percent of low-income students attended a 
postsecondary institution within two years of high school. Of 
these students, only 19 percent attended a 4-year college, in 
contrast with 70 percent of high-income students. The GEAR UP 
program is designed to help these students. By starting 
disadvantaged middle school students on an academic path, it 
raises their educational expectations through early college 
preparation and awareness activities, and gives them the skills 
and encouragement they need to successfully pursue a college 
education.
    The bill eliminates the GEAR UP program which was funded at 
$120 million in FY 1999, and for which the President requested 
$240 million for FY 2000. The bill would deny 572,000 low-
income middle and high school students sustained, comprehensive 
support services including: counseling, tutoring, mentoring, 
parental involvement, after-school and summer activities, 
access to rigorous core courses needed for college, information 
about financial aid, and campus visits.
    Interest in GEAR UP last year far exceeded available 
funding. Only 1 out of 4 Partnership applications could be 
funded, and only half of the State applications. The 
Committee's action will:
    --Eliminate state grants to 21 States that provide college 
scholarships to establish the link between good preparation and 
the ability to get a postsecondary education. States that 
pioneered the concept, such as Indiana, Washington, Maryland, 
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, and Rhode Island would lose 
their grants, along with large population states such as 
California, Texas, and New York.
    --Eliminate grants to 164 partnerships of schools, 
colleges, and communities that serve entire grades of students 
and encourage systemic reform in school curriculum, including 
23 grants in California, 11 in Florida, 8 in Illinois, 11 in 
New York, 10 in Oklahoma, and 15 in Texas, and 86 other 
partnership grants in 31 other States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 
Micronesia.
    --Sacrifice the dollar-for-dollar match that is being 
provided by Partnerships and States. Partners in the 164 
Partnership grants include not only schools and colleges, but 
more than 1,000 organizations, such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls 
Clubs, Salvation Army, libraries, local chambers of commerce, 
and individual companies such as Wal-Mart, Unisys, Hewlett-
Packard, and Bell Atlantic.

College Completion Challenge Grant Program

    Students from low-income families are significantly more 
likely to leave a 4-year institution of higher education 
without a baccalaureate degree than are students from families 
with higher incomes. Only 44 percent of students from low-
income families who were enrolled full time during their first 
year of college completed a baccalaureate degree within five 
years. This completion rate is 24 percentage points lower than 
the 68 percent completion rate among students from upper-income 
families. A recent report by the National Center for Education 
Statistics, Stopouts or Stayouts? Undergraduates Who Leave 
College in Their First Year, concludes that there are a number 
of factors significantly associated with students dropping out 
of a four-year college or university. These factors include:
    --having a low to failing cumulative grade point average 
(under 2.0);
    --delaying entry into postsecondary education after 
graduating from high school;
    --being less engaged with their academic program;
    --working full time while enrolled; and
    --being a first-generation college student.
    For these reasons, the Administration proposed $35 million 
for a new College Completion Challenge Grants (CCCG) program. 
This proposal would allow institutions of higher education to 
help mitigate those factors most significantly associated with 
the failure to complete baccalaureate degree programs. The 
proposed CCCG program would help to eliminate the discrepancy 
that currently exists in baccalaureate degree attainment rates 
between students of low- and high-income families by supporting 
the specific activities that research has shown to improve 
student retention for students at risk of leaving a 4-year 
institution without a baccalaureate degree. The Committee bill, 
however, denies the funding for this new initiative.

Preparing for College

    The Committee bill also denies $15 million requested for 
the Preparing for College initiative aimed at educating 
students, their parents, and adults who want to return to 
school, on the many steps necessary to attend college. These 
funds would have supported public service announcements, videos 
with teacher guides about planning for college and a toolkit on 
college awareness including training on the use of the toolkit 
for schools and community organizations. These funds also would 
have supported a college awareness clearinghouse and a Think 
College web site.

Scholarships/fellowships

    In the last 10 years, grant aid has continued to decline in 
relation to student loans. During the 1997-98 school year, 
grants comprised only 39 percent of student aid, with loans 
comprising most of the remainder. Nearly 40 percent of all 
undergraduates are required to take out loans to finance their 
college education.
    The bill eliminates the Byrd Scholarhips program that helps 
high achieving students to reduce or eliminate their loan 
burden by providing immediate, tangible resources to help them 
enter and complete college. The Administration requested $39.9 
million to continue to provide scholarships to more than 26,500 
students.
    The House bill provides only $31 million for GAANN and 
Javits Fellowships, $10 million less than the Administration's 
FY 2000 request, and would deny hundreds of high achieving 
graduate students the financial support necessary to 
successfully complete graduate programs. GAANN and Javits 
Fellowships provide merit-based graduate assistance to 
students, including those who are under-represented, to study 
in areas of national need and to pursue doctoral degrees in the 
arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Hispanic serving institutions

    Although Hispanics are America's fastest growing ethnic 
group, they are still underserved in higher education. There 
are approximately 193 institutions eligible for support under 
the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program. Even with 
the funds requested, the Department would be able to serve a 
total of only 102 HSIs, approximately half of those eligible. 
The funding level proposed in this bill would enable the 
Department to serve far fewer HSIs. Many Hispanic-serving 
institutions are under-equipped and under-staffed and lack 
sufficient resources to maintain modern research facilities, or 
offer high-tech learning or working environments. These 
institutions serve a large number of other low-income and at-
risk students in addition to Hispanics. Consequently, these 
institutions are unable to look to significant tuition 
increases to meet the rising cost of educating their students. 
For many of them, the Federal government is the only major 
source for the additional funding that is needed to strengthen 
their programs and their facilities. The $42.3 million 
requested in the President's FY 2000 budget would increase the 
level of support for the 39 existing grantees by an average of 
$92,000, and would support 63 new awards at an average cost of 
$407,000. With the level of funding in this bill, the 
Department would be unable to provide either increase in 
support.

Historically black colleges and universities

    One of our pressing national priorities is to increase the 
number of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students 
who enter and successfully complete higher education. In 1995-
1996 black, non-Hispanic students earned less than 8 percent of 
the Bachelor's degrees conferred. To increase the success rate 
of African-American and other minority students, HBCUs need 
additional support to provide stronger academic programs and 
more comprehensive services to the growing number of African-
American and other minority students. Furthermore, the lack of 
diversity at the graduate level is becoming an important 
national concern. In 1995-1996 black, non-Hispanic students 
received only 6.4 percent of the Master's and 3.7 percent of 
the Doctor's degrees conferred. As we work to increase the 
number of minority students who pursue graduate education, we 
have to provide sufficient support to ensure that HBGIs 
(graduate institutions) are prepared to serve these students 
adequately. This bill provides level funding for both of these 
programs, which is a cut of $14.8 million below the request for 
strengthening HBCUs and HBGIs. The Department would therefore 
be unable to increase support for the 98 HBCUs and the 18 HBGIs 
beyond the FY 1999 level, not even for inflation. The result 
would be a decrease in the actual purchasing power.

School-To-Work

    The School-to-Work program supports an educational strategy 
that aims to improve learning by connecting what goes on in the 
classroom to future careers and to real work situations. The 
School-to-Work Opportunities Act is administered through a 
partnership between the Departments of Education and Labor. 
Every State has access to seed money to design and implement a 
comprehensive school-to-work system that integrates academic 
and vocational education, links secondary and postsecondary 
education, and provides learning opportunities at the work 
site.
    Although the budget request included funding of $110 
million to provide a final year of support for the School-to-
Work Opportunities Act, the Committee bill prematurely cuts 
these funds, prematurely ending grants that 25 States and 74 
communities were counting on to integrate school-to-work 
elements into their education reform and workforce development 
systems.

Adult education

    Adults with low literacy skills will find it difficult to 
succeed in a society that increasingly places a premium on 
education and skills. More than 44 million adults, or nearly 27 
percent of the adult population of the United States, have not 
earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. The Bureau of 
Labor Statistics reported that, in 1999, full-time workers age 
25 and over with a bachelor's degree had median weekly earnings 
of $842, while those with a high school diploma earned $481. 
Those without a high school diploma averaged only $342.
    English literacy instruction is the fastest growing 
component of adult education. Enrollment in these programs has 
increased 105 percent over the past ten years, to 1.85 million 
in 1997. Over 30 percent of recent immigrants do not have a 
high school diploma or its equivalent. In 1993 the unemployment 
rate for these immigrants was double the rate of natives, and 
theirmedian income was $8,393, compared with $15,876 for 
natives.
    For many disadvantaged adults, local programs that receive 
Federal Adult Education funds provide the only opportunity for 
them to complete their high school education and start on the 
path to postsecondary education, better jobs, and more 
effective parenting. Between 1990 and 1994, the Adult Education 
State Grant program enabled 1.5 million adults to receive their 
high school diplomas or GED credentials.
    The 1995 National Household Education Survey revealed that 
there were three million limited English proficient adults who 
wanted to participate in ESL classes but were not able to do 
so. The primary reason for their lack of participation was an 
insufficient supply of classes.
    Lengthy waiting lists are common. In Arizona alone, for 
example, there are 9,000 adults on the waiting list. In New 
York City, they use a lottery to determine who ``wins'' the 
opportunity to attend English as a Second Language classes. We 
are literally rationing education to people who are eager 
pursue it.
    This year the President announced as part of his 2000 
budget an Adult Literacy Initiative to close America's skills 
gap and help millions of out-of-school Americans who lack the 
basic skills to meet their goals as parents, workers, and 
community members. The Initiative would help the Nation achieve 
four goals by the year 2005: increasing the number of full-time 
teachers by 20 percent; doubling the number of instructional 
hours per student; tripling the number of computer stations 
available at adult education centers; and more than doubling 
the child care and counseling services offered by adult 
education programs.
    In support of this Initiative, the President's 2000 budget 
included:
     A $103 million increase (+28 percent) in the Adult 
Education State Grants program,
      $70 million for ``Common Ground Partnership'' 
grants to expand immigrant's access to quality English language 
instruction, linked to practical instruction in civics and life 
skills;
     $23 million to support States in working with 
private-sector partners to incorporate technology into adult 
instruction; and
     $2 million to mobilize States and communities to 
develop strategies and measure progress towards improving 
literacy and lifelong learning, including assessing whether or 
not individuals have the literacy skills needed for jobs 
available in that community.
    This bill provides only $378 million for the Adult 
Education Program, cutting out the $197 million requested to 
provide services to approximately 700,000 adult Americans. The 
President's new initiatives to help communities support ESL and 
civics instruction are denied in this bill.

Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships

    The Committee eliminated the Learning Anytime Anywhere 
Partnerships program, which the President proposed to increase 
from $10 million to $20 million. The LAAP program is intended 
to help postsecondary education institutions make the 
transition to a new generation of distance education that has 
been made possible by the explosive growth of the Internet and 
other new technologies. Instead of relying upon closed 
networks--such as broadcast satellites--to deliver courses on 
fixed schedules to students within limited geographic 
boundaries, postsecondary institutions now have the capacity to 
reach students regardless of where they are located, at any 
time of day. These technologies create the potential for 
students to access learning that is interactive, customized, 
and self-paced; to more easily merge lifelong learning with the 
demands of careers and families; and to expand their choice of 
institutions and programs. In order to create these 
possibilities for students, postsecondary institutions need to 
make significant changes in structure and practice, and not 
merely to put more courses online. Broader partnerships are 
needed to promote quality, resource sharing and collaboration, 
innovations in teaching and student support, and other 
important goals that are essential if all Americans are going 
to have access to postsecondary education and lifelong 
learning.
    LAAP especially aims to help under-served populations, 
students in under-served geographic areas and adults needing 
more flexible training to keep pace with changes in the job 
market. Of the 29 projects funded in 1999, all address the 
needs of non-traditional adult learners.
    In FY 2000, the President's budget would support a new 
competition of 27 awards while continuing 29 projects first 
funded in FY 1999. This bill proposes to eliminate funding for 
all new and continuing partnership awards--eliminating funding 
for new innovative efforts as well as denying those first 
funded in FY 1999 the opportunity to complete their activities.

                          DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

    The Subcommittee bill provides a program level of $10.1 
billion for the Department of Labor, a cut of $1.5 billion 
(-13%) below the President's 2000 request and $797 million 
(-7%) below the 1999 level.

                        TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

    America must close skills gaps and open doors of 
opportunity for a new economy and a new century. American 
workers need the training and access to jobs that will allow 
them to be wage earners for a lifetime. This budget would make 
deep cuts in programs that help at risk youth and dislocated 
workers, provide worker protections, and ensure worker safety--
and it would undermine America's efforts to move people from 
welfare to work. Yet the Majority's Committee Report states in 
several places: ``* * * the Committee believes that the economy 
is sufficiently strong to justify a reduction in this 
[employment and training] program at this time.'' This 
rationale for the Committee's cuts makes no sense--this is 
precisely the time that we shouldbe investing more--not less--
in upgrading the skills of the American workforce.
    At a time when employers are saying they cannot find 
skilled workers, the Committee wants to tear down the education 
and training programs both for young people struggling in 
poverty and for laid-off workers who don't have the skills to 
start over. We cannot put at risk the efforts we are making to 
help low-wage workers get better jobs and to make work pay. 
Millions of low-wage workers are still struggling to make ends 
meet. A full-time worker earning the current minimum wage for 
50 weeks of work receives only $10,300. $5.15 an hour is not 
enough to move families from welfare dependency to self-
sufficiency. A better paycheck is the first secure step up the 
ladder of opportunity. Training is the second and third step on 
the way to the top of the ladder--workers that reach the top 
will earn rising wages over a lifetime.
    With unemployment rates at nearly a thirty-year low, and 
both productivity and real wages in the economy rising in the 
economy, why is there a continued need for worker training 
programs?

Joblessness remains very high for some groups and areas

    For instance, unemployment rates among African-Americans 
remains about 7-9%, which are the comparable rates that whites 
suffer during serious recessions. Among African American 
teenagers, the rates still fall in the 20-30% range. While most 
welfare recipients who have recently left the rolls gain 
employment at some point, 30-40% are not employed at any given 
point in time; and roughly a million of those who are still on 
the rolls face impending time limits and personal barriers 
(such as low education and work experience, substance abuse 
problems, etc.) that limit their employability. Finally, 
double-digit unemployment continues to plague many rural and 
metropolitan areas, especially in the Southern and Western 
regions of the country.

Despite low unemployment, the rate of job dislocations in the U.S. 
        economy remains high

    Of the 3.3 million dislocated workers every year, 2 million 
workers need reemployment services to find new jobs and half a 
million of these need training services to get those new jobs. 
The rate of displacement is high even though unemployment is 
low. And workers are more concerned about losing their jobs 
during this expansion than they were during the 1980s 
recession.

Despite recent increases, the real wages earned among the less-educated 
        remain well below their levels from 20 years ago

    For instance, the real earnings of men with only a high 
school diploma are almost 20% lower than they were in 1979; 
those of men without high school diplomas are over 30% lower. 
These changes reflect the many changes in the structure of our 
economy (such as new technologies, growing international trade, 
etc.) that have created a premium for workers with high levels 
of education or skills.
    These facts indicate a strong need for the kinds of 
training programs that the Department of Labor provides. The 
adult training programs target many of those who suffer both 
from periodic unemployment and low real wages. The reemployment 
services and training programs for dislocated workers are 
designed to help the many who suffer dislocations every year. 
The Youth programs including the new Youth Opportunity Grants 
target disadvantaged youth, particularly in areas of 
concentrated urban or rural poverty.
    But rather that increasing these opportunities as the 
President proposes, this bill would take the nation in exactly 
the opposite direction.
     The bill provides an appropriation of $4,572 
million for Training and Employment Services for FY 2000. This 
is a reduction of $928 million, or 17%, below the request, and 
a reduction of $709 million, or 13%, below 1999. Overall, the 
House mark reduces program participants nearly 432,300, or 20%, 
below the request, and about 175,000, or 9%, below 1999.
     This mark stops in its tracks the vision of the 
bipartisan Workforce Investment Act enacted last year that is 
intended to provide access to information and services that all 
Americans need to find and keep a job to meet the workforce 
challenges of the global economy.

     Eliminates the President's universal re-employment initiative

    The House mark zeros out the President's Universal Re-
employment Initiative for a total cut of $491 million below the 
President's request. This includes:
     Cuts training and assistance for 176,600 
dislocated workers
    The House bill cuts the dislocated worker program by $140 
million below 1999, and $335 million below the Request. The 
House mark means that 176,600 fewer dislocated workers will be 
served compared to the President--and 46,500 fewer than in FY 
1999, reversing increases that Congress has provided over the 
past three years. This means that from the universe of 3.3 
million dislocated workers per year, even fewer will not 
benefit from services that could shorten the time that they are 
unemployed and hundreds of employers will also be hindered in 
their capacity to find the skilled workers they need. The bill 
rejects the President's goal of providing reemployment services 
and training to dislocated worker who needs and wants them by 
2004.
     Eliminates assistance for 241,000 unemployment 
insurance claimants.
    In addition to cuts in the Dislocated Worker program, the 
mark zeros out the President's $53 million Reemployment 
Services component which means an estimated 241,000 
unemployment insurance claimants will not be able to get the 
customized re-employment services they need to aid their 
reentry into the workforce.
     Eliminates the President's program to help people 
with disabilities join the workforce.
    The bill eliminates the President's request of $50 million 
for Workforce Incentive Grants to help people with disabilities 
link with the Workforce Investment system and find and keep 
jobs.
     Eliminates One-Stop America's Labor Market 
Information System Enhancement.
    The bill rejects the $48 million initiative envisioned by 
the Workforce Investment Act to open up system access to 
millions of Americans, through improvements in America's Job 
Bank, mobile vans for one-stop access to rural areas, a toll-
free 1-800 number for the workforce investment system, and 
improvements in basic labor market information.
     Cuts Adult job training for 38,200 adults (10%).
    The bill provides only $860 million for adult employment 
and training services, a reduction of $96 million, or 10%, 
below the request and 1999 levels. This reduction moves in the 
opposite direction of the WIA mandate, which is to provide 
Americans with information and services on a universal basis.

 Investments in At-Risk Youth Programs cut by one-third

    The House bill cuts $480 million out of the President's 
request for youth programs.
     The bill denies 58,000 of some of the most 
disadvantaged youth in 25-30 communities a bridge to the 
opportunities of our strong economy and alternatives to welfare 
and crime.
    The bill eliminates the $250 million Youth Opportunities 
Initiative, authorized in WIA. Congress provided funds in FY 
1999 as the first down payment of a $1 billion, 4 year 
commitment by the President to increase the long-term 
employment and educational attainment of youth living in the 
poorest urban neighborhoods and rural areas. The President and 
Secretary of Labor launched the Youth Opportunities Movement, 
focused on engaging the whole community to bridge gaps and 
break cycles that lead to poverty and despair, as part of the 
``New Markets'' tour in early July.

 Cuts summer jobs and year-round training for 60,000 disadvantaged 
        youth

    For Youth Activities (the program that combines Summer Jobs 
and Year-Round Youth), the House bill provides only $901 
million, a decrease of $100 million, or 10%, below the request 
and 1999 levels. This action reduces the estimated number of 
low income youth for FY 2000 in this program by 60,000, or 9%, 
below the request, and 95,000 below the number of youth served 
in FY 1999.

 Eliminates drop-out prevention grants that would serve 75,000 
        disadvantaged

    The House bill provides no funding for the Right Track 
Partnership initiative, a $75 million competitive grant 
program, which would complement the Safe Schools/Healthy 
Students program as part of a multi-agency initiative to 
address youth.

 Cuts Unemployment Insurance administrative costs to levels that could 
        delay payments.

    The House bill cuts funding for state operations of the 
unemployment insurance system by $239 million or almost 10% 
below the request, and $87 million below last year. This 
includes a reduction of the contingency fund from $196 million 
to only $75 million. While the national unemployment rate is at 
a 28 year low, this is not sufficient reason to reduce the 
appropriation of funds to administer the program. Despite low 
unemployment rates, the States are expected to take over 18.8 
million initial UI claims in FY 2000, and will collect taxes 
from over 6.7 million subject employers. Administration of 
State UI programs requires an infrastructure to support the 
many complex activities necessary to process and pay UI claims 
and to collect taxes. The UI program is the first level of 
assistance for dislocated workers and the gateway to other 
programs such as JTPA Title III retraining assistance or Trade 
Adjustment Assistance. Maintaining a cadre of experienced staff 
is vital for the claims-taking function. Local office closures 
are often devastating to a community, and cuts in 
administrative support may negatively affect customer service, 
impacting access to these critical readjustment programs.
    Based on mid-session economic assumptions, the need for 
contingency funds has been reduced to $151,333,000. In order to 
reduce the current projected contingency estimate of $151 
million to $75 million, the Committee must be assuming much 
lower total unemployment and much lower insured unemployment 
than is assumed in the mid-session assumptions. The Committee 
would have to assume that the total unemployment rate is 4.1% 
instead of the mid-session estimate of 4.45%, the insured 
unemployment rate is 1.81% instead of the mid-session estimate 
of 1.93%, and that average weekly insured unemployment will be 
about 260,000 below current projections. The assumptions 
implicit in the reduction are not in line with the current 
economic conditions. Such a total unemployment rate has not 
been experienced since 1969.

Trade adjustment assistance

    The bill reflects a phase-out of the NAFTA-TAA program due 
to the fact that no action has yet been taken in the 
authorizing committee to extend both the TAA and NAFTA-
TAAprograms. In addition, the funding of the TAA program is 
insufficient to meet current certification activity. This will result 
in a shortfall of funds to meet the long-standing bipartisan commitment 
to provide trade-impacted workers with the tools needed to find and 
prepare for new jobs. We urge quick action by the authorizing committee 
to extend both trade programs, and the subsequent addition of NAFTA-TAA 
funds in the Labor/HHS bill to avoid any disruption in services.

Denies improvements in economic indicators

    The House bill cuts $26 million (6 percent) from the 
President's request for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which 
is responsible for the production of some of the Nation's most 
sensitive and important economic data series. As a result, BLS 
will not be able to undertake important improvements to its key 
employment cost (ECI), producer price (PPI) and productivity 
measures. Economic statistics produced by BLS are critical for 
individual financial institutions, borrowers, investors, and 
policy makers. As the Director of OMB stated in his July 26, 
1999 letter to the Appropriations Committee arguing for full 
funding of the President's request for Federal statistical 
agencies:

          The funds allocated to statistical agencies are a 
        cost-effective investment. Economic data, in 
        particular, are not only key indicators for fiscal and 
        monetary policy; they also underlie Federal, State, and 
        local income projections, investment planning, and 
        business decisions. Statistical programs that fail to 
        keep pace with economic and social changes will 
        misinform private sector decisions and undermine core 
        Federal, State, and local government activities, such 
        as accurate allocation of scarce funds and assessment 
        of the condition of education at all levels. Relatively 
        small investments now to improve the quality of Federal 
        statistics will pay handsome dividends; they will 
        strengthen these crucial elements of our information 
        infrastructure and illuminate the basic analyses 
        underlying critical decisions that affect virtually 
        every aspect of our lives.

                           WORKER PROTECTION

    The vast majority of the American workforce does not belong 
to a union. They have little recourse if they are treated 
unfairly by their employer on issues such as the payment of 
fair wages, health and pension benefits, or workplace hazards 
that can cause illness or death. With growing pressure of 
global competition and a rapidly changing economy, employers 
are constantly looking for ways to cut costs that can often 
leave workers with the short end of the stick. The worker 
protection programs at the Department of Labor and the National 
Labor Relations Board attempt to provide a minimal set of rules 
that make sure workers are treated fairly. The majority of 
employers value their employees and have no problem complying 
with the basic labor rules. However, there are many employers 
and business associations that are for some reason threatened 
by these agencies, and they ask their representatives in 
Congress to stop these protections. In an unfortunate pattern 
that has been repeated for several years, the Majority has 
again sided with employers and the big guys, to launch a 
barrage of attacks on workers' rights through a series of 
strategic budget cuts and riders to stop or subvert labor rules 
that govern the workplace.
    The House bill and report contain several objectionable 
language provisions attempting to delay various regulations 
under development by DOL regulatory agencies. This includes a 
ban on new regulations that require health plans to give 
workers quick decisions on medical benefit requests with a fair 
appeal process; a ban on new regulations that would protect the 
wages of construction workers; a requirement to conduct a 
National Academy of Sciences study to delay OSHA's proposed 
standard to protect millions of health care workers from 
exposure to tuberculosis; a requirement that there be a 2-year 
pilot study to collect data on the costs and benefits of OSHA's 
safety and health programs proposal to delay OSHA from 
proceeding to issue its regulation; and a continuation until 
June 1, 2000, of the MSHA training regulation rider that 
prohibits enforcement of training requirements to protect 
surface miners from disabling and fatal accidents. The House 
report also directs the Department to take various additional 
measures related to the MSHA conveyer belt rule, the OSHA latex 
glove bulletin, and the black lung regulations.

This bill cuts worker protection programs at the Department of Labor by 
        $148 million or 12% below the President. If NLRB and NIOSH are 
        included, the cut in worker protection programs is $195 million 
        (12%)

    By freezing most worker protection agencies at the FY 1999 
level, and taking deep cuts in the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration (OSHA), the House mark would reduce 
Department of Labor worker protection programs by $148 million 
from the President's FY 2000 request, or 12%.\1\ This will 
result in a cut of 390 worker protection staff below current 
levels and 667 staff below the President's request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Figures have been adjusted to reflect the denial of the Alien 
Labor Certification transfer request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Presidential initiatives to expand the Department's efforts 
to address sweatshops in the garment industry and domestic 
child labor abuses, to promote equal pay, to expand public 
education and outreach on pension and health care plans, to 
address the problems of coal dust in mines, and to provide 
technical assistance to other countries in an effort to improve 
working standards around the world are not funded. The impact 
of operating under such drastically curtailed levels would 
severely disrupt the programs designed to improve the safety 
and health of workers and their benefits as well as efforts to 
assist employers as they seek to comply with workplace laws and 
regulations. This bill would also undermine efforts to raise 
global labor standards overseas, thereby leveling the playing 
field for American workers.

Rider to block new rules that require health plans to provide faster 
        and fairer health claim decisions (section 104 of the bill)

    In addition to devastating budget cuts, the Committee 
adopted the Northup amendment to halt regulations that would 
protect workers' right to know why they are turned down for 
health benefits, the right to appeal such decisions, and the 
right to get a fair answer without delay. These are basic 
patients' rights that can be strengthened for 120 million 
working and retired Americans covered by health plans without 
delay, but the Majority voted twice to stop them. The rider was 
added in Subcommittee on a party line vote, and the DeLauro 
amendment to strike the rider in Full Committee was defeated on 
a party line vote.
    These proposed regulations represent a long overdue update 
of a 20-year-old claims process implemented prior to the wide-
spread use of managed care health systems. Under current rules, 
a plan has 3 months to respond to a request for approval of 
medical services and can take as long as 5 months if they 
choose. Under the proposed rules, health care plans would be 
asked to make such decisions within 15 days, and 72 hours for 
urgent care claims, certainly not an unreasonable burden in 
today's high-tech environment. The proposed regulations are in 
line with most bi-partisan health care reform proposals being 
advanced in Congress.
    In today's health care environment, a patient must 
typically obtain approval from their health care plan prior to 
seeing a specialist and receiving the necessary treatment. 
Imagine a woman who fears she might have breast cancer and 
wishes to see an oncologist. Under the current rules, her HMO 
can keep her waiting for approval, then deny her without giving 
her any detailed rationale. The regulations proposed by the 
Department of Labor would require the HMO to provide the woman 
with an explanation, in detail, specifying why she was denied 
treatment and further explain what recourse she now has to 
appeal the decision to the health plan. If the appeal involves 
medical judgment, the plan must consult with an appropriate 
health care professional--a provision not required under the 
current rules. These seem like common sense regulations that we 
should all be able to agree upon.
    Consider the true story of a 25-year-old Denver woman in 
the prime of her life, who discovered she had a disease called 
ewing sarcoma. At the time of her diagnosis, her physician 
correctly requested immediate approval for treatment due to the 
aggressive nature of her disease. But, instead of receiving the 
immediate care her diagnosis demanded, her medical review was 
not completed for 95 days! After 95 days, the insurer approved 
her therapy. However, by this time, she had irreparable damage 
to all her internal organs and was no longer a good candidate--
no longer even eligible--for the therapy she needed. Her 
prognosis is bleak. Under the Department's regulations, she 
would have had an answer for urgent care in 72 hours, not 95 
days.
    The American Medical Association, AARP, thirty state 
medical societies, numerous health care provider organizations 
and consumer groups all support the Department's regulation. 
The AMA says that:

          The proposed rule by DOL would protect patients in 
        ERISA group health plans and ensure that physicians, 
        not health plans, make the best medical decisions for 
        patients. * * * the current timelines for claims and 
        appeals are entirely inadequate to ensure that patients 
        receive the care they are entitled to and have paid for 
        in a timely manner.

    The Majority has raised the concern that this protection 
could inflate health care premiums. Even the AMA agrees that 
opponents of the regulation have used ``drastically inflated 
cost estimates of the proposed rule''. Under the DOL analysis, 
the combined annual increases related to annual claims and 
appeals processing would amount to 9 cents per participant 
annually, and 35 cents in one time start up costs during 2000.

Rider blocks Davis-Bacon Helper regulations (section 103 of the bill)

    Two years ago, the Committee directed the Department of 
Labor to issue helper regulations. The FY 1998 House report 
says on page 21, ``The Committee is concerned about the 
suspension of the Davis-Bacon ``helper'' regulation and the 
lengthy delays in resolving the regulations. The Committee 
directs the Department to issue final regulations on the use of 
helpers under the Davis-Bacon Act by December 31, 1997.'' Now 
that the regulations are proposed, the Majority wants to shut 
them down through the Northup rider that was adopted in 
Subcommittee on a party line vote, and reaffirmed by the Full 
Committee when the Pelosi amendment to strike it failed on a 
near party line vote.
    The Department of Labor's regulations simply attempt to 
implement the Davis-Bacon requirements that contractors cannot 
undercut competitors on federal contracts by assigning tasks to 
lower paid ``helpers'' that are, according to prevailing local 
standards, usually performed by higher wage workers or 
apprentices in structured training programs. The proposed 
regulations would not ban the use of helpers, but simply limit 
their usage to areas where use of such a job classification is 
a prevailing practice.
    Recent Department of Labor analysis indicate that the 
majority's conclusion that the proposed regulations will cost 
taxpayers $600 million dollars a year appear to be based on 
unfounded and inflated assumptions. Similarly, the Majority 
argument that implementation of the Department of Labor 
regulations will impede the entrance of women and minorities 
into construction jobs appears misguided. In truth the numbers 
of females and minorities in construction positions has been 
rising steadily and the failure to implement helper regulations 
will likely have the detrimental effect of steering women and 
minorities into low-paying, dead-end positions. Implementation 
of the proposed rule would finally end twenty years of 
litigating and rulemaking on this issue.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    The bill cuts OSHA funding 5% overall, with workplace 
safety enforcement cut 8% below fiscal year 1999 and 14% below 
the President's request. The bill so underfunds OSHA's budget 
that it would require a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) eliminating 
275 positions, including 175 inspectors, and a furlough of all 
OSHA employees for 21 days. The bill cuts these funds although 
workplace hazards remain a problem in many businesses 
throughout the country, and OSHA has been effective in making 
these sites safer. Since OSHA was created, fatality rates in 
manufacturing have declined 67% and in construction by 80%. A 
study has shown that injuries declined an average of 22% over 
the next three years in workplaces where OSHA inspected and 
issued penalties for violations.
    Yet each year there are still over 6 million injuries and 
6,000 fatalities in workplaces across the country, and an 
additional 50,000 workers die from occupational diseases. OSHA 
is legally mandated to conduct inspections in response to 
employee complaints, and inspects most fatalities and 
catastrophes. Its resources are already stretched dangerously 
thin in states under Federal jurisdiction. OSHA has fewer than 
1100 inspectors to cover more than 4 million workplaces. 
Because of its other inspection requirements, OSHA has only 
enough resources to inspect 3000 of the 12,500 most dangerous 
non-construction workplaces in the Nation. On average, OSHA can 
inspect workplaces only once every 109 years, and in some 
states it is double that estimate. The cut in this bill will 
mean 7,500 fewer inspections in 2000, and as a result, there 
are likely to be more workers injured or killed on the job. A 
state table displaying information on occupational injuries and 
OSHA inspections is included at the end of these views.
    The bill also underfunds the President's request for 
additional compliance assistance resources for OSHA. In 
response to requests from Congress and employers, OSHA has in 
recent years expanded its partnership and cooperative 
assistance efforts with businesses. But not only does the bill 
fail to fund the President's request to enhance OSHA's 
compliance assistance capacity by placing a compliance 
assistance specialist in each Federal area office, it freezes 
Federal compliance assistance funds at 1999 levels. Therefore, 
the bill effectively reduces such assistance to employers, 
employees, trade associations, labor unions and others who need 
it.

Studies and pilot projects on OSHA protections_exercises in delay

    The combination of proposals to conduct pilot projects, 
require peer review and require National Academy of Sciences 
studies before OSHA can issue critically important protections 
has one common denominator--delay. Opponents of OSHA regulation 
argue adequate science is necessary. They give virtually no 
credit to the science that already exists or to reviews that 
have already been undertaken. Instead, as self-appointed 
scientific arbiters, they decree that insufficient science 
exists, and use that declaration to justify delaying important 
worker protections.
     NAS/Ergonomics: First, there was ergonomics. The 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 
the 600 top studies on the subject. NIOSH's analysis was peer 
reviewed by an unprecedented 27 experts nationwide. But the 
naysayers said NIOSH couldn't be trusted. So, they pushed for a 
$400,000, 6-month effort by the National Academy of Sciences, 
again analyzing the science that already exists. When they 
didn't like the results of that study, the naysayers argued for 
yet another literature review. The new NAS literature review 
will cost nearly $1 million, will again evaluate the science 
that already exists, and will take until the spring of 2001 to 
complete.
     NAS/Tuberculosis: Now, the Committee wants the NAS 
to spend $450,000 of the taxpayers' money to study OSHA's 
tuberculosis proposal, despite the fact that OSHA recently re-
opened its rulemaking record, already had its risk analysis 
peer reviewed once, and plans to have it peer reviewed again.
     Metalworking Fluids: It seems that no process 
organized by OSHA is good enough for the critics. OSHA convened 
a 15-member panel of workers, industry representatives and 
scientists, including physicians and industrial hygienists, 
which deliberated for two years before recommending in July 
that OSHA pursue rulemaking to protect workers from potentially 
harmful metalworking fluids that cause dermal problems, 
respiratory illness and cancer. Although OSHA has yet to react 
to the advisory committee recommendation, the appropriations 
subcommittee lost no time requiring OSHA to jump additional 
hurdles before it can promulgate a new or amended rule.
     Pilot Projects: The final approach is delay by 
pilot project. The pilot approach is aimed at another rule OSHA 
has yet to even propose--its rule on safety and health 
programs. OSHA's opponents want to spend $2 million on a 2-year 
pilot ``study'' to try out safety and health programs. But is 
this a quest for information or another exercise in delay? 32 
states already have some form of safety and health program 
provision in the law. Four states mandate that virtually all 
employers in the state have a program like the one OSHA plans 
to propose. During the first 5 years of those programs becoming 
effective, injury and illness rates in those states fell by 
18%, in comparison with national rates. Companies in OSHA's 
Voluntary Protection Program, all of which must operate 
effective safety and health programs, routinely achieve injury 
rates as much as 60% below others in their industries. About 
\1/3\ of the companies in the nation already operate a basic 
safety and health program. There's no question that safety and 
health programs provide real benefits. The debate is about 
whether to mandate those programs. Yet, OSHA's opponents say we 
need a 2-year pilot project to evaluate their effectiveness. Is 
this science or delay?

International labor standards

    The Minority is both disappointed and surprised that the 
Committee bill provides none ofthe additional funds requested 
to enhance implementation of core labor standards and lift up working 
conditions in developing countries around the world. Since it was the 
Majority that decided not to conduct a hearing on the Department's 
International Programs that would have given the Department an 
opportunity to present its proposals to the Committee, the Minority 
thinks the criticism directed at the Department in this report for not 
making a ``strong case'' for these programs is misdirected.
    The recent financial crisis in Asia highlighted the 
importance of establishing adequate safety nets and 
implementing core labor standards in supporting short-term 
economic reform and long-term economic growth. The Committee 
action result in developing countries not having safety nets in 
place when there are economic downturns and contribute to a 
race to the bottom on labor standards. Without this funding, 
there will likely be an increase the number of people around 
the globe who fall below the poverty line, adversely impact 
progress on human rights, and negatively impact on our interest 
in the expansion of global trade and investment. On the heels 
of the unanimous vote by the ILO this summer on the child labor 
convention, raising the profile of the dialogue on core labor 
standards, this action would be a severe setback.
    Efforts to hold member states accountable for providing 
basic labor rights: freedom of association, collective 
bargaining, non-discrimination, and prohibitions on forced and 
abusive child labor, will be severely compromised. The 
Department will be unable to respond to numerous requests for 
technical assistance to countries seeking to implement labor 
laws and strengthen the institutions responsible for compliance 
with core labor standards. Enforcement will be severely 
jeopardized. Social stability and economic growth will be 
threatened.

National Labor Relations Board

    NLRB, an independent agency outside of the Department of 
Labor, is cut -$35 million (17%) below the President's request, 
and by -$10 million (-5%) below FY 1999. This size of cut will 
cause staffing reductions of 134 FTE's below current levels and 
256 FTE's below the request which will severely affect the 
agency's ability to perform its mission. This will undermine 
the rule of law that has governed the nation's labor relations 
for 60 years and will force employers and employees to wait 
even longer for resolution of their cases. This means that when 
employees are unfairly fired for trying to improve working 
conditions, they will be out of work without pay for much 
longer before the NLRB can get them their job back with 
backpay.
    The bill also includes a rider adopted on a party line vote 
in subcommittee that amends the National Labor Relations Act to 
exempt workers in many small businesses from the basic labor 
protections of the Act.

                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    The bill provides a program level of $38.4 billion for the 
Department of Health and Human Services, which is $686 million 
(-2%) below the President's 2000 request--but $2.2 billion 
(+6%) over the 1999 funding level.

Eliminates the President's initiative for Ensuring Quality and Safety 
        of Nursing Homes

    The bill eliminates $35 million requested by HCFA to ensure 
that 1.6 million elderly and disabled receive quality nursing 
care. According to GAO, 1 in 4 nursing homes are estimated to 
have serious deficiencies that harm residents or place them at 
risk of death or serious injury, and 40% of homes with 
deficiencies are repeat offenders. The President's initiative 
would support state enforcement efforts, crack down on repeat 
offenders, require employee background checks, reduce the 
incidence of bed sores, dehydration, and malnutrition, and 
publish nursing home survey results on the Internet.

Eliminates the President's National Family Caregiver Support Program

    The Committee fails to provide $125 million requested by 
the President for a new program supporting the seven million 
informal caregiver who enable their friends and relatives with 
long term care needs to remain at home. Over 5 million 
Americans, 3 to 4 million seniors, remain in their homes 
because of services provided by caregivers. These services 
would cost between $45 billion and $75 billion annually if 
provided by home care aides. The role of the caregiver is 
difficult. Half are themselves over the age of 65, the majority 
are women, and one third have full time jobs. The new National 
Family Caregiver Support Program would provide essential 
services to approximately 250,000 families caring for older 
relatives. These services include information on available 
resources; assistance with locating services; caregiver 
training, counseling and support; and respite care. The House 
Committee on Education and Workforce recently authorized the 
Caregivers Program at the $125 million requested level when it 
reported out the Older Americans Act. However, funding for the 
President's initiative should not be held up pending the 
authorization of the Older Americans Act. States can provide 
services to family caregivers under existing provisions of 
Title III-D of the Older Americans Act.

Fails to increase funding for Meals for Seniors

    The Committee eliminates the $35 million increase requested 
by the President for the popular home delivered meals program 
(Meals on Wheels). The home delivered meals program enables 
large numbers of older adults to remain in their homes and 
communities avoiding or delaying costly institutionalization. 
Recipients typically have incomes below $10,000 per year, live 
alone and have multiple chronic conditions; 48% have spent time 
in a hospital or nursing home within the past year. 
Approximately 500,000 seniors are in need or currently on the 
waiting list for home delivered meals and are not being served. 
The President's request of $147 million would increase the 
number of nutritionally balanced meals served by 23% to an 
annual total of 146 million.

Head Start

    The Committee cuts the President's Head Start request by 
$507 million or 10%. Additional information on this program was 
included earlier at the beginning of the Education section of 
these views.

Eliminates the Administration's proposal to improve health care access 
        for uninsured workers

    The Committee eliminates $25 million requested by the 
President to address the growing number of uninsured Americans. 
In 1997, 43 million Americans--24.6 million of these are 
working people--did not have health insurance. Roughly 32 
million are adults between the ages of 19 and 64. In 1997, 30% 
of uninsured adults did not receive needed medical care and 55% 
postponed needed medical care because they could not afford it. 
The President's five-year initiative would increase the 
capacity and effectiveness of the Nation's community health 
care institutions and providers who serve patients regardless 
of ability to pay. These funds would enable public and private 
entities to assist safety-net providers develop and expand 
integrated systems of care and address service gaps within such 
integrated systems with a focus on primary care, mental health 
services and substance abuse services. This proposal could be 
funded under the existing title III of the Public Health 
Service Act authorization.

Cuts Social Services Block Grant by $471 million

    The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) provides essential 
funding to states to help reduce or eliminate such social 
maladies as government dependence, child abuse, and 
inappropriate institutional care. SSBG Grants are made directly 
to the 50 states and territories based on each state's 
population, and states are fully responsible for determining 
the use of their funds. Federal funds are available without a 
matching requirement. Within the specific limitations in the 
law, each state has the flexibility to determine what services 
will be provided, who is eligible to receive services, and how 
funds are distributed among the various services within the 
state. In addition, up to 10 percent of block grant funds may 
be transferred to other block grant programs for support of 
health services, health promotion and disease prevention 
activities, and low-income home energy assistance. The 
Committee recommendation cuts this program by $471 million or 
20% below the mandatory level requested by the President, and 
reduces from 10% to 4.25% the amount of TANF funds that can be 
transferred into this program.

Withholds Family Planning services to an additional 500,000 clients

    The Committee eliminates the $25 million increase for Title 
X family planning services. For many of the 4.5 million 
individuals currently receiving services at the over 4,600 
clinics nationwide, this is the primary or sole point of 
contact with the health care system. Title X funds support a 
wide range of preventive reproductive health care beyond 
contraceptive services, including pelvic and breast 
examinations, blood pressure checks, Pap smears, and testing 
and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. The 
President's request of $25 million would have provided family 
planning services to an additional 500,000 clients who are 
neither Medicaid eligible nor have private insurance.

Potentially Cuts Interagency School Violence Initiative

    The Committee fails to provide $12 million of the 
President's full request for SAMHSA's Mental Health Knowledge 
Development and Application (KDA), and could severely impact 
the $40 million School Violence ``Safe Schools/Healthy 
Students'' initiative begun by Congress last year. Research 
indicates that between 1989 and 1995, students felt 
increasingly unsafe in, and traveling to, school. A 1996 
Children's Institute International Poll of American Adolescents 
found that 47% of all teens felt that their schools were 
becoming more violent. These perceptions mirror the reality of 
school violence. During the 1996-97 academic year alone, 21 
percent of all public high schools and 19% of all public middle 
schools reported at least one serious violent crime--such as 
murder, rape, other types of sexual battery, physical attack 
with a weapon--to law enforcement agencies. The President's 
request would ensure that the 50 school districts funded under 
the ``Safe Schools/Healthy Students'' initiative begun in FY 
1999 receive their second year of funding. This new program is 
an unprecedented joint effort among the U.S. Departments of 
Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services to help 
communities design and implement comprehensive educational, 
mental health, social services, law enforcement, and juvenile 
justice services for youth.

Cuts critical expansion of mental health services

    Additionally, the bill slashes $59 million, or 16 percent, 
from the Administration's request for the Mental Health Block 
Grant program which supports state prevention, treatment and 
rehabilitation efforts. These cuts will potentially deny 20,000 
individuals access to essential stabilizing medication. The 
Committee also cuts $3 million from the President's request for 
PATH, a program which aids homeless individuals with mental 
illness. Every night, approximately 200,000 Americans with 
major mental illness have nowhere to sleep. By denying the 
President's request, the Committee is denying the opportunity 
to reach out to an additional 7,800 homeless individuals and 
provide them with essential mental health services.

Eliminates treatment for 31,000 substance abuse addicts

    The bill cuts $120 million, or 7 percent, from the 
Administration's $1.8 billion request for substance abuse 
treatment programs. The Targeted Treatment Expansion program 
alone is cut $34 million, or 20 percent, below last years 
funding level and $90 million, or 40 percent, under the 
Administration's request. The President's request would have 
doubled funding for thisprogram, which focuses treatment 
services to areas of highest need, and would have provided an 
additional 22,000 treatment slots for addicted individuals. This bill 
also denies the President's requested $30 million increase in Substance 
Abuse Treatment Block Grant funds which would have enabled 9,000 
additional individuals to receive treatment. Currently nationwide, we 
have the capacity to serve a mere 37%, or just 2 million, of the 5.3 
million Americans who are in severe need of substance abuse treatment.
    Recently, the California Drug and Alcohol Treatment 
Assessment (CALDATA) study found that every $1 spent on 
substance abuse treatment results in $7 in taxpayer savings--
these savings result from reduced health care costs, less 
crime, an increase in worker productivity, and decreased death 
expenses. A 1996 National Institute of Justice report supports 
the CALDATA study by showing that treatment of all addicts in 
the United States could save more than $150 billion in social 
costs over the next 15 years, while requiring just $21 billion 
in treatment costs. Finally, the RAND Corporation, in one of 
the most comprehensive studies to date, found that at the 
margin, each dollar spent on demand reduction activities was 7 
times more effective at reducing drug consumption than law 
enforcement activities--RAND also found demand activities to be 
11 times more effective than interdiction and 23 times more 
effective than source country efforts.

Potentially cuts the minority AIDS and substance abuse initiative

    The Committee bill is $19 million below the FY 1999 funding 
level for the Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention. This 
cut severely threatens the program to provide integrated 
substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention services to African 
American and Hispanic/Latino youth as well as women and their 
children. According to the Surgeon General, nearly one half of 
all new HIV infections are caused either directly (through 
sharing of ejection equipment) or indirectly (sexual 
transmission from an individual infected through injection 
equipment, birth, etc.) through substance abuse. Racial and 
ethnic minorities are disproportionately effected by substance 
abuse related HIV infection. Since 1981, roughly 61% of all 
AIDS cases among women have been attributed to injection drug 
use, or sex with partners who inject drugs. Further, among the 
highest health care expenditures associated with substance 
abuse are those associated with HIV/AIDS.
    The President's request would provide $138 million to 
reduce drug abuse with a focus on youth and minority 
populations. Prevention activities have played a key role in 
the dramatic reduction in the number of current drug users from 
25 million in 1979 to the 13.9 million that exist today. 
Demographics point to an impending surge in the number of 12 to 
20 year old individuals expected to increase by 21%, or 6.75 
million individuals over the next fifteen years. As a result, 
even if youth drug use rates remain constant, we are likely to 
face a tremendous increase in the number of individuals needing 
substance abuse services over this time period. Such trends are 
alarming, and point to the need for increased funding for 
prevention activities and not the 47% cut proposed by the 
majority.

Eliminates $50 million in emergency funds for HIV/AIDS in minority 
        communities

    Representing an estimated 12% of the total U.S. population, 
African Americans make up almost 37% of all AIDS cases reported 
in this country. In 1998, Hispanics represented 13% of the U.S. 
population (including residents of Puerto Rico), but accounted 
for 20% of the total number of new U.S. AIDS cases reported 
that year (9,650 of 48,269 cases). The AIDS incidence rate 
among Hispanics in 1998 was 28.1 per 100,000 population, almost 
4 times the rate for whites (8.2 per 100,000) but lower than 
the rate for African Americans (66.4 per 100,000).
    Asian Pacific Islander Americans and Native Americans are 
also at heightened risk for HIV infection and AIDS. All these 
communities need targeted prevention, support services, and 
medical care.
    The President requested $50 million in the Public Health 
and Social Services Emergency Fund to continue the efforts 
initiated by Congress last year to strengthen programs of 
prevention and care for minority communities particularly hard 
hit by HIV/AIDS. This bill eliminates those funds.

25 Communities in approximately 18 States will not implement full 
        programs to reduce health disparities

    Racial and ethnic minorities suffer from severe health 
disparities in many areas. For example, prevalence of diabetes 
among African-Americans is about 70 percent higher than among 
whites, and the rate among Hispanics is nearly twice that of 
whites. Coronary heart disease mortality is about 40 percent 
higher for African-Americans than for whites. This year, CDC 
issued planning grants to 32 communities in 18 States to 
develop demonstration projects to reduce disparities within 
these communities in one or more of the six priority areas--
Infant Mortality, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and 
Management, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and 
Child and Adult Immunizations. Without the $25 million 
increase, these communities will not be able to implement the 
programs they develop, and CDC will not be able to start the 
evaluation work needed to enable other communities to adopt 
approaches that succeed.

Denies immunizations to 500,000 children

    Many of the nation's adolescents have not been fully 
immunized against hepatitis B, chicken pox, measles, mumps and 
rubella. The President's budget included a $60 million increase 
to provide vaccines for children who rely on the public health 
system to stay immunized. The Committee recommendation for 
vaccine purchase does not provide this needed increase. The 
denial of the President's budget request of a $60 million 
increase for childhood vaccines would result in approximately 
500,000 children not receiving the full course of immunization 
for vaccine preventable diseases including measles, mumps, 
rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.
    The World Health Organization set the end of 2000 as the 
goal for eradicating polio worldwide. The President's budget 
request included a $17 million increase to buy polio vaccines 
for National Immunization Days, and provide needed technical 
assistance to underdeveloped countries. The Committee's failure 
to provide the $17 million increase will cause the number of 
planned National Immunization Days (NIDs) in polio-endemic 
countries around the world to be limited. This will jeopardize 
the achievement of global polio eradication by the end of 2000. 
The longer the delay in achieving eradication, the less likely 
the target will ever be achieved because countries that have 
eliminated polio may relax these efforts and be susceptible to 
reestablishment of polio transmission.

Tobacco

    Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death 
and disease, causing more than 430,000 deaths and costing the 
U.S. at least $50-$73 billion in medical expenses alone. The 
Committee bill is at least $10.4 million below the President's 
request for FY 2000 assuming that the chronic line item 
increase of $16.6 million is directed to tobacco. These funds 
are critical in efforts to dissuade the more than 3,000 young 
people who become regular smokers each day and prevent the 
premature death of 5 million of today's children. One current 
survey finding showed that 27 percent of 6th graders were 
already current users of tobacco products. The full President's 
budget request of $27 million for tobacco is needed to increase 
State school-based tobacco prevention programs from 15 to 20, 
and State health department educational campaigns from 150 to 
200.

Occupational health

    The annual economic burden of occupational illness and 
injury is comparable to cancer at $171 billion. Each day, 
11,000 workers sustain disabling injuries, 17 die from a 
workplace injury, and 137 die from work-related diseases. CDC 
has worked with the public and private sectors to develop the 
National Occupational Research Agenda that guides CDC's work to 
reduce these injuries and diseases. The President's budget 
requested a $12 million increase to help reduce work-related 
injury and illness.
    The Committee recommendation to freeze NIOSH will eliminate 
almost 50 essential safety research projects on subjects 
including cancer control, low back disorders, and asthma. The 
Congress should accelerate research on occupational illness and 
injury, just as it is rapidly expanding basic biomedical work 
and the fight against cancer. But caving into anti-worker 
protection interests, the Committee has frozen NIOSH while it 
has allocated NIH an additional $1.3 billion over last year. At 
the level proposed by the Committee, NIOSH would be able to 
fund just one of every twenty grants it receives (a 5% success 
rate), and 37 new and competing grant proposals would not be 
funded, delaying NIOSH's ability to address key national 
priorities for preventing work-related deaths, injuries and 
illnesses.

Infectious disease, food safety, and bioterrorism

    Each year, 76 million people get sick from foodborne 
disease, 323,000 are hospitalized, and 5,200 die. If a new flu 
strain arose next year and started a pandemic, it could kill up 
to 200,000 people. Four million Americans are already infected 
with Hepatitis C, and the Nation's public health surveillance 
system is not up to the task of rapidly detecting and isolating 
diseases resulting from a bioterrorist attack.
    The President's budget included an increase of $44 million 
under CDC's Infectious Diseases activity, to be coordinated 
with funding requested through the Public Health and Social 
Services Emergency Fund, to improve surveillance and accelerate 
the Nation's response to outbreaks of disease that are 
foodborne, the result of a bioterrorist attack, or other 
emerging infectious diseases.
    The bill is $16 million below the President's request for 
infectious diseases and severely compromises support to State 
health departments for surveillance and response programs for 
serious diseases facing our nation. At this level, hepatitis C 
virus (HCV) prevention and control programs would not be 
established in states. HCV infection is the most common chronic 
blood borne infection in the United States. Approximately 4 
million Americans are infected with HCV, yet most of them are 
not aware of their infection and are not clinically ill, 
because symptoms of hepatitis C-related chronic liver disease 
may not develop for 10 to 20 years after infection. Chronic 
liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death among adults 
in the United States, and it is estimated that 40-60% of 
chronic liver disease is caused by HCV. HCV-related acute and 
chronic liver disease causes 8,000-12,000 deaths annually. The 
medical and work loss costs of HCV-related acute and chronic 
liver disease are estimated to exceed $700 million annually. 
Support to for pandemic influenza preparedness would not be 
available.
    In the United States alone, an influenza pandemic would 
cause an estimated 89,000 to 207,000 deaths; 314,000-734,000 
hospitalizations; and the economic impact would range from $71-
$167 billion. We are overdue for the next influenza pandemic 
and the nation remains unprepared. Efforts to implement 
prevention and control programs for antimicrobial resistance 
would be curtailed, yet rates of resistance are dramatically 
increasing and the impact is enormous. Hospital-acquired 
infections kill 88,000 people annually in the U.S. and cost $4 
billion dollars. Finally, CDC's food safety activities could 
not expand. There are an estimated 76,000,000 cases and nearly 
5,000 deaths every year associated with foodborne infections. 
It is estimated that foodborne illnesses may cost as much as 
$22 billion a year in health care and related costs.

Reduction in the bioterrorism pharmaceutical stockpile

    The impact of the House reduction of the funding for the 
pharmaceutical stockpile from $52 million to $17 million would 
result in further delaying the already prolonged process of 
establishing a sufficient pharmaceutical stockpile. The planned 
manufacturer-managedpharmaceutical cache of medicines, supplies 
and equipment would be drastically reduced or may not occur at all. 
And, based on current planning, vaccine development and purchase (e.g. 
smallpox), expected to begin in FY 2000, would not occur.

Eliminates the President's Sub-Saharan Africa AIDS Initiative

    The Committee bill eliminates $35 million in CDC funding 
requested by the President to prevent the spread of AIDS in 
Sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 22 million adults and 1.2 
million children are living with HIV/AIDS in this region, and 4 
million new individuals are infected each year. Life expectancy 
in Zambia alone, where 26% of the adult population is already 
HIV positive, is expected to drop from 66 to 33 years by 2010. 
Each day, Africa experiences 5,500 AIDS related funerals, and 
83% of all AIDS related deaths since this epidemic started have 
been in this region. Over the next ten years, an estimated 40 
million children will become orphans in Africa due to AIDS. The 
President's Sub-Saharan Africa Initiative would supplement 
international efforts to care for those affected by this 
devastating disease and help prevent the further spread of 
AIDS. The CDC funds are to be part of a larger $100 million 
initiative involving USAID and the Department of Defense.

Violence against women

    Over 5 million American women experienced domestic or 
sexual violence in 1996: 4,581,714 women were physically 
assaulted by their partners and 453,137 were raped. Over 4,200 
women were murdered by someone they knew, and half of those 
murders were committed by intimate partners. The Committee bill 
is $13 million below the President's budget request. Without 
this increase, CDC will not be able to expand services to 
victims of violence and change social norms within the society 
that encourage this violence.

Health statistics

    The Committee recommendation of $94.5 million for NCHS is 
$15 million short of the level requested by the President. This 
funding level represents a real setback to efforts to rebuild 
NCHS, preserve major surveys that provide much of the data we 
need to shape health policy, and build new health information 
tools to meet new demands. The increase requested by the 
President is needed to sustain current NCHS operations, and 
rebuild surveys that had been endangered by declining resources 
over the decade.

The bill slashes funding for Medicare and Medicaid program 
        administration by $264 million

     These cuts would seriously impede HCFA's ability 
to administer and manage the baseline Medicare, Medicaid, and 
CHIP programs, let alone simultaneously implement new workloads 
related to the Balanced Budget Act (BBA), the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other desirable 
and worthwhile initiatives such as the Nursing Home Initiative.
     Managing these programs in FY 2000 at reduced 
funding levels of this magnitude will have damaging and in some 
cases irreversible effects on the quality and level of basic 
services expected from beneficiaries and providers of care. 
Moreover, the proposed reductions would compromise HCFA's 
highest priorities including nursing home quality and safety; 
reducing fraud, waste and abuse; and implementation of the 
HIPAA and the BBA.
     In addition, the Committee's limiting the Medicare 
Integrity Program to FY1999 levels results in a net loss to the 
Medicare Program. CBO estimated approximately $5 in savings for 
each $1 spent for the additional $70 million in spending 
authorized and appropriated in HIPAA for FY 2000. By CBO's 
calculations, nearly $350 million will be lost to the Trust 
Funds by the Committee's actions.

Making Medicare less cost effective

    Agency for Health Care Policy and Research focuses on 
identifying the most effective and efficient approach to 
organize, deliver, finance, and reimburse health services. 
Making Medicare and Medicaid more cost effective is a major 
part of AHCPR's work. However, the Committee funds AHCPR at $31 
million below the President's request--a level will reduce the 
number of new research projects by two-thirds. Cutting out this 
work to make Medicare more cost effective is penny-wise and 
pound foolish. The Congress also needs to fully fund the 
request for the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS). We 
should fund the proposed improvements, as well as address 
increased contractor costs, to make sure that the Congress and 
other health care decision-makers have the information needed 
to make sound policy decisions.

National Institutes of Health

    Although the Committee recommendation for NIH is a $1.3 
billion or 9% increase, the number of new and competing grants 
is expected to decline from 9,166 in FY 1999 to 8,500 in FY 
2000. This is due in part to the NIH decision to provide a 3% 
increase in the noncompeting grants, and a 5% increase for new 
and competing grants.

                     SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

    The bill includes $6.48 billion for the administrative 
expenses of the Social Security Administration, which is $225 
million below the level requested by the President. Funding SSA 
at this level will result in a deterioration in public 
services. SSA would be forced to impose an immediate and 
complete hiring freeze, leaving 3,000 positions vacant by the 
end of the year.That would result in disability applicants 
waiting almost 5 months, almost twice as long the current processing 
time, for a decision on their initial claims, and longer waiting times 
for the millions of individuals who visit district offices.

Title IX--EITC, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Refunds, Direct Student 
                         Loans Origination Fees

    Despite using massive accounting gimmicks, the bill as 
reported by the subcommittee was $8.9 billion over its 302(b) 
allocation for outlays, counting the emergency spending. In 
order to bring the bill under its outlay allocation during Full 
Committee consideration, the Majority passed the DeLay 
amendment on a party line vote.
    The DeLay amendment postpones almost one-third of the 
Earned Income Tax Credit payments to low income, working 
families until FY 2001 (saves $8.75 billion in outlays), 
increases the origination fees that students pay on direct 
student loans from 3% to 4% (saves $55 million in outlays), and 
denies rebates on FHA mortgage insurance premiums to low income 
and first time homeowners who pay off their mortgages early 
(saves $158 million in outlays). In the face of opposition from 
the nation's governors, the DeLay amendment deleted the shift 
of $3 billion in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families from 
FY 2000 to FY 2001 that was included in the subcommittee bill.
    A substitute amendment was offered by Mr. Obey that would 
have delayed the tax refunds on preferential treatment of 
capital gains in excess of $5,000 instead of delaying EITC 
payments. The Obey amendment was defeated on a party line vote.

Delay of Earned Income Tax Credit payments

    The EITC has been strongly supported by President's Reagan, 
Bush, and Clinton as a way to encourage families to move from 
welfare to work by making work pay. Social Security taxes and 
various means-tested benefits create economic disincentives for 
low income families to work. The EITC offsets these 
disincentives with a strong incentive to work. About 80% of 
EITC payments offset the individual income, Social Security and 
other Federal taxes borne by families receiving the credit. By 
providing an offset against other Federal taxes paid by these 
families, the tax credit serves to increase the disposable 
income of parents who work full-time so that they do not have 
to raise their children in poverty. The EITC is only available 
to working families. If you don't work, you don't get the 
benefit. On 1999 tax returns, the EITC will provide a tax 
credit averaging $1,610 for nearly 20 million workers and their 
families. Families with two children can receive a maximum EITC 
of $3,816 for income between $9,540 and $12,460, and the credit 
is phased out at $30,580.
     The Department of Defense estimates that 128,000 
military families are eligible for the EITC.
     The Census Bureau reports that an estimated 4.3 
million persons were lifted out of poverty by the EITC in 1998, 
and over half were children under the age of 18.
     The EITC removed about 1.1 million African 
Americans and nearly 1.2 million Hispanics from poverty in 
1998.
    The DeLay amendment adopted by the Committee would divide 
the annual lump sum EITC refund payments that exceed $600 into 
12 equal monthly installments. After the first installment is 
paid, the second installment is not paid for 90 days, and then 
monthly payments resume.
    A family of four with both parents working at minimum wage 
of $5.15 per hour would normally receive a tax refund from the 
EITC of $1,928 shortly after they file their 1999 income taxes. 
Instead, under the provision in this bill, they will get a 
check for $160, wait three months, and then get 11 more checks 
of $160 each. The payment of interest is specifically 
prohibited, so this amounts to an interest free loan to the 
government from the lowest income working families in the 
country who can least afford it.
    The President said, ``Let me be clear: I will not sign a 
bill that turns its back on these hard-working families. Even 
Republican Presidential candidate and Texas Governor, George W. 
Bush, denounced this proposal saying, ``I don't think they 
ought to balance their budget on the backs of the poor.''

Elimination of the FHA mortgage insurance premium refunds

    This year, the FHA insured nearly 1.3 million loans, the 
vast majority going to low and moderate income households with 
an average income of under $42,000. The DeLay amendment would 
take money directly out of the pockets of these families. The 
current FHA premium structure for mortgages insured in the 
Mutual Mortgage Insurance fund requires an upfront premium of 
2.25%. If a homeowner pays off his existing FHA-insured 
mortgage in the first seven years, usually due to a sale or 
refinancing, he receives a prorated refund of the initial 
premium. If the borrower again uses FHA-insured financing, the 
refund can be applied to the new loan to lower that upfront 
fee.
    The Delay Amendment adopted by the Committee would prevent 
the FHA from refunding any portion of the up-front fee on all 
future FHA mortgages. This is unfair. Denying refunds to 
borrowers who prepay their mortgages forces them to pay for 
risk that the Federal Government will no longer bear. Had this 
amendment been law last year, it would have negatively impacted 
the more than 900,000 families that successfully prepaid their 
mortgages this past year. In monetary terms, the elimination of 
all FHA prepayment refunds would run as high as $2,138, with 
the average household standing to lose approximately $1,200. To 
the typical FHA mortgage household, losing $1,200 would be 
equivalent to losing 3 percent of their yearly income.

Increase in the origination fee that students pay on direct student 
        loans

    The DeLay amendment includes a provision that has the 
effect of increasing the origination fee on direct student 
loans from 3% to 4%. This a direct, upfront cost to 1.8 million 
students who have loans through the direct lending program. For 
the average student who has a loan balance of about 10,000 at 
the end of college, this provision will cost him or her an 
additional $100. The Department of Education asserts that it 
has the authority to offer direct students loans with the 3% 
origination fee in order to make the terms of these loans 
consistent with student loans offered through the Federal 
Family Education Loan Program.

                                   David Obey.
                                   Steny Hoyer.
                                   Nancy Pelosi.
                                   Nita M. Lowey.
                                   Rosa DeLauro.
                                   Jesse Jackson, Jr.

                                   

                  ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HON. NITA LOWEY

    While this year the Committee did not approve an amendment 
to allow women direct access to their most often-visited health 
care providers, their ob-gyn specialists, it continues to be a 
very important issue of health care access.
    The Lowey amendment, rejected in Full Committee 
consideration of this bill on a vote of 28-32, was similar to 
one that passed the Committee in 1998 by a vote of 29-25. It 
would have allowed women enrolled in managed care plans, 
whether federally or state regulated, to have direct access to 
their ob-gyn provider for covered obstetric and gynecological 
care--including follow-up care--without having to receive a 
referral or prior authorization from their primary care 
provider of insurance plan. The amendment would have given 
women the opportunity to receive their ob-gyn care from an 
array of providers specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, 
including obstetrician-gynecologists, family physicians, 
certified nurse midwives, and advance practice nurses. The 
amendment did not require managed care plans to allow ob-gyns 
to serve as primary care providers.
    Direct access to ob-gyn services has strong bipartisan 
support. A direct access guarantee is included in the three 
major pieces of managed care reform legislation under 
consideration by the House--legislation introduced by Reps. 
Norwood and Dingell, Coburn and Shadegg, and Boehner--38 states 
and the District of Columbia have enacted laws or regulations 
allowing women access to their provider of ob-gyn care in a 
variety of ways. However, federal legislation is necessary to 
protect women in states that have not enacted direct access 
protections and for women in federally-sponsored (EISA) plans. 
One in three insured families are not protected from access 
limitations or restrictions. Finally, direct access to ob-gyn 
care is a protection already in place for enrollees in 
Medicare, Medicaid and FEHB programs. The President established 
this protection through Executive Order in 1998.
    Americans overwhelmingly support passage of federal 
legislation requiring health plans to allow a woman to see her 
ob-gyn without referral. A January 1998 survey conducted by the 
Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University found that 82% 
of Americans support a federal law requiring health plans to 
allow a women to see her ob-gyn without having to get 
permission or see another doctor first. It is time to act on 
this protection for American families.

                                                        Nita Lowey.

                                  
