--H.Con.Res.290--
H.Con.Res.290
Agreed to April 13, 2000
One Hundred Sixth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday,
the twenty-fourth day of January, two thousand
Concurrent Resolution
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
SECTION 1. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001.
(a) DECLARATION- Congress declares that the concurrent resolution on the
budget for fiscal year 2000 is hereby revised and replaced and that this is
the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2001 and that the
appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2002 through 2005 are hereby set
forth.
Sec. 1. Concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2001.
TITLE I--LEVELS AND AMOUNTS
Sec. 101. Recommended levels and amounts.
Sec. 102. Major functional categories.
Sec. 103. Reconciliation in the House of Representatives.
Sec. 104. Reconciliation of revenue reductions in the Senate.
TITLE II--BUDGET ENFORCEMENT AND RULEMAKING
Subtitle A--Budget Enforcement
Sec. 201. Lock-box for Social Security surpluses.
Sec. 202. Debt reduction lock-box.
Sec. 203. Enhanced enforcement of budgetary limits.
Sec. 204. Mechanisms for strengthening budgetary integrity.
Sec. 205. Emergency designation point of order in the Senate.
Sec. 206. Mechanism for implementing increase of fiscal year 2001
discretionary spending limits.
Sec. 207. Senate firewall for defense and nondefense spending.
Subtitle B--Reserve Funds
Sec. 211. Mechanism for additional debt reduction.
Sec. 212. Reserve fund for additional tax relief and debt
reduction.
Sec. 213. Reserve fund for additional surpluses.
Sec. 214. Reserve fund for Medicare in the House.
Sec. 215. Reserve fund for Medicare in the Senate.
Sec. 216. Reserve fund for agriculture.
Sec. 217. Reserve fund to foster the health of children with
disabilities and the employment and independence of their families.
Sec. 218. Reserve fund for military retiree health care.
Sec. 219. Reserve fund for cancer screening and enrollment in
SCHIP.
Sec. 220. Reserve fund for stabilization of payments to counties in
support of education.
Sec. 221. Tax reduction reserve fund in the Senate.
Sec. 222. Application and effect of changes in allocations and
aggregates.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous Rulemaking Provisions
Sec. 231. Compliance with section 13301 of the Budget Enforcement Act of
1990.
Sec. 232. Prohibition on use of Federal reserve surpluses.
Sec. 233. Reaffirming the prohibition on the use of tax increases for
discretionary spending.
Sec. 234. Exercise of rulemaking powers.
TITLE III--SENSE OF THE CONGRESS, HOUSE, AND SENATE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A--Sense of the Congress Provisions
Sec. 301. Sense of the Congress on graduate medical education.
Sec. 302. Sense of the Congress on providing additional dollars to the
classroom.
Subtitle B--Sense of the House Provisions
Sec. 311. Sense of the House on waste, fraud, and abuse.
Sec. 312. Sense of the House regarding emergency spending.
Sec. 313. Sense of the House on estimates of the impact of regulations
on the private sector.
Sec. 314. Sense of the House on biennial budgeting.
Sec. 315. Sense of the House on access to health insurance and
preserving home health services for all Medicare beneficiaries.
Sec. 316. Sense of the House regarding Medicare+Choice
programs/reimbursement rates.
Sec. 317. Sense of the House on directing the Internal Revenue Service
to accept negative numbers in farm income averaging.
Sec. 318. Sense of the House on the importance of the National Science
Foundation.
Sec. 319. Sense of the House regarding skilled nursing facilities.
Sec. 320. Sense of the House on special education.
Sec. 321. Sense of the House regarding HCFA draft guidelines.
Sec. 322. Sense of the House on asset-building for the working
poor.
Sec. 323. Sense of the House on the importance of supporting the
Nation's emergency first-responders.
Sec. 324. Sense of the House on additional health-related tax
relief.
Subtitle C--Sense of the Senate Provisions
Sec. 331. Sense of the Senate supporting funding levels in Educational
Opportunities Act.
Sec. 332. Sense of the Senate on additional budgetary resources.
Sec. 333. Sense of the Senate on regarding the inadequacy of the
payments for skilled nursing care.
Sec. 334. Sense of the Senate on veterans' medical care.
Sec. 335. Sense of the Senate on impact aid.
Sec. 336. Sense of the Senate on tax simplification.
Sec. 337. Sense of the Senate on antitrust enforcement by the Department
of Justice and Federal Trade Commission regarding agriculture mergers and
anticompetitive activity.
Sec. 338. Sense of the Senate regarding fair markets for American
farmers.
Sec. 339. Sense of the Senate on women and Social Security reform.
Sec. 340. Use of False Claims Act in combatting Medicare fraud.
Sec. 341. Sense of the Senate regarding the National Guard.
Sec. 342. Sense of the Senate regarding military readiness.
Sec. 343. Sense of the Senate supporting funding of digital opportunity
initiatives.
Sec. 344. Sense of the Senate on funding for criminal justice.
Sec. 345. Sense of the Senate regarding comprehensive public education
reform.
Sec. 346. Sense of the Senate on providing adequate funding for United
States international leadership.
Sec. 347. Sense of the Senate concerning the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Sec. 348. Sense of the Senate regarding tribal colleges.
Sec. 349. Sense of the Senate to provide relief from the marriage
penalty.
Sec. 350. Sense of the Senate on the continued use of Federal fuel taxes
for the construction and rehabilitation of our Nation's highways, bridges,
and transit systems.
Sec. 351. Sense of the Senate concerning the price of prescription drugs
in the United States.
Sec. 352. Sense of the Senate against Federal funding of smoke
shops.
Sec. 353. Sense of the Senate concerning investment of Social Security
trust funds.
Sec. 354. Sense of the Senate on Medicare prescription drugs.
Sec. 355. Sense of the Senate concerning funding for new education
programs.
Sec. 356. Sense of the Senate regarding enforcement of Federal firearms
laws.
Sec. 357. Sense of the Senate that any increase in the minimum wage
should be accompanied by tax relief for small businesses.
Sec. 358. Sense of the Congress regarding funding for the participation
of members of the uniformed services in the Thrift Savings Plan.
Sec. 359. Sense of the Senate concerning uninsured and low-income
individuals in medically underserved communities.
TITLE I--LEVELS AND AMOUNTS
SEC. 101. RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND AMOUNTS.
The following budgetary levels are appropriate for each of fiscal years
2000 through 2005:
(1) FEDERAL REVENUES- For purposes of the enforcement of this
resolution:
(A) The recommended levels of Federal revenues are as
follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $1,465,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $1,503,200,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $1,548,000,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $1,598,600,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $1,652,800,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $1,719,800,000,000.
(B) The amounts by which the aggregate levels of Federal revenues
should be reduced are as follows:
Fiscal year 2001: $11,600,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $23,400,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $30,900,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $39,800,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $44,300,000,000.
(2) NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY- For purposes of the enforcement of this
resolution, the appropriate levels of total new budget authority are as
follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $1,467,300,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $1,467,200,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $1,499,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $1,606,600,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $1,661,700,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $1,724,400,000.
(3) BUDGET OUTLAYS- For purposes of the enforcement of this resolution,
the appropriate levels of total budget outlays are as follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $1,441,100,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $1,446,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $1,466,400,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $1,583,300,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $1,637,100,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $1,700,500,000.
(4) SURPLUSES- For purposes of the enforcement of this resolution, the
amounts of the surpluses are as follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $24,400,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $57,200,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $81,600,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $15,300,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $15,700,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $19,300,000,000.
(5) PUBLIC DEBT- The appropriate levels of the public debt are as
follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $5,628,300,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $5,663,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $5,678,700,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $5,770,200,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $5,856,300,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $5,936,900,000,000.
(6) DEBT HELD BY THE PUBLIC- The appropriate levels of the debt held by
the public are as follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $3,458,300,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $3,253,000,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $2,999,100,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $2,804,100,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $2,594,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $2,363,000,000,000.
(A) SOCIAL SECURITY REVENUES- For purposes of Senate enforcement under
section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the amounts of
revenues of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the
Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund are as follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $479,600,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $501,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $524,900,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $547,200,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $569,900,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $597,300,000,000.
(B) SOCIAL SECURITY OUTLAYS- For purposes of Senate enforcement under
section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the amounts of
outlays of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the
Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund are as follows:
Fiscal year 2000: $326,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2001: $336,500,000,000.
Fiscal year 2002: $343,300,000,000.
Fiscal year 2003: $351,700,000,000.
Fiscal year 2004: $361,400,000,000.
Fiscal year 2005: $372,100,000,000.
(C) SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES- In the Senate, the
amounts of new budget authority and budget outlays of the Federal Old-Age
and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance
Trust Fund for administrative expenses are as follows:
(A) New budget authority, $3,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $3,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $3,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $3,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $3,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $3,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,600,000,000.
SEC. 102. MAJOR FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES.
The Congress determines and declares that the appropriate levels of new
budget authority and budget outlays for fiscal years 2000 through 2005 for
each major functional category are:
(1) National Defense (050):
(A) New budget authority, $291,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $288,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $309,900,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $296,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $309,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $303,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $315,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $309,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $323,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $317,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $331,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $328,300,000,000.
(2) International Affairs (150):
(A) New budget authority, $22,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $19,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $18,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $17,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,400,000,000.
(3) General Science, Space, and Technology (250):
(A) New budget authority, $19,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $18,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $19,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $20,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $20,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $20,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $21,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $20,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $1,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $1,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $900,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$500,000,000.
(5) Natural Resources and Environment (300):
(A) New budget authority, $24,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $24,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $25,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $25,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $25,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $25,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $25,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $25,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $25,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $25,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $25,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $25,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $35,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $33,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $20,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $18,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $18,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $17,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $16,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $17,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $15,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $15,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $14,200,000,000.
(7) Commerce and Housing Credit (370):
(A) New budget authority, $7,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $3,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $6,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $2,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $8,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $4,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $9,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $8,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $9,500,000,000.
(8) Transportation (400):
(A) New budget authority, $54,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $46,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $59,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $50,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $57,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $53,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $58,900,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $55,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $59,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $55,600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $59,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $55,700,000,000.
(9) Community and Regional Development (450):
(A) New budget authority, $11,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $10,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $9,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $10,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $8,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $9,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $8,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $8,600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $8,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $8,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $8,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $7,600,000,000.
(10) Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services (500):
(A) New budget authority, $57,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $61,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $72,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $68,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $74,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $72,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $75,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $74,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $76,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $74,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $78,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $75,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $159,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $153,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $169,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $165,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $179,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $177,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $191,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $190,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $205,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $204,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $221,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $220,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $199,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $199,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $217,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $218,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $226,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $226,600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $247,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $247,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $266,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $266,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $292,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $292,700,000,000.
(13) Income Security (600):
(A) New budget authority, $238,900,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $248,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $252,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $255,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $264,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $266,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $273,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $276,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $283,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $286,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $296,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $298,800,000,000.
(14) Social Security (650):
(A) New budget authority, $11,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $11,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $9,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $9,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $11,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $11,600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $12,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $12,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,800,000,000.
(15) Veterans Benefits and Services (700):
(A) New budget authority, $46,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $45,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $47,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $47,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $49,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $48,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $50,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $50,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $52,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $51,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $55,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $55,100,000,000.
(16) Administration of Justice (750):
(A) New budget authority, $27,400,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $28,000,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $28,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $28,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $28,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $28,400,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $28,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $28,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $29,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $28,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $29,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $29,200,000,000.
(17) General Government (800):
(A) New budget authority, $13,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $14,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $14,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $14,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $13,600,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $13,600,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $284,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $284,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $286,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $286,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $284,900,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $284,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $278,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $278,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $274,500,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $274,500,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, $269,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, $269,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$3,800,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$11,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$64,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$50,800,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$60,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$72,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$2,000,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$4,200,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$2,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$5,900,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$3,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$6,200,000,000.
(20) Undistributed Offsetting Receipts (950):
(A) New budget authority, -$34,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$34,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$38,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$38,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$41,300,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$41,300,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$40,700,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$40,700,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$38,100,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$38,100,000,000.
(A) New budget authority, -$39,200,000,000.
(B) Outlays, -$39,200,000,000.
SEC. 103. RECONCILIATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
(a) SUBMISSIONS PROVIDING TAX RELIEF- The House Committee on Ways and
Means shall report to the House a reconciliation bill--
(1) not later than July 14, 2000; and
(2) not later than September 13, 2000,
that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to
reduce the total level of revenues by not more than: $11,600,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001, and $150,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2001
through 2005.
(b) SUBMISSIONS REGARDING DEBT HELD BY THE PUBLIC- The House Committee on
Ways and Means shall report to the House a reconciliation bill--
(1) not later than July 14, 2000, that consists of changes in laws
within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the debt held by the public by
$7,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2001; and
(2) not later than September 13, 2000, that consists of changes in laws
within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce the debt held by the public by
not more than $19,100,000,000 for fiscal year 2001.
SEC. 104. RECONCILIATION OF REVENUE REDUCTIONS IN THE SENATE.
The Senate Committee on Finance shall report to the Senate a
reconciliation bill--
(1) not later than July 14, 2000; and
(2) not later than September 13, 2000,
that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to
reduce the total level of revenues by not more than: $11,600,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001, and $150,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2001
through 2005.
TITLE II--BUDGET ENFORCEMENT AND RULEMAKING
Subtitle A--Budget Enforcement
SEC. 201. LOCK-BOX FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SURPLUSES.
(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds that--
(1) under the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, the Social Security trust
funds are off-budget for purposes of the President's budget submission and
the concurrent resolution on the budget;
(2) the Social Security trust funds have been running surpluses for 17
years;
(3) these surpluses have been used to implicitly finance the general
operations of the Federal Government;
(4) in fiscal year 2001, the Social Security surplus will be $166
billion;
(5) this resolution balances the Federal budget without counting the
Social Security surpluses;
(6) the only way to ensure that Social Security surpluses are not
diverted for other purposes is to balance the budget exclusive of such
surpluses; and
(7) the Congress and the President should take such steps as are
necessary to ensure that future budgets are balanced excluding the surpluses
generated by the Social Security trust funds.
(b) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that
legislation should be enacted in this session of Congress that would enforce
the reduction in debt held by the public assumed in this resolution by the
imposition of a statutory limit on such debt or other appropriate means.
(1) IN GENERAL- It shall not be in order in the House of Representatives
or the Senate to consider any revision to this resolution or a concurrent
resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2002, or any amendment thereto or
conference report thereon, that sets forth a deficit for any fiscal
year.
(2) DEFICIT LEVELS- For purposes of this subsection, a deficit shall be
the level (if any) set forth in the most recently agreed to concurrent
resolution on the budget for that fiscal year pursuant to section 301(a)(3)
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
(d) EXCEPTION- Subsection (c)(1) shall not apply if--
(1) the most recent of the Department of Commerce's advance,
preliminary, or final reports of actual real economic growth indicate that
the rate of real economic growth for each of the most recently reported
quarter and the immediately preceding quarter is less than 1 percent;
or
(2) a declaration of war is in effect.
(e) SOCIAL SECURITY LOOK-BACK- If in fiscal year 2001 the Social Security
surplus is used to finance general operations of the Federal Government, an
amount equal to the amount used shall be deducted from the available amount of
discretionary spending for fiscal year 2002 for purposes of any concurrent
resolution on the budget.
(f) WAIVER AND APPEAL- Subsection (c)(1) may be waived or suspended in the
Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen
and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate,
duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in the Senate to sustain an appeal of
the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this section.
SEC. 202. DEBT REDUCTION LOCK-BOX.
(a) POINT OF ORDER- It shall not be in order in the House of
Representatives to consider any reported bill or joint resolution, or any
amendment thereto or conference report thereon, that would cause a surplus for
fiscal year 2001 to be less than the level (as adjusted) set forth in section
101(4) for that fiscal year.
(b) SPECIAL RULE- The level of the surplus for purposes of subsection (a)
shall take into account amounts adjusted under section 314(a)(2)(B) or (C) of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
SEC. 203. ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT OF BUDGETARY LIMITS.
(a) PROHIBITION ON USE OF DIRECTED SCOREKEEPING- (1) It shall not be in
order in the House to consider any reported bill or joint resolution, or
amendment thereto or conference report thereon, that contains a directed
scorekeeping provision.
(2) As used in this subsection, the term `directed scorekeeping' means
directing the Congressional Budget Office or the Office of Management and
Budget how to estimate any provision providing discretionary new budget
authority in a bill or joint resolution making general appropriations for a
fiscal year for budgetary enforcement purposes.
(b) PROHIBITION ON USE OF ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS- (1) It shall not be in
order in the House to consider any reported bill or joint resolution, or
amendment thereto or conference report thereon, that would cause the total
level of discretionary advance appropriations provided for fiscal years after
2001 to exceed $23,500,000,000 (which represents the total level of advance
appropriations for fiscal year 2001).
(2) As used in this subsection, the term `advance appropriation' means any
discretionary new budget authority in a bill or joint resolution making
general appropriations for fiscal year 2001 that first becomes available for
any fiscal year after 2001.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- This section shall cease to have any force or effect
on January 1, 2001.
SEC. 204. MECHANISMS FOR STRENGTHENING BUDGETARY INTEGRITY.
(a) DEFINITION- For purposes of this section, the term `budget year' means
with respect to a session of Congress, the fiscal year of the Government that
starts on October 1 of the calendar year in which that session begins.
(b) POINT OF ORDER WITH RESPECT TO ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any
bill, resolution, amendment, motion or conference report that--
(A) provides an appropriation of new budget authority for any fiscal
year after the budget year that is in excess of the amounts provided in
paragraph (2); and
(B) provides an appropriation of new budget authority for any fiscal
year subsequent to the year after the budget year.
(2) LIMITATION ON AMOUNTS- The total amount, provided in appropriations
legislation for the budget year, of appropriations for the subsequent fiscal
year shall not exceed $23,500,000,000.
(c) POINT OF ORDER WITH RESPECT TO DELAYED OBLIGATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall not be in
order in the Senate to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, motion, or
conference report that contains an appropriation of new budget authority for
any fiscal year which does not become available upon enactment of such
legislation or on the first day of that fiscal year (whichever is
later).
(2) EXCEPTION- Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to
appropriations in the defense category; nor shall it apply to appropriations
reoccurring or customary.
(d) WAIVER AND APPEAL- Subsections (b) and (c) may be waived or suspended
in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly
chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the
Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in the Senate to sustain an
appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this
section.
(e) FORM OF THE POINT OF ORDER- A point of order under this section may be
raised by a Senator as provided in section 313(e) of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974.
(f) CONFERENCE REPORTS- If a point of order is sustained under this
section against a conference report, the report shall be disposed of as
provided in section 313(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
(g) PRECATORY AMENDMENTS- For purposes of interpreting section 305(b)(2)
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, an amendment is not germane if it
contains predominately precatory language.
(h) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION- The chairman of the Committee on the Budget in
the Senate may instruct the Senate Committee on Finance to report legislation
to reduce debt held by the public in an amount consistent with section 103.
(i) SUNSET- Except for subsection (g), this section shall expire effective
October 1, 2002.
SEC. 205. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION POINT OF ORDER IN THE SENATE.
(1) GUIDANCE- In making a designation of a provision of legislation as
an emergency requirement under section 251(b)(2)(A) or 252(e) of the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the committee
report and any statement of managers accompanying that legislation shall
analyze whether a proposed emergency requirement meets all the criteria in
paragraph (2).
(A) IN GENERAL- The criteria to be considered in determining whether a
proposed expenditure or tax change is an emergency requirement
are--
(i) necessary, essential, or vital (not merely useful or
beneficial);
(ii) sudden, quickly coming into being, and not building up over
time;
(iii) an urgent, pressing, and compelling need requiring immediate
action;
(iv) subject to subparagraph (B), unforeseen, unpredictable, and
unanticipated; and
(v) not permanent, temporary in nature.
(B) UNFORESEEN- An emergency that is part of an aggregate level of
anticipated emergencies, particularly when normally estimated in advance,
is not unforeseen.
(3) JUSTIFICATION FOR FAILURE TO MEET CRITERIA- If the proposed
emergency requirement does not meet all the criteria set forth in paragraph
(2), the committee report or the statement of managers, as the case may be,
shall provide a written justification of why the requirement should be
accorded emergency status.
(b) POINT OF ORDER- When the Senate is considering a bill, resolution,
amendment, motion, or conference report, a point of order may be made by a
Senator against an emergency designation in that measure and if the Presiding
Officer sustains that point of order, that provision making such a designation
shall be stricken from the measure and may not be offered as an amendment from
the floor.
(c) WAIVER AND APPEAL- This section may be waived or suspended in the
Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen
and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate,
duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in the Senate to sustain an appeal of
the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this section.
(d) DEFINITION OF AN EMERGENCY REQUIREMENT- A provision shall be
considered an emergency designation if it designates any item an emergency
requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) or 252(e) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
(e) FORM OF THE POINT OF ORDER- A point of order under this section may be
raised by a Senator as provided in section 313(e) of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974.
(f) CONFERENCE REPORTS- If a point of order is sustained under this
section against a conference report, the report shall be disposed of as
provided in section 313(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
(g) EXCEPTION FOR DEFENSE SPENDING- Subsection (b) shall not apply against
an emergency designation for a provision making discretionary appropriations
in the defense category.
SEC. 206. MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTING INCREASE OF FISCAL YEAR 2001
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS.
(a) FINDINGS- The Senate finds the following:
(1) Unless and until the discretionary spending limit for fiscal year
2001 is increased, aggregate appropriations which exceed the current law
limits would still be out of order in the Senate and subject to a
supermajority vote.
(2) The functional totals contained in this concurrent resolution
envision a level of discretionary spending for fiscal year 2001 as
follows:
(A) For the discretionary category: $600,296,000,000 in new budget
authority and $592,773,000,000 in outlays.
(B) For the highway category: $26,920,000,000 in outlays.
(C) For the mass transit category: $4,639,000,000 in outlays.
(3) To facilitate the Senate completing its legislative responsibilities
for the 106th Congress in a timely fashion, it is imperative that the Senate
consider legislation which increases the discretionary spending limit for
fiscal year 2001 as soon as possible.
(b) ADJUSTMENT TO ALLOCATIONS AND OTHER BUDGETARY AGGREGATES AND LEVELS-
Whenever a bill or joint resolution becomes law that increases the
discretionary spending limit for fiscal year 2001 set out in section 251(c) of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the chairman of
the Committee on the Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable, shall
increase the allocation called for in section 302(a) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 to the appropriate Committee on Appropriations and shall
also appropriately adjust all other budgetary aggregates and levels contained
in this resolution.
(c) LIMITATION ON ADJUSTMENT- An adjustment made pursuant to subsection
(b) shall not result in an allocation under section 302(a) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 that exceeds the total budget authority and
outlays set forth in subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 207. SENATE FIREWALL FOR DEFENSE AND NONDEFENSE SPENDING.
(a) DEFINITION- In this section, for purposes of enforcement in the Senate
for fiscal year 2001, the term `discretionary spending limit' means--
(1) for the defense category, $310,819,000,000 in new budget authority
and $297,650,000,000 in outlays; and
(2) for the nondefense category, $289,477,000,000 in new budget
authority and $327,430,000,000 in outlays.
(b) POINT OF ORDER IN THE SENATE-
(1) IN GENERAL- After the adjustment to the section 302(a) allocation to
the Committee on Appropriations is made pursuant to section 213 and except
as provided in paragraph (2), it shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report
that exceeds any discretionary spending limit set forth in this
section.
(2) EXCEPTION- This subsection shall not apply if a declaration of war
by Congress is in effect.
(c) WAIVER AND APPEAL- This section may be waived or suspended in the
Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen
and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate,
duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in the Senate to sustain an appeal of
the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this section.
Subtitle B--Reserve Funds
SEC. 211. MECHANISM FOR ADDITIONAL DEBT REDUCTION.
(a) IN GENERAL- If any of the legislation described in subsection (b) is
vetoed (or does not become law) or any legislation described in subsection
(b)(1) or (b)(2) does not become law on or before October 1, 2000, then the
chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable,
may adjust the levels in this concurrent resolution as provided in subsection
(c).
(b) LEGISLATION- Any adjustment pursuant to subsection (a) shall be made
with respect to--
(1) the reconciliation legislation required by section 103(a) or section
104;
(2) the Medicare legislation provided for in section 214 or 215;
or
(3) any legislation which reduces revenues and is vetoed.
(c) ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE- The adjustment pursuant to subsection (a)
shall be--
(1) with respect to the legislation required by section 103(a) or
section 104, to decrease the balance displayed on the Senate's pay-as-you-go
scorecard and increase the revenue aggregate by the amount set forth in
section 103(a) or section 104 (as adjusted, if adjusted, pursuant to section
213) less the amount of any reduction in the current level of revenues which
has occurred since the adoption of this concurrent resolution and to
decrease the level of debt held by the public as set forth in section 101(6)
by that same amount;
(2) with respect to the legislation provided for in section 214 or
section 215, to decrease the balance displayed on the Senate's pay-as-you-go
scorecard by the amount set forth in section 214 or section 215 (less the
amount of any change in the current level of spending or revenues
attributable to section 215) and to decrease the level of debt held by the
public as set forth in section 101(6) by that same amount and make the
corresponding adjustments to the revenue and spending aggregates and
allocations set forth in this resolution; or
(3) with respect to the legislation described by subsection (b)(3),
decrease the balance on the Senate's pay-as-you-go scorecard and increase
the revenue aggregate for the cost of such legislation and decrease the
level of debt held by the public as set forth in section 101(6) by that same
amount.
SEC. 212. RESERVE FUND FOR ADDITIONAL TAX RELIEF AND DEBT REDUCTION.
Whenever the Committee on Ways and Means or the Committee on Finance
reports any bill, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference report
thereon is submitted, that would cause the level by which Federal revenues
should be reduced, as set forth in section 101(1)(B) for such fiscal year or
for such period, as adjusted, to be exceeded, the chairman of the Committee on
the Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable, may increase the levels by
which Federal revenues should be reduced by the amount exceeding such level
resulting from such measure, but not to exceed $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year
2001 and $25,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005 and
make all other appropriate conforming adjustments (after taking into account
any other bill or joint resolution enacted during this session of the One
Hundred Sixth Congress that would cause a reduction in revenues for fiscal
year 2001 or the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005).
SEC. 213. RESERVE FUND FOR ADDITIONAL SURPLUSES.
(a) REPORTING ADDITIONAL SURPLUSES- If the report provided pursuant to
section 202(e)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the budget and
economic outlook: update (for fiscal years 2001 through 2010) estimates an
on-budget surplus for any of fiscal years 2001 through 2005 that exceeds the
on-budget surplus set forth in the Congressional Budget Office's March 2000
budget and economic outlook (for fiscal years 2001 through 2010), the chairman
of the Committee on the Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable, may make
the adjustments as provided in subsection (b).
(b) ADJUSTMENTS- The chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House
or Senate, as applicable, may make the following adjustments in an amount not
to exceed the difference between the on-budget surpluses in the reports
referred to in subsection (a):
(1) Reduce the on-budget revenue aggregate by that amount for such
fiscal year.
(2) Adjust the instruction in section 103 or 104 to--
(A) increase the reduction in revenues by that amount for fiscal year
2001;
(B) increase the reduction in revenues by the sum of the amounts for
the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005; and
(C) in the House only, increase the amount of debt reduction by that
amount for fiscal year 2001.
(3) Adjust such other levels in this resolution, as appropriate and the
Senate pay-as-you-go scorecard.
(c) ADDITIONAL DEBT REDUCTION IN THE HOUSE- If the Congressional Budget
Office estimates an on-budget surplus for fiscal year 2000 in excess of the
level set forth in this resolution, then the chairman of the Committee on the
Budget of the House may--
(1) reduce the levels of the public debt and debt held by the public by
the amount of such increased on-budget surplus; and
(2) direct the Committee on Ways and Means to report by a date certain
an additional reconciliation bill that reduces debt held by the public by
such amount.
SEC. 214. RESERVE FUND FOR MEDICARE IN THE HOUSE.
Whenever the Committee on Ways and Means or Committee on Commerce of the
House reports a bill or joint resolution, or an amendment thereto is offered
(in the House), or a conference report thereon is submitted that reforms the
Medicare Program and provides coverage for prescription drugs, the chairman of
the Committee on the Budget of the House may increase the aggregates and
allocations of new budget authority (and outlays resulting therefrom) by the
amount provided by that measure for that purpose, but not to exceed
$2,000,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for fiscal year 2001 and
$40,000,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for the period of fiscal
years 2001 through 2005 (and make all other appropriate conforming
adjustments).
SEC. 215. RESERVE FUND FOR MEDICARE IN THE SENATE.
(a) PRESCRIPTION DRUGS- Whenever the Committee on Finance of the Senate
reports a bill or joint resolution or a conference report thereon is
submitted, which improves access to prescription drugs for Medicare
beneficiaries, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the Senate may
revise committee allocations and other appropriate budgetary levels and limits
to accommodate such legislation, provided that such legislation will not
reduce the on-budget surplus or increase spending, by more than
$20,000,000,000 over the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005 and will not
cause an on-budget deficit in any fiscal year.
(b) MEDICARE REFORM- Whenever the Committee on Finance of the Senate
reports a bill or joint resolution, or a conference report thereon is
submitted, which improves the solvency of the Medicare Program without the use
of new subsidies from the general fund and improves access to prescription
drugs (or continues access provided pursuant to subsection (a)) for Medicare
beneficiaries, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the Senate may
change committee allocations and other appropriate budgetary levels and limits
to accommodate such legislation, provided that such legislation will not
reduce the on-budget surplus or increase spending by more than $40,000,000,000
(less any amount already provided by the chairman pursuant to subsection (a))
over the period of fiscal years 2001 to 2005 and will not cause an on-budget
deficit in any fiscal year.
SEC. 216. RESERVE FUND FOR AGRICULTURE.
If the Committee on Agriculture of the House or the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate reports a bill on or before
June 29, 2000, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference report
thereon is submitted, that provides assistance for producers of program crops
and specialty crops, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House
or Senate, as applicable, may increase the allocation of new budget authority
and outlays to that committee for fiscal year 2000 by the amount of new budget
authority (and the outlays resulting therefrom) provided by that measure for
that purpose not to exceed $5,500,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays
for fiscal year 2000 and $1,640,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays
for fiscal year 2001.
SEC. 217. RESERVE FUND TO FOSTER THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
AND THE EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENCE OF THEIR FAMILIES.
If the Committee on Commerce of the House or the Committee on Finance of
the Senate reports a bill, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference
report thereon is submitted, that facilitates children with disabilities
receiving needed health care at home, the chairman of the Committee on the
Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable, may increase the allocation of
new budget authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget
authority (and the outlays resulting therefrom) provided by that measure for
that purpose not to exceed $25,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for
fiscal year 2001 and $150,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for the
period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.
SEC. 218. RESERVE FUND FOR MILITARY RETIREE HEALTH CARE.
If the Committee on Armed Services of the House or the Senate reports the
Department of Defense authorization legislation to fund improvements to health
care programs for military retirees and their dependents in order to fulfill
the promises made to them, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference
report thereon is submitted, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of
the House or Senate, as applicable, may increase the allocation of new budget
authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget authority
(and the outlays resulting therefrom) provided by that measure for that
purpose not to exceed $50,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for
fiscal year 2001 and $400,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays for the
period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005 if the enactment of such measure will
not cause an on-budget deficit for fiscal year 2001 and the period of fiscal
years 2001 through 2005.
SEC. 219. RESERVE FUND FOR CANCER SCREENING AND ENROLLMENT IN SCHIP.
If the Committee on Commerce of the House or the Committee on Finance of
the Senate reports a bill, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference
report thereon is submitted, that accelerates enrollment of uninsured children
in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program or provides
Medicaid coverage for women diagnosed with cervical and breast cancer through
the screening program of the Centers for Disease Control, the chairman of the
Committee on the Budget of the House or Senate, as applicable, may increase
the allocation of new budget authority and outlays to that committee by the
amount of new budget authority (and the outlays resulting therefrom) provided
by that measure for that purpose not to exceed $50,000,000 in new budget
authority and outlays for fiscal year 2001 and $250,000,000 in new budget
authority and outlays for the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.
SEC. 220. RESERVE FUND FOR STABILIZATION OF PAYMENTS TO COUNTIES IN SUPPORT
OF EDUCATION.
(a) ADJUSTMENT- If the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on
Resources of the House or the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate reports a bill, or an amendment thereto is offered or a conference
report thereon is submitted, that provides additional resources for counties
and complies with paragraph (2), the chairman of the Committee on the Budget
of the House or Senate, as applicable, may increase the allocation of new
budget authority and outlays to that committee by the amount of new budget
authority (and the outlays resulting therefrom) provided by that measure for
that purpose not to exceed $200,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays
for fiscal year 2001 and $1,100,000,000 in new budget authority and outlays
for the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.
(b) CONDITION- Legislation complies with this section if it provides for
the stabilization of receipt-based payments to counties that support school
and road systems and also provides that a portion of those payments would be
dedicated toward local investments in Federal lands within the counties.
SEC. 221. TAX REDUCTION RESERVE FUND IN THE SENATE.
In the Senate, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget may reduce the
spending and revenue aggregates and may revise committee allocations for
legislation that reduces revenues if such legislation will not increase the
deficit or decrease the surplus for--
(2) the period of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.
SEC. 222. APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ALLOCATIONS AND
AGGREGATES.
(a) APPLICATION- Any adjustments of allocations and aggregates made
pursuant to this resolution shall--
(1) apply while that measure is under consideration;
(2) take effect upon the enactment of that measure; and
(3) be published in the Congressional Record as soon as
practicable.
(b) EFFECT OF CHANGED ALLOCATIONS AND AGGREGATES- Revised allocations and
aggregates resulting from these adjustments shall be considered for the
purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as allocations and aggregates
contained in this resolution.
(c) BUDGET COMMITTEE DETERMINATIONS- For purposes of this resolution--
(1) the levels of new budget authority, outlays, direct spending, new
entitlement authority, revenues, deficits, and surpluses for a fiscal year
or period of fiscal years shall be determined on the basis of estimates made
by the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives or the
Senate, as applicable; and
(2) such chairman, as applicable, may make any other necessary
adjustments to such levels to carry out this resolution.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous Rulemaking Provisions
SEC. 231. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 13301 OF THE BUDGET ENFORCEMENT ACT OF
1990.
(a) In the House, notwithstanding section 302(a)(1) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, the joint explanatory statement accompanying the
conference report on any concurrent resolution on the budget shall include in
its allocation under section 302(a) of such Act to the Committee on
Appropriations amounts for the discretionary administrative expenses of the
Social Security Administration that are off-budget pursuant to section 13301
of the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 (even though such amounts are not
included in the conference report on any concurrent resolution on the budget
pursuant to such section 13301).
(b) In the House, for purposes of applying section 302(f) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, estimates of the level of total new budget
authority and total outlays provided by a measure shall include any
discretionary amounts provided for the Social Security Administration.
SEC. 232. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL RESERVE SURPLUSES.
(a) PURPOSE- The purpose of this section is to ensure that transfers from
nonbudgetary governmental entities, such as the Federal reserve banks, shall
not be used to offset increased on-budget spending when such transfers produce
no real budgetary or economic effects.
(b) BUDGETARY RULE- In the Senate, for purposes of points of order under
this resolution and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, provisions contained
in any bill, resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that affects
any surplus funds of the Federal reserve banks shall not be scored with
respect to the level of budget authority, outlays, or revenues contained in
such legislation.
SEC. 233. REAFFIRMING THE PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF TAX INCREASES FOR
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING.
(a) PURPOSE- The purpose of this section is to reaffirm Congress' belief
that the discretionary spending limits should be adhered to and not
circumvented by allowing increased taxes to offset discretionary spending.
(b) RESTATEMENT OF BUDGETARY RULE- For purposes of points of order under
this resolution and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, provisions contained
in an appropriations bill (or an amendment thereto or a conference report
thereon) resulting in increased revenues shall continue to not be scored with
respect to the level of budget authority or outlays contained in such
legislation.
SEC. 234. EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWERS.
Congress adopts the provisions of this title--
(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House
of Representatives, respectively, and as such they shall be considered as
part of the rules of each House, or of that House to which they specifically
apply, and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the extent that
they are inconsistent therewith; and
(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to
change those rules (so far as they relate to that House) at any time, in the
same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that
House.
TITLE III--SENSE OF THE CONGRESS, HOUSE, AND SENATE
PROVISIONS
Subtitle A--Sense of the Congress Provisions
SEC. 301. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION.
It is the sense of the Congress that funding for graduate medical
education for children's hospitals is a high priority in this resolution.
SEC. 302. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON PROVIDING ADDITIONAL DOLLARS TO THE
CLASSROOM.
(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds that--
(1) strengthening America's public schools while respecting State and
local control is critically important to the future of our children and our
Nation;
(2) education is a local responsibility, a State priority, and a
national concern;
(3) a partnership with the Nation's governors, parents, teachers, and
principals must take place in order to strengthen public schools and foster
educational excellence;
(4) the consolidation of various Federal education programs will benefit
our Nation's children, parents, and teachers by sending more dollars
directly to the classroom; and
(5) our Nation's children deserve an educational system that will
provide opportunities to excel.
(b) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) Congress should enact legislation that would consolidate 31 Federal
K-12 education programs; and
(2) the Department of Education, the States, and local educational
agencies should work together to ensure that not less than 95 percent of all
funds appropriated for the purpose of carrying out elementary and secondary
education programs administered by the Department of Education are spent for
our children in their classrooms.
Subtitle B--Sense of the House Provisions
SEC. 311. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) while the budget may be in balance, it continues to be ridden with
waste, fraud, and abuse;
(2) just last month, auditors documented more than $19,000,000,000 in
improper payments each year by such agencies as the Agency of International
Development, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security
Administration, and the Department of Defense;
(3) the General Accounting Office recently reported that the financial
management practices of some Federal agencies are so poor that it is unable
to determine the full extent of improper Government payments; and
(4) the General Accounting Office now lists a record number of 25
Federal programs that are at `high risk' of waste, fraud, and abuse.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that the Committee on
the Budget has created task forces to address this issue and that the
President should take immediate steps to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse within
the Federal Government and report on such actions to Congress and that any
resulting savings should be dedicated to debt reduction and tax relief.
SEC. 312. SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING EMERGENCY SPENDING.
It is the sense of the House that, as part of a comprehensive reform of
the budget process, the Committees on the Budget should develop a definition
of, and a process for, funding emergencies consistent with the applicable
provisions of H.R. 853, the Comprehensive Budget Process Reform Act of 1999,
that could be incorporated into the Rules of the House of Representatives and
the Standing Rules of the Senate.
SEC. 313. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ESTIMATES OF THE IMPACT OF REGULATIONS ON
THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) the Federal regulatory system sometimes adversely affects many
Americans and businesses by imposing financial burdens with little
corresponding public benefit;
(2) currently, Congress has no general mechanism for assessing the
financial impact of regulatory activities on the private sector;
(3) Congress is ultimately responsible for making sure agencies act in
accordance with congressional intent and, while the executive branch is
responsible for promulgating regulations, Congress should curb ineffective
regulations by using its oversight and regulatory powers; and
(4) a variety of reforms have been suggested to increase congressional
oversight over regulatory activity, including directing the President to
prepare an annual accounting statement containing several cost/benefit
analyses, recommendations to reform inefficient regulatory programs, and an
identification and analysis of duplications and inconsistencies among such
programs.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that the House should
reclaim its role as reformer and take the first step toward curbing
inefficient regulatory activity by passing legislation authorizing the
Congressional Budget Office to prepare regular estimates on the impact of
proposed Federal regulations on the private sector.
SEC. 314. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON BIENNIAL BUDGETING.
It is the sense of the House that there is a wide range of views on the
advisability of biennial budgeting and this issue should be considered only
within the context of comprehensive budget process reform.
SEC. 315. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE AND PRESERVING
HOME HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES.
(a) ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE-
(1) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(A) 44.4 million Americans are currently without health insurance, and
that this number is expected to rise to nearly 60 million people in the
next 10 years;
(B) the cost of health insurance continues to rise, a key factor in
increasing the number of uninsured; and
(C) there is a consensus that working Americans and their families
will suffer from reduced access to health insurance.
(2) SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE INSURANCE- It
is the sense of the House that access to affordable health care coverage for
all Americans is a priority of the 106th Congress.
(b) PRESERVING HOME HEALTH SERVICE FOR ALL MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES-
(1) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(A) the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 reformed Medicare home health care
spending by instructing the Health Care Financing Administration to
implement a prospective payment system and instituted an interim payment
system to achieve savings;
(B) the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act,
1999, reformed the interim payment system to increase reimbursements to
low-cost providers and delayed the automatic 15 percent payment reduction
until after the first year of the implementation of the prospective
payment system; and
(C) patients whose care is more extensive and expensive than the
typical Medicare patient do not receive supplemental payments in the
interim payment system but will receive special protection in the home
health care prospective payment system.
(2) SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ACCESS TO HOME HEALTH CARE- It is the sense of
the House that--
(A) Congress recognizes the importance of home health care for seniors
and disabled citizens;
(B) Congress and the Administration should work together to maintain
quality care for patients whose care is more extensive and expensive than
the typical Medicare patient, including the most ill and infirmed Medicare
beneficiaries, while home health care agencies operate in the interim
payment system; and
(C) Congress and the Administration should work together to avoid the
implementation of the 15 percent reduction in the prospective payment
system and ensure timely implementation of that system.
SEC. 316. SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING MEDICARE+CHOICE
PROGRAMS/REIMBURSEMENT RATES.
It is the sense of the House that the Medicare+Choice regional disparity
among reimbursement rates is unfair, and that full funding of the
Medicare+Choice Program is a priority as Congress considers any Medicare
reform legislation.
SEC. 317. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON DIRECTING THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE TO
ACCEPT NEGATIVE NUMBERS IN FARM INCOME AVERAGING.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) farmers' and ranchers' incomes vary widely from year-to-year due to
uncontrollable markets and unpredictable weather;
(2) in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Congress enacted 3-year farm
income averaging to protect agricultural producers from excessive tax rates
in profitable years;
(3) last year, the Internal Revenue Service proposed final regulations
for averaging farm income, which failed to make clear that taxable income in
a given year may be a negative number; and
(4) this Internal Revenue Service interpretation can result in farmers
paying additional taxes during years in which they experience a loss in
income.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that legislation
should be considered during this session of the 106th Congress to direct the
Internal Revenue Service to count any net loss of income in determining the
proper rate of taxation.
SEC. 318. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) the year 2000 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the National Science
Foundation;
(2) the National Science Foundation is the largest supporter of basic
research in the Federal Government;
(3) the National Science Foundation is the second largest supporter of
university-based research;
(4) research conducted by the grantees of the National Science
Foundation has led to innovations that have dramatically improved the
quality of life of all Americans;
(5) grants made by the National Science Foundation have been a crucial
factor in the development of important technologies that Americans take for
granted, such as lasers, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Doppler Radar, and the
Internet;
(6) because basic research funded by the National Science Foundation is
high-risk, cutting edge, fundamental, and may not produce tangible benefits
for over a decade, the Federal Government is uniquely suited to support such
research; and
(7) the National Science Foundation's focus on peer-reviewed merit based
grants represents a model for research agencies across the Federal
Government.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that the function 250
(Basic Science) levels assume an amount of funding which ensures that the
National Science Foundation is a priority in the resolution; and that the
National Science Foundation's critical role in funding basic research, which
leads to the innovations that assure the Nation's economic future, and
cultivate America's intellectual infrastructure, should be recognized.
SEC. 319. SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES.
It is the sense of the House that the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
should continue to carefully monitor the Medicare skilled nursing benefit to
determine if payment rates are sufficient to provide quality care, and that if
reform is recommended, Congress should pass legislation as quickly as possible
to assure quality skilled nursing care.
SEC. 320. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) all children deserve a quality education, including children with
disabilities;
(2) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides that the
Federal, State, and local governments are to share in the expense of
educating children with disabilities and commits the Federal Government to
pay up to 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure for
children with disabilities;
(3) the high cost of educating children with disabilities and the
Federal Government's failure to fully meet its obligation under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act stretches limited State and
local education funds, creating difficulty in providing a quality education
to all students, including children with disabilities;
(4) the current level of Federal funding to States and localities under
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is contrary to the goal of
ensuring that children with disabilities receive a quality education;
(5) the Federal Government has failed to appropriate 40 percent of the
national average per pupil expenditure per child with a disability as
required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to assist
States and localities to educate children with disabilities; and
(6) the levels in function 500 (Education) for fiscal year 2001 assume
sufficient discretionary budget authority to accommodate fiscal year 2001
appropriations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, at least
$2,000,000,000 above such funding levels appropriated in fiscal year
2000.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that--
(1) function 500 (Education) levels assume at least a $2,000,000,000
increase in fiscal year 2001 over the current fiscal year to reflect the
commitment of Congress to appropriate 40 percent of the national per pupil
expenditure for children with disabilities by a date certain;
(2) Congress and the President should increase fiscal year 2001 funding
for programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by at
least $2,000,000,000 above fiscal year 2000 appropriated levels;
(3) Congress and the President should give programs under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act the highest priority among
Federal elementary and secondary education programs by meeting the
commitment to fund the maximum State grant allocation for educating children
with disabilities under such Act prior to authorizing or appropriating funds
for any new education initiative;
(4) Congress and the President may consider, if new or increased funding
is authorized or appropriated for any elementary and secondary education
initiative that directs funds to local educational agencies, providing the
flexibility in such authorization or appropriation necessary to allow local
educational agencies the authority to use such funds for programs under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and
(5) if a local educational agency chooses to utilize the authority under
section 613(a)(2)(C)(i) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
to treat as local funds up to 20 percent of the amount of funds the agency
receives under part B of such Act that exceeds the amount it received under
that part for the previous fiscal year, then the agency should use those
local funds to provide additional funding for any Federal, State, or local
education program.
SEC. 321. SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING HCFA DRAFT GUIDELINES.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) on February 15, 2000, the Health Care Financing Administration
within the Department of Health and Human Services issued a draft Medicaid
School-Based Administrative Claiming (MAC) Guide; and
(2) in its introduction, the stated purpose of the draft MAC Guide is to
provide information for schools, State Medicaid agencies, HCFA staff, and
other interested parties on the existing requirements for claiming Federal
funds under the Medicaid Program for the costs of administrative activities,
such as Medicaid outreach, that are performed in the school setting
associated with school-based health services programs.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that--
(1) many school-based health programs provide a broad range of services
that are covered by Medicaid, affording access to care for children who
otherwise might well go without needed services;
(2) such programs also can play a powerful role in identifying and
enrolling children who are eligible for Medicaid, as well as the State
Children's Health Insurance programs;
(3) undue administrative burdens may be placed on school districts and
States and deter timely application approval;
(4) the Health Care Financing Administration should substantially revise
the current draft MAC Guide because it appears to promulgate new rules that
place excessive administrative burdens on participating school
districts;
(5) the goal of the revised guide should be to encourage the appropriate
use of Medicaid school-based services without undue administrative burdens;
and
(6) the best way to ensure the continued viability of Medicaid
school-based services is to guarantee that the guidelines are fair and
responsible.
SEC. 322. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ASSET-BUILDING FOR THE WORKING POOR.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) 33 percent of all American households and 60 percent of African
American households have either no financial assets or negative financial
assets;
(2) 46.9 percent of children in America live in households with no
financial assets, including 40 percent of Caucasian children and 75 percent
of African American children;
(3) incentives, including individual development accounts, are tools
demonstrating success at empowering low-income workers;
(4) middle and upper income Americans currently benefit from tax
incentives for building assets; and
(5) the Federal Government should utilize the Federal tax code to
provide low-income Americans with incentives to work and build assets in
order to permanently escape poverty.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that the provisions
of this resolution assume that Congress should modify the Federal tax law to
include Individual Development Account provisions in order to encourage
low-income workers and their families to save for buying a first home,
starting a business, obtaining an education, or taking other measures to
prepare for the future.
SEC. 323. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING THE NATION'S
EMERGENCY FIRST-RESPONDERS.
(a) FINDINGS- The House finds that--
(1) over 1.2 million men and women work as fire and emergency services
personnel in 32,000 fire and emergency medical services departments across
the Nation;
(2) over 80 percent of those who serve do so as volunteers;
(3) the Nation's firefighters responded to more than 18 million calls in
1998, including over 1.7 million fires;
(4) an average of 100 firefighters per year lose their lives in the
course of their duties; and
(5) the Federal Government has a role in protecting the health and
safety of the Nation's fire fighting personnel.
(b) SENSE OF THE HOUSE- It is the sense of the House that--
(1) the Nation's firefighters and emergency services crucial role in
preserving and protecting life and property should be recognized, and such
Federal assistance as low-interest loan programs, community development
block grant reforms, emergency radio spectrum reallocations, and volunteer
fire assistance programs, should be considered; and
(2) additional resources should be set aside for such assistance.
SEC. 324. SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ADDITIONAL HEALTH-RELATED TAX RELIEF.
It is the sense of the House that the reserve fund set forth in section
213 assumes $446,000,000 in fiscal year 2001 and $4,352,000,000 for the period
of fiscal years 2001 through 2005 for health-related tax provisions comparable
to those contained in H.R. 2990 (as passed by the House).
Subtitle C--Sense of the Senate Provisions
SEC. 331. SENSE OF THE SENATE SUPPORTING FUNDING LEVELS IN EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES ACT.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that of the amounts provided for elementary and secondary education within the
Budget Function 500 of this resolution for fiscal years 2001 through 2005,
such funds shall be appropriated in proportion to and in accordance with the
levels authorized in the Educational Opportunities Act, S. 2.
SEC. 332. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON ADDITIONAL BUDGETARY RESOURCES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels contained in this resolution
assume that--
(1) there are billions of dollars in wasted expenditures in the Federal
Government that should be eliminated; and
(2) higher projected budget surpluses arising from reductions in
Government waste and stronger revenue inflows could be used in the future
for additional tax relief or debt reduction.
SEC. 333. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON REGARDING THE INADEQUACY OF THE PAYMENTS
FOR SKILLED NURSING CARE.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that--
(1) the Administration should identify areas where they have the
authority to make changes to improve quality, including analyzing and fixing
the labor component of the skilled nursing facility market basket update
factor; and
(2) while Congress deliberates funding structural Medicare reform and
the addition of a prescription drug benefit, it must maintain the continued
viability of the current skilled nursing benefit. Therefore, the committees
of jurisdiction should ensure that Medicare beneficiaries requiring skilled
nursing care have access to that care and that those providers have the
resources to meet the expectation for high quality care.
SEC. 334. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON VETERANS' MEDICAL CARE.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume an
increase of $1,400,000,000 in veterans' medical care appropriations in fiscal
year 2001.
SEC. 335. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON IMPACT AID.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that the Impact Aid Program strive to reach the goal that all local
educational agencies eligible for Impact Aid receive at a minimum, 40 percent
of their maximum payment under sections 8002 and 8003.
SEC. 336. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON TAX SIMPLIFICATION.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that the Joint Committee on Taxation shall develop a report and alternative
proposals on tax simplification by the end of the year, and the Department of
the Treasury is requested to develop a report and alternative proposals on tax
simplification by the end of the year.
SEC. 337. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE AND FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REGARDING AGRICULTURE MERGERS AND
ANTICOMPETITIVE ACTIVITY.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that--
(1) the Antitrust Division and the Bureau of Competition will have
adequate resources to enable them to meet their statutory requirements,
including those related to reviewing increasingly numerous and complex
mergers and investigating and prosecuting anticompetitive business activity;
and
(2) these departments will--
(A) dedicate considerable resources to matters and transactions
dealing with agri-business antitrust and competition; and
(B) ensure that all vertical and horizontal mergers implicating
agriculture and all complaints regarding possible anticompetitive business
practices in the agriculture industry will receive extraordinary
scrutiny.
SEC. 338. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING FAIR MARKETS FOR AMERICAN
FARMERS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that--
(1) the United States should take steps to increase support for American
farmers in order to level the playing field for United States agricultural
producers and increase the leverage of the United States in World Trade
Organization negotiations on agriculture as long as such support is not
trade distorting, and does not otherwise exceed or impair existing Uruguay
Round obligations; and
(2) such actions should improve United States farm income and restore
the prosperity of rural communities.
SEC. 339. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON WOMEN AND SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that--
(1) women face unique obstacles in ensuring retirement security and
survivor and disability stability;
(2) Social Security plays an essential role in guaranteeing
inflation-protected financial stability for women throughout their old
age;
(3) Congress and the Administration should act, as part of Social
Security reform, to ensure that widows and other poor elderly women receive
more adequate benefits that reduce their poverty rates and that women, under
whatever approach is taken to reform Social Security, should receive no
lesser a share of overall federally funded retirement benefits than they
receive today; and
(4) the sacrifice that women make to care for their family should be
recognized during reform of Social Security and that women should not be
penalized by taking an average of 11.5 years out of their careers to care
for their family.
SEC. 340. USE OF FALSE CLAIMS ACT IN COMBATTING MEDICARE FRAUD.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code (commonly referred to as the
False Claims Act) and the qui tam provisions of that chapter are essential
tools in combatting Medicare fraud and should not be weakened in any way.
SEC. 341. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE NATIONAL GUARD.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in the resolution assume
that the Department of Defense will give priority to funding the Active
Guard/Reserves and Military Technicians at levels authorized by Congress in
the fiscal year 2000 Department of Defense authorization bill.
SEC. 342. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING MILITARY READINESS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the functional totals in the budget
resolution assume that Congress will protect the Department of Defense's
readiness accounts, including spares and repair parts, and operations and
maintenance, and use the requested levels as the minimum baseline for fiscal
year 2001 authorization and appropriations.
SEC. 343. SENSE OF THE SENATE SUPPORTING FUNDING OF DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY
INITIATIVES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that the Committees on Appropriations and Finance should support efforts that
address the digital divide, including tax incentives and funding to--
(1) broaden access to information technologies;
(2) provide workers and teachers with information technology
training;
(3) promote innovative online content and software applications that
will improve commerce, education, and quality of life; and
(4) help provide information and communications technology to
underserved communities.
SEC. 344. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON FUNDING FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that funds to improve the justice system will be available as follows:
(1) $665,000,000 for the expanded support of direct Federal enforcement,
adjudicative, and correctional-detention activities.
(2) $50,000,000 in additional funds to combat terrorism, including cyber
crime.
(3) $41,000,000 in additional funds for construction costs for the
Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center.
(4) $200,000,000 in support of Customs and Immigration and
Nationalization Service port of entry officers for the development and
implementation of the ACE computer system designed to meet critical trade
and border security needs.
(5) Funding is available for the continuation of such programs as: the
Byrne Grant Program, Violence Against Women, Juvenile Accountability Block
Grants, First Responder Training, Local Law Enforcement Block Grants, Weed
and Seed, Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth in Sentencing, State
Criminal Alien Assistance Program, Drug Courts, Residential Substance Abuse
Treatment, Crime Identification Technologies, Bulletproof Vests,
Counterterrorism, Interagency Law Enforcement Coordination.
SEC. 345. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION
REFORM.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that the Federal Government should support State and local educational
agencies engaged in comprehensive reform of their public education system and
that any public education reform should include at least the following
principles:
(1) Every child should begin school ready to learn.
(2) Training and development for principals and teachers should be a
priority.
SEC. 346. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON PROVIDING ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR UNITED
STATES INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that additional budgetary resources should be identified for function 150 to
enable successful United States international leadership.
SEC. 347. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING THE HIV/AIDS CRISIS.
It is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) the functional totals underlying this resolution on the budget
assume that Congress has recognized the catastrophic effects of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and seeks to maximize the
effectiveness of the United States' efforts to combat the disease through
any necessary authorization or appropriations;
(2) Congress should strengthen ongoing programs which address education
and prevention, testing, the care of AIDS orphans, and improving home and
community-based care options for those living with AIDS; and
(3) Congress should seek additional or new tools to combat the epidemic,
including initiatives to encourage vaccine development and programs aimed at
preventing mother-to-child transmission of the disease.
SEC. 348. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING TRIBAL COLLEGES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this resolution assume
that--
(1) the Senate recognizes the funding difficulties faced by tribal
colleges and assumes that priority consideration will be provided to them
through funding for the Tribally Controlled College and University Act, the
1994 Land Grant Institutions, and title III of the Higher Education Act;
and
(2) such priority consideration reflects Congress' intent to continue
work toward current statutory Federal funding goals for the tribal
colleges.
SEC. 349. SENSE OF THE SENATE TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM THE MARRIAGE
PENALTY.
It is the sense of the Senate that the level in this budget resolution
assume that Congress shall--
(1) pass marriage penalty tax relief legislation that begins a phase
down of this penalty in 2001;
(2) consider such legislation prior to April 15, 2000.
SEC. 350. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE CONTINUED USE OF FEDERAL FUEL TAXES FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION OF OUR NATION'S HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND
TRANSIT SYSTEMS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the functional totals in this budget
resolution do not assume the reduction of any Federal gasoline taxes on either
a temporary or permanent basis.
SEC. 351. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING THE PRICE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN
THE UNITED STATES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the budgetary levels in this resolution
assume that the cost disparity between identical prescription drugs sold in
the United States, Canada, and Mexico should be reduced or eliminated.
SEC. 352. SENSE OF THE SENATE AGAINST FEDERAL FUNDING OF SMOKE SHOPS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the budget levels in this resolution
assume that no Federal funds may be used by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development to provide any grant or other assistance to construct,
operate, or otherwise benefit a smoke shop or other tobacco outlet.
SEC. 353. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING INVESTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST
FUNDS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the assumptions underlying the
functional totals in this resolution assume that the Federal Government should
not directly invest contributions made to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors
Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund
established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401), or
any interest derived from those contributions, in private financial
markets.
SEC. 354. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the levels in this budget resolution
assume that among its reform options, Congress should explore a Medicare
prescription drug proposal that--
(2) increases access for all Medicare beneficiaries;
(3) is designed to provide meaningful protection and bargaining power
for Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining prescription drugs;
(4) is affordable for all Medicare beneficiaries and for the Medicare
Program;
(5) is administered using private sector entities and competitive
purchasing techniques;
(6) is consistent with broader Medicare reform;
(7) preserves and protects the financial integrity of the Medicare trust
funds;
(8) does not increase Medicare beneficiary premiums; and
(9) provides a prescription drug benefit as soon as possible.
SEC. 355. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING FUNDING FOR NEW EDUCATION
PROGRAMS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the budgetary levels in this resolution
assume that Congress' first priority should be to fully fund the programs
described under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20
U.S.C. 1411 et seq.) at the originally promised level of 40 percent before
Federal funds are appropriated for new education programs.
SEC. 356. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL FIREARMS
LAWS.
It is the sense of the Senate that the assumptions underlying the
functional totals in this concurrent resolution on the budget assume that
Federal funds will be used for an effective law enforcement strategy requiring
a commitment to enforcing existing Federal firearms laws by--
(1) designating not less than one Assistant United States Attorney in
each district to prosecute Federal firearms violations and thereby expand
Project Exile nationally;
(2) upgrading the national instant criminal background system
established under section 103(b) of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention
Act (18 U.S.C. 922 note) by encouraging States to place mental health
adjudications on that system and by improving the overall speed and
efficiency of that system; and
(3) providing incentive grants to States to encourage States to impose
mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses based on section 924(c) of
title 18, United States Code, and to prosecute those offenses in State
court.
SEC. 357. SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT ANY INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD
BE ACCOMPANIED BY TAX RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the functional totals underlying this
resolution on the budget assume that the minimum wage should be increased as
provided for in amendment number 2547, the Domenici and others amendment to S.
625, the Bankruptcy Reform legislation.
SEC. 358. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING FUNDING FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF
MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES IN THE THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN.
It is the sense of the Congress that the levels of funding for the defense
category in this resolution--
(1) assume that members of the Armed Forces are to be authorized to
participate in the Thrift Savings Plan; and
(2) provide the $980,000,000 necessary to offset the reduced tax revenue
resulting from that participation through fiscal year 2009.
SEC. 359. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING UNINSURED AND LOW-INCOME
INDIVIDUALS IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.
It is the sense of the Senate that the functional totals underlying this
resolution on the budget assume that--
(1) appropriations for consolidated health centers under section 330 of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b) should be increased by 100
percent over the next 5 fiscal years in order to double the number of
individuals who receive health care services at community, migrant,
homeless, and public housing health centers; and
(2) appropriations for consolidated health centers should be increased
by $150,000,000 in fiscal year 2001 over the amount appropriated for such
centers in fiscal year 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk of the House of Representatives.
By
Deputy Clerk.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate.
END