[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2943 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.2943
One Hundred Sixth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday,
the twenty-fourth day of January, two thousand
An Act
To authorize additional assistance for international malaria control,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Assistance for International Malaria
Control Act''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Assistance for malaria prevention, treatment, control, and
elimination.
TITLE II--POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES WITH RESPECT TO MACAU
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings and declarations; sense of Congress.
Sec. 203. Continued application of United States law.
Sec. 204. Reporting requirement.
Sec. 205. Definitions.
TITLE III--UNITED STATES-CANADA ALASKA RAIL COMMISSION
Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Findings.
Sec. 303. Agreement for a United States-Canada bilateral commission.
Sec. 304. Composition of Commission.
Sec. 305. Governance and staffing of Commission.
Sec. 306. Duties.
Sec. 307. Commencement and termination of Commission.
Sec. 308. Funding.
Sec. 309. Definitions.
TITLE IV--PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION ACT OF 2000
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Purposes.
Sec. 403. Establishment of commission.
Sec. 404. Duties of Commission.
Sec. 405. Membership of Commission.
Sec. 406. Powers of Commission.
Sec. 407. Staff and support services of Commission.
Sec. 408. Termination.
Sec. 409. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 410. Effective date.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Assistance efforts in Sudan.
Sec. 502. Authority to provide towing assistance.
Sec. 503. Sense of Congress on the American University in Bulgaria.
TITLE VI--PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS ACT OF 2000
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings.
Sec. 603. Designation of Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program.
TITLE I--ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``International Malaria Control Act
of 2000''.
SEC. 102. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The World Health Organization estimates that there are
300,000,000 to 500,000,000 cases of malaria each year.
(2) According to the World Health Organization, more than
1,000,000 persons are estimated to die due to malaria each year.
(3) According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40
percent of the world's population is at risk of becoming infected.
(4) About half of those who die each year from malaria are
children under 9 years of age.
(5) Malaria kills one child each 30 seconds.
(6) Although malaria is a public health problem in more than 90
countries, more than 90 percent of all malaria cases are in sub-
Saharan Africa.
(7) In addition to Africa, large areas of Central and South
America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Indian subcontinent,
Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are high risk malaria areas.
(8) These high risk areas represent many of the world's poorest
nations.
(9) Malaria is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. The
disease causes severe anemia and is a major factor contributing to
maternal deaths in malaria endemic regions.
(10) ``Airport malaria'', the importing of malaria by
international aircraft and other conveyances, is becoming more
common, and the United Kingdom reported 2,364 cases of malaria in
1997, all of them imported by travelers.
(11) In the United States, of the 1,400 cases of malaria
reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1998,
the vast majority were imported.
(12) Between 1970 and 1997, the malaria infection rate in the
United States increased by about 40 percent.
(13) Malaria is caused by a single-cell parasite that is spread
to humans by mosquitoes.
(14) No vaccine is available and treatment is hampered by
development of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant
mosquitoes.
SEC. 103. ASSISTANCE FOR MALARIA PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CONTROL,
AND ELIMINATION.
(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the United States Agency
for International Development, in coordination with the heads of
other appropriate Federal agencies and nongovernmental
organizations, shall provide assistance for the establishment and
conduct of activities designed to prevent, treat, control, and
eliminate malaria in countries with a high percentage of malaria
cases.
(2) Consideration of interaction among epidemics.--In providing
assistance pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator should
consider the interaction among the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, malaria,
and tuberculosis.
(3) Dissemination of information requirement.--Activities
referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the dissemination of
information relating to the development of vaccines and therapeutic
agents for the prevention of malaria (including information
relating to participation in, and the results of, clinical trials
for such vaccines and agents conducted by United States Government
agencies) to appropriate officials in such countries.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out subsection (a) $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2001 and 2002.
(2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) are authorized
to remain available until expended.
TITLE II--POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES WITH RESPECT TO MACAU
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``United States-Macau Policy Act of
2000''.
SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings and Declarations.--Congress makes the following
findings and declarations:
(1) The continued economic prosperity of Macau furthers United
States interests in the People's Republic of China and Asia.
(2) Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of
United States foreign policy, and as such, that principle naturally
applies to United States policy toward Macau.
(3) The human rights of the people of Macau are of great
importance to the United States and are directly relevant to United
States interests in Macau.
(4) A fully successful transition in the exercise of
sovereignty over Macau must continue to safeguard human rights in
and of themselves.
(5) Human rights also serve as a basis for Macau's continued
economic prosperity, and Congress takes note of Macau's adherence
to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the
International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States should play an active role in maintaining
Macau's confidence and prosperity, Macau's unique cultural
heritage, and the mutually beneficial ties between the people of
the United States and the people of Macau;
(2) through its policies, the United States should contribute
to Macau's ability to maintain a high degree of autonomy in matters
other than defense and foreign affairs as promised by the People's
Republic of China and the Republic of Portugal in the Joint
Declaration, particularly with respect to such matters as trade,
commerce, law enforcement, finance, monetary policy, aviation,
shipping, communications, tourism, cultural affairs, sports, and
participation in international organizations, consistent with the
national security and other interests of the United States; and
(3) the United States should actively seek to establish and
expand direct bilateral ties and agreements with Macau in economic,
trade, financial, monetary, mutual legal assistance, law
enforcement, communication, transportation, and other appropriate
areas.
SEC. 203. CONTINUED APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES LAW.
(a) Continued Application.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any change in the exercise of
sovereignty over Macau, and subject to subsections (b) and (c), the
laws of the United States shall continue to apply with respect to
Macau in the same manner as the laws of the United States were
applied with respect to Macau before December 20, 1999, unless
otherwise expressly provided by law or by Executive order issued
pursuant to paragraph (2).
(2) Exception.--Whenever the President determines that Macau is
not sufficiently autonomous to justify treatment under a particular
law of the United States, or any provision thereof, different from
that accorded the People's Republic of China, the President may
issue an Executive order suspending the application of paragraph
(1) to such law or provision of law. The President shall promptly
notify the Committee on International Relations of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate concerning any such determination and shall publish the
Executive order in the Federal Register.
(b) Export Controls.--
(1) In general.--The export control laws, regulations, and
practices of the United States shall apply to Macau in the same
manner and to the same extent that such laws, regulations, and
practices apply to the People's Republic of China, and in no case
shall such laws, regulations, and practices be applied less
restrictively to exports to Macau than to exports to the People's
Republic of China.
(2) Rule of construction.--Paragraph (1) shall not be construed
as prohibiting the provision of export control assistance to Macau.
(c) International Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b) and paragraph (2),
for all purposes, including actions in any court of the United
States, Congress approves of the continuation in force after
December 20, 1999, of all treaties and other international
agreements, including multilateral conventions, entered into before
such date between the United States and Macau, or entered into
force before such date between the United States and the Republic
of Portugal and applied to Macau, unless or until terminated in
accordance with law.
(2) Exception.--If, in carrying out this subsection, the
President determines that Macau is not legally competent to carry
out its obligations under any such treaty or other international
agreement, or that the continuation of Macau's obligations or
rights under any such treaty or other international agreement is
not appropriate under the circumstances, the President shall take
appropriate action to modify or terminate such treaty or other
international agreement. The President shall promptly notify the
Committee on International Relations of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate concerning such determination.
SEC. 204. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and not later than March 31 of each of the years
2001, 2002, and 2003, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the
Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on
conditions in Macau of interest to the United States. The report shall
describe--
(1) significant developments in United States relations with
Macau, including any determination made under section 203;
(2) significant developments related to the change in the
exercise of sovereignty over Macau affecting United States
interests in Macau or United States relations with Macau and the
People's Republic of China;
(3) the development of democratic institutions in Macau;
(4) compliance by the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal with their
obligations under the Joint Declaration; and
(5) the nature and extent of Macau's participation in
multilateral forums.
(b) Separate Part of Country Reports.--Whenever a report is
transmitted to Congress on a country-by-country basis, there shall be
included in such report, where applicable, a separate subreport on
Macau under the heading of the country that exercises sovereignty over
Macau.
SEC. 205. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Joint declaration.--The term ``Joint Declaration'' means
the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the
Question of Macau, dated April 13, 1987.
(2) Macau.--The term ``Macau'' means the territory that prior
to December 20, 1999, was the Portuguese Dependent Territory of
Macau and after December 20, 1999, became the Macau Special
Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
TITLE III--UNITED STATES-CANADA ALASKA RAIL COMMISSION
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Rails to Resources Act of 2000''.
SEC. 302. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) rail transportation is an essential component of the North
American intermodal transportation system;
(2) the development of economically strong and socially stable
communities in the western United States and Canada was encouraged
significantly by government policies promoting the development of
integrated transcontinental, interstate and interprovincial rail
systems in the States, territories and provinces of the two
countries;
(3) United States and Canadian federal support for the
completion of new elements of the transcontinental, interstate and
interprovincial rail systems was halted before rail connections
were established to the State of Alaska and the Yukon Territory;
(4) rail transportation in otherwise isolated areas facilitates
controlled access and may reduce overall impact to environmentally
sensitive areas;
(5) the extension of the continental rail system through
northern British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to the current
terminus of the Alaska Railroad would significantly benefit the
United States and Canadian visitor industries by facilitating the
comfortable movement of passengers over long distances while
minimizing effects on the surrounding areas; and
(6) ongoing research and development efforts in the rail
industry continue to increase the efficiency of rail
transportation, ensure safety, and decrease the impact of rail
service on the environment.
SEC. 303. AGREEMENT FOR A UNITED STATES-CANADA BILATERAL
COMMISSION.
The President is authorized and urged to enter into an agreement
with the Government of Canada to establish an independent joint
commission to study the feasibility and advisability of linking the
rail system in Alaska to the nearest appropriate point on the North
American continental rail system.
SEC. 304. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION.
(a) Membership.--
(1) Total membership.--The Agreement should provide for the
Commission to be composed of 24 members, of which 12 members are
appointed by the President and 12 members are appointed by the
Government of Canada.
(2) General qualifications.--The Agreement should provide for
the membership of the Commission, to the maximum extent
practicable, to be representative of--
(A) the interests of the local communities (including the
governments of the communities), aboriginal peoples, and
businesses that would be affected by the connection of the rail
system in Alaska to the North American continental rail system;
and
(B) a broad range of expertise in areas of knowledge that
are relevant to the significant issues to be considered by the
Commission, including economics, engineering, management of
resources, social sciences, fish and game management,
environmental sciences, and transportation.
(b) United States Membership.--If the United States and Canada
enter into an agreement providing for the establishment of the
Commission, the President shall appoint the United States members of
the Commission as follows:
(1) Two members from among persons who are qualified to
represent the interests of communities and local governments of
Alaska.
(2) One member representing the State of Alaska, to be
nominated by the Governor of Alaska.
(3) One member from among persons who are qualified to
represent the interests of Native Alaskans residing in the area of
Alaska that would be affected by the extension of rail service.
(4) Three members from among persons involved in commercial
activities in Alaska who are qualified to represent commercial
interests in Alaska, of which one shall be a representative of the
Alaska Railroad Corporation.
(5) One member representing United States Class I rail carriers
and one member representing United States rail labor.
(6) Three members with relevant expertise, at least one of whom
shall be an engineer with expertise in subarctic transportation and
at least one of whom shall have expertise on the environmental
impact of such transportation.
(c) Canadian Membership.--The Agreement should provide for the
Canadian membership of the Commission to be representative of broad
categories of interests of Canada as the Government of Canada
determines appropriate, consistent with subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 305. GOVERNANCE AND STAFFING OF COMMISSION.
(a) Chairman.--The Agreement should provide for the Chairman of the
Commission to be elected from among the members of the Commission by a
majority vote of the members.
(b) Compensation and Expenses of United States Members.--
(1) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission appointed by
the President who is not an officer or employee of the Federal
Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV
of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such
member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
Commission. Each such member who is an officer or employee of the
United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that
received for services as an officer or employee of the United
States.
(2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Commission appointed
by the President shall be allowed travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of
agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in
the performance of services for the Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Agreement should provide for the
appointment of a staff and an executive director to be the head of
the staff.
(2) Compensation.--Funds made available for the Commission by
the United States may be used to pay the compensation of the
executive director and other personnel at rates fixed by the
Commission that are not in excess of the rate payable for level V
of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United
States Code.
(d) Office.--The Agreement should provide for the office of the
Commission to be located in a mutually agreed location within the
impacted areas of Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and northern British
Columbia.
(e) Meetings.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission to
meet at least biannually to review progress and to provide guidance to
staff and others, and to hold, in locations within the affected areas
of Alaska, the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia, such
additional informational or public meetings as the Commission deems
necessary to the conduct of its business.
(f) Procurement of Services.--The Agreement should authorize and
encourage the Commission to procure by contract, to the maximum extent
practicable, the services (including any temporary and intermittent
services) that the Commission determines necessary for carrying out the
duties of the Commission. In the case of any contract for the services
of an individual, funds made available for the Commission by the United
States may not be used to pay for the services of the individual at a
rate that exceeds the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 306. DUTIES.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Agreement should provide for the
Commission to study and assess, on the basis of all available
relevant information, the feasibility and advisability of linking
the rail system in Alaska to the North American continental rail
system through the continuation of the rail system in Alaska from
its northeastern terminus to a connection with the continental rail
system in Canada.
(2) Specific issues.--The Agreement should provide for the
study and assessment to include the consideration of the following
issues:
(A) Railroad engineering.
(B) Land ownership.
(C) Geology.
(D) Proximity to mineral, timber, tourist, and other
resources.
(E) Market outlook.
(F) Environmental considerations.
(G) Social effects, including changes in the use or
availability of natural resources.
(H) Potential financing mechanisms.
(3) Route.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission,
upon finding that it is feasible and advisable to link the rail
system in Alaska as described in paragraph (1), to determine one or
more recommended routes for the rail segment that establishes the
linkage, taking into consideration cost, distance, access to
potential freight markets, environmental matters, existing
corridors that are already used for ground transportation, the
route surveyed by the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II
and such other factors as the Commission determines relevant.
(4) Combined corridor evaluation.--The Agreement should also
provide for the Commission to consider whether it would be feasible
and advisable to combine the power transmission infrastructure and
petroleum product pipelines of other utilities into one corridor
with a rail extension of the rail system of Alaska.
(b) Report.--The Agreement should require the Commission to submit
to Congress and the Secretary of Transportation and to the Minister of
Transport of the Government of Canada, not later than 3 years after the
Commission commencement date, a report on the results of the study,
including the Commission's findings regarding the feasibility and
advisability of linking the rail system in Alaska as described in
subsection (a)(1) and the Commission's recommendations regarding the
preferred route and any alternative routes for the rail segment
establishing the linkage.
SEC. 307. COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
(a) Commencement.--The Agreement should provide for the Commission
to begin to function on the date on which all members are appointed to
the Commission as provided for in the Agreement.
(b) Termination.--The Commission should be terminated 90 days after
the date on which the Commission submits its report under section 306.
SEC. 308. FUNDING.
(a) Rails to Resources Fund.--The Agreement should provide for the
following:
(1) Establishment.--The establishment of an interest-bearing
account to be known as the ``Rails to Resources Fund''.
(2) Contributions.--The contribution by the United States and
the Government of Canada to the Fund of amounts that are sufficient
for the Commission to carry out its duties.
(3) Availability.--The availability of amounts in the Fund to
pay the costs of Commission activities.
(4) Dissolution.--Dissolution of the Fund upon the termination
of the Commission and distribution of the amounts remaining in the
Fund between the United States and the Government of Canada.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to any fund established for use by the Commission as
described in subsection (a)(1) $6,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
SEC. 309. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Agreement.--The term ``Agreement'' means an agreement
described in section 303.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means a commission
established pursuant to any Agreement.
TITLE IV--PACIFIC CHARTER COMMISSION ACT OF 2000
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Pacific Charter Commission Act of
2000''.
SEC. 402. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this title are--
(1) to promote a consistent and coordinated foreign policy of
the United States to ensure economic and military security in the
Asia-Pacific region;
(2) to support democratization, the rule of law, and human
rights in the Asia-Pacific region;
(3) to promote United States exports to the Asia-Pacific region
by advancing economic cooperation;
(4) to assist in combating terrorism and the spread of illicit
narcotics in the Asia-Pacific region; and
(5) to advocate an active role for the United States Government
in diplomacy, security, and the furtherance of good governance and
the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific region.
SEC. 403. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--The President is authorized to establish a
commission to be known as the Pacific Charter Commission (hereafter in
this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Expiration of Authority.--The authority to establish the
Commission under this section shall expire at the close of December 31,
2002.
SEC. 404. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.
(a) Duties.--The Commission should establish and carry out, either
directly or through nongovernmental organizations, programs, projects,
and activities to achieve the purposes described in section 402,
including research and educational or legislative exchanges between the
United States and countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
(b) Monitoring of Developments.--The Commission should monitor
developments in countries of the Asia-Pacific region with respect to
United States foreign policy toward such countries, the status of
democratization, the rule of law and human rights in the region,
economic relations among the United States and such countries, and
activities related to terrorism and the illicit narcotics trade.
(c) Policy Review and Recommendations.--In carrying out this
section, the Commission should evaluate United States Government
policies toward countries of the Asia-Pacific region and recommend
options for policies of the United States Government with respect to
such countries, with a particular emphasis on countries that are of
importance to the foreign policy, economic, and military interests of
the United States.
(d) Contacts With Other Entities.--In performing the functions
described in subsections (a) through (c), the Commission should, as
appropriate, seek out and maintain contacts with nongovernmental
organizations, international organizations, and representatives of
industry, including receiving reports and updates from such
organizations and evaluating such reports.
(e) Annual Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
establishment of the Commission, and not later than the end of each 12-
month period thereafter, the Commission shall prepare and submit to the
President and Congress a report that contains the findings of the
Commission, in the case of the initial report, during the period since
the date of establishment of the Commission, or, in the case of each
subsequent report, during the preceding 12-month period. Each such
report shall contain--
(1) recommendations for legislative, executive, or other
actions resulting from the evaluation of policies described in
subsection (c);
(2) a description of programs, projects, and activities of the
Commission for the prior year or, in the case of the initial
report, since the date of establishment of the Commission; and
(3) a complete accounting of the expenditures made by the
Commission during the prior year or, in the case of the initial
report, since the date of establishment of the Commission.
SEC. 405. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.
(a) Composition.--If established pursuant to section 403, the
Commission shall be composed of seven members all of whom--
(1) shall be citizens of the United States who are not officers
or employees of any government, except to the extent they are
considered such officers or employees by virtue of their membership
on the Commission; and
(2) shall have interest and expertise in issues relating to the
Asia-Pacific region.
(b) Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The individuals referred to in subsection (a)
shall be appointed--
(A) by the President, after consultation with the Speaker
and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the
Chairman and ranking member of the Committee on International
Relations of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader
and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Chairman and ranking
member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(B) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) Political affiliation.--Not more than four of the
individuals appointed under paragraph (1) may be affiliated with
the same political party.
(c) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed for a
term of 6 years.
(d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the
same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(e) Chairperson; Vice Chairperson.--The President shall designate a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission from among the
members of the Commission.
(f) Compensation.--
(1) Rates of pay.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), members
of the Commission shall serve without pay.
(2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Commission may receive
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States
Code.
(g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson.
(h) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(i) Affirmative Determinations.--An affirmative vote by a majority
of the members of the Commission shall be required for any affirmative
determination by the Commission under section 404.
SEC. 406. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Investigations.--The Commission may hold such
hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony and
receive such evidence, and conduct such investigations as the
Commission considers advisable to carry out this title.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to carry out this title. Upon request of
the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of any such department or
agency shall furnish such information to the Commission as
expeditiously as possible.
(c) Contributions.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real and
personal, for the purpose of assisting or facilitating the work of the
Commission. Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and proceeds from
sales of other property received as gifts, bequests, or devises shall
be deposited in the Treasury and shall be available for disbursement
upon order of the Commission.
(d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and
agencies of the United States.
SEC. 407. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES OF COMMISSION.
(a) Executive Director.--The Commission shall have an executive
director appointed by the Commission who shall serve the Commission
under such terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be
appropriate.
(b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such
additional personnel, not to exceed 10 individuals, as it considers
appropriate.
(c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the chairperson of
the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a
nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the
Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties under
this title.
(d) Experts and Consultants.--The chairperson of the Commission may
procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of
title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 408. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate not later than 6 years after the
date of the establishment of the Commission.
SEC. 409. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--In the event the Commission is established, there
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $2,500,000
for the initial 24-month period of the existence of the Commission.
(b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) are authorized to
remain available until expended.
SEC. 410. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title shall take effect on February 1, 2001.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 501. ASSISTANCE EFFORTS IN SUDAN.
(a) Additional Authorities.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the President is authorized to undertake appropriate programs
using Federal agencies, contractual arrangements, or direct support of
indigenous groups, agencies, or organizations in areas outside of
control of the Government of Sudan in an effort to provide emergency
relief, promote economic self-sufficiency, build civil authority,
provide education, enhance rule of law and the development of judicial
and legal frameworks, support people-to-people reconciliation efforts,
or implement any program in support of any viable peace agreement at
the local, regional, or national level in Sudan.
(b) Exception to Export Prohibitions.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the prohibitions set forth with respect to Sudan in
Executive Order No. 13067 of November 3, 1997 (62 Fed. Register 59989)
shall not apply to any export from an area in Sudan outside of control
of the Government of Sudan, or to any necessary transaction directly
related to that export, if the President determines that the export or
related transaction, as the case may be, would directly benefit the
economic development of that area and its people.
SEC. 502. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TOWING ASSISTANCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States LST Association (in this section referred
to as the ``Association'') is a patriotic organization dedicated to
honoring the memories of those brave American servicemen who
selflessly served, and often made the ultimate sacrifice, in the
defense of the United States, its allies, and the principles of
democracy and freedom.
(2) The Association is currently engaged in efforts to return
to the United States the former United States warship, Landing Ship
Tank 325 (LST 325) to serve as a memorial to those American
servicemen who went into harm's way aboard and from such warships.
(b) Authorization.--The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to
provide towing services from a suitable vessel of the United States
Navy to tow the former LST 325 from its present location, or a location
to be determined by the Secretary, to a port on the East Coast of the
United States to be determined by the Secretary. The Secretary of the
Navy may not provide such services unless the Secretary finds that the
provision of such services will not interfere with military operations,
military readiness, naval force presence requirements, or the
accomplishment of the specific missions of the vessel providing the
towing services.
(c) Limitations.--The services authorized by subsection (b) may not
be provided except as part of a regular rotation of the vessel
providing the services back to the United States. Such services may be
provided only after--
(1) the former LST 325 has been determined by a professional
marine survey or by the United States Coast Guard to be seaworthy
for towing and meeting requirements for entry into a United States
port; and
(2) the Association has named the United States Navy as an
additional insured party to the tow hull policy covering the former
LST 325, including a waiver of subrogation.
(d) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary of the Navy may
require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the
provision of towing services under this section as the Secretary
considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
SEC. 503. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN BULGARIA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that the American University in
Bulgaria--
(1) is a fine educational institution that has received
generous and well-deserved financial assistance from the United
States Government;
(2) has a successful track record and is educating a generation
of leaders who will shape and determine the future of their own
societies;
(3) has instilled in students in the Balkan region of Europe
the intellectual rigor of the American system of higher education;
(4) promotes the study and understanding of democratic
governance principles;
(5) maintains entrance and academic standards that are
exemplary and has a commitment to providing educational
opportunities that is based upon merit rather than solely on the
ability of students to bear the entire cost of their education; and
(6) is a cost-effective institution of higher learning and
offers a high-quality education.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United
States should assist the American University in Bulgaria to become a
self-sustaining institution of higher education in the Balkan region of
Europe.
TITLE VI--PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS ACT OF 2000
SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Paul D. Coverdell World Wise
Schools Act of 2000''.
SEC. 602. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Paul D. Coverdell was elected to the Georgia State Senate
in 1970 and later became Minority Leader of the Georgia State
Senate, a post he held for 15 years.
(2) As the 11th Director of the Peace Corps from 1989 to 1991,
Paul Coverdell's dedication to the ideals of peace and
understanding helped to shape today's Peace Corps.
(3) Paul D. Coverdell believed that Peace Corps volunteers
could not only make a difference in the countries where they served
but that the greatest benefit could be felt at home.
(4) In 1989, Paul D. Coverdell founded the Peace Corps World
Wise Schools Program to help fulfill the Third Goal of the Peace
Corps, ``to promote a better understanding of the people served
among people of the United States''.
(5) The World Wise Schools Program is an innovative education
program that seeks to engage learners in an inquiry about the
world, themselves, and others in order to broaden perspectives;
promote cultural awareness; appreciate global connections; and
encourage service.
(6) In a world that is increasingly interdependent and ever
changing, the World Wise Schools Program pays tribute to Paul D.
Coverdell's foresight and leadership. In the words of one World
Wise Schools teacher, ``It's a teacher's job to touch the future of
a child; it's the Peace Corps' job to touch the future of the
world. What more perfect partnership.''.
(7) Paul D. Coverdell served in the United States Senate from
the State of Georgia from 1993 until his sudden death on July 18,
2000.
(8) Senator Paul D. Coverdell was beloved by his colleagues for
his civility, bipartisan efforts, and his dedication to public
service.
SEC. 603. DESIGNATION OF PAUL D. COVERDELL WORLD WISE SCHOOLS
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Effective on the date of enactment of this Act,
the program under section 18 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2517)
referred to before such date as the ``World Wise Schools Program'' is
redesignated as the ``Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program''.
(b) References.--Any reference before the date of enactment of this
Act in any law, regulation, order, document, record, or other paper of
the United States to the Peace Corps World Wise Schools Program shall,
on and after such date, be considered to refer to the Paul D. Coverdell
World Wise Schools Program.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.