[106th Congress Public Law 570] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office] <DOC> [DOCID: f:publ570.106] [[Page 3037]] ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL ACT [[Page 114 STAT. 3038]] Public Law 106-570 106th Congress An Act To authorize additional <<NOTE: Dec. 27, 2000 - [S. 2943]>> 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 <<NOTE: Assistance for International Malaria Control Act. 22 USC 2151 note.>> 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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3039]] 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 <<NOTE: International Malaria Control Act of 2000.>> FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL SEC. 101. <<NOTE: 22 USC 2151 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``International Malaria Control Act of 2000''. SEC. 102. <<NOTE: 22 USC 2151b-1 note.>> 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 <<NOTE: 22 USC 2151b-1.>> FOR MALARIA PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CONTROL, AND ELIMINATION. (a) Assistance.-- [[Page 114 STAT. 3040]] (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 <<NOTE: United States-Macau Policy Act of 2000. 22 USC 6901 note.>> 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-- [[Page 114 STAT. 3041]] (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 <<NOTE: President. Notification. Federal Register, publication.>> 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 [[Page 114 STAT. 3042]] 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 <<NOTE: President. Notification.>> 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 <<NOTE: Deadlines.>> 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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3043]] TITLE III--UNITED STATES-CANADA <<NOTE: Rails to Resources Act of 2000. 49 USC note prec. 28101.>> 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 [[Page 114 STAT. 3044]] 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 <<NOTE: President.>> 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 [[Page 114 STAT. 3045]] 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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3046]] (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 <<NOTE: Deadline.>> 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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3047]] (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means a commission established pursuant to any Agreement. TITLE IV--PACIFIC <<NOTE: Pacific Charter Commission Act of 2000. 22 USC 2656 note.>> 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 [[Page 114 STAT. 3048]] 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 <<NOTE: Deadlines.>> 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; <<NOTE: President.>> 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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3049]] (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. [[Page 114 STAT. 3050]] 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. <<NOTE: 50 USC 1701 note.>> 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 [[Page 114 STAT. 3051]] 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. <<NOTE: Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Act of 2000. 22 USC 2517 note.>> 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: [[Page 114 STAT. 3052]] (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 <<NOTE: Effective date.>> 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''. [[Page 114 STAT. 3053]] (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. Approved December 27, 2000. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 2943 (S. 2940): --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 146 (2000): Oct. 19, considered and passed Senate. Oct. 27, considered and passed House, amended. Dec. 14, Senate concurred in House amendments with an amendment. Dec. 15, House concurred in Senate amendment. <all>