United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to States or units of local government to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers; and (2) give preferential consideration to applications from jurisdictions that have the greatest need, a mandatory wear policy, and a violent crime rate at or above the national average. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds and allocation of funds, State and local applications, and grant application renewal. Prohibits any State or unit of local government that receives financial assistance made available by this Act from purchasing equipment or products manufactured using prison inmate labor. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should, in expending such assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Condemns the enactment of the "On Freedom of Conscience and on Religious Association" law by the Russian Government on September 25, 1997, as a flagrant violation of internationally accepted standards of human rights. Expresses the sense of the Congress that none of the funds appropriated under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998 should be made available for the Government of the Russian Federation unless it has taken appropriate steps to assure that religious discrimination does not result from implementation of such law, or unless the law is effectively challenged and changed through an appropriate review process.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities Title II: Electronic Filing Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights Subtitle A: Burden of Proof Subtitle B: Proceedings by Taxpayers Subtitle C: Relief for Innocent Spouses and for Taxpayers Unable to Manage Their Financial Affairs Due to Disabilities Subtitle D: Elimination of Interest Rate Differential on Overlapping Periods of Interest on Income Tax Overpayments and Underpayments Subtitle E: Protections for Taxpayers Subject to Audit or Collection Activities Subtitle F: Disclosures to Taxpayers Subtitle G: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Subtitle H: Other Matters Subtitle I: Studies Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Oversight Subtitle B: Budget Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity Title V: Clarification of Deduction for Deferred Compensation Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to replace provisions providing for the appointment of a Commissioner of Internal Revenue with provisions establishing, within the Department of the Treasury, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight Board which shall have 11 members (appointed for five year terms) consisting of: (1) eight non-Federal employees appointed by the President; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) the Commissioner of Internal Revenue; and(4) an IRS employee, appointed by the President, who is a representative of an organization representing a substantial number of IRS employees. Directs the Board, in general, to oversee the IRS in its administration, management, conduct, supervision, and implementation of the internal revenue laws and tax conventions. Prohibits the Board from having responsibility with respect to: (1) the development and formulation of Federal tax policy; (2) IRS law enforcement activities; or (3) specific IRS procurement activities. Restricts the disclosure of return information to the Board. Sets forth the specific responsibilities of the Board, including: (1) reviewing and approving the strategic plans of the IRS; (2) reviewing the operational functions of the IRS; (3) recommending a Commissioner to the President; and (4) reviewing and approving the IRS budget request. (Sec. 102) Directs the President to appoint, for a term of five years (currently, there is no specified term limit), an IRS Commissioner who shall: (1) administer, manage, and supervise the execution and application of the internal revenue laws and tax conventions; and (2) recommend to the President an IRS Chief Counsel. Reestablishes within the IRS the: (1) Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations which shall be under the supervision of the IRS Assistant Commissioner; and (2) Office of Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Commissioner, unless otherwise prescribed by the Secretary, (currently, the Secretary) to employ the number of persons as is proper to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws. (Sec. 104) Prohibits any applicable person (defined as any Level I Executive Schedule employee, except the U.S. Attorney General) from requesting any IRS employee to conduct or terminate any audit or investigation of a taxpayer. Requires any IRS employee receiving any such request to report to the IRS Chief Inspector. Sets forth exceptions. Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities - Directs the Commissioner to establish a performance management system which: (1) shall cover all IRS employees other than Oversight Board members, the Commissioner, and the Chief Counsel; (2) shall maintain individual accountability of employees by establishing performance standards, providing for periodic retention reviews, and using performance evaluations as a basis for pay adjustments and other personnel actions; and (3) establish individual, group, and organizational goals. Sets forth staffing flexibility provisions, with special provisions for veterans. Permits demonstration projects to improve personnel management, increase accountability, impose disciplinary action, and promote pay based on performance. Requires reports to the Congress. Title II: Electronic Filing - States that it is the policy of the Congress that paperless filing is the preferred form of filing, and that by the year 2007, no more than 20 percent of all returns should be filed on paper. Sets forth: (1) plans to achieve such goal; and (2) reporting requirements. Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights - Taxpayer Bill of Rights 3 - Subtitle A: Burden of Proof - Places the burden of proof in any court proceeding, with respect to any factual issue relevant to ascertaining the income tax liability of a taxpayer, on the Secretary, but only if: (1) the taxpayer asserts a reasonable dispute with respect to an issue; (2) the taxpayer cooperates fully with the Secretary with respect to an issue; and (3) in the case of a partnership, corporation, or trust meets the IRC definition of the term prevailing party. Subtitle B: Proceedings by Taxpayers - Sets forth provisions concerning the awarding of attorney's fees, including permitting the awarding of higher attorney fees if warranted by the difficulty of the issues in the case or the local availability of tax expertise. (Sec. 312) Permits civil damages if any IRS employee, in connection with any collection activity, negligently disregards the IRC. (Currently, damages are allowed only if the employee recklessly or intentionally disregards the IRC.) (Sec. 313) Increases, from $10,000 to $25,000, the amount in controversy permitted on the small case calendar. Subtitle C: Relief for Innocent Spouses and for Taxpayers Unable to Manage Their Financial Affairs Due to Disabilities - Provides for the relief of an innocent spouse from a tax underpayment on a joint return under specified circumstances, including that the spouse had no reason to know of the underpayment and that it is inequitable to hold the spouse liable. (Sec. 322) Provides for the suspension of the statute of limitations for claiming a refund or credit during periods of a medically determined physical or mental impairment. Subtitle D: Elimination of Interest Rate Differential on Overlapping Periods of Interest on Income Tax Overpayments and Underpayments - Establishes a net interest rate of zero on equivalent amounts of overpayment and underpayment existing for any period. Subtitle E: Protections for Taxpayers Subject to Audit or Collection Activities - Entitles a taxpayer, in any noncriminal proceeding before the IRS, to the same common law protections of confidentiality with respect to tax advice furnished by any qualified individual as the taxpayer would have if such individual were an attorney. (Sec. 342) Directs the Taxpayer Advocate, for purposes of determining whether to issue a taxpayer assistance order, to consider, among other things: (1) whether there is an immediate threat of adverse action; and (2) whether there has been an unreasonable delay; and (3) whether the taxpayer will suffer irreparable injury. (Sec. 343) Prohibits the use of financial status or economic reality examination techniques to determine the existence of unreported income unless there is a reasonable indication that there is a likelihood of such unreported income. (Sec. 344) Prohibits the issuance of a summons to produce or examine any tax-related computer source code, subject to exceptions. (Sec. 345) Requires notification to a taxpayer of the taxpayer's right to refuse to extend the statute of limitations, or to limit such extension to particular issues, on each occasion when the taxpayer is requested to provide consent. (Sec. 346) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish schedules of national and local allowances designed to provide that taxpayers entering into a compromise have an adequate means to provide for basic living expenses; and (2) prepare a statement which sets forth in simple terms the rights of a taxpayer and the obligations of the IRS relating to offers-in-compromise. (Sec. 347) Requires the Secretary to include on a deficiency notice the last date on which a taxpayer can file a petition with the tax court. (Sec. 348) Permits the refund of any uncontested overpayments before there is a final determination by the Tax Court of a contested deficiency. (Sec. 349) Requires IRS employees to be instructed that they cannot threaten to audit any taxpayer in an attempt to coerce the taxpayer into entering into a Tip Reporting Alternative Commitment Agreement. Subtitle F: Disclosure to Taxpayers - Requires the establishment of procedures to clearly alert married taxpayers of their joint and several liabilities on all appropriate publications and instructions. (Sec. 352) Requires a revision of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights contained in IRS Publication No. 1 so that it more clearly informs taxpayers of their rights to be represented at interviews and to suspend an interview. Requires: (1) the inclusion in such publication of a statement which sets forth in simple terms the procedure and criteria for selecting taxpayers for examination; and (2) the submission of drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 354) Requires that a field service advice memorandum be treated as a written determination, thereby making it open to public inspection, subject exceptions and special rules. (Sec. 355) Requires the inclusion, with any first letter of deficiency allowing a taxpayer an opportunity for administrative review in the IRS Office of Appeals, of an explanation of the appeals process with respect to such proposed deficiency. Subtitle G: Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics - Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide matching funds for the development, expansion, or continuation of qualified low income taxpayer clinics. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims over any action by the representative of an estate, consisting largely of an interest in a closely held business, which elects the installment method of payment. (Sec. 372) Requires the Secretary to maintain and report records of taxpayer complaints of misconduct by IRS employees on an individual basis. (Sec. 373) Requires the Secretary, on request from the Archivist of the United States, to disclose or authorize the disclosure of returns and return information to officers and employees of the National Archives and Records Administration if necessary for the scheduling of records for destruction or retention. (Sec. 374) Directs the Secretary to establish such rules as necessary to allow payment of taxes by check or money order. Subtitle I: Studies - Directs the Joint Committee on Taxation to conduct studies and report findings concerning: (1) penalty administration; and (2) taxpayer confidentiality. Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Oversight - Expands the duties of the Joint Committee on Taxation with respect to: (1) investigations; (2) joint hearings; and (3) reports. Subtitle B: Budget - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS efforts to resolve the century date change computing problems should be fully funded. (Sec. 412) Provides for the establishment of a financial management advisory group. Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS should provide the Congress with an independent view of tax administration, and that during the legislative process, the Congress should hear from front-line technical experts at the IRS concerning pending IRC amendments. (Sec. 422) Requires any legislation amending the IRC that is reported by either the Senate Committee on Finance or the House Committee on Ways and Means to include in the report a Tax Complexity Analysis prepared by the Joint Committee on Taxation. Title V: Clarification of Deduction for Deferred Compensation - Provides that, except for severance pay, no amount shall be treated as deferred compensation until it is actually received by the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1997
Human Rights Information Act - Requires certain Federal agencies to identify and organize all human rights records regarding activities occurring in Guatemala and Honduras after 1944 for declassification and disclosure purposes, and to make them available to the public and other official entities, including Latin American or Caribbean countries. Instructs the President to report to the Congress regarding agency compliance. Prescribes guidelines under which the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (the Panel) shall review agency determinations to postpone public disclosure of any human rights record. Authorizes postponement of such public disclosures on specified grounds. Directs the Information Security Policy Advisory Council to report to the Congress on declassification of human rights records relating to other Latin American and Caribbean countries and to make such report available to the public. Creates two additional positions in the Panel in order to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Disapproves the President's cancellations (line item veto) of appropriations for 38 military construction projects in the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Amends rule XIV (decorum and debate) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to ban smoking in rooms or corridors leading to the House floor or in the Rayburn room.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of the Congress, to named individuals referred to collectively as the "Little Rock Nine," in recognition of the selfless heroism they exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates of such medals in bronze. States that these medals are national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to: (1) restrict the application of the windfall elimination provision to individuals whose combined monthly income from the individual's primary insurance amount under such title and the monthly periodic payment attributable to noncovered service performed after 1956 exceeds $2,000; and (2) provide for a graduated implementation of such provision by specified percentages with respect to incremental amounts above such threshold, up to 100 percent for combined amounts over $3,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to repeal specified provisions which provide for the tax treatment of certain tax-exempt organizations which provide commercial-type insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration Responsible Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act - Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to prescribe guidelines for a needs-based bankruptcy system which precludes individuals from filing for complete relief in bankruptcy (under chapter 7 (Liquidation)) if certain current monthly income is available to pay creditors. (Sec. 101) Sets forth formulae for income levels determinative of debtor eligibility for bankruptcy relief. Treats as having income available to pay creditors (and thus eligible for chapter 13 Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) any individual (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with: (1) a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size); (2) projected monthly net income greater than $50; and (3) projected monthly net income sufficient to repay 20 percent or more of unsecured non-priority claims during a five-year repayment plan. (Sec. 102) Provides for adjustment to a chapter 13 debtor's monthly net income for extraordinary circumstances such as loss of income or unusual expenses. (Sec. 103) Modifies notice requirements to apprise a consumer debtor of alternatives to bankruptcy, including independent non-profit debt counseling services. (Sec. 104) Declares embezzlement or fraudulently-incurred debts of individuals nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 105) Instructs the bankruptcy court to confirm the bankruptcy plan of an individual if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim retains the lien securing such claim until discharge of all debts. (Sec. 106) Grants a claim arising from a nondischargeable debt incurred to pay a Federal tax (or any other nondischargeable debt) the same priority as the claim for the underlying obligation which was paid for by such nondischargeable debt. (Sec. 107) Establishes a presumption that consumer debts owed to a single creditor and incurred within 90 days prior to an order for relief in bankruptcy are nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 108) Revamps prescriptions governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a chapter 7 case; and (2) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of that claim determined under applicable non-bankruptcy law has been paid in full as of the date of conversion. (Sec. 109) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a petition was pending and dismissed under chapter 7 the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 110) Requires that the value of personal property collateral be at least equal to the outstanding balance of the purchase price, including interest and charges, where the property was acquired by the debtor within 180 days of filing the petition in bankruptcy. (Sec. 111) Declares that, in the case of chapter 7 and chapter 13 debtors, the personal property securing the individual debtor's personal property shall be the replacement value as of the date the petition is filed without deduction for costs of sale or marketing. (Sec. 112) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt or redemption of the property within 60 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. (Sec. 113) Establishes the Bankruptcy Exemption Study Commission to study and report to the Congress on issues and problems in the bankruptcy system, including whether exemptions should be uniform nationally, and the appropriate size of exemptions in individual cases. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 114) Mandates that a chapter 13 debtor file a bankruptcy plan within a specified deadline. (Sec. 115) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the court's authority to dismiss an individual debtor case if relief would be a substantial abuse of chapter 7. Requires the court to find that substantial abuse exists if: (1) the debtor is ineligible for chapter 7 relief under the needs-based test; or (2) the totality of the circumstances of the debtor's financial situation demonstrate substantial abuse. (Sec. 116) Provides for a chapter 7 debtor's assumption of executory contracts and unexpired leases. Declares that in a chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (and no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the plan's confirmation date. (Sec. 117) Mandates a maximum five-year payment period under a chapter 13 plan for any individual debtor (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size). Permits the court to approve a longer period, not to exceed seven years. (Sec. 118) Revises prescriptions governing a stay of action against a codebtor to provide that: (1) the co-debtor stay would continue to be available when the debtor who borrowed the money sought Chapter 13 relief; but (2) if a guarantor or other co-debtor who did not receive the consideration for the creditor's claim filed for relief, the debtor who borrowed the money would not be protected by a stay unless he or she also filed a bankruptcy petition. Declares that the stay shall terminate as to the debtor's interest in personal property if the debtor surrendered or abandoned that property. (Sec. 120) Includes within the definition of a debtor's "principal residence" an individual condominium or cooperative unit, or mobile, or manufactured home or trailer. Provides that the inclusion of incidental property in a mortgage on the debtor's principal residence will not disqualify that mortgage from protection under chapter 13. Provides that if the debtor resides in a house the debtor owns during the 180 days before filing, such protection applies. States that the automatic stay will not be violated if a prepetition foreclosure proceeding is postponed during the pendency of a Chapter 13 proceeding, so long as any prepetition default remains uncured by actual payment in full according to the plan. (Sec. 121) Extends the mandatory period between discharges in bankruptcy from six to ten years for chapter 7 debtors. Sets five years as the mandatory period between discharges for chapter 13 debt repayment plans. Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Modifies the organization of bankruptcy courts to mandate the compilation of bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11 (Reorganization), and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 202) Requires each U.S. trustee to report to the Attorney General on audit results of bankruptcy petitions and schedules performed by independent certified or licensed public accountants. Requires the Attorney General to establish random audits of individual bankruptcy cases under chapter 11. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrative Office to establish and maintain a nationwide debtors' docket accessible to searches by any users. (Sec. 204) Revises guidelines governing meetings of creditors and equity security holders to provide that if the debtor is an individual in a voluntary case under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the first meeting of creditors shall not convene earlier than 60 days after the date of the order for relief in bankruptcy, unless the court determines that unusual circumstances justify an earlier meeting. Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. Prescribes notice procedures for chapter 7 and chapter 13 creditors. (Sec. 207) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. Terminates such stay if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral. (Sec. 210) Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court: (1) Federal tax returns; (2) evidence of payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated debt or expenditure increases. Permits a chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Mandates debtor compliance within ten days of such request. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from the commencement of the case until case termination. Requires a chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. (Sec. 211) Provides for automatic dismissal if a chapter 7 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for the debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 212) Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property to the extent such claim is attributable to the debtor's purchase of such property. (Sec. 213) Prohibits a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing from being held less than 20 days after the first meeting of creditors if there is an objection.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the termination dates of the alcohol fuels credit and of provisions setting tax rates for qualified methanol and ethanol fuel, fuels containing alcohol, certain taxable fuels mixed with alcohol, mixtures of aviation fuel and alcohol, and fuels used to produce certain alcohol fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1997
Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to exempt certain Canadian nationals or residents from the arrival-departure information required to be collected under the U.S. automated entry-exit control system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Landmine Elimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits Federal agencies from funding any new deployments of anti-personnel landmines as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on actions and proposals to substitute for new deployments of such landmines on the Korean Peninsula. Authorizes the President to delay implementation of the funding proscription with respect to the Korean Peninsula if he certifies annually to the Congress that new deployments of anti-personnel landmines on such Peninsula would be indispensable to the defense of the Republic of Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Expresses: (1) admiration and respect for the life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta; and (2) sympathy to the Missionaries of Charity with regard to her death.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress relating to the timely distribution of payments to local educational agencies (LEAs) under the Impact Aid (IA) program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Declares such IA program should be funded at a level that allows its funds to be made available on the currently-required, forward-funded basis. Declares that the Secretary of Education, upon completion of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for each fiscal year, should distribute such IA program payments to eligible LEAs within 45 days after the enactment of each such Act, if other congressional action has not caused a delay and State education agencies have supplied all the necessary information to the Department of Education for such distribution of payments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Makes veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart eligible for veterans' hospital care and medical services. Provides such veterans with a priority in the veterans' system of annual patient enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize the use of local crime prevention block grants for voluntary, comprehensive, and culturally-appropriate home visitor systems that provide parenting education that focuses on parenting skills, child development and health, and support services for new parents to prevent or decrease the risk of child abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, to repeal the provision crediting the increase in excise taxes on certain tobacco products against payments made pursuant to specified tobacco industry settlement legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Commends the bravery and honor of the citizens of Remy, France, for their actions with respect to the American fighter pilot Lieutenant Houston Braly during and after August 1944. Recognizes the efforts of the surviving members of the U.S. 364th Fighter Group to raise funds to restore the stained glass windows of Remy's 13th century church.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Drive for Teen Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to impose certain distance and work-hour restrictions in implementing a specified exemption from the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 for minors aged 16 through 18 who engage in the operation of automobiles and trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 Title II: Tax Incentives Title III: Authorization of Appropriations Endangered Species Recovery Act of 1997 - Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to include within the definition of "species" the last remaining distinct population segment in the United States of any plant or invertebrate species. States that "interim habitat" includes habitat necessary to support either current populations of a species or populations necessary to ensure survival, whichever is larger. (Sec. 102) Revises requirements regarding designation of critical habitat to require the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce, as appropriate, to designate: (1) interim habitat concurrently with making a determination that a species is endangered or threatened; (2) critical habitat concurrently with adoption of a final recovery plan for a species; and (3) interim and critical habitat in the case of a highly migratory marine species. Requires the Secretary to designate interim habitat based only on biological factors, giving special consideration to habitat currently occupied by the species. (Sec. 103) Establishes a schedule for publishing species listing determinations. (Sec. 105) Provides for draft and final recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Expands plan provisions to require: (1) provisions for conservation in the recovery plan area of all endangered or threatened species, candidate species, and species proposed for such listing; (2) descriptions of actions likely to violate taking or jeopardy prohibitions; (3) a list of Federal agencies, States, tribes, and local government entities significantly affected by plan goals or management actions that should complete a recovery implementation plan; and (4) the selection of independent scientists to determine criteria for making determinations to remove a species from the list. Directs Federal agencies significantly affected by plan goals or management actions to develop and implement recovery implementation plans required to: (1) identify affirmative conservation duties and management responsibilities to contribute to achievement of plan goals; (2) set forth specific actions, timetables, and funding to achieve and monitor progress of goals or responsibilities; and (3) identify lands or waters under agency jurisdiction that may provide suitable habitat for the species and actions needed to acquire additional habitat or contribute to species recovery on agency lands or waters. (Sec. 106) Includes Indian tribes in the definition of "State" for purposes of provisions regarding cooperative agreements and funding for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. (Sec. 107) Requires Federal agencies to monitor the status and trends of endangered, threatened, and candidate species that occur on lands or waters under their administration. Directs Federal agencies, in cases where certain authorized takings of endangered or threatened species of a marine mammal are involved, to: (1) report to the Secretary every two years on the amount of incidental take that has occurred as a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact; and (2) reinitiate consultation with the Secretary if the amount authorized has been exceeded. Applies provisions regarding interagency cooperation and consultation to species in a foreign country or on the high seas. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure timely conclusion of Federal consultations regarding listing of species. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to limit the duration of certain permits issued for acts or takings otherwise prohibited as necessary to ensure that changes in circumstances that could occur in the period and that would jeopardize the continued existence of species are reasonably foreseeable. Expands elements of conservation plans required to be submitted by applicants for permits authorizing takings. Adds to the list of conditions required to be met for permit issuance that the activities authorized by the permit and conservation plan are consistent with species recovery and will result in no net loss of the value to the species of the habitat occupied. Requires annual reports by the permittee on the biological status of the species in the affected area, on permitted action and habitat conservation plan impacts on the species, and on whether the plan's biological goals are being met. Revokes permits for noncompliance with permit conditions or this Act or for exceeding the authorized level of take. Requires the Secretary, using financial security provided by the permittee and the Habitat Conservation Fund, to undertake to conserve species where a permittee defaults on permit or plan obligations. Directs the Secretary to implement a streamlined application and approval procedure for incidental take permits and plans determined to be low effect, small scale plans. Lists criteria to be met for consideration as a low effect, small scale plan. Provides for monitoring of such plans and requires the Secretary to pay costs of implementing additional requirements or restrictions to ensure that actions authorized by such plans do not jeopardize the continued existence of any species determined to be endangered or threatened after such a plan was approved. Sets forth requirements for the deposit of performance bonds and other financial security by incidental take permit (other than low effect, small scale) applicants. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Plan Fund for: (1) paying the costs of additional conservation measures and restrictions for species recovery not covered by, or occurring as a result of failure of, plans; (2) permitting costs; and (3) restoring natural resources with respect to which damages are deposited. Requires the Secretary to encourage the development of multiple landowner, multispecies conservation plans, including by streamlining permitting processes across State and local jurisdictions. Sets forth requirements for incidental take certificates issued by such jurisdictions. Provides for public participation in the development of such plans and directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing a development process which ensures an equitable balance of participation among citizens with primary interests in economic development activities that may affect species conservation, and species conservation, respectively. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to invite independent scientists with expertise on species that may be affected by the plan to provide input. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community Assistance Program to provide timely and accurate information to local governments or property owners. Requires the Secretary, under such Program, to assign to each U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office employees whose duties include providing information on impacts of actions under, and assistance on compliance with, the Act and serving as a focal point for questions, requests, complaints, and suggestions from property owners and local governments. (Sec. 109) Expands the list of violations for which citizen suits may be brought to include violations of any permit, the Secretary's opinion statement regarding the impact of Federal agency actions on species and proposed conservation actions, or any agreement concluded under the Act. Makes certain time frames for bringing actions inapplicable to actions brought for emergencies posing a significant risk to any endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife, or plant (or those proposed for listing). (Sec. 110) Makes persons who negligently damage any member or habitat of an endangered or threatened species liable to the United States and a State for the costs incurred in restoring or replacing the member or habitat. Title II: Tax Incentives - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into endangered species conservation agreements with owners or lessees of real property on which conservation measures for endangered, threatened, or candidate species or species proposed for listing are to be carried out. Requires the Secretary to establish a technical assistance program in cooperation with the States to assist landowners with such agreements. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the value of a taxable estate be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate an amount equal to the value of real property included in the gross estate which is subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Provides for recapture in certain cases. (Sec. 203) Allows an additional tax deduction for State and local real property taxes imposed on real property subject to such agreements. (Sec. 204) Allows a tax credit for costs incurred in connection with such agreements. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the House of Representatives recognizes suicide as a national problem and declares suicide prevention a national priority, acknowledges that no single prevention program will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and encourages certain initiatives, including the development (and the promotion of accessibility and affordability) of mental health services to enable all persons at risk for suicide to obtain services without fear of stigma.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Authorizes the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Theodore Roosevelt for his actions in the attack of San Juan Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War on July 1, 1898.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Calls upon the Government of Japan to: (1) formally issue an apology for the war crimes committed by the Japanese military during World War II; and (2) pay reparations to the victims.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicate medals in bronze. Authorizes appropriations from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund, where sales proceeds shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act - Makes permanent a program to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling to veterans to overcome psychological trauma which resulted from a physical assault or battery of a sexual nature, or from sexual harassment, which occurred during active miliary service (under current law the program authorizing such counseling expires in 1998). Allows such program to include appropriate treatment. Requires a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health professional (currently, the Secretary) to determine when such counseling and treatment is necessary. Requires the dissemination of information concerning the availability of such services to affected veterans. Includes as eligible for such care and services certain current and former reserve personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete the design and updating of public service announcements and other appropriate means of communication concerning the availability of such services and to submit to the congressional veterans' committees examples of such communications; and (2) report to such committees on program implementation. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to report jointly to the congressional veterans' and defense committees describing their collaborative efforts to ensure that military personnel are informed upon their separation from service about sexual trauma counseling and treatment programs available through the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the President to demand that the Government of Russia take actions to stop governmental and nongovernmental entities in the Russian Federation from providing missile technology and technical advice to Iran in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime; (2) the United States, if Russia's response is inadequate, to impose sanctions on the responsible Russian entities in accordance with Executive Order 12938 on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and to reassess cooperative activities with Russia; (3) raising the threshold under current law allowing for the waiver of the prohibition on the release of foreign assistance to Russia; and (4) encouragement of our European allies to take steps to stop such proliferation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
Disabled Veteran's Access Act of 1997 - Provides military commissary and exchange privileges to veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as their dependents, on the same basis as provided for members of the armed forces entitled to retired pay.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1997
Declares that any disapproval by the European Commission of the merger of the Boeing Company and McDonnell-Douglas would constitute an unwarranted and unprecedented interference in a U.S. business transaction that would directly threaten thousands of American aerospace jobs and potentially put many more jobs at risk on both sides of the Atlantic. Urges the President to take appropriate actions to protect U.S. interests.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
Declares that any disapproval by the European Commission of the merger of the Boeing Company and McDonnell-Douglas would constitute an unwarranted and unprecedented interference in a U.S. business transaction that would threaten thousands of American aerospace jobs. Urges the President to take appropriate actions to protect U.S. interests.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1997
Urges the German Government to: (1) expand and simplify its system of reparations so that all Holocaust survivors can receive reparations regardless of their nationality, length or place of internment, or current financial situation; (2) provide reparations to Holocaust survivors in the former Soviet Union and other former Communist countries in Eastern and Central Europe; (3) fulfill its responsibilities to Holocaust victims and immediately set up a comprehensive medical fund to cover the medical expenses of all Holocaust survivors worldwide; and (4) help restore the dignity of such survivors by paying them sufficient reparations to ensure that no Holocaust survivor be forced by poverty to live in conditions worse than those generally enjoyed by the surviving former Nazis who persecuted them.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Calls upon the parliamentary bodies and government officials of other nations, particularly those that participate in Little League baseball, to recognize and celebrate the international character of Little League baseball and to render Little League Baseball Incorporated assistance and recognition of its status as a nongovernmental international organization.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Medicaid Community Attendant Services Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage of qualified community-based attendant services for any individual entitled to nursing facility or intermediate care facility services. Limits such services to those furnished to an individual in a home or community-based setting, which may include a school, workplace, or recreating or religious facility, but not a nursing facility, an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, or other institutional facility. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) review existing Medicaid regulations for home health services and other services in home and community-based settings; (2) report to the Congress on how excessive utilization of medical services can be reduced under Medicaid by using qualified community-based attendant services; (3) develop a functional needs assessment instrument with respect to an individual's need for such services; and (4) establish a task force to examine appropriate methods for financing long-term care services. Amends SSA title XIX to allow States to waive certain income limitations with respect to Medicaid payments to individuals eligible for medical assistance who are also eligible for or already receiving a State supplementary payment. Allows such a waiver in such cases as the State finds the potential for employment opportunities would be enhanced through the provision of qualified community-based attendant services. Allows the State, in the case of such an individual made eligible for medical assistance because of such a waiver, to impose a premium based on a sliding scale relating to income.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Point Reyes National Seashore Farmland Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to include the Farmland Protection Area in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, with the primary objective being to protect private agricultural land from nonagricultural development by conservation easements. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make farmland acquisitions within the Area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to prohibit the issuance or renewal of any licenses or construction permits to, or the authorization of use of space segments owned by, any separated entity unless the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determines that such activities will not harm competition in the U.S. telecommunications market. Defines a "separated entity" as a privatized entity to whom a portion of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization's (INTELSAT) or the International Mobile Satellite Organization's (Inmarsat) assets are transferred prior to their full privatization. Requires the FCC to limit or revoke the authority to use space segments owned or operated by INTELSAT or Inmarsat to provide non-core services to, from, or within the United States unless after January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2001, INTELSAT and Inmarsat, respectively, and their successor entities, have been privatized in a manner that will not harm competition in the U.S. telecommunications markets. Limits expansion of INTELSAT and Inmarsat services pending privatization of such entities. Prohibits the FCC from assisting in the registration of new orbital slots for INTELSAT or Inmarsat after January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2001, respectively, unless such entities have been privatized in a manner that will not harm competition. Directs the President and the FCC to secure a pro-competitive privatization of INTELSAT and Inmarsat that meets specified criteria, including requirements that: (1) INTELSAT and Inmarsat are privatized by January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2001, respectively; (2) successor and separated entities are national, stock corporations independent of signatories that control access to telecommunications markets and of any intergovernmental organizations; (3) preferential treatment is terminated; (4) expansions are prohibited during transition; (5) successor or separated entities apply through national licensing authorities for international frequency assignments and orbital registrations; (6) such entities are domiciled in countries that have laws and regulations that secure competition in telecommunications services, are signatories of the World Trade Organization Basic Telecommunications Services Agreement, and have a schedule of commitments in the Agreement that includes non-discriminatory market access to satellite markets; (7) unused orbital slots are returned to the International Telecommunication Union; and (8) INTELSAT's and Inmarsat's assets are audited before transfer. Lists specific additional licensing criteria for INTELSAT, INTELSAT separated entities, and Inmarsat. Requires the FCC to permit providers or users of telecommunications services to obtain direct access to INTELSAT and Inmarsat telecommunications services by January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2000, respectively, and to treat the communications satellite corporation (COMSAT) as a nondominant carrier on the effective date of such actions. Permits multiple signatories to represent the United States in INTELSAT and Inmarsat on such dates. Authorizes the FCC to impose regulatory fees on the U.S. signatory. Prohibits the FCC from assigning orbital slots or spectrum used for international or global satellite communications services by competitive bidding.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
National Salvage Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Sets forth requirements for the transfer of salvage title and rebuilt salvage title vehicles and nonrepairable vehicle certificate vehicles. Requires persons transferring ownership of a salvage vehicle to give notice to the transferee that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements (similar to those of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act) that a label containing certain information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt or remanufactured salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits a person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the ultimate purchaser. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States and other State officials to bring civil or criminal action in the appropriate court to enforce the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority or office to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from entering into a consent decree that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Soft Money Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle B: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Title II: Enforcement and Disclosure Subtitle A: Improving Enforcement Subtitle B: Increasing Disclosure Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Campaign Independence Restoration Act, Part I - Title I: Soft Money - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to "soft money" to: (1) prohibit a national committee of a political party (including specified related entities) from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to such Act; (2) require a State, district, or local committee of a political party to make Federal election year expenditures (with exceptions) from funds subject to such Act; (3) prohibit a national, State, district, or local committee from soliciting or donating funds to a nonprofit organization; and (4) prohibit an incumbent or candidate for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to such Act, or solicit or receive funds for a non-Federal election in excess of certain limits or from prohibited sources (with exceptions for State or local candidates in compliance with State law). (Sec. 102) Increases limits on individual contributions to national political parties. (Sec. 103) Imposes or modifies political committee reporting requirements. (Sec. 104) Removes the exclusion of office facility construction or purchase contributions from the definition of "contribution." Subtitle B: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Imposes reporting requirements regarding disbursements over $2,000 by a person other than a political party committee or a candidate. Title II: Enforcement and Disclosure - Subtitle A: Improving Enforcement - Amends FECA to provide for: (1) random compliance audits; (2) injunction and litigation authority for the Commission; (3) Commission member term limits; and (4) expedited Commission procedures and increased penalties for violations of such Act. Subtitle B - Increasing Disclosure - Amends FECA to provide for: (1) certain reporting on an election cycle rather than a calendar year basis; (2) consulting service disclosure; and (3) mandatory (with exceptions) electronic filing of Commission reports. (Sec. 214) Sets forth political advertising provisions for print and broadcast or cablecast communications. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Commission to promulgate regulations concerning the use of non-Federal money. (Sec. 303) Provides for expedited and mandatory Supreme Court review of any appeal of any interlocutory order or final court action on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project under which covered members and beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be eligible to enroll in health benefits plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted in two geographic areas and to last at least two, but not more than three, contract years. Provides for: (1) management of participation in the project; (2) Government contributions for beneficiary coverage under the FEHB program; and (3) reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1997
Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1997 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to proscribe bringing a private class action based upon State or municipal law in State or Federal court by any private party alleging: (1) an untrue statement or omission in connection with the purchase or sale of a covered security; or (2) that the defendant used any manipulative or deceptive device in connection with such a transaction. Declares that any class action brought in any State court involving a covered security shall be removable to the Federal district court for the district in which the action is pending.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Performance Partnerships Title II: Other Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 Subtitle A: Administration on Aging Subtitle B: State and Community Programs on Aging Subtitle C: Research, Development, and Demonstrations Subtitle D: Community Service Employment for Older Americans Subtitle E: Grants for Native Americans Subtitle F: Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Subtitle G: Technical Amendments Subtitle H: Effective Date Title III: White House Conference on Aging Older Americans Act Amendments of 1997 - Title I: Performance Partnerships - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging (Assistant Secretary) to negotiate and enter into performance partnership agreements with the States. Requires each State to propose and include such an agreement as part of its State plan, specifying certain objectives for accomplishing the goals of the basic State grants program and the vulnerable elder rights protection program. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make incentive awards to States which have performed effectively under a performance partnership agreement. (Sec. 103) Requires each State agency to establish an Advisory Council to: (1) review and comment on the State's proposed agreement; and (2) evaluate and report on the State's performance under the final agreement negotiated and entered into with the Assistant Secretary. (Sec. 104) Revises area and State plan provisions, among other changes, incorporating requirements for performance partnerships. (Sec. 106) Provides for reimbursement of State administrative costs related to performance partnerships. Title II: Other Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Subtitle A: Administration on Aging - Reauthorizes and extends OAA's Administration on Aging. Requires the Administration to develop and operate a National Eldercare Locator Service, providing nationwide toll-free information and assistance services to identify community resources for older individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: State and Community Programs on Aging - Reauthorizes, revises, and extends OAA's basic State grant program's supportive services and senior centers program, as well as the congregate nutrition services and home-delivered nutrition services program. (Sec. 211) States that nothing in such Act prohibits State and area agencies on aging from engaging in activities or providing services to benefit individuals who are not older individuals, using non-Federal cash or in-kind contributions (other than those required to match the Federal program share). (Sec. 215) Requires area plans to provide assurances that the area agency on aging will coordinate pertinent planning and services with the activities of agencies that develop or provide services for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 216) Makes various specified changes, technical and otherwise, with regard to: (1) a new State option to require cost-sharing under their State grant program plan; (2) the transfer of funds between different State grant programs; (3) the availability of disaster relief funds for tribal organizations; (4) a new nutrition services incentive program to replace the current surplus commodities program; (5) waivers of certain requirements for State grant programs; (6) consolidation of authorities for supportive services and senior centers and for nutrition services; and (7) the in-home services for frail older individuals, additional assistance for special needs of older individuals, disease prevention and health promotion services, and supportive activities for certain caretakers. Subtitle C: Research, Development, and Demonstration - Revises basic OAA authority for training, research, development, and demonstrations. Replaces specified current grant programs with grants and contracts for certain centers to improve the quality of services for older individuals, including: (1) national centers providing support to administrators of grant programs; (2) national education and training centers; and (3) multifaceted policy centers. Provides for information dissemination and related activities. Reauthorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Provides for a phased-in reduction of the Federal share of funding under the community service employment program from 90 percent to 84 percent by FY 2002. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Grants for Native Americans - Reauthorizes and extends OAA's Native Americans program. Subtitle F: Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection - Reauthorizes and extends OAA's vulnerable elder rights protection program. Subtitle G: Technical Amendments - Makes various specified technical amendments to OAA and other related Acts, such as the National School Lunch Act. Subtitle H: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the amendments made by this title. Title III: White House Conference on Aging - Directs the President to convene, by a certain deadline, a White House Conference on Aging for developing recommendations for additional research and action in the fields related to aging. (Sec. 304) Establishes a policy committee and other related committees. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian and charitable activities. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a suitable gold medal. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Declares these medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates deposit of sale proceeds in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
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