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Official portrait of Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

United States · Official source

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5,845 records where Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 1895 (105th)referred

Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Amendments Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997

Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Amendments Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace certain provisions relating to the Office of Minority Health with provisions establishing the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. Regulates the Office's activities, including regarding: (1) bilingual assistance to providers (mandating special consideration to those serving Asians and Pacific Islanders); (2) equitable allocation of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts among racial and minority populations; (3) provision of information and services in the most appropriate language, educational, and cultural context; (4) the making of grants, cooperative agreements, contracts; and (5) evaluations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Requires: (1) that the Office of Research on Minority Health of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) coordinate minority health research conducted or supported by NIH; (2) a comprehensive research plan; (3) equitable addressing of all racial and ethnic minority groups; (4) establishment of the Advisory Committee on Research on Minority Health; (5) determination of the extent of minority representation among senior physicians and scientists of (or conducting research with funding from) the national research institutes; (6) that all grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts be competitively awarded; and (7) expansion of the Minority Health Initiative. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the National Center for Health Statistics; (2) grants to States for demonstration programs to increase the availability of primary care in health professional shortage areas; (3) Federal capital contributions to health professions student loan funds; (4) scholarships for health professions students of exceptional financial need; (5) grants to health professions schools for scholarships for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (6) educational loan repayments in return for serving as faculty at health professions schools; (7) grants and contracts to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty at health professions schools; (8) grants to health professions schools for programs of excellence for minority individuals; (9) grants and contracts for health professions schools for recruiting, counseling, preparing, and providing scholarships to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (10) grants and contracts for research on the extent to which medical student educational debt has had a detrimental effect on students' decisions on entering primary care specialties. (Sec. 5) Mandates a conference on matters relating to the health of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities.

Bill· HRH.R. 1858 (105th)referred

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1997

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1799 (105th)open

Local Input in Transportation Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997

Local Input in Transportation Planning Act - Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) limit to roads classified below principal arterial the apportionment of Federal aid highway funds for surface transportation programs in areas of less than 5,000 population; (2) include within statewide transportation planning processes consultation with elected officials of subdivisions of local governments (requiring review of this process by the Secretary of Transportation at least once every two years); and (3) revise the Federal set-aside percentages for State off-system bridges repair and replacement for FY 1998 through 2003. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming.

Bill· HRH.R. 1813 (105th)open

Personal Information Privacy Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997

Personal Information Privacy Act of 1997 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to redefine the term "consumer report" to exclude identifying information listed in a local telephone directory (thereby ensuring that the personal identification information in the credit headers accompanying credit reports of unlisted individuals remains confidential). Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit the commercial acquisition or distribution of an individual's social security number (or any derivative of it), as well as its use as a personal identification number, without the individual's written consent. Provides for a civil action in a U.S. District Court by any individual aggrieved by any violation of this prohibition. Provides for civil money penalties for violations as well. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the uses of social security numbers by State departments of motor vehicles to be consistent with the uses authorized by the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act, and by any other statutes explicitly authorizing their use. Prohibits the use of social security numbers by marketing companies.

Bill· HRH.R. 1815 (105th)referred

Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individuals' Rights' Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1997 - Defines "health information trustee" (HIT) to mean a person or entity that creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, or transmits protected health information (PHI) and any employee, agent, or contractor of such a person. Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires a HIT to permit an individual who is the subject of PHI to inspect and copy the information, subject to cost reimbursement and exceptions. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires a HIT to maintain: (1) administrative, technical, and physical confidentiality and accuracy safeguards; and (2) a record of any PHI disclosure not related to treatment. Prohibits HIT retaliation for actions under this Act. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits disclosures except: (1) as allowed under this title; (2) as compatible with the purposes for which the information was obtained or for the specific purpose for which an individual authorized disclosure; and (3) in the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the disclosure's purpose. (Sec. 202) Regulates disclosure authorizations, the disclosure of nonidentifiable information, and the creation of coded information. (Sec. 205) Specifies the criteria for disclosure: (1) to an individual's next of kin; (2) regarding directory information to any person; (3) in emergencies placing the information subject or another individual at serious risk; (4) to a health oversight agency; (5) to an accrediting body; (6) by a health care provider to a public health authority; (7) by a HIT to a health researcher; (8) by specified entities in connection with certain judicial and administrative proceedings; (9) by specified entities pursuant to a subpoena; and (10) by specified entities regarding subpoenas and warrants. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions - Imposes a civil penalty for material failure to comply with this Act. Provides, if the violations have occurred with such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, for a higher civil penalty or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or any other federally funded health care programs. (Sec. 302) Allows an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for preliminary and equitable relief, actual or liquidated damages, and punitive damages. Allows assessment of attorney's fees. Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions - Provides for criminal fines, imprisonment, or exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, or any other Federally funded health care program (or some combination of those penalties) for violations of this Act or this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides for: (1) the promulgation of regulations (and establishment of a related advisory group); and (2) the relationship of this Act to other laws.

Bill· HRH.R. 1823 (105th)referred

To reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for a ten percent reduction of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to States that do not have in effect a law which requires, at a minimum, imprisonment of not less than: (1) ten years, for first offenders inflicting serious bodily injury on a child; (2) 20 years, for offenders having a previous conviction for such offense; (3) five years, for first offenders inflicting any bodily injury on a child; and (4) ten years, for such offenders having a previous conviction. Provides for redistribution of such reduced amount to other States having such a law in effect.

Bill· HRH.R. 1824 (105th)referred

To amend the Small Business Act to increase the annual Government-wide goal from 20 percent to 25 percent for procurement contracts awarded to small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and small business concerns owned and controlled by women.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997

Amends the Small Business Act to increase from 20 to 25 percent of the total value of all Federal prime contracts awarded in a fiscal year the goal for contracts awarded to small businesses, small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses owned and controlled by women.

Bill· HRH.R. 1788 (105th)referred

DES Education and Research Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997

DES Education and Research Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and permanently extend the following programs regarding the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES): (1) the research program; and (2) the new national program of education. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the heads of the appropriate agencies of the Public Health Service, to carry out a national program for the education of health professionals and the public with respect to DES, from amounts appropriated for carrying out the research and training program. Requires such program, to the extent appropriate, to use methodologies developed through the education demonstration program carried out under the Act. Directs the Secretary, in developing and carrying out the national program, to consult closely with representatives of nonprofit private entities that represent individuals who have been exposed to DES and that have expertise in community-based information campaigns for the public and for health care providers. Requires the implementation of the national program to begin during FY 1998.

Bill· HRH.R. 1766 (105th)open

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the feasibility of using the Federal Employees Health Benefits program to ensure the availability of adequate health care for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries under the military health care system.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1726 (105th)open

Children's National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Healthy Future Title II: Caring for Families Title III: Family Safety Title IV: Economic Security Title V: Educating Our Children Title VI: Budgeting Provisions Children's National Security Act - Title I: Healthy Future - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow State plans to provide for making Medicaid assistance available to low-income children. (Sec. 102) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to provide guaranteed availability of individual health insurance coverage to uninsured children. (Sec. 103) Authorizes additional appropriations for diabetes-related research by the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (Sec. 104) Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for the bone marrow program. Requires the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry to increase the representation in the pool of potential donors of children of mixed ancestry. (Sec. 105) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, PHSA, SSA title XVIII (Medicare), and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information in group health insurance plans, individual market health insurance policies, and Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies. Prohibits such plans or their issuers from requiring participants, beneficiaries, or applicants to disclose genetic information. Requires participant, beneficiary, or applicant authorization before such plans or insurers may disclose such genetic information. Makes violators of such prohibitions and requirements liable for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. (Sec. 106) Amends PHSA to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), to carry out, through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, a public information and education program on eating disorders, including toll-free telephone information and referral services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 107) Amends SSA to set forth a special rule for Medicare reimbursement for primary care combined residency programs, including obstetrics and gynecology. (Sec. 108) Amends SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation to exempt families headed by an adult nonparental relative caregiver from certain welfare assistance work requirements and time limits. Requires work participation rates to be determined without regard to such families. Prohibits States from imposing work requirements or time limits on such families, and reduces a State's grant if it violates such prohibitions. Entitles eligible States to grants for assistance to adult nonparental caregivers. Makes appropriations for such grants. Title II: Caring for Families - Directs the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and of HHS to carry out a program of grants to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing assistance to private nonprofit organizations for development of intergenerational foster care housing and for providing foster care services in such housing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Amends the IRC with respect to the child care tax credit to increase the amount of employment-related expenses taken into account and the amount at which phase-down of percentage begins. Offsets the cost of such changes by eliminating the following tax provisions regarding foreign sales corporations: (1) an exclusion for certain exempt foreign trade income; and (2) a deduction for dividends received from certain foreign corporations. (Sec. 203) Requires an employer to provide an employee who is a parent of an adopted child or a foster child with the same leave the employer provides (in addition to leave required by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993) an employee who is on parental leave for the birth of a child. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to require States to have certain standby guardianship laws and procedures as a condition of eligibility for Federal funds for foster care and adoption assistance. (Sec. 205) Amends SSA title IV part E to require States to: (1) administer qualifying examinations to all State employees with new authority to make decisions regarding child welfare services; and (2) establish certain procedures to expedite the permanent placement of foster children. Provides for placement of foster children in permanent kinship care arrangements. Gives States an option, for adoption assistance payment purposes, to deem kinship placement as adoption. Provides for consideration of the kinship placement option at the dispositional hearing. Makes Federal funds for foster care and adoption assistance available only to States that require State agencies to give preference to adoption applications of a foster parent or caretaker relative of the child. (Sec. 206) Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY 1997 through 2002 for: (1) child care for low-income working families; and (2) child care supply shortages. Requires States and the Secretary of HHS to report on access to child-care by low-income working families. Title III: Family Safety - Directs the Attorney General, as part of the prevention of date rape, to: (1) reschedule Gamma y-hydroxybutyrate in schedule I and Ketamine in schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act; (2) establish nationwide programs and disseminate materials to provide young people in high school and college with education about the use of controlled substances in the furtherance of rape and sexual assault; and (3) assist law enforcement personnel in the prevention of abuse of controlled substances for such purpose. (Sec. 302) Amends ERISA and the IRC to allow the creation or assignment of rights to employee pension benefits, under a qualified child abuse order, if this is necessary to satisfy a judgment against an employee benefit plan participant or beneficiary for physically, sexually, or emotionally abusing a child. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to protection from sexual predators. Amends Federal criminal law relating to punishment of sexual predators. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to condition State eligibility for certain grants on a State's having in effect laws which allow the court to impose a sentence of life in prison without parole on a criminal defendant convicted of a State offense for specified types of sexually predatory conduct. Requires the National Institute of justice to study and report to the Congress and the President on persistent sexual predators. (Sec. 304) Establishes requirements relating to child safety locks for firearms. Sets forth prohibitions, and civil penalties, against: (1) the manufacture of handguns as well as the transfer of firearms without locking devices attached; (2) and (2) the transfer of firearms by licensees without notice and warning. Includes loss of a Federal dealer's license among civil penalties for such violations. Sets forth criminal penalties for an adult's leaving a firearm and ammunition with an unsupervised minor. Directs the National Institute of Justice and the Consumer Product Safety Commission each to study, and report to the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury on, the feasibility of developing minimum quality standards for locking devices for firearms. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control to study and report on the results. Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General and the Secretary of HHS for public service announcements and counter advertisements designed to educate the public on the proper storage of firearms. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations which prescribe minimum quality standards for locking devices. (Sec. 305) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of the funds authorized for Federal aid highway programs for FY 2001, and ten percent of such amounts for subsequent fiscal years, from any State that has not enacted and is not enforcing: (1) a law that considers as intoxicated an individual with an alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent or greater while operating a motor vehicle; and (2) a law that provides, for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, revocation of driver's license for at least six months for a first conviction, revocation for at least one year for a second conviction, and permanent revocation for a third or subsequent conviction. (Sec. 307) Amends Federal criminal law to define firearm locking device. Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun (with law enforcement and government exceptions) without a locking device or a specified related warning. Sets forth civil (in addition to any administrative) penalties for related violations, including suspension or loss of license. Title IV: Economic Security - Amends the IRC to provide for a refundable credit for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment. Increases the amount of a taxpayer's employment-related expenses taken into account and the amount at which phase-down of percentage begins. (Sec. 401) Allows an employer-provided child care credit for businesses. Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for child care services for low-income working families. Authorizes appropriations for child care supply shortages, and requires States to use such funds in certain areas for specified types of activities. Requires States and the Secretary of HHS to report on access to child- care by low-income working families. (Sec. 402) Amends the IRC to allow an individual an income tax credit equal to the unpaid child support such individual is entitled to receive for the taxable year. Requires the taxpayer to identify each individual required to pay support. Increases by the amount of such credit the tax of the individual failing to make required support payments. Prohibits treating any such increase in tax as a tax for purposes of determining a credit or the minimum tax. Title V: Educating Our Children - Establishes a program to provide Federal interest subsidies, or similar assistance, to States and localities to help them bring all public school facilities up to an acceptable construction standard and build the additional public schools needed in the next decade. (Sec. 503) Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Education to carry out this title. (Sec. 504) Reserves specified funds for Indian school construction by the Secretary of the Interior and for grants to outlying areas. (Sec. 511) Sets forth requirements for formula grants to States and for direct grants to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 531) Sets forth general requirements relating to technical employees, wage rates, non-liability of the Federal Government, and consultation with Secretary of the Treasury. Title VI: Budgeting Provisions - Provides for: (1) an increase in budget functions for domestic programs resulting from this Act; and (2) offsetting reductions in the defense budget function.

Bill· HRH.R. 1721 (105th)referred

Church Insurance Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997

Church Insurance Protection Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any arson attacks against churches should be condemned; and (2) houses of worship and their congregations should be held harmless for any acts of arson and insurance companies should be prohibited from taking punitive measures against them because of such acts. Prohibits an insurer from canceling, declining to renew, or requiring a higher premium or contribution for fire insurance for a religious property based on: (1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of property users; (2) the status of the property as religious property; (3) any previous arson against the property; or (4) any perceived arson threat. Places authority and responsibility for investigating violations of, and enforcing, this Act in the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to begin a civil action. Authorizes preventive relief and mandates civil monetary damages.

Law· HRH.R. 1650 (105th)enacted

To authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable activities, and for other purposes.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1632 (105th)open

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance programs, to restore such exclusion for graduate level courses, and to allow a deduction for interest on education loans.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to with respect to the income exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance programs to: (1) make such exclusion permanent; and (2) include graduate school assistance. Provides an income-based deduction for interest on qualified education loans incurred on behalf of a taxpayer or spouse (excludes dependents). Sets forth reporting requirements for persons in the business of receiving interest from such loans.

Bill· HRH.R. 1640 (105th)referred

Computer Learning Center Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Computer Learning Center Act of 1997 - Establishes a fund in the Department of Commerce to provide grants to assist nonprofit organizations in renovating vacant storefronts for computer learning centers in low income areas. Requires such an organization, in order to receive a grant, to certify that it has a secure commitment from a private business partner to donate 50 up-to-date computers for a proposed learning center. Requires such computer learning centers to educate residents of low-income areas in using computer equipment, including word processing and information gathering programs. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1644 (105th)referred

To provide for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Drug Courts Title II: Youth Courts Title I: Drug Courts - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments for programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders; and (2) the integrated administration of other sanctions and services, which shall include mandatory periodic testing for the use of controlled substances or other addictive substances during any period of supervised release or probation for each participant. Sets forth requirements regarding grant applications, the Federal grant share of program costs, geographic distribution of grant awards, reporting requirements, and technical assistance, training, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Youth Courts - Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program in accordance with title I specifically for individuals who are under age 21. Permits a youth to participate in the program under this title only if a parent or other legal guardian participates. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1636 (105th)referred

Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Children's Environmental Protection Subtitle A: Disclosure of Industrial Releases That Present a Significant Risk to Children Subtitle B: Disclosure of High Health Risk Chemicals in Children's Consumer Products Title II: Public Right to Know About Toxic Chemical Use Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act of 1997 - Title I: Children's Environmental Protection - Subtitle A: Disclosure of Industrial Releases That Present a Significant Risk to Children -Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish thresholds for toxic chemicals which may present significant risks to children's health or the environment. Includes lead, mercury, dioxin, cadmium, chromium and other specified bioaccumulative chemicals as substances subject to such thresholds. Makes dioxin and specified bioaccumulative chemicals subject to toxic chemical release form reporting requirements under such Act. Authorizes citizen suits against the Administrator for failures to establish thresholds under this Act. Subtitle B: Disclosure of High Health Risk Chemicals in Children's Consumer Products - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the National Toxicology Program, to publish a list of substances which are toxic due to carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or reproductive toxic effects. Directs the Secretary to identify those substances to which infants and young children are exposed. Requires manufacturers or importers of eligible products (defined as toys or other articles intended for use by children) which contain such substances to report specified information to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including information supporting that a substance is not a misbranded or banned hazardous substance. Authorizes exemptions from such reporting requirements if a substance would not cause substantial personal injury or illness as a result of foreseeable handling, including ingestion by children. Permits citizen suits with respect to certain violations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and against the Commission for failure to perform duties under this Act. Title II: Public Right to Know About Toxic Chemical Use - Expands information to be included in toxic chemical release forms, including the number of employees and occupational exposures at reporting facilities as well as materials accounting information. Requires the Administrator to take certain actions to: (1) standardize data and obtain and integrate information regarding toxic chemicals; (2) consolidate all annual reporting requirements of Federal environmental laws for small businesses and entities subject to toxic chemical release reporting; and (3) provide the public with one point of contact for access to information gathered by EPA. Requires disclosures on the uses of toxic chemicals by reporting facilities. Permits the withholding of portions of materials accounting information reported by covered facilities for purposes of protecting trade secrets.

Bill· HRH.R. 1646 (105th)referred

Grandparent and Family Caregiver Support Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Grandparent and Family Caregiver Support Act of 1997 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to generally exempt adult nonparental relative caregiver heads of families on TANF assistance from various specified (welfare reform) provisions added by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that involve work and various time limits, including the five-year limit on TANF assistance. Sanctions States that ignore such exemption in imposing work requirements and time limits on such adults with reduced State TANF grants. Provides for grants to States for assistance provided for adult nonparental relative caregivers.

Bill· HRH.R. 1642 (105th)referred

To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for the establishment of an alternative crop production demonstration program for developing countries with illicit crop production.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, acting through the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to establish a demonstration program providing assistance to nongovernmental organizations and grass roots organizations in developing countries with illicit crop production for the purpose of developing alternative crop production specific to the unique soil, environmental, and economic development needs of such countries. Authorizes appropriations.

Law· HRH.R. 1635 (105th)enacted

National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1997 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish in the National Park Service (NPS) a program to be known as the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom under which the Secretary shall: (1) produce and disseminate educational materials about the Railroad; (2) provide technical assistance to other government agencies, private entities, or the Governments of Canada, Mexico, or any appropriate Caribbean country to ensure coordination of Federal and non-Federal elements of the Network; and (3) regulate use of an official symbol for the Network. Includes within the Network: (1) NPS units or programs pertaining to the Railroad; (2) Federal, State, local, or privately-owned properties pertaining to the Railroad that have a verifiable connection to it and that are included or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places; and (3) governmental or nongovernmental facilities or programs of educational, research, or interpretive natures that are directly related to such Railroad. Prohibits amounts from being appropriated for the purposes of this Act except to the Secretary for carrying out his or her responsibilities.

Bill· HRH.R. 1639 (105th)referred

Education Development Block Grant Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements Title II: Allocation of Grant Amounts Title III: Federal Guarantees for Financing Education Development Block Grant Act of 1997 - Title I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to local bond authorities to repair their school infrastructures. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Allocation of Grant Amounts - Directs the Secretary to allocate any amounts made available for assistance under this Act in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Title III: Federal Guarantees for Financing - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the notes or other obligations issued by local bond authorities (local education agencies or local governments with authority to issue area bonds) to finance school infrastructure repairs, if there is a lack of financing from other sources. Prohibits such guarantees or commitments if the total outstanding notes or obligations of the issuer guaranteed under this title (excluding any amount deceased under the repayment contract) would exceed five times the amount of the grant approval for the issuer (thus allowing a local bond authority to borrow up to five times the grant amount to make school infrastructure repairs). (Sec. 302) Sets forth security and repayment requirements. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to or on behalf of a local bond authority to cover up to 30 percent of the net interest cost of such obligations; and (2) assist the issuer of a guaranteed note or other obligation, in circumstances of extreme hardship, in the payment of principal and interest due. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to carry out training and information activities with respect to this guarantee program. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, to the extent approved or provided in appropriations Acts, to enter into commitments to guarantee notes and obligations under this title. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to monitor the use of such guarantees by local bond authorities and, if necessary, limit the amount.

Bill· HRH.R. 1645 (105th)referred

Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for theft under color of law. Specifies that if the stolen property is a controlled substance, the penalty shall be the same as for the offense of possessing such substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Requires: (1) each law enforcement authority in the United States to make and maintain records of controlled substances that come into their possession during the course of law enforcement activities; and (2) the Attorney General to include in the annual report to the Congress information regarding the types and amounts of controlled substances for which such records have been made during the period covered by the report.

Bill· HRH.R. 1637 (105th)referred

To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the provision to at-risk communities of services under the program of block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national database on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on drug abuse prevention and treatment in communities with a significant number of individuals who are at risk of developing drug abuse (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such individuals).

Bill· HRH.R. 1638 (105th)referred

To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the provision of rehabilitation services under the program of block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national data base on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on rehabilitation services (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such services).

Bill· HRH.R. 1643 (105th)referred

To provide for an increase in funding for programs for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse in the Federal prison system.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Directs the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to carry out a program for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse among individuals who are in Federal penal or correctional institutions and in the criminal custody of the Attorney General. Provides for special consideration to individuals whose terms of such custody are within 12 months of completion. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1647 (105th)referred

Small Business Development Fund Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Small Business Development Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon each individual who has a 50 percent strategy-based capital gains tax reduction (as defined in this Act) for the taxable year a tax equal to one percent of the strategy amount for that taxable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish a list of applicable tax reduction strategies for the next calendar quarter. Makes the above amendment effective only if a decrease in the maximum Federal capital gains tax rate is enacted during 1997. Amends Code provisions relating to the treatment of certain interests in corporations as stock or indebtedness to treat a corporate interest as stock if such interest: (1) has a maximum weighted average maturity of over 40 years; or (2) is payable in stock of the issuer or a related person. Requires an issuer to be treated as issuing an interest in stock if: (1) the issuer is a corporation required to file annual financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) such statements do not characterize such interest as indebtedness; and (3) such interest has a maximum weighted average maturity of over 15 years. Provides exceptions. Makes such amendment effective only if no decrease in the maximum Federal capital gains tax rate is enacted during 1997. Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Development Fund and appropriates to such Fund amounts equal to any taxes received as a result of amendments made by this Act. Provides Fund assistance application requirements. Allows the Fund to provide such financial assistance to credit unions, community development corporations, entities engaged in job creation or enterprise and commercial development, or financial institutions needing capital to begin or expand a small business activity in a low-income community.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 80 (105th)referred

Relating to maintaining the current standard behind the "Made in USA" label, in order to protect consumers and jobs in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997

Declares that the Congress: (1) maintains that the standard for the "Made in USA" label should continue to be that a product was all or virtually all made in the United States; and (2) urges the Federal Trade Commission to refrain from lowering the standard at the expense of consumers and jobs in the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 1614 (105th)referred

Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997

Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1997 - Establishes the Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform to study the laws relating to the financing of political activity and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws. (Sec. 6) Requires the Commission, not later than July 1998 or 240 days after the appointment of its members (whichever occurs earlier), to submit to the President, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, a report of the activities of the Commission. Requires the report to include any recommendations for changes in the laws (including regulations) governing the financing of political activity, including any changes in House and Senate rules, to which nine or more Commission members may agree, together with drafts of: (1) any legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) recommended by the Commission to implement such recommendations; and (2) any proposed amendment to the Constitution recommended by the Commission as necessary to implement such recommendations, except that if the Commission includes such a proposed amendment in its report, it shall also include recommendations and drafts for legislation that may be implemented prior to the adoption of such proposed amendment. Requires the Commission, in making recommendations and preparing drafts of legislation, to consider the following to be its primary goals: (1) encouraging fair and open Federal elections that provide voters with meaningful information about candidates and issues; (2) eliminating the disproportionate influence of special interest financing of Federal elections; and (3) creating a more equitable electoral system for challengers and incumbents. (Sec. 7) Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation introduced the substance of which implements a recommendation of the Commission submitted, including a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1555 (105th)referred

American Cities Investment Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997

American Cities Investment Act of 1997 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) set limitations on maximum outstanding loan guarantees issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; (2) authorize the Secretary to guarantee advances from Federal Home Loan Banks; and (3) expand the community participation requirements to include major stakeholders (as defined by this Act). Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize advances to metropolitan cities, urban counties, or their public agencies for certain extraordinary, nonusual community development purposes pursuant to such loan guarantees. Prohibits the use of such funds to supplant Federal or non-federal fund sources. Sets forth amount limit and repayment provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1571 (105th)referred

Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997

Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program to conduct biomedical and behavioral research (directly or through grants) on cases of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women. Sets forth requirements regarding the existing Women's Interagency HIV Study. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1534 (105th)open

Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997

Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that whenever a district court has jurisdiction in civil rights cases it shall not abstain from exercising or relinquishing its jurisdiction to a State court in an action where no claim of a violation of a State law, right, or privilege is alleged. Authorizes the district court, in such cases that cannot be decided without resolution of a significant but unsettled question of State law, to certify such question to the highest appellate court of that State (and after the State appellate court resolves the question certified to it, the district court shall proceed with resolving the merits). Bars the district court from certifying a question of State law unless such question will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim and is so unclear and obviously susceptible to a limiting construction as to render premature a decision on the merits of the constitutional or legal issue in the case. Requires that any claim or action brought to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or territory of the United States, that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Provides that any claim brought under provisions regarding the United States as defendant and regarding the jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims that is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets guidelines for what constitutes a "final decision" for purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1519 (105th)referred

Millennium Society Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1997 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program providing for a university level exchange for women and men from all world regions to better prepare young leaders for greater achievements in the next millennium. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names in carrying out its functions. Allows persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the Postal Service to cooperate with the Society in: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 72 (105th)referred

Postponing the relocation of the statue known as the Portrait Monument to the rotunda of the Capitol.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997

Cancels provisions of H. Con. Res. 216, 104th Congress, that provide for restoration and placement of the Portrait Monument in the Rotunda of the Capitol for one year, its subsequent movement to a permanent site, and its replacement in the Rotunda by an alternative statue. Requires the commission established under such resolution to complete its assigned tasks within one year after adoption of this resolution. Expands commission membership to include four additional private citizens. Recognizes and congratulates the Woman Suffrage Statue Campaign, the Sojourner Truth Statue Campaign, and supporters for their educational efforts to acknowledge the contributions of Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth to women's suffrage and to the abolitionist and women's movements.

Bill· HRH.R. 1500 (105th)open

America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 1997 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1507 (105th)referred

Hunger Has a Cure Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997

Hunger Has a Cure Act of 1997 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for an annual price-indexed standard deduction adjustment (as of FY 2001). (Sec. 3) Revises maximum excess shelter deduction amounts and authorizes such amounts through FY 2001 (currently permanent). (Sec. 4) Provides for an annual price-indexed vehicle allowance adjustment. (Sec. 5) Revises work requirement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to reserve specified amounts for FY 1998 through 2002 employment and training programs. (Sec. 6) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 to make legal immigrants who became disabled after U.S. entry and certain elderly and under-18 years of age legal immigrants eligible for the food stamp program (program). Extends program eligibility for refugees and asylees from five years to seven years. Repeals specified program attribution of (alien) sponsor income provisions. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) specified funds under the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 should be appropriated to provide FY 1998 short-term emergency food assistance; and (2) FY 1997 and 1998 appropriations for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) should meet case load demands. (Sec. 9) Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) increase lunch and supper reimbursement rates for the summer food service program for children; and (2) increase the number of meals and-or supplements available under the child and adult food care program. (Sec. 10) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to carry out school breakfast and summer feeding program outreach activities. Obligates specified Treasury funds for State start-up and expansion costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1506 (105th)referred

Community Environmental Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997

Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean hazardous contaminants, chemicals, materials, wastes, and substances listed, identified, or defined in specified laws or designated by the President. Prohibits any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, disposes, stores, transports, or delivers covered substances from disproportionately exposing any individual or community, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to any covered substance. Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to handle, manage, etc., covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for entities receiving Federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Bill· HRH.R. 1468 (105th)referred

To amend the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to modify provisions restricting welfare and public benefits for aliens.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997

Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make permanent resident aliens under 19 years old eligible for Medicaid. Extends the refugee and asylee eligibility period for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Makes qualified aliens eligible for SSI benefits who: (1) became blind or disabled after U.S. admission; or (2) were under 18 years old at, and blind or disabled prior to, U.S. admission. Exempts such aliens from: (1) attribution of sponsor income and repayment requirements; and (2) the five-year ineligibility period for Federal means-tested public benefits. Makes permanent resident aliens who are at least 76 years old eligible for SSI benefits. Exempts such aliens from sponsor repayment requirements.

Bill· HRH.R. 1444 (105th)referred

Mom and Pop Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997

Mom and Pop Protection Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to States to establish a loan program for convenience store owners (owners) to install security devices and improve safety in convenience stores. Directs the State to determine a repayment schedule of not more than five years and an interest rate not to exceed three percent for owners to cover administrative expenses for the State. Requires that, to receive a grant, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a State submit an application that includes an assurance that the State shall develop a process of certification and review to ensure that funds received are used only for the purpose of installing safety devices in convenience stores. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) owner eligibility for loans, including a requirement that a State receiving a grant receive not less than $200,000; and (2) uses of funds (for a video security system capable of 24-hour surveillance, a drop safe or cash management device with restricted access and posters indicating that not more than $50 is accessible to store personnel, a silent alarm system to alert local law enforcement officers, and height markers at store exits). Directs: (1) the Attorney General, by notice in the Federal Register, to terminate the State loan program upon determining that a sufficient number of eligible convenience stores has had the opportunity to apply for a loan from a State; (2) the State to provide notice to owners regarding such termination; and (3) that any funds, excluding the amount of interest collected, that a State receives as repayment from an owner after the date that the Attorney General terminates the State loan program be used by such State for law enforcement purposes. Requires the CEO of a State that receives a grant under this Act to submit an annual report to the Attorney General regarding the number of loans, locations, amounts, terms, and repayment record of convenience stores in such State that receive funds under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1451 (105th)referred

Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research Title II: Preventive Health Research Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceutical and Other Therapeutic Agents Title IV: Research on Environmental Risks Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1997 - Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support by the national research institutes of pediatric research. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Pediatric Research. Authorizes appropriations. Requires: (1) guidelines for the inclusion of children as subjects in clinical research projects conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health; and (2) increasing the percentage of child subjects. Title II: Preventive Health Research - Mandates: (1) a program of research (directly or through grants) regarding preventable diseases, disabilities, and injuries in children; (2) an advisory committee; and (3) a comprehensive plan for the research. Establishes the Pediatric Prevention Research Initiative Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to delay for a specified time (after the approval would otherwise be granted) the approval of new drugs for which the application materials refer to a drug whose approval application materials include pediatric clinical investigations. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider pharmacokinetic studies as clinical investigations. Provides for requests for pediatric studies. Title IV: Research on Environmental Risks - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program to conduct and support research regarding environmental factors that affect children differently than adults. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1415 (105th)open

Patient Access to Responsible Care Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997

Patient Access to Responsible Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a health insurance issuer to: (1) assure that covered items and services are available and accessible to each enrollee; (2) assure the availability and accessibility of emergency services and urgent care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (3) not require prior authorization for emergency services; and (4) cover emergency and urgent (and related ancillary) services. Requires an issuer offering network coverage to show that enrollees have access to specialized treatment. Regulates network incentive plans. Requires an issuer to: (1) permit each network enrollee to select a personal health professional from participating professionals; (2) cover nonparticipating providers, regulating premiums and cost sharing; (3) avoid undue enrollee burden from care coordination and cost control processes; (4) ensure direct specialist access; (5) provide for continuity of care for those with special needs or a chronic condition; and (6) provide for continued coverage in certain circumstances. Prohibits issuer discrimination on the basis of specified factors against individuals or providers. Prohibits any issuer-professional agreement from restricting the professional from engaging in medical communications with the professional's patient. Sets forth requirements regarding utilization review, an appeals process, and the process by which health professionals and providers become participants. Requires issuers to: (1) disclose certain information to enrollees and prospective enrollees; (2) comply with Federal and State confidentiality laws; (3) meet State solvency-related requirements; and (4) establish a quality improvement program. Requires issuers to comply with this Act regarding group and individual coverage. Declares that the requirements of this Act do not preempt any State law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan and an issuer offering coverage under such a plan to comply with the requirements of this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt any State: (1) law providing equivalent or stricter protections for individuals; or (2) cause of action for personal injury or wrongful death damages that provides insurance or administrative services to or for an employee welfare benefit plan maintained to provide health benefits.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 65 (105th)open

Expressing the sense of the Congress that section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, popularly known as the Jones Act, and related statutes are critically important components of our Nation's economic and military security and should be fully and strongly supported.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997

Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 relating to transportation of merchandise between U.S. points in other than domestically built or rebuilt and documented vessels and to incineration of hazardous waste at sea (those provisions popularly known as the Jones Act) and related statutes are critically important components of our Nation's economic and military security and should be fully and strongly supported.

Bill· HRH.R. 1376 (105th)referred

Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas Act to Save America's Forests - Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (National Forest System), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (public lands), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (National Wildlife Refuge System), the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act (Indian lands), and Federal law relating to forest management on military lands to: (1) provide for native biodiversity conservation; and (2) restrict and prohibit certain logging practices. Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas - Describes special areas as Federal forest land parcels possessing outstanding biological, scenic, recreational, or cultural values, exemplary on a regional or national level, which may not meet the definitions of Northwest Ancient Forests or roadless areas. Designates specified Special Areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in the following States: (1) Alabama; (2) Alaska; (3) Arizona; (4) Arkansas; (5) California; (6) Colorado; (7) Georgia; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Michigan; (11) Minnesota; (12) Missouri;(13) Montana; (14) New Mexico; (15) North Carolina; (16) Ohio; (17) Oklahoma; (18) Oregon; (19) South Carolina; (20) South Dakota; (21) Tennessee; (22) Texas; (23) Vermont; (24) Virginia; (25) Wisconsin; and (26) Wyoming. Provides for the appointment of a committee of scientists to recommend additional Special Areas. Restricts road construction and logging in Northwest Ancient Forests, Special Areas, and roadless areas on Federal lands.

Bill· HRH.R. 1404 (105th)referred

Defense of the Environment Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

Defense of the Environment Act of 1997 - Requires any report of a congressional committee or committee of conference accompanying a public bill or joint resolution that includes any provision that reduces environmental protection to contain: (1) an identification and description of the provision; (2) an assessment of the extent of such reduction; (3) a description of any actions to avoid such reduction; and (4) any statement received from the Comptroller General, upon request of the committee or a majority of either the minority or majority members of the committee, assessing the reduction. Deems a provision to reduce environmental protection if it may: (1) allow increased pollution; (2) adversely affect the environmental quality of public lands or diminish protection of species that may be endangered; (3) increase children's exposure to environmental contaminants and other environmental risks; or (4) have the effect of shielding environmental law violators or limiting judicial review of agency action under authority of any environmental law. Provides for consultation and assistance of the Comptroller General at the request of any committee. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that each Federal agency: (1) collects and catalogs available information that would assist in assessing whether any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report provision would reduce environmental protection; (2) facilitates the availability of such information for Congress' use; and (3) makes such information readily available to the Comptroller General for purposes of fulfilling the assessment and consultation duties described above. Requires such information to be made publicly available. Makes out of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate the consideration of any reported bill or joint resolution, or conference report, unless the committee has complied with the identification and assessment provisions of this Act. Makes any rule waiving these provisions out of order in the House. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to the consideration and striking of provisions reducing environmental protection within the meaning of this Act. Provides Senate procedures for the striking of such provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1375 (105th)open

Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.

Bill· HRH.R. 1373 (105th)referred

Early Learning and Opportunity Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Early Learning and Opportunity Grants Title II: Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title III: Amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Title IV: Amendments to the Head Start Act Early Learning and Opportunity Act of 1997 - Title I: Early Learning and Opportunity Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children less than three years of age. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include imported property income (except for foreign oil and gas related income, or property subsequently exported) as foreign base company income in the gross income of a U.S. shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation. Title III: Amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to employers with more than 20 employees (current law applies only to employers with more than 50 employees). Title IV: Amendment to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to extend the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 402) Revises a formula for allotment of certain training and technical assistance funds under such Act. Increases the amount of funds reserved for services to families with children less than three years of age (programs for families with infants and toddlers).

Bill· HRH.R. 1371 (105th)open

Imported Meat Labeling Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

Imported Meat Labeling Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require country of origin (where an animal is raised before slaughter) labeling of imported meat or U.S.-prepared meat food products containing foreign meat.