United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1997
Volunteers for Children Act - Amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to authorize youth-serving nonprofit organizations and institutions, in the absence of State procedures requiring qualified entities designated by the State to contact an authorized State agency to request a nationwide background check, to contact such agency to request such check, including a check of fingerprint records. Modifies fee provisions to limit fees collected by authorized State agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the case of a background check requested by a qualified entity to the actual costs of the background check conducted with fingerprints. Authorizes (current law requires) the State to establish fee systems that insure that fees to nonprofit entities for background checks do not discourage volunteers from participating in child care programs. Reauthorizes funding for improvement of child abuse crime information through 2001.
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 · 11 September 1997
American Profit Sharing Act - Permits the provision of Federal contracts and certain Federal subsidies only to businesses which have a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Excepts start-up small businesses for one year unless such business has: (1) been in existence for at least ten prior years; (2) more than five full-time employees (or their equivalent) at any time during the year; and (3) a gross income exceeding $10 million.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to prohibit States from requiring employees of work experience and community service programs to work in exchange for (or as a condition of providing) child support collected on their behalf.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
African-American Civil War Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one dollar coins in commemoration of African-American Civil War veterans. Mandates that the coin design be: (1) emblematic of the African-American Civil War Memorial; (2) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the African-American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (3) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Instructs the Secretary to pay all coin sales surcharges to the African-American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation for the construction and maintenance of an African-American Civil War Memorial and the Garnet-Patterson Family Heritage Center (Visitors' Center).
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 · 5 September 1997
Amends the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 to remove a requirement that makes the President's line item veto authority contingent on a cancellation (line item veto) reducing the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
After School Education and Safety Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award after-school education and safety program grants to schools to carry out at least two of the following activities: (1) mentoring programs; (2) academic assistance; (3) recreational activities; and (4) technology training. Allows each school also to carry out any of the following activities: (1) drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; (2) health and nutrition counseling; and (3) job skills preparation activities. Requires the school to provide such grant-assisted activities: (1) only after regular school hours during the school year; (2) in a manner that reflects the specific needs of the population, students, and community to be served; and (3) in a school building or other public facility designated by the school. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal the criminal penalty for counseling or assisting an individual regarding disposition of assets in order to become eligible for Medicaid benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Student Loan Repayment Extension Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend and make uniform the terms of repayment plans available under the various Federal student loan programs (insured, guaranteed, consolidation, and direct loan programs).
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
Highways and National Defense Investment Act of 1997 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to adjust discretionary spending limits for FY 1998 and 1999 by reducing allowable outlays for the defense category and increasing those for the nondefense category.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2004. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Prohibits a qualified State from submitting an estimate of needs unless the estimate is approved by each management conference that is implementing an approved estuary plan and of which the State is a member. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. Requires a management conference to be convened for at least five years (currently, not to exceed five years). Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be extended or terminated. Sets forth provisions regarding the reconvening of conferences. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes procedures for interim actions. Prohibits any activity located in U.S. waters or which serves new development in such waters from being included in a conservation and management plan or a State needs estimate unless specified Federal officials determine that: (1) the activity is essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters; and (2) there is no practicable alternative to the proposed activity that would have a less adverse impact on the aquatic habitat.
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
Guam Judicial Empowerment Act of 1997 - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to provide, in addition to the current District Court of Guam, for a unified judicial system including an appellate court (Supreme Court of Guam), a trial court (Superior Court of Guam), and such other lower local courts as may have been or shall hereafter be established by the laws of Guam. Authorizes the Government of Guam to establish by law an Office of the Attorney General of Guam and whether the Attorney General shall be appointed (by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the legislature) or elected by the people of Guam.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Redesignates the Federal building located at 701 South Santa Fe Avenue in Compton, California, known as the Compton Main Post Office as the Mervyn Dymally Post Office Building.
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
Transportation Infrastructure Credit Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with one or more obligors to make direct and guaranteed loans and lines of credit to States to finance eligible surface transportation projects (including the refinancing of interim construction financing of such project costs). Sets forth certain requirements and eligibility criteria for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program to encourage public-private partnerships and facilitate infrastructure development by entering into agreements with one or more insureds to provide insurance for preconstruction costs associated with such projects. Requires the State in which a project receiving assistance is located to identify a local servicer to act as the Secretary's agent in servicing the direct loan or insurance provided. Amends Federal transportation law to make it the Secretary's duty to develop and coordinate Federal policy on financing transportation infrastructure, including the provision of direct Federal credit assistance and other techniques used to leverage Federal transportation funds. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Infrastructure Finance, headed by a Director who shall be responsible for: (1) carrying out certain responsibilities of the Secretary; (2) carrying out research on financing transportation infrastructure; and (3) providing technical assistance to Federal, State, and local government agencies and officials to facilitate the development and use of alternative techniques for financing transportation infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1997) a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to make direct housing loans to Native American veterans.
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 · 29 July 1997
Arches National Park Expansion Act of 1997 - Modifies the boundary of the Arches National Park, Utah, to include the Lost Spring Canyon Addition (Area). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transfer jurisdiction over the Federal lands contained in the Area from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service to be administered in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable to the Park. Continues existing grazing leases, permits, or licenses for the Area for the lifetime of the existing permittee and of any direct descendants of the permittee born before enactment of this Act. Allows the sale of such grazing lease, permit, or license, except that the term of a sold lease, permit, or license shall not exceed ten years or its retirement date, whichever occurs first. Withdraws Federal lands within the Area from the public land and mineral leasing laws. Provides that the inclusion of the Area in the Park shall not affect the operation or maintenance by the Northwest Pipeline Corporation of the natural gas pipeline that passes through the Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer specified Federal lands to the State of Utah in exchange for specified State school trust lands, if the State offers such exchange within one year after enactment of this Act. Subjects such exchanged lands to valid existing rights. Specifies requirements to be satisfied by the State before undertaking or permitting any surface disturbing activities. Requires the State to preserve existing grazing, recreational, and wildlife uses of such lands. Permits Utah to authorize or undertake surface or mineral activities authorized by existing or future land management plans for the acquired lands.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Zora Neale Hurston; and (2) such stamp to be unveiled at the 1999 Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville, Florida.
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 · 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 · 23 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Parental Rights Title II: Qualified Teachers Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support Title VI: General Provisions Teaching Excellence for All Children Act of 1997 - Title I: Parental Rights - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require any public elementary or secondary school receiving ESEA funds to make available to the parents of each student information regarding the qualifications of each of the student's teachers, both generally and with regard to the content area or areas in which each teacher provides instruction. Title II: Qualified Teachers - Requires each State, in order to be eligible to receive funds under ESEA, to meet specified conditions for ensuring a qualified teacher in every classroom. Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish certain minimum teacher training standards. Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers - Amends HEA to provide student loan forgiveness for teaching, including cancellation of guaranteed loans and of direct loans in return for full-time teaching for one or more years in a public elementary or secondary school, subject to specified requirements, including demonstrated teaching and subject matter knowledge. Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support - Amends HEA to establish a grants program for beginning teacher recruitment and support. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such competitive grants to Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support (BTRS) partnerships to recruit, train, and support qualified entry-level teachers. Defines BTRS partnerships as consisting of: (1) a local educational agency (LEA), an LEA subunit, or a consortium of LEAs; and (2) one or more nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, that meet certain criteria. Title VI: General Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private or religious school that does not receive Federal funds or does not participate in Federal programs or services under ESEA; or (2) affect home schools.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the Nation's coalfields should continue to be enhanced by the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 by State and Federal regulatory authorities; and (2) the Congress hereby reaffirms the goals of the Act on its 20th anniversary, August 3, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997
HIV Prevention Outreach Act of 1997 - Mandates grants to States and their political subdivisions for projects making sterile hypodermic needles available to the public without charge as part of a program for the prevention of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Requires that amounts be reserved for the grants from amounts appropriated under the Public Health Service Act, but prohibits reserving amounts from appropriations under that Act for any substance abuse treatment program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Soft Money and Contributions and Expenditures of Political Parties Title II: Indexing Contribution Limits Title III: Expanding Disclosure of Campaign Finance Information Title IV: Effective Date Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act of 1997 - Title I: Soft Money and Contributions and Expenditures of Political Parties - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to ban the use of certain soft money by national political parties, specified entities, and Federal candidates. Prohibits transfers of non-Federal funds between State parties unless the funds are subject to the Act. (Sec. 102) Increases the aggregate annual limit on contributions made by individuals to political parties. (Sec. 103) Repeals the limitations on the amount of coordinated expenditures that may be made by political parties. Title II: Indexing Contribution Limits - Sets forth provisions for the indexing of contribution limits. Title III: Expanding Disclosure of Campaign Finance Information - Requires the disclosure of certain radio and television communications. (Sec. 302) Revises FECA filing requirements for reports to mandate: (1) the monthly filing of reports by principal campaign committees and other political committees (other than a candidate's authorized committees); and (2) electronic filing for certain reports. (Sec. 304) Waives the "best efforts" exception with respect to information regarding the occupation or the name of employers of certain individual contributors. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Program Accountability Title II: Program Equity Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Program Accountability - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); and (2) demographically representative of local producers. States that: (1) civil service laws shall apply to all persons performing functions for any county, area, or local committee; and (2) the county executive director of such committee, or other person selected by the Secretary, shall have sole responsibility for making local agricultural loan determinations, subject to State-level approval. (Sec. 102) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary (at the Secretary's discretion) county and area office employees to Federal civil service status. Makes conforming amendments the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and other Federal law. Title II: Program Equity - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit agricultural operating loans to be made to delinquent borrowers under specified circumstances. (Sec. 202) Appropriates funds for lease-back or buy-back opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers. (Sec. 203) Treats debt write-downs as non-income for tax purposes. (Sec. 204) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit housing loan denial to an applicant who has been able to live in a financially independent manner for a reasonable time. (Sec. 205) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) establish a set-aside for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers. (Sec. 206) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Current law provides for non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such grants.) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to study whether such institutions' funding is equitable. (Sec. 208) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations (currently permanently authorized) for: (1) Indian reservation extension education programs; and (2) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans. (Current law provides for a non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such loans.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
Guam War Restitution Act - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to set forth award and benefit eligibility requirements for living Guamanians, or the heirs or next of kin of deceased Guamanians, who suffered a compensable injury during the occupation of Guam in World War II. Defines "compensable injury" as: (1) death; (2) personal injury; or (3) forced labor, forced march, or internment. Establishes the Guam Trust Fund and the Guam Trust Fund Commission. Authorizes the Commission to make disbursements from the Fund to: (1) make awards available to Guamanians who personally received the compensable injury, or to their heirs or next of kin in claims for death; (2) make benefits (including scholarships, medical expenses, or first-time home ownership grants) available to Guamanians who are heirs or next of kin of the decedent Guamanian who received the compensable injury that is the basis for a claim if the claim is for a compensable injury other than death; (3) sponsor research and public educational activities to commemorate the events surrounding the wartime experiences and losses of the Guamanian people; and (4) pay the Commission's administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a list of recommended spending cuts or other measures that would provide, over the next five years, enough savings to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1997
Amends rule XI (rules of procedures for committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that a committee or subcommittee may adopt a written rule permitting proxy voting if the proxy authorization: (1) is in writing; (2) asserts that the Member is absent on official business in the District of Columbia; (3) designates the individual who is to execute the proxy authorization; and (4) limits such vote to a specific measure or matter and any amendments or motions pertaining thereto for one day. Permits a Member to authorize a general proxy only for motions to recess or adjourn. Requires that a proxy: (1) be signed by the Member assigning his or her vote; (2) contain the date and time of such signature; (3) be accompanied by a written statement as to the specific official duties the Member will be engaged in that preclude being present to vote. Prohibits proxies from being counted for a quorum.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1997
Calls upon the U.S. Government: (1) in all official meetings with the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), to request the immediate and unconditional release of Ngodrup Phuntsog and other prisoners of conscience in Tibet, as well as in the PRC, and to call on that country to begin serious discussions with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, on the future of Tibet; and (2) to seek access for international humanitarian organizations to Drapchi prison and other prisons in Tibet, as well as in the PRC, to ensure that prisoners are not being mistreated and are receiving necessary medical treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1997
Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with regard to cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997
Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1997 - States that the standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders require that such plans provide for coverage of services essential to the effective treatment of such disorders in a specified manner. Sets forth the criteria under which an employer plan may meet such standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax of up to 25 percent of the amounts received by the carrier or under the plan for coverage if a carrier or an employer health benefit plan fails to comply with the standards relating to the nondiscriminatory treatment of neurobiological disorders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1997
Sequoia Ecosystem and Recreation Preserve Act of 1997 - Designates specified California lands within the Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo National Forest as wilderness areas to be administered as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Giant Sequoia National Forest Preserve as a unit of the National Forest System for the: (1) protection and maintenance of giant sequoia groves, their supporting ecosystems, and associated forests; and (2) preservation of the natural state and processes that have created and maintained such forests. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a Scientific Advisory Team for the Preserve. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to publish a final management plan for the Preserve for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural, scientific, and recreational values. Provides for interim Preserve management by the Secretary. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary, as part of the management plan, to designate and map the ancient forest reserves within the Preserve. (Sec. 10) Requires the management plan to include a comprehensive transportation plan that protects natural Preserve features while ensuring visitor safety and that includes a trail plan identifying which trails will allow motorized access. (Sec. 11) Allows all current campgrounds within the Preserve to remain in place, subject to evaluation by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to provide new camping opportunities. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the continued use of Preserve areas for hunting and fishing, firewood collection, and grazing, but prohibits new patents from being issued under the mining or geothermal laws. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to establish a Community Assistance Task Force to oversee the provision of assistance to communities and workers in political subdivisions whose boundaries include Federal lands in the Preserve or contain facilities that milled timber from lands in the Preserve during any portion of the five-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 17) Prohibits the Secretary, in preparing the Preserve budget proposal for each fiscal year, from targeting any of the budget to any commodity production in the Preserve. (Sec. 18) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1997
Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the treatment by the Federal Government of Italian Americans during World War II (between September 1, 1939, and December 31, 1945) and to report to the Congress on the findings of such review. Requires the findings to include information regarding: (1) Italian Americans who were interned, taken into custody, ordered to move out of designated areas, or arrested for curfew, contraband, or other violations; (2) Federal Bureau of Investigations raids on Italian Americans homes; (3) restrictions on Italian American fishermen and railroad workers; and (4) civil liberties infringements suffered by Italian Americans during World War II. Requires the President, on behalf of the Government, to formally acknowledge that these events during World War II represented a fundamental injustice against Italian Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Tobacco Use by Minors Deterrence Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to State laws on the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 with provisions requiring that the amount of formula grants to States (for the prevention of substance abuse) be reduced if there is not in effect a law regarding tobacco products and such individuals, including concerning: (1) tobacco distribution; (2) the purchase, possession, or use by such individuals in a public place (including parental notification); (3) the distribution of samples; (4) out-of-package distribution; (5) the posting of certain signs at selling locations; (6) the location of product packages in sight of an employee; (7) certain notifications to retail employees; (8) certain vending machine sales; (9) enforcement by a State (including using the State police, conducting random, unannounced inspections, and using individuals under 18); (10) distribution licenses, including licensure of each retail distribution place; and (11) preemption of inconsistent local laws. Prohibits the sale or other distribution of a tobacco product to an individual under the age of 18 through the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (CRA) to revise and increase remedies and enforcement on behalf of victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex. Amends FLSA to provide for enhanced enforcement of equal pay requirements (also known as the Equal Pay Act of 1963), adding a nonretaliation requirement. Increases penalties for such violations. Provides for the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in such cases. Amends CRA to direct the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to require certain employers to maintain payroll records and report to the EEOC pay information analyzed by race, sex, and national origin of employees. Applies such requirement to employers who have 100 or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks. Requires EEOC and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving discrimination in the payment of wages. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, including convening a national summit and carrying out other specified activities. Establishes the Robert Reich National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace, which shall be evidenced by a medal. Sets forth criteria for specified types of entities to receive such an award. Authorizes appropriations to the EEOC, the OFCCP, and the Secretary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 1997 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession, importation, or distribution of, crack cocaine.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1997
Celebrates the accomplishments of: (1) title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972 in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education; and (2) the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in sports.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for specified activities relating to personal information about a child (defined as a person under age 16), including knowingly: (1) selling such information (by a list broker) without the written consent of a parent of that child, knowing that such information pertains to a child; (2) using prison inmate labor for data processing of personal information about children; and (3) distributing or soliciting any such information, knowing or having reason to believe that the information will be used to abuse or physically harm the child. Sets penalties for contacting that child or a parent of that child (by a person who uses personal information about a child that was obtained for commercial purposes) to offer a commercial product or service to that child and knowingly failing to comply with a parent's request to: (1) disclose the source of such information, all information that has been sold or otherwise disclosed by that list broker about that child, and the identity of all persons to whom such information has been disclosed; or (2) discontinue providing such information to third parties. Sets penalties for knowingly releasing personal information about another person's child to any entity that intends to use the information to solicit the sale of a product or service, without the permission of that child's parent. Authorizes civil actions by a child or a parent with respect to whom a violation of this Act occurs. Directs the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. Specifies that nothing in this Act affects the sale of lists to: (1) the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (the Center); (2) accredited colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning; (3) the U.S. military; or (4) local, State, or Federal law enforcement agencies. Declares that it shall be the duty of each list broker operating in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to make that broker's databases available twice annually, without charge, to the Center to allow the Center to match it with the database of missing children held by the Center.
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 · 19 June 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program to provide low-income, minority, and disadvantaged college students with information, preparation, and financial assistance to gain access to and complete law school study. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with, or make a grant to, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, for at least a five-year period, to deliver specified services under such program, directly and through subgrants and subcontracts. Directs the Secretary to establish annually the maximum stipend to be paid to Thurgood Marshall Fellows for the period of prelaw preparation in summer institutes and midyear seminar prior to and during the period of law school study. Sets forth the maximum amount of grants for such program services for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Federal Employees Health Benefits Provider Integrity Amendments of 1997 - Amends Federal law, with respect to Federal employees' health insurance coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB), to revise provisions regarding the debarment of any health care provider found to have engaged in fraudulent practices, including requiring (currently permitting) debarment for certain fraudulent practices. (Sec. 3) Amends the Social Security Act, as amended by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, to apply certain criminal health antifraud and abuse sanctions to fraud and abuse involving the FEHB Program.
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.
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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Del. Christensen, Donna M. [D-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000380_200.jpg)