United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the committee report accompanying any bill or joint resolution of a public character to contain a detailed analysis of the probable impact of the bill or resolution on children, including the impact on the number of children who are hungry or homeless.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Primary Care Promotion Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to direct graduate medical education for residents enrolled in combined approved primary care medical residency training programs. Provides for full-time-equivalent resident reimbursement for an additional year beyond the minimum number of years of formal training required to satisfy the requirements for initial board eligibility in the longest of the individual programs. Declares that a resident enrolled in a combined medical residency training program that includes an obstetrics and gynecology program qualifies for the period of board eligibility under this Act if the other programs such resident combines with such obstetrics and gynecology program are for training a primary care resident.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide an exception to food stamp and supplemental security income limited eligibility for totally and permanently disabled permanent resident aliens whose disability arose after U.S. admission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Income Equity Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny employers a deduction for payments of excessive compensation (more than 25 times the lowest compensation paid any other employee).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that studies are needed to further determine the benefits of screening women between the ages of 40 and 49 for breast cancer through mammograms and other emerging technologies and that the House urges the Advisory Panel for the National Cancer Institute to: (1) consider reissuing a specified guideline rescinded in 1993; or (2) direct the public to consider guidelines issued by other organizations until there is more definitive data.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Congratulates: (1) the people of Nicaragua for the successful completion of the democratic elections held on October 20, 1996; and (2) former President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro for her courage and commitment to democracy. Encourages all Nicaraguans to continue to work together on the long road to lasting peace and democracy. Recognizes that all Nicaraguans should continue to work together to ensure a stable democracy, respect for human rights, a free and market-oriented economy, and social justice for all people. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to help Nicaragua move toward freedom and democracy and to encourage democracy and peaceful development throughout the Western Hemisphere.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Recognizes Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos-Horta (1996 Nobel Peace Prize recipients) for their contributions on behalf of their oppressed people in East Timor. Affirms support for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in East Timor based on the people's right to self-determination.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Congratulates the Guatemalan Government for negotiating an end to hostilities and beginning the process of national reconciliation and reconstruction. Recognizes the commitment of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemala in Guatemala to agree to end the warfare and to resolve differences in a peaceful manner within a democratic political arena. Commends the Guatemalan people for their determination to achieve a lasting peace. Encourages their commitment to democratic principles and social justice for all. Affirms U.S. commitment to help support a sustainable peace and development of strong democratic institutions in Guatemala.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Native Hawaiian Housing Assistance Act of 1997 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to establish a Native Hawaiian affordable housing block grant program. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize Native Hawaiian housing loan guarantees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Patient Right to Know Act - Prohibits any contract or agreement, or the operation of any contract or agreement, between an entity operating a health plan (including any partnership, association, or other organization that enters into or administers such a contract or agreement) and a health care provider (or group of health care providers) from prohibiting or restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with his or her patient. Requires that each State shall enforce this Act with respect to health insurance issuers that sell, renew, or offer health plans in the State. Provides for enforcement of this Act by the Secretary of Health and Human Services if the Secretary, after consultation with the chief executive officer of a State and the insurance commissioner or chief insurance regulatory official of the State, determines that the State has failed to substantially enforce the requirements. Mandates a civil money penalty. Allows State requirements equal to or more protective of medical communications than the requirements of this Act. Defines "medical communication" as a communication between a provider and a patient (or the patient's guardian or legal representative) regarding the patient's health status, medical care, or treatment options.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle A: Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle B: Limitations on Contributions to House of Representatives Candidates Subtitle C: Related Provisions Subtitle D: Tax on Excess Political Expenditures of Certain Congressional Campaign Funds Title II: Independent Expenditures Title III: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees Title IV: Contributions Title V: Reporting Requirements Title VI: Broadcast Rates and Campaign Advertising Title VII: Miscellaneous Title VIII: Effective Dates; Authorizations American Political Reform Act - Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Subtitle A: Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the amount of aggregate expenditures an eligible House of Representatives candidate may make in an election cycle, runoff election, special election, and closely contested primary. Excludes from the limitation cases involving: (1) certain non-participating opponents; and (2) certain independent expenditures made during the election cycle against an eligible House candidate. Prohibits an eligible House candidate from making contributions or loans from personal funds to the candidate's own campaign totaling more than $50,000 and conditions that such contributions may not qualify for certification for voter benefits. Exempts an eligible House candidate from the preceding limitation if any other general election candidate for that office: (1) makes personal contributions to the candidate's own campaign totaling more than $50,000; or (2) with respect to any contribution or loan used for certain exempted costs. Requires that any contribution or loan to a candidate's campaign by a member of the candidate's immediate family shall be treated as made by the candidate. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the campaign accounts of five percent of the eligible House candidates after each general election. Provides for civil penalties for low, medium, and large amounts of excess expenditures with respect to an election cycle, runoff election, and special election. Authorizes the Commission to assess a specified civil penalty against a candidate determined to have misused benefits and limits the notification period to no more than three years after an election. Prohibits the receipt of benefits unless such candidate certifies to the Commission that any television commercials of the candidate contain closed captioning. Subtitle B: Limitations on Contributions to House of Representatives Candidates - Limits the aggregate amount of contributions a House candidate may accept from multicandidate political committees with respect to an election for Federal office or to an election cycle (not including a runoff election). Requires that any political committee which is established or financed or maintained or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder shall be deemed to be the candidate's or Federal officeholder's authorized committee. (Sec. 122) Places limitations on contributions from political committees (PACs) and individual large donors to candidates for the office of Representative in, or Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to the Congress with respect to an election cycle, contested primaries, and runoff elections. Subtitle C: Related Provisions - Revises certain requirements of reporting by a House candidate, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner with respect to certain excess contributions of personal funds and certain expenditures. Requires: (1) a candidate to report to the Commission that the threshold has been reached no later than 48 hours after reaching the threshold; and (2) the Commission to transmit a copy to each other candidate for election to the same office within 48 hours of receipt. (Sec. 132) Provides for registration as an eligible House candidate. Subtitle D: Tax on Excess Political Expenditures of Certain Congressional Campaign Funds - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on excess political expenditures of any applicable campaign fund for any election cycle. Title II: Independent Expenditures - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to redefine the term "independent expenditures." (Sec. 202) Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures, including for a reservation of broadcast time. Title III: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees - Revises certain contribution and expenditure exception definitions with respect to contributions and expenditures made by a political party committee in connection with activities conducted solely by volunteers. (Sec. 302) Limits the amount of contributions and expenditures made by an individual or a multicandidate political committee in any calendar year to a State Party Grassroots Fund or any other State political committee. Sets forth an overall limit on individual contributions made during any election cycle. Applies the limitation on expenditures to presidential committee transfers to the candidate's national political party for distribution to State Party Grassroots Funds. Authorizes the Commission to require reporting of the transfers, conduct an examination and audit of any such transfer, and require the return of the transferred amounts to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund if not used for the appropriate purpose. (Sec. 303) Increases the amount that multicandidate political committees may contribute to national political party committees. (Sec. 304) Sets forth provisions regarding amounts received by any political committee as a commission or royalty on: (1) the sale of goods or services; or (2) the issuance of credit cards from a corporation, including a State-chartered or national bank. (Sec. 305) Prohibits a national political party committee and the congressional campaign committees of a political party from soliciting or accepting soft money contributions or transfers. Limits disbursements a State political party committee may make from its State Party Grassroots Fund. Prohibits certain transfers of funds by a State political party committee from its State Grassroots Fund. Adds definitions respecting contributions and expenditure exceptions. Requires the applicable congressional campaign committee of a political party to make certain expenditures authorized by a State or national committee in connection with a general election campaign for candidates for Federal office unless the State or national committee allocates all or a portion of such expenditures to either or both of such committees. Allows a national or State committee to match independent expenditures made on the opponent's behalf during the campaign. (Sec. 306) Limits the fund raising activities of Federal candidates and office holders and certain political committees. Prohibits an individual who is a candidate for, or holds, Federal office during any period, from soliciting contributions to or on behalf of any tax-exempt organization under specified circumstances. (Sec. 307) Sets forth requirements of reporting by political committees. Provides that exclusion of any gift, subscription, loan, etc. shall not apply for the purposes of any requirement to report contributions and requires that exempt contributions aggregating in excess of $200 (and disbursements therefrom) be reported. Authorizes the Commission to allow a State political party committee to file with the Commission a report under State law if the Commission determines such reports contain substantially the same information. Title IV: Contributions - Sets forth restrictions on the bundling of contributions. (Sec. 403) Prohibits a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from accepting a cash contribution from any one person aggregating more than $100. (Sec. 404) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting any contribution from a State or local committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee of such committee, if such contribution when aggregated exceeds the contribution limit. (Sec. 406) Revises the definition of "contribution" to provide for a limited exclusion of any advance voluntarily made by a campaign worker on behalf of the candidate's authorized committee. (Sec. 407) Makes amendments with respect to payments made by corporations or labor organizations for candidate debates, voter guides, or voting records directed to the general public. (Sec. 408) Prohibits a foreign national from directly or indirectly participating in any individual's election-related activities. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Changes certain reporting from a calendar year basis to an election cycle basis. (Sec. 502) Requires that a political committee report expenditures made by a candidate or the candidate's authorized committees for personal and consulting services by certain individuals other than employees and prescribes that such individuals maintain records of such services and report the information to the political committee. (Sec. 505) Revises the date for filing quarterly reports. Authorizes the treasurer of a political committee to file monthly reports. Requires filing of monthly reports if at any time during the election year a committee receives contributions or makes disbursements in excess of $100,000 ($10,000 in the case of a multicandidate political committee). Modifies requirements concerning best efforts by the treasurer of a political committee to obtain, maintain, and report contributor information. (Sec. 506) Permits the candidate's principal campaign committee to register on the date of its designation. (Sec. 507) Revises reporting requirements with respect to certain communications made by corporations and labor organizations. Title VI: Broadcast Rates and Campaign Advertising - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise provisions relating to broadcast rates and preemption of the use of a broadcast station by a legally qualified candidate. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) broadcast and cable independent expenditure communications made by any individual against an eligible House of Representatives candidate; (2) a licensee that endorses a candidate for Federal office in an editorial; and (3) revocation of a license for failure to permit access to a broadcasting station or cable system under the same terms, conditions, and business practices as apply to its most favored advertiser. (Sec. 603) Amends Federal law to extend eligibility for nonprofit third-class bulk rates of postage to a qualified campaign committee. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise requirements respecting the prohibition of political committees that supports or has supported more than one candidate from being designated as an authorized committee. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office or any individual holding Federal office from establishing leadership committees. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Commission to appear on its own behalf in any action relating to the exercise of its statutory duties in any court as either a party or as amicus curiae. (Sec. 703) Prohibits solicitation or acceptance of campaign contributions by House Members in the Halls of the House of Representatives, rooms leading thereto, or the cloakrooms. Title VIII: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) effective date; (2) severability; and (3) Supreme Court review of constitutional issues.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Homeowners Insurance Protection Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor to provide free, specified written disclosures about cancellation rights for private mortgage insurance if a consumer is required to obtain such insurance as a condition for entering into a residential mortgage transaction. Imposes civil liability in the amount of treble damages for noncompliance with such disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
National Discovery Trails Act of 1997 - Amends the National Trails System Act (the Act) to provide for the establishment, as components of the National Trails System, of national discovery trails which shall be extended, continuous interstate trails located so as to provide for outdoor recreation and travel and to connect representative examples of America's trails and communities. Prohibits a trail from being considered feasible and desirable for designation as a national discovery trail unless it: (1) links to one or more areas within the boundaries of a metropolitan area and joins with other trails, tying the National Trails System to significant recreation and resources areas; (2) is supported by a competent trailwide nonprofit organization and has extensive local and trailwide support by the public, user groups, and affected State and local governments; and (3) extends and passes through more than one State and, at a minimum, is a continuous, walkable route. Requires the appropriate Secretary for each national discovery trail to administer the trail in cooperation with a competent trailwide nonprofit organization. Designates as a national discovery trail the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail which shall extend from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, traveling northern and southern routes from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. Requires the administering Federal agency, within three complete fiscal years after designation of a national discovery trail, to enter into arrangements with a competent trailwide nonprofit organization to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development, and use of the trail.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Mammogram Availability Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, that provides coverage for diagnostic mammographies for any woman 40 years old or older to provide coverage for annual screening mammographies for such a woman. Prohibits related enrollment and renewal discrimination, monetary incentives to women, and penalties or incentives to providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those requirements and prohibitions to coverage offered by an issuer in the individual market. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow payment for annual screening mammographies for women over 39 (currently, over 49 but under 65) years old. Removes provisions empowering the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the screening frequency for which payment may be made. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require payment for annual screening mammographies for women over 39 years old.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to require certain group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing coverage under a group plan, to ensure specified minimum coverage regarding: (1) breast cancer mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissections; (2) post-mastectomy breast reconstruction on both breasts; and (3) secondary consultations by specialists. Prohibits: (1) changing coverage terms and conditions based on a participant's or beneficiary's decision to request less than the minimum coverage; and (2) certain penalties or incentives to providers or specialists. Amends: (1) the Public Health Service Act to apply the same requirements to health insurance issuers in the individual market; and (2) the Internal Revenue Code to apply those requirements to group health plans.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Bear Protection Act - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, purchasing, or possessing it with intent to sell or barter, transporting, acquiring, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the United States Trade Representative to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Social Security Benefits Protection and Restoration Act of 1997 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study jointly and report to the Congress on the inability of the Social Security Administration to provide American workers with their full social security benefits because of insufficient information necessary to identify account earnings information correctly for such workers at the Administration; (2) take appropriate remedial measures, including devising and implementing a procedure for eliminating backlogged uncredited earnings filed with the Administration. Requires a progress report to the Congress on implementation of such measures, along with any recommendations for appropriate legislative action.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Requires the House of Representatives to participate in State and local government transit programs to encourage House employees to use public transportation. Directs the Committee on House Oversight to issue appropriate regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Education Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude qualified scholarships and fellowships from income; (2) allow the deduction of interest on qualified educational loans; and (3) permit distributions from individual retirement accounts to be used for qualified educational expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Medicare Hospice Benefit Amendments of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to hospice care to: (1) restructure the hospice care benefit period; (2) cover any other item or service which is specified in the plan and for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare; (3) permit contracting with independent physicians or physician groups for hospice care services; (4) allow waiver of certain staffing requirements for hospice care programs in non-urbanized areas; (5) define coverage denial, with respect to the limitation on the liability of beneficiaries and providers, to mean a determination that an individual is not terminally ill; and (6) extend the period for physician certification of an individual's terminal illness.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Explosives Fingerprinting Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture, importation, transport, shipment, distribution, or receipt in interstate or foreign commerce, or resale or other disposition as surplus by a Government department, agency, or instrumentality of any explosive material that does not contain an identification taggant and a detection taggant. Makes such provisions inapplicable to any such material designated by the President for use by the Department of Defense or another Government agency for national defense or international security purposes. Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) defer specified effective dates of prohibitions under this Act until the Secretary is satisfied that identification and detection taggants are available in sufficient quantity for commercial purposes, will not impair the quality of explosive materials for their intended use, and will not adversely affect the environment; and (2) inform the Congress before making any such deferrals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from certain naturalization requirements persons who: (1) have lived in the United States for at least 20 years; (2) are eligible for social security benefits; (3) are U.S. veterans; or (4) are at least 70 years old.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Airliner Cabin Air Quality Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit smoking on all scheduled airline flight segments (currently, just on certain airline flight segments) in interstate or intrastate air transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all domestic and foreign air carriers to prohibit smoking on any scheduled airline flight within the United States or between a place in the United States and a place outside of it.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide for treatment of severe spinal cord injury equivalent to the treatment of blindness in determining whether earnings derived from services demonstrate an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Plant Genetic Conservation Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Appropriates FY 1998 funds for a plant genetic conservation program to store material from rare and threatened plants in Hawaii and other States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that cost-of-living adjustments for Federal retirees should be paid beginning in January of each year, as current law prescribes, and should not be delayed, whether as part of a budget agreement or otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Freedom of Passport Information Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of State to provide to the public free of charge a U.S. passport information telephone inquiry service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Persian Gulf War Veterans Compensation Act of 1997 - Extends until ten years after the date on which a veteran last performed active military duty in the Persian Gulf War the time period in which a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness must become manifest and be therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation. (Currently, the presumptive time period is to be determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish, for purposes of disability determinations under such program, a uniform minimum level of earnings for demonstrating ability to engage in substantial gainful activity, at the level currently applicable solely to blind individuals. Repeals the restriction of such minimum earnings level to blind individuals only.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the possession or transfer of a non-sporting handgun which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, except with respect to the continuous and otherwise lawful possession of such handgun during any period that began before the effective date of this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act relating to the authorized provision of annual screening mammographies for women to: (1) prohibit payment for any screening mammography performed for a woman over 49 years of age (currently, women over 49 but under 65) within 11 months after the previous mammography was performed; (2) repeal the disallowance of payment for screening mammography performed for women over 64 within 23 months after the last mammography was performed; and (3) waive any required deductible or coinsurance payments with respect to such mammographies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Breast Cancer Early Detection Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of an annual screening mammography under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for women age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Marine Resources Revitalization Act of 1997 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to add or modify various definitions. Modifies the duties of the Program's Director. Sets forth the duties of sea grant institutions (defined as sea grant colleges, sea grant regional consortia, and certain types of entities conducting a sea grant program with amounts under the Act), including merit-reviewing grant and contract applications. Repeals provisions relating to the sea grant international program. Revises requirements for designating sea grant colleges and consortia. Repeals provisions mandating postdoctoral fellowships. Authorizes appropriations for grants, contracts, and fellowships. Removes the separate authorization of appropriations for administration, limiting administration expenditures to a percentage of funds appropriated for grants, contracts, and fellowships. Repeals provisions authorizing appropriations for priority oyster disease research. Modifies the maximum pay for the Program's Director and for voting members of the sea grant review panel.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail that is one cent higher than the regular rate as an alternative that patrons may use voluntarily to contribute to funding for breast-cancer research. Authorizes the Service to design and sell special stamps. Requires the Service to pay amounts attributable (additional revenues minus costs) to the one-cent differential to the National Institutes of Health as mutually agreed.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Subsidy Termination for Overdue Payments Act of 1997 - Prohibits a Federal agency or instrumentality from providing financial assistance, with specified exceptions, without certification that the applicant is: (1) not more than 60 days delinquent in the payment of a child support payment order; or (2) in compliance, if so delinquent, with an agreement regarding support collection with the person to whom payment is to be made or a State providing collection services to that person.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify displaced homemakers for the targeted jobs income tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has not worked in the labor force for at least five years but has, during those years, worked in the home providing unpaid services for family members; and (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income or is receiving public assistance on account of dependent children in the home.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for qualified postsecondary education expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for certain public health programs related to prostate cancer research and education. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support research on prostate cancer health services and procedures; and (2) provide for the development, periodic review, and updating of clinically relevant guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Amends rule XI (rules of procedures of committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to entitle each Member to designate one bill introduced by that Member to be heard and voted upon by the committee of jurisdiction during the first session of each Congress if that bill is: (1) referred solely to one committee; (2) covers one subject area; and (3) is introduced on or before March 1 of the first session of that Congress. Requires each such bill that is reported to be considered by the House during that session. Sets forth provisions regarding committee and floor procedures with respect to the consideration of such bills.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the significance of maintaining the health and stability of coral reef ecosystems by: (1) promoting comprehensive stewardship for coral reef ecosystems; (2) encouraging research and education on such ecosystems; and (3) improving the coordination of coral reef activities which take place within Federal agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and industry.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage from discriminating on the basis: (1) of genetic information; or (2) that the participant or beneficiary has requested or received genetic services. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, or a health issuer in the individual market from so discriminating. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit an issuer of a Medicare supplemental policy from so discriminating. Provides for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage from so discriminating. Regulates genetic information collection and disclosure by plans and issuers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to place the burden of proof on the taxpayer in the case of any administrative proceeding and on the Secretary of the Treasury in the case of any court proceeding. Requires a 30-day notice before seizure. Prohibits the Secretary from collecting any tax (or other sum) by levy without judicial consent. Excludes from gross income damages awarded for unauthorized IRS collection activities. Requires a study of the revenue losses (if any) resulting from this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Reconstructive Breast Surgery Benefits Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require group health plans and insurers offering group health coverage, if they cover a mastectomy, to also cover reconstructive breast surgery resulting from the mastectomy, including surgery on a nondiseased breast to establish symmetry. Prohibits related: (1) denial of coverage or monetary incentives to women; and (2) penalties or incentives to providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to individual health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a congressional gold medal to Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Allows employees covered by such Act to take up to four hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's educational and extracurricular activities. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same parental involvement leave allowance to Federal employees. Provides that leave under such Act may be taken to meet: (1) routine family medical needs, including transportation of children for medical and dental appointments for annual checkups and vaccinations; and (2) the routine medical care needs of elderly relatives of the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Establishes limitations regarding genetic information disclosure and use. Prohibits disclosure about an individual unless specifically authorized by the individual, or the individual's representative, through a written authorization that includes certain elements. Specifies the circumstances in which disclosure is allowed. (Sec. 5) Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Provides for enforcement through the same powers, procedures, and remedies as are provided under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Sec. 6) Prohibits health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic tests. Requires, if an insurer requests that an insurance applicant (other than a health insurance applicant) take a genetic test, that: (1) the use of the results of such test be disclosed to the applicant; and (2) the insurer obtain the applicant's specific written authorization for such disclosure. Prohibits an insurer from using such a genetic test as an inducement for the purchase of insurance. (Sec. 7) Directs the National Bioethics Advisory Commission to report to congressional committees its recommendations on appropriate standards: (1) to provide increased protection for the collection, storage, and use of identifiable DNA samples and genetic information obtained from those samples; and (2) for the acquisition and retention of genetic information in all settings, including appropriate exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for National Cancer Institute prostate cancer research. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to conduct and support such research and to develop and periodically update clinically relevant guidelines, quality standards, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Taxpayers' Cancer Research Funding Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to designate that five dollars (ten dollars in the case of joint returns) be paid over to the Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund established by this Act.
![Official portrait of Del. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000010_200.jpg)