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United States · Official source
2,206 records where Rep. Armey, Richard K. [R-TX-26] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Designates majority party membership on the House Committee on the Judiciary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1998
Dollars to the Classroom Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to award the total amount of certain applicable education funding directly to the States. (Sec. 2) Requires such direct awarding of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for programs or activities under specified provisions of: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (5) the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any head of a Federal department or agency other than the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this Act; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this Act. (Sec. 3) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require the use of at least 95 percent of title I funds for an LEA for a fiscal year according to the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for the use of such funds. (Sec. 4) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Science Integrity Act - Requires each Federal agency that issues or may issue regulations supported by scientific data, not later than January 1999, to issue regulations establishing procedures to ensure that the acquisition, interpretation, incorporation, and application of all such scientific data is subject to peer review by at least two but not more than five individuals from a list of peer reviewers created pursuant to this Act. Directs the head of each such agency to: (1) create, using the Federal Register, scientific and commercial journals, the National Academy of Sciences, and other similar resources, a list of specified individuals who are qualified and willing to perform peer review functions for the agency; and (2) select individuals from the list to peer review each proposed regulation of the agency that is supported by scientific data. Requires the head of an agency, upon receipt of all peer review reports for a proposed regulation, to publish in the Federal Register a notice of availability of those reports, and the scientific data reviewed therein, for public comment. Requires the head of an agency, within 30 days after the completion of the public comment period, to transmit to the Office of Regulations Integrity established under this Act: (1) each peer review report; (2) all scientific data used in support of the proposed regulation or requested by a peer reviewer; (3) the response of the head of the agency to points of disagreement among the peer reviewers; and (4) all public comments received. Prohibits the proposed regulation from being issued in final form until 30 days after transmittal. Requires any recommendations of the Office in response to a transmittal to be provided to the agency, the President, and the Congress. Requires regulations issued establishing peer review procedures to include emergency exception provisions. Establishes an Office of Regulations Integrity to: (1) review regulations issued by each Federal agency establishing peer review procedures, and if the Office determines that such regulations do not represent the expert opinions of a majority of the scientists who will be carrying out peer reviews, or that such regulations are inadequate or inappropriate, to notify the agency, the President, and the Congress; (2) transmit to the President and the Congress an annual report on each agency's performance in complying with its peer review regulations; and (3) review regulations issued by an agency with supporting scientific data, if the Office has reason to believe such regulations were issued, or the scientific data were acquired, interpreted, incorporated, or applied in a manner significantly inconsistent with the peer review regulations issued by the agency, and if the Office finds these procedures to be inconsistent with such regulations, to notify the agency, the President, and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Vaccinate America's Children Now Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax on vaccines from 75 cents per dose to 25 cents per dose.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Savings Advancement and Enhancement (SAVE) Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from individual gross income up to $200 ($400 for joint filers) of the sum of dividends from domestic corporations or interest. Sets forth related provisions with respect to: (1) distributions from regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts; and (2) nonresident aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Expresses gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the brave men, including current Congressmen Sam Johnson of Texas and Pete Peterson of Florida, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Urges States and localities to honor such courage and sacrifice with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a final accounting of the more than 2,000 members of the U.S. armed forces who remain unaccounted for from such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Parental Freedom of Information Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the availability of funds under any applicable program to any educational agency or institution that has a policy of denying, or that effectively prevents, parents of elementary and secondary school students from exercising the right to inspect and review any instructional materials used with respect to the educational curriculum of, or certain testing materials administered to, their children. Allows parents to maintain a civil action for appropriate relief if their right to gain access to such information is violated. Prohibits the availability of funds under any applicable program to an educational agency or institution that, as part of an applicable program and without the prior written informed consent of the parent of a student, requires the student to: (1) undergo medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination, testing, treatment, or immunization, except in the case of a medical emergency; or (2) reveal any information about the student's personal or family life, except to the extent necessary to comply with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Expresses gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the brave men, including current Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Urges States and localities to honor such courage and sacrifice with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a final accounting of the more than 2,000 members of the U.S. armed forces who remain unaccounted for from such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1998
Federal Employees Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to authorize, and in certain circumstances require, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with qualified carriers for a high deductible health plan (as defined in existing Internal Revenue Code medical savings account provisions). Requires that such a plan provide benefits of the types provided by service benefit plans, indemnity benefit plans, or both. Sets forth special contribution requirements applicable to employees or annuitants enrolled in such plans, including mandating certain payments to the medical savings account of each individual so enrolled. Requires OPM to make information available to such individuals regarding the circumstances in which a Government contribution will be made to a medical savings account and the amount of that contribution. (Sec. 3) Amends Internal Revenue Code medical savings account provisions to modify the definition of "eligible individual" to add references to high deductible plans provided under the FEHBP. Regulates the medical savings account deduction for FEHBP individuals. Exempts FEHBP individuals from numerical limits on the number of taxpayers having medical savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a specified award of attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions that Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the defendants to pay in Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc., et al. v. Hillary Rodham Clinton, et al., should not be paid with taxpayer funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a specified award of attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions that Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the defendant to pay in Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc., et al. v. Hillary Rodham Clinton, et al., should not be paid with taxpayer funds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Tax Code Termination Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2001; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2001. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be a simple and fair system.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Marriage Protection and Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a married couple to file jointly using unmarried tax rates (the tax being the aggregate of the two individually taxed incomes).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House is present and that the House is ready to proceed with business.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Fixes the daily hour of meeting for the House of Representatives for the second session of the 105th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) child care assistance, when provided to families, should be provided regardless of whether a child is cared for by an at-home parent, family member, neighbor, or child care center; and (2) a key component to any quality child care proposal should include financial relief for those families where there is an at-home parent. Calls for no bias against at-home parents, and recognizes and applauds their sacrifices and efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Provides for an adjournment of the House of Representatives from: (1) January 28 until February 3, 1998; (2) February 5 until February 11, 1998; and (3) February 12 until February 24, 1998. Provides for a recess or an adjournment of the Senate from February 13 until February 23, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Elects Representative Dan Miller to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Calls for Sara E. Lister, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, to resign from office or, in the alternative, be removed from such office by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Parents and Teachers Know Best Act of 1997 - Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the National Skill Standards Act of 1994. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to requesting State educational agencies, which shall distribute grant funds to local educational agencies according to a specified formula, for: (1) technology related to the implementation of school-based reform programs, including professional development to assist teachers to use such equipment and software; (2) acquisition and use of instructional and educational materials related to such reform programs; (3) education reform projects, including effective schools and magnet schools; (4) programs to improve the higher order thinking skills of disadvantaged elementary and secondary school students and to prevent students from dropping out of school; (5) literacy programs for student and adults, including parents; (6) gifted and talented programs; and (7) school improvement programs or specified activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Waives, for the balance of the first session of the 105th Congress, requirements for printing the enrollment of any bill or joint resolution making general or continuing appropriations for FY 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Government Performance and Results Act Technical Amendments of 1997 - Amends provisions of Federal law enacted by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 to require the annual strategic plans of agencies to: (1) identify agency functions that are similar to those of either more than one component of the agency or to those of other agencies and explain coordination efforts; (2) describe certain major management problems and measures to resolve such problems; (3) assess the reliability of the agency's data sources; and (4) set forth requirements concerning the format of the plan. Requires: (1) each inspector general to annually audit each program performance report and report the results to the Congress; and (2) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare and submit to the Congress an annual integrated Federal Government performance report which shall include actual results and accomplishments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1997 - Directs the President, no later than January 2000 and each January every two years thereafter, to submit to the Congress an accounting statement that estimates the costs and corresponding benefits of Federal regulatory programs and program elements. Provides for each accounting statement submitted to: (1) cover, at a minimum, the costs and corresponding benefits for the five fiscal years preceding October 1 of the year in which the report is submitted; and (2) also contain a projection of the costs and corresponding benefits for the next ten fiscal years. Directs the President to propose the first accounting statement no later than one year after the enactment of this Act. Provides for such statement to cover, at a minimum, each of the preceding fiscal years beginning with FY 1997. Requires the President, acting through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in each year following the year in which the President submits an accounting statement and after notice and opportunity for comment, to submit to the Congress a report associated with the accounting statement containing: (1) analyses of impacts; (2) an analysis of jurisdictional overlaps, duplications, and potential inconsistencies among Federal regulatory programs; and (3) recommendations for reform. Requires the Director to: (1) provide guidance to agencies to standardize measures of costs and benefits in accounting statements and the format of the accounting statements; and (2) review submissions from agencies to assure consistency with the guidance. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after each accounting statement and associated report is submitted to the Congress, to make recommendations to the President for improving accounting statements and associated reports.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the use of funds provided to the Department of Education, or to an applicable program, to develop, plan, implement, or administer any national testing program. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a similar prohibition against use of certain funds (from the Fund for the Improvement Education) for any national testing program. Exempts from such funding prohibitions the Third International Mathematics and Science Study.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Higher Education Affordability and Availability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (as revised by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997) to exclude from income distributions from qualified tuition programs used for qualifying higher education expenses. Includes within the definition of "qualified State tuition program" programs maintained by eligible educational institutions. Requires such non-State programs to limit annual contributions on behalf of a designated beneficiary to $5,000. Sets forth related excess contribution provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Helping Empower Low-income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1997 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies, except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies based on criteria which gives priority to low-income families and areas. Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Helping Empower Low-income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1997 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies, except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies based on criteria which gives priority to low-income families and areas. Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program. Provides that, for purposes of Federal tax laws or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program, a parental choice scholarship shall not be treated as income or assistance to the student or parents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to permit tax-free expenditures from education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary education expenses (including tuition, special needs services, and transportation expenses) required for attendance at a public, private, or religious school. Increases the maximum annual amount of contributions permitted to such accounts. Provides for the application of the IRC without regard to the result reached in the case of Schmidt Baking Company, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations reflecting such application of the IRC.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Establishment of United States Trade Administration Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: United States Trade Administration Title IV: Statistical Consolidation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service Subtitle C: Transfers of Functions and Offices Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Abolishes the Department of Commerce (Department). Transfers all Department functions to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before the applicable date of abolishment, which is the earlier of: (1) the last day of the six-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) September 30, 1998. (Sec. 103) Sets forth requirements for the resolution of all Department functions. Terminates all functions that are transferred to the Director that are not otherwise continued by this Act on the last day of the three-year period beginning on the date of enactment. (Sec. 104) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the OMB Director's responsibilities during the resolution and termination of functions; and (2) transfer of Department personnel. (Sec. 106) Provides for the submission of specified reports. (Sec. 107) Requires General Accounting Office (GAO) audits of: (1) persons performing functions or activities pursuant to this Act; and (2) persons providing certain goods or services to, or receiving financial assistance from, persons performing functions or activities pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 109) Sets forth provisions for privatizing transferred functions designated for privatization under Title II of this Act. (Sec. 110) Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to require affected agencies to establish agencywide priority placement programs for Federal employees affected by a reduction in force attributable to this Act. (Sec. 111) Limits the total amount authorized to be appropriated as funding related to the performance of functions transferred to the Director or to OMB from the Department to not exceed: (1) for the first fiscal year that begins after the abolishment date, 75 percent of the total amount of funding appropriated to the Department for FY 1997; and (2) for the second fiscal year that begins after the abolishment date and for each fiscal year thereafter, 65 percent of the total amount appropriated to the Department for FY 1997. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations owned by the Department under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all Department grants made under such Act in FY 1997. (Sec. 202) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Redesignates the National Institute of Standards and Technology as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). Transfers: (1) the NBS to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reestablished under this Act; (2) all functions relating to the Bureau that were functions of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) or the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology to the NBS Director; and (3) all functions of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to the OMB Director for privatization. Provides for the reestablishment of NTIS as a wholly owned Government corporation if an arrangement for privatization of the functions of the NTIS has not been made. (Sec. 203) Transfers all functions of the Secretary relating to the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Statistical Service established under this Act. (Sec. 204) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). Transfers: (1) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) laboratories to the OMB Director for privatization; (2) NTIA functions concerning the research and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum to the NBS Director; and (3) functions of the NTIA, and of the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information with respect to NTIA to the Federal Communications Commission. Provides for the transfer of NTIA laboratories to the reestablished NOAA if an arrangement for privatization of the laboratories has not been made. Abolishes the NTIA. (Sec. 205) Terminates specified miscellaneous NOAA research programs. Transfers from the NOAA: (1) aeronautical mapping and charting functions to the Transportation Administrative Services Center at the Department of Transportation; (2) functions relating to mapping, charting, and geodesy authorized under a certain Act to the Army Corps of Engineers; (3) all functions and assets performed by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System to the reestablished NOAA; (4) all functions and assets (including global programs) performed by the NOAA that were authorized to be performed by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to the reestablished NOAA; and (5) all functions and assets of the NOAA that are authorized to be performed by the National Weather Service to the reestablished NOAA. Prohibits: (1) funding for the NOAA Corps of commissioned officers after FY 1997; and (2) allowing individuals to serve as such commissioned officers after FY 1997. Provides for the establishment of a priority placement program by NOAA to assist commissioned officers who are separated from the active list because of the termination. Abolishes on September 30, 2000: (1) the Office of the NOAA Administration Corps of Operations or its successor; and (2) the Commissioned Personnel Center. Sets forth service contract provisions with respect to the NOAA Administration Fleet. Directs the Administrator of Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) use excess capacity of University National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessels; and (2) enter into memoranda of agreement with the operators of such vessels. Transfers certain excess vessels to the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Transfers to the: (1) NOAA all functions authorized to be performed by the National Marine Fisheries Service; (2) reestablished NOAA all functions performed by the National Ocean Service, including the Coastal Ocean Program; and (3) Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency coastal nonpoint pollution functions that are vested in the Secretary under the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. (Sec. 206) Reestablishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the NOAA. Provides for administration of NOAA, and all functions and offices transferred to the new NOAA, under the supervision and direction of an Administrator of Oceans and Atmosphere. Transfers to the new NOAA: (1) the functions and offices of NOAA; (2) the NBS along with its functions and offices; and (3) the Office of Space Commerce, along with its functions and offices. Terminates NOAA and certain other agency offices affected by the transfer. (Sec. 207) Terminates: (1) the Minority Business Development Administration; (2) NTIA programs and activities mentioned in section 204 of this Act; (2) the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Manufacturing Extension Programs; (4) the NIST METRIC Program; and (5) the Economics and Statistics Administration. Title III: Establishment of United States Trade Administration - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions. Subtitle B: United States Trade Administration - Chapter 1: Establishment - Reestablishes the Trade Administration in the executive branch as an independent establishment to be headed by the Trade Representative who shall retain ambassador rank and represent the United States in all trade negotiations conducted by the Trade Administration. Directs the Trade Representative to serve as the principal adviser to the President on international trade policy, along with certain additional trade related functions, including those under Chapter 3. Chapter 2: Officers - Sets forth provisions related to Trade Administration management positions and related functions, among other things establishing three Deputy U.S. Trade Representatives: (1) the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Negotiations (with ambassador rank); (2) the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative to the World Trade Organization (with ambassador rank); and (3) the U.S. Trade Representative for Administration (acts for and exercises the functions of the Trade Representative during the absence, disability, or vacancy of the Trade Representative and exercises all transferred or established Trade Administration functions, except those functions exercised by certain Trade Administration officials). (Sec. 322) Establishes four Assistant Administrators to exercise certain transferred Department functions under the direction of the Deputy Trade Representative for Administration: (1) the Assistant Administrator for Export Administration; (2) the Assistant Administrator for Import Administration; (3) the Assistant Administrator for Trade and Policy Analysis; and (4) the Assistant Administrator for Export Promotion (with ambassador rank). Creates the position of chief financial officer to perform all functions prescribed by the Deputy Trade Representative for Administration under the direction of such Deputy. Chapter 3: Transfers to the Trade Administration - Abolishes the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Transfers to the Trade Administration Federal trade functions, including those of the Department, the Trade and Development Agency, the Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. (Sec. 336) Directs the President to: (1) transmit to the Congress a comprehensive plan to consolidate Federal nonagricultural export promotion and financing activities; and (2) transfer those functions to the Trade Administration. (Sec. 337) Transfers: (1) functions of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to the Trade Administration; and (2) other functions of CITA related to the assessment of the impact of textile imports on domestic industry to the International Trade Commission. Abolishes CITA. Chapter 4: Administrative Provisions - Sets out Trade Representative related administrative provisions pertaining to personnel and other miscellaneous administrative matters, including those relating to a working capital fund for administrative expenses. Chapter 5: Related Agencies - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the National Security Act of 1947, and the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to make miscellaneous and conforming changes to complete the consolidation and streamlining process described above. Chapter 6: Conforming Amendments - Makes miscellaneous technical and conforming amendments to various specified provisions of Federal law, including those relating to executive schedule positions. Chapter 7: Miscellaneous - Limits the total amount appropriated in the performance of all functions vested in the Trade Representative and the Trade Administration to not exceed: (1) for the first fiscal year that begins after the effective date, 75 percent of the total amount appropriated in FY 1998; and (2) for the second fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, 65 percent of the total amount appropriated in FY 1998. Title IV: Statistical Consolidation - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) a more centralized statistical system and the role of the Chief Statistician of OMB; (2) confidentiality; and (3) decennial censuses of population. Subtitle B: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service - Establishes the Federal Statistical Service as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Sets forth provisions for principal officers, including: (1) an Administrator; (2) a Deputy Administrator; (3) a Director of the Census; (4) a Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis; and (5) a Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Sec. 413) Establishes a Federal Council on Statistical Policy to advise the Service, nominate the Administrator, serve as an advisory body to the Chief Statistician on certain confidentiality issues, and establish a unified statistical policy for the Federal Government. Mandates studies by the Council on: (1) whether the functions of the Bureau of the Census relating to decennial censuses of population could be delineated from the other functions of the Bureau; and (2) making the Bureau's field offices part of the field offices of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Subtitle C: Transfers of Functions and Offices - Transfers to the Service the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, along with all of its functions and offices. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions related to the administrative functions of the Administrator. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions with respect to functions or offices of the Service and makes conforming amendments relating to certain officials of the Service. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions pertaining to officers and employees to whom a function is transferred by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) all schools should be drug-free; (2) all Federal, State, and local drug fighting agencies should work together with schools and parents to ensure that a renewed effort is made to fight the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs in our schools and to America's youth; (3) all governmental leaders and parents share a role in raising awareness of this issue and offering constructive alternatives to illegal drug use; and (4) the Congress and the President should set a goal and work with local communities and parents to end the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs in the Nation's schools by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1997
Provides for an adjournment of the House of Representatives from October 9 until October 21, 1997, and a recess or adjournment of the Senate from October 9, 10, or 11 until October 20, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Redesignates Washington National Airport in Alexandria, Virginia, as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Paycheck Protection Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect from or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the labor organization is engaged. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time. Requires each entity collecting from or assessing amounts from an individual with an authorization in effect to provide the individual with a statement that the individual may at any time revoke the authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Religious Fairness in Bankruptcy Act of 1997 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law, with respect to avoidance of fraudulent transfers and obligations by the bankruptcy trustee, to provide that a transfer of a donation to a religious unit made by a debtor from a sense of religious obligation such as tithes, shall be considered to have been made in exchange for a reasonably equivalent value.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1997
Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law with respect to avoidance by the trustee in bankruptcy of fraudulent transfers and obligations to cite circumstances under which a transfer of a charitable contribution to a qualified religious or charitable unit shall not be considered to be fraudulent. Prohibits the trustee from avoiding such charitable contributions when acting as lien creditors and successor to certain creditor and purchasers. Excludes from "disposable income," for purposes of bankruptcy plan confirmation, up to 15 percent of the gross income of the debtor when it is expended for such charitable contributions. Prohibits the bankruptcy court, when it determines whether to dismiss a case, from taking into consideration whether a debtor makes charitable contributions to any qualified religious or charitable entity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1997
Elects the following Representatives to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: (1) Lamar S. Smith; (2) Joel Hefley; (3) Bob Goodlatte; and (4) Joe Knollenberg.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of the Congress, to named individuals referred to collectively as the "Little Rock Nine," in recognition of the selfless heroism they exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates of such medals in bronze. States that these medals are national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration Responsible Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act - Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to prescribe guidelines for a needs-based bankruptcy system which precludes individuals from filing for complete relief in bankruptcy (under chapter 7 (Liquidation)) if certain current monthly income is available to pay creditors. (Sec. 101) Sets forth formulae for income levels determinative of debtor eligibility for bankruptcy relief. Treats as having income available to pay creditors (and thus eligible for chapter 13 Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) any individual (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with: (1) a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size); (2) projected monthly net income greater than $50; and (3) projected monthly net income sufficient to repay 20 percent or more of unsecured non-priority claims during a five-year repayment plan. (Sec. 102) Provides for adjustment to a chapter 13 debtor's monthly net income for extraordinary circumstances such as loss of income or unusual expenses. (Sec. 103) Modifies notice requirements to apprise a consumer debtor of alternatives to bankruptcy, including independent non-profit debt counseling services. (Sec. 104) Declares embezzlement or fraudulently-incurred debts of individuals nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 105) Instructs the bankruptcy court to confirm the bankruptcy plan of an individual if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim retains the lien securing such claim until discharge of all debts. (Sec. 106) Grants a claim arising from a nondischargeable debt incurred to pay a Federal tax (or any other nondischargeable debt) the same priority as the claim for the underlying obligation which was paid for by such nondischargeable debt. (Sec. 107) Establishes a presumption that consumer debts owed to a single creditor and incurred within 90 days prior to an order for relief in bankruptcy are nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 108) Revamps prescriptions governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a chapter 7 case; and (2) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of that claim determined under applicable non-bankruptcy law has been paid in full as of the date of conversion. (Sec. 109) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a petition was pending and dismissed under chapter 7 the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 110) Requires that the value of personal property collateral be at least equal to the outstanding balance of the purchase price, including interest and charges, where the property was acquired by the debtor within 180 days of filing the petition in bankruptcy. (Sec. 111) Declares that, in the case of chapter 7 and chapter 13 debtors, the personal property securing the individual debtor's personal property shall be the replacement value as of the date the petition is filed without deduction for costs of sale or marketing. (Sec. 112) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt or redemption of the property within 60 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. (Sec. 113) Establishes the Bankruptcy Exemption Study Commission to study and report to the Congress on issues and problems in the bankruptcy system, including whether exemptions should be uniform nationally, and the appropriate size of exemptions in individual cases. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 114) Mandates that a chapter 13 debtor file a bankruptcy plan within a specified deadline. (Sec. 115) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the court's authority to dismiss an individual debtor case if relief would be a substantial abuse of chapter 7. Requires the court to find that substantial abuse exists if: (1) the debtor is ineligible for chapter 7 relief under the needs-based test; or (2) the totality of the circumstances of the debtor's financial situation demonstrate substantial abuse. (Sec. 116) Provides for a chapter 7 debtor's assumption of executory contracts and unexpired leases. Declares that in a chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (and no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the plan's confirmation date. (Sec. 117) Mandates a maximum five-year payment period under a chapter 13 plan for any individual debtor (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size). Permits the court to approve a longer period, not to exceed seven years. (Sec. 118) Revises prescriptions governing a stay of action against a codebtor to provide that: (1) the co-debtor stay would continue to be available when the debtor who borrowed the money sought Chapter 13 relief; but (2) if a guarantor or other co-debtor who did not receive the consideration for the creditor's claim filed for relief, the debtor who borrowed the money would not be protected by a stay unless he or she also filed a bankruptcy petition. Declares that the stay shall terminate as to the debtor's interest in personal property if the debtor surrendered or abandoned that property. (Sec. 120) Includes within the definition of a debtor's "principal residence" an individual condominium or cooperative unit, or mobile, or manufactured home or trailer. Provides that the inclusion of incidental property in a mortgage on the debtor's principal residence will not disqualify that mortgage from protection under chapter 13. Provides that if the debtor resides in a house the debtor owns during the 180 days before filing, such protection applies. States that the automatic stay will not be violated if a prepetition foreclosure proceeding is postponed during the pendency of a Chapter 13 proceeding, so long as any prepetition default remains uncured by actual payment in full according to the plan. (Sec. 121) Extends the mandatory period between discharges in bankruptcy from six to ten years for chapter 7 debtors. Sets five years as the mandatory period between discharges for chapter 13 debt repayment plans. Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Modifies the organization of bankruptcy courts to mandate the compilation of bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11 (Reorganization), and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 202) Requires each U.S. trustee to report to the Attorney General on audit results of bankruptcy petitions and schedules performed by independent certified or licensed public accountants. Requires the Attorney General to establish random audits of individual bankruptcy cases under chapter 11. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrative Office to establish and maintain a nationwide debtors' docket accessible to searches by any users. (Sec. 204) Revises guidelines governing meetings of creditors and equity security holders to provide that if the debtor is an individual in a voluntary case under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the first meeting of creditors shall not convene earlier than 60 days after the date of the order for relief in bankruptcy, unless the court determines that unusual circumstances justify an earlier meeting. Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. Prescribes notice procedures for chapter 7 and chapter 13 creditors. (Sec. 207) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. Terminates such stay if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral. (Sec. 210) Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court: (1) Federal tax returns; (2) evidence of payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated debt or expenditure increases. Permits a chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Mandates debtor compliance within ten days of such request. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from the commencement of the case until case termination. Requires a chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. (Sec. 211) Provides for automatic dismissal if a chapter 7 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for the debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 212) Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property to the extent such claim is attributable to the debtor's purchase of such property. (Sec. 213) Prohibits a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing from being held less than 20 days after the first meeting of creditors if there is an objection.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Taxpayer Dividend Act of 1997 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for any amount by which revenues for a budget year and any outyears through FY 2002 exceed the revenue target absent growth, to estimate the excess and include such estimate as a separate entry in the report to the Congress containing Congressional Budget Office estimates of amounts and changes in outlays and receipts of direct spending and receipts legislation at the same time the OMB sequestration preview report is issued. Requires OMB to include the amount of any change in revenues as a deficit decrease in estimates and sequestration reports unless such amount is offset by legislation decreasing revenues in an amount not exceeding the amount of such decrease. Sets forth the revenue targets absent growth for FY 1998 through 2002. Considers legislation decreasing revenues in compliance with this Act to be in order for purposes of specified provisions regarding congressional pay-as-you-go points of order and consideration in the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1997
Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2001; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2001. Declares that any new Federal tax system should be a simple and fair system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Marriage Tax Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a husband and wife to file a combined income tax return on which each spouse is taxed separately at the unmarried return rate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a husband and wife to file a combined income tax return on which each spouse is taxed separately at the unmarried return rate.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Amends the National Trails System Act to: (1) delete provisions prohibiting the interim use of any established railroad rights-of-way for historic or recreation trails under such Act from being treated as abandonment of the use of such rights-of-way for railroad purposes; and (2) authorize the Surface Transportation Board, if a State, political subdivision, or qualified private organization is prepared to assume full responsibility with respect to the portion of any railroad right-of-way donated, transferred, leased, or otherwise conveyed for use for establishment of such a trail, for its management, for any legal liability arising out of such right-of-way, and for the payment of any and all taxes that may be levied or assessed against such rights-of-way, to impose such terms and conditions as a requirement of any transfer or conveyance for interim use in furtherance of the national policy to preserve established railroad rights-of-way for future reactivation of rail service. States that such Act shall not preempt State law with respect to the establishment of, and rights incident to, an easement, right-of-way, or other property interest in land.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Parents and Students Savings Account Plus Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to education individual retirement accounts to: (1) include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (including home schooling); and (2) increase annual contribution limits to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Price Stability Act of 1997 - Declares that the primary and overriding goal of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee with regard to monetary policy shall be the achievement of price stability. Authorizes the Board and the Committee to suspend such goal if the Committee, by unanimous vote, and the President jointly determine such suspension necessary due to a public interest exigency. Instructs the Board and the Committee to establish an explicit numerical definition of the goal of price stability using prescribed criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities Title II: Electronic Filing Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Oversight Subtitle B: Budget Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Executive Branch Government and Senior Management - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to replace current provisions establishing the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue with provisions establishing the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board (the Board). Requires that seven of the nine members of the Board not be full-time Federal officers or employees. Requires that all Board members have expertise in, among other things: (1) management of large service organizations; (2) customer service; and (3) the needs and concerns of taxpayers. Requires the Board to: (1) review and approve strategic plans of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) review the operational functions of the IRS; (3) select the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Commissioner), as well as senior IRS managers, and review the Commissioner's reorganization plans; and (4) review and approve the IRS budget request, as well as ensure audits of the IRS. (Sec. 102) Replaces current provisions which authorize the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to employ such personnel as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the internal revenue laws with provisions requiring there to be in the Department of the Treasury a Commissioner who shall be appointed by the Board for a five-year term. Sets forth the duties of the Commissioner, including the: (1) administration and management of the internal revenue laws; and (2) Commissioner's responsibility to consult with the Board. Establishes and sets forth duties for: (1) a Chief Counsel for the IRS to be appointed by the President; (2) the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations; (3) an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 103) Replaces current provisions concerning the effect of reorganization plans with provisions which authorize the Commissioner to employ such number of persons as proper to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws. Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities - Directs the Commissioner to establish a performance management system covering IRS employees which: (1) establishes retention standards; and (2) establishes performance goals or objectives. Provides for awards based on performance, but prohibits making an award solely on the basis of tax enforcement results. Sets forth other provisions concerning: (1) classification and pay; (2) staffing; and (3) demonstration projects. Title II: Electronic Filing - Provides for paperless filing and payment of taxes. Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights - Sets forth provisions concerning taxpayer protections and rights, including provisions concerning: (1) authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders; (2) authority to award costs and fees; (3) damages for negligence in collection actions; (4) criteria and procedures for selecting taxpayers for examination; (5) archival treatment of IRS records; (6) freedom of information; (7) offers-in-compromise; (8) jurisdiction of the Tax Court; (9) cataloging of complaints; and (10) procedures for taxpayer interviews. (Sec. 309) Eliminates the interest differential on overpayments and underpayments. (Sec. 310) Eliminates the failure to pay penalty as long as an installment payment agreement is in effect. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to accept installment tax liability payments if: (1) such liability does not exceed $10,000; (2) the taxpayer has, during the past five years, paid on time; and (3) the taxpayer has not entered into a prior installment agreement. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide matching funds for qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. (Sec. 319) Provides for studies concerning: (1) taxpayer confidentiality; (2) penalty administration; (3) treating all taxpayers as separate filing units; and (4) burden of proof. Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Oversight - Authorizes the Joint Committee on Taxation (Joint Committee) to procure the services of experts for investigations of the IRS by the General Accounting Office. (Sec. 402) Establishes additional reporting requirements for the Joint Committee. Subtitle B: Budget - Provides for additional budget authority for the IRS, but only on annual basis and only if specified improvements are made in taxpayer services. (Sec. 413) Directs the Commissioner to convene a financial advisory management group to advise the Commissioner. Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS should provide the Congress with an independent view of tax administration. (Sec. 422) Requires a Senate or House of Representatives committee, when reporting legislation including any provision amending the IRC, to contain within the report a Tax Complexity Analysis. (Sec. 423) Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that employers should have a single point of filing tax and wage reporting information. (Sec. 424) Requires the Joint Committee to prepare a study of the feasibility of developing a baseline estimate of taxpayers' compliance burdens against which future legislative proposals could be measured.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Authorizes the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Theodore Roosevelt for his actions in the attack of San Juan Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War on July 1, 1898.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assignment of Liability to Coal Operators Title II: Adjustments to Premium Computations Title III: Other Provisions Comprehensive Coal Act Reform Act - Title I: Assignment of Liability to Coal Operators - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning coal industry health benefits to define "signatory operator" to mean a person that is or was a signatory to the 1978 National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement or any subsequent coal wage agreement. (Currently, the term is defined as a person that is or was a signatory to a coal wage agreement. The term "coal wage agreement" is, and would continue to be, defined as the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement or any other agreement between a coal industry employer and the United Mine Workers of America having specified requirements.) (Sec. 102) Requires: (1) that each eligible coal industry retiree be assigned first to the signatory operator that most recently employed the retiree for at least two years, then to the signatory operator that was the most recent to employ the operator; and (2) revocation of the assignment of any beneficiary to anyone who ceases to be a signatory operator because of the above change in definition, not reassigning the beneficiary, and considering them to be unassigned. Prohibits assigning or reassigning a beneficiary after enactment of this Act, treating as unassigned any beneficiary determined to have been incorrectly assigned. Title II: Adjustments to Premium Computations - Modifies the formula for determining the per beneficiary premium. (Sec. 202) Provides for: (1) annual premium reductions for small reachback signatory operators; and (2) the treatment of a surplus or deficit in the Combined Fund. (Sec. 203) Sets separate requirements for death benefit premiums for reachback signatory operators and other assigned operators. Modifies: (1) requirements regarding the unassigned beneficiaries premium; (2) the definition of "applicable percentage" and (3) requirements regarding applicable premium annual adjustments. Mandates establishment of a separate subaccount in the death benefits premium account for each of: (1) the death benefit premiums of reachback signatory operators; (2) the death benefit premiums of other assigned operators; and (3) the portion of the unassigned beneficiaries premiums attributable to death benefits coverage of unassigned beneficiaries. (Sec. 204) Sets forth a special rule regarding annual premium payment by a related person of an assigned operator. Title III: Other Provisions - Modifies requirements regarding certain 1988 agreement operators paying withdrawal liability. (Sec. 302) Requires the Combined Fund to make available to any person required to make contributions to that Fund all documents: (1) that reflect the Fund's financial and operational status; and (2) prepared at the request of the Fund's trustees or staff that form the basis for any actions or reports.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) take no action to promulgate a final rule on a proposed regulation of the Food and Drug Administration to designate the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in metered-dose inhalers (MDI) as non-essential, making MDIs that use CFCs an adulterated device; and (2) focus efforts on implementing existing Montreal Protocol decisions that will facilitate a transition to CFC-free by the year 2005.