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United States · Official source
1,716 records where Rep. Callahan, Sonny [R-AL-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 1998 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2 billion in FY 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Abolishing Child Pornography Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly possessing any material (currently, three or more items) containing: (1) any visual depiction involving a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, on any land or building owned by, leased to, or otherwise used by or under U.S. Government control, or in Indian country; and (2) child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, or transported, including by computer, in interstate or foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1998
Denounces the disregard for and violation of legal and human rights within the Ecuadoran judicial system of U.S. citizen James Gordon Williams and any others held without cause or deprived of due process of law. Supports action by the Ecuadoran legislature to address these problems, including the release of Mr. Williams to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that national goals should include providing access to affordable housing and expanding home ownership opportunities pursued through policies of tax incentives and private and public sector activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Medicare Venipuncture Seniors Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to place an 18-month delay on the prohibition against payment for home health services consisting of venipuncture solely for purposes of obtaining a blood sample. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress with respect to the provision of home health services consisting of venipuncture under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the report on the definition of homebound to include specific legislative recommendations to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse (if any) in the determination of whether an individual is homebound without jeopardizing the Medicare services provided to beneficiaries with serious medical conditions.
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 · 9 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the low-income State housing credit ceiling amount; and (2) provide for a cost-of-living adjustment for such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should remove Hani El-Sayegh from the United States to Saudi Arabia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) initiate, and report to specified congressional committees on, an inquiry on the extent to which a certain differential fee decision (relating to the per subscriber per month royalty fee for the retransmission of superstation and distant network signals by direct-to-home satellite service providers) constitutes an impediment to the development of effective market competition for multichannel video programming distribution; and (2) based on such inquiry, make necessary regulatory changes. Includes direct-to-home satellite services under provisions protecting telecommunications services from piracy. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from taking any action to implement or enforce the differential fee decision until 120 days after FCC submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Early Hearing Loss Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention Act of 1997 - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop statewide hearing loss early detection, diagnosis, and intervention networks; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to infant hearing detection, diagnosis, and treatment or intervention. Requires the National Institutes of Health to carry out research on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates coordination and collaboration. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 5 November 1997
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to States or units of local government to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers; and (2) give preferential consideration to applications from jurisdictions that have the greatest need, a mandatory wear policy, and a violent crime rate at or above the national average. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds and allocation of funds, State and local applications, and grant application renewal. Prohibits any State or unit of local government that receives financial assistance made available by this Act from purchasing equipment or products manufactured using prison inmate labor. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should, in expending such assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
Iran Missile Protection Act of 1997 - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1998 for the Department of Defense for cooperative activities with Russia for determining: (1) the extent of Russian cooperation and assistance in the development by Iran of a ballistic missile capability; and (2) the technical nature of the Iranian missile threat. Requires a certification by the President to the Congress with respect to the information to be released by Russia before such funds may be appropriated. Prohibits the obligation of $3 million in FY 1998 cooperative ballistic missile defense projects with Russia until the President certifies to the Congress that the Russian Government is providing full cooperation with respect to the release of such information. Authorizes appropriations for the Navy theater-wide missile defense system to be used to accelerate the development of such system through additional testing and risk reduction. Authorizes additional appropriations for defense-wide research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of specified missile defense sytems, radars, networks, and related activities. Authorizes appropriations for defense-wide RDT&E for support of the Israeli Arrow tactical ballistic missile defense system to be used to protect a U.S. ally in imminent peril. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the Iranian ballistic missile threat in the Middle East and Persian Gulf regions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights Through Sanctions Reform Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish an effective framework for consideration by the legislative and executive branches of unilateral economic sanctions. (Sec. 3) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) pursue U.S. interests through vigorous and effective diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, cultural, and strategic engagement with other countries, while recognizing that U.S. national security interests may sometimes require the imposition of economic sanctions on other countries; (2) foster multilateral cooperation on vital matters of U.S. foreign policy, including promoting human rights and democracy, combating international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international narcotics trafficking, and ensuring adequate environmental protection; (3) promote U.S. economic growth and job creation by expanding exports of goods, services, and agricultural commodities, and by encouraging investment that supports the sale abroad of U.S. products and services; (4) maintain the reputation of U.S. businesses and farmers as reliable suppliers to international customers of quality products and services; (5) avoid the use of restrictions on exports of agricultural commodities as a foreign policy weapon; and (6) oppose policies of other countries designed to discourage economic interaction with countries friendly to the United States or with any U.S. national, and to avoid use of such measures as instruments of U.S. foreign policy. States that when economic sanctions are necessary, it is U.S. policy to: (1) target them as narrowly as possible on those foreign governments, entities, and officials that are responsible for the conduct being targeted, thereby minimizing unnecessary or disproportionate harm to individuals who are not responsible for such conduct; and (2) to the extent feasible, avoid any adverse impact of economic sanctions on the humanitarian activities of the United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in a country against which sanctions are imposed. (Sec. 5) Provides that any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch, and considered by the House of Representatives or the Senate, should: (1) state the U.S. foreign policy or national security objective; (2) terminate after two years unless specifically reauthorized; (3) provide for contract sanctity; (4) provide presidential authority to adjust or waive the sanction in the national interest; (5) target the sanction as narrowly as possible against the parties responsible for the conduct being targeted; and (6) provide for expanded export promotion programs if sanctions are likely to target an export market for American farmers. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a procedure for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that imposes, or authorizes the imposition of, any unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the committee of primary jurisdiction reporting such a bill or joint resolution to timely request specified reports: (1) from the President assessing the likelihood that the proposed unilateral economic sanction will achieve its stated objective within a reasonable period of time, as well as the impact of the proposed unilateral economic sanction on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and humanitarian activities; and (2) from the Secretary of Agriculture assessing the extent to which any country or countries proposed or likely to be sanctioned are markets that accounted for more than three percent of all U.S. agricultural export sales in the preceding calendar year, as well as the likelihood that U.S. agricultural exports will be affected by the proposed sanction or by retaliation by any country proposed or likely to be sanctioned, and specific commodities which are most likely to be affected. Considers any bill or joint resolution that imposes any unilateral economic sanction to include a Federal private sector mandate for purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Requires the Congressional Budget Office, in its report pursuant to such Act, to assess the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy. Authorizes the President to implement a unilateral economic sanction under any provision of law not less than 60 days after announcing his intention to do so. Requires any executive sanction to include a clear finding that the sanction is likely to achieve a specific U.S. foreign policy or national security objective within a reasonable and specified period of time. Requires, before imposition of a unilateral economic sanction, that the President and the Secretary of Agriculture report to appropriate congressional committees the same assessments required in connection with any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the President to request a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy, including the potential impact on U.S. competitiveness. Provides, in the case of a national emergency, for allowing the President temporarily to waive most of the requirements for executive action in order to act immediately, generally requiring the waived requirements to be met within 60 days after imposition of the sanction (which shall terminate after 90 days if such requirements are not met). Directs the President to establish an interagency Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions and provide appropriate recommendations to the President.
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 · 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
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from controlling the consumption, production, importation, or export of methyl bromide for pesticide use, except: (1) as required by the Montreal Protocol of all parties; or (2) upon a Department of Agriculture certification of appropriate alternatives or substitutes.
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 · 26 September 1997
Taxpayer Confidentiality Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to examine books and witnesses for tax administration purposes.
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 · 24 September 1997
Uniformed Services Former Spouses Equity Act of 1997 - Requires payment from the monthly disposable retired pay of a member to his or her former spouse in compliance with court orders (division of property) to terminate upon the remarriage of that spouse, effective as of the last day of the month in which the remarriage occurs. Provides that, in the case of a member to whom a final decree of divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation is issued before the member begins to receive retired pay, the disposable retired pay of such member, for purposes of such monthly payments, shall be computed based on the pay grade and length of service of the member while married. Increases such amount concurrently with retired pay increases. Requires a member's spouse or former spouse to obtain a court order for reapportionment of a member's monthly disposable retired pay by the later of the following dates: (1) two years of the date of the final decree of divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation; or (2) six months after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the court from treating as part of a member's disposable retired pay amounts which have been waived from such pay in order to receive veterans' disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Forest Recovery and Protection Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to begin a national program of U.S. forest land recovery and protection. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 5) Establishes a Scientific Advisory Panel to assist the Secretary. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to conduct an initial number of advance recovery projects. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Treasury the Forest Recovery and Protection Fund. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of forest inventorying, monitoring, and analysis.
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
Charitable Giving Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit non-itemizers to deduct a portion of their charitable contributions.
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 · 4 September 1997
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
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
Speed Trafficking Life in Prison Act of 1997 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) repeal provisions prescribing penalties for violations involving specified quantities of methamphetamine; and (2) provide for a fine of up to $8 million (for an individual) or $20 million (if other than an individual) and a mandatory life penalty (unless the death penalty is imposed) for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing (or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense) methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Bilingual Voting Requirements Repeal Act of 1995 (sic) - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to eliminate certain bilingual voting requirements and related provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require imported frozen produce to be marked with the country of origin on the front panel of the package for retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Interstate Compact - Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin Compact between Alabama and Georgia to promote interstate comity, remove causes of controversies, apportion surface waters, engage in water planning, and develop and share common data bases. Conditions the consent of the Congress to, and participation of the United States in, the Compact on specified conditions and reservations with respect to participation of Federal agencies during the development of the allocation formula used to determine an equitable apportionment of surface water between the two States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Interstate Compact - Apalachicola-Chattahoohee-Flint River Basin Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Compact among Alabama, Florida, and Georgia to promote interstate comity, remove causes of controversies, apportion surface waters, engage in water planning, and develop and share common data bases. Conditions the consent of the Congress to, and participation of the United States in, the Compact on specified conditions and reservations regarding participation of Federal agencies during the development of the allocation formula used to determine an equitable apportionment of surface water among the three States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy.
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 · 24 July 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicate medals in bronze. Authorizes appropriations from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund, where sales proceeds shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
National Marrow Donor Program Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry with provisions mandating establishment, by contract, of a program to assist patients needing a blood stem cell transplant in searching for biologically unrelated donor individuals. Sets forth program functions, including: (1) maintaining one or more donor and one or more recipient registries; (2) educational activities (including donor recruitment and professional and public information); and (3) establishing the Office of Patient Advocacy and Case Management. Mandates: (1) standards regarding quality, tissue typing, donor informed consent, and patient advocacy; (2) donor selection criteria; (3) stem cell collection and transportation procedures; (4) confidentiality standards; and (5) procedures for integrating participating donor registries and centers. Mandates criminal penalties for confidentiality violations. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a plan to effectuate efficiencies in the relationship between the program and donor centers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs, including basic education programs; (3) specified development assistance (allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation); (4) private and voluntary organizations; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) debt restructuring; (7) micro and small enterprise development programs; (8) guaranteed loans for the urban and environmental credit program; (9) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (10) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (11) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (earmarking amounts for Israel and Egypt); (12) the International Fund for Ireland; (13) economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (earmarking amounts for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with a prohibition on funds for new housing construction or repair or reconstruction of existing housing in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless directly related to U.S. troop efforts to promote peace there); (14) assistance for the new independent states of the former Soviet Union (subject to specified conditions); (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; (17) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (18) international narcotics control; (19) migration and refugee assistance; (20) a targeted program for refugee resettlement assistance; (21) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (22) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism and related programs and activities. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations; and (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government. Prohibits funds to: (1) Russia unless the President certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that it has terminated arrangements to provide Iran with technology to develop a nuclear program; (2) the Government of Ukraine if the President reports to the Committee on Appropriations that it is engaged in military cooperation with Libya; and (3) the Government of Azerbaijan until the President reports to the Congress that it has ceased all blockades against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) international military education and training (earmarking amounts for Indonesia and Guatemala, with a bar on such assistance to the School of the Americas unless certain conditions are met); (2) foreign military financing and direct loans (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey); and (3) international peacekeeping operations (subject to notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations). Prohibits foreign military financing for: (1) any non-NATO country participating in the Partnership for Peace Program except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations; and (2) Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the U.S. contribution to the: (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) Inter-American Development Bank; (4) Asian Development Bank; (5) Asian Development Fund; (6) African Development Fund; (7) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (8) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for international programs and organizations. Sets certain restrictions on international organization funding, including prohibiting the use of funds made available to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO); (2) the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); or (3) the United Nations development group or any similar organization. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including no more than: (1) 15 percent of such appropriations to be obligated during the last month of availability; and (2) specified maximums for official residence expenses, entertainment expenses, and representation allowances for AID, and for entertainment and representation allowances for the Inter-American Foundation and the Trade and Development Agency. Limits the use of funds for entertainment expenses of the Peace Corps, or under the Foreign Military Financing Program. (Sec. 502) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) bilateral funding of international financial institutions; (2) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology (except for nuclear safety purposes); (3) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria; (4) assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree; (5) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without prior presidential consultation with Congress; (6) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for Nicaragua and Liberia, and narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru); and (7) assistance (except in certain circumstances) for production of any commodity for export by a foreign country, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets when the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative, and if the assistance will injure U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 516) Prohibits the use of international organization funds for Libya, Iran, or certain Communist countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it is U.S. policy that appropriations for ESF funds allocated to Israel shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization. (Sec. 518A) Sets forth certain limitations on the authorization of funds for population planning activities or other population assistance. (Sec. 519) Requires the President to report to the Committees on Appropriations on annual arms sales proposals covering major weapons under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 522) Makes funds available to AID for family planning, health, child survival, and AIDS research and control in developing countries. (Sec. 523) Bars funding for indirect assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to the U.S. national security interest. (Sec. 524) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend the President's waiver authority with respect to reciprocal leasing through FY 1998. (Sec. 525) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 527) Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes a waiver by the President for national security and humanitarian reasons, requiring notification to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 528) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles (instead of government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 528A) Requires all AID contracts and subcontracts to include a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a fair opportunity to bid for insurance when insurance is necessary or appropriate. (Sec. 529) Prohibits U.S. sale of Stinger missiles in the Persian Gulf region, with certain exceptions. (Sec. 530) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are AID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges. (Sec. 531) Directs the Administrator of AID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities. (Sec. 532) Prohibits payments to any international financial institution while the U.S. Executive Director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for a specified position under the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 533) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq unless the President certifies to the Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the U.S. national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. (Sec. 535) Extends the authority to obligate funds to close the Special Defense Acquisition Fund. (Sec. 536) Requires notification to the Committees on Appropriations of each country that has been approved for cash flow financing for the procurement of defense articles in excess of $100 million. (Sec. 537) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Requires an agency to report to the Committees on Appropriations whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited. (Sec. 538) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for establishing or developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country. (Sec. 539) Declares that no sanction, prohibition, or restriction against Serbia or Montenegro shall cease to be effective, unless: (1) the President submits to the Congress a specified certification with respect to human rights and progress toward self-determination in Kosova; and (2) certain requirements are met. (Sec. 540) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Cambodia, and for victims of war, displaced children, displaced Burmese, humanitarian assistance for Romania, and humanitarian assistance for the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosova, may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support: (1) tropical forestry and energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; and (2) biodiversity conservation activities. Authorizes AID to employ personal services contractors to administer programs for the West Bank and Gaza. (Sec. 541) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) immediate public renunciation by Arab League countries of the boycott of Israel (reinstated in 1997) and of American firms having commercial ties with Israel; and (2) steps the President should take to encourage such renunciation. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in other regions. Allows such use of ESF funds (including for anti-narcotics activities) for Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 543) Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 544) Authorizes the reprogramming of earmarked appropriations for other programs within the same account, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 546) Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act. Makes specified funds available to private and voluntary organizations to deal with world hunger problems abroad. (Sec. 547) States that assistance under this Act should make full use of American resources, including commodities, products, and services, to the maximum extent possible. (Sec. 548) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any U.N. member. (Sec. 550) Prohibits the provision of funds to a private voluntary organization that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of AID. (Sec. 551) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country that the Secretary of State has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines that the furnishing of such assistance is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 552) Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equal to 110 percent of the total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 553) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 555) Permits the President to provide up to a specified amount of commodities and services to the UN War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 556) Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearing of land mines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 557) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 558) Prohibits the obligation of certain funds appropriated for Informational Program activities to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; (2) food (other than food provided at a military installation) not provided in conjunction with Informational Program trips where students do not stay at a military installation; or (3) entertainment expenses for recreational activities. (Sec. 559) Limits the amount of certain foreign assistance funds to Latin America and the Caribbean region. (Sec. 560) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. Requires Federal agency heads, in providing financial assistance to or entering into any contract with any entity using funds made available in this Act, to notify such entity of this intention. (Sec. 561) Prohibits the use of North American Development Bank funds for purposes other than those set out in the binational agreement. (Sec. 562) Authorizes appropriations, without fiscal year limitation, for the U.S. contribution to the eleventh replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association. (Sec. 563) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act. Permits exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 564) Authorizes the President to engage in certain debt buybacks or sales. Authorizes sale, reduction, or cancellation of certain loans to foreign governments, upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser that plans to use such loans only for the purposes of engaging in debt-for-equity swaps, debt-for-development swaps, or debt-for-nature swaps. Limits such authority to funds appropriated by this Act under the heading of debt restructuring. (Sec. 565) Requires the President to determine and certify to the Congress that the Guatemalan military is cooperating with efforts to implement a peace settlement and resolve human rights abuses which elements of the Guatemalan military forces are alleged to have committed, ordered, or attempted to thwart the investigation of, as a condition for: (1) availability of any funds provided in this Act for the Guatemalan military forces; and (2) the lifting of restrictions on Guatemala under the heading Foreign Military Financing Program. Makes such condition inapplicable to funds made available to implement a cease-fire or peace agreement. Subjects any such funds to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 566) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to Nazi Germany, the former Yugoslavia, and Rwanda. (Sec. 567) Prohibits provision to the Government of Haiti of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act until the President reports to Congress that such Government: (1) is conducting thorough investigations of extrajudicial and political killings that have taken place there since February 12, 1996; and (2) has completed privatization of, or placed under long-term private management contract, at least three major public enterprises. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to humanitarian, law enforcement, antinarcotics, or electoral assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such conditions on a semiannual basis upon determination and certification to the appropriate congressional committees that it is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 568) Requires a specified annual report of the Secretary of State containing the voting record of each foreign member country of the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of each country's overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to it in FY 1997. (Sec. 569) Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary contribution to the UN, including the UN Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the UN is not engaged in any effort to implement or impose any taxation on U.S. persons in order to raise revenue for itself or any of its specialized agencies. (Sec. 570) Directs the Secretary to report to the Committee on Appropriations on the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Sec. 571) Limits the amount of ESF assistance to Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997
Recognizes the many talents of the late James M. "Jimmy" Stewart. Honors the artistic, military, and political contributions he made to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Jobs and Exports Renewal Act of 1997 - Sets forth policy recommendations for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend through FY 1999 OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees. Revises maximum contingent liability requirements for such insurance and guarantees to specify a single maximum contingent liability outstanding at any time for investment insurance, investment guaranties, and direct investment of $29 million in the aggregate. Declares that no OPIC-approved loan, financial guarantee, or insurance commitment exceeding $200 million should be effective unless OPIC submits to the Congress a detailed statement describing the transaction at least 35 days before it becomes effective. Establishes the Commission on Foreign Export and Investment Promotion to assess, and report to the Congress on, the impact on U.S. economic and foreign policy interests of Federal agencies and programs which promote foreign export and investment opportunities for U.S. business concerns. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish within OPIC an Office of Inspector General with responsibility over the Trade and Development Agency. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise the composition of the OPIC Board of Directors. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to develop a Federal trade promotion plan that, among other things, shall: (1) identify the means for providing more coordinated export promotion services to small and medium-sized businesses; and (2) establish a set of priorities to promote U.S. exports to, and free market reforms in, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and other emerging markets, that are designed to stimulate job growth both in the United States and those regions and emerging markets. Requires the TPCC to: (1) identify areas of overlap and duplication among Federal export promotion activities and report on actions to eliminate such overlap and duplication; and (2) report to the Congress on actions taken to promote better coordination among State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Places a four-year moratorium on the promulgation of new or revised national ambient air quality standards for ozone or fine particulate matter under the Clean Air Act by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Administrator, within five years of this Act's enactment date, to: (1) complete a review of the air quality criteria and standards for ozone and particulate matter; and (2) determine whether to retain or revise such standards or promulgate new standards. Directs the Administrator, in reviewing such criteria for particulate matter, to: (1) evaluate any adverse health effects of exposure to airborne particulate matter; (2) determine the amount and size of particles inhaled and retained in the lungs; and (3) investigate the biological mechanisms by which particulate matter may induce adverse health effects. Authorizes the Administrator to require State implementation plans to require air quality monitoring for fine particulate matter and to make grants to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
National Retail Sales Tax Act of 1997 - Repeals the income, estate, gift, and certain excise tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 15 percent tax on the use, consumption or enjoyment in the U.S. of any property or service produced or rendered within or without of the United States. Prohibits, subject to exception, imposing a tax on any property or service purchased for: (1) a business purpose in an active trade or business; or (2) export from the U.S. for use or consumption outside of the U.S., provided that the purchaser provided the seller with either an intermediate sales certificate or an export sales certificate. Defines "purchased for a business purpose in an active trade or business" as property or services: (1) purchased for resale; (2) purchased to produce property or services; or (3) purchased in furtherance of other bona fide business purposes. Sets forth rules relating to the obligation of governmental units and not-for-profit organizations to collect, remit, and pay taxes. Sets forth provisions concerning credits and refunds. Allows for general credits against the tax, including: (1) a used property credit; (2) a business use conversion credit; (3) an administration credit; (4) a compliance equipment cost credit; (5) a bad debt credit; (6) an insurance proceeds credit; and (7) a transition inventory credit. Defines such credits. Provides for installment payments of the tax on the purchase of a principal residence. Allows an eligible family unit to receive a sales tax rebate. Requires that a family member, to be counted for the purposes of determining family unit size, must: (1) if over two years old, have a bona fide Social Security number; and (2) be a lawful U.S. resident. Conditions that no individual shall be considered part of more than one family unit. Sets forth definitions and special rules concerning such things as: (1) foreign financial intermediation services; (2) financing leases; and (3) installment sales. Imposes a 15 percent tax on gaming services. Directs an administering State to administer, collect, and remit to the U.S. treasury the tax on gross payments for the use, consumption or enjoyment of taxable property or services within the State. Defines an administering State as one which maintains a specified conforming sales tax and enters into a specified cooperative agreement with the Secretary. Provides for administrative support for States. Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) monthly reports and payments; (2) records; (3) penalties; (4) appeals; (5) accounting; and (6) hobby activities. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an Office of Revenue Allocation to arbitrate any claims or disputes among States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the authorizing of any appropriations for the Internal Revenue Service after FY 2001. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer any excise taxes not repealed by this Act; and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Social Security Administration to collect and administer self-employment income and employment taxes beginning in 1999. (Sec. 7) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the self- employment tax; (2) the indexing of social security benefits; (3) compensating payments to individuals on fixed incomes; and (4) the interest rate on tax underpayments and overpayments. (Sec. 11) Requires a supermajority in the House of Representatives or the Senate to raise rates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1997
Prohibits persons sentenced to life in prison or death pursuant to Federal law from receiving gratuitous veterans' benefits (including the right to burial in a national cemetery).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1997
American Hero Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, from providing military honors at the funeral of a person who has been: (1) convicted of a crime under State or Federal law for which death is a possible punishment; and (2) sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole. Makes such individual ineligible for burial in a national cemetery or for any burial benefit provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1997
Civil Rights Act of 1997 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in Federal employment and contracting and other Federal programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex. Prohibits requiring or encouraging any Federal contractor or subcontractor to so discriminate or grant a preference. Declares that this Act does not prohibit or limit encouraging contract bidding, recruiting employees, encouraging participation in other programs or activities or requiring or encouraging Federal contractors, subcontractors, or recipients of Federal licenses or financial assistance to so recruit or encourage, if the recruiting or encouraging does not involve granting a preference. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; or (2) any action under a Federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes. Declares that this Act does not: (1) prohibit or limit employment classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to normal operation or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member. Allows any aggrieved person to obtain, in a civil action, appropriate relief (including back pay). Requires awarding a prevailing plaintiff attorney's fees as part of the costs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1997
Job Protection Act of 1997 - Prohibits the promulgation of any new or revised national ambient air quality standard for particulate matter and ozone under the Clean Air Act until after the final date on which the standards for particulate matter and ozone are required to be attained in areas having the highest concentrations of particulate matter (December 31, 2001) or ozone (November 15, 2010).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
National Salvage Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Sets forth requirements for the transfer of salvage title and rebuilt salvage title vehicles and nonrepairable vehicle certificate vehicles. Requires persons transferring ownership of a salvage vehicle to give notice to the transferee that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements (similar to those of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act) that a label containing certain information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt or remanufactured salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits a person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the ultimate purchaser. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States and other State officials to bring civil or criminal action in the appropriate court to enforce the requirements of this Act.