Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1]

Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1]

United States · Official source

Records

3,495 records where Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 1378 (105th)referred

Open Competition and Fairness Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

Open Competition and Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to prohibit discrimination against any bidder on a prime contract for a federally funded project on the basis of a requirement that such person enter into or adhere to a collective bargaining agreement or any similar agreement as a condition of performing work on such contract.

Bill· HRH.R. 1387 (105th)referred

To amend the Agricultural Market Transition Act to convert the price support program for sugarcane and sugar beets into a system of solely recourse loans and to provide for the gradual elimination of the program.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act with respect to the sugar program to: (1) reduce sugarcane loan rates through crop year 2002; (2) revise the sugar beet loan rate; (3) eliminate nonrecourse loans after FY 1997; and (4) eliminate sugar price supports after crop year 2002. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal sugar and crystalline fructose marketing quota and allotment provisions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985, beginning with the 1996-1997 quota year, to direct the President to use all available authority to ensure that U.S. market raw sugar shall be available at not more than the higher of the world sugar price or the U.S. loan rate.

Bill· HRH.R. 1372 (105th)referred

Budget Process Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose Title II: Binding Budget Law Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law Subtitle B: Line Item Reduction Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited Subtitle D: "Pay-as-You-Go" Requirement for New Spending Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism Title V: Protection of Social Security Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall spending levels. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. (Sec. 202) Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Allows waiver of such prohibition if such bill is required to be approved by a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate. (Sec. 203) Prohibits baseline budgeting. Requires objective year-to-year comparisons under budget law, with the starting point for both presidential and congressional budgets the levels of budget outlays for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 204) Amends the CBA to require a budget law to include a major functional category ("rainy day fund") for natural disasters, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 205) Amends Federal law to require the President to submit: (1) a budget, by the first Monday in February of each year before that in which a fiscal period commences, setting forth on a single page specific budget ceilings in each major functional category; and (2) a detailed budget, on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Amends CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide the appropriate House of Congress (or any committee, subcommittee, or conference) an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of each spending bill likely to result in costs of over $10 million, before being voted on by the Senate or the House, or any committee, subcommittee, or conference committee. (Sec. 301) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or the Senate (or any committee, subcommittee, or conference committee) to consider over-budget spending bills. (Sec. 302) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or the Senate, or both, to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to exercise line-item reduction authority if the Congress, by two-thirds vote, exceeds the budget ceilings in the binding budget law or an automatic continuing resolution for a fiscal period. Declares that such authority shall permit the reduction of over-budget spending in a major functional category to the level established in the binding budget law or automatic continuing resolution. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." (Sec. 306) Amends CBA to require fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except Social Security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. (Sec. 307) Requires executive agencies to adjust expenditures, including program eligibility requirements and benefit levels, to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. (Sec. 308) Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Amends CBA to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions in spending in the same functional category. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or in the Senate to waive such prohibition. (Sec. 309) Sets forth special rules in the case of legislation that exceeds a budget ceiling for the natural disaster functional category. Repeals an exemption in the House from pay-as-you-go rules. Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions - Amends CBA to: (1) establish "lock-box" procedures to ensure that budget savings from House and Senate amendments to appropriations bills result in actual spending cuts; (2) require CBO reports on such procedures; and (3) mandate reduction of spending allocations to House and Senate committees and subcommittees to meet "lock-box" levels. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. (Sec. 402) Provides for contingency regulations for automatic continuing resolutions. Grants each State the option of receiving an aggregate amount for the fiscal period for social safety net programs equal to the allocation to the State for such programs in the preceding fiscal period. (Sec. 403) Restricts consideration of legislation providing budget or spending authority to only that reported by the Committees on Appropriations. Makes such restriction inapplicable in the case of social security benefits. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or permit reductions in otherwise payable Social Security benefits. (Sec. 502) Amends Federal law to provide that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act - Makes various technical and conforming amendments. Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Changes the definition of budget authority to exclude offsetting receipts and collections as negative budget authority.

Bill· HRH.R. 1350 (105th)open

Homeowners Association Clarification Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997

Homeowners Association Clarification Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow timeshare associations to elect to be taxed under provisions relating to homeowner associations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1348 (105th)referred

Expanded War Crimes Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997

Expanded War Crimes Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to apply the criminal penalties prescribed for a grave breach of the Geneva Convention, inside or outside the United States, by a U.S. national or member of the armed forces to additional war crimes defined to include conduct: (1) prohibited by Articles 23, 25, 17, or 28 of the Annex to the Hague Convention IV, Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, signed October 18, 1907; (2) which constitutes a violation of common Article 3 of the conventions and which deals with non-international armed conflict; or (3) of a person who willfully kills or causes serious injury to civilians in relation to an armed conflict and contrary to the provisions of the Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended at Geneva on May 3, 1996, when the United States is a party to such Protocol.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 115 (105th)passed

Concerning the promotion of peace, stability, and democracy in Zaire.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997

Calls for the resignation of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire. Urges the U.S. Government to: (1) unequivocally call on Mobutu to immediately leave Zaire and withdraw from all political activity; and (2) play a leading role in the international effort in supporting the creation of a broad-based transitional government of national unity composed of all democratic forces in Zaire. Calls for the United States to: (1) continue to distance itself and its foreign policy from Mobutu and his government; and (2) work with interested African and European nations to oppose the presence in Zaire of foreign government and mercenary forces, to halt the flow of arms into the country, and to encourage the warring parties to negotiate a cease-fire leading to a lasting peace. Supports the creation in Zaire of the enabling environment necessary to conduct democratic, multi-party elections at the earliest feasible time, as well as the necessary conditions to establish the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the effective provision of humanitarian assistance.

Bill· HRH.R. 1333 (105th)open

Working Americans Wage Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997

Working Americans Wage Restoration Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from adjusted gross income for Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) employee taxes, unless an individual claims the earned income credit. Raises the deduction for OASDI self-employment taxes. Reduces such deduction by 50 percent for self-employed individuals claiming the earned income credit.

Bill· HRH.R. 1322 (105th)open

Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment Implementation Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997

Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment Implementation Act of 1997 - Grants each victim of a Federal felony offense or any other Federal crime of violence the right: (1) to notice of, and not to be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the offense; (2) to be heard, if present, and to submit a written statement at all public proceedings relating to the offense (and non-public parole proceedings to the extent the convicted offender is afforded such rights) to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence; (3) to notice of any release or escape from custody relating to the offense; (4) to seek relief from an unreasonable delay of the final disposition of the proceedings relating to the offense; (5) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender pursuant to law; (6) to consideration for the safety of the victim in determining any release from custody; (7) to notice of such rights; (8) to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy; and (9) to confer with the attorney for the Government. Makes such rights applicable in: (1) Federal (other than military) criminal proceedings, including juvenile justice proceedings; (2) collateral proceedings such as habeas corpus; and (3) similar proceedings in the courts of any district or territory of the United States not within a State. Grants the victim standing in the proceeding to assert the rights established by this Act. Sets forth: (1) remedies for violations; and (2) exceptions and limitations to such rights. (Sec. 4) Directs the courts, and the head of each U.S. department and agency engaged in the detection, investigation, prosecution, or adjudication of crimes to which this Act applies, to designate the persons who will be responsible for identifying the victims, assuring the implementation of the rights provided in this Act, and performing specified services, at each stage of a criminal case. Requires a responsible official, at the earliest opportunity after the detection of a crime at which it may be done without interfering with an investigation, to identify the victims, inform the victims of their right to receive such services upon request, and inform each victim of the responsible official to whom the victim should address such request. Directs such official to: (1) inform a victim regarding emergency medical and social services, restitution or other relief to which the victim may be entitled, and counseling, treatment, and other support programs; (2) arrange for a victim to receive reasonable protection; (3) provide notices of specified steps or events during the investigation and prosecution of a crime and after trial; and (4) provide the victim with general information regarding the corrections process. Sets forth: (1) provisions regarding protecting the property of a victim being held, and payment or reimbursement of the cost of a physical examination of the victim, for evidentiary purposes; and (2) remedies for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1338 (105th)referred

Giving Incentive and Volunteer Empowerment (GIVE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997

Giving Incentive and Volunteer Empowerment (GIVE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase (to a specified percentage above the regularly allowed amount) the tax deduction for charitable contributions by allowing a taxpayer to elect to treat a contribution made not later than the tax return filing date for the taxable year as made on the last day of such taxable year. Allows individuals who do not itemize deductions a charitable contribution deduction to the extent the amount claimed exceeds $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return). Excepts charitable contribution deductions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 71 (105th)open

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes or crimes for which the defendant can be imprisoned for longer than one year the right: (1) to notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) to be heard, if present, and to submit a written statement at all public proceedings (and non-public parole proceedings to the extent the convicted offender is afforded such rights) relating to the crime to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence; (3) to notice of any release or escape from custody relating to the crime; (4) to seek relief from an unreasonable delay of the final disposition of the proceedings relating to the crime; (5) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) to consideration for the victim's safety in determining any release from custody; and (7) to notice of the rights established by this amendment. Grants the victim standing to assert such rights. Grants power to the Congress and the States to enforce this amendment.

Bill· HRH.R. 1280 (105th)open

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act - Allows any presiding U.S. judge, in his or her discretion, to allow the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court proceedings over which such judge presides, including civil and criminal trials and appeals. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate advisory guidelines concerning such media coverage within the courtroom.

Bill· HRH.R. 1283 (105th)referred

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Class Action Relief Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Class Action Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide a moratorium between the date of enactment of this Act and December 31, 1998, on class certification, sanction imposition, or other proceedings with regard to class action lawsuits under such Act.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 60 (105th)open

Relating to the 30th anniversary of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997

Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 30th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to affirm publicly as a matter of U.S. policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel. Urges U.S. officials to refrain from any actions that contradict this policy.

Bill· HRH.R. 1172 (105th)open

United States Armed Forces in Bosnia Protection Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997

United States Armed Forces in Bosnia Protection Act of 1997 - Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other Federal department or agency from being obligated or expended for the deployment on the ground of U.S. armed forces in the territory of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina after September 30, 1997. Provides exceptions: (1) for the deployment of troops to aid in troop withdrawal; or (2) if the President transmits to the Congress a request for a deployment extension for an additional 90 days after such deadline and a joint resolution is enacted approving such request. Outlines congressional procedures for the consideration of such request. Prohibits DOD or other Federal funds from being obligated or expended for: (1) the conduct of, or support for, any law enforcement activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an exception for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) any activity that may jeopardize the primary mission of the United Nations-led Stabilization Fore in preventing armed conflict there; (3) the transfer of refugees within the Republic that has a purpose of acquiring control by one Bosnian entity of territory allocated to another or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk; or (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of any territory within the Republic unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement. Requires a report from the President to the Congress on the ground deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bill· HRH.R. 1171 (105th)referred

Omnibus Corporate Welfare Reduction Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agriculture Programs Title II: Energy and Water Programs Title III: Interior Programs Title IV: Foreign Operations Programs Title V: Transportation Programs Omnibus Corporate Welfare Reduction Act of 1997 - Title I: Agriculture Programs - Repeals the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA), provisions of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970 relating to adjusting the repayment schedules on REA loans, and provisions of Federal law regarding: (1) congressional policy concerning making funds available to rural electric and telephone systems; (2) congressional policy with respect to rural telephone system financing; (3) loan programs under the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund; and (4) rural advanced telecommunications. Rescinds related unobligated balances. (Sec. 102) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding an agricultural commodity export promotion program. Title II: Energy and Water Programs - Prohibits obligating or spending funds for the Animas-La Plata Project, Colorado and New Mexico, except regarding alternatives that would satisfy the water rights interests of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. (Sec. 202) Declares that the Congress is concerned about the pyroprocessing program and should not proceed with a liquid metal reactor program. Amends provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 relating to advanced nuclear reactors to remove references to liquid metal reactors. Title III: Interior Programs - Prohibits the Department of Energy from conducting any fossil energy research and development, except as required by contracts entered into before enactment of this Act and as necessary to terminate ongoing activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 302) Amends Federal law commonly known as the National Forest Roads and Trails Act to modify requirements regarding the construction of forest development roads. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the full cost of forest road design, construction, and maintenance should be recovered through user fees. (Sec. 303) Prohibits fund obligation for the Clean Coal Technology program. Repeals, subject to exception, related appropriations from an appropriations Act for FY 1986 and rescinds any related unobligated funds. Title IV: Foreign Operations Programs - Abolishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and repeals related provisions. Requires that the Office of Management and Budget perform OPIC functions on certain existing contracts until their expiration. Prohibits contract renewal. Deposits unexpended balances in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. (Sec. 402) Sets forth findings regarding the International Monetary Fund and its Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF). Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States should not participate in the latest round of General Agreements to Borrow (commonly referred to as the New Arrangement to Borrow) or provide additional resources to the ESAF. Title V: Transportation Programs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that highway demonstration projects should not be required by Federal law. (Sec. 502) Repeals provisions of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 authorizing the Appalachian development highway system.

Bill· HRH.R. 1170 (105th)referred

State Initiative Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997

State Initiative Fairness Act - Prohibits a U.S. district court or judge thereof from granting any application for an interlocutory or permanent injunction restraining the enforcement, operation, or execution of a State law adopted by referendum upon the ground of unconstitutionality unless such application is heard and determined by a three-judge court. Requires, in any such case, the additional judges to be designated as soon as practicable and the court to expedite the consideration of the application for an injunction. Requires any appeal of a determination on such application to be to the Supreme Court.

Bill· HRH.R. 1145 (105th)referred

Home-Based Business Fairness Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997

Home-Based Business Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for the health insurance costs of a self-employed individual to allow as a deduction an amount equal to the amount paid by such individual for insurance which constitutes medical care for such individual, such individual's spouse, and dependents. Adds to provisions defining the disallowance of certain expenses in connection the business use of the home to provide that a home office shall in any case qualify as the principal place of business if the office is: (1) in the location where the taxpayer's essential administrative or management activities are conducted on a regular and systematic basis; and (2) necessary because the taxpayer has no other location for the performance of the essential management or administrative activities of the business. Considers a service provider as not being an employee if the provider: (1) can realize a profit or loss, can incur unreimbursed expenses, and makes a time-limited or task-limited agreement; (2) has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service at a single service recipient's facilities, pays fair rent for the use of the recipient's facilities, or operates primarily with equipment not supplied by the recipient; and (3) if there is a written contract providing that the provider will not be treated as an employee for Federal tax purposes. Considers (in addition) a provider as not an employee if: (1) there is such a written contract; and (2) the provider is a corporation or limited liability company and does not receive benefits that the recipient's employees receive. Regulates the treatment of determinations by the Secretary of the Treasury that a service provider should have been treated as an employee.

Bill· HRH.R. 1138 (105th)open

To prohibit the conveyance, directly or indirectly, of property at Naval Station, Long Beach, California, to a commercial shipping company owned or controlled by a foreign country.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, in disposing of real property in connection with the closure of the Long Beach Naval Air Station, California, from conveying any portion of such property to a shipping company owned or controlled by a foreign country. Requires the Secretary to prohibit any subsequent reconveyance of such property to such a company. Provides a reversionary interest and a right of entry for the United States if any such property is so conveyed or reconveyed.

Bill· HRH.R. 1129 (105th)referred

Microcredit for Self-Reliance Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1997

Microcredit for Self-Reliance Act of 1997 - Authorizes the President to provide through U.S. and indigenous nongovernmental organizations and credit institutions credit and other assistance for microenterprises in developing countries. Sets forth assistance eligibility criteria. Authorizes funds allocations. Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, in order to maximize the sustainable development impact of such assistance, to establish a monitoring system that sets certain performance goals for it. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) only to provide grants to nongovernmental organizations and other private community-based microenterprise institutions serving the poor, especially women. Directs the President to urge other IFAD donor nations to contribute to the microenterprise and microfinance activities of the Fund. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Microstart Program established by the United Nations Development Program represents an important new initiative; and (2) the President should instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to use the U.S. vote to support the Program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1108 (105th)referred

State Occupancy Standards Affirmation Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1997

State Occupancy Standards Affirmation Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from establishing a national occupancy standard (as defined by this Act, with an exception for health and safety protection purposes). Provides that: (1) a State standard shall be considered reasonable for purposes of determining familial status discrimination; and (2) the Secretary, in the absence of a State standard, shall take no action respecting a two-person per bedroom standard established by a housing provider.

Bill· HRH.R. 1062 (105th)open

HIV Prevention Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1997

HIV Prevention Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to add certain requirements relating to prevention of the transmission of the HIV virus which State Medicaid plans must incorporate in order to receive Federal approval. Includes among such requirements: (1) mandatory confidential reporting of HIV positive results by the health professional or other entity performing HIV tests to the State public health officer; (2) informing of individuals who may have been exposed to HIV by the public health officer of the State (partner notification); (3) mandatory HIV testing of alleged rapists for which victims and their attorneys are notified of the results, with appropriate follow up tests upon the request of the victim; (4) subjection to mandatory HIV testing of prospective patients who are to undergo a medical procedure that would place the health professionals involved at risk of becoming infected with HIV, with the health professionals notified of the results; (5) affording applicants for health insurance who are required by the health insurance issuer to undergo HIV testing as a condition of issuance the opportunity to be informed by the issuer, upon request, of the applicant's HIV status; and (6) affording prospective adoptive parents the opportunity to be informed by the adoption agency, upon request, of the HIV status of the child which they wish to adopt. Expresses the sense of the Congress that with respect to health professionals with HIV disease: (1) the health professionals should notify their patients that they have the disease in medical circumstances that place the patients at risk of being infected with HIV by the health professionals; and (2) the States should encourage the medical profession to develop guidelines to assist the health professionals in so notifying patients. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) States should have in effect laws providing that, in the case of an individual who knows that he or she has HIV disease, it is a felony for the individual to infect another with HIV if the individual engages in the behaviors involved with the intent of so infecting the other individual; and (2) strict confidentiality should be maintained in carrying out the requirements of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1054 (105th)open

Internet Tax Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1997

Internet Tax Freedom Act - Prohibits a State or local government from imposing, assessing, or attempting to collect any tax or fee on the Internet or interactive computer services (ICs) or on their use. Preserves State and local taxing authority with respect to income, license, and sales taxes. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury, Commerce, or State to: (1) undertake an examination of U.S. and international taxation of the Internet and ICs, as well as commerce conducted thereon; and (2) jointly submit to the President appropriate policy recommendations concerning such taxation. Directs the President to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees policy recommendations on the taxation of sales and other transactions effected on the Internet or through ICs. Requires all such recommendations to be consistent with policy statements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to state that the Federal Communications Commission or any equivalent State commission shall have no regulatory authority or jurisdiction with respect to charges paid by subscribers for ICs or information services transmitted through the Internet, except for the requirement that such services be provided at affordable rates to rural health care providers, schools, and libraries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek bilateral and multilateral agreements through various international forums to establish that activity on the Internet and ICs be free from tariff and taxation.

Bill· HRH.R. 1031 (105th)referred

American Community Renewal Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Provisions Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Subtitle B: Charitable Contribution Credit Title III: Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title IV: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1997 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas (with the first 50 being from areas which are enterprise zones or empowerment communities) as RCs if: (1) the areas have pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress and meet other requirements; and (2) State and local governments agree to take actions such as tax reduction, crime reduction strategies, and reducing, repealing, or not enforcing within the area certain governmental requirements such as licensing, zoning, and permits. Provides for: (1) coordination of RCs with empowerment zones and enterprise communities; and (2) interaction of the provisions of this Act with other Federal programs. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Congress concerning such designations. Title II: Tax Provisions - Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. Allows a deduction to any qualified individual or other person for amounts paid in cash to a family development account for the individual's benefit. Allows account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes such accounts from taxation. Requires that the individual resided in an RC and was allowed an earned income credit for the preceding taxable year. Authorizes designation of not more than 25 RCs as account matching demonstration areas. Provides, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, for matching contributions to accounts. Sets the commercial revitalization credit (established below) at 20 to 50 percent of the revitalization expenditures regarding a revitalization building. Increases, for an RC business, the dollar limit on expensing certain depreciable business assets. Permits a taxpayer to treat any RC environmental remediation cost as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Allows any cost so treated as a deduction. (Sec. 202) Provides a special work opportunity credit rule for RCs. (Sec. 203) Provides for the commercial revitalization credit. Subtitle B: Charitable Contributions Credit - Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions (of up to $100 annually for a taxpayer) to an organization described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations) for which the taxpayer has done more than ten hours of volunteer service and which: (1) is primarily assisting poor individuals; (2) spends all of its resources providing services to the poor; and (3) has limited political activity. Terminates such credit after December 31, 1999. Title III : Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1997 - Requires an RC to establish and operate a Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship program to: (1) provide RC families a choice of schools; and (2) provide assistance for attending public and private elementary and secondary schools, including religious schools. (Sec. 309) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 310) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 311) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school. Prohibits: (1) a Federal, State, or local agency taking into account Federal funds provided to a renewal community, school, or parent in determining whether to provide any other funds; and (2) deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any State law prohibiting the expenditure of public funds by sectarian schools, except that no State law may prohibit the expenditure by sectarian schools of Federal funds under this title. (Sec. 316) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Permits an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 317) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Additional Provisions - Provides for the transfer of ownership of any qualified Department of Housing and Urban Development property to the unit of local government having jurisdiction, if such unit of local government agrees to dispose such qualified property as specified, including granting to a community development corporation the right of first refusal. (Sec. 402) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that the provisions of this section apply to each program under the PHSA that makes Federal awards to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization (RO) to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes ROs eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that an RO, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires an RO to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the RO. Allows an RO to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by ROs, that the Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in RO drug treatment programs, giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the RO has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. (Sec. 403) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to allow the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider the institution's ventures with any community development organization in an RC.

Bill· HRH.R. 1036 (105th)referred

Congressional Responsibility Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

Congressional Responsibility Act of 1997 - Prohibits a regulation from taking effect before the enactment of a bill comprised solely of the text of the regulation. Requires an agency, whenever it promulgates a regulation, to submit to each House of the Congress a report containing its text and an explanation. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for consideration of agency regulations.

Law· HRH.R. 1003 (105th)enacted

Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to provide or pay for any health care item or service or health benefit coverage for the purpose of causing, or assisting to cause, the death of any individual. Sets forth a nonexclusive list of programs, facilities, and personnel to which the prohibition applies, including under Social Security Act titles V (Maternal and Child Health Services), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services), the Public Health Service Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and provisions of Federal law relating to Federal employees, the military health care system, veterans medical care, Peace Corps volunteers, and Federal prisoners. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) causing or assisting in suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing; (2) compelling any person or entity to provide or fund any item, benefit, program, or service for such purpose; or (3) asserting or advocating a legal right to cause or assist such actions. Sets forth a nonexclusive list of programs to which the prohibition applies, including under specified provisions of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and the Legal Services Corporation Act. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any item or service for the purpose of causing or assisting in the suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of any individual. Declares that, for this Act, references to appropriated funds include funds appropriated to the District of Columbia under specified provisions of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act. Declares that this Act supersedes other Federal laws except to the extent such laws specifically supersede this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1004 (105th)referred

Neighborhood Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Neighborhood Assistance Act - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to transfer to any nonprofit organization that exists for the purpose of providing housing or housing assistance for homeless or low-income individuals or families, such surplus real and personal property as is needed for housing use. Directs the Administrator, in making transfers, to take such action as may be necessary to ensure that: (1) assistance provided is used to facilitate and encourage home ownership opportunities through the construction of self-help housing, under terms that require that the person receiving the assistance contribute a significant amount of labor toward the construction; and (2) the dwellings constructed with property transferred be quality dwellings that comply with local building and safety codes and standards and be made available at prices below prevailing market prices. States that if the Administrator transfers a significant portion of a surplus real property, the transfer of the entire surplus real property is deemed to be in compliance with title V of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Modifies the exception regarding the transfer of surplus personal property by the Administrator to a State agency for distribution through donation to nonprofit educational or public health institutions or organizations, to include providers of assistance to families or individuals whose annual incomes are below 185 percent of the poverty line.

Bill· HRH.R. 1010 (105th)open

Mandates Information Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Mandates Information Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (the Act) to require a congressional committee report on any bill or joint resolution that includes any Federal mandate to contain information concerning the impact of such mandate on consumers, workers, and small businesses, including any disproportionate impact in particular regions or industries. Revises provisions concerning legislation subject to a point of order to: (1) define the point of order for a determination by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO Director) that it is not feasible to determine the economic impact of a Federal mandate; and (2) replace certain references to Federal intergovernmental mandates with references to Federal mandates. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any unfunded mandates that are determined by the CBO Director to exceed the applicable threshold under the Act should be financed through reduced taxes, tax abatements, or direct compensation by the Federal Government.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 62 (105th)passed

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to tax limitations.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Requires that a bill to increase the internal revenue shall laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the whole of the number of that House, unless the bill does not increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.

Bill· HRH.R. 967 (105th)open

To prohibit the use of United States funds to provide for the participation of certain Chinese officials in international conferences, programs, and activities and to provide that certain Chinese officials shall be ineligible to receive visas and excluded from admission to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should make freedom of religion one of the major objectives of U.S. foreign policy with respect to China. Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of State, the United States Information Agency, and the United States Agency for International Development to provide travel expenses for certain Chinese officials participating in international conferences, exchanges, programs, and activities. Requires each agency to certify to appropriate congressional committees that it did not pay such expenses. Makes such officials ineligible to receive visas for admission into the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 992 (105th)referred

Tucker Act Shuffle Relief Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Tucker Act Shuffle Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes a property owner to file a civil action to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action that adversely affects the owner's interest in private property in either the U.S. District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (Claims Court). Waives the sovereign immunity of the United States. Grants: (1) each court concurrent jurisdiction over both claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any agency regulation affecting private property rights; (2) the plaintiff the election of the court in which to file a claim for relief; and (3) persons adversely affected by an agency action taken under this Act standing to challenge and seek judicial review of that action. Amends the Federal judicial code to modify the jurisdiction of the Claims Court, including to grant jurisdiction for invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of an executive department that adversely affects private property rights in violation of the fifth amendment to the Constitution. Grants such Court, in cases within its jurisdiction: (1) the power to grant injunctive and declaratory relief when appropriate; and (2) ancillary jurisdiction to render judgment upon any related tort claim. Specifies provisions that apply in proceedings within such Court's jurisdiction which constitute judicial review of agency action. Repeals provisions regarding pendency of claims in other courts.

Bill· HRH.R. 993 (105th)referred

Americorps Program Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Americorps Program Elimination Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to repeal the National Service Trust Program (Americorps) under which certain persons who perform national or community service receive stipends and educational awards for such service.

Bill· HRH.R. 986 (105th)referred

Workplace Integrity Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Workplace Integrity Act - Amends Federal law to: (1) limit the amount of official time which may be used by Federal employees in connection with a grievance procedure; and (2) prohibit the use of official time by Federal employees in connection with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to submit to the President and each House of the Congress, before March 1 of each calendar year, a specified report on the use of official time under this Act. Requires that agencies shall submit to OPM such data as OPM may by regulation require in connection with any such report.

Bill· HRH.R. 972 (105th)referred

Market Access Program Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Market Access Program Elimination Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the market access program.

Law· HRH.R. 956 (105th)enacted

Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to direct Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to establish a program to support communities in the development and implementation of comprehensive, long-term plans and programs to prevent and treat substance abuse among youth (referred hereafter as the Program). Requires that the Program shall include grant making and tracking, technical assistance and training, data collection and dissemination on state-of-the-art practices which have proven effective in reducing substance abuse, and general administration. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth specified criteria a coalition shall meet to be eligible to receive a grant. Prescribes limitations concerning: (1) grant amounts; (2) coalition awards; and (3) rural coalition grants. Requires the Administrator of the Program to: (1) have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, and records that are pertinent to any grant or grant renewal request and may periodically request information from a grantee to ensure that the criteria set forth are being met; (2) issue rules and regulations regarding the application process, grant renewal, and suspension or withholding of any renewal grant awards; and (3) make every effort, consistent with existing law, to minimize reporting requirements by a grantee and to expedite any grant renewal requests. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) collect data from national substance abuse organizations working with coalitions, community anti-drug coalitions, departments or agencies of Federal, State and local or tribal governments and any other entity or organization whose activities relate to the purposes of the Program, and evaluate the utility of specific initiatives, engage in research and development activities related to the Program, and disseminate such information to eligible coalitions, any other substance abuse organization, or the public; and (2) offer technical assistance and training, enter into contracts and cooperative agreements, coordinate programs with any grantee or other organization, and train any representatives designated by a grantee in coalition building, task force development, mediation and facilitation, direct service, assessment and evaluation or any other activity related to the purposes of the Program. Establishes the Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities (Advisory Commission) to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Administrator concerning matters related to the activities carried out under the Program. Sets forth the duties of the Advisory Commission. Requires that if the Administrator rejects recommendations of the Advisory Commission, the Administrator shall notify the Advisory Commission and the Director in writing of the reasons for so doing not later than 15 days after receiving such recommendations. Terminates the Advisory Commission five years after enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 925 (105th)open

Payoffs-for-Layoffs Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Payoffs-for-Layoffs Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being obligated or expended for payment of any restructuring cost associated with a merger or acquisition incurred by a DOD contractor. Provides for the handling of contractor claims for such costs with respect to a merger or acquisition occurring before the enactment of this Act. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) repeal a provision made inconsistent by this Act; (2) extend through FY 2000 a requirement of a report from the Secretary of Defense to the Congress concerning DOD savings achieved under a corporate restructuring; (3) require in such report certain additional information concerning DOD's past experience with contractors for which DOD agreed to allow such costs; and (4) require a current report from the Comptroller General to the Congress to include an estimate and description of the net effect on the Federal budget of reimbursing defense contractors for such costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 929 (105th)open

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit performing a partial birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother and no other medical procedure would suffice. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as an abortion in which the person performing the procedure partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the infant and completing the delivery. Prescribes penalties. Authorizes the father and, if the mother is under 18 years of age, the maternal grandparents of the fetus to obtain specified relief in a civil action, even if the mother consented to the abortion, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.

Bill· HRH.R. 928 (105th)referred

Union Members Right to Know Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Union Members Right to Know Act of 1997 - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to revise requirements for reports by labor organizations to the Secretary of Labor. Requires such reports to include specified information regarding the use of employee dues and fees, including itemization of sums spent on political and other specified activities. Requires labor organizations to provide the employees they represent with complete copies of such annual reports.

Bill· HRH.R. 955 (105th)open

Family Freedom Home Office Deduction Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Family Freedom Home Office Deduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the deduction for home office expenses if a portion of a dwelling unit is used as the sole fixed location of business for a taxpayer who has no other fixed location of business, regardless of: (1) the amount of time or type of work performed in such location; or (2) the proportion of the total income from the business attributable to such location.

Bill· HRH.R. 907 (105th)open

To amend title 23, United States Code, to modify the minimum allocation formula under the Federal-aid highway program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1997

Revises specified provisions regarding minimum allocations of Federal aid highway funds and provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) to direct the Secretary of Transportation, in FY 1998 and thereafter, to ensure that each State's percentage of the total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year from funds made available out of the Highway Trust Fund is not less than the percentage of estimated tax payments to the Fund by highway users in the State in the latest fiscal year for which data are available. Repeals ISTEA provisions specifying the percentage of total apportioned and allocated funds to be allocated to each State for the surface transportation program.

Bill· HRH.R. 902 (105th)referred

Family Heritage Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1997

Family Heritage Preservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, gift tax, and tax on generation-skipping transfers.

Bill· HRH.R. 901 (105th)open

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary finds that commercially viable uses of nominated lands (including lands located within ten miles of them) will not be adversely affected by such inclusion, and publishes that finding; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, including the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact that such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees certain information on each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits Federal officials from nominating lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation shall not have, and shall not be given, any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally-owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits, under any international agreement (with exceptions under certain wetlands agreements and conventions), the nomination, classification, or designation of: (1) federally-owned lands located within the United States for a special or restricted use unless specifically authorized by law; (2) State or local government lands unless specifically authorized by State or local law; or (3) privately owned lands without the owner's consent.

Bill· HRH.R. 876 (105th)referred

Self-Employed Health Fairness Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Self-Employed Health Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals to 100 percent.

Bill· HRH.R. 857 (105th)open

Social Security Preservation Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Social Security Preservation Act of 1997 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (trust funds) to ensure that the annual surplus of the trust funds is invested in: (1) marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed by the United States; or (2) certificates of deposit in insured depository institutions. Outlines provisions for determining the annual surplus of the trust funds. Prohibits disinvestment of trust fund amounts from public debt obligations, any refraining from making such investments, or any delay in making normal deposits in such trust funds for public debt limit-related purposes. Authorizes the sale of trust fund public debt obligations for the payment of cash benefits and administrative expenses, with conditions, including notification to each House of Congress and the Comptroller General at least three days in advance of such sale.

Bill· HRH.R. 891 (105th)open

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the maximum amount of contributions to individual retirement accounts and the amounts of adjusted gross income at which the IRA deduction phases out for active participants in pension plans, and to allow penalty-free distributions from individual retirement accounts and 401(k) plans for certain purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the: (1) maximum deduction for individual retirement account contributions; and (2) income amount at which phase-out of that deduction begins. Exempts from the early distribution penalty: (1) distributions from certain types of retirement plans for first-time home buyer, education, or adoption expenses; and (2) for unemployed individuals (currently, for unemployed individuals for health insurance premiums). Modifies requirements regarding penalties for medical care early distributions.

Bill· HRH.R. 745 (105th)open

To deauthorize the Animas-La Plata Federal reclamation project, and to direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into negotiations to satisfy, in a manner consistent with all Federal laws, the water rights interests of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Deauthorizes the Animas-La Plata Project, Colorado and New Mexico (a participating project under the Colorado River Storage Project Act and the Colorado River Basin Project Act). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promptly seek to enter into negotiations with the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to satisfy the water rights interests of those tribes that were intended to be satisfied with water supplied from such Project.

Bill· HRH.R. 789 (105th)open

Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1997 - Revises Federal copyright law to provide that communication by electronic device of a transmission embodying a performance or display of a nondramatic musical work by the reception of a broadcast, cable, satellite, or other transmission shall not be a copyright infringement unless: (1) an admission fee is charged to see or hear the transmission at a particular time or on a particular date or dates; or (2) the transmission is not properly licensed. Applies the infringement exemption for the performance of a nondramatic musical work at an annual agricultural or horticultural fair or exhibition to such performance at agricultural or horticultural fairs, exhibitions, conventions, meetings, and events. Excludes as a copyright infringement the performance of a nondramatic musical work: (1) by a commercial establishment at no charge when a purpose of the performance is to promote audio, video, or other devices utilized in such performance; and (2) at an organized children's camp if the children in attendance sing, dance, or participate in all or a portion of such work, or when the performance is of an instructional nature. (Sec. 3) Specifies that if a general music user and a performing rights society are unable to agree on the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of musical works in the society's repertoire, the user shall be entitled to binding arbitration of such disagreement pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association in lieu of any other dispute-resolution mechanism established by any judgment or decree governing the operation of such society. Requires the arbitrator to determine a fair and reasonable fee for the user's past and future performance of works in such society's repertoire and to impose a penalty for infringement if the user's past performance infringed the copyright of such works. Makes an arbitrator's determination binding on both parties. Sets forth provisions regarding civil actions for infringement that may be submitted to arbitration if the license fee for a performance is contested. (Sec. 4) Requires a performing rights society, at the request of any radio broadcaster, to offer the broadcaster a per programming period license to perform nondramatic musical works in its repertoire. Directs that such license be offered on terms and conditions that provide an economically and administratively viable alternative to the society's blanket license for all such broadcasters. Sets forth provisions regarding prices of such licenses. Authorizes radio broadcasters entitled to a per programming period license to bring actions to require compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 5) Directs each performing rights society to make available free online computer access to copyright and licensing information for each work in its repertoire as well as a semiannual printed directory of each title in its repertoire. Requires such society, upon request, to provide to any person who may perform musical works in its repertoire copies of documentation establishing the society's right to license the public performance of such works. Bars a society from instituting or being a party to any action alleging infringement in, or charging a fee under any per programming period license for, any work in the repertoire that is not identified or documented as described above, with exceptions. (Sec. 6) Requires the Attorney General to report annually to the Congress on the activities of the Department of Justice relating to the continuing supervision and enforcement of specified consent decrees of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and Broadcast Music, Inc. (Sec. 7) Sets forth conditions under which landlords, organizers of conventions, or others making space available to another party are exempt from liability under any theory of vicarious or contributory infringement with respect to an infringing public performance of a copyrighted work by a tenant, lessee, or other user of such space.

Bill· HRH.R. 758 (105th)open

Truth in Employment Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Truth in Employment Act of 1997 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that nothing in specified prohibitions against unfair labor practices shall be construed as requiring an employer to employ any person who seeks or has sought employment with the employer in furtherance of other employment or agency status.

Bill· HRH.R. 792 (105th)referred

Prison Security Enhancement Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Prison Security Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Bureau of Prisons to take care that prisoners under its jurisdiction do not engage in any activities designed to increase their physical strength or their fighting ability and that all equipment designed for this purpose be removed from Federal correctional facilities.

Bill· HRH.R. 751 (105th)referred

LAM Disease Research Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

LAM Disease Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Diseases and Blood Resources Program conduct or support research on lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Authorizes appropriations.