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United States · Official source
1,575 records where Rep. Clayton, Eva M. [D-NC-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Early Detection of Dyslexia in Children Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Education to study and report to the Congress on methods for identifying and treating children with dyslexia in kindergarten through third grade.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1997
Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1997 - Provides for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain Haitian nationals (and their spouses and children) who were paroled into the United States or filed for amnesty before a specified date. Sets forth stay of removal and work authorization provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Patient Choice; Access; Quality of Care Title II: Contracting and Termination Rights Title III: Information Reporting Title IV: Patient-Provider Communication Title V: Utilization Review and Management Title VI: Additional Amendments; Effective Dates Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Patient Choice; Access; Quality of Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require a health insurer: (1) to permit enrollees to select a personal health professional and to change that selection; (2) that requires use of network providers to also offer optional coverage for out-of-network providers; (3) for enrollees with special needs or chronic conditions to ensure that care coordination and cost control processes do not create an undue burden; and (4) to provide for continuity of care. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a Medicare+Choice organization that requires use of network providers to also offer optional coverage for out-of-network providers. (Sec. 102) Amends the PHSA to require a health insurer to: (1) maintain a sufficient number, mix, and distribution of providers; (2) assure the availability and accessibility of emergency and urgent care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week without prior authorization, defining emergency according to a prudent layperson; (3) allow designation of a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology as a primary care provider and not require prior authorization for referrals to such a specialist; (4) provide for referrals to specialists; (5) ensure that care coordination and cost control processes do not create an undue burden for enrollees with special needs or chronic conditions; and (6) provide for continuity of care. (Sec. 103) Requires a health insurer to establish a quality improvement program meeting specified requirements. Regulates provider incentive plans. Amends Medicare to establish, in the Health Care Financing Administration, an office of Medicare advocacy to provide an independent review of problems and concerns of Medicare beneficiaries. Authorizes expedited resolution of complaints in emergencies. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for grants to States for the maintenance of a State Health Insurance Ombudsman. Mandates a Federal Ombudsman for any State without a State Ombudsman. (Sec. 104) Requires an insurer to establish confidentiality policies and procedures. (Sec. 105) Prohibits discrimination against an enrollee for participation in an approved clinical trial when the enrollee has a life-threatening or serious illness for which no standard treatment is effective. (Sec. 106) Requires an insurer that covers prescription drugs: (1) only when included in a formulary to meet certain requirements, including allowing exceptions when medically necessary; and (2) to maintain a drug utilization program. Title II: Contracting and Termination Rights - Prohibits a health insurer from discriminating in selecting its network providers on specified bases, including genetic makeup, sexual orientation, place or institution of professional education, disability, or (while acting within the scope of licensure or certification) nature of license or certification. (Sec. 202) Requires an insurer offering network coverage to establish mechanisms to consider enrollee and provider suggestions. (Sec. 203) Requires an insurer to provide certain provider due process. (sec. 204) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow State causes of action for personal injury or wrongful death against a person who provides insurance or administrative services for an employee welfare benefit plan maintained to provide health benefits. Title III: Information Reporting - Amends the PHSA to set forth the information insurers must disclose to enrollees and prospective enrollees. Requires that any entity that is receiving prepaid payments for services under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and that submits quality information that is material and false be excluded from continuing to qualify for payments or be subject to intermediate sanctions. Title IV: Patient-Provider Communication - Patient Right to Know Act - Prohibits any agreement between a health plan and a provider from restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with his or her patient. Requires State enforcement, mandating Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Mandates a civil money penalty. Allows State requirements equal to or more protective of medical communications than this Act. Title V: Utilization Review and Management - Regulates utilization review programs. Mandates a right of review of certain decisions. Requires each issuer to maintain informal and formal internal appeal processes. Requires an external independent review process regarding a decision not to cover experimental therapies for enrollees with certain terminal conditions for which there is no standard, medically appropriate therapy. Title VI: Additional Amendments; Effective Dates - Requires each health insurer to comply with consumer protection requirements of this Act's PHSA amendments. Mandates coordination between the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor in regulations, rulings, interpretations, and policies. Requires health insurers to comply with consumer protection requirements of this Act's amendments of the PHSA regarding individual coverage. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare+Choice plans and Medicaid managed care organizations to comply with the consumer protection requirements of this Act's PHSA amendments. Amends the PHSA to allow State laws (relating to group or individual health insurance) providing protections for individuals equivalent to or stricter than the protections provided under the PHSA amendments of this Act. (Sec. 602) Amends ERISA to require a group health plan (and a health issuer offering group coverage) to comply with the consumer protection requirements of this Act's PHSA amendments. Mandates coordination between the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor in regulations, rulings, interpretations, and policies. Allows State laws providing protections for individuals equivalent to or stricter than the protections provided under this Act's PHSA amendments.
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 · 8 November 1997
Sportfishing and Boating Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Act popularly known as the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act to increase: (1) the regional average that States must allocate from specified appropriations for certain recreational boating purposes; and (2) the limit on State funding for aquatic resource education, outreach, and communications (currently, for aquatic resource education and outreach) programs. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement a national plan for outreach and communications. Authorizes grants and contracts to carry out the plan. Requires States to develop an outreach and communications plan. (Sec. 4) Requires that, of the balance remaining after the annual initial distribution of funds from appropriations to carry out the Act, certain amounts be used for programs and projects under specified provisions of: (1) Federal law relating to State recreational boating safety programs; (2) the Clean Vessel Act of 1992; and (3) this Act. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to adopt a national framework for a public boat access needs assessment. Requires States to conduct the assessments unless the Secretary certifies that a State is implementing a plan that ensures adequate access. Allows States to fund the assessments from amounts dedicated to access to recreational waters under existing provisions. Mandates matching grants to States for up to 75 percent of the cost of facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels. (Sec. 6) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the date on which the tax rate on diesel fuel and nonaviation gasoline decreases and the date until which amounts attributable to motorboat fuel taxes must be transferred from the Highway Trust Fund to the Boat Safety Account in the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. Decreases the aggregate limit on transfers during any fiscal year and removes the limit on the amount in the Account. Extends the date until which amounts attributable to small-engine fuel taxes must be transferred from the Highway Trust Fund into the Sport Fish Restoration Account in the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund and the date until which Boat Safety Account funds are available for expenditures to carry out recreational boat safety provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
JUMP Ahead Act of 1997 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) with respect to juvenile mentoring grants. Specifies goals for the grant program and limits the amount and duration of grants. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice to make youth mentoring program implementation and evaluation grants to national organizations or agencies serving youth. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) contract with an evaluating organization for an ongoing evaluation of the programs and activities assisted under this Act or under JJDPA; (2) establish minimum criteria for evaluating such programs and activities; and (3) annually designate a program or activity assisted under this Act as the Juvenile Mentoring Program of the Year. Requires each grant recipient under this Act or under JJDPA to report annually to the evaluating organization on any program or activity so assisted. Requires a report to the Congress evaluating such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Federal agencies would benefit from reviewing specified recommendations for the purpose of improving equitable access for women-owned businesses to the Federal procurement market.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Medicare Venipuncture Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to repeal provisions denying payment for home health benefits based solely on venipuncture to obtain 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1997 - Amends Federal criminal law to prescribe criminal penalties (including mandatory restitution) for willful failure to pay child support obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Commends the personnel who served in the Asiatic Fleet of the United States Navy between 1910 and 1942. Expresses support for the goals of United States Navy Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day.
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 · 4 November 1997
Army Reserve-National Guard Equity Reimbursement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to reimburse Army personnel deployed to or from Europe during the period beginning on October 1, 1996, and ending on May 31, 1997, in support of operations in Bosnia for expenses incurred in the shipment of personal property if such shipment, if made on June 1, 1997, would otherwise have been covered by a temporary change of station weight allowance authorized by the Department of the Army.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1997
Health Care Access Improvement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to qualified primary health services providers who establish practices in health professional shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
Calls for establishment of a National Week of Reflection and Tolerance encouraging communities and institutions around the nation to engage in events and activities that are reflective, educational, celebratory, and healing as they relate to diversity among Americans.
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 · 23 October 1997
Early Learning and Opportunity State Grants Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children under three years of age. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax-Free Conversions of Specialized Small Business Investment Companies Into Pass-Thru Entities Title II: Additional Incentives Related to Investing in Specialized Small Business Investment Companies Entrepreneurial Equity Capital Formation Act - Title I: Tax-Free Conversions of Specialized Small Business Investment Companies Into Pass-Thru Entities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth special rules for determining whether a specialized small business investment company is a regulated investment company, to define such a company, to waive the distribution requirement for such a company, and to disregard certain earnings and profits of such a company. Permits the tax-free reorganization of a specialized small investment company as a partnership if the reorganization is carried out within a specified time period following enactment and other specified conditions are met. Title II: Additional Incentives Related to Investing in Specialized Small Business Investment Companies - Sets forth additional tax incentives for investing in specialized small business investment companies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Expand and Rebuild America's Schools Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to eligible taxpayers holding school construction bonds. Defines such bonds. Establishes a private business contribution requirement for bond issuers. Defines as eligible taxpayers certain banks, insurance companies, and corporations. Sets a national school construction bond limit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require specified institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, after consultation with the advisory council for the Institute, to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not less than three centers to conduct research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Sets a limitation on the duration of support for the centers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to establish and operate the information clearinghouse (mandated under current law) on osteoporosis and related bone disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Emergency Medical Services Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by qualified volunteer emergency services organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Condemns the Abacha dictatorship in Nigeria for acts of political intimidation and personal harassment against U.S. Ambassador Walter Carrington. Calls for: (1) the Department of State to take measures to ensure the physical safety of the U.S. Ambassador and Embassy staff in Nigeria; and (2) stronger U.S. sanctions against the Nigerian dictatorship of Sani Abacha.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Alternative Fuels--General Title II: Alternatives Fuels--Non-Federal Programs Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Private Vehicles Energy Policy Act Amendments of 1997 - Title I: Alternative Fuels--General - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to: (1) include biodiesel fuels as alternative fuels; (2) modify definitions relating to heavy duty motor vehicles and marine vessels; and (3) include among replacement fuels those fuels derived from biodiesel. (Sec. 102) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide that, if alternative-fueled light duty Federal vehicles are not acquired from original equipment manufacturers, existing fleet vehicles may be converted to alternative fuel-use if the original manufacturer's warranty continues to apply to such vehicles. (Sec. 103) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe compliance guidelines governing the conversion of Federal fleet vehicles into alternative-fueled vehicles. Title II: Alternative Fuels -- Non-Federal Programs - Requires State and local incentives programs to include the goal of introducing substantial numbers of light and heavy duty alternative fuels vehicles and increasing the use of alternative fuels. Conditions State eligibility for Federal assistance upon inclusion in each State plan of an examination of the introduction of converted or acquired light and heavy duty alternative-fueled vehicles in State-owned or operated motor vehicle fleets. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to provide, upon State request, Federal financial assistance grants for the incremental purchase cost of alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the volume of alternative fuel likely to be consumed. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and political subdivisions for the incremental cost of alternative-fuels used in dual fueled school buses, and the conversions of such buses to alternative-fueled vehicles. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies regarding the use of alternative fuels in nonroad vehicles, including marine vessels. Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Modifies the deadline for the Secretary to evaluate whether program goals have been achieved with respect to the replacement fuel supply and demand program. (Sec. 302) Modifies credit allocation guidelines governing alternative-fueled vehicle acquisitions to deem certain acquisitions (conversions of existing vehicles) as alternative compliance credits. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations for requirements or incentives for: (1) suppliers of alternative-fueled vehicles to make such vehicles available to the public through conversion and warranty; and (2) exempting replacement fuels from taxes levied on nonreplacement fuels if the Secretary notifies the Congress that a fleet requirement program is not necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Pfiesteria Research Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Directors of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a research program for the eradication or control of Pfiesteria piscicida and other aquatic toxins; and (2) make grants to specified colleges, universities, and other entities in affected States for carrying out such research. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that India should be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
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 · 23 September 1997
Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to repeal specified provisions which provide for the tax treatment of certain tax-exempt organizations which provide commercial-type insurance.
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
Landmine Elimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits Federal agencies from funding any new deployments of anti-personnel landmines as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on actions and proposals to substitute for new deployments of such landmines on the Korean Peninsula. Authorizes the President to delay implementation of the funding proscription with respect to the Korean Peninsula if he certifies annually to the Congress that new deployments of anti-personnel landmines on such Peninsula would be indispensable to the defense of the Republic of Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Social Security Check Protection Act - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit a financial institution from imposing withdrawal fees upon benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act that are deposited electronically directly into the consumer's account and subsequently withdrawn from an electronic terminal. Prohibits imposition of or increase in any other fee with respect to such an account unless the fee is also imposed at the same rate on other similar accounts which do not receive OASDI benefits deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Veterans Benefits Check Protection Act - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit a financial institution from imposing withdrawal fees upon veterans benefits deposited electronically directly into the consumer's account and subsequently withdrawn from an electronic terminal. Prohibits imposition of or increase in any other fee with respect to such an account unless the fee is also imposed at the same rate on other similar accounts which do not receive veterans' benefits deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Good Samaritan Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a rule for determining the amount of the deduction allowable for a charitable contribution of food inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
After School Education and Safety Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award after-school education and safety program grants to schools to carry out at least two of the following activities: (1) mentoring programs; (2) academic assistance; (3) recreational activities; and (4) technology training. Allows each school also to carry out any of the following activities: (1) drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; (2) health and nutrition counseling; and (3) job skills preparation activities. Requires the school to provide such grant-assisted activities: (1) only after regular school hours during the school year; (2) in a manner that reflects the specific needs of the population, students, and community to be served; and (3) in a school building or other public facility designated by the school. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Family Investment Package - Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1997 through 2002 for block grants to States for child care assistance for low-income working families. Authorizes separate appropriations for such period for grants to States for specified child care activities in geographic areas with child care supply shortages. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY 1997 through 2002 to award grants to States for providing child care services for families who have left the State program of assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act because of employment, families that are at risk of becoming dependent on such assistance program, and low-income working families. Requires States and the Secretary to report on access to child care by low-income working families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Ava Gardner.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Designates the Federal building located at 10301 South Compton Avenue in Los Angeles, California, as the Augustus F. Hawkins Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Redesignates the Federal building located at 701 South Santa Fe Avenue in Compton, California, known as the Compton Main Post Office as the Mervyn Dymally Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the House of Representatives recognizes suicide as a national problem and declares suicide prevention a national priority, acknowledges that no single prevention program will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and encourages certain initiatives, including the development (and the promotion of accessibility and affordability) of mental health services to enable all persons at risk for suicide to obtain services without fear of stigma.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act - Establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission to: (1) represent the United States and take a leadership role with other countries in recognizing the importance of aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; (2) encourage and promote participation and sponsorships in commemoration of the centennial of powered flight by certain companies, individuals, institutions, organizations, and governments; (3) plan and develop programs and activities with the First Flight Centennial Commission, the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the 2003 Committee of Ohio; (4) publish a calendar of programs and provide a central clearinghouse for information regarding aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; and (5) coordinate celebration dates during the centennial year and assist in conducting activities relating to the centennial throughout the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Zora Neale Hurston; and (2) such stamp to be unveiled at the 1999 Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Authorizes the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Theodore Roosevelt for his actions in the attack of San Juan Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War on July 1, 1898.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
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 · 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 · 17 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Program Accountability Title II: Program Equity Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Program Accountability - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); and (2) demographically representative of local producers. States that: (1) civil service laws shall apply to all persons performing functions for any county, area, or local committee; and (2) the county executive director of such committee, or other person selected by the Secretary, shall have sole responsibility for making local agricultural loan determinations, subject to State-level approval. (Sec. 102) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary (at the Secretary's discretion) county and area office employees to Federal civil service status. Makes conforming amendments the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and other Federal law. Title II: Program Equity - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit agricultural operating loans to be made to delinquent borrowers under specified circumstances. (Sec. 202) Appropriates funds for lease-back or buy-back opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers. (Sec. 203) Treats debt write-downs as non-income for tax purposes. (Sec. 204) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit housing loan denial to an applicant who has been able to live in a financially independent manner for a reasonable time. (Sec. 205) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) establish a set-aside for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers. (Sec. 206) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Current law provides for non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such grants.) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to study whether such institutions' funding is equitable. (Sec. 208) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations (currently permanently authorized) for: (1) Indian reservation extension education programs; and (2) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans. (Current law provides for a non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such loans.)
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1997
Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make aliens eligible for food stamps if they were receiving supplemental security income benefits as of a specified date or if they are eligible for such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1997
Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with regard to cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997
Designates the post office located at 194 Ward Street in Patterson, New Jersey as the Larry Doby Post Office.