The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Dellums, Ronald V. [D-CA-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000222_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
5,957 records where Rep. Dellums, Ronald V. [D-CA-9] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 1997 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession, importation, or distribution of, crack cocaine.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
First-time Homebuyer Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the tax on prohibited transactions inapplicable to a qualified home equity participation arrangement (one in which up to $10,000 in an individual retirement plan is used to acquire an ownership interest in a dwelling unit that is to be used as the principal residence for a first-time homebuyer). Requires such ownership interest to be a fee interest requiring full repayment. Defines "first-time homebuyer" as an individual on whose behalf an individual retirement plan is established (eligible participant) or a family member (child, parent, or grandparent) who had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 36-month period before the date of the arrangement. (Sec. 4) Allows the use of amounts in an individual retirement plan to make loans of up to $10,000 to purchase a home for a first-time homebuyer on behalf of an eligible participant or a family member. Prohibits a related interest deduction. Requires repayment within 15 years.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1997
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Research, Treatment, and Assistance Act of 1997 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a waiver of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals disabled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for Medicare coverage of any drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment or alleviation of ALS-related symptoms. Authorizes appropriations, in addition to any already available, for ALS research through the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1997
Celebrates the accomplishments of: (1) title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972 in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education; and (2) the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in sports.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1997
Congratulates the American Basketball League and the Women's National Basketball Association on their inaugural seasons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Point Reyes National Seashore Farmland Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to include the Farmland Protection Area in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, with the primary objective being to protect private agricultural land from nonagricultural development by conservation easements. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make farmland acquisitions within the Area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program to provide low-income, minority, and disadvantaged college students with information, preparation, and financial assistance to gain access to and complete law school study. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with, or make a grant to, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, for at least a five-year period, to deliver specified services under such program, directly and through subgrants and subcontracts. Directs the Secretary to establish annually the maximum stipend to be paid to Thurgood Marshall Fellows for the period of prelaw preparation in summer institutes and midyear seminar prior to and during the period of law school study. Sets forth the maximum amount of grants for such program services for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Credit Card Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) prohibit fee assessment against a credit card account under an open-end consumer credit plan solely on the basis of on-time payments; (2) require advance notice of any interest rate increase for a credit card account, and of the consumer's right to cancel such account before the effective date of that increase; and (3) prohibit post-cancellation increases in interest rates and fees on the outstanding balance of any canceled cards. Mandates disclosure to a credit card account holder of the fees and interest rates imposed upon credit advances through the use of third party checks. Proscribes over-the-limit fees in creditor-approved transactions, and two-cycle billing. Prescribes additional notice requirements governing introductory rates to identify the fixed and variable interest rate which will apply following the introductory period.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Fair Play Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require: (1) each institution of higher education to provide the Secretary of Education with information regarding men's and women's athletic programs; and (2) the Secretary to prepare a report based on such information, which shall be made available on the Internet. Requires the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone service to provide the public with information regarding such reports and respond to inquiries about title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and athletic opportunities for girls and women.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Urges the Federal Communications Commission to issue a notice of inquiry to seek comment and gather facts related to issues raised by the introduction of distilled spirits advertising on television and radio, with a particular focus on the effects of such advertisements on children and teenagers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1997
Cuban Humanitarian Trade Act of 1997 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exempt from the embargo on trade with Cuba the export of food, medicines, or medical supplies, instruments, or equipment, or any travel incident to delivery of such items. Exempts the same items from the President's authority to restrict exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid to Cuba that are attributable to activities with respect to the permitted exports, or travel incident to such activities, under this Act. Directs the President to report to the Congress with respect to the uses, and end users, of the permitted exports to Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Young American Workers' Bill of Rights - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise and increase requirements relating to child labor standards, including: (1) reporting, recordkeeping, and certification; (2) orders and regulations; (3) penalties; (4) coverage regardless of sales volume; (5) civil actions; and (6) migrant or seasonal agricultural labor. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) compile (jointly with the Census Bureau) annual child labor data with respect to individuals under age 18; (2) provide for coordination among enforcement personnel for Federal and State labor standards, occupational health and safety laws, and Federal immigration laws; (3) establish an Advisory Committee for Child Labor; and (4) publicize violators of child labor laws. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
FERS Buyback Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law concerning government organization and employees to make certain temporary Federal service creditable for retirement purposes. Sets forth provisions relating to persons who have separated from Government service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Amendments Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace certain provisions relating to the Office of Minority Health with provisions establishing the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. Regulates the Office's activities, including regarding: (1) bilingual assistance to providers (mandating special consideration to those serving Asians and Pacific Islanders); (2) equitable allocation of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts among racial and minority populations; (3) provision of information and services in the most appropriate language, educational, and cultural context; (4) the making of grants, cooperative agreements, contracts; and (5) evaluations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Requires: (1) that the Office of Research on Minority Health of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) coordinate minority health research conducted or supported by NIH; (2) a comprehensive research plan; (3) equitable addressing of all racial and ethnic minority groups; (4) establishment of the Advisory Committee on Research on Minority Health; (5) determination of the extent of minority representation among senior physicians and scientists of (or conducting research with funding from) the national research institutes; (6) that all grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts be competitively awarded; and (7) expansion of the Minority Health Initiative. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the National Center for Health Statistics; (2) grants to States for demonstration programs to increase the availability of primary care in health professional shortage areas; (3) Federal capital contributions to health professions student loan funds; (4) scholarships for health professions students of exceptional financial need; (5) grants to health professions schools for scholarships for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (6) educational loan repayments in return for serving as faculty at health professions schools; (7) grants and contracts to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty at health professions schools; (8) grants to health professions schools for programs of excellence for minority individuals; (9) grants and contracts for health professions schools for recruiting, counseling, preparing, and providing scholarships to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (10) grants and contracts for research on the extent to which medical student educational debt has had a detrimental effect on students' decisions on entering primary care specialties. (Sec. 5) Mandates a conference on matters relating to the health of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Amends Federal civil service law to provide that an individual serving in a position in the competitive or excepted service, under an indefinite or temporary appointment, who performs at least two years of service in such a position within a five-year period and passes a suitable noncompetitive examination, acquires competitive status for purposes of appointment to a position in the competitive service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1997
Forest Biodiversity Act of 1997 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (Act), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act, and Federal law relating to military lands to: (1) provide for the protection of forest native biodiversity; (2) restrict certain logging activities; and (3) provide a private right of action in U.S. district court for violations of such provisions. Amends the Act to provide for the termination of the committee of scientists ten years from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1997
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to: (1) reduce the loan rate for quota peanuts by specified amounts through crop year 2001; and (2) eliminate peanut price supports as of crop year 2002. Amends: (1) the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to eliminate peanut marketing quota provisions as of crop year 2002; and (2) the Agricultural Act of 1949 to make conforming amendments. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) from providing any subsequent peanut price supports. Directs the Secretary to make nonrecourse loans and loan deficiency payments available to peanut producers beginning with crop year 2002. Sets forth: (1) loan rate, term, and repayment provisions; and (2) deficiency computation provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
National Salvage Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Sets forth requirements for the transfer of salvage title and rebuilt salvage title vehicles and nonrepairable vehicle certificate vehicles. Requires persons transferring ownership of a salvage vehicle to give notice to the transferee that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements (similar to those of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act) that a label containing certain information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt or remanufactured salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits a person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the ultimate purchaser. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States and other State officials to bring civil or criminal action in the appropriate court to enforce the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority or office to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from entering into a consent decree that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Children's Health Coverage Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require group health plans to offer children-only coverage to dependents of participants under plans. Provides for continuation of coverage to add special rules for children-only coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that in any nonjudicial civil forfeiture proceeding under a civil forfeiture statute, with respect to which the agency conducting a seizure of property must give written notice to interested parties, such notice shall be given within 60 days after the later of the date of the seizure or the date the identity of the interested party is first known or discovered by the agency, with exceptions. Allows a person entitled to written notice in such proceeding to whom written notice is not given to void, on motion, the forfeiture with respect to that person's interest in the property unless the agency shows good cause for the failure to give notice or that the person otherwise had actual notice of the seizure. Provides that if the Government does not provide notice of a seizure of property in accordance with this Act, it shall return the property and may not take any further action to effect the forfeiture of such property. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) filing deadlines; (2) persons filing claims who are financially unable to obtain representation by counsel; and (3) the burden of proof. Prohibits an innocent owner's interest in property from being forfeited under any civil forfeiture statute. (Sec. 4) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that Federal criminal code provisions applicable to civil forfeiture procedures shall apply to civil forfeitures proceedings relating to the condemnation or forfeiture of property for violation of the customs laws. (Sec. 5) Makes the Federal Tort Claims Act applicable to claims based on the negligent destruction, injury, or loss of goods, merchandise, or other property while in the possession of any officer of customs or excise or any other law enforcement officer, if the property was seized for the purpose of forfeiture but the interest of the claimant is not forfeited. Authorizes the Attorney General to settle, for not more than $50,000 in any case, certain claims for damage to or loss of privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer who is employed by the Department of Justice and acting within the scope of his or her employment, subject to specified limitations. (Sec. 6) Makes the United States liable for post-judgment interest upon entry of judgment for the claimant in any proceeding to condemn or forfeit property seized or arrested under any Act of Congress, but not for prejudgment interest (with exceptions). Specifies that the United States shall not be required to disgorge the value of any intangible benefits nor make any other payments to the claimant not specifically authorized. (Sec. 7) Makes the amendments made by this Act applicable to claims, suits, and actions filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Requests the President to issue a proclamation commending the 82 American airmen held as political prisoners at the Buchenwald concentration camp during World War II for their service, bravery, and fortitude.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Local Input in Transportation Planning Act - Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) limit to roads classified below principal arterial the apportionment of Federal aid highway funds for surface transportation programs in areas of less than 5,000 population; (2) include within statewide transportation planning processes consultation with elected officials of subdivisions of local governments (requiring review of this process by the Secretary of Transportation at least once every two years); and (3) revise the Federal set-aside percentages for State off-system bridges repair and replacement for FY 1998 through 2003. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Personal Information Privacy Act of 1997 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to redefine the term "consumer report" to exclude identifying information listed in a local telephone directory (thereby ensuring that the personal identification information in the credit headers accompanying credit reports of unlisted individuals remains confidential). Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit the commercial acquisition or distribution of an individual's social security number (or any derivative of it), as well as its use as a personal identification number, without the individual's written consent. Provides for a civil action in a U.S. District Court by any individual aggrieved by any violation of this prohibition. Provides for civil money penalties for violations as well. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the uses of social security numbers by State departments of motor vehicles to be consistent with the uses authorized by the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act, and by any other statutes explicitly authorizing their use. Prohibits the use of social security numbers by marketing companies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements with States for the establishment of State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks for making loans to local educational agencies (LEAs) for building or repairing elementary or secondary public schools; and (2) make initial capitalization grants to State and multistate infrastructure banks. Sets forth: (1) conditions, including State contribution requirements, for States to meet in order to establish such infrastructure banks; (2) authorized forms of assistance to LEAs from such banks; (3) criteria for loans; and (4) qualifying projects. Declares that the contribution of Federal funds to an infrastructure bank shall not be construed as an obligation of the United States to any third party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review the financial condition of each infrastructure bank and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan (and a health insurer providing coverage under a group plan) from imposing an aggregate dollar lifetime limit less than specified amounts. Exempts plans offered to or maintained for employees of employers with fewer than 20 employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individuals' Rights' Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1997 - Defines "health information trustee" (HIT) to mean a person or entity that creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, or transmits protected health information (PHI) and any employee, agent, or contractor of such a person. Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires a HIT to permit an individual who is the subject of PHI to inspect and copy the information, subject to cost reimbursement and exceptions. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires a HIT to maintain: (1) administrative, technical, and physical confidentiality and accuracy safeguards; and (2) a record of any PHI disclosure not related to treatment. Prohibits HIT retaliation for actions under this Act. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits disclosures except: (1) as allowed under this title; (2) as compatible with the purposes for which the information was obtained or for the specific purpose for which an individual authorized disclosure; and (3) in the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the disclosure's purpose. (Sec. 202) Regulates disclosure authorizations, the disclosure of nonidentifiable information, and the creation of coded information. (Sec. 205) Specifies the criteria for disclosure: (1) to an individual's next of kin; (2) regarding directory information to any person; (3) in emergencies placing the information subject or another individual at serious risk; (4) to a health oversight agency; (5) to an accrediting body; (6) by a health care provider to a public health authority; (7) by a HIT to a health researcher; (8) by specified entities in connection with certain judicial and administrative proceedings; (9) by specified entities pursuant to a subpoena; and (10) by specified entities regarding subpoenas and warrants. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions - Imposes a civil penalty for material failure to comply with this Act. Provides, if the violations have occurred with such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, for a higher civil penalty or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or any other federally funded health care programs. (Sec. 302) Allows an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for preliminary and equitable relief, actual or liquidated damages, and punitive damages. Allows assessment of attorney's fees. Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions - Provides for criminal fines, imprisonment, or exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, or any other Federally funded health care program (or some combination of those penalties) for violations of this Act or this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides for: (1) the promulgation of regulations (and establishment of a related advisory group); and (2) the relationship of this Act to other laws.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Defense Personnel Reforms Title II: Defense Business Practices Reforms Subtitle A: Competitive Procurement Requirements Subtitle B: Reform of Conversion Process Subtitle C: Other Reforms Title III: Environmental Reforms Subtitle A: Superfund Reforms Generally Subtitle B: Superfund and Other Environmental Law Reforms Applicable to Department of Defense or Department of Energy Title IV: Miscellaneous Additional Defense Reforms Title V: Commission on Defense Organization and Streamlining Defense Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Defense Personnel Reforms - Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide a phased reduction in the number of Department of Defense (DOD) personnel assigned to management headquarters and headquarters support activities. Provides that the number of such personnel as of October 1, 1998, may not exceed 90 percent of the number of such personnel on October 1, 1997. Decreases such percentage by an additional 5 percent as of October 1 of each subsequent year through 2001. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to waive such requirement if he determines and certifies to the Congress that such limitation would adversely affect U.S. national security. Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the Congress containing a plan to achieve such reductions. (Sec. 102) Requires a similar phased reduction in the number of DOD acquisition workforce personnel, to achieve a total reduction of 124,000 by October 1, 2001. Requires an implementation report. (Sec. 103) Decreases the required percentage reduction in monthly retirement annuity amounts under an alternative annuity plan paid to certain DOD acquisition personnel who are separated from service before age 55. Requires an initial and final report from the Secretary to the Congress concerning alternative plan participants. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretary to offer separation pay to DOD civilian personnel who: (1) are covered by the definition of "defense acquisition personnel"; (2) are separated from service during FY 1998 after meeting Federal age plus years in service requirements; and (3) do not receive any other separation pay. Requires a report. (Sec. 105) Requires, by October 1, 1998, a reduction in the number of personnel assigned to the United States Transportation Command to no more than 66,238. Provides authorized personnel sources for such reduction. Title II: Defense Business Practices Reforms - Subtitle A: Competitive Procurement Requirements - Requires the Secretary, no later than October 1, 1998, to use competitive procurement requirements in the purchase of: (1) finance and accounting services; (2) services for the disposal of surplus property; (3) information services currently performed by the Defense Information Systems Agency; and (4) opthalmic services related to the provision of eyeware for current and retired military personnel and their beneficiaries (with an exception). Requires various reports concerning the services provided under (2) and (3), above. (Sec. 204) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend through FY 1998 the required competitive procurement by DOD of printing and duplication services. Prohibits the Defense Automation and Printing Service from imposing a surcharge on any such service for DOD that is procured from outside of DOD. (Sec. 206) Requires, in each fiscal year beginning after 1999, no less than 33 percent of the commercial and industrial type functions of the defense agencies to be performed by private contractors. Requires an implementation plan from the Secretary to the Congress. Subtitle B: Reform of Conversion Process - Directs the Secretary, no later than October 1, 1998, to develop standard forms to be used in the consideration for conversion to contractor performance of those commercial services and functions at military installations that have been converted to contractor performance at a rate of 50 percent or more. (Sec. 212) Requires the Secretary, in the case of a commercial or industrial type DOD function that on October 1, 1980, was being performed by DOD civilian employees, to notify the Congress of any decision to study such function for possible conversion to performance by a private contractor. Requires further notification if a decision is made to convert such function. Makes such notification requirements inapplicable to a function currently being performed by 20 (currently 45) or fewer DOD civilian employees. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary, with respect to each contract converting the performance of a DOD service or function to contractor performance, to collect, during the term of the contract (but not to exceed five years), cost information data regarding performance by private contractor employees. Subtitle C: Other Reforms - Directs the Secretary to reduce the annual overhead costs of the supply management activities of the Defense Logistics Agency and the military departments so that such costs are not more than eight percent of annual net sales at standard price. Requires such reduction by September 30, 2000. Requires an implementation plan. (Sec. 222) Amends the DOD procurement technical assistance cooperative agreement program to: (1) authorize the provision of electronic commerce technical assistance; (2) require the Secretary to use competitive procedures in entering into cooperative agreements; and (3) allow the Secretary to expend only funds specifically appropriated for such program. (Sec. 223) Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to convey a utility system (or part thereof) under his jurisdiction to a municipal, private, regional, district, or cooperative utility company or other entity. Requires notification of any such conveyances to the appropriate congressional committees. Title III: Environmental Reforms - Subtitle A: Superfund Reforms Generally - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require environmental remedies undertaken at Superfund cleanup sites to be protective of human health and the environment and to provide a cost-effective treatment to achieve a remediation level that permits reasonably anticipated future land uses at the facility. Requires the President to identify and select an appropriate remedy that minimizes exposures by comparing alternative remedies and balancing specified factors (effectiveness, reliability, cost, risks) with respect to each remedy. Authorizes the President to defer the selection of a remedial action if he determines that: (1) the hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant can be contained in a manner sufficient to protect human health and the environment; and (2) an innovative technology is expected to be available in the near future that will provide a more cost-effective remedy. Directs the President to determine the appropriate remedy for "hot spots" (areas within a facility that contain hazardous substances in high concentrations, that are highly mobile, and that cannot be contained or areas that would present a significant risk to human health or the environment). Directs the President to establish cost-effective generic remedies for categories of facilities, together with expedited procedures (including community involvement) for selecting generic remedies at an individual facility. Requires the President, whenever he selects a remedial action which relies on land, water, or other resource restrictions, to specify the nature of such restrictions and to ensure that such restrictions are incorporated into a hazardous substance easement. (Sec. 302) Directs the President, before selecting a remedy, to identify the reasonably anticipated future uses of land at a facility, taking into consideration specified factors, including views expressed by the local community, recommendations of review committees, and the land's use history. (Sec. 303) Prohibits criminal liability for Federal officers, employees, and agents failing to comply with an environmental action response requirement at a federally owned facility unless: (1) such individual has not fully performed any direct or delegated responsibility to ensure that a request for sufficient funding for such action was included in the President's budget request; or (2) appropriated funds were available for such action. (Sec. 304) Authorizes a State to apply to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exercise vested authorities of the Administrator with respect to remediation actions at Federal facilities, including review and approval of documents prepared in connection with remedial investigations and studies, review and selection of remediation remedies, and entering into appropriate remediation agreements. Provides for the transfer of authority in such cases from the Administrator to the State, with specified conditions. Requires the Administrator to make a determination on an application from a State within 90 days after its receipt. Provides for: (1) withdrawal of authorities for improper use or activities (with a requirement of written notice to such State at least 90 days prior to such withdrawal); (2) the enforcement of interagency agreements and remedy selection; (3) procedures to be undertaken upon failure to concur in a remedy selection; and (4) authority transfer limitations. Subtitle B: Superfund and Other Environmental Law Reforms Applicable to Department of Defense or Department of Energy - Makes certain CERCLA standards relating to the attainment of a relevant and appropriate environmental standard inapplicable to a remedial action undertaken at a DOD facility if the facility is not listed on the CERCLA national priorities list. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or Energy, with respect to any site or facility under his or her jurisdiction, to terminate the long-term operation and maintenance of a completed remedial or corrective action in any case in which such Secretary determines, with the concurrence of the Administrator or appropriate State or local authorities, that the release or threatened release of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants at such site or facility is no longer a threat to human health and the environment. (Sec. 313) Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from entering into or agreeing to a major modification of an environmental compliance agreement until after such Secretary submits to the Congress specified cost and budget information. (Sec. 314) Provides for the continued effect of any exemptions from Clean Air Act standards which were in effect with respect to ozone or particulate matter at property owned or operated by the armed forces. (Sec. 315) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the EPA Administrator to provide for unexpended military munitions in storage to not be considered hazardous waste under such Act. Title IV: Miscellaneous Additional Defense Reforms - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts for the long-term lease or charter of newly built surface vessels, or for the provision of a service through use by a contractor of such vessels, for: (1) the Navy combat logistics force; (2) the Navy strategic sealift program; or (3) other auxiliary support vessels for DOD. Requires such contracts to be authorized by law. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) funds for contract payments; (2) contract terms (including an option to buy leased or chartered vessels); (3) the required crewing of such vessels by private sector commercial mariners; and (4) contract termination liability. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary, in at least one U.S. metropolitan area containing multiple military installations, to provide for the installation of fiber-optics based telecommunications technology to link as many of the installations in such area as practicable in a privately dedicated telecommunications network. Requires an implementation report. (Sec. 403) Repeals a Federal provision requiring specified contractor guarantees to the appropriate defense agency head with respect to major weapon systems being produced and delivered by such contractor. (Sec. 404) Provides contracting officer requirements relating to the purchase of commercial items in an amount less than or equal to the micro-purchase threshold. (Sec. 406) Terminates the Armed Services Patent Advisory Board. Transfers Board functions to the Defense Technology Security Administration. (Sec. 407) Establishes in DOD a Board on Criminal Investigations to provide for coordination and cooperation between the military department criminal investigative organizations in order to avoid duplication of effort and maximize available resources. Directs the Board to establish regional working groups to address and resolve issues of jurisdictional responsibility, with final determination of such issues by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). (Sec. 408) Terminates on December 31, 1998, any existing DOD advisory committee that was not established or expressly continued by law after January 1, 1995. Requires: (1) a report from the Secretary to the Congress with respect to committees for which continuance is requested; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress identifying each committee that the Secretary proposes to support during the next fiscal year. Title V: Commission on Defense Organization and Streamlining - Establishes the Commission on Defense Organization and Streamlining to: (1) examine the missions, functions, and responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the management headquarters and headquarters support activities of the military departments and defense agencies, and the various DOD acquisition organizations; (2) propose alternative organizational structures and alternative allocations of authorities; (3) identify areas of duplication and recommend options to streamline, reduce, and eliminate redundancies; and (4) submit an interim and final report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
Nigeria Democracy Act - Imposes certain economic sanctions on Nigeria to promote democracy and human rights there. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Transportation to revoke the right of Nigerian air carriers to service, and prohibit U.S. air carriers from servicing, routes between the United States and such country. Authorizes waiver of such sanctions if the President certifies to the Congress that such waiver is important to the national interest. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should exclude Nigerian sporting teams from participating in any sporting event in the United States; and (2) the President should work with the Government of Australia before the 2000 Olympic Games to be held in Sydney to determine the appropriateness of issuing visas for Nigerian participants in such Games. Directs the President to report periodically to the Congress on the extent to which Nigeria has made progress toward democracy, civilian rule, and respect for internationally-recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
DES Education and Research Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and permanently extend the following programs regarding the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES): (1) the research program; and (2) the new national program of education. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the heads of the appropriate agencies of the Public Health Service, to carry out a national program for the education of health professionals and the public with respect to DES, from amounts appropriated for carrying out the research and training program. Requires such program, to the extent appropriate, to use methodologies developed through the education demonstration program carried out under the Act. Directs the Secretary, in developing and carrying out the national program, to consult closely with representatives of nonprofit private entities that represent individuals who have been exposed to DES and that have expertise in community-based information campaigns for the public and for health care providers. Requires the implementation of the national program to begin during FY 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Agricultural Land Preservation Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, if the executor so elects, the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement, except for any debt-financed portion and reduced by any deduction taken under provisions relating to transfers for public, charitable, and religious use. Provides for the treatment of any retained development right. Adds references to such property to provisions controlling the basis of property acquired from a decedent. Prohibits treating the transfer by gift of land subject to a qualified conservation easement as a transfer of property by gift for purposes of provisions relating to gift taxes. Amends provisions relating to the valuation of certain farm and other real property to prohibit a qualified conservation contribution (as defined in provisions relating to charitable contributions) from being deemed a disposition unless it is subject to a conservation easement. Declares that, if property is otherwise qualified real property, being subject to a conservation easement does not disqualify it. Allows a contribution to be treated as exclusively for conservation purposes if the surface estate and mineral interests have been and remain separated (currently, if the surface estate and mineral interests were separated before June 13, 1976, and remain separated) and if the probability of surface mining is so remote as to be negligible.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Managed Care Plan Accountability Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to accountability for violations of requirements for managed care group health plans, especially failure to provide health benefits due to improper cost-driven delivery policy decisions. Imposes joint and several liability for actual (including compensatory and consequential) damages, and, in the court's discretion, for punitive damages, on a group health plan, or a plan health insurance issuer, for failure to provide a benefit in accordance with plan terms, insofar as such failure occurs pursuant to a clinically or medically inappropriate decision or determination resulting from application of any cost containment technique, related utilization review, or any other medical care delivery policy decision which restricts the ability of medical care providers to use their full discretion for treatment of patients. Provides for an action for damages in either a State or Federal court. Requires managed care group health plans to provide for full indemnification of medical care providers bound by plan restrictions for any liability incurred for such a failure if it is the direct result of a plan restriction on medical communications. Amends the IRC to establish an excise tax for such cost-driven violations of plan terms.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Church Insurance Protection Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any arson attacks against churches should be condemned; and (2) houses of worship and their congregations should be held harmless for any acts of arson and insurance companies should be prohibited from taking punitive measures against them because of such acts. Prohibits an insurer from canceling, declining to renew, or requiring a higher premium or contribution for fire insurance for a religious property based on: (1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of property users; (2) the status of the property as religious property; (3) any previous arson against the property; or (4) any perceived arson threat. Places authority and responsibility for investigating violations of, and enforcing, this Act in the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to begin a civil action. Authorizes preventive relief and mandates civil monetary damages.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to provide for off-budget treatment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and of special accounts containing admission and special recreational use fees collected from national parks and other specified national public use and recreational areas by prohibiting the receipts and disbursements of the Fund and such accounts from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of: (1) the Federal budget; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such receipts and disbursements from any general statutory budget limitation imposed on expenditures and budget outlays.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the 2004 Summer Olympic Games should be held in Cape Town, South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should: (1) immediately release to the Congress the study of mercury emissions required under the Clean Air Act to have been completed by November 15, 1994; (2) conduct landfill air emission tests for mercury in the Northeast and nationally; and (3) not exempt mercury-containing lamps from hazardous waste regulations, but instead adopt universal waste rules that foster mercury recycling.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1997
School-Based Children Health Insurance Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an income-based, refundable tax credit for the purchase of school-based health insurance coverage for qualified children. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance to States for health insurance outreach and information programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1997
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to determine, and report to the Congress, the levels of exports of U.S. goods to North American Free Trade (NAFTA) parties and imports into the United States of goods from NAFTA parties, and the number of jobs that have resulted from increased exports of goods to NAFTA parties and the loss of jobs that have resulted from increased imports into the United States of goods from NAFTA parties since January 1, 1994. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate, and report to the Congress on, whether pollution and health hazards in the United States have worsened since January 1, 1994, to the extent that may be attributable to NAFTA, and specifically in and around the U.S.-Mexico and the U.S.-Canada borders. Directs the President to certify annually to the Congress whether or not each NAFTA country is meeting certain commitments made with respect to: (1) environmental protection in the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation; and (2) worker's rights in the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that certain permitted field studies, large-scale testing and evaluation, and demonstrations of the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Diseases and Blood Resources Program include: (1) the development and dissemination of a core content for a model State cardiac arrest training program for inclusion in emergency medical services educational curricula and training programs addressing lifesaving interventions; and (2) related matters. Establishes as an independent executive branch agency the Commission on Cardiac Arrest Survival. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian and charitable activities. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a suitable gold medal. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Declares these medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates deposit of sale proceeds in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the surviving post-World War II, pre-1965 Basketball Association of America, National Basketball League, and National Basketball Association players with a minimum of three years of eligible service should be entitled to pension benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to with respect to the income exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance programs to: (1) make such exclusion permanent; and (2) include graduate school assistance. Provides an income-based deduction for interest on qualified education loans incurred on behalf of a taxpayer or spouse (excludes dependents). Sets forth reporting requirements for persons in the business of receiving interest from such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Computer Learning Center Act of 1997 - Establishes a fund in the Department of Commerce to provide grants to assist nonprofit organizations in renovating vacant storefronts for computer learning centers in low income areas. Requires such an organization, in order to receive a grant, to certify that it has a secure commitment from a private business partner to donate 50 up-to-date computers for a proposed learning center. Requires such computer learning centers to educate residents of low-income areas in using computer equipment, including word processing and information gathering programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Drug Courts Title II: Youth Courts Title I: Drug Courts - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments for programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders; and (2) the integrated administration of other sanctions and services, which shall include mandatory periodic testing for the use of controlled substances or other addictive substances during any period of supervised release or probation for each participant. Sets forth requirements regarding grant applications, the Federal grant share of program costs, geographic distribution of grant awards, reporting requirements, and technical assistance, training, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Youth Courts - Directs the Attorney General to carry out a program in accordance with title I specifically for individuals who are under age 21. Permits a youth to participate in the program under this title only if a parent or other legal guardian participates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Children's Environmental Protection Subtitle A: Disclosure of Industrial Releases That Present a Significant Risk to Children Subtitle B: Disclosure of High Health Risk Chemicals in Children's Consumer Products Title II: Public Right to Know About Toxic Chemical Use Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act of 1997 - Title I: Children's Environmental Protection - Subtitle A: Disclosure of Industrial Releases That Present a Significant Risk to Children -Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish thresholds for toxic chemicals which may present significant risks to children's health or the environment. Includes lead, mercury, dioxin, cadmium, chromium and other specified bioaccumulative chemicals as substances subject to such thresholds. Makes dioxin and specified bioaccumulative chemicals subject to toxic chemical release form reporting requirements under such Act. Authorizes citizen suits against the Administrator for failures to establish thresholds under this Act. Subtitle B: Disclosure of High Health Risk Chemicals in Children's Consumer Products - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the National Toxicology Program, to publish a list of substances which are toxic due to carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or reproductive toxic effects. Directs the Secretary to identify those substances to which infants and young children are exposed. Requires manufacturers or importers of eligible products (defined as toys or other articles intended for use by children) which contain such substances to report specified information to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including information supporting that a substance is not a misbranded or banned hazardous substance. Authorizes exemptions from such reporting requirements if a substance would not cause substantial personal injury or illness as a result of foreseeable handling, including ingestion by children. Permits citizen suits with respect to certain violations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and against the Commission for failure to perform duties under this Act. Title II: Public Right to Know About Toxic Chemical Use - Expands information to be included in toxic chemical release forms, including the number of employees and occupational exposures at reporting facilities as well as materials accounting information. Requires the Administrator to take certain actions to: (1) standardize data and obtain and integrate information regarding toxic chemicals; (2) consolidate all annual reporting requirements of Federal environmental laws for small businesses and entities subject to toxic chemical release reporting; and (3) provide the public with one point of contact for access to information gathered by EPA. Requires disclosures on the uses of toxic chemicals by reporting facilities. Permits the withholding of portions of materials accounting information reported by covered facilities for purposes of protecting trade secrets.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Grandparent and Family Caregiver Support Act of 1997 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to generally exempt adult nonparental relative caregiver heads of families on TANF assistance from various specified (welfare reform) provisions added by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that involve work and various time limits, including the five-year limit on TANF assistance. Sanctions States that ignore such exemption in imposing work requirements and time limits on such adults with reduced State TANF grants. Provides for grants to States for assistance provided for adult nonparental relative caregivers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, acting through the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to establish a demonstration program providing assistance to nongovernmental organizations and grass roots organizations in developing countries with illicit crop production for the purpose of developing alternative crop production specific to the unique soil, environmental, and economic development needs of such countries. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1997 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish in the National Park Service (NPS) a program to be known as the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom under which the Secretary shall: (1) produce and disseminate educational materials about the Railroad; (2) provide technical assistance to other government agencies, private entities, or the Governments of Canada, Mexico, or any appropriate Caribbean country to ensure coordination of Federal and non-Federal elements of the Network; and (3) regulate use of an official symbol for the Network. Includes within the Network: (1) NPS units or programs pertaining to the Railroad; (2) Federal, State, local, or privately-owned properties pertaining to the Railroad that have a verifiable connection to it and that are included or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places; and (3) governmental or nongovernmental facilities or programs of educational, research, or interpretive natures that are directly related to such Railroad. Prohibits amounts from being appropriated for the purposes of this Act except to the Secretary for carrying out his or her responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements Title II: Allocation of Grant Amounts Title III: Federal Guarantees for Financing Education Development Block Grant Act of 1997 - Title I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to local bond authorities to repair their school infrastructures. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Allocation of Grant Amounts - Directs the Secretary to allocate any amounts made available for assistance under this Act in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Title III: Federal Guarantees for Financing - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the notes or other obligations issued by local bond authorities (local education agencies or local governments with authority to issue area bonds) to finance school infrastructure repairs, if there is a lack of financing from other sources. Prohibits such guarantees or commitments if the total outstanding notes or obligations of the issuer guaranteed under this title (excluding any amount deceased under the repayment contract) would exceed five times the amount of the grant approval for the issuer (thus allowing a local bond authority to borrow up to five times the grant amount to make school infrastructure repairs). (Sec. 302) Sets forth security and repayment requirements. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to or on behalf of a local bond authority to cover up to 30 percent of the net interest cost of such obligations; and (2) assist the issuer of a guaranteed note or other obligation, in circumstances of extreme hardship, in the payment of principal and interest due. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to carry out training and information activities with respect to this guarantee program. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, to the extent approved or provided in appropriations Acts, to enter into commitments to guarantee notes and obligations under this title. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to monitor the use of such guarantees by local bond authorities and, if necessary, limit the amount.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Federal Procurement and Assistance Integrity Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness and protect the integrity of the Federal procurement and assistance systems by ensuring that the Federal Government does business with responsible contractors and participants. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to debar or suspend a person from procurement or nonprocurement activities upon a finding, in accordance with procedures developed under this Act, that the person violated any of the following: (1) the National Labor Relations Act; (2) the Fair Labor Standards Act; (3) the Occupational Safety and Health Act; or (4) Federal requirements for employment emphasis under Federal contracts to be given to special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary and the National Labor Relations Board to jointly develop procedures to determine whether a violation of a law listed above is serious enough to warrant debarment or suspension. Mandates a report by the Secretary and the National Labor Relations Board to the Congress on the implementation of this Act.