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United States · Official source
1,340 records where Rep. Dunn, Jennifer [R-WA-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1998
Christmas Tree Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make cut evergreens used for ornamental purposes that are older than four (currently six) years eligible for election as section 1231 business property and capital gains treatment. Exempts such trees older than four (currently six) years from uniform capitalization rules.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Enhanced Source and Transit Country Coverage Title II: Enhanced Eradication and Interdiction Strategy in Source Countries Title III: Enhanced Alterative Crop Development Support in Source Zone Title IV: Enhanced International Law Enforcement Training Title V: Enhanced Drug Transit and Source Zone Law Enforcement Operations and Equipment Title VI: Relationship to Other Laws Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reduce the supply of drugs and drug use through an enhanced drug interdiction effort in the major drug transit countries and a comprehensive supply country eradication and crop substitution program, because a commitment of increased resources in international drug interdiction efforts will create a balanced national drug control strategy among demand reduction, law enforcement, and international drug interdiction efforts; and (2) support policies and dedicate the resources necessary to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the United States by not less than 80 percent by December 31, 2001. Title I: Enhanced Source and Transit Country Coverage - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Defense (DOD) for the enhancement of air coverage and operation for drug source and transit countries. (Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the enhancement of U.S. Coast Guard maritime coverage and operation in drug source and transit countries. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOD for the enhancement of radar coverage in drug source and transit countries. Title II: Enhanced Eradication and Interdiction Strategy in Source Countries - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of State and the DOD for the enhancement of drug- related eradication efforts in Colombia. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for: (1) the Department of State for the establishment of a third drug interdiction site at Puerto Maldonado, Peru, to support air bridge and riverine missions for enhancement of drug-related eradication efforts there; and (2) the DOD for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, for enhancement of drug interdiction efforts in Peru for support of multinational riverine and small boat maintenance training programs in Iquitos, Peru. Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to the Congress on Peruvian counternarcotics air interdiction requirements. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of State for enhancement of drug-related eradication efforts in Bolivia. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary of State to purchase six Bell 212 high altitude helicopters designated for opium eradication programs in Mexican states of Guerrero, Jalisco, and Sinaloa, for enhancement of drug-related eradication efforts there. Makes this purchase mandate contingent on Mexico's agreement to approve full diplomatic immunity for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) personnel serving in Mexico with privileges granted to U.S. Government officials to carry weapons necessary for the performance of their duties. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) all U.S. law enforcement personnel serving in Mexico should be accorded the same status as diplomatic and consular personnel serving at U.S. posts in Mexico; and (2) all Mexican narcotics law enforcement personnel serving in the United States should be accorded the same diplomatic and consular status as DEA personnel serving in Mexico. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for enhanced precursor chemical control projects. (Sec. 206) Requires any individual serving as an assistant secretary of any Federal agency or department who has primary responsibility for international narcotics control and law enforcement (including the principal deputy of any such assistant) to have substantial professional qualifications in the fields of management and Federal law enforcement, or intelligence. Declares that the DOD shall have sole responsibility in implementation and processing of counternarcotics foreign military sales requests (with the Department of State having a consultative role in such requests). (Sec. 207) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the responsiveness and effectiveness of Department of State international narcotics assistance activities have been hampered due, in part, to the lack of law enforcement expertise by responsible Department of State personnel. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the responsiveness and effectiveness of such activities; and (2) the feasibility costs and steps needed to achieve a transfer of the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to the DEA. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Enhanced Alternative Crop Development Support in Source Zone - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) for certain alternative crop development programs in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Title IV: Enhanced International Law Enforcement Training - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of Justice for the establishment and operation of international law enforcement academies to carry out law enforcement training activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, Thailand, and South Africa. (Sec. 401) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOT and the Department of the Treasury for the joint establishment, operation, and maintenance in San Juan, Puerto Rico, of a center for training law enforcement personnel of countries located in Latin America and the Caribbean in matters relating to maritime law enforcement (including customs-related ports management matters). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOT for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of maritime training vessels. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of Justice for: (1) substantial exchanges for Mexican judges, prosecutors, and police; and (2) enhanced support for the Brazilian Federal Police Training Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOD for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, for locating and operating Coast Guard and Navy assets so as to strengthen the capability of the Coast Guard of Panama to patrol the Atlantic and Pacific coasts for drug enforcement and interdiction activities. Makes members of the national police of Panama eligible to receive training through the International Military Education Training (IMET) program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOD for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, for support for the Venezuelan Joint National Guard and Judicial Technical Police Counterdrug Intelligence Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DOT and the Department of the Treasury for the buildup of local coast guard and port control in: (1) Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, Ecuador; (2) Haiti and the Dominican Republic; and (3) Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (Central America). (Sec. 403) Authorizes the DEA Administrator to transfer or lease a specified amount of nonlethal equipment to foreign law enforcement organizations for the purpose of establishing and carrying out cooperative illicit narcotics control activities. Title V: Enhanced Drug Transit and Source Zone Law Enforcement Operations and Equipment - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the DEA, the DOT, the DOD, and the Department of the Treasury for enhancement of counternarcotics operations in drug transit and source countries. (Sec. 501) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for the Department of State for the deployment of commercial unclassified intelligence and imaging data and a Passive Coherent Location System for counternarcotics and interdiction purposes in the Western Hemisphere. (Sec. 502) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense should revise the DOD's Global Military Force Policy in order to: (1) treat the international drug interdiction and counter- drug activities of the DOD as a military operation other than war (thus elevating its priority to just below that for war); and (2) allocate DOD assets to drug interdiction and counter-drug activities in accordance with such priority. Title VI: Relationship to Other Laws - Declares that funds authorized to be appropriated for any Federal department or agency for FY 1999 through 2001 are in addition to funds authorized to be appropriated for that department or agency for those fiscal years by any other provision of law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Community Forestry and Agriculture Conservation Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a bond issued to acquire renewable resources on land subject to a conservation easement as a tax-exempt (qualified 501(c)(3)) bond if the revenues from such resources' use or sale are used in a manner consistent with the charitable purpose of the issuer although not used as otherwise required.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Subchapter S Expansion Subtitle A: Eligible Shareholders of an S Corporation Subtitle B: Qualification and Eligibility Requirements of S Corporations Subtitle C: Taxation of S Corporation Shareholders Subtitle D: Effective Date Title II: Sense of the House of Representatives Resolution Subchapter S Revision Act of 1998 - Title I: Subchapter S Expansion - Subtitle A: Eligible Shareholders of an S Corporation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain members of a family to be treated as one shareholder of an S corporation (electing small business corporation). Permits nonresident aliens to be S corporation shareholders if the corporation is engaged in a U.S. trade or business. Subjects such aliens' effectively-connected U.S. income to withholding tax. Subtitle B: Qualification and Eligibility Requirements of S Corporations - Prohibits, with respect to S corporations, treating: (1) qualified preferred stock as a second class of stock; and (2) a person as a shareholder by reason of holding such stock. (Sec. 112) Permits financial institutions to hold convertible (safe harbor) debt. (Sec. 113) Repeals: (1) the characterization of excessive passive investment income as a termination event; and (2) the passive income capital gain category. (Sec. 115) Permits: (1) an S corporation to make charitable contributions of inventory and scientific property used to care for the ill, the needy, or infants; and (2) S corporation shareholders to increase the basis of their stock by the excess of the charitable contribution over the property's basis. (Sec. 116) Makes other-than health insurance fringe benefits nontaxable for S corporation two-percent shareholders. Subtitle C: Taxation of S Corporation Shareholders - States that a loss recognized by a shareholder in a complete liquidation of an S corporation shall be treated as an ordinary loss to the extent the shareholder's stock basis is attributable to ordinary income from such liquidation. Subtitle D: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for provisions of this Act. Title II: Sense of the House of Representatives Resolution - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives against treating the conversion of certain large C corporations to S corporations as taxable liquidations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1998
Declares that the Congress affirms: (1) its longstanding commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) its expectation that the future status of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means, that the people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait should determine their own future, and that it considers any effort to determine or influence Taiwan's future status by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific region and of grave concern to the United States; (3) its commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services, including appropriate ballistic missile defenses, as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; (4) that only the President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services needed by Taiwan; and (5) its strong support of appropriate membership for Taiwan in international financial institutions and other international organizations. Urges the President to seek a public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of force, or threat to use force, against the free people of Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Shipping Relief for Agriculture Act of 1998 - Amends Merchant Marine Act, 1920 provisions concerning transportation of merchandise between points in the United States in other than domestic or rebuilt and documented vessels to remove the restriction that a vessel must be constructed in the United States in order to engage in deepwater transportation of agricultural cargo, bulk cargo, and forest products, if the vessel: (1) is documented under U.S. laws; (2) is owned by U.S. citizens; and (3) otherwise meets the requirements of such provisions. Amends other Federal law concerning the endorsement of a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement to permit a freight vessel that was not built in the United States to be endorsed with a coastwise endorsement if the vessel is eligible for documentation and is otherwise qualified, but only with respect to the deepwater transportation of the types of cargo listed above.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Subtitle A: Patient Protections Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information Subtitle C: New Procedures and Access to Courts for Grievances Arising under Group Health Plans Subtitle D: Affordable Health Coverage for Employees of Small Businesses Title II: Amendments to Public Health Service Act Subtitle A: Patient Protections and Point of Service Coverage Requirements Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information Subtitle C: HealthMarts Subtitle D: Community Health Organizations Title III: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Patient Protections Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts Title IV: Health Care Lawsuit Reform Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Actions Title V: Confidentiality of Health Information Title VI: Medical Savings Accounts for Federal Employees Patient Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Subtitle A: Patient Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from imposing on a health professional any prohibition on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine them necessary; (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care, to provide those benefits without authorization or referral by a primary care provider; or (3) routine pediatric specialist care, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. Subtitle C: New Procedures and Access to Courts for Grievance Arising Under Group Health Plans - Requires group health plans to: (1) provide written notice to participants or beneficiaries and providers of adverse coverage decisions; and (2) meet specified time limits for responding to routine, urgent, and emergency benefit payment requests, coverage advance determinations, and medical necessity determinations. Provides for initial coverage decision internal and, in certain circumstances, external review. Makes a plan's fiduciary who, after an external review recommends coverage, causes a failure to provide a benefit liable to the participant or beneficiary for a civil penalty and attorney's fees and costs. Allows assessment of a civil penalty against a fiduciary for any pattern or practice of repeated adverse coverage decisions in violation of the terms of the plan or ERISA. Allows an action before exhaustion of administrative remedies. Provides for concurrent Federal-State court jurisdiction for actions relating to certain amendments made by this Act. Subtitle D: Affordable Health Coverage for Employees of Small Businesses - Small Business Affordable Health Coverage Act of 1998 - Defines "association health plan" to mean a group health plan meeting specified requirements, including being sponsored by a trade, industry, or professional association, a chamber of commerce (or a similar business association) organized and maintained for substantial purposes other than obtaining or providing medical care. Provides for association plan certification and mandates a class certification procedure. Regulates association plans' boards of trustees and sponsors. Prohibits, for plans in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, a sponsor's affiliated members from being offered coverage unless the member: (1) was affiliated on the certification date; or (2) did not maintain or contribute to a group health plan during the 12 months before the offering of coverage. Prohibits a participating employer from providing health coverage in the individual market for any employee who is eligible for plan coverage if the exclusion from plan coverage is based on health status. Prohibits excluding an employer from an association plan if the employer and plan each meet specified requirements. Prohibits contribution rates for any participating small employers from varying on the basis of claims experience or type of business. Requires, if any plan benefit option does not consist of health coverage, that the plan have at least 1,000 participants and beneficiaries. Requires, if a benefit option consisting of health coverage is offered under the plan, that State-licensed insurance agents be used to distribute to small employers coverage that is not health coverage in a manner comparable to the manner in which those agents are used to distribute health coverage. Requires that a plan consist only of health coverage or, if the plan provides any additional benefit options, that the plan meet certain reserve and excess stop loss insurance and solvency indemnification requirements regarding the additional benefit options for which risk has not yet been transferred. Requires that all plans maintain a specified surplus. Requires association plans providing additional options to make annual payments to the Association Health Plan Fund. Requires that, when there is or will be a failure to maintain such reserves, excess stop loss insurance, and indemnification, the Secretary of Labor pay amounts as necessary to maintain the excess stop loss insurance or indemnification. Establishes the Fund. Mandates advance notice to participants and beneficiaries of certified plan termination. Requires, when a plan has failed or will fail to maintain required reserves, excess stop loss insurance, and indemnification, either corrective action or plan termination. Provides for court appointment of the Secretary as trustee to administer a plan during insolvency. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on an association plan providing additional options if the plan began operations in the State after enactment of this Act. Sets forth special rules for church plans. Declares that the provisions of this subtitle supersede certain related State laws. (Sec. 1303) Modifies the circumstances in which two or more trades or businesses must be deemed a single employer. (Sec. 1304) Excludes from the definition of "multiple employer welfare arrangement" any arrangement: (1) established or maintained under specified Federal (or similar State) labor relations provisions; or (2) meeting certain collective bargaining and other requirements. (Sec. 1305) Imposes criminal penalties for falsely representing any benefit as: (1) being a certified association plan; or (2) having been established or maintained under certain collective bargaining agreements. (Sec. 1306) Allows a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary for delegation to the State of some or all of the Secretary's enforcement or certification authority. Title II: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Subtitle A: Patient Protections and Point of Service Coverage Requirements - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from imposing on a health professional any prohibition on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine them necessary; (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care benefits, to provide those benefits without an authorization or referral by a primary provider; or (3) routine pediatric specialist benefits, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. (Sec. 2002) Requires health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that provide coverage under a group health plan only if services are furnished exclusively through members of a closed panel to make available to the plan sponsor an option covering services without regard to whether the providers are panel members. Requires HMOs, when a plan sponsor declines that option, to make optional supplemental coverage available in the individual market to each plan participant. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. (Sec. 2102) Requires the General Accounting Office to report to a specified congressional committee on the compliance of: (1) the Department of Justice and all U.S. Attorneys with a specified guideline relating to false claims and civil health care; and (2) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services with specified protocols and best practice guidelines. Subtitle C: HealthMarts - Health Care Consumer Empowerment Act of 1998 - Requires that HealthMarts: (1) be nonprofit legal entities composed of small employers, employees of small employers, health care providers, and entities that underwrite or administer health benefits coverage; and (2) make available health coverage to all small employers and eligible employees at rates established by the insurance issuer on a policy or product specific basis. Deems HealthMarts group health plans for purposes of specified provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that coverage made available to an eligible employee in a geographic area be offered to all eligible employees in the same area. Declares that the HealthMart: (1) provides coverage only through contracts with issuers and does not assume insurance risk; (2) provides administrative services for purchasers; and (3) collects and disseminates consumer information on all coverage options offered through the Healthmart. Requires that HealthMart coverage provide full portability of creditable coverage for individuals who remain members of the same HealthMart notwithstanding that they change employers. Allows HealthMart coverage to include coverage: (1) through an HMO, a preferred provider or licensed provider-sponsored organization, an insurance company, a medical savings or flexible spending account, or a community health organization; (2) that includes a point-of- service option; or (3) any combination of those coverages. Requires a HealthMart to permit any small employer to contract for coverage and prohibits varying eligibility conditions. Prohibits the purchaser from obtaining or sponsoring coverage other than through the HealthMart. Prohibits enrollment discrimination based on health. Supersedes certain related State laws. Provides for the application of: (1) certain existing ERISA and Public Health Service Act requirements; and (2) renewability requirements when the contract between a HealthMart and an issuer is terminated. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer this subtitle through a separate Health Care Marketplace Division. Subtitle D: Community Health Organizations - Allows a community health organization to offer health coverage in a State in spite of not being licensed in that State if the organization has received a licensure waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other requirements are met. Mandates the establishment of Federal financial solvency and capital adequacy standards. Title III: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Patient Protections - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from imposing on a health professional any prohibition on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. Requires a plan, if it provides benefits for: (1) emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine the examinations necessary; or (2) routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care, to provide those benefits without an authorization or referral by a primary provider. Requires a plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for routine pediatric specialist care, to allow designation of a pediatric specialist as the primary provider. Subtitle B: Patient Access to Information - Requires plans to include specified information in summary plan descriptions. Mandates advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. (Sec. 3102) Requires the General Accounting Office to report to specified congressional committees on the compliance of: (1) the Department of Justice and all U.S. Attorneys with a specified guideline relating to false claims and civil health care; and (2) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services with specified protocols and best practice guidelines. Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts - Repeals provisions limiting the number of individuals having medical savings accounts. Allows all employers to offer the accounts. Modifies requirements regarding: (1) the monthly limitation on related deductions; (2) coordination with the exclusion for employer contributions; and (3) the deductible amounts that will qualify as a high deductible plan. Allows the accounts to be included in cafeteria plans. Sets forth special rules for individuals receiving immediate Federal annuities. (Sec. 3202) Allows medical savings accounts to be used by persons with incomes under a certain amount to pay for insurance offered by a community health center. Title IV: Health Care Lawsuit Reform - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Declares that this title applies to any health care liability action in any State or Federal court, except actions: (1) relating to vaccine-related injury to which title XXI (Vaccines) of the Public Health Service Act applies; or (2) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Preempts State laws inconsistent with this title, but not that impose greater restrictions than those in this title. Excludes economic or punitive damages and attorneys' fees or costs from the determination of the amount in controversy. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Actions - Establishes a statute of limitations for bringing a health care liability action. (Sec. 4012) Limits non-economic damages. Substitutes any different level set by a State after enactment of this Act. Makes defendants liable only for the proportion of the damages due to the defendant's fault. Allows punitive damages, to the extent permitted by State law, if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's conduct intended to cause harm or manifested a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or product seller of a drug or medical device where the drug or device was subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval or the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages relating to packaging or labeling of a drug that is required to have tamper-resistant packaging unless the packaging or labeling is found by clear and convincing evidence to be substantially out of compliance. Prohibits requiring lump-sum payment of future economic and non-economic damages over $50,000. Allows any defendant to introduce evidence of collateral source payments. Prohibits any collateral source payments provider from recovering any amount against the claimant, receiving any lien or credit against the recovery, or being subrogated to the claimant's rights. (Sec. 4013) Requires any alternative dispute resolution used to resolve a health care liability action or claim to contain provisions consistent with this title. Title V: Confidentiality of Health Information - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require health care providers, health plans, employers, health or life insurers, or educational institutions to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect and copy the information. Requires, if the individual requests addition of a supplemental statement to the information, that those parties: (1) add the statement and make reasonable efforts to inform any person to whom the information was disclosed during the preceding year; or (2) if addition of the statement is refused, allow the individual to file a statement of disagreement. Requires health care providers, health plans, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, health or life insurers, health researchers, or educational institutions to maintain safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Requires any person who maintains protected health information to disclose the information to a health care provider or health plan to permit the provider or plan to conduct health care operations. Preempts State law provisions that: (1) are inconsistent with certain provisions of this title under Article VI (dealing with national supremacy, among other matters) of the Constitution; or (2) relate to specified matters dealt with in this title. Imposes civil fines for substantially and materially failing to comply with the above provisions of this title. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to refuse to enter into, terminate, or refuse to renew an agreement with a physician or supplier that has violated the above provisions of this title. Requires compliance with certain provisions of this title by Medicare+Choice organizations, Medicare providers, and HMOs with risk- sharing contracts. (Sec. 5002) Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the effect of State laws on health-related research subject to review by an institutional review board or institutional review committee with regard to the protection of human subjects. (Sec. 5003) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a compilation of State laws on the confidentiality of protected health information and an analysis of the effect of those laws on the provision of, and securing payment for, health care. (Sec. 5004) Exempts information developed by a health care provider in response to a serious, adverse, patient-related event and for specified purposes (health care response information) from any disclosure requirement, in connection with a civil or administrative proceeding under Federal or State law, to the same extent as information developed by the provider regarding peer review, utilization review, quality management or improvement, quality control, risk management, or internal review to reduce mortality, morbidity, or patient care or safety. Prohibits deeming the protection of health care response information from disclosure modified by the development of such information in connection with a request or requirement of an accrediting body or the transfer of that information to an accrediting body. Title VI: Medical Savings Accounts for Federal Employees - Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees' health insurance to entitle an employee or annuitant enrolled in a high deductible health plan to have a Government contribution made to the employee's or annuitant's medical savings account, subject to exceptions and limitations. Requires that, at the employee's or annuitant's request, an amount specified by the employee or annuitant be withheld from their pay or annuity and contributed to their medical savings account. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to contract for a high deductible health plan with any qualified carrier that offers such a plan and offers a plan under provisions relating to Federal employees' health insurance. Allows OMB to contract for a high deductible plan with any qualified carrier that offers such a plan but does not offer a plan under those provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for anyone, knowingly and unlawfully, to: (1) obtain, possess, or transfer five or more means of identification; or (2) use one or more means of identification. Defines "means of identification" as any name or number that may be used to assume the identity of another. Prescribes criminal penalties for first and subsequent offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents (identity fraud), including for such offenses committed in connection with other specified crimes. Subjects to the same penalties any person who attempts or conspires to commit such an offense. Provides for mandatory restitution for identity fraud victims which may include payment for any costs, including attorney's fees, incurred: (1) in clearing a credit history or rating; or (2) in connection with any civil or administrative proceeding to satisfy any debt, lien, or other obligation arising as a result of the defendant's actions. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate penalty for such offenses, taking into account specified factors. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish procedures to: (1) log and acknowledge the receipt of complaints by individuals having reason to believe that one or more of their means of identification have been assumed, stolen, or otherwise unlawfully acquired; (2) provide informational materials to such individuals; and (3) refer such complaints to the appropriate entities, including national consumer reporting agencies and law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Reforestation Tax Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to a taxpayer who has a qualified timber gain in an amount equal to the qualified percentage of such gain. Decreases the amortization period for reforestation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Economic Growth Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual capital gains tax rates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Bosnia Force Realignment Act - Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1999 or any subsequent fiscal year for the deployment of any U.S. ground combat forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina after June 30, 1999. Provides exceptions to such prohibition to the extent necessary to support: (1) a limited number of U.S. military personnel sufficient only to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities; or (2) non-combat military personnel sufficient only to advise the commanders of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations there. Prohibits DOD funds from being used after June 30, 1999, for: (1) the conduct of, or support for, any law enforcement activities in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) any activity that may jeopardize the primary mission of the NATO-led force in preventing armed conflict there; (3) the transfer of refugees within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that has a purpose of acquiring control by one Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to another or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk; or (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of any territory within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the progress of the withdrawal of U.S. ground combat forces from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Condemns and calls for the condemnation of the brutal killing of James Byrd, Jr., which occurred in Jasper, Texas, as unacceptable and outrageous. Declares that the House of Representatives pledges to: (1) do everything in its power to probe the underlying causes of this brutal killing; and (2) join in efforts to bring an end to racism and the underlying fear and hatred and to encourage all Americans to dedicate themselves to ending racism and violence in the United States. Calls on the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, the White House, and all other Federal law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, full, and fair investigation into all of the facts of the case to aggressively respond to this tragedy with indictments. Urges the prosecution to proceed aggressively with a fair but speedy trial.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
Authorizes appropriations for the International Child Pornography Investigation and Coordination Center of the United States Customs Service for FY 1999 through 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Death Tax Inflation Adjustment Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for annual inflation adjustments to the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1998
Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the appointment, as a judge of a court exercising judicial power under article III of the Constitution (other than the Supreme Court), of any person who is related by affinity or consanguinity within the degree of first cousin to any judge who is a member of the same court. Defines "member" as an active judge or one retired in senior status.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1998
Save Our Children Act of 1998 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend or promulgate sentencing guidelines to provide that certain drug offenses committed in the presence of a child receive a penalty enhancement of the greater of: (1) two offense levels or one year, for the first such offense; or (2) four offense levels or two years, for the second such offense.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title III: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1998 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with neighborhood organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Treats renewal communities as labor surplus areas for all Federal law purposes. Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to 25 percent of qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 205) Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. Title III: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (Sec. 302) Amends the Public Health Service Act to make religious organizations eligible to administer specified substance prevention and abuse programs. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 303) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
Estate and Gift Tax Rate Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase out the estate and gift tax over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period beginning during FY 1999 or 2000 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified medical innovation expenses for clinical testing research expenses attributable to academic medical centers and other qualified hospital research organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the contributions made by law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty should be honored, their dedication and sacrifice recognized, and their unselfish service to the Nation remembered.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Declares the commitment of the House of Representatives to create a drug-free America. Urges House Members to work personally to mobilize kids, parents, faith-based and community organizations, educators, local officials, law enforcement officers, coaches, and athletes to wage a winning war on drugs. Pledges to pass legislation that provides the weapons and tools necessary to protect children and communities from the dangers of drug addiction and violence. Declares that the United States will fight this war on three major battlefronts: deterring demand; stopping supply; and increasing accountability.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the National Heart Act and the creation of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue $10 bimetallic coins of gold and platinum in lieu of the gold coins. Requires payment of coin sale surcharges to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to support Library activities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Liberty Dollar Bill Act - Amends Federal law to mandate that the design of the reverse side of $1 Federal reserve notes incorporate: (1) the preamble to the Constitution; (2) a list describing the Articles of the Constitution; and (3) a list describing the Articles of Amendment. Prescribes the design format. States that such requirements do not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) include other inscriptions or material on the reverse side of $1 dollar bills; or (2) adopt other design features to deter counterfeiting of currency.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998
Medicare Psychiatric Hospital Prospective Payment System Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for a prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facility hospital services; and (2) exempt such services from certain reductions under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and, instead, limit payment to not less than a certain applicable percentage of the amount that would have been paid if such reductions did not apply.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
Marriage Tax Penalty Elimination Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise standard deduction amounts and individual income tax rate bracket amounts, including providing that amounts for married filing jointly categories shall be twice that of amounts for single filers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
Designates the auditorium in the Sandia Technology Transfer Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the Steve Schiff Auditorium.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth standards for determining whether individual service providers are not employees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal Subchapter B (Communications) of Chapter 33 (Facilities and Services) of Subtitle D (Miscellaneous Excise Taxes).
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Social Security Sunshine Act - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise requirements for social security account statements to: (1) direct the Commissioner of Social Security to provide an annual social security account statement to each eligible individual for whom a mailing address can be determined (currently the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to provide such a statement only upon the individual's request); and (2) require such statements to contain, in the case of an eligible individual receiving Old Age and Survivors Insurance benefits under SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), an estimate of the total amount of benefits paid to such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction for meals and entertainment expenses of small businesses from 50 percent to the applicable percentage for individuals subject to Federal hours of service (which ranges from 55 per cent in 1998 and 1999 up to 80 percent in 2008 and thereafter).
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1998
Family Friendly Tax Relief Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase, to $1,000, the tax credit for children under the age of five; and (2) allow such credit against the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Dialogue on Social Security Title II: Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-Range Social Security Reform National Dialogue on Social Security Act of 1998 - Title I: National Dialogue on Social Security - Directs the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority Leader of the Senate to jointly convene a National Dialogue (ND) on the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program under title II of the Social Security Act. Makes ND's stated purpose to engage the American public, through regional conferences and national Internet exchanges, in understanding OASDI, its problems, and the need for workable solutions and to generate public comments and recommendations for social security reform. Establishes a Dialogue Council to advise the two national Facilitators appointed to administer and coordinate ND in its development and operations, the final plans for such to be transmitted to the President and the Congress by the Facilitators. Requires ND to operate by means of private sponsorship. Requires each Member of Congress, to the extent practicable, to develop with grassroots organizations and other constituency groups within the Member's district ongoing systems of communication through the Internet to assure the widest possible degree of receipt of public opinion. Establishes an Internet Advisory Board to advise the Internet Dialogue Coordinator appointed by the Facilitators to assist Members in establishing such systems of communication with regard to the most appropriate and effective means of employing the Internet to generate constituency input. Authorizes appropriations from the general fund of the Treasury. Title II: Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-Range Social Security Reform - Establishes the Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-Range Social Security Reform, which shall design, and report to the President and specified congressional committees, a single set of legislative and administrative recommendations for long-range reforms for restoring the solvency of the social security system and for maintaining retirement income security. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of remuneration to: (1) repeal the current exclusion from its meaning of certain differentials in coinsurance and deductible amounts as part of a basic plan design as long as they are disclosed in writing to all beneficiaries, third party payers, and providers to whom claims are presented; and (2) replace it with the exclusion of any permissible payment practice. Revises the advisory opinion authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to prohibited remuneration to reflect this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Gerald and Betty Ford in recognition of their dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions to the people of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicate medals in bronze. Declares such medals to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
Health Care Claims Guidance Act - Amends Federal law relating to claims against the U. S. Government to prohibit any action under such provisions based on a claim submitted: (1) under a federally funded health care program unless the amount of damages alleged is a material amount; (2) in reliance on erroneous information supplied by a Federal agency or in reliance on written statements of Federal policy which affects such claim provided by a Federal agency; or (3) by a person that is in substantial compliance with a model compliance plan issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in consultation with the Secretary of Defense). Requires that the Government prove an allegation of a false health care claim by clear and convincing evidence. Defines, for the amendments made by this Act, "federally funded health care program" to mean a program that provides health benefits, directly or otherwise, established under Social Security Act titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XXI (Children's Health Insurance) or provisions of Federal law relating to the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protecting Children from Sexual Predators and Computer Pornography Title II: Punishing Sexual Predators Title III: Federal Investigations of Sex Crimes Against Children and Serial Killers Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998 - Title I: Protecting Children from Sexual Predators and Computer Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject to a fine and five years' imprisonment anyone who, using the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce: (1) or who within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, knowingly contacts (or attempts to contact) an individual who has not attained age 18, or who has been represented to the person making the contact as not having attained age 18, for purposes of engaging in criminal sexual activity; or (2) knowingly transfers obscene matter to such an individual. (Sec. 103) Increases penalties for: (1) enticing or coercing any person under age 18, in any U.S. territory or possession, to engage in prostitution or in criminal sexual activity or to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in such activity; (2) using any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the mail, to entice or coerce such an individual to engage in such activity; and (3) engaging in certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors or child pornography. (Sec. 105) Provides for: (1) criminal forfeiture for solicitation of minors and interstate prostitution; and (2) pretrial detention of persons who commit specified sex offenses involving child pornography or against a minor. (Sec. 107) Sets: (1) a three-year minimum term of imprisonment for enticing or coercing within U.S. jurisdiction, or for using a computer or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce to entice or coerce, any individual under age 18 to engage in prostitution or a criminal sexual act; and (2) the maximum term of imprisonment for a violation of provisions regarding transportation for illegal sexual activity after a prior sex offense conviction at twice the term otherwise provided. Title II: Punishing Sexual Predators - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide a sentencing enhancement, and increases penalties, for transportation of a minor or assumed minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and for travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor or assumed minor. (Sec. 203) Doubles penalties for abusive sexual contact where the victim is under age 12. (Sec. 204) Requires persons who violate aggravated sexual abuse provisions or engage in specified conduct that would violate such provisions if the conduct had occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States after having been convicted twice previously of a serious State or Federal sex crime, to be imprisoned for life. (Sec. 205) Replaces repeat offender provisions with a provision doubling the maximum term of imprisonment after a prior sex offense conviction. (Sec. 206) Provides a civil remedy for personal injuries resulting from certain sex crimes against children. Title III: Federal Investigations of Sex Crimes Against Children and Serial Killers - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General, in investigations of alleged violations of provisions regarding sexual abuse of children, to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of records deemed relevant or material to the investigation. (Sec. 302) Provides that the fact that a presumption that a person has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce if the victim is not released within 24 hours after being unlawfully kidnapped has not yet taken effect does not preclude a Federal investigation of a possible kidnapping before the 24-hour period has ended. Includes the following among the jurisdictional elements for kidnapping: (1) the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce is used in furtherance of the offense; and (2) the offense affects interstate or foreign commerce, or would do so if the offense were consummated. Specifies that the kidnapping offense applies regardless of whether such person was alive when transported across a State boundary, provided the person was alive when the transportation began. (Sec. 303) Subjects any person who travels across a State line or enters or leaves Indian country with intent to engage in conduct that constitutes murder in the first degree to life imprisonment or, if death results, imposition of the death penalty. Prohibits such prosecution from being undertaken by the United States except on written certification of the Attorney General (or the Attorney General's highest ranking subordinate with responsibility for criminal prosecutions) that the conduct intended to be engaged in was a serial killing. Makes such certification unreviewable in any court. (Sec. 304) Directs the Attorney General to establish the Morgan P. Hardiman Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center to provide investigative support to assist Federal, State, and local authorities in matters involving child abductions, mysterious disappearance of children, child homicide, and serial murder across the country. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals missing and exploited children provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Restrictions on Levy and Other Collection Activities Title II: Application of Certain Fair Debt Collection Procedures Title III: Provisions Relating to Installment Agreements Title IV: Expansion of Judicial Remedies Title V: Miscellaneous Changes Taxpayer Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Restrictions on Levy and Other Collection Activities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit Government tax levy of property or property rights: (1) during Tax Court proceedings by a spouse involving liability on a joint return; (2) during court proceedings for refund of divisible tax under specified circumstances; (3) while certain offers in compromise are pending, or while an installment agreement offer is pending or in effect; or (4) while a determination of assessment validity is being made. (Sec. 104) Requires Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Counsel approval for: (1) filing a notice of lien or authorizing a levy on property held by a third party; and (2) specified jeopardy and termination assessments and jeopardy levies. (Sec. 105) Requires IRS district director or assistant district director approval, or a finding of tax collection jeopardy in order to authorize a levy against: (1) a qualified employer plan pension or annuity; or (2) a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract. (Sec. 107) Requires IRS district director or assistant district director approval (or owner waiver) prior to the immediate sale of seized perishable goods. (Sec. 108) Increases the amount of certain personal and residential property on which liens are not valid. Title II: Application of Certain Fair Debt Collection Procedures - Applies certain fair debt collection procedures to IRS-taxpayer communications. Subjects IRS violations of such procedures to existing civil damage provisions. Title III: Provisions Relating to Installment Agreements - Requires the IRS to make installment payment agreements available in certain instances where the aggregate tax liability does not exceed $10,000. Title IV: Expansion of Judicial Remedies - Revises provisions with respect to a taxpayer's motion to quash third-party summonses. (Sec. 402) Authorizes a taxpayer whose property is subject to an IRS lien to: (1) get a certificate of discharge by depositing with the IRS an amount of money or a bond equal in value to such lien; and (2) after such substitution, bring a civil action to determine if such valuation is correct, and a obtain a refund of any excess that may have been required by the IRS. (Sec. 403) Authorizes a civil action for IRS violations of certain bankruptcy procedures. Title V: Miscellaneous Changes - Permits: (1) personal delivery of penalty notice relating to failure to collect and pay over tax or attempt to evade tax; and (2) service of summons by mail to third-party recordkeepers. (Sec. 503) Increases the monetary limit on cases permitted to use Tax Court small case procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998
Tax Fairness for Health Consumers Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for the health insurance costs of an individual who is not eligible to participate in an employer-subsidized health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1998
Temporary Agricultural Worker Act of 1998 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a 24-month pilot program for the U.S. admission of temporary or seasonal agricultural workers based upon an employer labor condition attestation filed with the appropriate State agency. Sets forth program provisions. Offsets such admissions with temporary reductions in diversity and unskilled workers' immigrant visas. Establishes a trust fund in the Treasury to assure the return of such workers to their home countries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ethical Standards for Federal Prosecutors Title II: Punishable Conduct Citizens Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Ethical Standards for Federal Prosecutors - Subjects a Government attorney to State laws and rules, and local Federal court rules, governing attorneys in each State where such attorney engages in duties to the same extent and in the same manner as other attorneys in that State. Directs the Attorney General to make and amend rules of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assure compliance with this title. Title II: Punishable Conduct - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish by rule that it shall be punishable conduct for any DOJ employee to seek an indictment in the absence of probable cause, to fail promptly to release information that would exonerate a person under indictment, to intentionally or knowingly misstate or alter evidence, to attempt to influence or color a witness's testimony, to act to frustrate or impede a defendant's right to discovery, to offer or provide sexual activities to any government witness or potential witness, to leak or otherwise improperly disseminate information to any person during an investigation, or to engage in conduct that discredits DOJ; and (2) establish penalties for engaging in such conduct, including probation, demotion, dismissal, referral of ethical charges to the bar, loss of pension or other retirement benefits, suspension from employment, and referral of the allegations (if appropriate) to a grand jury for possible criminal prosecution. (Sec. 202) Sets forth procedures regarding written complaints of such conduct by a DOJ employee, investigation of such complaints by the Attorney General, and imposition of appropriate penalties. (Sec. 203) Establishes an independent Misconduct Review Board to review all determinations by the Attorney General with respect to such complaints and to investigate allegations made in statements that may be submitted to it with respect to complaints for which the Attorney General has made no determination or imposed no penalty. Authorizes the Board to impose penalties established above.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998
Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish annually in the Federal Register a list of requirements applicable to small business concerns with respect to collection of information by agencies. Requires each Federal agency, with respect to the collection of information and the control of paperwork: (1) to establish one agency point of contact to act as a liaison with small businesses; (2) in the case of a first-time information collection violation by a small business which does not cause actual serious harm to the public health or safety, to impose no civil fine on such business if the violation is corrected within six months of violation notification; and (3) if a violation presents an imminent and substantial danger to public health or safety, to impose no civil fine if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after violation notification. Allows an agency to waive the suspension of such fines after congressional notification. Excludes the Internal Revenue Service as a Federal agency for purposes of (2) and (3), above. Establishes a task force to study and report to specified congressional committee members on the feasibility of streamlining requirements with respect to small businesses regarding the collection of information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998
Computer Equipment Common Sense Depreciation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a two-year recovery period for the depreciation of computers and peripheral equipment used in manufacturing.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Affordable Housing Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling. Modifies provisions concerning: (1) the criteria for allocating housing credits among projects; (2) the responsibilities of housing credit agencies; and (3) the basis of a credit-eligible building.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that a bill to increase the internal revenue shall laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the whole of the number of that House, unless the bill does not increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not take military action against Iraq unless that action is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of the adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998
Credit Union Membership Protection Act - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit any person who is a Federal credit union member as of February 25, 1998, to retain member status if such status would be lost as a result of a certain Supreme Court decision construing membership criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Vaccinate America's Children Now Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax on vaccines from 75 cents per dose to 25 cents per dose.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Abolishing Child Pornography Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly possessing any material (currently, three or more items) containing: (1) any visual depiction involving a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, on any land or building owned by, leased to, or otherwise used by or under U.S. Government control, or in Indian country; and (2) child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, or transported, including by computer, in interstate or foreign commerce.