United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
African-American Civil War Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one dollar coins in commemoration of African-American Civil War veterans. Mandates that the coin design be: (1) emblematic of the African-American Civil War Memorial; (2) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the African-American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (3) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Instructs the Secretary to pay all coin sales surcharges to the African-American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation for the construction and maintenance of an African-American Civil War Memorial and the Garnet-Patterson Family Heritage Center (Visitors' Center).
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Amends rule XXXII (admission to the floor) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to exclude ex-Members of the House from admission to the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto if they have a direct personal or pecuniary interest in any measure or matter under consideration in any committee or subcommittee, unless that measure or matter contains any provision that affects such individuals solely because they belong to the class of ex-Members.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Good Samaritan Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a rule for determining the amount of the deduction allowable for a charitable contribution of food inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding protection of vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants. Defines "vulnerable subpopulations" as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) consistently and explicitly evaluate environmental health risks to vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental and public health standards, and general regulatory decisions; (2) ensure that all EPA standards protect such subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (3) develop and use a separate assessment with respect to such subpopulations; and (4) issue revised standards, after reevaluation, that meet the criteria of this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas reasonably accessible to children; (2) create and review at least annually a list of substances with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate exposure to pollutants in such areas, including advice on integrated pest management; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; and (5) make all information described above publicly available. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should use specified existing authority to establish a temporary emergency minimum milk price that is equitable to all producers nationwide and provides price relief to economically distressed milk producers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improvements in IRS Management and Oversight Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Tax Administration Title III: Providing Flexibility for IRS Management Internal Revenue Service Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Improvements in IRS Management and Oversight - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set a term of five years for the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. (Sec. 102) Establishes within the Department of the Treasury an Internal Revenue Service Management Board (with an Executive Committee) consisting of career and non-career employees. Directs such Board to support directly the Secretary of the Treasury in the oversight of the management and operation of the IRS. Directs the Secretary to establish the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Board, which shall be composed of individuals from the private sector, to advise the Secretary on the management and operation of the IRS. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 103) Establishes an Office for Customer Service, which shall be under the direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue, to be responsible for all taxpayer assistance and education. (Sec. 104) Establishes an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate which shall, among other things, assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Tax Administration - Authorizes the Secretary to promote and encourage the use of electronic tax administration programs. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into tax administration agreements with State tax authorities. Title III: Providing Flexibility for IRS Management - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to add a new chapter entitled Personnel Flexibilities Relating to the Internal Revenue Service. Sets forth provisions under such chapter concerning: (1) pay authority; (2) recruitment, retention, and relocation incentives; (3) performance awards; (4) career reserved positions; (5) demonstration project authority; (6) the establishment of an IRS performance management system; (7) the establishment of one or more broad-banned pay and classification systems covering all or any portion of the IRS workforce; and (8) general workforce staffing. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) IRS century date computer issues should be fully funded so as to resolve such issues; (2) IRS enforcement, tax processing, taxpayer assistance and management should be funded at no less than current levels for the next three years; and (3) multi-year budgets should be adopted for IRS technology and capital investment programs so as to ensure stability in the implementation of those programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1997
Authorizes the Attorney General to make a grant to the Disabled Police Officers Counseling Center, Inc., Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to assist the Center in providing free services, at no more than ten locations in the United States, to retired disabled police officers, retired police officers, and their immediate family members. Sets forth grant application requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for findings of presumptive disability under such title in the same manner and to the same extent as are currently applicable under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income). Amends SSA title XVI to provide that any individual who receives a benefit under SSA title II on the basis of presumptive disability shall be deemed for purposes of SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to be a recipient of a benefit under SSA title XVI in any case in which he or she would be eligible for such benefit under SSA title XVI if the amount of such benefit under SSA title II were disregarded.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
Business and Education Sharing Technology Act (BEST) - Establishes a program to give local and national recognition to businesses which show an exemplary commitment to participating with schools to enhance educators' technology capabilities and to make every student technologically literate. Directs U.S. Representatives who choose to participate in such program to notify local educational agencies and individual schools in their congressional districts and request nominations of local businesses. Directs U.S. Senators who choose to participate in such program to notify the State educational agency and request nominations of businesses engaged in statewide or regional technology partnerships with schools. Provides for appointment of a board of qualified individuals to select businesses engaged in regional or statewide technology partnerships with schools to receive a Business and Education Sharing Technology (BEST) recognition award. Sets forth criteria for BEST recognition awards. Directs the board to forward information regarding businesses selected for recognition to the Department of Education. Requires an annual ceremony to honor such businesses, as well as online dissemination of information regarding such programs and partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Substance Abuse Treatment Parity Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require parity and nondiscriminatory application of treatment limitations and financial requirements to substance abuse treatment benefits under private group and individual health plans which offer such treatment benefits in addition to medical and surgical benefits. Exempts from this Act small employers with 50 or fewer employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal-Aid Highways Title II: Highway Safety Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining Title VI: Transportation Research Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Title VII: Truth in Budgeting Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highways - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the following: (1) the Interstate Maintenance Program (IM); (2) the National Highway System (NHS); (3) the Bridge Program; (4) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (5) the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ); (6) a new High Risk Road Safety Improvement Program (high risk program); (7) the High Cost Interstate System Reconstruction and Improvement Program (high cost program); (8) Discretionary Programs; (9) the Appalachian Development Highway System Program; (10) the Recreational Trails Program; (11) the Federal Lands Highways Program (FLHP); and (12) Highway Use Tax Evasion Projects. (Sec. 103) Sets forth specified obligation ceilings, and formulas for distribution of (and redistribution of unused) obligation authority for Federal-aid highway programs. (Sec. 104) Revises apportionment provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary): (1) whenever an apportionment is made of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the high cost program, the national corridor planning and development program, the border infrastructure and safety program, and FLHP, to deduct a sum not to exceed one and a half percent of all sums so authorized as necessary for administering legal provisions to be financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid highway program; and (2) on October 1 of each fiscal year, after making a specified deduction and set aside, to apportion the remainder of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, STP, CMAQ, and the high risk program according to specified formulas. Modifies the recreational trails program to direct the Secretary to: (1) deduct from apportionments of sums for the program an amount not to exceed three percent to cover administrative, research, and technical assistance costs; and (2) apportion half of the remainder equally among eligible States and half to such States in amounts proportionate to the degree of non-highway recreational fuel use in each of those States during the preceding year. Sets forth a new list of State percentages for NHS apportionments. Requires the Secretary to use the most up-to-date data available for the latest fiscal year in making apportionments. (Sec. 105) Revises the IM to authorize the Secretary to approve reconstruction of roads on the Interstate System (IS). (Sec. 106) Repeals certain requirements: (1) on States, local officials, and the Secretary regarding NHS components; and (2) regarding approval of designations and an interim system. Designates specified NHS modifications that consist of highway connections to major ports, airports, international border crossings, public transportation and transit facilities, interstate bus terminals, and rail and other intermodal transportation facilities as NHS components. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the condition of and improvements made to NHS connectors approved by this Act that serve seaports, airports, and other intermodal freight transportation facilities since the designation of the NHS and report to the Congress; and (2) conduct a national children's competition to design a national logo sign for the routes comprising the NHS, appoint a panel to evaluate all designs and select a winning design, and report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 107) Amends provisions regarding the highway bridge program to provide that if a State transfers funds apportioned to it in a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1997, to any other apportionment of funds to such State, the total cost of deficient bridges in such State and in all States to be determined for the succeeding fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of such transferred funds. Grants the Secretary discretion regarding the amounts authorized for FY 1998 through 2000 for bridges under this Act. Authorizes the use of agriculturally derived, environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti- and de-icing compositions or installation of scour countermeasures for bridges other than those on a Federal-aid highway. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the application of anti- and de-icing compositions to bridges under the STP. Includes among eligible STP projects environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects, including the retrofit or construction of storm water treatment systems, to address water pollution or environmental degradation caused or contributed to by existing transportation facilities at the time such facilities are undergoing reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, or restoration. Limits the expenditure of funds to 20 percent of the total cost of such activity. Replaces certification requirements by the Governor of each State with a requirement that each State submit a project agreement for each fiscal year, certifying that the State will meet specified requirements and notifying the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to administer the STP. Deems the Secretary's approval a contractual obligation of the United States for the payment of STP funds. (Sec. 109) Modifies CMAQ to authorize a State to obligate CMAQ funds if the program or project would have been eligible for funding on or before September 30, 1997, under guidance issued by the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes: (1) funds for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles and to high occupancy vehicles if the project is otherwise eligible for assistance; and (2) appropriations for "minimum allocations" to States through FY 1997. Directs the Secretary to: (1) request the National Academy of Sciences to study the impact of CMAQ on the air quality of nonattainment areas and to report to specified congressional committees; (2) establish and implement a high risk program for construction and operational improvement projects only where the primary purpose of the project is to improve highway safety on a high risk road; and (3) allocate to States, in FY 1998 and beyond, amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each such FY for IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian Development Highway System program, and metropolitan planning be at least 95 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the HTF, other than the Mass Transit Account, in the latest fiscal year for which data are available. Sets forth a formula regarding calculation of a minimum allocation adjustment. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to apportion specified funds for FY 1998 through 2000 among the States based on the latest available cost to complete estimate for the Appalachian Development Highway System prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission, unless the Commission adopts an alternative method for distribution. Specifies that, in general, no State containing System routes shall receive less than $1 million. Increases the Federal share for pre-financed projects. (Sec. 113) Replaces provisions regarding reimbursement for segments of the IS constructed without Federal assistance with a high cost interstate system reconstruction and improvement program. Makes funds available for a fiscal year for any major reconstruction or improvement project to a highway designated as part of the IS and open to traffic before this Act's enactment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary to: (1) administer a national program to provide and maintain recreational trails (and terminates the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee on September 30, 2000); and (2) establish and implement a program to make allocations to States for coordinated planning and design of corridors of national significance, economic growth, and international or interregional trade, and a coordinated border infrastructure and safety program to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.- Canadian and U.S.-Mexican borders. (Sec. 117) Increases the Federal share payable for IS projects. Permits the use of funds appropriated to a Federal land managing agency, and for the FLHP, as the non-Federal share for specified purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) allocate 50 percent of sums authorized to be appropriated for forest highways according to a specified formula; (2) conduct a study of methods to improve pedestrian and vehicular access to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (3) allocate funds for specified transportation-related historical research activities of the Smithsonian Institution; (4) allocate specified funds for the planning, design, and construction of a visitors center to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of resources accessible by the New River Parkway in West Virginia; (5) carry out a national scenic byways program that recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archeological qualities by designating them as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads; (6) allocate funds to establish a center for national scenic byways in Duluth, Minnesota; and (7) establish and implement a variable pricing pilot program (repeals a congestion pricing program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)), and report to the Congress. (Sec. 120) Allows States to use as credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for certain funds made available, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce which were not built, improved, or maintained with Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement an IS reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program under which the Secretary may permit a State to collect tolls on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the IS for the purpose of constructing and rehabilitating Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls; and (2) develop performance-based criteria for the distribution of up to five percent of the funds from each of the IM, bridge, high risk, STP, and CMAQ programs, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 121) Amends ISTEA to: (1) allow, at the Secretary's discretion, the obligation from the HTF funds for the construction of ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities; and (2) authorize the use of funds to establish and operate an automated fuel reporting system. (Sec. 124) Modifies Federal highway provisions regarding: (1) metropolitan planning to include that it is in the national interest to foster economic growth and development; and (2) statewide planning to authorize a State to consider specified goals and objectives in the transportation planning process. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 126) Requires the Secretary to initiate and: (1) issue a guidance regarding the benefits and performance of various types of crash cushions in different road configurations; and (2) complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine the appropriate use by States of movable barrier technologies to enhance safety and improve the capacity and geometric design of highways. (Sec. 127) Authorizes appropriations for specified executive and legislative branch discretionary programs. (Sec. 128) Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to direct the Secretary to convey to Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia all U.S. interest in and to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, which shall subsequently convey to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge Authority their respective interests in and to the Bridge. (Sec. 129) Authorizes a State, in implementing Federal-aid highway projects, to reserve training positions for persons who receive welfare assistance from such State. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to develop, conduct, and administer highway technology training, and to develop and fund summer transportation institutes; (2) give priority to funding for a transportation project related to an Olympic event under specified conditions; (3) provide assistance to State and local governments in carrying out transportation projects related to an international quadrennial Olympic event; (4) carry out a project for the reconstruction of a highway, or portion of a highway, located outside the United States that is important to the national defense; and (5) fund the production of a documentary about infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the location and quantity of parking facilities at commercial truck stops and travel plazas and public rest areas that could be used by motor carriers to comply with Federal hours of service rules, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 133) Sets forth provisions regarding various projects in California, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Minnesota. (Sec. 134) Repeals a law regarding Federal approval of membership of bridge commissions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to examine the impact of truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles, and to report to the Congress. (Sec. 135) Bars States from restricting motorcycle access to any highway or portion thereof for which Federal-aid highway funds have been utilized for planning, design, construction, or maintenance. (Sec. 136) Amends ISTEA to include specified corridors, such as the Capital Gateway Corridor, as high priority corridors. (Sec. 137) Revises provisions regarding: (1) bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways to authorize the use of NHS funds for pedestrian walkways; and (2) standards for Federal-aid highways to prohibit the Secretary from approving any project or taking any regulatory action that will result in the severance of an existing major route or have significant adverse impact on the safety for non-motorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless such project or action provides for a reasonably alternate route or such a route exists. Directs the Secretary to initiate a study to consider proposals to amend the policies of such association relating to highway and street design standards to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a national bicycle safety education curricula that may include courses relating to on-road training. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 138) Amends Federal highway provisions regarding the hazard elimination program to consider conditions that may constitute a danger to bicyclists. (Sec. 139) Authorizes the Secretary to approve substitute highway, bus transit, and light rail transit projects, in lieu of construction of the Barney Circle Freeway project in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 140) Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct life-cycle cost analyses of each usable project segment on the NHS (currently, with a cost of $25 million or more); and (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess the impact that a utility company's failure to relocate its facilities in a timely manner has on the delivery and cost of Federal-aid highway and bridge projects, and report to the Congress. Title II: Highway Safety - Amends Federal highway provisions to: (1) provide that uniform guidelines for highway safety programs take into account accident prevention; (2) direct that the apportionment to the Secretary of the Interior for highway safety programs not be less than three-fourths of one percent of the total apportionment; (3) make provisions regarding access for physically handicapped across curbs at pedestrian crosswalks applicable to Indian tribes, with exceptions; and (4) replace a mandatory rulemaking process with one authorizing the Secretary to periodically identify highway safety programs that are highly effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. (Sec. 203) Revises highway safety research and development provisions to authorize the use of safety research funds for training in work zone safety management. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. (Sec. 205) Replaces provisions regarding: (1) school bus driver training with provisions directing the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of the State's data needed to identify priorities for State and local highway and traffic safety programs, evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such improvements, and link these State data systems, including traffic records, together and with other data systems within the State; and (2) drunk driving prevention programs with an alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures program (which provides for grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of alcohol). (Sec. 207) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an organization that represents the interests of the States to manage, administer, and operate the National Driver Register's (NDR) computer timeshare and user assistance functions. Directs that any transfer of such functions to an organization that represents the interests of the States begin only after a determination is made by the Secretary that all States are participating in NDR's "Problem Driver Pointer System" and that the system is functioning properly. (Sec. 208) Directs: (1) the Secretary to conduct a study on the benefit to public safety of the use of blowout resistant tires on commercial motor vehicles and the potential to decrease the incidence of accidents and fatalities from accidents occurring as a result of blown out tires, and to report to the Congress; (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of State laws that deem any individual with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or greater, and .02 percent or greater for persons under age 21, while operating a motor vehicle to be driving while intoxicated, in reducing the number and severity of alcohol-involved crashes, and report to the Congress; and (3) the Secretary to make grants to establish and maintain a center for transportation injury research at the State University of New York at Buffalo. (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF for: (1) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway safety programs, and highway safety research and development (R&D); (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs and highway safety R&D; (3) occupant protection incentive grants; (4) State highway safety data grants; (5) State highway safety data grants; (6) the alcohol traffic safety incentive grant program; and (7) NDR. Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs - Amends Federal transportation law with respect to the metropolitan transportation planning process to replace the current mandatory factors for consideration in developing plans and programs with specified discretionary considerations whose translation into goals and objectives the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) shall determine cooperatively with the State and mass transportation operators. (Sec. 304) Requires the transportation improvement program to be updated at least once every three years (currently, every two years). Allows the program financial plan to include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. (Sec. 305) Changes from mandatory to discretionary the inclusion of a congestion management system in the transportation planning process in a transportation management area (TMA). Requires the State, instead of the TMA MPO, to select high risk road safety projects. (Sec. 306) Changes the capital project block grant program into an urbanized area formula grant program. Repeals authority to finance operating costs generally under the program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation only in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000. Changes the interest allowance under the covered cost of advance construction projects from a specified formula to the most favorable financing terms reasonably available, given the applicant's reasonable diligence in seeking them. Declares that two percent of the block grant funds apportioned to urbanized areas of at least 200,000 population shall only be available for transit enhancement activities. (Sec. 307) Repeals the Secretary's current authority to make capital project block grants from the Mass Transit Account. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist State and local authorities in financing: (1) capital projects to modernize existing fixed guideway systems; and (2) capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. Repeals authority to make such grants and loans for transportation projects that enhance urban economic development or incorporate private investment. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary consider the adverse effect of decreased commuter rail transportation when deciding whether to approve a grant or loan under this section to acquire a rail line and all related facilities: (1) owned by a rail carrier subject to reorganization under the bankruptcy code; and (2) used to provide commuter rail transportation. Revises the criteria for grants and loans for fixed guideway systems. Revises requirements for: (1) letters of intent and full funding agreements; and (2) grant and loan allocations, including bus and bus facility grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program for the testing and deployment of new bus technology, including clean fuel and alternative fuel technology. (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into 50 percent cost-sharing contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with specified consortia selected competitively from among public and private partnerships to promote the early deployment of innovation in mass transportation technology, services, management, or operational practices. Authorizes the Secretary to inform the U.S. domestic mass transportation community about technological innovations available in the international marketplace and activities that may afford domestic businesses the opportunity to become globally competitive in the export of mass transportation products and services. Directs the Secretary to make grants for 80 percent of the cost of developing low speed magnetic levitation technology for public transportation in urban areas to demonstrate energy efficiency, congestion mitigation, and safety benefits. (Sec. 313) Repeals the mandate to make grants to specified university research institutes and for regional transportation centers. (Sec. 316) Increases from 90 percent to 95 percent the Federal share of a project providing bicycle access to mass transportation. Requires capital project grants and loans to require that any person agreeing to occupy space in a federally funded facility pay a reasonable share of facility costs through rental payments or other means. Declares that, to the extent feasible, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that receive assistance from Government sources (other than the Department of Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services shall participate and coordinate with assistance recipients in the planning, design, and delivery of transportation services. (Sec. 318) Authorizes a grant recipient to award a procurement contract to other than the lowest bidder when the award furthers an objective consistent with the purposes of the grant, including improved long-term operating efficiency and lower long-term costs. (Sec. 319) Authorizes an urbanized area formula grant recipient procuring an associated capital maintenance item to contract directly with the original manufacturer or supplier of the item to be replaced, without the Secretary's prior approval, if the recipient first certifies in writing to the Secretary that: (1) the manufacturer or supplier is the only source for the item; and (2) the item's price is no more than what similar customers pay for it. (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on how the alcohol and controlled substances random testing rate for mass transportation employees should be calculated. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the Secretary to collect fees to cover the costs of training or conferences, including costs of promotional materials, sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration to promote mass transportation. Directs the Secretary to seek public comment on ways to simplify and streamline the administration of the formula program for urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000, and make every effort to ease any administrative burdens identified. (Sec. 324) Limits the total amount of funds available for any fiscal year for operating assistance and preventive maintenance activities for urbanized areas. (Sec. 325) Revises the apportionment of appropriations for fixed guideway modernization. Requires inclusion of route segments in apportionment formulas. (Sec. 326) Authorizes appropriations, and sets the obligation ceilings, for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to assist States, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations in financing transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. Sets the Federal share of costs at 50 percent. (Sec. 329) Declares that it is the sense of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that the Secretary of the Treasury should estimate the mass transit portion of net highway receipts every 24 months instead of every 12 months. (Sec. 330) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the Secretary of Transportation's implementation of project management oversight. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of privatization or contracting out of mass transportation operation and administrative functions on cost, availability and level of service, efficiency, safety, quality of services provided to transit-dependent populations, and employer-employee relations; and (2) the safety issues attendant to transportation of school children to and from school and school-related activities by various transportation modes. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on whether the current formula for apportioning funds to urbanized areas accurately reflects their transit needs, and, if not, whether any changes should be made either to the formula or through some other mechanism to reflect the fact that some urbanized areas with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 have transit systems that carry more passengers per mile or hour than the average of those transit systems in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 334) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on Federal departments and agencies (other than the Department of Transportation) that receive Federal financial assistance for non-emergency transportation services. Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety - Amends Federal transportation law to specify that discretionary grants to States to develop commercial motor vehicle regulatory programs include performance-based grants to improve motor carrier safety, and in particular hazardous materials transportation safety. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1998 through 2000. Authorizes the Secretary, in allocating funds for State grants, to designate up to five percent of them to reimburse: (1) States for carrying out high priority (including national) activities and projects that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, including any that increase public awareness and education or demonstrate new technologies; and (2) local governments and other persons that use trained and qualified officers and employees, for carrying out such activities and projects in coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies. (Sec. 403) Converts the current discretionary commercial motor vehicle information system program into mandatory motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver information systems and data analysis programs to support required safety activities. Requires coordination of such systems into a network providing identification of motor carriers and drivers, commercial motor vehicle registration and license tracking, and motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety performance data. Requires the Secretary to develop data analysis capacity and programs providing the means to perform specified functions. Provides funding for the existing performance and registration information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to improve commercial motor vehicle driver safety. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Secretary to make contracts for inspections and investigations. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to grant a person or class of persons up to a two-year, renewable exemption from a commercial motor vehicle safety or operators regulation if it would likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than the level that would be achieved without such exemption. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot programs to evaluate innovative approaches to motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. Allows such a program containing specified elements to include an exemption under this section. (Sec. 407) Repeals the mandate for (thus abolishing) the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Review Panel. Requires the Secretary to review State laws and regulations on commercial motor vehicle safety. Requires any State that enacts a State law or issues a regulation on commercial motor vehicle safety to submit a copy of it to the Secretary for review immediately after enactment or issuance. Allows enforcement of such law or regulation if the Secretary decides it has the same effect as a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits enforcement if the law or regulation is less stringent than a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. (Sec. 408) Repeals certain requirements for: (1) procedures to ensure timely correction of safety violations; and (2) compliance review priority. (Sec. 409) Declares that an individual may operate a commercial motor vehicle only with a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Requires each CDL issued after January 1, 2000, to include unique identifiers to minimize fraud and duplication. Repeals the Secretary's discretionary authority to make an agreement for the operation of a CDL information system. Requires the Secretary to maintain the system. Requires the system to include information on all fines, penalties, convictions, and failure to appear for a hearing or trial incurred by the operator with respect to operation of a motor vehicle for a period of at least three years beginning on the date of the imposition of such a fine or penalty, or the date of such a conviction or failure to appear. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Repeals current authority (superseded by this title) for grants to States for: (1) testing and ensuring the fitness of operators of commercial motor vehicles; and (2) issuing CDLs and complying with State participation requirements. (Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary to make grants to border States, local governments, organizations, and other persons for specified activities designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety in the vicinity of borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico. Sets the Federal share of costs for such activities at 80 percent (but only 50 percent for the third year of a grant used to employ additional personnel to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety regulations). (Sec. 411) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on State laws and regulations pertaining to penalties for violation of State commercial motor vehicle weight laws. (Sec. 412) Repeals the mandate and authorization of appropriations to participate in the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to establish a nationwide toll-free telephone system for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and others to report potential violations of Federal motor carrier safety regulations and any laws or regulations relating to the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. (Sec. 414) Directs the Secretary to determine whether a practicable and cost-effective screening, operating, and monitoring protocol could likely be developed for insulin-treated diabetes mellitus individuals who want to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce that would ensure a level of safety equal to or greater than that achieved with the current prohibition against operation of such vehicles by such individuals. Requires the Secretary to compile, evaluate, and report to Congress on research and other information on the effects of insulin treated diabetes mellitus on driving performance. (Sec. 415) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review State procedures to determine if the current system for testing is an accurate measure and reflection of an individual's knowledge and skills as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle; and (2) identify methods to improve testing and licensing standards, including identifying the benefits and costs of a graduated licensing system. Requires issuance of regulations reflecting the results of such review. (Sec. 416) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of using emergency responders and law enforcement officers to conduct post-accident alcohol testing of commercial motor vehicle operators as a method of obtaining more timely information and reducing the burdens that employers may encounter in meeting current testing requirements. (Sec. 417) Requires the Secretary to encourage the research, development, and demonstration of technologies, identified taking into account specified considerations, that may aid in reducing the fatigue of commercial motor vehicle operators. (Sec. 418) Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles; (2) periodically update such safety fitness determinations; (3) make such determinations readily available to the public; and (4) prescribe by regulation penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to maintain by regulation a procedure with specified elements for determining whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles. Prohibits an owner or operator determined unfit from operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. Requires the Secretary to review, upon request, an unfit owner's or operator's compliance with those requirements with which the owner or operator failed to comply, resulting in the unfitness determination. Prohibits any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from using an unfit owner or operator to provide any transportation service until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. (Sec. 419) Declares that Federal law governing the transportation of hazardous material does not prohibit a State from providing an exception from requirements relating to placarding, shipping papers, and emergency telephone numbers for the private motor carriage in intrastate transportation of an agricultural production material from a source of supply to a farm, from a farm to another farm, from a field to another field on a farm, or from the farm back to the source of supply. Defines agricultural production material as: (1) under 16,094 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer; (2) under 502 gallons (liquid) or 5,070 pounds (solids) of a pesticide; and (3) under 3,500 gallons of a diluted solution of water and pesticides or fertilizer. Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining - Modifies provisions regarding plans, specifications, and estimates to direct the Secretary to enter into a formal project agreement with each State highway department formalizing the conditions of project approval. Requires such agreement to make provision for State funds required for the State's pro rata share of the cost of construction of the project and for the maintenance of the project after completion of construction. Authorizes the Secretary to discharge to the State any of the Secretary's responsibilities for design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects on the NHS, with exceptions. Directs: (1) the State to assume such responsibilities for projects that are not on the NHS; and (2) the Secretary and the State to reach agreement as to the extent the State may assume the Secretary's responsibilities for NHS projects, subject to a limitation. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for highway construction projects that require: (1) the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), with an exception; or (2) the conduct of any other environmental review, analysis, opinion, or issuance of an environmental permit, license, or approval by operation of Federal law. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and all other Federal (and, where appropriate, State) agencies; (2) elements of the coordinated process; (3) dispute resolution; (4) acceptance of project purpose and need; (4) State agency participation; (5) assistance to affected Federal agencies; and (6) judicial review. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement a State environmental review pilot demonstration program; (2) eliminate the major investment study as a separate requirement and promulgate regulations to integrate such requirement as part of each analysis undertaken pursuant to NEPA for a project receiving assistance with funds made available under this Act; and (3) require each recipient of Federal financial assistance for a highway or transit project with an estimated total cost of $1 billion or more to submit to the Secretary an annual financial plan. (Sec. 505) Provides that if at least 50 percent of a State's apportionment under specified Federal-aid highway, and highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program, funds for a fiscal year, or at least 50 percent of specified allocations of apportioned funds from the State's apportionment may not be transferred to any other apportionment of the State for such fiscal year, then the State may transfer up to 50 percent of such apportionment or set aside to any other State apportionment for that fiscal year. Sets forth provisions regarding the application of this general rule to certain STP set- asides and CMAQ funds. (Sec. 506) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish criteria for all discretionary programs funded from the HTF which, to the extent practicable, conform to a specified executive order relating to infrastructure investment; and (2) eliminate any required programmatic responsibility for any regional office of DOT carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA regarding any funds made available by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to retain regional DOT offices carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA for the purpose of providing technical support to States, metropolitan areas, and transit authorities upon request. Title VI: Transportation Research - Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education - Part I: Highway Research - Modifies research and planning provisions. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements and contracts to: (1) continue the monitoring, material-testing, and evaluation of the highway test sections established under the long-term pavement performance program; (2) carry out analyses of the data collected under the program; and (3) prepare the products required to fulfill the original objectives of the program and meet future pavement technology needs. (Sec. 611) Replaces provisions regarding short haul passenger transportation systems with provision for an advanced research program that addresses longer-term, higher-risk research that shows potential benefits for improving the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety (including bicycle and pedestrian safety) of highway and intermodal transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to strive to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors. Repeals the strategic highway research program and the applied research and technology program. Modifies: (1) the seismic research program to direct the Secretary to establish a program to study the vulnerability of the Federal-aid highway and other surface transportation systems to seismic activity and to develop and implement cost-effective methods to reduce such vulnerability; and (2) the international highway transportation outreach program to authorize the Secretary to engage in activities to promote U.S highway transportation goods and services internationally, and to gather and disseminate information on foreign transportation markets and industries. Part II: Transportation Education, Professional Training, and Technology Deployment - Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a national technology deployment initiative to expand adoption by the surface transportation community of innovative technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, service life, and sustainability of transportation systems and to reduce environmental impact; (2) integrate activities undertaken with DOT efforts to disseminate the results of research sponsored by DOT and to facilitate technology transfer; and (3) give preference to projects that leverage Federal funds with other significant public or private resources. (Sec. 624) Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one university transportation center in each of the ten U.S. Government regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System, and ten such additional centers to address transportation management and R&D; (2) Marshall University, West Virginia, to establish and operate an Appalachian Transportation Institute; and (3) the University of Minnesota to continue to operate and expand the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute. Part III: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Miscellaneous Programs - Amends Federal transportation provisions to provide for compilation of statistics on transportation-related variables influencing global competitiveness. Directs the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to review and report to the Secretary on the sources and reliability of the statistics proposed by the heads of the operating administrations of DOT to measure outputs and outcomes, and to undertake such other reviews as may be requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 631) Requires the Director of the Bureau to: (1) ensure that statistics compiled are relevant for transportation decisions by Federal, State, and local governments, transportation-related associations, private businesses, and consumers; (2) establish and maintain an intermodal transportation database and a national transportation library; and (3) develop and maintain geographic databases depicting transportation networks; flows of people, goods, vehicles, and craft over those networks; and social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting or affected by those networks. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities to support the programs and activities of the Bureau. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a prohibition of certain disclosures regarding information obtained under the long-term data collection program; and (2) collection of data for non-statistical purposes. Allows funds received by the Bureau from the sale of data products to be credited to the HTF and made available for the purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for such expenses. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 632) Directs the Secretary to carry out a transportation technology innovation and demonstration program, as part of which the Secretary shall: (1) conduct research on improved methods of using concrete and asphalt pavement in the construction, reconstruction, and repair of Federal-aid highways, on improved methods of deploying and integrating existing ITS projects to include hazardous materials monitoring systems across various modes of transportation, on the deployment of a system of advanced sensors and signal processors in trucks and tractor trailers, and on the use of composite materials for guardrails and bridge decking; (2) expand and continue the study relating to the development of a motor vehicle safety warning system and conduct tests of such system; (3) make grants for research and construction to improve and demonstrate the use of steel bridge construction; (4) continue to support the Urban Consortium's ITS outreach and technology transfer activities; (5) continue development and deployment to metropolitan planning organizations of the Transportation Economic and Land Use System; (6) make grants to Wisconsin to continue specified ITS activities; and (7) carry out a program to advance the deployment of an operational intelligent transportation infrastructure system for the measurement of various transportation system activities to aid in the transportation planning and analysis while making a significant contribution to the ITS program, to be located in the two largest metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania. Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing ITS program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems and advance nationwide deployment of such systems as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems. Lists ITS program goals. (Sec. 653) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the ITS program in cooperation with governmental, private, and educational entities, and in consultation with Federal officials; (2) develop, implement, and maintain a national ITS architecture and standards and protocols to promote the widespread use and evaluation of ITS technology as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems; (3) issue guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of field and related operational tests; (4) establish and maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects and make, upon request, such information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost; (5) ensure that ITS projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF conform to the national ITS architecture and standards and protocols, with an exception; (6) require an analysis of the life-cycle costs of specified projects where the total initial capital costs of ITS operations and maintenance elements exceeds $3 million; and (7) develop appropriate technical assistance and guidance to assist State and local agencies in evaluating and selecting appropriate methods of procurement for its projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF. (Sec. 654) Directs the Secretary to maintain and update, as necessary, the National ITS Program Plan developed by DOT and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 655) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain, and evaluate ITS technologies and services; funding to support adequate consideration of transportation system management and operations, including ITS, within metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes; and funding for research and operational tests relating to ITS; and (2) conduct R&D activities for the purpose of demonstrating integrated intelligent vehicle highway, and roadway safety, systems, including state-of-the-art systems and integrating collision avoidance, in-vehicle information, and other safety-related systems. (Sec. 656) Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to promote the deployment of regionally integrated, intermodal intelligent transportation systems and, through financial and technical assistance, assist in the development and implementation of such systems. Lists goals, funding limitations, and priorities for ITS deployment. (Sec. 657) Sets forth provisions regarding funding allocations (for the intelligent transportation infrastructure deployment incentives program, and for ITS research and program support activities), and the Federal share for specified programs. (Sec. 658) Repeals the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 (Title VI, Part B, of ISTEA). Title VII: Truth in Budgeting - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund shall: (1) not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985; and (2) be exempt from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending (budget outlays) of the U.S. Government. (Sec. 701) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to state that the amount of interest credited to any of such trust funds for any fiscal year shall not exceed the amount of interest which would be credited to the fund if it were determined at the average interest rate on 52-week Treasury securities sold to the public during such fiscal year. (Sec. 702) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually the net aviation receipts and the unfunded aviation authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amount authorized to be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded aviation authorization will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net aviation receipts. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary of the Army to estimate annually the net inland waterways and net harbor maintenance receipts, and the unfunded inland waterways and unfunded harbor maintenance authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded authorizations will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
After School Education and Safety Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award after-school education and safety program grants to schools to carry out at least two of the following activities: (1) mentoring programs; (2) academic assistance; (3) recreational activities; and (4) technology training. Allows each school also to carry out any of the following activities: (1) drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; (2) health and nutrition counseling; and (3) job skills preparation activities. Requires the school to provide such grant-assisted activities: (1) only after regular school hours during the school year; (2) in a manner that reflects the specific needs of the population, students, and community to be served; and (3) in a school building or other public facility designated by the school. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal the criminal penalty for counseling or assisting an individual regarding disposition of assets in order to become eligible for Medicaid benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Stop the Theft of Our Social Security Numbers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict disclosure of an individual's social security number by the Department of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize the use of local crime prevention block grants for voluntary, comprehensive, and culturally-appropriate home visitor systems that provide parenting education that focuses on parenting skills, child development and health, and support services for new parents to prevent or decrease the risk of child abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Highways and National Defense Investment Act of 1997 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to adjust discretionary spending limits for FY 1998 and 1999 by reducing allowable outlays for the defense category and increasing those for the nondefense category.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Designates the Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters at 451 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C., as the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Commends the bravery and honor of the citizens of Remy, France, for their actions with respect to the American fighter pilot Lieutenant Houston Braly during and after August 1944. Recognizes the efforts of the surviving members of the U.S. 364th Fighter Group to raise funds to restore the stained glass windows of Remy's 13th century church.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Drive for Teen Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to impose certain distance and work-hour restrictions in implementing a specified exemption from the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 for minors aged 16 through 18 who engage in the operation of automobiles and trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Redesignates the Federal building located at 701 South Santa Fe Avenue in Compton, California, known as the Compton Main Post Office as the Mervyn Dymally Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming (educational satellite loan guarantee program). Restricts such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; and (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies and other distance learning and instructional resource providers. Requires such a corporation, before a loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported its findings to the Secretary; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Limits the amount of guaranteed loans to acquire such a system and to operate and manage it for up to three years. Requires the lender to agree to assign to the United States, upon payment of such loan guarantee, its rights and interests in such communications satellite system or communications satellite system services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Transportation Infrastructure Credit Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with one or more obligors to make direct and guaranteed loans and lines of credit to States to finance eligible surface transportation projects (including the refinancing of interim construction financing of such project costs). Sets forth certain requirements and eligibility criteria for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program to encourage public-private partnerships and facilitate infrastructure development by entering into agreements with one or more insureds to provide insurance for preconstruction costs associated with such projects. Requires the State in which a project receiving assistance is located to identify a local servicer to act as the Secretary's agent in servicing the direct loan or insurance provided. Amends Federal transportation law to make it the Secretary's duty to develop and coordinate Federal policy on financing transportation infrastructure, including the provision of direct Federal credit assistance and other techniques used to leverage Federal transportation funds. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Infrastructure Finance, headed by a Director who shall be responsible for: (1) carrying out certain responsibilities of the Secretary; (2) carrying out research on financing transportation infrastructure; and (3) providing technical assistance to Federal, State, and local government agencies and officials to facilitate the development and use of alternative techniques for financing transportation infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1997) a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to make direct housing loans to Native American veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Veterans' Memorials Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties upon individuals who, in circumstances affecting interstate or foreign commerce, willfully injure or commit any degradation against any structure on public property commemorating the service of U.S. military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the House of Representatives recognizes suicide as a national problem and declares suicide prevention a national priority, acknowledges that no single prevention program will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and encourages certain initiatives, including the development (and the promotion of accessibility and affordability) of mental health services to enable all persons at risk for suicide to obtain services without fear of stigma.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities Title II: Electronic Filing Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Oversight Subtitle B: Budget Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Executive Branch Government and Senior Management - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to replace current provisions establishing the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue with provisions establishing the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board (the Board). Requires that seven of the nine members of the Board not be full-time Federal officers or employees. Requires that all Board members have expertise in, among other things: (1) management of large service organizations; (2) customer service; and (3) the needs and concerns of taxpayers. Requires the Board to: (1) review and approve strategic plans of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) review the operational functions of the IRS; (3) select the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Commissioner), as well as senior IRS managers, and review the Commissioner's reorganization plans; and (4) review and approve the IRS budget request, as well as ensure audits of the IRS. (Sec. 102) Replaces current provisions which authorize the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to employ such personnel as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the internal revenue laws with provisions requiring there to be in the Department of the Treasury a Commissioner who shall be appointed by the Board for a five-year term. Sets forth the duties of the Commissioner, including the: (1) administration and management of the internal revenue laws; and (2) Commissioner's responsibility to consult with the Board. Establishes and sets forth duties for: (1) a Chief Counsel for the IRS to be appointed by the President; (2) the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations; (3) an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 103) Replaces current provisions concerning the effect of reorganization plans with provisions which authorize the Commissioner to employ such number of persons as proper to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws. Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities - Directs the Commissioner to establish a performance management system covering IRS employees which: (1) establishes retention standards; and (2) establishes performance goals or objectives. Provides for awards based on performance, but prohibits making an award solely on the basis of tax enforcement results. Sets forth other provisions concerning: (1) classification and pay; (2) staffing; and (3) demonstration projects. Title II: Electronic Filing - Provides for paperless filing and payment of taxes. Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights - Sets forth provisions concerning taxpayer protections and rights, including provisions concerning: (1) authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders; (2) authority to award costs and fees; (3) damages for negligence in collection actions; (4) criteria and procedures for selecting taxpayers for examination; (5) archival treatment of IRS records; (6) freedom of information; (7) offers-in-compromise; (8) jurisdiction of the Tax Court; (9) cataloging of complaints; and (10) procedures for taxpayer interviews. (Sec. 309) Eliminates the interest differential on overpayments and underpayments. (Sec. 310) Eliminates the failure to pay penalty as long as an installment payment agreement is in effect. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to accept installment tax liability payments if: (1) such liability does not exceed $10,000; (2) the taxpayer has, during the past five years, paid on time; and (3) the taxpayer has not entered into a prior installment agreement. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide matching funds for qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. (Sec. 319) Provides for studies concerning: (1) taxpayer confidentiality; (2) penalty administration; (3) treating all taxpayers as separate filing units; and (4) burden of proof. Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Oversight - Authorizes the Joint Committee on Taxation (Joint Committee) to procure the services of experts for investigations of the IRS by the General Accounting Office. (Sec. 402) Establishes additional reporting requirements for the Joint Committee. Subtitle B: Budget - Provides for additional budget authority for the IRS, but only on annual basis and only if specified improvements are made in taxpayer services. (Sec. 413) Directs the Commissioner to convene a financial advisory management group to advise the Commissioner. Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS should provide the Congress with an independent view of tax administration. (Sec. 422) Requires a Senate or House of Representatives committee, when reporting legislation including any provision amending the IRC, to contain within the report a Tax Complexity Analysis. (Sec. 423) Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that employers should have a single point of filing tax and wage reporting information. (Sec. 424) Requires the Joint Committee to prepare a study of the feasibility of developing a baseline estimate of taxpayers' compliance burdens against which future legislative proposals could be measured.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Calls for the President, acting through the permanent U.S. representatives to the United Nations (UN), to: (1) continue to support and fully participate in negotiations at the UN and especially in the preparatory committee to establish an international criminal court with jurisdiction over serious international crimes, including war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity; and (2) provide any assistance necessary to expedite the establishment of such a court. Requires the President to report to the Congress on establishment of the court.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Authorizes use of the rotunda of the Capitol on October 21, 1997, for a ceremony to allow Members of Congress to greet and receive His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, the 270th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Expresses: (1) condolences for the loss of life and the serious injuries suffered in the terrorist bombing in the Jerusalem market on July 30, 1997; and (2) the solidarity of the American people with the people of Israel. Reaffirms: (1) the determination of the Congress to join with the Government of Israel in fighting against international terrorism; and (2) the commitment of the Congress to the peace process in the Middle East. Urges: (1) Yassir Arafat and officials of the Palestinian Authority to bring to justice leaders of terrorist organizations and extremist groups and to eliminate all weapons and explosives in their hands; (2) all parties to work together to bring lasting peace and security without violence and terrorism to the Middle East; and (3) the President and appropriate executive agencies to provide all appropriate assistance to the Government of Israel to provide medical and other assistance to the victims of this terrorist act, to bring to justice the terrorist leaders behind this and similar acts of violence, and to work to prevent such terrorist acts in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Zora Neale Hurston; and (2) such stamp to be unveiled at the 1999 Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Authorizes the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Theodore Roosevelt for his actions in the attack of San Juan Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War on July 1, 1898.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Prohibits Federal reimbursement or payment for travel and related expenses incurred during the post-election period by any Member of Congress who will not serve in the succeeding Congress. Excludes travel of a Member: (1) within the district or State the Member represents; (2) between such district or State and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area; or (3) within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Genetic Employment Protection Act of 1997 - Prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of genetic information with respect to an individual, including an inquiry by the individual regarding genetic services. Sets forth confidentiality and civil action provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Requires each State to establish an Advisory Board for Risk Assessment which shall comply with the requirements and guidelines regarding notification and release of sexually violent offenders established for a State board under the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act and under this Act. Directs: (1) the Chief Executive Officer of each State (CEO) to develop guidelines and procedures for use by the Board to assess the risk of a repeat offense by such an offender and the threat posed to the public safety; and (2) any State or local correctional facility, hospital, or institution to forward relevant information pertaining to a sex offender to be discharged, paroled, or released to the Board for review prior to the release (and provides for the confidentiality of records so provided, with exceptions). Requires the Board to use the guidelines established under this Act to recommend to the appropriate State court one of three levels of notification. Directs such court to: (1) make a determination regarding the level of notification after receiving a tier recommendation from the Board; and (2) upon the reversal of a conviction of a sexual offense, order the expungement of any records required to be kept pursuant to this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties for misuse of registration information; (2) juvenile offenders; (3) official immunity from liability; and (4) exclusion of the victim's identity from public access or dissemination. Requires: (1) each CEO to establish reasonable notification requirements and to appoint a voluntary advisory council to design a policy to assist communities in which a sex offender resides to plan and prepare for such a resident; and (2) the department required to coordinate the sex offender registration program to compile and update offender information.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicate medals in bronze. Authorizes appropriations from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund, where sales proceeds shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Disaster Assistance Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize repair or restoration of residences made uninhabitable by a major disaster in lieu of providing other types of (temporary) housing under the temporary housing assistance program. Sets forth flood insurance and income requirements for residences that are not capable of rapid restoration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act Amendments of 1997 - Exempts a physician clinical office laboratory from Public Health Service Act certification requirements, except when such laboratory performs a pap smear (Papanicolaou Smear) analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act - Makes permanent a program to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling to veterans to overcome psychological trauma which resulted from a physical assault or battery of a sexual nature, or from sexual harassment, which occurred during active miliary service (under current law the program authorizing such counseling expires in 1998). Allows such program to include appropriate treatment. Requires a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health professional (currently, the Secretary) to determine when such counseling and treatment is necessary. Requires the dissemination of information concerning the availability of such services to affected veterans. Includes as eligible for such care and services certain current and former reserve personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete the design and updating of public service announcements and other appropriate means of communication concerning the availability of such services and to submit to the congressional veterans' committees examples of such communications; and (2) report to such committees on program implementation. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to report jointly to the congressional veterans' and defense committees describing their collaborative efforts to ensure that military personnel are informed upon their separation from service about sexual trauma counseling and treatment programs available through the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the President to demand that the Government of Russia take actions to stop governmental and nongovernmental entities in the Russian Federation from providing missile technology and technical advice to Iran in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime; (2) the United States, if Russia's response is inadequate, to impose sanctions on the responsible Russian entities in accordance with Executive Order 12938 on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and to reassess cooperative activities with Russia; (3) raising the threshold under current law allowing for the waiver of the prohibition on the release of foreign assistance to Russia; and (4) encouragement of our European allies to take steps to stop such proliferation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Calls upon: (1) Chairman Yasir Arafat and other officials in the Palestinian authority to use their good offices with Syria, Lebanon, and the other governments in the region to secure the safe return of one American-Israeli soldier and three Israeli soldiers captured in Lebanon, consistent with Chairman Arafat's obligation as specified in the May 4, 1994, Gaza-Jericho agreement between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Israeli Government to cooperate with Israel in locating and working for the return of Israeli soldiers missing in action; and (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. Government officials to pursue the resolution of these cases through all appropriate officials and channels. Urges: (1) the Government of Syria to use its good offices with the various paramilitary groups in Syria and in areas in which it has influence to bring about a resolution of this issue and secure the safe return of such soldiers; and (2) the President and the Secretary of State, as they formulate U.S. policy toward each government or authority in the Middle East, to take into consideration the level of assistance provided by that government or authority in resolving these cases.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Parental Rights Title II: Qualified Teachers Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support Title VI: General Provisions Teaching Excellence for All Children Act of 1997 - Title I: Parental Rights - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require any public elementary or secondary school receiving ESEA funds to make available to the parents of each student information regarding the qualifications of each of the student's teachers, both generally and with regard to the content area or areas in which each teacher provides instruction. Title II: Qualified Teachers - Requires each State, in order to be eligible to receive funds under ESEA, to meet specified conditions for ensuring a qualified teacher in every classroom. Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish certain minimum teacher training standards. Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers - Amends HEA to provide student loan forgiveness for teaching, including cancellation of guaranteed loans and of direct loans in return for full-time teaching for one or more years in a public elementary or secondary school, subject to specified requirements, including demonstrated teaching and subject matter knowledge. Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support - Amends HEA to establish a grants program for beginning teacher recruitment and support. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such competitive grants to Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support (BTRS) partnerships to recruit, train, and support qualified entry-level teachers. Defines BTRS partnerships as consisting of: (1) a local educational agency (LEA), an LEA subunit, or a consortium of LEAs; and (2) one or more nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, that meet certain criteria. Title VI: General Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private or religious school that does not receive Federal funds or does not participate in Federal programs or services under ESEA; or (2) affect home schools.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
Disabled Veteran's Access Act of 1997 - Provides military commissary and exchange privileges to veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as their dependents, on the same basis as provided for members of the armed forces entitled to retired pay.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997
Consumers' Nutrition and Health Information Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow a health claim to be made regarding the relationship of a food to a disease or health-related condition if: (1) an authoritative Federal scientific body with official responsibility for public health protection or research directly relating to human nutrition or the National Academy of Sciences has published a statement recognizing that the relationship between the nutrient and disease or health-related condition is supported by pertinent scientific evidence; (2) a person has notified the Secretary of the claim; and (3) the food is not misbranded.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
National Marrow Donor Program Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry with provisions mandating establishment, by contract, of a program to assist patients needing a blood stem cell transplant in searching for biologically unrelated donor individuals. Sets forth program functions, including: (1) maintaining one or more donor and one or more recipient registries; (2) educational activities (including donor recruitment and professional and public information); and (3) establishing the Office of Patient Advocacy and Case Management. Mandates: (1) standards regarding quality, tissue typing, donor informed consent, and patient advocacy; (2) donor selection criteria; (3) stem cell collection and transportation procedures; (4) confidentiality standards; and (5) procedures for integrating participating donor registries and centers. Mandates criminal penalties for confidentiality violations. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a plan to effectuate efficiencies in the relationship between the program and donor centers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Program Accountability Title II: Program Equity Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Program Accountability - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); and (2) demographically representative of local producers. States that: (1) civil service laws shall apply to all persons performing functions for any county, area, or local committee; and (2) the county executive director of such committee, or other person selected by the Secretary, shall have sole responsibility for making local agricultural loan determinations, subject to State-level approval. (Sec. 102) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary (at the Secretary's discretion) county and area office employees to Federal civil service status. Makes conforming amendments the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and other Federal law. Title II: Program Equity - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit agricultural operating loans to be made to delinquent borrowers under specified circumstances. (Sec. 202) Appropriates funds for lease-back or buy-back opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers. (Sec. 203) Treats debt write-downs as non-income for tax purposes. (Sec. 204) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit housing loan denial to an applicant who has been able to live in a financially independent manner for a reasonable time. (Sec. 205) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) establish a set-aside for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers. (Sec. 206) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Current law provides for non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such grants.) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to study whether such institutions' funding is equitable. (Sec. 208) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations (currently permanently authorized) for: (1) Indian reservation extension education programs; and (2) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans. (Current law provides for a non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such loans.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
Child Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to direct the Attorney General to establish, publicize, and operate a national telephone service by which individuals may gain access to the Federal Bureau of Investigation database that tracks the movement and whereabouts of sex offenders. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) information that may not be disclosed; (2) notice to callers of fees, penalties for misuse of such information, and unavailability of the service to persons under age 18; (3) fees for use of the service; (4) limitations on the number of requests; (5) prohibited uses of such information; and (6) civil penalties imposed by the Attorney General of up to $1,000 per violation.
![Official portrait of Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000392_200.jpg)