United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Checkoff for Charity Title II: Checkoff for Charity Commission Checkoff for Charity Act of 1998 - Title I: Checkoff for Charity - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to designate contributions to charities on their tax returns. Establishes the Checkoff for Charities Trust Fund. Title II: Checkoff for Charity Commission - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Checkoff for Charity Commission which shall make arrangements for voluntary charitable, health, and welfare agencies that provide or support direct health and welfare services to individuals or their families to solicit contributions through designations made on individual tax returns. Requires annual reports from the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1998
Northwest Salmon Recovery Act of 1998 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a unified plan for salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest region whose goal is to restore sustainable naturally reproducing salmon populations to support tribal and nontribal harvest, cultural, and economic practices. (Sec. 4) Requires such plan to address: (1) treaty, trust, and Endangered Species Act responsibilities; (2) specified statutory requirements governing fish mitigation and enhancement; (3) water quality standards under the Clean Water Act; and (4) the United States-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty commitments. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretaries of Energy and of the Treasury to establish an accounting system for the Bonneville Power Administration that meets prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Energy, Commerce, and the Army to implement a specified Memorandum of Agreement and Annex adopted in 1996, including procedures for effective regional involvement and accountability in the expenditure of moneys from the Administration's fund. Prescribes administrative procedures applicable to such Memorandum of Agreement and to the unified plan. Repeals the mandate to the Northwest Planning Council to appoint an Independent Scientific Review Panel. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Natural Resources Recovery Fund for fish and wildlife restoration in the Pacific Northwest region, and for conservation and renewable energy projects. Directs the Administrator to assess specified fees and charges to ensure that the repayment costs of Washington Public Power Supply System debt is repaid and allocated to all Administration customers. Provides that such fees and charges shall be in addition to: (1) rates for power sales by the Administration; and (2) Administration transmission rates. (Sec. 7) Requires that all rates and charges received for the sale of electric energy by the Administration to its electric energy customers recover all federally incurred costs for electric energy generation and marketing, including meeting certain statutory responsibilities. (Sec. 8) Places the transmission of electric energy by the Administration within the purview of the Federal Power Act, and grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction over transmission rates, terms, and conditions. Requires rates charged by the Administration for electric energy transmission to be sufficient to recover all costs for compliance with specified statutory responsibilities. Prescribes procedures for cost recovery adjustments by the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1998
Judicial Branch Employment Nondiscrimination Act of 1998 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit employment discrimination in the judicial branch of the Government (currently, in the units of the judicial branch of the Government having positions in the competitive service) based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1998
Establishes the National Museum of Women's History Advisory Committee. Directs the Advisory Committee to study matters relating to: (1) a site for the Museum in Washington, D.C.; (2) a business plan for the Museum's creation and maintenance, to be funded solely through private contributions; and (3) assisting the Museum's collection and programs. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide administrative services, facilities, support, and funds for the performance of the Advisory Committee's duties.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1998
Drug Elimination and Justice Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for grants for community learning centers for FY 1999 through 2004. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002 to: (1) the Drug Court Program Office of the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a pilot program to establish a Federal drug court in each of ten cities in the United States that have increasing drug enforcement problems; and (2) DOJ for additional prosecutorial resources dedicated to drug enforcement in each of such cities. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for the "Cops on the Beat" program, half of which shall be used for cooperative partnerships between schools and State and local police departments to provide for the use of police officers in schools. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to increase the minimum sentencing penalties for distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, or manufacturing a controlled substance within prescribed distances of a school or other specified facilities and to include public libraries among those facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1998
Education Flexibility Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to allow all States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Act (Ed-Flex) program. Includes State and local programs for school technology resources under the Educational and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) among programs for which requirements may be waived under Ed-Flex. Revises State eligibility requirements for Ed-Flex. Requires States to: (1) have approved challenging content standards, challenging performance measures, and aligned assessments in place or have made substantial progress towards having an approved plan under ESEA title I; and (2) hold local educational agencies (LEAs) accountable for meeting the educational goals submitted in their local applications for waivers, and for taking corrective actions if they have not met such goals. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Ed-Flex program for FY 1999 through 2003. Sets forth accountability requirements. Requires the Secretary, in deciding whether to extend the authority of a State educational agency (SEA) to issue waivers, to review the SEA's progress to determine if it has: (1) established procedures for increasing the percentage of elementary school and secondary school teachers in the State who have demonstrated, by traditional or alternative routes, subject matter knowledge and pedagogical skill to provide effective instruction in appropriate content areas; and (2) decreased the percentage of elementary school and secondary school teachers teaching in high poverty elementary schools and secondary schools who do not demonstrate such knowledge and skills.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1998
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1998 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen by free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Authorizes the President to request from the Congress an exemption from such prohibition, stating that: (1) it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; or (2) an emergency exists under which it is vital to the U.S. interest to do so. Makes the exemption effective upon such request, unless disapproved by the Congress. Directs the President to: (1) compile a list of countries that do not meet the requirements of this Act; (2) notify the governments participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual Use Goods and Technologies, done at Vienna, July 11 and 12, 1996, that the listed countries are ineligible to receive U.S. arms sales and military assistance; and (3) request that the notified countries also declare the listed countries as ineligible for arms sales and military assistance. Requires the President to continue efforts through the United Nations and other international fora, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, to limit arms transfers worldwide, particularly transfers to the listed countries, for the purpose of establishing a permanent multilateral regime to govern the transfer of conventional arms. Directs the President, in conjunction with the submission of the annual congressional presentation documents for foreign assistance programs, to report to the Congress on progress made toward establishing such regime.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1998
Energy Efficient Technology Tax Act - Establishes: (1) an energy credit based on the energy efficiency of energy properties and passenger vehicles; (2) a reforestation credit; and (3) a credit for certain nonbusiness energy property. Defines terms. Increases the exclusion allowed from gross income as a "qualified transportation fringe" benefit. Extends, by five years, the placed in service date of a qualified energy resources facility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1998
Amends Federal law to reestablish and add acreage to the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit in Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior, as applicable, to prohibit the cutting of trees on Federal land in the entire unit. Repeals a provision of the: (1) Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 which requires certain Unit lands that are not contained in the Bull Run River Drainage to be managed in accordance with the law establishing the Unit; and (2) Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 regarding the Unit. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) upon application by the city of Portland, Oregon, to enter into negotiations with the city for the transfer of National Forest System land underlying the city's Bull Run water supply facilities to the city in exchange for city- owned land lying within the boundaries of any unit of the National Forest System in Oregon or Washington; and (2) to expedite the negotiations and complete such land exchange not later than September 30, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1998
Sherrice Iverson Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require a State, to be eligible to receive Federal grants for child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment, to provide a certification that it has in effect and is enforcing a law providing for a criminal penalty on an individual age 18 or older who fails to report to a State or local law enforcement official that the individual has witnessed another individual in the State sexually abusing a child.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1998
Expresses: (1) condolences to the families of all persons killed or injured in the terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania; (2) gratitude to the people and the Governments of Kenya, Tanzania, Israel, and France, as well as to private organizations, for their assistance in the aftermath of the bombings and to the U.S. embassy guards whose heroic actions prevented even more deaths and injuries; (3) condemnation of all persons and parties involved in the bombings; (4) the determination of the House of Representatives to assist in the arrest of all persons responsible; and (5) the intention of the House to examine whether security needs of U.S. facilities overseas are being met and what kinds of tools can be employed to discourage nations from harboring terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and local health care entities to strengthen their response to domestic violence by building the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify, address, and prevent domestic violence. Prescribes guidelines for State and local demonstration grants. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to obligate up to $110 million during FY 1999 for the National Guard civilian youth opportunities program. Repeals a Federal provision which prohibits Federal expenditures under such program from exceeding $50 million for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Medicare Health Plan Fair Payment Act - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the budget neutrality adjustment factor used in calculating the blended capitation rate for payment of Medicare+Choice organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a person from holding a gun show unless such person is licensed to do so and at least 30 days have elapsed since the person has notified the Secretary of the Treasury and the chief law enforcement officer of the postal address and the dates and times at which the show is to be held. Sets forth provisions regarding license application requirements, fees, and application approval or denial procedures. Requires that before an unlicensed person transfers a firearm at a gun show, such person shall provide to the holder of the show written notice of: (1) the name, age, and address of such person and of the transferee; (2) the serial number, make, and model of the firearm; and (3) the date and location of the transfer. Requires the holder of the show to: (1) comply with requirements imposed on firearms dealers with respect to firearm transfers; and (2) deliver show records to the Secretary within 30 days after the show. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Open Space Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 to appropriate from the Land and Water Conservation Fund $900 million for every fiscal year from FY 1999 through 2015, with specified portions available for: (1) Federal purposes (Federal share); (2) financial assistance to the States for State and local natural areas, open space, parklands, or recreational areas; (3) grants to local governments through the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program; (4) grants (through FY 2004) for land acquisition in connection with the American Battlefield Protection Program; and (5) grants (for FY 2004 through 2014) for the restoration and acquisition of historical and cultural sites found within the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service. (Sec. 3) Requires the President to: (1) require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare Federal priority lists for expenditure of the Federal share; and (2) name in the annual budget submission the specific purposes for which the Secretaries shall use such funds, unless Congress specifies otherwise. (Sec. 4) Requires Indian-Alaska Native Village Corporations to be treated as one State for allocation purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve conversion of property improved or developed with Federal assistance to other than public recreation uses only if the State demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists (with the exception of those properties that are no longer viable as an outdoor conservation and recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination endangering public health and safety). Requires any conversion to satisfy any conditions the Secretary deems necessary to assure the substitution of other conservation and recreation properties which are: (1) of at least equal market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location; and (2) in accord with the existing State Plan for Conservation and Recreation. Declares that wetland areas and interests identified in the action agenda, and proposed for acquisition as suitable replacement property (acceptable to the Secretary) within that same State, shall be considered to be of reasonably equivalent usefulness with the property proposed for conversion. (Sec. 5) Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act to include in the list of local governments eligible to compete for Federal assistance grants for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program: (1) all political subdivisions included in Metropolitan, Primary, or Consolidated Statistical Areas; (2) any other city or town within a Metropolitan Area with a total population of 50,000 or more in the 1970, 1980, 1990, or subsequent census; and (3) any other political subdivision, county, parish, or township with a total of 250,000 or more in the 1970, 1980, 1990, or subsequent census. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make to local governments matching capital: (1) development grants to cover costs of development and construction on existing or new neighborhood recreation sites, including indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, support facilities, and landscaping (but not routine maintenance and upkeep activities); and (2) acquisition grants to cover the direct and incidental costs of purchasing new parkland to be permanently dedicated and made accessible for public conservation and recreation. Authorizes the Secretary to approve conversion of property improved or developed with Federal assistance to other than public recreation uses only if the grantee demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists (with the exception of those properties that are no longer a viable recreation facility due to changes in demographics or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination endangering public health and safety). Requires any conversion to satisfy any conditions the Secretary deems necessary to assure the substitution of other conservation and recreation properties which are: (1) of at least equal market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location; and (2) in accord with the current conservation and recreation recovery action program. Repeals the prohibition against using funds under such Act to acquire land or interests in land.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke the license of a firearms dealer who willfully sells a firearm to an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Child Firearm Access Prevention Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe penalties in cases where a person keeps a loaded firearm or an unloaded firearm and ammunition to which a juvenile obtains access and causes death or injury, exhibits the firearm in a public place, or possesses the firearm in a school zone. Makes penalties inapplicable in cases where: (1) the person keeping the firearm uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (2) the person is a peace officer or a member of the armed forces or National Guard and the juvenile obtains the firearm during, or incidental to, the performance of such person's official duties in that capacity; (3) the juvenile obtains or discharges the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises where the firearm is kept. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that a copy of the prohibition under this Act appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective transferee of a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 for discretionary funding for drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grant programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Firearm Child Safety Lock Act of 1998 - Prohibits any person, in or affecting commerce, from manufacturing in the United States a handgun without a child safety lock which, while activated or attached to the firearm, prevents the firearm from being discharged. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to impose a $5,000 civil fine on violators. Provides for judicial review of the Secretary's decision to impose a fine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Tax Assistance for Children With Chronic Medical Conditions Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction for the expenses of attendance at a qualified conference on chronic medical conditions affecting a taxpayer's dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Computers for the Children Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend the charitable deduction for the donation of computer technology and equipment to schools.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize increased appropriations for FY 1998 through 2004 for community-based family resource and support grants.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Head Start Act to extend through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations, in specified amounts, for: (1) Head Start programs; (2) the Head Start Transition Project Act and other transition activities; and (3) longitudinal research.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1998
Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the certification of mammography facilities. Requires that appeals from certification denials follow procedures in effect at that time (currently, in effect on a specified date). Requires that standards for accreditation bodies: (1) mandate review of clinical images by qualified review physicians (currently, by qualified practicing physicians); and (2) prohibit those conducting reviews from having any relationship (currently, any financial relationship) with the facility being reviewed that would constitute a conflict of interest. Modifies mammogram record retention requirements. Requires that a summary of the written report regarding a mammography be sent directly to the patient in terms easily understood by a lay person. Allows inspection of facilities (currently, certified facilities) for compliance with certification requirements and mammography quality standards (currently, compliance with mammography quality standards). Authorizes a demonstration program under which inspections are conducted less often than the current minimum of annually. Allows inspections to be conducted by a local agency on behalf of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Empowers the Secretary to require a facility to notify patients who received mammograms if the Secretary determines the quality was so inconsistent with standards as to present a significant risk to the individual or public health. Authorizes civil money penalties for failure to comply. Allows certificate suspension or revocation for a failure to comply with an accreditation body's requests for records or materials. Modifies requirements for certification suspension before holding a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) prevention, intervention, and services delivery program. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, cooperative agreements, and technical assistance to eligible State, tribal, and local governments, scientific or academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to carry out such activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect to: (1) foster coordination among governmental agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that support FAS and FAE research, programs, and surveillance and otherwise meet the needs of populations actually or potentially impacted by FAS and FAE; and (2) advise Federal, State, and local programs and research concerning FAS and FAE. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Terminates application of this Act seven years after the date on which all Task Force members have been appointed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Stand Down Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (1) to carry out Stand Down events (events to provide veterans who are without a home, unemployed, experiencing health or social adjustment challenges, or otherwise in need with one to three days of safety and security and access to food, shelter, clothing, benefits certification, health care, or any other appropriate form of assistance); and (2) in connection with such events, to provide outreach services, use Department of Veterans Affairs personal property, and provide any other appropriate benefit or service. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a pilot program under which the Secretary shall carry out a single Stand Down event in each State in each calendar year, beginning in 1999. Requires an annual report to the Congress on pilot program implementation and recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1998
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for: (1) the Federal Council on the Aging; (2) administration; (3) grants for State and community programs on aging; (4) the availability of surplus commodities; (5) training, research, and discretionary projects and programs; (6) community service employment for older Americans; (7) grants for Native Americans; (8) allotments for vulnerable elder rights protection activities; and (9) the Native American Program. Revises guidelines governing the transfer between specified grant programs of certain Federal funds received by a State.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1998
Medicaid and Children's Health Improvement Amendments of 1998 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of covering certain legal immigrant children under Medicaid and CHIP. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for increased allotments under CHIP for the territories. Makes necessary appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile can be maintained with a program that is far smaller, less expensive, and does not require facilities or experiments that are likely to be used for warhead design or development; and (2) the Secretary of Energy should direct the Department of Energy (DOE) program for custodianship of the nuclear weapons arsenal toward less costly, less provocative methods and cease the current DOE stockpile stewardship plans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs Subtitle A: Nonemergency Food Assistance Programs Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act of 1998 Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Africa: Seeds of Hope Act of 1998 - Declares it to be U.S. policy, consistent with title XII of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act, to support governments of sub-Saharan African countries, U.S. and African nongovernmental organizations, universities, businesses, and international agencies to help ensure the availability of basic nutrition and economic opportunities for sub-Saharan individuals, through sustainable agricultural and rural development. Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), in providing development assistance under the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, to: (1) emphasize programs and projects that improve the food security of children, women, and food-insecure households, or that improve the agricultural productivity, incomes, and marketing of the rural poor in Africa; (2) solicit and take into consideration the views and needs of intended beneficiaries and program participants during the selection, planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of projects; and (3) ensure that programs are designed and conducted in cooperation with African and U.S. organizations and institutions (such as private and voluntary organizations, cooperatives, land-grant and other appropriate universities, and local producer-owned cooperative marketing and buying associations) that have expertise in addressing the needs of the poor, small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural workers, including women. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, if there is an increase in funding for sub-Saharan programs, the Administrator of AID should proportionately increase resources to the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, for FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years in order to meet the needs of the countries participating in such Initiative. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator of AID to use, through bilateral and multilateral assistance, microenterprise assistance (including credit) to improve the capacity and efficiency of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa of small-scale farmers and small rural entrepreneurs (specifically taking into consideration the needs of women, and using the applied research and technical assistance capabilities of U.S. land-grant universities). (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator of AID to utilize foreign assistance programs and initiatives for sub-Saharan Africa to support private producer-owned cooperative marketing associations there, including rural business associations owned by farmer shareholders. (Sec. 104) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should issue loans, guaranties, and insurance, and utilize existing equity funds and loan and insurance funds, to support private agricultural and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa (particularly intermediary organizations that directly serve the needs of small-scale farmers, small rural entrepreneurs, and rural producer-owned cooperative purchasing and marketing associations). (Sec. 105) Directs the Administrator of AID to develop a comprehensive plan to coordinate and build on the research and extension activities of U.S. land-grant universities, international agricultural research centers, and national agricultural research and extension centers in sub-Saharan Africa. Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs - Subtitle A: Non-Emergency Food Assistance Programs - Sets forth general requirements for the administration of non-emergency assistance programs under title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian International Food Security Trust Act of 1998 - Bill Emerson Humanitarian International Food Security Trust Act of 1998 - Amends the Food Security Commodity Reserve Act of 1996 and the Food Security Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 to rename specified provisions of the Food for Development Program as the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. (Sec. 212) Includes, as part of the established trust stock of wheat, rice, corn, or sorghum used to meet emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries, certain funds for Commodity Credit Corporation programs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 that are available, with respect to FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years, to acquire such eligible commodities through purchases from producers or in the market to replenish the trust. Authorizes the release of eligible commodities from the trust for emergency food assistance to developing countries, provided such release is at levels consistent with maintaining the long-term value of the trust. Makes permanent the authority for the trust. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of AID to report to the Congress on AID's plans for implementing the Africa Food Security Initiative and an estimate of all amounts expended or to be expended on related activities during the current and previous four years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
Directs the Secretary of State to establish a cultural and training program for disadvantaged individuals from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Declares that the purpose of such program is to provide such individuals with the experience of living and working in a multicultural society while obtaining valuable work skills and experience. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize 60-month nonimmigrant visas for an alien having a residence in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland (which the alien has no intention of abandoning) who is coming temporarily to the United States as a participant in a United States-Northern Ireland-Republic of Ireland cultural and training program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
VAWA Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify procedures and provide special rules for battered spouses and children with respect to: (1) adjustment of status; and (2) removal and deportation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1998
Recognizes the importance of children and families to the future of the United States. Expresses support for the goals of National KidsDay and National Family Month, as established by KidsPeace. Encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities and celebrations recognizing National KidsDay and National Family Month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
Brady Waiting Period Extension Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to provide for the establishment of a minimum 72-hour handgun purchase waiting period, unless: (1) a prospective purchaser presents a written statement from the chief law enforcement officer of his or her place of residence during a specified ten-day period, stating that access to a handgun is necessary because of a threat to that person's life or the life of any member of his or her household; or (2) the law of the State requires that an authorized State or local government official verify that the information available does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the prospective purchaser would violate the law. Requires, when a person applies to buy a handgun, that: (1) the licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer contact the chief law enforcement officer of the prospective purchaser's place of residence; and (2) five (currently, three) business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the national instant criminal background check system.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
Safe Schools Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) make grants to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities and multijurisdictional or regional consortia thereof, to increase police presence, and expand and improve cooperative efforts between law enforcement agencies and members of the community, to address crime and disorder problems in and around schools; (2) give preferential consideration for such grants to applications for hiring and rehiring additional career law enforcement officers that involve a non-Federal contribution exceeding a 25 percent minimum; and (3) provide technical assistance to further the purposes of this Act. Limits the costs of a program, project, or activity provided by such a grant to 75 percent, unless the Attorney General waives the requirement of a non-Federal contribution. Directs that the Federal share decrease from year to year for up to five years, in relation to a grant for a period exceeding one year for hiring or rehiring career law enforcement officers, looking toward the continuation of the increased hiring level using State or local sources of funding following the conclusion of Federal support. Terminates authority for grants to hire officers after six years. Directs the Attorney General, prior to the expiration of such authority, to report to the Congress. Authorizes the use of grants under this Act to: (1) rehire law enforcement officers who have been laid off as a result of State and local budget reductions for deployment in school-based policing; and (2) hire and train new, additional career law enforcement officers for deployment in school-based policing across the Nation. Sets forth application requirements, including requirements that applications demonstrate a specific public safety need and specify plans for obtaining necessary support and continuing the proposed activity following the conclusion of Federal support. Authorizes the Attorney General to waive specified requirements and make special provisions to facilitate the expedited submission, processing, and approval of applications of local government or law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction over areas with populations of less than 50,000. Sets forth provisions regarding monitoring and evaluation of activities funded under this Act and revocation or suspension of funding. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorities of Departmental Office of Minority Health With Respect to Tobacco Products Title II: Additional Authorities Minority Community Tobacco Reduction Act - Title I: Authorities of Departmental Office of Minority Health With Respect to Tobacco Products - Amends the Public Health Service Act to instruct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to plan, coordinate, and evaluate all minority tobacco activities conducted or supported by Public Health Service agencies (Service agencies). Prescribes a formula for the allocation of funds for such activities. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, to: (1) establish a comprehensive plan for implementation of minority tobacco activities by designated Service agencies according to prescribed guidelines and criteria; (2) ensure that minority tobacco activities are provided in contexts that are culturally and linguistically appropriate; and (3) ensure that there is in operation an advisory committee appointed from among non-Federal individuals experienced in minority-health concerns. Requires allocation to minority tobacco activities, according to a specified formula, of any block grants to States made pursuant to national tobacco legislation. Authorizes the use of such grant funds to: (1) establish or operate an office of minority health; or (2) make grants to Indian Health Service area offices. Title II: Additional Authorities - Directs the Secretary to make grants from amounts received by the Federal Government pursuant to national tobacco legislation to: (1) establish at certain minority medical schools endowments whose income shall be used exclusively for public health programs and biomedical research on diseases for which tobacco product consumption is the principal causal factor; (2) public and private nonprofit private entities for research, training, and demonstrations regarding child health and biomedical research (including with respect to tobacco products); and (3) community, migrant, and homeless health centers to assist them in providing health services and prevention activities for tobacco-related diseases. (Sec. 204) Makes Federal grants available to provide transition assistance to certain entities whose activities had previously been supported through the advertising or promotion of tobacco interests. (Sec. 205) Exempts from the application of national tobacco legislation the use of tobacco and tobacco products by Indian tribes for religious, ceremonial, and traditional purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Requires a 25 percent increase, for FY 2000 and thereafter, in the amount that would otherwise be allocated to a State for prevention and intervention related to school violence in a grant for juvenile delinquency-related programs and programs to improve the juvenile justice system under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, if the State has in effect a law which requires that: (1) any public or private school administrator or employee with reasonable cause to believe that a student is or has been in possession of a firearm while in or on the premises of a school building in violation of Federal or State law immediately report the student's conduct to an appropriate law enforcement agency and to an appropriate juvenile department or State agency; (2) upon receipt of such report, the law enforcement agency immediately investigate to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the student, while in or on the premises of a public building, possessed a firearm in violation of Federal or State law; (3) if probable cause is determined, the student immediately be detained by the law enforcement agency for not more than 72 hours in an appropriate juvenile justice setting for psychological evaluation and a judicial determination of whether the student is a danger to himself or herself or to others, and a parent, guardian, or other adult with responsibility for the student be notified of that detention and its purposes; and (4) if the court determines that the student is a danger, the student be placed in an appropriate juvenile justice setting to receive professional psychological counseling. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Anti-Redlining Insurance Disclosure Act of 1998 - Requires designated insurers to annually submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and make available to the public with respect to types of insurance in designated metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) information concerning: (1) total numbers of policies, exposure units, and premiums; (2) property claims by type; (3) underwriting standards; and (4) licensed agents. Requires nondesignated insurers to submit to the Secretary their annual total exposure units (in car and house years) of policies in a designated line sold in their MSA. Exempts insurers in States with substantially similar disclosure provisions from such requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specification of collected data; and (2) implement a public access system to such insurance information. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to designate: (1) MSAs for which reporting is required; and (2) insurers. Sets forth the following insurance lines requiring reporting: (1) automobile insurance; (2) homeowners insurance; (3) dwelling fire insurance; (4) small business insurance; and (5) surety bonds. (Authorizes the Secretary to designate additional insurance lines.) (Sec. 5) Sets forth disclosure requirements for rejected insurance applicants. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to establish a task force on insurance agency appointments which shall: (1) review and recommend solutions to improve inner city and minority insurance agents' ability to market insurance products, including steps to increase minority appointments. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to annually collect and make available to the public insurance data from each designated MSA. (Sec. 10) Sets forth civil and injunctive remedies for agent violations of this Act. (Sec. 11) Terminates this Act five years from its effective date (with a two-year discretionary extension). (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) insurance applicants; (2) insurer actions to meet needs of minority and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, including small businesses; (3) disparate claim treatment; (4) territory rating; and (5) reinvestment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for use by public schools to develop or expand gifted and talented education programs through one or more of the following activities: (1) professional development programs; (2) technical assistance; (3) innovative programs and services; and (4) emerging technologies, including distance learning. Sets forth requirements for grant applications, allotment to States, and reporting. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp to raise public awareness of diabetes and to promote public support for diabetes research.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 1998 - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to establish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (age 62 and over) for use in computing cost-of-living increases for benefits provided under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Imported Food Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the prior approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services for commercial distribution of food imported into the United States. Cites factors for mandatory consideration by the Secretary when determining whether to grant such approval. Requires the Secretary to: (1) deny approval of foreign food for import if the foreign system for food inspection does not provide at least the same level of protection as domestic laws, or if the foreign country does not permit the Secretary to conduct food inspections within its borders; and (2) give high priority to increasing significantly the number of inspections, including port-of-entry testing for pesticide and microbial contamination. Sets forth criminal penalties for noncompliance. Deems certain foods to be misbranded if the country-of-origin labeling is not provided at the time they are offered for retail sale. Instructs the Secretary to prioritize research on port-of-entry food safety testing techniques whose results are available within 60 minutes after test administration. Directs the Secretary to impose user fees on imported food in order to defray increased expenses needed to implement this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Welcomes the Model Nuclear Weapons Convention as a discussion document intended to further negotiations on complete nuclear disarmament. Urges the President to initiate multilateral negotiations leading to the early conclusion of a nuclear weapons convention. Requests the President to inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) of the efforts and measures the United States has taken on the implementation of the UN General Assembly Resolution 52-38 O and nuclear disarmament.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation of an unsafe handgun. Defines "unsafe handgun" as any semiautomatic pistol which does not have a magazine safety disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired once the magazine or clip is removed from the weapon and any handgun: (1) which the Secretary of the Treasury determines, when new, fires in any of five successive trials in which the handgun is dropped onto a solid slab of concrete from a height of one meter from each of several specified positions; (2) without a child resistant trigger mechanism reasonably designed to prevent a child who has attained age five from operating the weapon when it is ready to fire; and (3) sold without a mechanism reasonably designed, under rules determined by the Secretary, to prevent the discharge of the weapon by unauthorized users. Exempts the manufacture or importation by a licensed manufacturer or importer for use by a department or agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 102) Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study and report to the Congress on how handgun safety can be improved so as to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of firearms by children who have not attained age 18. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999. Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile. (Sec. 202) Increases the penalty for transferring a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon to a juvenile for use in a crime of violence. Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke the license of a dealer who willfully sells a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, 30 days after the Attorney General notifies licensees that the national instant criminal background check system is established, from transferring a firearm to any unlicensed person without verifying the identity of a purchaser known or reasonably believed to be under age 24 by examining two valid photograph identification documents. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations that establish minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to dealers who are issued a license, which shall include minimum standards for: (1) a place of business in which a dealer covered by the regulations conducts business or stores firearms; (2) windows, the front door, storage rooms, containers, alarms, and specified other items of a place of business; and (3) the storage and handling of the firearms contained in such place of business. Authorizes the Secretary to enter the place of business of a licensed dealer: (1) under specified conditions, where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, to examine records of the safety and security measures taken by the dealer to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (2) without such reasonable cause or warrant not more than once during any 12-month period to ensure compliance. Sets penalties for licensed dealers who knowingly fail to comply with any applicable regulation issued pursuant to this section. Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, that has been shipped or transported in or otherwise substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, on premises under the custody or control of a person who knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile is capable of gaining access to the firearm without the permission of a parent or legal guardian, if a juvenile obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or bodily injury or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in a school zone. Makes an exception if: (1) the juvenile obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; (2) the person uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (3) the person is a peace officer, member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, and the juvenile obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of official duties in that capacity; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises on which the firearm is kept. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a copy of such prohibition and penalties appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective firearm purchaser. Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants to State and local departments of health and law enforcement agencies for establishing and maintaining children's firearm-related injury surveillance systems; and (2) carry out this title through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who shall carry out this title through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Director). Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that such grants are used to establish systems for gathering information regarding fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries involving children who have not attained age 21; and (2) give priority to States and communities in which firearm- related injuries for children are a significant public health problem. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education or State educational agencies (if the amount appropriated to carry out this title exceeds $50 million) to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a formula for allocating appropriated funds to the States; (2) minimum allotments; (3) required assurances regarding the use of allocated funds; (4) priorities in awarding grants; (6) peer review of grant applications; (7) eligible grant recipients; (8) State and local applications, and reporting requirements; (9) authorized activities; and (10) requirements that funds received supplement, not supplant, funds that would otherwise be available from non-Federal sources and that persons hired by a local educational agency receiving a grant award not displace persons already employed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants pursuant to this title; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to provide for timely counseling and: (1) evaluations of any student who possesses, or threatens to bring or use, a weapon on school grounds; and (2) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of gun-related violence on school grounds. Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) endeavor to expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 cities or counties by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) select cities and counties for participation in YCGII in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; (3) utilize the information provided by YCGII to facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to persons under age 24; (4) share information derived from YCGII with State and local law enforcement agencies through on-line computer access as soon as such capability is available; and (5) award grants to States, cities, and counties for purposes of assisting in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. Authorizes such grants to be used to: (1) hire or assign additional personnel for the gathering, submission, and analysis of tracing data submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under YCGII; (2) hire additional law enforcement personnel to identify and arrest individuals illegally trafficking firearms; and (3) purchase additional equipment, including automatic data processing equipment and computer software and hardware, for the timely submission and analysis of tracing data.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Rural Enterprise Communities Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize: (1) 33 additional rural enterprise communities (with an extended designation deadline); (2) designation of certain noncontiguous parcels as empowerment zones or enterprise communities; (3) a special designation exception for certain areas based upon emigration, underemployment, or economic adjustment; and (4) empowerment zone eligibility for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Provides for: (1) designation priority to be given to top performing enterprise communities; and (2) additional specified grants and grant amounts for rural empowerment zones and rural enterprise communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use certain community planning amounts under the Social Security Act to help communities apply for empowerment zone or enterprise community designation. Amends the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to authorize conveyance of Department of Agriculture excess property to support empowerment zones and enterprise communities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) recognizes the importance of achieving the goal of the 1997 Microcredit Summit to provide access to microcredit to 100 million of the world's poorest families; (2) urges international and regional financial institutions and other organizations to explore the use of microcredit programs as a method of eradicating poverty; (3) encourages appropriate public agencies to support the goal of the Summit by developing, announcing, and implementing institutional action plans to achieve that goal; (4) encourages the President to foster international support for the goal of the Summit in his communications with leaders of other Nations; and (5) calls upon the President to affirm his commitment to the goal of the Summit during annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Native American Veterans' Memorial Act of 1998 - Requires the Director of the National Museum of the American Indian to construct and maintain a Native American Veterans' Memorial within the interior structure or the exterior grounds of the Museum mall facility. Prohibits: (1) the use of Federal funds to pay any of the costs directly related to design and construction of the Memorial other than providing the Memorial site; or (2) the obligation of funds or the beginning of construction on the Memorial until non-Federal sources have paid to the Museum funds necessary to pay the estimated construction costs. Establishes the Native American Veterans' Memorial Commission to: (1) conduct a competition for and select a design for the Memorial; and (2) consult with the Director regarding selection of the design for, and placement and construction of, the Memorial. Prohibits the use of Federal funds to pay any Commission expense, except with respect to specified administrative support services. Permits the Museum and the Commission to accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, and devises of services or both real and personal property which shall be deposited in the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit transfers or discharges of residents of nursing facilities as a result of a facility's voluntary withdrawal from participation in the Medicaid program as long as such residents resided in the facility before the withdrawal. Requires a withdrawn facility to provide appropriate notice to new residents who begin residence after the withdrawal that the facility: (1) is not participating in the Medicaid program with respect to that resident; and (2) may transfer or discharge the resident from the facility at such time as the resident is unable to pay the charges of the facility, even though the resident may have become eligible for Medicaid's nursing facility services.
![Official portrait of Rep. Furse, Elizabeth [D-OR-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000434_200.jpg)