United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1998
Dollars to the Classroom Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to award the total amount of certain applicable education funding directly to the States. (Sec. 2) Requires such direct awarding of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for programs or activities under specified provisions of: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (5) the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any head of a Federal department or agency other than the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this Act; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this Act. (Sec. 3) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require the use of at least 95 percent of title I funds for an LEA for a fiscal year according to the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for the use of such funds. (Sec. 4) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Expresses gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the brave men, including current Congressmen Sam Johnson of Texas and Pete Peterson of Florida, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Urges States and localities to honor such courage and sacrifice with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a final accounting of the more than 2,000 members of the U.S. armed forces who remain unaccounted for from such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Expresses gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the brave men, including current Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Urges States and localities to honor such courage and sacrifice with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a final accounting of the more than 2,000 members of the U.S. armed forces who remain unaccounted for from such conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in recognition of his life-long dedication to the abolition of apartheid and the promotion of reconciliation among the people of the Republic of South Africa. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal and sell duplicates in bronze at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals. Declares such medals to be national medals. Authorizes a maximum charge against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals. Mandates that proceeds from sales of duplicate bronze medals be deposited in such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of General Lucius D. Clay, principal architect of the Berlin airlift.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Marriage Protection and Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a married couple to file jointly using unmarried tax rates (the tax being the aggregate of the two individually taxed incomes).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Calls for Sara E. Lister, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, to resign from office or, in the alternative, be removed from such office by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the use of funds provided to the Department of Education, or to an applicable program, to develop, plan, implement, or administer any national testing program. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a similar prohibition against use of certain funds (from the Fund for the Improvement Education) for any national testing program. Exempts from such funding prohibitions the Third International Mathematics and Science Study.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Earmarks specified funds for construction of a U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. Bars the use of funds for: (1) the operation of a U.S. consulate in Jerusalem unless it is under the supervision of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel; and (2) the publication of any official government document which lists countries and their capitals unless it identifies Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Declares that, for purposes of registration of birth, certification of nationality, or issuance of a passport of a U.S. citizen born in the city of Jerusalem, the Secretary of State shall, upon the citizen's request, record the place of birth as Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
MacBride Principles of Economic Justice Act of 1997 - Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 to revise its purposes to state that U.S. contributions to the International Fund for Ireland should be used to: (1) increase employment opportunities in communities in Northern Ireland with rates of unemployment significantly higher than average; and (2) benefit individuals or entities in Northern Ireland which employ practices consistent with the MacBride principles of economic justice. Authorizes the United States to make contributions to the Fund only if the President certifies to the Congress that, among other things, disbursements from the Fund will be distributed to individuals or entities whose practices are consistent with the principles of economic justice and will create employment opportunities in communities of Northern Ireland suffering the highest rates of unemployment. Sets forth the MacBride principles of economic justice.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Helping Empower Low-income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1997 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies, except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies based on criteria which gives priority to low-income families and areas. Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons (except those previously identified or sanctioned or subject to waiver) who, on or after August 8, 1995, have transferred, or attempted to transfer, controlled goods or technology, or provided, or attempted to provide, technical assistance or facilities that contributed, or would have contributed, to Iran's efforts to acquire, develop, or produce ballistic missiles. Requires imposition on such persons of minimum two-year sanctions prohibiting: (1) sales to such persons of items on the United States Munitions List (and terminating sales of any controlled U.S. arms); (2) the export to such persons of dual use goods and technology; and (3) the provision of U.S. financial assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions, with written justification to Congress, on the basis of U.S. national security or additional information demonstrating that the sanctioned person did not commit the acts alleged.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Helping Empower Low-income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1997 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies, except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies based on criteria which gives priority to low-income families and areas. Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program. Provides that, for purposes of Federal tax laws or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program, a parental choice scholarship shall not be treated as income or assistance to the student or parents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to permit tax-free expenditures from education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary education expenses (including tuition, special needs services, and transportation expenses) required for attendance at a public, private, or religious school. Increases the maximum annual amount of contributions permitted to such accounts. Provides for the application of the IRC without regard to the result reached in the case of Schmidt Baking Company, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations reflecting such application of the IRC.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) all schools should be drug-free; (2) all Federal, State, and local drug fighting agencies should work together with schools and parents to ensure that a renewed effort is made to fight the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs in our schools and to America's youth; (3) all governmental leaders and parents share a role in raising awareness of this issue and offering constructive alternatives to illegal drug use; and (4) the Congress and the President should set a goal and work with local communities and parents to end the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs in the Nation's schools by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Paycheck Protection Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect from or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the labor organization is engaged. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time. Requires each entity collecting from or assessing amounts from an individual with an authorization in effect to provide the individual with a statement that the individual may at any time revoke the authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1997
Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law with respect to avoidance by the trustee in bankruptcy of fraudulent transfers and obligations to cite circumstances under which a transfer of a charitable contribution to a qualified religious or charitable unit shall not be considered to be fraudulent. Prohibits the trustee from avoiding such charitable contributions when acting as lien creditors and successor to certain creditor and purchasers. Excludes from "disposable income," for purposes of bankruptcy plan confirmation, up to 15 percent of the gross income of the debtor when it is expended for such charitable contributions. Prohibits the bankruptcy court, when it determines whether to dismiss a case, from taking into consideration whether a debtor makes charitable contributions to any qualified religious or charitable entity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of the Congress, to named individuals referred to collectively as the "Little Rock Nine," in recognition of the selfless heroism they exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates of such medals in bronze. States that these medals are national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1997
Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997 - Establishes the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Commission to determine the validity of land claims arising out of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848. Authorizes three or more eligible Mexican descendants in the State of New Mexico who are also descendants of the same community land grant to petition the Commission for such a determination on behalf of themselves and all other descendants. Directs the Commission to establish a Community Land Grant Study Center at the Onate Center in Alcalde, New Mexico, to be responsible for directing the research, study, and investigations necessary to assist the Commission in performing its duties. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration Responsible Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act - Title I: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to prescribe guidelines for a needs-based bankruptcy system which precludes individuals from filing for complete relief in bankruptcy (under chapter 7 (Liquidation)) if certain current monthly income is available to pay creditors. (Sec. 101) Sets forth formulae for income levels determinative of debtor eligibility for bankruptcy relief. Treats as having income available to pay creditors (and thus eligible for chapter 13 Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) any individual (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with: (1) a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size); (2) projected monthly net income greater than $50; and (3) projected monthly net income sufficient to repay 20 percent or more of unsecured non-priority claims during a five-year repayment plan. (Sec. 102) Provides for adjustment to a chapter 13 debtor's monthly net income for extraordinary circumstances such as loss of income or unusual expenses. (Sec. 103) Modifies notice requirements to apprise a consumer debtor of alternatives to bankruptcy, including independent non-profit debt counseling services. (Sec. 104) Declares embezzlement or fraudulently-incurred debts of individuals nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 105) Instructs the bankruptcy court to confirm the bankruptcy plan of an individual if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim retains the lien securing such claim until discharge of all debts. (Sec. 106) Grants a claim arising from a nondischargeable debt incurred to pay a Federal tax (or any other nondischargeable debt) the same priority as the claim for the underlying obligation which was paid for by such nondischargeable debt. (Sec. 107) Establishes a presumption that consumer debts owed to a single creditor and incurred within 90 days prior to an order for relief in bankruptcy are nondischargeable in bankruptcy. (Sec. 108) Revamps prescriptions governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a chapter 7 case; and (2) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of that claim determined under applicable non-bankruptcy law has been paid in full as of the date of conversion. (Sec. 109) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a petition was pending and dismissed under chapter 7 the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 110) Requires that the value of personal property collateral be at least equal to the outstanding balance of the purchase price, including interest and charges, where the property was acquired by the debtor within 180 days of filing the petition in bankruptcy. (Sec. 111) Declares that, in the case of chapter 7 and chapter 13 debtors, the personal property securing the individual debtor's personal property shall be the replacement value as of the date the petition is filed without deduction for costs of sale or marketing. (Sec. 112) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt or redemption of the property within 60 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. (Sec. 113) Establishes the Bankruptcy Exemption Study Commission to study and report to the Congress on issues and problems in the bankruptcy system, including whether exemptions should be uniform nationally, and the appropriate size of exemptions in individual cases. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 114) Mandates that a chapter 13 debtor file a bankruptcy plan within a specified deadline. (Sec. 115) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the court's authority to dismiss an individual debtor case if relief would be a substantial abuse of chapter 7. Requires the court to find that substantial abuse exists if: (1) the debtor is ineligible for chapter 7 relief under the needs-based test; or (2) the totality of the circumstances of the debtor's financial situation demonstrate substantial abuse. (Sec. 116) Provides for a chapter 7 debtor's assumption of executory contracts and unexpired leases. Declares that in a chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (and no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the plan's confirmation date. (Sec. 117) Mandates a maximum five-year payment period under a chapter 13 plan for any individual debtor (or in a joint case, an individual and spouse combined) with a current monthly total income of 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner (or 75 percent of the national median family income for a family of equal size). Permits the court to approve a longer period, not to exceed seven years. (Sec. 118) Revises prescriptions governing a stay of action against a codebtor to provide that: (1) the co-debtor stay would continue to be available when the debtor who borrowed the money sought Chapter 13 relief; but (2) if a guarantor or other co-debtor who did not receive the consideration for the creditor's claim filed for relief, the debtor who borrowed the money would not be protected by a stay unless he or she also filed a bankruptcy petition. Declares that the stay shall terminate as to the debtor's interest in personal property if the debtor surrendered or abandoned that property. (Sec. 120) Includes within the definition of a debtor's "principal residence" an individual condominium or cooperative unit, or mobile, or manufactured home or trailer. Provides that the inclusion of incidental property in a mortgage on the debtor's principal residence will not disqualify that mortgage from protection under chapter 13. Provides that if the debtor resides in a house the debtor owns during the 180 days before filing, such protection applies. States that the automatic stay will not be violated if a prepetition foreclosure proceeding is postponed during the pendency of a Chapter 13 proceeding, so long as any prepetition default remains uncured by actual payment in full according to the plan. (Sec. 121) Extends the mandatory period between discharges in bankruptcy from six to ten years for chapter 7 debtors. Sets five years as the mandatory period between discharges for chapter 13 debt repayment plans. Title II: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Modifies the organization of bankruptcy courts to mandate the compilation of bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11 (Reorganization), and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 202) Requires each U.S. trustee to report to the Attorney General on audit results of bankruptcy petitions and schedules performed by independent certified or licensed public accountants. Requires the Attorney General to establish random audits of individual bankruptcy cases under chapter 11. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrative Office to establish and maintain a nationwide debtors' docket accessible to searches by any users. (Sec. 204) Revises guidelines governing meetings of creditors and equity security holders to provide that if the debtor is an individual in a voluntary case under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the first meeting of creditors shall not convene earlier than 60 days after the date of the order for relief in bankruptcy, unless the court determines that unusual circumstances justify an earlier meeting. Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. Prescribes notice procedures for chapter 7 and chapter 13 creditors. (Sec. 207) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. Terminates such stay if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral. (Sec. 210) Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court: (1) Federal tax returns; (2) evidence of payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated debt or expenditure increases. Permits a chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Mandates debtor compliance within ten days of such request. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from the commencement of the case until case termination. Requires a chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. (Sec. 211) Provides for automatic dismissal if a chapter 7 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for the debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 212) Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property to the extent such claim is attributable to the debtor's purchase of such property. (Sec. 213) Prohibits a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing from being held less than 20 days after the first meeting of creditors if there is an objection.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Marriage Tax Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a husband and wife to file a combined income tax return on which each spouse is taxed separately at the unmarried return rate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) manage its public domain national forests to maximize the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and recognize the scientific validity of carbon sequestration and sinks of trees and wood products; and (2) serve as an example and as a world leader in actively managing such forests in a manner that substantially reduces the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Parents and Students Savings Account Plus Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to education individual retirement accounts to: (1) include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (including home schooling); and (2) increase annual contribution limits to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Interstate Compact - Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin Compact between Alabama and Georgia to promote interstate comity, remove causes of controversies, apportion surface waters, engage in water planning, and develop and share common data bases. Conditions the consent of the Congress to, and participation of the United States in, the Compact on specified conditions and reservations with respect to participation of Federal agencies during the development of the allocation formula used to determine an equitable apportionment of surface water between the two States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Interstate Compact - Apalachicola-Chattahoohee-Flint River Basin Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Compact among Alabama, Florida, and Georgia to promote interstate comity, remove causes of controversies, apportion surface waters, engage in water planning, and develop and share common data bases. Conditions the consent of the Congress to, and participation of the United States in, the Compact on specified conditions and reservations regarding participation of Federal agencies during the development of the allocation formula used to determine an equitable apportionment of surface water among the three States. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 24 July 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicate medals in bronze. Authorizes appropriations from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund, where sales proceeds shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
National Debt Repayment Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require concurrent resolutions on the budget, beginning with the one for the first fiscal year after there is a surplus, to set forth totals of budget outlays and Federal revenues for the budget year and each fiscal year concerned such that the annual rate of change in outlays is at least one percentage point lower than the corresponding change in revenues for each such year. Permits the Congress to waive such requirement for fiscal years in which a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in military conflict posing a serious threat to national security or for the budget year and the next fiscal year if real economic growth has been negative for two consecutive calendar quarters. Amends Federal law to require the Secretary of the Treasury to use any budget surplus for a fiscal year, with one-third allocated to each of the following, to: (1) exchange special issue nonmarketable Government bonds in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund with marketable Government securities; (2) invest in marketable Government securities to be held in a Tax Cut Offset Trust Fund to offset future revenue reductions; and (3) exchange special issue nonmarketable Government securities in the Highway Trust Fund and the Hazardous Substance Superfund with marketable ones. Requires the surplus to be allocated, in specified increments, to repay the public debt when Government trust funds, including those described above, no longer hold nonmarketable securities. Prohibits receipts and disbursements of Government trust funds, in an amount up to the value of marketable Government securities contained in any such fund, from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal or congressional budgets or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such receipts and disbursements from any statutory general budget limitation on expenditures and net lending. Directs the Secretary, upon expenditure from a trust fund of any money not so counted, to sell a corresponding amount of marketable Government securities from the fund and reduce its balance accordingly.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Medicaid Community Attendant Services Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage of qualified community-based attendant services for any individual entitled to nursing facility or intermediate care facility services. Limits such services to those furnished to an individual in a home or community-based setting, which may include a school, workplace, or recreating or religious facility, but not a nursing facility, an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, or other institutional facility. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) review existing Medicaid regulations for home health services and other services in home and community-based settings; (2) report to the Congress on how excessive utilization of medical services can be reduced under Medicaid by using qualified community-based attendant services; (3) develop a functional needs assessment instrument with respect to an individual's need for such services; and (4) establish a task force to examine appropriate methods for financing long-term care services. Amends SSA title XIX to allow States to waive certain income limitations with respect to Medicaid payments to individuals eligible for medical assistance who are also eligible for or already receiving a State supplementary payment. Allows such a waiver in such cases as the State finds the potential for employment opportunities would be enhanced through the provision of qualified community-based attendant services. Allows the State, in the case of such an individual made eligible for medical assistance because of such a waiver, to impose a premium based on a sliding scale relating to income.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: District of Columbia Retirement Funds Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Freezing of Existing Program Subtitle C: Retirement Trust Subtitle D: District Government Subtitle E: The Actuarial Board Subtitle F: Federal Supplemental Fund Subtitle G: Judges Retirement Program Subtitle H: Enforcement Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Title II: Assistance Under Medicaid Program Title III: Criminal Justice Subtitle A: Corrections Subtitle B: Compliance with Truth-in-Sentencing Subtitle C: Offender Supervision and Parole Subtitle D: District of Columbia Courts Subtitle E: Pretrial Services Agency and Public Defender Service Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Privatization of Tax Collection and Administration Title V: Financing of District of Columbia Accumulated Deficit Title VI: Revenue Bonds Title VII: District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation Charter Subtitle C: Operations of the Corporation Subtitle D: Capitalization and Finance Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle F: Sunset Provisions Title VIII: District of Columbia Government Budget; Effective Date Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Regulatory Reform in the District of Columbia Subtitle B: Other Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle C: Effective Date; General Provisions National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: District of Columbia Retirement Funds - District of Columbia Retirement Protection Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Requires the Federal Government to make payments to finance all liabilities associated with the pension plans for District of Columbia police officers, firefighters, and teachers, including the unfunded liability transferred by the Congress to the District government under the District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act of 1979. Prohibits the reversion of the responsibility to make payments to the District. Subtitle B: Freezing of Existing Program - Prohibits service after the freeze date (date on which legislation to enact this title is introduced in the House of Representatives) from being credited under the retirement program for District fire fighters, police officers, and teachers for purposes of determining the amount of benefits an employee has accrued. (Sec. 122) Provides that in the case of a disability retirement in which benefits commence after the freeze date, the only benefit payable is the deferred or normal retirement benefit the employee would receive if the employee left service on the day before disability retirement benefits commence. (Sec. 123) Limits death benefits that are not determined by length of service to the percentage of the entire benefit represented by a fraction where the numerator represents the number of months of service prior to the freeze date and the denominator the total number of months of service. Subtitle C: Retirement Trust - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Trust Fund for purposes of paying benefits under this title. Transfers all assets of the District of Columbia Police Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement Fund and the District of Columbia Teachers Retirement Fund to the Retirement Trust. (Sec. 134) Provides for tax-exempt status of the Retirement Trust and sets forth provisions regarding treatment under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). (Sec. 137) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions when assets remaining in the Retirement Trust are projected to be depleted. (Sec. 138) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for disclosure of individual tax return information for purposes of determining eligibility for, or the correct amount of, benefits under this Act. Subtitle D: District Government - Continues the District's responsibilities with respect to the retirement program until the Secretary directs the Trustee of the Retirement Trust to commence such responsibilities. (Sec. 143) Requires the District to: (1) furnish the Trustee with a final reconciliation of accounts in connection with the transfer of assets and obligations to the Retirement Trust; and (2) adopt a replacement plan to be effective as of the freeze date. (Sec. 144) Provides that if the District fails to adopt such plan, the retirement program applicable to police, fire fighters, and teachers hired on or after October 1, 1996 (as provided under District laws in effect as of June 1, 1997), shall apply. Subtitle E: The Actuarial Board - Establishes a Department of the Treasury Retirement Board of Actuaries to: (1) review the actuarial valuation reports produced by the enrolled actuary engaged by the Trustee; (2) report to the Secretary and the Congress annually on the actuarial status of the Retirement Trust and the Federal Supplemental District of Columbia Pension Fund; and (3) furnish advice and opinions on matters referred by the Secretary. Subtitle F: Federal Supplemental Fund - Establishes the Federal Supplemental District of Columbia Pension Fund, to be administered by the Secretary and used to finance Federal obligations for benefits and administrative expenses under this title. (Sec. 164) Directs the Actuarial Board to determine the amount that is the present value as of the freeze date of future benefits payable from the Federal Supplemental Fund, which shall be its original unfunded liability. Subtitle G: Judges Retirement Program - Refers to the judges retirement program described in part 2 of Subtitle D of title III. Subtitle H: Enforcement - Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review of actions brought by retirement participants or the Trustee, jurisdiction and venue, and limitations of actions. Subtitle I: Miscellaneous - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions. (Sec. 193) Provides that this title supersedes any inconsistent provision of the District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for any Federal payment to the existing District retirement funds after FY 1997. (Sec. 194) Authorizes the Comptroller General to evaluate and report on the administration of this title. Title II: Assistance Under Medicaid Program - Amends the Social Security Act to increase the Federal medical assistance percentage under Medicaid for assistance provided by the District to 70 percent for calendar quarters in any fiscal year for which the District is certified to be implementing a plan to: (1) have in effect an effective system for the identification and collection of amounts owed by third parties for medical care and services furnished under Medicaid; (2) ensure the timely audit and settlement of cost reports of institutional providers under Medicaid; (3) implement a comprehensive health care management information system for Medicaid; and (4) develop a comprehensive behavioral managed health care system under Medicaid. Title III: Criminal Justice - Subtitle A: Corrections - Requires, no later than October 1, 2001, any person convicted of a felony pursuant to the District Code or the truth-in-sentencing system under this title to be designated by the Bureau of Prisons to a Bureau penal or correctional facility for such term as the court may direct. Provides for the closure of the Lorton Correctional Complex by December 31, 2003, and for the transfer of its felony population to a Bureau facility. Makes the Bureau responsible for the care, education, treatment, and training of such persons. Transfers Lorton property to the Department of the Interior. (Sec. 302) Requires the Attorney General to appoint a Corrections Trustee, an independent officer of the District, to oversee operations of the District's Department of Corrections until all felony offenders are transferred to a Bureau facility. Provides Federal funding for incarceration of such individuals. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Trustee to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau to allow the Trustee to enter into contracts to lease beds or facilities for a period that may extend longer than the trusteeship. Permits the District's felony population to be housed in any facility that meets the requirements of the American Correctional Association. (Sec. 304) Requires the Trustee to establish a priority placement program to facilitate employment placement for District employees scheduled to be separated from service due to the assumption of authority by the Trustee. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the District to expend funds necessary to carry out the Sewage Delivery System and Capacity Purchase Agreement between Fairfax County and the District for a specified project without regard to the amount appropriated in the District's budget for the fiscal year concerned. Subtitle B: Compliance with Truth-in-Sentencing - Requires any person convicted of a felony offense under a law exclusively applicable to the District to be sentenced in accordance with a system that meets truth-in-sentencing requirements applicable to a State receiving a truth-in-sentencing incentive grant under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Directs the District of Columbia Truth in Sentencing Compliance Commission to develop a system if the District fails to do so by October 1, 1997. (Sec. 312) Requires provisions designed to maximize the effectiveness of the drug court of the District's Superior Court to be enacted for the District. (Sec. 313) Establishes the District of Columbia Truth in Sentencing Compliance Commission as an independent agency of the District government if the District fails to establish a truth-in-sentencing system that meets the requirements described above. Provides that the Commission shall not have authority to provide for capital punishment under any law exclusively applicable to the District. Terminates the Commission upon adoption of a sentencing system that meets requirements or earlier, if it fails to adopt such a system. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 314) Establishes the District of Columbia Truth in Sentencing Monitoring Agency in the Department of Justice. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 316) Requires the National Institute of Justice to evaluate the sentencing system to determine its success. (Sec. 317) Directs the Attorney General to inform the Council of the District, the Congress, and the Agency of any changes in Federal or District laws and results of evaluations that may require amendment of District statutes or sentencing guidelines. Subtitle C: Offender Supervision and Parole - Transfers jurisdiction and authorities of the District Board of Parole to the U.S. Parole Commission, with respect to felons, and to the District Superior Court, with respect to misdemeanants. Abolishes the Board of Parole upon the establishment of the District of Columbia Offender Supervision, Defender, and Courts Services Agency. Amends the Parole Commission Phaseout Act of 1996 to increase the authorized number of U.S. Parole Commissioners to five. (Sec. 332) Directs the Attorney General to appoint a Pretrial Services, Defense Services, Parole, Adult Probation and Offender Supervisions Trustee, an independent officer of the District government, to effectuate the reorganization and transition of functions and funding related to such activities. (Sec. 333) Establishes the District of Columbia Offender Supervision, Defender, and Courts Services Agency within the Federal executive branch. Provides for Agency assumption of duties upon certification by the Trustee that the Agency can carry out its functions. Directs the Agency to provide supervision for offenders on probation, parole, and supervised release pursuant to the District Code. Grants Agency supervision officers the same powers as granted to U.S. Probation and Pretrial Officers. Provides that the District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency and Public Defender Service shall function as independent entities within the Agency. (Sec. 334) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: District of Columbia Courts - Part 1: Transfer of Administration and Financing of Courts to Federal Government - Authorizes appropriations for the District Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and court system and for the Executive Office for the District of Columbia Courts. (Sec. 342) Amends the District Code to make technical and conforming changes to administrative, financing, and reporting provisions regarding the District court system to reflect the transfer of specified authorities to the Federal Government. Part 2: Judicial Retirement Program - Revises provisions regarding the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund to re-establish such fund in the Treasury. Requires, subject to the availability of appropriations, an annual deposit in the Treasury of amounts required to reduce the unfunded liability of the fund to zero. (Sec. 352) Amends the District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act to provide for the transfer of assets of the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund to the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund (thus, terminating the Judges' Retirement Fund). Removes judges from the District Retirement Board. (Sec. 353) Transfers specified authorities regarding the Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund from the District Mayor to the Secretary of the Treasury. Part 3: Miscellaneous Conforming and Administrative Provisions - Makes provisions of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 and the District of Columbia Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act of 1978 inapplicable to the District courts. Subtitle E: Pretrial Services Agency and Public Defender Service - Makes technical changes to administrative provisions regarding the District's Pretrial Services Agency and Public Defender Service. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to the National Institute of Justice for activities to assess the crime problem in the District and to establish a corporation or institute supporting research and demonstration projects for the prevention, solution, or punishment of crimes in the District. (Sec. 382) Exempts the Trustees described in this title and their respective agencies from personnel or budget limitations which otherwise apply to District agencies. Title IV: Privatization of Tax Collection and Administration - Authorizes the District's Chief Financial Officer to enter into contracts with a private entity for the administration and collection of District taxes. Title V: Financing of District of Columbia Accumulated Deficit - Amends the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 1939 to permit intermediate-term advances of funds from the Treasury for purposes of assisting the District in liquidating the outstanding accumulated operating deficit of the District general fund existing as of September 30, 1997. Conditions such advances on actions by the District, including actions to demonstrate obligations to reimburse, inability to obtain credit elsewhere, and compliance with a financial plan and budget. Limits the aggregate of all advances to $500 million. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to require early reimbursement of the advance if the District is able to obtain credit elsewhere to refinance the unpaid balance without adversely affecting its financial stability. Title VI: Revenue Bonds - District of Columbia Revenue Bond Financing Authority Improvements Act of 1997 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to expand the list of activities for which revenue bonds may be issued. Authorizes the District Council to delegate authority to issue revenue bonds or other obligations to any District instrumentality. (Sec. 603) Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 to provide that the issuance of revenue bonds or other obligations shall not be considered to be borrowing. Title VII: District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation - Subtitle A: General Provisions - District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation Act of 1997 - Sets forth findings, purposes, and definitions with respect to economic development in the District. Subtitle B: District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation Charter - Establishes the District of Columbia Economic Development Corporation, a corporate instrumentality of the District. Subtitle C: Operations of the Corporation - Sets forth general powers of the Corporation. (Sec. 722) Requires the Corporation to establish a strategic plan for carrying out this title. (Sec. 723) Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) provide financial assistance for economic development projects; and (2) establish subsidiaries and revolving funds for providing different types of assistance. Sets forth conditions for assisting projects. (Sec. 724) Grants the Corporation power to acquire land through condemnation by eminent domain. (Sec. 725) Authorizes the Corporation to request the District government to give expedited consideration to applications for regulatory licenses, permits, and approvals for economic development projects assisted by the Corporation. Subtitle D: Capitalization and Finance - Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation. Requires a minimum amount to be provided to: (1) nonprofit organizations to finance job training, placement, and related activities for targeted District residents in those organizations; or (2) nonprofit third-party intermediaries to promote and finance such activities for targeted District residents in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Provides for a waiver of such requirement upon a vote and notification by the Corporation. (Sec. 732) Permits the Corporation to: (1) authorize the issuance of project revenue obligations and use the proceeds to provide financial assistance for projects; and (2) establish special or reserve funds for such purposes. Absolves the District and Federal Government of liability for such obligations and provides that issuance of such obligations shall not be considered as borrowing. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning legal actions, judicial review of financial assistance determinations, and the independent status of the Corporation. Exempts the Corporation from any budget or personnel limitations which would otherwise apply to the District. Subtitle F: Sunset Provisions - Sets forth provisions with respect to dissolution of the Corporation. Title VIII: District of Columbia Government Budget; Effective Date - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to repeal provisions that provide for the annual Federal payment to the District. Authorizes appropriations for a Federal contribution towards the costs of operating the District government of $140 million for FY 1998 and of such amounts as necessary for subsequent fiscal years. (Sec. 802) Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 to prohibit the District's expenditures from exceeding revenues in FY 1998 (currently, FY 1999). (Sec. 803) Permits the submission and approval of a joint consensus budget and financial plan for the District by the Mayor, Council, and the District Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Authority). (Sec. 804) Increases the District's borrowing limitation to allow amounts to be paid on obligations in any fiscal year to be up to 17 (currently, 14) percent of the District's revenues. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Regulatory Reform in the District of Columbia - Directs the Authority to: (1) review District regulations and analyze the extent to which such regulations inappropriately impair economic development and the financial stability and management efficiency of the District government; (2) review current processes for obtaining permits and applications and analyze the extent to which processes and their completion times vary from those in other jurisdictions; and (3) repeal or revise such regulations or processes, as appropriate. (Sec. 902) Repeals the Clean Air Compliance Fee Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (date of enactment), except for provisions which exempt the delivery of newspapers from gross sales and compensating-use taxes. (Sec. 903) Repeals the Act incorporating Group Hospitalization, Inc., on the date Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc., files articles of incorporation under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. (Sec. 904) Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to exempt from specified limitations on amounts or time periods contracts entered into: (1) by the Washington Convention Center Authority for preconstruction activities or project management, design, or construction; (2) by the District Water and Sewer Authority, other than those for sale or lease of the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant; and (3) for Federal highway improvement projects, at the option of the District Council. Subtitle B: Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 to permit the use of interest earned on accounts to promote the economic stability and management efficiency of the District government. (Sec. 912) Authorizes covered Federal law enforcement agencies to enter into cooperative agreements with the District Police Department to assist the Department in carrying out crime prevention and law enforcement activities. Establishes penalties for knowingly obstructing bridges between the District and Virginia. (Sec. 913) Permits garnishment of wages and other government remuneration of District employees. (Sec. 914) Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to authorize the District Water and Sewer Authority, beginning in FY 1997, to expend excess revenues for capital projects in fiscal years in which such revenues exceed estimated revenues. (Sec. 915) Requires heads of Federal agencies and the Architect of the Capitol to provide notice before carrying out activities that affect real property in the District. (Sec. 916) Changes the name of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. Subtitle C: Effective Date; General Provisions - Requires this Act to take effect on the later of October 1, 1997, or the day the Authority certifies that the financial plan and budget for FY 1998 meet specified requirements under title II of this Act. (Sec. 922) Authorizes Federal agencies to provide technical assistance to, and training for, District government personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Congratulates the people of India and Pakistan on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their nations' independence. Declares that the House of Representatives intends to send a delegation to India and Pakistan during such anniversary year to further enhance the mutual understanding among the United States, Pakistan, India, and among the Congress and the parliaments of those countries.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian and charitable activities. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a suitable gold medal. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Declares these medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates deposit of sale proceeds in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1997 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish in the National Park Service (NPS) a program to be known as the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom under which the Secretary shall: (1) produce and disseminate educational materials about the Railroad; (2) provide technical assistance to other government agencies, private entities, or the Governments of Canada, Mexico, or any appropriate Caribbean country to ensure coordination of Federal and non-Federal elements of the Network; and (3) regulate use of an official symbol for the Network. Includes within the Network: (1) NPS units or programs pertaining to the Railroad; (2) Federal, State, local, or privately-owned properties pertaining to the Railroad that have a verifiable connection to it and that are included or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places; and (3) governmental or nongovernmental facilities or programs of educational, research, or interpretive natures that are directly related to such Railroad. Prohibits amounts from being appropriated for the purposes of this Act except to the Secretary for carrying out his or her responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Worker Paycheck Fairness Act - Requires a labor union accepting payment of any dues or fees from an employee as a condition of employment to secure from each employee a prior, voluntary, written authorization for any portion of such dues or fees which will be used for activities not necessary to performing the duties of exclusive representation in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. Gives employees a right of civil action against any labor union which violates this requirement. Requires employers to post notice relating to such requirement. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to require every labor union to attribute and report expenses by function classification in detail necessary to allow its members to determine whether such expenses were necessary to performing the duties of exclusive representation in dealing with the employer on labor-management issues. Requires disclosure under such Act to employees required to pay any union dues or fees (under a union security agreement) as well as to union members.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Members of the House of Representatives and Habitat for Humanity, with support from the National Partners in Homeownership, should sponsor and construct, commencing on June 5, 1997, two homes in the Anacostia neighborhood of the District of Columbia, each to be known as a "House That Congress Built"; (2) each house should be constructed primarily by Members and their families and staffs with the participation of the family that will own the home, involving and symbolizing the partnership of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors of society; (3) upon completion and initial occupancy of the homes in the fall of 1997, the Members, their families and staffs, each family that will own each house, and local and national leaders from the public and private nonprofit sectors of society should participate in an event to celebrate the occasion; (4) the Members and their families and staff should participate in similar house building activities of Habitat for Humanity in their own districts as part of National Homeownership Week; and (5) these occasions should be used to emphasize the importance of providing decent homes for all of the people in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) to secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience, the people's right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, or traditions on public property, including schools, shall not be infringed; and (2) the Government shall not require any person to join in prayer or other religious activity, initiate or designate school prayers, discriminate against religion, or deny equal access to a benefit on account of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1997
Expresses support for: (1) the work of the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and all the Federal, State, and local entities and other interested groups that are preparing bicentennial activities to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition; and (2) the events to be held in observance of the Expedition at Council Bluff near present-day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, at St. Louis, Missouri, and at Bismarck, North Dakota, and many other cities during such observance. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the National Park Service, American Indian tribes, other public officials, and U.S. citizens to support, promote, and participate in the many bicentennial activities being planned to commemorate the Expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Extends congressional gratitude to Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope for his accomplishments and service on behalf of U.S. military service members. Confers upon Mr. Hope the status of an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Child Abuse and Neglect Enforcement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to provide for a ten percent reduction of drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants to States that do not have in effect throughout the State a law requiring that a designated law enforcement agency make available to child protective and child welfare workers timely criminal conviction information and protection orders based on a claim of domestic or child abuse to the same extent as such information is made available to law enforcement officers in such State. Sets forth provisions regarding redistribution of funds. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations to ensure compliance. (Sec. 3) Amends title XIX of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for FY 1999 and subsequent fiscal years, to make a grant to a State for prevention and treatment of substance abuse only if such State requires by law or regulation that: (1) each newborn infant born in the State be tested for physical dependence on any drug, fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol effects, the presence of alcohol, and the presence of drugs that are associated with substance abuse; and (2) if the newborn tests positive under any such test, the principal State or local agency with responsibility for the protection of children be notified. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) delayed applicability for certain States; and (2) reduction of a State's allotment for noncompliance. (Sec. 4) Amends: (1) the Safe Streets Act to authorize the use of Byrne grants to enforce child abuse and neglect laws and programs; and (2) the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to increase the set aside for child abuse victims. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to the Congress and the Secretary on reporting requirements under Federal laws relating to child abuse and neglect and under provisions of the Social Security Act relating to foster care and adoption assistance. Requires the Secretary to conduct an analysis of such report, including any appropriate recommendations for reducing the number of reporting requirements, and submit such analysis to the Congress within 90 days. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) child advocacy centers play a vital role in interviewing, treating, and assisting victims of child abuse; (2) such centers are often responsible for intervening in a number of potentially dangerous domestic violence situations and thus preventing such violence or other incidents; and (3) it is appropriate to increase funding for such centers under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 30th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to affirm publicly as a matter of U.S. policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel. Urges U.S. officials to refrain from any actions that contradict this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Small Business Partnership Protection Act - Provides that the application of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code concerning the definition of net earnings from self-employment of a limited partner shall be determined without regard to any regulation, ruling, or other guidance issued after January 9, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Internal Revenue Service Accountability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a fine or imprisonment upon any U.S. officer or employee who willfully and maliciously disregards any revenue law or related regulation relating to any proceeding against a taxpayer. Allows, if litigation costs are awarded, a portion of the costs to be assessed against any current or former Internal Revenue Service officer or employee (prohibiting Government reimbursement) if the proceeding resulted from any arbitrary, capricious, or malicious act of the officer or employee. Allows Government defense of the officer or employee, but makes the officer or employee liable for defense costs if the employee is found liable for litigation costs. Imposes similar liabilities regarding civil damages for a failure to release a lien or for certain unauthorized collection actions. Amends provisions allowing civil damages for disclosure of returns and return information to allow the damages for access as well as disclosure and apply the provisions to former as well as current officers and employees. Provides for dismissal from office or discharge from employment, a fine or imprisonment, and costs of prosecution for unauthorized access. Prohibits unauthorized access and, on discovery of unauthorized access, requires immediate taxpayer notification. Requires reasonable justification (not random selection) for examining a return. Prohibits, except on court approval, a second examination of a return or extending an examination back beyond three taxable years. Extends from 21 to 90 calendar days after notice and demand the deadline to pay a tax required to be shown on certain returns but not shown. Allows a district court to rule on a decision by the Secretary of the Treasury to not acquiesce regarding conclusions of law in identical, similar, or previously-decided cases. Requires court consent for a levy to collect a tax. Prohibits interest on assessable penalties, additional amounts, or additions to tax. Sets the interest rate for overpayments and underpayments (the same rate for both). Modifies requirements regarding abatement of interest, penalties, additional amounts, or additions to tax attributable to a mathematical or clerical error.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Credit Union Membership Access Act - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to limit Federal credit union membership to one or more groups each of which has a common bond within such group.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) any bilateral or international agreement that imposes certain performance, testing, and deployment limits on U.S. missile defense systems would not be in the national security interests of the United States; (2) no additional international agreements are required to deploy such systems; and (3) the Congress will not be receptive to any agreement that serves to reduce the potential of U.S. theater missile defense systems to defend the U.S. armed forces abroad or the armed forces or population of allies of the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Gingrich, Newt [R-GA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000225_200.jpg)