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United States · Official source
2,121 records where Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax rate on tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Fairness in the Workplace Commission Act - Establishes the National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace, which shall examine and report to the Congress on: (1) the growing corporate practice of providing wages and benefit levels for part-time and temporary employees which are lower than the wage and benefit levels provided to full-time employees who perform essentially identical work; (2) how the use of part-time and temporary employees has affected wage and benefit levels, employee job insecurity, and employee productivity; (3) the reasons that workers' wages have not kept pace with corporate profits and economic growth; (4) the reasons for the widening median wage gap between working men and working women; and (5) the reasons for the consistent discrepancy in the average wage of minority populations in comparison to the average wage of white Americans. Requires the Commission to develop policy options for the Congress to address the problems identified in the examination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Caucasus Peace and Stability Act of 1997 - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) promote a negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict through active participation in the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); (2) act as an impartial mediator, facilitating direct talks between Nagorno-Karabagh and Azerbaijan, and remain neutral on the status and security issues being negotiated by the parties to the conflict; (3) not take any action that would jeopardize the ongoing efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict; and (4) foster confidence-building measures and help create incentives for peace which will lead to a lasting and equitable long-term settlement of the conflict. Sets forth the following prohibitions and requirements if the Government of Azerbaijan is engaging in armed aggression or renewed use of force against Armenia or Nagorno-Karabagh. Prohibits any U.S. person from operating or investing in Azerbaijan or trading in goods or services from Azerbaijan. Prohibits issuance of a license under the Arms Export Control Act for the export to Azerbaijan of any defense or dual-use article, service, or other technology. Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution of which the United States is a member to use the U.S. voice and vote to oppose any loan or other utilization of the funds of the respective institutions to or from Azerbaijan. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions or requirements on a case-by-case basis if it is important to the U.S. national interest to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
United States-Caucasus Policy Act of 1997 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize specified assistance, including humanitarian, economic, migration and refugee, development, security, and technical assistance, to the countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) and of Central Asia (Kazakstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to: (1) promote sovereignty and independence, democratic government, and respect for human rights; (2) assist in the resolution of regional conflicts and re-opening of closed borders; (3) promote economic cooperation and market-oriented principles; (4) assist in the development of infrastructure necessary for communications, transportation, and energy and trade on an East-West axis in order to build strong relations and commerce between those countries and the democratic, market-oriented countries of the Euro-Atlantic community; and (5) support U.S. business interests and investments in the region. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use all diplomatic means to press for an equitable, fair, and permanent resolution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenia and Azerbaijan) and other regional conflicts. (Sec. 5) Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States should, where appropriate, support the establishment of neutral, multinational peacekeeping forces to implement peace agreements reached between belligerents in the countries of the South Caucasus. Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) assist the countries of the South Caucasus to develop laws and regulations that would facilitate the ability of those countries to join the World Trade Organization; (2) provide permanent nondiscriminatory trade treatment (most-favored-nation status) to such countries; and (3) consider the establishment of zero-to-zero tariffs between them and the United States. Declares the sense of the Congress that the U.S. representatives to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should encourage lending to the countries of the South Caucasus to assist the development of the physical infrastructure necessary for regional economic cooperation. Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States should encourage and assist the development of regional military cooperation among the countries of the South Caucasus through programs such as the Central Asian Battalion and the Partnership for Peace of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Declares the sense of the Congress that the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty should maintain high quality broadcasting for the maximum duration possible in the native languages of the countries of the South Caucasus. Prohibits, unless important to the U.S. national interest, assistance to such countries if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that they: (1) are engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) have established any border closure or use of an economic blockade; (3) have knowingly transferred controlled missile or missile technology to another country, or any equipment or technology that would contribute to the ability of such country to manufacture weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons); (4) have supported acts of international terrorism; (5) are prohibited from receiving such assistance by specified Acts; or (6) have initiated an act of aggression against another state in the region. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to report annually to appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exclude from the definition of limited partnership rollup transaction any combination of a single limited partnership or multiple limited partnerships whose real estate assets consist solely of partial interests in the same property, with an unaffiliated issuer of securities. States that such a combination is not conditioned upon the completion of any other acquisition transaction, in exchange for securities (or a combination or alternative offer of securities and cash), if the securities issued in the combination to the limited partners in the combining partnership or partnerships represent ten percent or less of a class of securities that is, or will be upon notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange or the National Market System of the Nasdaq Stock Market (or any successor to such entities) and are part of a class of securities so listed for a year or more.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the low-income State housing credit ceiling amount; and (2) provide for a cost-of-living adjustment for such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Collegiate Initiative To Reduce Binge Drinking - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that college and university administrators should adopt a specified code of principles in an effort to change the culture of alcohol consumption on college campuses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Indoor Air Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish: (1) a list of common significant indoor air health risks; and (2) concurrently with such list, voluntary guidelines for identifying, reducing, and preventing such risks. Requires the Administrator to give priority to conducting and providing financial or other assistance to studies concerning indoor air quality. Directs the Administrator to: (1) report to the Congress on persons operating contractor businesses engaged in the identification, reduction, and prevention of significant indoor air health risks and on the need for a program to certify contractors engaged in such activities; and (2) establish a voluntary certification program for contractors engaged in the identification of such risks. Imposes fees for certification. Authorizes the suspension or revocation of certifications for violations of certification requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish and disseminate the list of common significant indoor air health risks, the guidelines for identifying, reducing, and preventing such risks, and indoor air health advisories addressing the health effects of such risks. Requires the Administrator to develop a voluntary program to provide Federal recognition to buildings that are operated and maintained to prevent or minimize such risks and that provide significant energy efficiency benefits. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States and local governments to implement programs to identify, reduce, and prevent such risks. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to implement a Building Assessment Program to provide assistance and guidance to employers and employees on measures to reduce such risks. Authorizes the Director, at the request of an employer or employee, to conduct on-site assessments of buildings. Directs the Administrator to ensure that the presentation of information on significant indoor air health risks is unbiased and informative. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Elder Care Safety Act of 1997 - Declares that a nursing facility (including a skilled nursing facility), home health agency, or hospice program (covered facility) under the Medicare and Medicaid programs of titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act may not: (1) employ an individual as a nurse or home health aide unless the facility has requested from the State nurse and home health aide registry a background check (including a criminal as well as an abusive work history background check); or (2) continue to employ such an individual if the background check report reveals a conviction of a disqualifying crime. Requires the covered facility to report to such registry documented findings of patient abuse by a nurse or home health aide. Imposes civil penalties upon covered facilities that violate such requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish methods by which State nurse and home health registries can pool and share criminal background check summaries and documented findings of patient abuse (national registry coordination system). Requires each State to expand its Medicare and Medicaid nurse aide registry in order to carry out such background checks and other related functions, including reporting of summary information to the national registry coordination system. Sets forth procedures for criminal and abusive work history background checks. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a patient abuse prevention and training demonstration project; and (2) report to the Congress recommendations on whether minimum nurse and home health aide personnel-to-patient levels should be required to avoid patient abuse and, if so, the levels for different types of covered facilities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons 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. Excludes from identification in such reports any such persons who were previously identified or sanctioned, who are subject to a waiver, or who have acted on behalf of, or in concert with, the United States. 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 on the basis of U.S. national security or additional information demonstrating that the sanctioned person did not commit the acts alleged. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should exercise the authority granted to him under the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 to prevent: (1) the transfer through purchase, barter, or other acquisition of weapons-related material and delivery systems to Iran; and (2) the transfer to Iran of scientific and technical expertise with respect to such material and systems. Authorizes the use of certain assistance, otherwise available for the independent states of the former Soviet Union under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to prevent such transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income scholarship amounts received for certain teaching, research, or other services by an individual under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) initiate, and report to specified congressional committees on, an inquiry on the extent to which a certain differential fee decision (relating to the per subscriber per month royalty fee for the retransmission of superstation and distant network signals by direct-to-home satellite service providers) constitutes an impediment to the development of effective market competition for multichannel video programming distribution; and (2) based on such inquiry, make necessary regulatory changes. Includes direct-to-home satellite services under provisions protecting telecommunications services from piracy. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from taking any action to implement or enforce the differential fee decision until 120 days after FCC submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Sound Science for the Environment Act - Authorizes and directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a National Institute for the Environment to: (1) initiate, facilitate, and perform comprehensive assessments of the current state of knowledge of environmental issues and their implications; (2) establish a Center for Environmental Assessment; (3) award competitively grants and contracts for extramural scientific research; (4) establish an Office of Research and a universally accessible National Library for the Environment; and (5) sponsor education and training of environmental scientists and professionals and improve public environmental literacy. Establishes a Board of Governors for the Institute. Requires the Institute to be operated by a nonprofit organization under contract with the NSF. Provides for interagency acquisition of information and requires the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council or an equivalent body to serve as an Interagency Advisory Committee to ensure that the scientific efforts of the Institute and Federal agencies are complementary. Makes scientists, engineers, and other researchers eligible to receive funding from the Institute. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Recognizes the historic significance of the fiftieth anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Commends the Israeli people for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the motion picture industry should discourage youth tobacco use by eliminating the use of tobacco products in its productions, except for productions that portray the dangers of tobacco use.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Requires the pay and benefits for members and civilian employees of the Capitol Police to be determined in accordance with a pay scale and benefit package established by the Capitol Police Board and equivalent to the package applicable to members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division. Makes such package effective only upon approval of the Committee on House Oversight and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to States or units of local government to purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers; and (2) give preferential consideration to applications from jurisdictions that have the greatest need, a mandatory wear policy, and a violent crime rate at or above the national average. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds and allocation of funds, State and local applications, and grant application renewal. Prohibits any State or unit of local government that receives financial assistance made available by this Act from purchasing equipment or products manufactured using prison inmate labor. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should, in expending such assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a limited tax credit to a first-time purchaser of a principal residence in an enterprise zone or an empowerment community.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the credit for increasing research activities. Increases the alternative incremental credit rates.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
National Forest Protection and Restoration Act of 1997 - Prohibits commercial logging and timber sales (with specified exceptions) on Federal public lands, with a two-year phase-out for existing contracts. Provides for payment of relinquished contracts. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to each establish a National Heritage Restoration Corps to restore such lands to their natural pre-logging condition. Provides for worker retraining of eligible persons whose jobs have been lost due to terminated timber and logging contracts. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make training grants, including grants for job search and relocation. Sets forth fund allocation provisions, including amounts for an Environmental Protection Agency investigation of non-wood paper and construction alternatives.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Urges the President to undertake efforts to end restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of the enclaved people of Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Paul E. Tsongas Fellowship Act - Establishes Paul E. Tsongas Doctoral Fellowships for study and research in fields of science or engineering that relate to energy or the environment such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer science, materials science, environmental science, behavioral science, and social sciences at institutions proposed by applicants for such fellowships. Creates the Paul E. Tsongas Fellowship Board to: (1) establish general policies for the program and oversee its operation; (2) establish general criteria for awarding fellowships; (3) award fellowships; and (4) submit to the Congress at least once in every three-year period a report on any modifications in the program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
International Child Labor Elimination Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to annually identify foreign countries that do not prohibit child labor, or that have laws prohibiting child labor but do not enforce them, and those industries in such countries in which child labor is used. Prohibits U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance to identified countries, with specified exceptions. Authorizes appropriations for a U.S. contribution to the International Labor Organization for the activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
International Child Labor Elimination Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Labor annually to identify foreign countries that do not prohibit child labor, or that have laws prohibiting child labor but do not enforce them, and those industries in such countries in which child labor is used. Prohibits: (1) the entry into the United States of any article that is a product of child labor; and (2) U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance to identified countries, with specified exceptions. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for a U.S. contribution to the International Labor Organization for the activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Condemns the Abacha dictatorship in Nigeria for acts of political intimidation and personal harassment against U.S. Ambassador Walter Carrington. Calls for: (1) the Department of State to take measures to ensure the physical safety of the U.S. Ambassador and Embassy staff in Nigeria; and (2) stronger U.S. sanctions against the Nigerian dictatorship of Sani Abacha.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1997
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to require (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of past-due benefits awarded to an individual in a veterans' claims adjudication, to direct that the payment of attorney's fees (not to exceed 20 percent of such award) be made out of such past due benefits.
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 · 25 September 1997
Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Prohibits any surety from discriminating against any applicant based upon specified factors. Establishes: (1) civil liability for violation of this Act; and (2) administrative enforcement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to repeal specified provisions which provide for the tax treatment of certain tax-exempt organizations which provide commercial-type insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Calls upon the Senate to act swiftly and expeditiously to give its advice and consent to ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Condemns the violations of international humanitarian law by the Taliban coalition in Afghanistan, the reported cases of stoning, public executions, and street beatings, and the Taliban's targeted discrimination against women and girls. Urges the Taliban and all other parties in Afghanistan to cease providing safe haven to suspected terrorists or permitting Afghan territory to be used for terrorist training. Affirms the need for peace negotiations and expresses hope that the Afghan parties will agree to a cease-fire. Urges the President to: (1) continue to monitor the human rights situation in Afghanistan; (2) call for adherence to international humanitarian law by all Afghan factions; (3) call for an end to the systematic discrimination and harassment of women and girls in Afghanistan; (4) encourage efforts to procure a durable peace in Afghanistan and support the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan led by Lakhdar Brahimi to assist in brokering a peaceful resolution to years of conflict; (5) call upon the Government of Pakistan to use its influence with the Taliban to cease human rights violations, end provision of safe haven to terrorists and terrorist training camps, and reverse discriminatory policies against women and girls; (6) call upon all nations to cease providing financial assistance, arms, and other kinds of support to the militaries or political organizations of any factions that abuse human rights in Afghanistan; and (7) support efforts by non-Taliban organizations in Afghanistan and moderate Taliban organizations and individuals to establish a cessation of hostilities and a transitional multiparty government leading to freedom, respect for human rights, and free and fair elections.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Supports National Mammography Day and urges all American women to take an active role in the fight against breast cancer by all means available to them. Calls for recognition of the role played by community organizations and health care providers in promoting awareness of the importance of regular mammograms and in helping to expand the availability of low-cost mammograms.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Amends rule XXXII (admission to the floor) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to replace provisions entitling ex-Members of the House to the privilege of admission to the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto if they are not in the employ of, or do not represent, any party or organization for the purpose of influencing action on pending legislation with provisions denying admission to any registered lobbyist except an ex-Member to attend ceremonial functions attended by other ex-Members.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1997
Urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to: (1) release all political prisoners, including Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Professor Doan Viet Hoat, Venerable Thich Quang Do, Reverend Pham Minh Tri, and evangelist To Dinh Trung, with full restoration of their civil and human rights; (2) permit all political organizations in Vietnam to function without intimidation or harassment; and (3) announce a framework and timetable for free and fair elections of local and national leaders. Requests the President to make clear to such Government: (1) the firm commitment of the American people to political, religious, and economic freedom for the people of Vietnam; and (2) that the United States fully expects equal protection under the law to all Vietnamese.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1997
Condemns the violence committed by paramilitary groups on both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland and by agents of the British Government as illegal, unjust, and inhumane. Commends and supports those in the British and Irish Governments who are building on the accomplishments of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, the Joint Declaration, and the Framework Documents by bringing the various political parties into the current negotiations and creating an environment in which negotiations may be reached expeditiously through inclusive talks. Declares that: (1) respect for human rights must now be at the heart of the peace process; (2) all participants at the multiparty talks must rededicate themselves to restoring civil rights and respecting human rights in Northern Ireland if a peace agreement is to have lasting value; (3) any peace agreement in Northern Ireland must recognize the state's obligation to protect human rights in all circumstances; (4) the establishment of a bill of rights for the people of Northern Ireland may advance and strengthen the peace process; (5) the multiparty negotiations should consider the feasibility of establishing an independent "Truth Commission" to look into outstanding cases of human rights abuses, giving special consideration to those who have been unable to obtain full disclosure about how their loved ones met their deaths; (6) the British Government should initiate a new independent inquiry into the deaths of civilians on "Bloody Sunday," repeal emergency legislation that limits internationally recognized individual human rights, and establish an independent complaints mechanism for the review of citizen inquiries regarding alleged abuses of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and other security forces; (7) there should be a mechanism by which all defense solicitors will have a vigorous independent investigation of threats they receive; (8) those who report threats of violence should be accorded effective protection; and (9) plastic bullets should be withdrawn from use.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1997
Amends Federal transportation law to require foreign air carriers to transmit to the Secretary of Transportation and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a plan for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents involving foreign air carriers and a significant loss of life. Requires such a plan to include: (1) publicizing a reliable, toll-free telephone number and staff to take calls from families of passengers involved in such an accident; (2) a process for notifying such families as soon as possible, and in person to the extent practicable, before providing any public notice of the passengers' names; (3) an assurance that each passenger's family will be consulted about the disposition of any remains and personal effects (including return to the family) within the foreign air carrier's control; (4) an assurance of retention by the foreign air carrier of unclaimed possessions for at least 18 months; and (5) an assurance of other specified services. Makes inclusion of such a plan in the application for a foreign air transportation permit, or exemption from the requirement of a permit, a condition for permit or exemption approval. Declares that a foreign air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the foreign air carrier's performance in preparing or providing a passenger list pursuant to such a plan, unless the liability was caused by any conduct of the carrier which was grossly negligent or which constituted intentional misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Landmine Elimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits Federal agencies from funding any new deployments of anti-personnel landmines as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on actions and proposals to substitute for new deployments of such landmines on the Korean Peninsula. Authorizes the President to delay implementation of the funding proscription with respect to the Korean Peninsula if he certifies annually to the Congress that new deployments of anti-personnel landmines on such Peninsula would be indispensable to the defense of the Republic of Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding protection of vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants. Defines "vulnerable subpopulations" as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) consistently and explicitly evaluate environmental health risks to vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental and public health standards, and general regulatory decisions; (2) ensure that all EPA standards protect such subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (3) develop and use a separate assessment with respect to such subpopulations; and (4) issue revised standards, after reevaluation, that meet the criteria of this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas reasonably accessible to children; (2) create and review at least annually a list of substances with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate exposure to pollutants in such areas, including advice on integrated pest management; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; and (5) make all information described above publicly available. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Expresses: (1) admiration and respect for the life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta; and (2) sympathy to the Missionaries of Charity with regard to her death.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Joins the Hellenic and the Armenian American communities in honoring the memory of the victims of Smyrna in 1922 and the millions of Orthodox Christians who perished in the genocidal campaign in Asia Minor from 1894 to 1923. Calls for: (1) the United States to encourage the Republic of Turkey to take all appropriate steps to acknowledge these crimes against humanity and commemorate the victims at Smyrna; and (2) the restoration and preservation of an accurate history of such events so that such atrocities may never be repeated.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Substance Abuse Treatment Parity Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require parity and nondiscriminatory application of treatment limitations and financial requirements to substance abuse treatment benefits under private group and individual health plans which offer such treatment benefits in addition to medical and surgical benefits. Exempts from this Act small employers with 50 or fewer employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Secret Tobacco Giveaway Repeal Act - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, to repeal the provision crediting the increase in excise taxes on certain tobacco products against payments made pursuant to specified tobacco industry settlement legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 Title II: Tax Incentives Title III: Authorization of Appropriations Endangered Species Recovery Act of 1997 - Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to include within the definition of "species" the last remaining distinct population segment in the United States of any plant or invertebrate species. States that "interim habitat" includes habitat necessary to support either current populations of a species or populations necessary to ensure survival, whichever is larger. (Sec. 102) Revises requirements regarding designation of critical habitat to require the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce, as appropriate, to designate: (1) interim habitat concurrently with making a determination that a species is endangered or threatened; (2) critical habitat concurrently with adoption of a final recovery plan for a species; and (3) interim and critical habitat in the case of a highly migratory marine species. Requires the Secretary to designate interim habitat based only on biological factors, giving special consideration to habitat currently occupied by the species. (Sec. 103) Establishes a schedule for publishing species listing determinations. (Sec. 105) Provides for draft and final recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Expands plan provisions to require: (1) provisions for conservation in the recovery plan area of all endangered or threatened species, candidate species, and species proposed for such listing; (2) descriptions of actions likely to violate taking or jeopardy prohibitions; (3) a list of Federal agencies, States, tribes, and local government entities significantly affected by plan goals or management actions that should complete a recovery implementation plan; and (4) the selection of independent scientists to determine criteria for making determinations to remove a species from the list. Directs Federal agencies significantly affected by plan goals or management actions to develop and implement recovery implementation plans required to: (1) identify affirmative conservation duties and management responsibilities to contribute to achievement of plan goals; (2) set forth specific actions, timetables, and funding to achieve and monitor progress of goals or responsibilities; and (3) identify lands or waters under agency jurisdiction that may provide suitable habitat for the species and actions needed to acquire additional habitat or contribute to species recovery on agency lands or waters. (Sec. 106) Includes Indian tribes in the definition of "State" for purposes of provisions regarding cooperative agreements and funding for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. (Sec. 107) Requires Federal agencies to monitor the status and trends of endangered, threatened, and candidate species that occur on lands or waters under their administration. Directs Federal agencies, in cases where certain authorized takings of endangered or threatened species of a marine mammal are involved, to: (1) report to the Secretary every two years on the amount of incidental take that has occurred as a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact; and (2) reinitiate consultation with the Secretary if the amount authorized has been exceeded. Applies provisions regarding interagency cooperation and consultation to species in a foreign country or on the high seas. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure timely conclusion of Federal consultations regarding listing of species. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to limit the duration of certain permits issued for acts or takings otherwise prohibited as necessary to ensure that changes in circumstances that could occur in the period and that would jeopardize the continued existence of species are reasonably foreseeable. Expands elements of conservation plans required to be submitted by applicants for permits authorizing takings. Adds to the list of conditions required to be met for permit issuance that the activities authorized by the permit and conservation plan are consistent with species recovery and will result in no net loss of the value to the species of the habitat occupied. Requires annual reports by the permittee on the biological status of the species in the affected area, on permitted action and habitat conservation plan impacts on the species, and on whether the plan's biological goals are being met. Revokes permits for noncompliance with permit conditions or this Act or for exceeding the authorized level of take. Requires the Secretary, using financial security provided by the permittee and the Habitat Conservation Fund, to undertake to conserve species where a permittee defaults on permit or plan obligations. Directs the Secretary to implement a streamlined application and approval procedure for incidental take permits and plans determined to be low effect, small scale plans. Lists criteria to be met for consideration as a low effect, small scale plan. Provides for monitoring of such plans and requires the Secretary to pay costs of implementing additional requirements or restrictions to ensure that actions authorized by such plans do not jeopardize the continued existence of any species determined to be endangered or threatened after such a plan was approved. Sets forth requirements for the deposit of performance bonds and other financial security by incidental take permit (other than low effect, small scale) applicants. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Plan Fund for: (1) paying the costs of additional conservation measures and restrictions for species recovery not covered by, or occurring as a result of failure of, plans; (2) permitting costs; and (3) restoring natural resources with respect to which damages are deposited. Requires the Secretary to encourage the development of multiple landowner, multispecies conservation plans, including by streamlining permitting processes across State and local jurisdictions. Sets forth requirements for incidental take certificates issued by such jurisdictions. Provides for public participation in the development of such plans and directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing a development process which ensures an equitable balance of participation among citizens with primary interests in economic development activities that may affect species conservation, and species conservation, respectively. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to invite independent scientists with expertise on species that may be affected by the plan to provide input. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community Assistance Program to provide timely and accurate information to local governments or property owners. Requires the Secretary, under such Program, to assign to each U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office employees whose duties include providing information on impacts of actions under, and assistance on compliance with, the Act and serving as a focal point for questions, requests, complaints, and suggestions from property owners and local governments. (Sec. 109) Expands the list of violations for which citizen suits may be brought to include violations of any permit, the Secretary's opinion statement regarding the impact of Federal agency actions on species and proposed conservation actions, or any agreement concluded under the Act. Makes certain time frames for bringing actions inapplicable to actions brought for emergencies posing a significant risk to any endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife, or plant (or those proposed for listing). (Sec. 110) Makes persons who negligently damage any member or habitat of an endangered or threatened species liable to the United States and a State for the costs incurred in restoring or replacing the member or habitat. Title II: Tax Incentives - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into endangered species conservation agreements with owners or lessees of real property on which conservation measures for endangered, threatened, or candidate species or species proposed for listing are to be carried out. Requires the Secretary to establish a technical assistance program in cooperation with the States to assist landowners with such agreements. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the value of a taxable estate be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate an amount equal to the value of real property included in the gross estate which is subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Provides for recapture in certain cases. (Sec. 203) Allows an additional tax deduction for State and local real property taxes imposed on real property subject to such agreements. (Sec. 204) Allows a tax credit for costs incurred in connection with such agreements. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 1997, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date. Requires the Secretary to publish such increases in the Federal Register at the same time that the social security increases are required to be published.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Latin America Security Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should work with our Latin American allies to institute a two-year regional moratorium on their acquisition of attack, bomber, or fighter aircraft; (2) such moratorium will provide an opportunity for the Latin American governments to begin to negotiate a conventional arms restraint regime that would meet their security concerns without spending scarce economic resources or sparking an arms race; and (3) the President should urge aircraft supplier nations to comply with such moratorium. Prohibits the sale, lease, or other transfer of any attack, bomber, or fighter aircraft to a Latin American country, except during a presidentially determined emergency involving vital U.S. national interests.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Homeless Assistance Performance Fund Title II: Management Improvements: Home and Hope for Homeownership of Single Family Homes Programs Homelessness Assistance and Management Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Homeless Assistance Performance Fund - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants for eligible projects to assist homeless individuals and families in support of continuum of care systems. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth related program provisions. Title II: Management Improvements; Home and Hope for Homeownership of Single Family Homes Programs - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act with respect to the HOME investment partnership and HOPE for home ownership of single family homes programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Authorizes use of the rotunda of the Capitol on October 21, 1997, for a ceremony to allow Members of Congress to greet and receive His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, the 270th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Expresses: (1) condolences for the loss of life and the serious injuries suffered in the terrorist bombing in the Jerusalem market on July 30, 1997; and (2) the solidarity of the American people with the people of Israel. Reaffirms: (1) the determination of the Congress to join with the Government of Israel in fighting against international terrorism; and (2) the commitment of the Congress to the peace process in the Middle East. Urges: (1) Yassir Arafat and officials of the Palestinian Authority to bring to justice leaders of terrorist organizations and extremist groups and to eliminate all weapons and explosives in their hands; (2) all parties to work together to bring lasting peace and security without violence and terrorism to the Middle East; and (3) the President and appropriate executive agencies to provide all appropriate assistance to the Government of Israel to provide medical and other assistance to the victims of this terrorist act, to bring to justice the terrorist leaders behind this and similar acts of violence, and to work to prevent such terrorist acts in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 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.