United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
Urges the President to renegotiate the Extradition Treaty Between the United States and Mexico so that the possibility of capital punishment will not interfere with the timely extradition of criminal suspects from Mexico to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1998
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Gainesville, Florida, as the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1998
Disapproves the President's determination contained in the foreign assistance certification submitted to the Congress on February 26, 1998, that Mexico has cooperated fully with the United States to achieve full compliance with the goals and objectives established by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Waives requirements of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. assistance and to vote against multilateral development bank assistance to Mexico until March 1, 1999, if at any time after this Act's enactment the President submits to the Congress a determination and certification that vital U.S. national interests so require.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998
Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish annually in the Federal Register a list of requirements applicable to small business concerns with respect to collection of information by agencies. Requires each Federal agency, with respect to the collection of information and the control of paperwork: (1) to establish one agency point of contact to act as a liaison with small businesses; (2) in the case of a first-time information collection violation by a small business which does not cause actual serious harm to the public health or safety, to impose no civil fine on such business if the violation is corrected within six months of violation notification; and (3) if a violation presents an imminent and substantial danger to public health or safety, to impose no civil fine if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after violation notification. Allows an agency to waive the suspension of such fines after congressional notification. Excludes the Internal Revenue Service as a Federal agency for purposes of (2) and (3), above. Establishes a task force to study and report to specified congressional committee members on the feasibility of streamlining requirements with respect to small businesses regarding the collection of information.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that a bill to increase the internal revenue shall laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the whole of the number of that House, unless the bill does not increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not take military action against Iraq unless that action is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of the adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 24 February 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Description of Retirement Coverage Errors to Which This Act Applies and Measures for Their Rectification Subtitle A: Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS Covered or CSRS-Offset Covered Instead Subtitle B: Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, CSRS-Offset Covered, or CSRS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously Social Security-Only Covered Instead Subtitle C: Employee Who Should Have Been Social Security-Only Covered, But Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered, CSRS-Offset Covered, or CSRS Covered Instead Subtitle D: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered or CSRS-Offset Covered, But Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered Instead Subtitle E: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS-Offset Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS Covered Subtitle F: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered Instead Subtitle G: Additional Provisions Relating to Government Agencies Title II: General Provisions Title III: Other Provisions Title IV: Tax Provisions Federal Retirement Coverage Corrections Act - Applies this Act to any retirement coverage error that occurs before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act, excluding any error corrected within one year after the date on which it occurs. Limits the application of the amendments of this Act to any retirement coverage of any individual beginning on or after January 1, 1984. Title I: Description of Retirement Coverage Errors to Which This Act Applies and Measures for Their Rectification - Subtitle A: Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS Covered or CSRS-Offset Covered Instead - Permits any Federal employee, who should be Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) covered, but who is erroneously CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) covered or CSRS-Offset covered instead to elect to: (1) be FERS covered instead; or (2) remain or instead become CSRS-Offset covered. Permits an employee affected by such an error that has been corrected, to elect to: (1) be CSRS-Offset covered instead; or (2) remain FERS covered. (Sec. 102) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to be transferred from: (1) CSRS to FERS; (2) CSRS-Offset to FERS; or (3) CSRS to CSRS-Offset. (Sec. 105) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to be restored (or transferred) to CSRS-Offset after having been corrected to FERS from CSRS-Offset (or CSRS). Subtitle B: Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, CSRS- Offset Covered, or CSRS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously Social Security-Only Covered Instead - Permits any Federal employee who should be FERS covered, CSRS-Offset covered, or CSRS covered, but who is erroneously Social Security-Only covered instead to elect to: (1) be FERS covered as well, CSRS-Offset covered as well, or CSRS covered instead (as applicable); or (2) remain Social Security-Only covered. Requires, not later than six months after the enactment of this Act, for a proposal, including any necessary draft legislation, to be submitted to the Congress permitting any employee affected by such an error (as applicable) that has already been corrected, but under less advantageous terms than would have been the case under this Act, to be afforded an opportunity to obtain treatment comparable to the treatment afforded under this Act. (Sec. 112) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to become: (1) FERS covered; (2) CSRS-Offset covered; or (3) CSRS covered. Subtitle C: Employee Who Should Have Been Social Security-Only Covered, But Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered, CSRS-Offset Covered, or CSRS Covered Instead - Permits any Federal employee who should be Social Security-Only covered, but who is erroneously FERS covered, CSRS-Offset covered, or CSRS covered instead to be automatically excluded from such coverage as applicable. (Sec. 124) Requires, not later than six months after the enactment of this Act, that a proposal, including any necessary draft legislation, be submitted to the Congress permitting any employee affected by such an error (as applicable) that has already been corrected, but under less advantageous terms than would have been the case under this Act, to be afforded an opportunity to obtain treatment comparable to the treatment afforded under this Act. (Sec. 125) Excepts employees whose rights have vested under FERS, CSRS, or CSRS-Offset (as according to this Act) from being automatically excluded under such coverage as applicable. Permits any employee who is erroneously vested: (1) under FERS, to elect to be automatically excluded from FERS or to remain FERS covered; and (2) in CSRS-Offset or CSRS, to elect to be automatically excluded from such coverage as applicable or to remain (or instead become) CSRS-Offset covered. Provides for the effect of an election of an employee who should be Social Security-Only covered, but who is erroneously CSRS covered, to instead become CSRS-Offset covered, to be the same as an election of any employee to be transferred from CSRS to CSRS-Offset. Sets forth a special rule in the case of a vested employee who is entitled to receive an annuity under CSRS or FERS based on disability, or compensation under the Federal Employees Compensation Act for injury to, or disability of, such employee. Subtitle D: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered or CSRS- Offset Covered, But Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered Instead - Permits any employee who should be CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered, but who is erroneously FERS covered instead at the time of making an election under this Act, to elect to: (1) be CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered instead as applicable; or (2) remain FERS covered. Permits an employee affected by such an error that has been corrected, to elect to: (1) be FERS covered instead; (2) remain CSRS covered (as applicable); or (3) remain CSRS-Offset covered (as applicable). (Sec. 132) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to be transferred from: (1) FERS to CSRS; or (2) FERS to CSRS-Offset. (Sec. 134) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to be restored to FERS after having been corrected to: (1) CSRS; or (2) CSRS-Offset. (Sec. 136) Disqualifies certain individuals to whom the same election was previously made available in connection with the same error. Subtitle E: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS-Offset Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS Covered Instead - Permits any employee who should be CSRS-Offset covered, but who is erroneously CSRS covered instead to be automatically transferred to CSRS-Offset covered. Provides that if the error has not been corrected, the employee shall be treated in the same way as if such employee had instead been CSRS-Offset covered. (Sec. 142) Requires that the effect of such an election be consistent with the effect of an election of any employee to be transferred from CSRS to CSRS-Offset. Subtitle F: Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered, But Who Was Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered Instead - Permits any employee who should be CSRS covered, but who is erroneously CSRS-Offset covered instead, to elect to: (1) be CSRS covered instead; or (2) remain CSRS-Offset covered. Permits an employee affected by such an error that has been corrected to elect to: (1) be CSRS-Offset covered instead; or (2) remain CSRS covered. (Sec. 152) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error to be transferred from CSRS-Offset to CSRS. (Sec. 153) Sets forth provisions regarding the effect of an election of any employee affected by such an error that has been corrected to be restored to CSRS-Offset after having been corrected to CSRS. Subtitle G: Additional Provisions Relating to Government Agencies - Sets forth additional provisions relating to Government agencies. Title II: General Provisions - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations under which Government agencies shall identify and notify all individuals who are affected by a retirement coverage error giving rise to any election or automatic change in retirement coverage under this Act. Requires notification respecting errors preceding the effective date for all regulations prescribed under this Act, to be completed by December 31, 2000. (Sec. 202) Entitles an individual aggrieved by a final determination under this Act to appeal such determination to the Merit Systems Protection Board. (Sec. 206) Requires any regulations necessary to carry out this Act to be prescribed by the OPM Director, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, the Social Security Commissioner, the Secretary of the Treasury, and any other appropriate authority, with respect to matters within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Provides for all such regulations to take effect six months after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 207) Requires all elections under this Act to be approved by OPM. Title III: Other Provisions - Sets forth provisions to permit continued conformity of certain Federal retirement systems with CSRS and FERS. Title IV: Tax Provisions - Sets forth tax provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Alternative Water Source Development Act of 1998 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program for making grants for the development and construction of alternative water source projects to State, interstate, and intrastate water resource development agencies and local government agencies that have authority to develop water resources for potable, commercial, industrial, or agricultural uses. Permits grants only for agencies in States experiencing critical water supply needs. Requires the Administrator to carry out such program to: (1) demonstrate methods of developing alternative water source technologies; and (2) protect groundwater from overpumping and to preserve minimum flows and levels of surface water bodies. Permits grants only to agencies that have: (1) engaged in a planning effort to assess the availability of water resources and the need to develop alternative sources and have produced a comprehensive water resource plan to meet expected water resource needs for a 20-year period; (2) demonstrated that currently available water resources will not be sufficient to provide for expected potable, commercial, industrial, and agricultural needs over the next 20 years; and (3) agreed to provide 50 percent of the cost of the project to be funded with the grant. Makes agencies of States eligible for assistance or receiving funds under the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 ineligible for grants under this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the program, together with an analysis of whether program purposes have been realized and recommendations for administrative and legislative actions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Amends the Indian Self-Determination Act to prohibit the exemption of certain former officers and employees of the United States from restrictions related to aiding and advising Indian tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1998
Federal Employees Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to authorize, and in certain circumstances require, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with qualified carriers for a high deductible health plan (as defined in existing Internal Revenue Code medical savings account provisions). Requires that such a plan provide benefits of the types provided by service benefit plans, indemnity benefit plans, or both. Sets forth special contribution requirements applicable to employees or annuitants enrolled in such plans, including mandating certain payments to the medical savings account of each individual so enrolled. Requires OPM to make information available to such individuals regarding the circumstances in which a Government contribution will be made to a medical savings account and the amount of that contribution. (Sec. 3) Amends Internal Revenue Code medical savings account provisions to modify the definition of "eligible individual" to add references to high deductible plans provided under the FEHBP. Regulates the medical savings account deduction for FEHBP individuals. Exempts FEHBP individuals from numerical limits on the number of taxpayers having medical savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Tax Code Termination Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2001; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2001. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be a simple and fair system.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Amends Federal law to require the head of a Federal agency to honor a written statement by the recipient of Federal compensation or retirement payments that the recipient does not wish to receive such payments by electronic funds transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1997
Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to use available customs user fees to provide salaries for up to 50 full-time equivalent inspectional positions through FY 1998 in connection with the arrival in Florida of passengers aboard commercial vessels, regardless of whether such passengers are required to pay such fees.
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 · 8 November 1997
Commercial Driver's License Devolution Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to allow an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle solely within the borders of a State if such individual has passed written and driving tests that meet minimum standards prescribed by such State. Provides penalties for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle in another State under a driver's license issued solely for operation within one State.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to declare that any Medicaid-related funds recovered or paid to a State as part of a settlement or judgment reached in litigation the State initiated or pursued against one or more tobacco companies shall not be treated as an overpayment.
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 · 6 November 1997
Higher Education Affordability and Availability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (as revised by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997) to exclude from income distributions from qualified tuition programs used for qualifying higher education expenses. Includes within the definition of "qualified State tuition program" programs maintained by eligible educational institutions. Requires such non-State programs to limit annual contributions on behalf of a designated beneficiary to $5,000. Sets forth related excess contribution provisions.
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
Directs the House Committee on the Judiciary to: (1) investigate whether grounds exist to impeach President Clinton; and (2) report its findings, recommendations, and, if the Committee so determines, a resolution of impeachment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Second Amendment Protection Act of 1997 - Repeals the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act and restores and revives any provisions they amended as if the repealed Acts had not been enacted. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to machine guns, destructive devices, and certain other firearms and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to revise the definition of "destructive device" and make other changes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
Federal Employees Life Insurance Improvement Act - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to submit to the Congress proposed legislation under which group universal life insurance and group variable universal life insurance would be made available to Federal employees and annuitants. Requires the proposed legislation to be accompanied by a report that includes a concise description of the policies proposed and an estimate of the costs anticipated with respect to each of those policies. Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to set forth requirements for continuing unreduced additional optional life insurance to certain Federal employees.
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 · 7 October 1997
Asthma Inhalers Regulatory Relief Act of 1997 - Bars the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, under title VI of the Clean Air Act, from prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of metered-dose inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons unless the Administrator and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs jointly certify to the Congress that alternatives are available for all populations of inhaler users that are comparable in terms of safety, effectiveness, costs, and retail availability.
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 · 6 October 1997
Religious Fairness in Bankruptcy Act of 1997 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law, with respect to avoidance of fraudulent transfers and obligations by the bankruptcy trustee, to provide that a transfer of a donation to a religious unit made by a debtor from a sense of religious obligation such as tithes, shall be considered to have been made in exchange for a reasonably equivalent value.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from controlling the consumption, production, importation, or export of methyl bromide for pesticide use, except: (1) as required by the Montreal Protocol of all parties; or (2) upon a Department of Agriculture certification of appropriate alternatives or substitutes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Marriage Penalty Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction, on a joint return, an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) $30,000; or (2) the qualified earned income of the spouse with the lower qualified earned income.
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 · 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 · 16 September 1997
Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2000; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2000. Prohibits the provisions of the preceding sentence from applying to taxes imposed by the following chapters of the Code: (1) two (relating to the tax on self-employment income); (2) 21 (Federal Insurance Contributions Act); and (3) 22 (Railroad Retirement Tax Act).
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 · 11 September 1997
Amends Federal law relating to health insurance for Federal employees to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to contract for or approve one or more high deductible plans providing specified benefits. Allows the Government contribution for high deductible plans to be 100 percent of the subscription charge. Requires that, if 60 percent of the average subscription charge exceeds the total subscription charge of an employee's or annuitant's plan, the excess be paid into the employee's or annuitant's medical savings account. Determines that average disregarding high deductible plans. Amends Internal Revenue Code medical savings account provisions to require, for those provisions, treating the Federal Government as a small employer. Exempts individuals in high deductible plans from provisions limiting: (1) the medical savings account deduction to the compensation of the individual (provides for coordination with the exclusion for employer contributions); and (2) the number of taxpayers having medical savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal-Aid Highways Title II: Highway Safety Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining Title VI: Transportation Research Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Title VII: Truth in Budgeting Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highways - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the following: (1) the Interstate Maintenance Program (IM); (2) the National Highway System (NHS); (3) the Bridge Program; (4) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (5) the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ); (6) a new High Risk Road Safety Improvement Program (high risk program); (7) the High Cost Interstate System Reconstruction and Improvement Program (high cost program); (8) Discretionary Programs; (9) the Appalachian Development Highway System Program; (10) the Recreational Trails Program; (11) the Federal Lands Highways Program (FLHP); and (12) Highway Use Tax Evasion Projects. (Sec. 103) Sets forth specified obligation ceilings, and formulas for distribution of (and redistribution of unused) obligation authority for Federal-aid highway programs. (Sec. 104) Revises apportionment provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary): (1) whenever an apportionment is made of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the high cost program, the national corridor planning and development program, the border infrastructure and safety program, and FLHP, to deduct a sum not to exceed one and a half percent of all sums so authorized as necessary for administering legal provisions to be financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid highway program; and (2) on October 1 of each fiscal year, after making a specified deduction and set aside, to apportion the remainder of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, STP, CMAQ, and the high risk program according to specified formulas. Modifies the recreational trails program to direct the Secretary to: (1) deduct from apportionments of sums for the program an amount not to exceed three percent to cover administrative, research, and technical assistance costs; and (2) apportion half of the remainder equally among eligible States and half to such States in amounts proportionate to the degree of non-highway recreational fuel use in each of those States during the preceding year. Sets forth a new list of State percentages for NHS apportionments. Requires the Secretary to use the most up-to-date data available for the latest fiscal year in making apportionments. (Sec. 105) Revises the IM to authorize the Secretary to approve reconstruction of roads on the Interstate System (IS). (Sec. 106) Repeals certain requirements: (1) on States, local officials, and the Secretary regarding NHS components; and (2) regarding approval of designations and an interim system. Designates specified NHS modifications that consist of highway connections to major ports, airports, international border crossings, public transportation and transit facilities, interstate bus terminals, and rail and other intermodal transportation facilities as NHS components. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the condition of and improvements made to NHS connectors approved by this Act that serve seaports, airports, and other intermodal freight transportation facilities since the designation of the NHS and report to the Congress; and (2) conduct a national children's competition to design a national logo sign for the routes comprising the NHS, appoint a panel to evaluate all designs and select a winning design, and report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 107) Amends provisions regarding the highway bridge program to provide that if a State transfers funds apportioned to it in a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1997, to any other apportionment of funds to such State, the total cost of deficient bridges in such State and in all States to be determined for the succeeding fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of such transferred funds. Grants the Secretary discretion regarding the amounts authorized for FY 1998 through 2000 for bridges under this Act. Authorizes the use of agriculturally derived, environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti- and de-icing compositions or installation of scour countermeasures for bridges other than those on a Federal-aid highway. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the application of anti- and de-icing compositions to bridges under the STP. Includes among eligible STP projects environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects, including the retrofit or construction of storm water treatment systems, to address water pollution or environmental degradation caused or contributed to by existing transportation facilities at the time such facilities are undergoing reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, or restoration. Limits the expenditure of funds to 20 percent of the total cost of such activity. Replaces certification requirements by the Governor of each State with a requirement that each State submit a project agreement for each fiscal year, certifying that the State will meet specified requirements and notifying the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to administer the STP. Deems the Secretary's approval a contractual obligation of the United States for the payment of STP funds. (Sec. 109) Modifies CMAQ to authorize a State to obligate CMAQ funds if the program or project would have been eligible for funding on or before September 30, 1997, under guidance issued by the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes: (1) funds for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles and to high occupancy vehicles if the project is otherwise eligible for assistance; and (2) appropriations for "minimum allocations" to States through FY 1997. Directs the Secretary to: (1) request the National Academy of Sciences to study the impact of CMAQ on the air quality of nonattainment areas and to report to specified congressional committees; (2) establish and implement a high risk program for construction and operational improvement projects only where the primary purpose of the project is to improve highway safety on a high risk road; and (3) allocate to States, in FY 1998 and beyond, amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each such FY for IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian Development Highway System program, and metropolitan planning be at least 95 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the HTF, other than the Mass Transit Account, in the latest fiscal year for which data are available. Sets forth a formula regarding calculation of a minimum allocation adjustment. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to apportion specified funds for FY 1998 through 2000 among the States based on the latest available cost to complete estimate for the Appalachian Development Highway System prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission, unless the Commission adopts an alternative method for distribution. Specifies that, in general, no State containing System routes shall receive less than $1 million. Increases the Federal share for pre-financed projects. (Sec. 113) Replaces provisions regarding reimbursement for segments of the IS constructed without Federal assistance with a high cost interstate system reconstruction and improvement program. Makes funds available for a fiscal year for any major reconstruction or improvement project to a highway designated as part of the IS and open to traffic before this Act's enactment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary to: (1) administer a national program to provide and maintain recreational trails (and terminates the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee on September 30, 2000); and (2) establish and implement a program to make allocations to States for coordinated planning and design of corridors of national significance, economic growth, and international or interregional trade, and a coordinated border infrastructure and safety program to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.- Canadian and U.S.-Mexican borders. (Sec. 117) Increases the Federal share payable for IS projects. Permits the use of funds appropriated to a Federal land managing agency, and for the FLHP, as the non-Federal share for specified purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) allocate 50 percent of sums authorized to be appropriated for forest highways according to a specified formula; (2) conduct a study of methods to improve pedestrian and vehicular access to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (3) allocate funds for specified transportation-related historical research activities of the Smithsonian Institution; (4) allocate specified funds for the planning, design, and construction of a visitors center to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of resources accessible by the New River Parkway in West Virginia; (5) carry out a national scenic byways program that recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archeological qualities by designating them as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads; (6) allocate funds to establish a center for national scenic byways in Duluth, Minnesota; and (7) establish and implement a variable pricing pilot program (repeals a congestion pricing program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)), and report to the Congress. (Sec. 120) Allows States to use as credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for certain funds made available, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce which were not built, improved, or maintained with Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement an IS reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program under which the Secretary may permit a State to collect tolls on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the IS for the purpose of constructing and rehabilitating Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls; and (2) develop performance-based criteria for the distribution of up to five percent of the funds from each of the IM, bridge, high risk, STP, and CMAQ programs, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 121) Amends ISTEA to: (1) allow, at the Secretary's discretion, the obligation from the HTF funds for the construction of ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities; and (2) authorize the use of funds to establish and operate an automated fuel reporting system. (Sec. 124) Modifies Federal highway provisions regarding: (1) metropolitan planning to include that it is in the national interest to foster economic growth and development; and (2) statewide planning to authorize a State to consider specified goals and objectives in the transportation planning process. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 126) Requires the Secretary to initiate and: (1) issue a guidance regarding the benefits and performance of various types of crash cushions in different road configurations; and (2) complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine the appropriate use by States of movable barrier technologies to enhance safety and improve the capacity and geometric design of highways. (Sec. 127) Authorizes appropriations for specified executive and legislative branch discretionary programs. (Sec. 128) Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to direct the Secretary to convey to Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia all U.S. interest in and to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, which shall subsequently convey to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge Authority their respective interests in and to the Bridge. (Sec. 129) Authorizes a State, in implementing Federal-aid highway projects, to reserve training positions for persons who receive welfare assistance from such State. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to develop, conduct, and administer highway technology training, and to develop and fund summer transportation institutes; (2) give priority to funding for a transportation project related to an Olympic event under specified conditions; (3) provide assistance to State and local governments in carrying out transportation projects related to an international quadrennial Olympic event; (4) carry out a project for the reconstruction of a highway, or portion of a highway, located outside the United States that is important to the national defense; and (5) fund the production of a documentary about infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the location and quantity of parking facilities at commercial truck stops and travel plazas and public rest areas that could be used by motor carriers to comply with Federal hours of service rules, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 133) Sets forth provisions regarding various projects in California, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Minnesota. (Sec. 134) Repeals a law regarding Federal approval of membership of bridge commissions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to examine the impact of truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles, and to report to the Congress. (Sec. 135) Bars States from restricting motorcycle access to any highway or portion thereof for which Federal-aid highway funds have been utilized for planning, design, construction, or maintenance. (Sec. 136) Amends ISTEA to include specified corridors, such as the Capital Gateway Corridor, as high priority corridors. (Sec. 137) Revises provisions regarding: (1) bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways to authorize the use of NHS funds for pedestrian walkways; and (2) standards for Federal-aid highways to prohibit the Secretary from approving any project or taking any regulatory action that will result in the severance of an existing major route or have significant adverse impact on the safety for non-motorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless such project or action provides for a reasonably alternate route or such a route exists. Directs the Secretary to initiate a study to consider proposals to amend the policies of such association relating to highway and street design standards to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a national bicycle safety education curricula that may include courses relating to on-road training. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 138) Amends Federal highway provisions regarding the hazard elimination program to consider conditions that may constitute a danger to bicyclists. (Sec. 139) Authorizes the Secretary to approve substitute highway, bus transit, and light rail transit projects, in lieu of construction of the Barney Circle Freeway project in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 140) Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct life-cycle cost analyses of each usable project segment on the NHS (currently, with a cost of $25 million or more); and (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess the impact that a utility company's failure to relocate its facilities in a timely manner has on the delivery and cost of Federal-aid highway and bridge projects, and report to the Congress. Title II: Highway Safety - Amends Federal highway provisions to: (1) provide that uniform guidelines for highway safety programs take into account accident prevention; (2) direct that the apportionment to the Secretary of the Interior for highway safety programs not be less than three-fourths of one percent of the total apportionment; (3) make provisions regarding access for physically handicapped across curbs at pedestrian crosswalks applicable to Indian tribes, with exceptions; and (4) replace a mandatory rulemaking process with one authorizing the Secretary to periodically identify highway safety programs that are highly effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. (Sec. 203) Revises highway safety research and development provisions to authorize the use of safety research funds for training in work zone safety management. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. (Sec. 205) Replaces provisions regarding: (1) school bus driver training with provisions directing the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of the State's data needed to identify priorities for State and local highway and traffic safety programs, evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such improvements, and link these State data systems, including traffic records, together and with other data systems within the State; and (2) drunk driving prevention programs with an alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures program (which provides for grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of alcohol). (Sec. 207) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an organization that represents the interests of the States to manage, administer, and operate the National Driver Register's (NDR) computer timeshare and user assistance functions. Directs that any transfer of such functions to an organization that represents the interests of the States begin only after a determination is made by the Secretary that all States are participating in NDR's "Problem Driver Pointer System" and that the system is functioning properly. (Sec. 208) Directs: (1) the Secretary to conduct a study on the benefit to public safety of the use of blowout resistant tires on commercial motor vehicles and the potential to decrease the incidence of accidents and fatalities from accidents occurring as a result of blown out tires, and to report to the Congress; (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of State laws that deem any individual with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or greater, and .02 percent or greater for persons under age 21, while operating a motor vehicle to be driving while intoxicated, in reducing the number and severity of alcohol-involved crashes, and report to the Congress; and (3) the Secretary to make grants to establish and maintain a center for transportation injury research at the State University of New York at Buffalo. (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF for: (1) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway safety programs, and highway safety research and development (R&D); (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs and highway safety R&D; (3) occupant protection incentive grants; (4) State highway safety data grants; (5) State highway safety data grants; (6) the alcohol traffic safety incentive grant program; and (7) NDR. Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs - Amends Federal transportation law with respect to the metropolitan transportation planning process to replace the current mandatory factors for consideration in developing plans and programs with specified discretionary considerations whose translation into goals and objectives the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) shall determine cooperatively with the State and mass transportation operators. (Sec. 304) Requires the transportation improvement program to be updated at least once every three years (currently, every two years). Allows the program financial plan to include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. (Sec. 305) Changes from mandatory to discretionary the inclusion of a congestion management system in the transportation planning process in a transportation management area (TMA). Requires the State, instead of the TMA MPO, to select high risk road safety projects. (Sec. 306) Changes the capital project block grant program into an urbanized area formula grant program. Repeals authority to finance operating costs generally under the program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation only in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000. Changes the interest allowance under the covered cost of advance construction projects from a specified formula to the most favorable financing terms reasonably available, given the applicant's reasonable diligence in seeking them. Declares that two percent of the block grant funds apportioned to urbanized areas of at least 200,000 population shall only be available for transit enhancement activities. (Sec. 307) Repeals the Secretary's current authority to make capital project block grants from the Mass Transit Account. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist State and local authorities in financing: (1) capital projects to modernize existing fixed guideway systems; and (2) capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. Repeals authority to make such grants and loans for transportation projects that enhance urban economic development or incorporate private investment. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary consider the adverse effect of decreased commuter rail transportation when deciding whether to approve a grant or loan under this section to acquire a rail line and all related facilities: (1) owned by a rail carrier subject to reorganization under the bankruptcy code; and (2) used to provide commuter rail transportation. Revises the criteria for grants and loans for fixed guideway systems. Revises requirements for: (1) letters of intent and full funding agreements; and (2) grant and loan allocations, including bus and bus facility grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program for the testing and deployment of new bus technology, including clean fuel and alternative fuel technology. (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into 50 percent cost-sharing contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with specified consortia selected competitively from among public and private partnerships to promote the early deployment of innovation in mass transportation technology, services, management, or operational practices. Authorizes the Secretary to inform the U.S. domestic mass transportation community about technological innovations available in the international marketplace and activities that may afford domestic businesses the opportunity to become globally competitive in the export of mass transportation products and services. Directs the Secretary to make grants for 80 percent of the cost of developing low speed magnetic levitation technology for public transportation in urban areas to demonstrate energy efficiency, congestion mitigation, and safety benefits. (Sec. 313) Repeals the mandate to make grants to specified university research institutes and for regional transportation centers. (Sec. 316) Increases from 90 percent to 95 percent the Federal share of a project providing bicycle access to mass transportation. Requires capital project grants and loans to require that any person agreeing to occupy space in a federally funded facility pay a reasonable share of facility costs through rental payments or other means. Declares that, to the extent feasible, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that receive assistance from Government sources (other than the Department of Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services shall participate and coordinate with assistance recipients in the planning, design, and delivery of transportation services. (Sec. 318) Authorizes a grant recipient to award a procurement contract to other than the lowest bidder when the award furthers an objective consistent with the purposes of the grant, including improved long-term operating efficiency and lower long-term costs. (Sec. 319) Authorizes an urbanized area formula grant recipient procuring an associated capital maintenance item to contract directly with the original manufacturer or supplier of the item to be replaced, without the Secretary's prior approval, if the recipient first certifies in writing to the Secretary that: (1) the manufacturer or supplier is the only source for the item; and (2) the item's price is no more than what similar customers pay for it. (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on how the alcohol and controlled substances random testing rate for mass transportation employees should be calculated. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the Secretary to collect fees to cover the costs of training or conferences, including costs of promotional materials, sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration to promote mass transportation. Directs the Secretary to seek public comment on ways to simplify and streamline the administration of the formula program for urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000, and make every effort to ease any administrative burdens identified. (Sec. 324) Limits the total amount of funds available for any fiscal year for operating assistance and preventive maintenance activities for urbanized areas. (Sec. 325) Revises the apportionment of appropriations for fixed guideway modernization. Requires inclusion of route segments in apportionment formulas. (Sec. 326) Authorizes appropriations, and sets the obligation ceilings, for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to assist States, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations in financing transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. Sets the Federal share of costs at 50 percent. (Sec. 329) Declares that it is the sense of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that the Secretary of the Treasury should estimate the mass transit portion of net highway receipts every 24 months instead of every 12 months. (Sec. 330) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the Secretary of Transportation's implementation of project management oversight. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of privatization or contracting out of mass transportation operation and administrative functions on cost, availability and level of service, efficiency, safety, quality of services provided to transit-dependent populations, and employer-employee relations; and (2) the safety issues attendant to transportation of school children to and from school and school-related activities by various transportation modes. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on whether the current formula for apportioning funds to urbanized areas accurately reflects their transit needs, and, if not, whether any changes should be made either to the formula or through some other mechanism to reflect the fact that some urbanized areas with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 have transit systems that carry more passengers per mile or hour than the average of those transit systems in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 334) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on Federal departments and agencies (other than the Department of Transportation) that receive Federal financial assistance for non-emergency transportation services. Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety - Amends Federal transportation law to specify that discretionary grants to States to develop commercial motor vehicle regulatory programs include performance-based grants to improve motor carrier safety, and in particular hazardous materials transportation safety. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1998 through 2000. Authorizes the Secretary, in allocating funds for State grants, to designate up to five percent of them to reimburse: (1) States for carrying out high priority (including national) activities and projects that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, including any that increase public awareness and education or demonstrate new technologies; and (2) local governments and other persons that use trained and qualified officers and employees, for carrying out such activities and projects in coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies. (Sec. 403) Converts the current discretionary commercial motor vehicle information system program into mandatory motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver information systems and data analysis programs to support required safety activities. Requires coordination of such systems into a network providing identification of motor carriers and drivers, commercial motor vehicle registration and license tracking, and motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety performance data. Requires the Secretary to develop data analysis capacity and programs providing the means to perform specified functions. Provides funding for the existing performance and registration information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to improve commercial motor vehicle driver safety. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Secretary to make contracts for inspections and investigations. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to grant a person or class of persons up to a two-year, renewable exemption from a commercial motor vehicle safety or operators regulation if it would likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than the level that would be achieved without such exemption. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot programs to evaluate innovative approaches to motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. Allows such a program containing specified elements to include an exemption under this section. (Sec. 407) Repeals the mandate for (thus abolishing) the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Review Panel. Requires the Secretary to review State laws and regulations on commercial motor vehicle safety. Requires any State that enacts a State law or issues a regulation on commercial motor vehicle safety to submit a copy of it to the Secretary for review immediately after enactment or issuance. Allows enforcement of such law or regulation if the Secretary decides it has the same effect as a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits enforcement if the law or regulation is less stringent than a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. (Sec. 408) Repeals certain requirements for: (1) procedures to ensure timely correction of safety violations; and (2) compliance review priority. (Sec. 409) Declares that an individual may operate a commercial motor vehicle only with a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Requires each CDL issued after January 1, 2000, to include unique identifiers to minimize fraud and duplication. Repeals the Secretary's discretionary authority to make an agreement for the operation of a CDL information system. Requires the Secretary to maintain the system. Requires the system to include information on all fines, penalties, convictions, and failure to appear for a hearing or trial incurred by the operator with respect to operation of a motor vehicle for a period of at least three years beginning on the date of the imposition of such a fine or penalty, or the date of such a conviction or failure to appear. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Repeals current authority (superseded by this title) for grants to States for: (1) testing and ensuring the fitness of operators of commercial motor vehicles; and (2) issuing CDLs and complying with State participation requirements. (Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary to make grants to border States, local governments, organizations, and other persons for specified activities designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety in the vicinity of borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico. Sets the Federal share of costs for such activities at 80 percent (but only 50 percent for the third year of a grant used to employ additional personnel to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety regulations). (Sec. 411) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on State laws and regulations pertaining to penalties for violation of State commercial motor vehicle weight laws. (Sec. 412) Repeals the mandate and authorization of appropriations to participate in the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to establish a nationwide toll-free telephone system for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and others to report potential violations of Federal motor carrier safety regulations and any laws or regulations relating to the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. (Sec. 414) Directs the Secretary to determine whether a practicable and cost-effective screening, operating, and monitoring protocol could likely be developed for insulin-treated diabetes mellitus individuals who want to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce that would ensure a level of safety equal to or greater than that achieved with the current prohibition against operation of such vehicles by such individuals. Requires the Secretary to compile, evaluate, and report to Congress on research and other information on the effects of insulin treated diabetes mellitus on driving performance. (Sec. 415) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review State procedures to determine if the current system for testing is an accurate measure and reflection of an individual's knowledge and skills as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle; and (2) identify methods to improve testing and licensing standards, including identifying the benefits and costs of a graduated licensing system. Requires issuance of regulations reflecting the results of such review. (Sec. 416) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of using emergency responders and law enforcement officers to conduct post-accident alcohol testing of commercial motor vehicle operators as a method of obtaining more timely information and reducing the burdens that employers may encounter in meeting current testing requirements. (Sec. 417) Requires the Secretary to encourage the research, development, and demonstration of technologies, identified taking into account specified considerations, that may aid in reducing the fatigue of commercial motor vehicle operators. (Sec. 418) Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles; (2) periodically update such safety fitness determinations; (3) make such determinations readily available to the public; and (4) prescribe by regulation penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to maintain by regulation a procedure with specified elements for determining whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles. Prohibits an owner or operator determined unfit from operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. Requires the Secretary to review, upon request, an unfit owner's or operator's compliance with those requirements with which the owner or operator failed to comply, resulting in the unfitness determination. Prohibits any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from using an unfit owner or operator to provide any transportation service until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. (Sec. 419) Declares that Federal law governing the transportation of hazardous material does not prohibit a State from providing an exception from requirements relating to placarding, shipping papers, and emergency telephone numbers for the private motor carriage in intrastate transportation of an agricultural production material from a source of supply to a farm, from a farm to another farm, from a field to another field on a farm, or from the farm back to the source of supply. Defines agricultural production material as: (1) under 16,094 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer; (2) under 502 gallons (liquid) or 5,070 pounds (solids) of a pesticide; and (3) under 3,500 gallons of a diluted solution of water and pesticides or fertilizer. Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining - Modifies provisions regarding plans, specifications, and estimates to direct the Secretary to enter into a formal project agreement with each State highway department formalizing the conditions of project approval. Requires such agreement to make provision for State funds required for the State's pro rata share of the cost of construction of the project and for the maintenance of the project after completion of construction. Authorizes the Secretary to discharge to the State any of the Secretary's responsibilities for design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects on the NHS, with exceptions. Directs: (1) the State to assume such responsibilities for projects that are not on the NHS; and (2) the Secretary and the State to reach agreement as to the extent the State may assume the Secretary's responsibilities for NHS projects, subject to a limitation. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for highway construction projects that require: (1) the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), with an exception; or (2) the conduct of any other environmental review, analysis, opinion, or issuance of an environmental permit, license, or approval by operation of Federal law. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and all other Federal (and, where appropriate, State) agencies; (2) elements of the coordinated process; (3) dispute resolution; (4) acceptance of project purpose and need; (4) State agency participation; (5) assistance to affected Federal agencies; and (6) judicial review. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement a State environmental review pilot demonstration program; (2) eliminate the major investment study as a separate requirement and promulgate regulations to integrate such requirement as part of each analysis undertaken pursuant to NEPA for a project receiving assistance with funds made available under this Act; and (3) require each recipient of Federal financial assistance for a highway or transit project with an estimated total cost of $1 billion or more to submit to the Secretary an annual financial plan. (Sec. 505) Provides that if at least 50 percent of a State's apportionment under specified Federal-aid highway, and highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program, funds for a fiscal year, or at least 50 percent of specified allocations of apportioned funds from the State's apportionment may not be transferred to any other apportionment of the State for such fiscal year, then the State may transfer up to 50 percent of such apportionment or set aside to any other State apportionment for that fiscal year. Sets forth provisions regarding the application of this general rule to certain STP set- asides and CMAQ funds. (Sec. 506) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish criteria for all discretionary programs funded from the HTF which, to the extent practicable, conform to a specified executive order relating to infrastructure investment; and (2) eliminate any required programmatic responsibility for any regional office of DOT carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA regarding any funds made available by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to retain regional DOT offices carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA for the purpose of providing technical support to States, metropolitan areas, and transit authorities upon request. Title VI: Transportation Research - Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education - Part I: Highway Research - Modifies research and planning provisions. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements and contracts to: (1) continue the monitoring, material-testing, and evaluation of the highway test sections established under the long-term pavement performance program; (2) carry out analyses of the data collected under the program; and (3) prepare the products required to fulfill the original objectives of the program and meet future pavement technology needs. (Sec. 611) Replaces provisions regarding short haul passenger transportation systems with provision for an advanced research program that addresses longer-term, higher-risk research that shows potential benefits for improving the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety (including bicycle and pedestrian safety) of highway and intermodal transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to strive to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors. Repeals the strategic highway research program and the applied research and technology program. Modifies: (1) the seismic research program to direct the Secretary to establish a program to study the vulnerability of the Federal-aid highway and other surface transportation systems to seismic activity and to develop and implement cost-effective methods to reduce such vulnerability; and (2) the international highway transportation outreach program to authorize the Secretary to engage in activities to promote U.S highway transportation goods and services internationally, and to gather and disseminate information on foreign transportation markets and industries. Part II: Transportation Education, Professional Training, and Technology Deployment - Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a national technology deployment initiative to expand adoption by the surface transportation community of innovative technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, service life, and sustainability of transportation systems and to reduce environmental impact; (2) integrate activities undertaken with DOT efforts to disseminate the results of research sponsored by DOT and to facilitate technology transfer; and (3) give preference to projects that leverage Federal funds with other significant public or private resources. (Sec. 624) Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one university transportation center in each of the ten U.S. Government regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System, and ten such additional centers to address transportation management and R&D; (2) Marshall University, West Virginia, to establish and operate an Appalachian Transportation Institute; and (3) the University of Minnesota to continue to operate and expand the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute. Part III: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Miscellaneous Programs - Amends Federal transportation provisions to provide for compilation of statistics on transportation-related variables influencing global competitiveness. Directs the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to review and report to the Secretary on the sources and reliability of the statistics proposed by the heads of the operating administrations of DOT to measure outputs and outcomes, and to undertake such other reviews as may be requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 631) Requires the Director of the Bureau to: (1) ensure that statistics compiled are relevant for transportation decisions by Federal, State, and local governments, transportation-related associations, private businesses, and consumers; (2) establish and maintain an intermodal transportation database and a national transportation library; and (3) develop and maintain geographic databases depicting transportation networks; flows of people, goods, vehicles, and craft over those networks; and social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting or affected by those networks. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities to support the programs and activities of the Bureau. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a prohibition of certain disclosures regarding information obtained under the long-term data collection program; and (2) collection of data for non-statistical purposes. Allows funds received by the Bureau from the sale of data products to be credited to the HTF and made available for the purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for such expenses. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 632) Directs the Secretary to carry out a transportation technology innovation and demonstration program, as part of which the Secretary shall: (1) conduct research on improved methods of using concrete and asphalt pavement in the construction, reconstruction, and repair of Federal-aid highways, on improved methods of deploying and integrating existing ITS projects to include hazardous materials monitoring systems across various modes of transportation, on the deployment of a system of advanced sensors and signal processors in trucks and tractor trailers, and on the use of composite materials for guardrails and bridge decking; (2) expand and continue the study relating to the development of a motor vehicle safety warning system and conduct tests of such system; (3) make grants for research and construction to improve and demonstrate the use of steel bridge construction; (4) continue to support the Urban Consortium's ITS outreach and technology transfer activities; (5) continue development and deployment to metropolitan planning organizations of the Transportation Economic and Land Use System; (6) make grants to Wisconsin to continue specified ITS activities; and (7) carry out a program to advance the deployment of an operational intelligent transportation infrastructure system for the measurement of various transportation system activities to aid in the transportation planning and analysis while making a significant contribution to the ITS program, to be located in the two largest metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania. Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing ITS program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems and advance nationwide deployment of such systems as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems. Lists ITS program goals. (Sec. 653) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the ITS program in cooperation with governmental, private, and educational entities, and in consultation with Federal officials; (2) develop, implement, and maintain a national ITS architecture and standards and protocols to promote the widespread use and evaluation of ITS technology as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems; (3) issue guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of field and related operational tests; (4) establish and maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects and make, upon request, such information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost; (5) ensure that ITS projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF conform to the national ITS architecture and standards and protocols, with an exception; (6) require an analysis of the life-cycle costs of specified projects where the total initial capital costs of ITS operations and maintenance elements exceeds $3 million; and (7) develop appropriate technical assistance and guidance to assist State and local agencies in evaluating and selecting appropriate methods of procurement for its projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF. (Sec. 654) Directs the Secretary to maintain and update, as necessary, the National ITS Program Plan developed by DOT and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 655) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain, and evaluate ITS technologies and services; funding to support adequate consideration of transportation system management and operations, including ITS, within metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes; and funding for research and operational tests relating to ITS; and (2) conduct R&D activities for the purpose of demonstrating integrated intelligent vehicle highway, and roadway safety, systems, including state-of-the-art systems and integrating collision avoidance, in-vehicle information, and other safety-related systems. (Sec. 656) Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to promote the deployment of regionally integrated, intermodal intelligent transportation systems and, through financial and technical assistance, assist in the development and implementation of such systems. Lists goals, funding limitations, and priorities for ITS deployment. (Sec. 657) Sets forth provisions regarding funding allocations (for the intelligent transportation infrastructure deployment incentives program, and for ITS research and program support activities), and the Federal share for specified programs. (Sec. 658) Repeals the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 (Title VI, Part B, of ISTEA). Title VII: Truth in Budgeting - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund shall: (1) not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985; and (2) be exempt from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending (budget outlays) of the U.S. Government. (Sec. 701) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to state that the amount of interest credited to any of such trust funds for any fiscal year shall not exceed the amount of interest which would be credited to the fund if it were determined at the average interest rate on 52-week Treasury securities sold to the public during such fiscal year. (Sec. 702) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually the net aviation receipts and the unfunded aviation authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amount authorized to be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded aviation authorization will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net aviation receipts. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary of the Army to estimate annually the net inland waterways and net harbor maintenance receipts, and the unfunded inland waterways and unfunded harbor maintenance authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded authorizations will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Drive for Teen Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to impose certain distance and work-hour restrictions in implementing a specified exemption from the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 for minors aged 16 through 18 who engage in the operation of automobiles and trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Speed Trafficking Life in Prison Act of 1997 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) repeal provisions prescribing penalties for violations involving specified quantities of methamphetamine; and (2) provide for a fine of up to $8 million (for an individual) or $20 million (if other than an individual) and a mandatory life penalty (unless the death penalty is imposed) for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing (or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense) methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require imported frozen produce to be marked with the country of origin on the front panel of the package for retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to extend the authorization for the Office of National Drug Control Policy until September 30, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Calls for: (1) the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Zora Neale Hurston; and (2) such stamp to be unveiled at the 1999 Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 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 Marrow Donor Program Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry with provisions mandating establishment, by contract, of a program to assist patients needing a blood stem cell transplant in searching for biologically unrelated donor individuals. Sets forth program functions, including: (1) maintaining one or more donor and one or more recipient registries; (2) educational activities (including donor recruitment and professional and public information); and (3) establishing the Office of Patient Advocacy and Case Management. Mandates: (1) standards regarding quality, tissue typing, donor informed consent, and patient advocacy; (2) donor selection criteria; (3) stem cell collection and transportation procedures; (4) confidentiality standards; and (5) procedures for integrating participating donor registries and centers. Mandates criminal penalties for confidentiality violations. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a plan to effectuate efficiencies in the relationship between the program and donor centers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Presidential and Executive Office Financial Accountability Act of 1997 - Provides, within the Executive Office of the President, for the appointment of: (1) a Chief Financial Officer; and (2) a Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Places a four-year moratorium on the promulgation of new or revised national ambient air quality standards for ozone or fine particulate matter under the Clean Air Act by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Administrator, within five years of this Act's enactment date, to: (1) complete a review of the air quality criteria and standards for ozone and particulate matter; and (2) determine whether to retain or revise such standards or promulgate new standards. Directs the Administrator, in reviewing such criteria for particulate matter, to: (1) evaluate any adverse health effects of exposure to airborne particulate matter; (2) determine the amount and size of particles inhaled and retained in the lungs; and (3) investigate the biological mechanisms by which particulate matter may induce adverse health effects. Authorizes the Administrator to require State implementation plans to require air quality monitoring for fine particulate matter and to make grants to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Special Government Employee Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to include within the definition of "special Government employee" a reserve officer of the armed forces, or a National Guard officer, who is serving voluntarily for up to 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days. (Such officers are currently considered officers of the United States.) States that "officer and employee" and "special Government employee" shall not include enlisted military personnel or an individual retained, designated, or appointed without compensation specifically to act as a representative of a non-Federal interest on an advisory committee.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mica, John L. [R-FL-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000689_200.jpg)