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United States · Official source
2,652 records where Rep. Skeen, Joe [R-NM-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
Designates the auditorium in the Sandia Technology Transfer Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the Steve Schiff Auditorium.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Redesignates the Eldorado Station Post Office located at 9719 Candelaria Road NE. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the Steven Schiff Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1996 Title II: Unemployment Trust Fund Accounts Title III: Grants to States for Employment Security Administration Title IV: Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1998 Title V: Federal Employment Security Service Title VI: Advances to State Unemployment Compensation Benefit Accounts Title VII: Conforming Amendments Employment Security Financing Act of 1998 - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Chapter 23 to revise Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) employer excise tax rate requirements. (Sec. 101) Repeals the 0.2 surtax for calendar years 2004 through 2007. (Ends the current FUTA employer tax rate of 6.2 percent of total employee wages after 2003, and begins a 6.0 rate in 2004.) Requires, for calendar year 2000 and thereafter, such FUTA tax, including accounts receivable from prior years, to be collected by the State agencies responsible for administration of the State unemployment compensation law as agents for the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires amounts collected by such State agencies to be deposited in: (1) the Employment Security Administration Account (the ESAA) within the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund), for years prior to calendar year 2003; and (2) the State's Employment Security Administration Account (State ESAA) within the Fund, for calendar year 2003 and thereafter. Requires amounts collected after January 1, 2000, by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be deposited in the Employment Security Transition Account (Transition ESA) within the Fund. (Sec. 103) Sets forth additional requirements for approval of State laws. (Sec. 105) Revises the definition of State unemployment funds. (Sec. 106) Defines a State Employment Security Administration Account (State ESAA) as a special account within the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund) to provide administrative funds to pay the cost of services performed by the State agency in accordance with FUTA and the Social Security Act. (Sec. 107) Provides for collection of FUTA taxes by, as well as payment of FUTA taxes to, State agencies. (Sec. 109) Amends the IRC to repeal the prohibition against assessment of unpaid FUTA taxes. Title II: Unemployment Trust Fund Accounts - Amends title IX (Employment Security Administrative Financing) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish in the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund): (1) a State Employment Security Administration Account (State ESAA) for each State; (2) a Supplemental Employment Security Administration Account (Supplemental ESAA) for the administration of employment security programs, under FUTA and SSA titles IX and III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration), by States whose average civilian labor force populations number less than one million; and (3) the Secretary of Labor Employment Security Administration Account (Labor Secretary ESAA) for the Secretary to carry out administrative duties under such SSA and FUTA provisions. Makes appropriations to the Fund for credit to such accounts according to specified formulas. (Sec. 201) Authorizes to be made available from State ESAAs, upon State request and subject to appropriation by the legislative body of each State, in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated by the Congress, special administrative funds for: (1) determining whether individuals claiming unemployment compensation under conforming State laws are available to accept suitable work and have not refused suitable work as prescribed by the State unemployment law; (2) job search and placement services to individuals claiming unemployment compensation benefits and other job seekers including counseling, testing, occupational and labor market information, assessment, and referral to employers; (3) appropriate recruitment services and special technical services for employers; and (4) collection of the FUTA tax imposed under IRC. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IX to repeal authority for the Employment Security Administration Account (the ESAA) in the Unemployment Trust Fund. (Sec. 203) Authorizes, for FY 2004 and thereafter, certain administrative expenditures from State ESAAs for: (1) State administration of unemployment compensation laws; (2) public employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act; (3) certain veterans' programs; (4) collection of amounts due under FUTA; and (5) administration of statistical programs essential for development of estimates of the gross domestic product and other national statistical series, including those related to employment and unemployment. Provides for such expenditures upon State request, subject to appropriation by the State legislative body, in amounts up to 140 percent of the amount appropriated to the State agency from Federal employment security funds for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes $5 million out of the Supplemental ESAA for each of FY 2000 through 2003 for expenditures by States whose average civilian labor force populations number less than one million, for: (1) determining whether individuals claiming unemployment compensation under conforming State laws are available to accept suitable work and have not refused suitable work as prescribed by the State unemployment law; (2) job search and placement services to individuals claiming unemployment compensation benefits and other job seekers including counseling, testing, occupational and labor market information, assessment, and referral to employers; and (3) appropriate recruitment services and special technical services for employers. Authorizes, for FY 2004 and thereafter, expenditures out of the Supplemental ESAA by States whose average civilian labor force populations number less than one million, for the same administrative purposes for which expenditures from State ESAAs are authorized. Establishes the Council of States with Lesser Populations to determine the allocation methodology for and to allocate such amounts from the Supplemental ESAA, subject to appropriation by the legislative body of each State. Authorizes, for FY 2004 and thereafter, expenditures from the Secretary of Labor ESAA, in amounts up to 140 percent of that appropriated for the prior year, for the Department's performance of functions for the same administrative purposes for which expenditures from State ESAAs are authorized, plus: (1) establishment and maintenance of the employment security system under the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) payments of the Federal share of annual amortization costs of the unfunded liability for the State employment security agencies with independent retirement plans as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, for FY 2004 and thereafter, to pay from the Labor Secretary ESAA into the Treasury the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor to be allocated to the Department of the Treasury to cover its costs for performing its functions under: (1) SSA titles III (Unemployment Insurance), IX (Employment Security), and XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds), including the expenses of banks for servicing unemployment benefit payment and clearing accounts which are offset by the maintenance of balances of Treasury funds with such banks; (2) FUTA; and (3) any Federal unemployment compensation law with respect to which responsibility for administration is vested in the Secretary of Labor. (Sec. 204) Provides for transfer of amounts attributable to reduced credits to State ESAAs. (Sec. 205) Provides for advances from a revolving fund within the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) to State ESAAs. (Sec. 206) Provides for treatment of excess amounts in State ESAAs. (Sec. 207) Requires that excess amounts in the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) be transferred to State ESAAs according to a State allocation formula. (Sec. 208) Repeals a reporting requirement relating to transfers between FUA and the ESAA. (Sec. 209) Terminates Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA). Transfers at the end of FY 2003: (1) excess EUCA amounts to State ESAAs, according to a specified formula; and (2) the remaining EUCA balance to the Unemployment Compensation Benefits Accounts of the States in the Fund, with specified exceptions where a State is ineligible. (Sec. 210) Provides for treatment of amounts elected by ineligible States. (Sec. 211) Revises SSA requirements relating to State use of certain funds (known as Reed Act funds) transferred to a State unemployment benefit account. (Sec. 212) Revises SSA provisions for the Unemployment Trust Fund (the Fund). Requires deposit into: (1) the State's Unemployment Compensation Benefit Account (UCBA) of contributions and payments in lieu of contributions under the State law; (2) the State ESAA of State agency collections under FUTA and of certain other transfers or deposits under SSA and FUTA; and (3) the Transition ESA of IRS collections under FUTA after January 1, 2000. (Sec. 213) Provides as separate book accounts in the Fund: (1) the Transition ESA; (2) each State UCBA; (3) each State ESAA; (4) the Supplemental ESAA; (5) the Labor Secretary ESAA; (6) the FUA; (7) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account; and (8) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Administration fund. Establishes within the Fund an Employment Security Transition Account (Transition ESA) to: (1) receive IRS collections under FUTA; and (2) transfer such moneys to other specified accounts within the Fund. (Sec. 214) Revises SSA requirements for payments to State agencies and to the Railroad Retirement Board. (Sec. 215) Repeals provisions for the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA). Sets forth the terms of transfer of EUCA funds to State UCBAs. (Sec. 216) Amends SSA title IX to repeal interfund borrowing authority with respect to the ESAA, FUA, EUCA, and other Federal accounts. Title III: Grants to States for Employment Security Administration - Repeals requirements for use and payments of specified available funds to assist States in administering their unemployment compensation laws, under SSA title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration). (Sec. 302) Revises requirements relating to: (1) certification of State laws; (2) limitations on use of State UCBA funds; and (3) proper use of administrative funds, and replacement of such funds expended for other purposes. (Sec. 303) Provides that States shall not be required to comply with the Secretary of Labor's interpretations of methods of administration requirements under SSA title III, if such interpretations impose additional administrative burdens on them, unless the Congress enacts legislation approving such an interpretation. Title IV: Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1998 - Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1998 - Amends the Employment Security Amendments of 1970 to revise the title II Extended Unemployment Compensation Program (currently the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970), as of November 1, 2003. (Sec. 401) Includes such extended compensation program among State law requirements under FUTA. Requires the State law to establish within the State UCBA an extended compensation account for each eligible individual who files. Deems State laws certified as meeting requirements of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act on October 31, 1999, as meeting certification requirements under this title (EUCA98) for the year ending October 31, 2000, as long as the State law is not amended so as to conflict with the requirements of this title. Sets forth extended unemployment compensation program requirements for the extended benefit period, on-and-off-indicators, rate of insured unemployment, and covered employment. Title V: Federal Employment Security Service - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act (WPA) to direct the U.S. Employment Security Service (USESS), as of October 1, 1999, to assist in coordinating public employment services throughout the country and assure that the requirements of SSA titles III and IX and of FUTA are met. (Eliminates current functions of the USESS as of such date.) (Sec. 503) Revises WPA requirements for: (1) transfer of USESS property to States; and (2) State use of public employment service funds. (Sec. 504) Repeals, as October 1, 2003, WPA provisions for: (1) Federal appropriations authority; (2) Federal use of funds; (3) State and Federal planning, fiscal controls, and accounting procedures; (4) the Secretary's authority to make rules and establish performance standards; and (5) authorization of appropriations to the Secretary to provide funds for reimbursable agreements with the States to operate certain statistical programs for estimates of gross national product and other national statistical series, including those related to employment and unemployment. Title VI: Advances to State Unemployment Compensation Benefit Accounts - Amends SSA title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) to revise requirements for: (1) transfers from the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA) to State UCBAs; (2) State use of such transferred funds; (3) determination of the interest rate on such advances to States; and (4) repayable advances to FUA. Title VII: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33) and the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-34).
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for producing crude oil and natural gas from marginal wells of: (1) $3 per barrel of qualified crude oil production; and (2) $.50 per 1,000 cubic feet of qualified natural gas production. Provides: (1) a formula for reducing such credit in years in which oil and gas prices increase; and (2) an inflation adjustment for such formula. Allows such credit against the regular and minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1998
FBI Fairness to Appeal Improvement Act - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to extend to Federal Bureau of Investigation employees certain procedural and appeal rights respecting adverse personnel actions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1998
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit group and individual health plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on the coverage of mental health benefits, or substance abuse and chemical dependency benefits, if similar limitations or requirements are not imposed on medical and surgical benefits. Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1986 to provide for coordination in implementation of such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
Water Adjudication Fee Fairness Act of 1998 - Subjects the United States to administrative fees, claiming fees, and the imposition of judicial costs in any administrative or judicial proceeding for the adjudication or administration of water use rights to the same extent as a private party to the proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Steven Schiff, a Representative from the State of New Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1998
Radiation Workers Justice Act of 1998 - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund to 22 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Includes within the purview of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act those parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico composing the Navajo National Reservation which were subjected to fallout from nuclear weapons testing conducted in Nevada. (Sec. 4) Prescribes eligibility guidelines for claims relating to: (1) uranium milling; (2) any State in which uranium was either milled or mined; (3) a mine located above ground; (4) an open pit mine worked by uranium miners; and (5) a uranium mill. Extends the timeframe for filing claims to include the period from January 1, 1942, to December 31, 1990. Identifies claims eligibility criteria for uranium employees who: (1) were exposed to 40 or more working level months of radiation; (2) worked in uranium mines or mills for at least one year; and (3) submit written medical documentation of either lung cancer or a nonmalignant respiratory medical condition associated with uranium mining or milling. Provides for up to $200,000 for such a claim. Mandates money damages of $50,000 for any uranium mine or mill employee: (1) who was exposed to radiation (without knowledge or informed consent) by a Federal agency for human use research purposes; or (2) who suffered death from nonradiological causes arising out of or in the course of employment. Mandates money damages of $20,000 for injury or disability from nonradiological causes arising out of or in the course of employment. (Sec. 5) Modifies claims payment procedures to mandate that: (1) all reasonable doubt whether a claim meets the requirements of this Act be resolved in favor of the claimant; (2) the Attorney General permit the introduction and use of affidavits and other documentary or medical evidence to the same extent as permitted by the Federal Rules of Evidence; (3) specified radiograph interpretive reports be considered conclusive; (4) with respect to Native Americans' claims, the Attorney General establish procedures that incorporate (where feasible) Native American law and mores; (5) when determining the pulmonary impairment of a claimant, the Attorney General evaluate the degree of impairment based on ethnic-specific pulmonary function standards; and (6) upon tribal request, the Attorney General establish claims determination procedures for Native American uranium miners and millers in consultation with the affected Indian tribe. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon tribal request, to enter into a self-determination contract with a tribal organization to process tribal members' claims. (Sec. 7) Revises the statute of limitations for filing a claim to require such filing within 20 years of the date of enactment of this Act. Makes the amendments made by this Act retroactive to October 5, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1998
Mandates Information Act of 1998 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require a congressional committee report on any bill or joint resolution that includes any Federal private sector mandate to contain information concerning the impact of such mandate on consumers, workers, and small businesses, including any disproportionate impact in particular regions or industries. Revises provisions concerning legislation subject to a point of order to: (1) define the point of order for a determination by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office that it is not feasible to determine the economic impact of a Federal mandate; and (2) replace certain references to Federal intergovernmental mandates with references to Federal mandates with respect to legislation reported by the Appropriations Committees. Provides a point of order against consideration of legislation that would increase the direct costs of Federal private sector mandates by an amount that causes the stated threshold of $100 million per fiscal year to be exceeded. Requires the Director, at the request of a Senator, to prepare an estimate of the direct costs of a Federal mandate (currently, Federal intergovernmental mandate) contained in such Senator's amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Gerald and Betty Ford in recognition of their dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions to the people of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicate medals in bronze. Declares such medals to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
Health Care Claims Guidance Act - Amends Federal law relating to claims against the U. S. Government to prohibit any action under such provisions based on a claim submitted: (1) under a federally funded health care program unless the amount of damages alleged is a material amount; (2) in reliance on erroneous information supplied by a Federal agency or in reliance on written statements of Federal policy which affects such claim provided by a Federal agency; or (3) by a person that is in substantial compliance with a model compliance plan issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in consultation with the Secretary of Defense). Requires that the Government prove an allegation of a false health care claim by clear and convincing evidence. Defines, for the amendments made by this Act, "federally funded health care program" to mean a program that provides health benefits, directly or otherwise, established under Social Security Act titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XXI (Children's Health Insurance) or provisions of Federal law relating to the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1998
Commemorates the first permanent Spanish settlement in New Mexico and expresses support for the events to be held in New Mexico and the Southwest in observance of the New Mexico Cuartocentenario.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998
Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary of the Interior to provide: (1) for construction of a reservoir with a storage capacity of 260,000 acres-feet, a pumping plant, and a reservoir inlet conduit as components of the Animas-La Plata Project (Project), Colorado and New Mexico; and (2) through the use of such components, specified municipal and industrial water allocations to the San Juan Water Commission, Animas-La Plata Conservancy District (Conservancy District), Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, and Navajo Nation. Provides that construction costs allocable to the Navajo Nation and to each tribe's water allocation from the Project shall be nonreimbursable. Requires nontribal water capital repayment obligations for the Project to be satisfied upon the payment of specified amounts by the Commission, Conservancy District, and the State of Colorado. Provides that costs of Project components attributed to and required for recreation, environmental compliance, protection of cultural resources, or fish and wildlife mitigation and enhancement shall be nonreimbursable. Sets forth provisions regarding the repayment of Project costs. Requires the Secretary, at the request of the Conservancy District or the La Plata Conservancy District of New Mexico, to provide specified water allocations to such parties. Requires the Secretary, upon request of the State Engineer of New Mexico, to transfer to the New Mexico Project beneficiaries or the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission any portion of Department of the Interior interests in water rights under a specified permit in order to fulfill the New Mexico purposes of the Project. Considers a specified supplement to an environmental impact statement and a biological opinion for the Project to be adequate for purposes of requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to: (1) amendments made by this Act; (2) initiation and completion of construction of facilities; and (3) an aggregate depletion of 57,100 acre-feet of water as approved in the opinion. Requires the provision of water to the Ute tribes to constitute final settlement of the tribal claims to water rights on the Animas and La Plata Rivers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ethical Standards for Federal Prosecutors Title II: Punishable Conduct Citizens Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Ethical Standards for Federal Prosecutors - Subjects a Government attorney to State laws and rules, and local Federal court rules, governing attorneys in each State where such attorney engages in duties to the same extent and in the same manner as other attorneys in that State. Directs the Attorney General to make and amend rules of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assure compliance with this title. Title II: Punishable Conduct - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish by rule that it shall be punishable conduct for any DOJ employee to seek an indictment in the absence of probable cause, to fail promptly to release information that would exonerate a person under indictment, to intentionally or knowingly misstate or alter evidence, to attempt to influence or color a witness's testimony, to act to frustrate or impede a defendant's right to discovery, to offer or provide sexual activities to any government witness or potential witness, to leak or otherwise improperly disseminate information to any person during an investigation, or to engage in conduct that discredits DOJ; and (2) establish penalties for engaging in such conduct, including probation, demotion, dismissal, referral of ethical charges to the bar, loss of pension or other retirement benefits, suspension from employment, and referral of the allegations (if appropriate) to a grand jury for possible criminal prosecution. (Sec. 202) Sets forth procedures regarding written complaints of such conduct by a DOJ employee, investigation of such complaints by the Attorney General, and imposition of appropriate penalties. (Sec. 203) Establishes an independent Misconduct Review Board to review all determinations by the Attorney General with respect to such complaints and to investigate allegations made in statements that may be submitted to it with respect to complaints for which the Attorney General has made no determination or imposed no penalty. Authorizes the Board to impose penalties established above.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that no change in the water level of Lake Powell is justified or appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Prohibits issuance of an interim or final rule to suspend road construction in roadless areas on public domain units and other units of the National Forest System pending public participation and determination that such rule will not adversely affect forest health and multiple or governmental use.
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 · 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 · 11 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States expects the European Union to comply immediately with the ruling of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the European Union's ban of U.S. beef is in violation of the WTO's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and grant U.S. beef producers access to the European market; and (2) the United States Trade Representative should take immediate action to open European markets to U.S. beef producers in the event the European Union fails to comply with the WTO's ruling.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that national goals should include providing access to affordable housing and expanding home ownership opportunities pursued through policies of tax incentives and private and public sector activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Amends the Federal criminal code to treat the following as an antique firearm for purposes of the Federal firearms laws: any firearm in which black powder and a projectile are loaded through the muzzle, and such powder is ignited by a percussion-activated ignition system to expel the projectile, and which does not use fully assembled or fixed, rimfire, or conventional centerfire ammunition.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1997
National Drought Policy Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Drought Commission which shall provide recommendations on a national drought policy and report to the President and specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission within a certain time after such report's submission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1997
Notch Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to revise the formula for the computation of minimum old age insurance benefits for individuals who reached age 65 in or after 1979 and to whom applies the 15-year transition period for the changes in benefit computation rules enacted in the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Sets forth a schedule of additional benefit increases for such beneficiaries (and related beneficiaries), with percentages declining from 55 percent to five percent and keyed to the year an individual became eligible for such benefits between 1979 and 1988. Allows such beneficiaries, in the alternative, to receive lump sum payments over four years totaling $5,000. Specifies offsetting nondefense and discretionary spending reductions the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall make over a four-year period for the increase in direct spending estimated to result from enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) initiate, and report to specified congressional committees on, an inquiry on the extent to which a certain differential fee decision (relating to the per subscriber per month royalty fee for the retransmission of superstation and distant network signals by direct-to-home satellite service providers) constitutes an impediment to the development of effective market competition for multichannel video programming distribution; and (2) based on such inquiry, make necessary regulatory changes. Includes direct-to-home satellite services under provisions protecting telecommunications services from piracy. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from taking any action to implement or enforce the differential fee decision until 120 days after FCC submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Early Hearing Loss Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention Act of 1997 - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop statewide hearing loss early detection, diagnosis, and intervention networks; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to infant hearing detection, diagnosis, and treatment or intervention. Requires the National Institutes of Health to carry out research on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates coordination and collaboration. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 4 November 1997
Battle of Midway National Memorial Study Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service and in consultation with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the International Midway Memorial Foundation, Inc., and Midway Phoenix Corporation, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the suitability and feasibility of establishing Midway Atoll as a national memorial to the Battle of Midway. Requires that the report include an inventory of all known facilities and structures of historical significance on Midway Atoll.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1997
Designates a New Mexico Commercial Zone, consisting of Dona Ana and Luna Counties, which shall be exempt from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Transportation and the Surface Transportation Board with respect to motor carrier transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
Iran Missile Protection Act of 1997 - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1998 for the Department of Defense for cooperative activities with Russia for determining: (1) the extent of Russian cooperation and assistance in the development by Iran of a ballistic missile capability; and (2) the technical nature of the Iranian missile threat. Requires a certification by the President to the Congress with respect to the information to be released by Russia before such funds may be appropriated. Prohibits the obligation of $3 million in FY 1998 cooperative ballistic missile defense projects with Russia until the President certifies to the Congress that the Russian Government is providing full cooperation with respect to the release of such information. Authorizes appropriations for the Navy theater-wide missile defense system to be used to accelerate the development of such system through additional testing and risk reduction. Authorizes additional appropriations for defense-wide research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of specified missile defense sytems, radars, networks, and related activities. Authorizes appropriations for defense-wide RDT&E for support of the Israeli Arrow tactical ballistic missile defense system to be used to protect a U.S. ally in imminent peril. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the Iranian ballistic missile threat in the Middle East and Persian Gulf regions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act - Amends the Sikes Act to direct the Secretary of Defense, in developing facilities and conducting programs for public outdoor recreation at military installations, to ensure that such recreational opportunities provide equal access for disabled veterans, military dependents with disabilities, and other disabled persons when topographic, vegetative, and water resources allow equal access without substantial modification to the natural environment. Allows the Secretary to accept the services of volunteers and donations of money and property in ensuring such equal access.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Len "Roy Rogers" Slye and Octavia "Dale Evans" Smith, on behalf of the Congress, in recognition of their accomplishments as entertainers and humanitarians. Declares that such medals are national medals. Authorizes funding for the cost of the medals and requires deposit of sale proceeds in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (together with its State flyway council partners) should take comprehensive action to utilize the most efficient technological and conservation measures, including the modification of management practices on public lands, to reduce the population of mid-continent lesser snow geese to levels that can be supported without the destruction of tundra ecosystems and that are consistent with sound biological management principles.
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 · 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
Disapproves the President's cancellations (line item veto) of appropriations for 38 military construction projects in the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Redesignates Washington National Airport in Alexandria, Virginia, as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Amends Federal aviation law (Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996) regarding employment investigations and restrictions to permit an air carrier to allow an individual to begin service as a small aircraft pilot, or a helicopter pilot on a non-scheduled operation, before such carrier receives certain requested background information. Sets a 90-day deadline within which the air carrier shall obtain and evaluate such information. Mandates that the pertinent contract stipulate that continuation of such individual's employment is predicated upon a satisfactory evaluation. Provides for waiver of this Act for a documented good faith attempt to obtain such information if the information source (air carrier or other person) no longer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Disapproves the President's cancellations (line item veto) of appropriations for 38 military construction projects in the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998.
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
Emergency Medical Services Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by qualified volunteer emergency services organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Makes a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 2160 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1997
Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997 - Establishes the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Commission to determine the validity of land claims arising out of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848. Authorizes three or more eligible Mexican descendants in the State of New Mexico who are also descendants of the same community land grant to petition the Commission for such a determination on behalf of themselves and all other descendants. Directs the Commission to establish a Community Land Grant Study Center at the Onate Center in Alcalde, New Mexico, to be responsible for directing the research, study, and investigations necessary to assist the Commission in performing its duties. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Amends Federal civil service law with respect to the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Program to: (1) repeal the limitations on individual TSP contributions, including those from judges and other specified personnel of the Federal judicial branch; (2) allow an employee or member under FERS to contribute to the Thrift Savings Fund an eligible rollover distribution from a qualified trust; and (3) eliminate certain waiting periods for purposes of making contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Forest Recovery and Protection Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to begin a national program of U.S. forest land recovery and protection. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 5) Establishes a Scientific Advisory Panel to assist the Secretary. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to conduct an initial number of advance recovery projects. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Treasury the Forest Recovery and Protection Fund. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of forest inventorying, monitoring, and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Student Loan Options Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to allow two-way consolidation of all of a student's Federal student assistance loans under either the Federal Family Education Loan Program (also known as Federal Stafford or guaranteed loans) or the Federal Direct Loan program. Reduces the amount of certain funds available for administrative expenses under the HEA student assistance program.