United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Acid Deposition and Ozone Control Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Nitrogen Oxide Allowance Program under which the contiguous States and the District of Columbia will be allocated allowances, beginning in the year 2002, to emit limited monthly amounts of nitrogen oxides. Allocates such allowances in proportion to a State's share of total electric power generated in the contiguous States. Sets forth requirements for the intrastate distribution of allowances among affected facilities (facilities with combustion units that serve an electricity generator with a minimum capacity of 25 megawatts) by a State or the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) authorizing allowances to be transferred among affected facilities or persons; and (2) for issuing and tracking the use and transfer of allowances. Permits unused allowances to be carried forward for subsequent years. Requires the Administrator, for States for which the Administrator distributes allowances, to place ten percent of the total allowances in a new source reserve. Provides for the auctioning and sale of undistributed allowances in such reserve during 2000 through 2005. Distributes auction proceeds to affected sources in proportion to the number of allowances that would have been received but for the auction. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate or limit allowances. Makes it unlawful, after January 1, 2000, for: (1) the owner or operator of an affected facility to emit nitrogen oxides exceeding the amount permitted by allowances held by such facility; or (2) any person to hold, use, or transfer such allowances, except as provided under this Act. Repeals the nitrogen oxides emission reduction program under the Clean Air Act. Bars the use of an allowance before the calendar year for which the allowance is allocated. (Sec. 5) Amends the Clean Air Act to require owners or operators of industrial facilities with a minimum capacity of 100 million British thermal units (mmBtus) per hour to install and operate continuous emission monitoring systems on affected units and quality assure data for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, opacity, and volumetric flow. (Sec. 6) Imposes penalties for emissions in excess of allowances. Requires offsets of allowances in the calendar year following the one in which excess emissions occurred. (Sec. 7) Decreases the amount of sulfur dioxide authorized to be emitted under an existing allowance program for 2005 and subsequent years. (Sec. 8) Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on objectives for scientifically credible environmental indicators, including acid neutralizing capacity, sufficient to protect sensitive ecosystems of the Adirondack, Mid-Appalachian, Rocky, and Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, Long Island Sound, and the Chesapeake Bay. Directs the Administrator, by December 31, 2008, to determine whether emissions reductions under this Act are sufficient to achieve such objectives and, if not, to promulgate regulations necessary to protect such ecosystems. (Sec. 10) Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the practicality of monitoring mercury emissions from all combustion units with a minimum capacity of 250 mmBtus per hour. Provides for regulations to: (1) require reporting of mercury emissions from such units; and (2) control electric utility and industrial source mercury emissions. (Sec. 11) Directs the Administrator to establish a competitive grant program to fund research related to the effects of nitrogen deposition on sensitive watersheds and coastal estuaries in the eastern United States. Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on the health and chemistry of certain Adirondack lakes and streams that were subjects of a specified report required under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Affordable Housing Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Self-Employed Health Affordability Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to 100 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Federal agencies would benefit from reviewing specified recommendations for the purpose of improving equitable access for women-owned businesses to the Federal procurement market.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a Mental Health Advisory Committee should be established to probe the serious national dimensions of the mentally ill.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1999
Declares that Congress: (1) recognizes the severity of the issue of cervical health; (2) calls on the United States to support individuals with cervical cancer and their families and loved ones through public awareness and education; and (3) calls on the U.S. people to learn about cervical cancer and how they can lower their risk and ensure early detection.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1998
Urges: (1) the Mexican Government to ensure that the rights of the workers at the Han Young truck factory in Tijuana are respected; and (2) the President to pursue ministerial and diplomatic consultations with the Mexican Government to resolve the situation at the factory.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1998
Asset-Building for Working Americans Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as SSA titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) and XIX (Medicaid), to require States to disregard for the following 12-month period any refunds or advance payments of the earned income tax credit (EITC) in determining eligibility for benefits under TANF, SSI, and Medicaid. Establishes up to a two percent reduction in the next fiscal year's grant to any State as a penalty for failure to disregard such payments. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require a similar disregard for EITC payments under public housing and rental assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) take measures to ensure that U.S. assistance and exports of equipment to Mexican security forces are used primarily for counter-narcotics purposes and do not contribute to human rights violations; (2) encourage the Government of Mexico to reduce political tension and violence in Chiapas by disarming paramilitary groups and decreasing its military presence there; (3) commend such Government for inviting the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit to discuss the Chiapas conflict; (4) encourage such Government and the Zapatista National Liberation Army to create conditions for good faith negotiations that address the social, economic, and political causes of the conflict; (5) support efforts to provide and monitor relief assistance to displaced persons in Chiapas; and (6) seek a commitment from such Government to respect the rights of U.S. citizens and human rights monitors in Mexico in accordance with Mexican and international law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1998
Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities from using on a full-time or other paid basis as a feeding and hydration assistant any individual who has not completed a related, State- approved training and competency evaluation and is not competent to provide such services. Requires States to specify, and provide for review and reapproval of, approved programs meeting Federal requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such requirements, as well as requirements respecting the minimum frequency and methodology a State shall use in reviewing compliance with them. Prescribes requirements for nursing facilities (under Medicaid) and skilled nursing facilities (under Medicare) to meet in mandatory screening of nursing facility workers for any conviction for a relevant crime or any findings of patient or resident abuse. Prohibits a facility from knowingly employing any individual convicted of a relevant crime or with respect to whom a finding of patient or resident abuse has been made. Allows 90-day probationary employment of an individual pending completion of a background check. Requires nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities to report to the State any instance of resident neglect or abuse or misappropriation of resident property by an employee. Expands the State registries under Medicare and Medicaid to collect information about nursing and skilled nursing facility employees other than nurse aides as well as employment applicants. Requires exhaustion of State records before a criminal record check request is passed on to the Attorney General for a search of Federal Bureau of Investigation records. Authorizes the Attorney General and the States to charge fees for criminal background checks. Amends SSA title XI to direct the Secretary to establish a national data collection program and database for the reporting of information collected under such expanded State registries, which shall constitute a national registry of abusive nursing facility workers. Requires States to report relevant information to such program. Grants database access to Federal and State agencies and participating nursing and skilled nursing facilities, for a reasonable fee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at National Institutes of Health Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for programs regarding diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates a program of education of health professionals and the public concerning DES. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) research on osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) breast cancer programs; and (3) programs on ovarian and other cancers of the reproductive system of women. (Sec. 104) Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute regarding heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations for research into the aging processes of women. (Sec. 106) Requires that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Women's Health. Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Adds the provision of support services such as case management to the purposes of breast and cervical cancer programs (authorized under current provisions). Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Program of Cancer Registries. (Sec. 203) Allows certain breast and cervical cancer programs to be carried out through grants to public and nonprofit private entities and contracts with public or private entities (currently, through grants and contracts with public or nonprofit private entities). Allows a State to give priority to a nonprofit entity over an entity that is not a nonprofit if the quality of the entities' applications are equivalent. Extends authorizations of appropriations for various preventive health measures relating to breast and cervical cancers. (Sec. 204) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) centers for research and demonstration regarding health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1998
Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make any State with an increase in child poverty of five percent or more in a fiscal year ineligible for a high performance bonus for the next fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) immediately seek North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreement to take direct and decisive action against those forces attacking civilian populations in Kosovo; and (2) strongly urge the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to pursue investigations of the assault taking place in Kosovo for prosecution as war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1998
Asthma Act - Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to carry out the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program for FY 1999 through 2003. Requires the coordinating committee established for such Program to report to the Congress on the scope of asthma in the United States, all Federal programs that carry out asthma-related activities, and any recommendations for strengthening and better coordinating such activities. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Centers for Disease Control to collaborate with the States to expand the scope of activities carried out to determine the incidence and prevalence of asthma, and prevent its health consequences. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Service to make grants to nonprofit private entities for projects to carry out community outreach activities regarding asthma information, education, and services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage the States to implement plans to assist children with respect to asthma, including matching grants to any State with a children's health insurance program under title XXI of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies for programs to carry out asthma-related activities for children at specified elementary and secondary schools located in communities with a significant number of low-income or underserved individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) hospitals should be encouraged to offer asthma-related education and training to asthma patients and their families upon such patients' discharge; (2) hospitals should, with respect to information on asthma, establish telephone services for patients and communicate with primary service providers; (3) managed care organizations should be encouraged to disseminate asthma clinical practice guidelines to providers, collect and maintain asthma data, and offer asthma-related education and training to asthma patients and their families; and (4) all Federal, State, and local asthma-related activities should promote Public Health Service guidelines and recommendations on asthma diagnosis and management, and be designed in consultation with relevant organizations and advocates representing asthma sufferers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1998
Recognizes the great responsibility which the United States has to Holocaust survivors and their families, many of whom are American citizens, to continue to treat the issue of Holocaust-era assets as a high priority and to encourage other governments to do the same. Commends: (1) U.S. Government agencies for their untiring efforts and for the example they have set, including the publication of the May 1997 and June 1998 reports on U.S. and Allied Efforts to Recover or Restore Gold and Other Assets Stolen or Hidden by Germany in World War II and the efforts to return such assets to their rightful owners; (2) those organizations which have played a critical role in the effort to assure compensation, restitution, or both for survivors of the Holocaust, and in particular to the World Jewish Congress and the World Jewish Restitution Organization; (3) those countries which have instituted procedures for the restitution of individual and communal property confiscated from Holocaust victims (and urges those governments which have not established such procedures to adopt fair and transparent legislation and regulations necessary for such restitution); (4) those countries which have established significant commissions to conduct research into matters relating to Holocaust-era assets, to assure that information developed by these commissions is publicly available, to complete their major historical research efforts, and to contribute to the major funds established to benefit needy Holocaust survivors no later than December 31, 1999; and (5) those countries and organizations which have opened their archives and made public records and documents relating to the Nazi era (and urges all countries and organizations to assure that all materials relating to that era are fully accessible to the public). Welcomes the convening of the Washington Conference on Holocaust- Era Assets later this year by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Department of State. Urges: (1) countries in transition in Central and Eastern Europe to remove certain citizenship or residency prerequisites for individual survivors of the Holocaust seeking restitution of confiscated property; (2) all countries to develop and include as a part of their educational curriculum material on the Holocaust, the history of the Second World War, the evils of discrimination and the persecution of racial, ethnic, or religious minorities, and the consequences of the failure to respect human rights; and (3) countries, especially Israel, Russia, Poland, and other Central and East European nations, and organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and Israel's Jewish Agency to coordinate efforts to help reunite family members separated during the Holocaust. Notes that former Communist countries which seek to become members of the North Atlantic Alliance and other international organizations must recognize that a part of the process of international integration involves the enactment of laws which safeguard and protect property rights that are similar to those in democratic countries. Expresses congressional appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Germany for successfully concluding an agreement with the Conference on Material Claims Against Germany on matters concerning restitution for Holocaust survivors from Central and Eastern Europe who have not yet received restitution, and urges the German Government to continue to negotiate with the Claims Conference to expand the eligibility criteria to ensure that all needy Holocaust survivors receive restitution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1998
Right to Breastfeed Act - Allows a woman to breastfeed her child on any portion of Federal property where the woman and her child are otherwise authorized to be.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1998
Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish each Medicare beneficiary under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with a drug benefit card enabling the beneficiary to purchase covered outpatient prescription drugs listed on the Federal Supply Schedule from participating pharmacies at reduced prices.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1998
Calls upon the President to: (1) pursue enhanced enforcement of U.S. trade laws with respect to the surge of steel imports into the United States, including offsetting duties, quantitative restraints, and other authorized remedial measures; (2) pursue a more equitable sharing of the burden of accepting imports of finished steel products from Asia and the countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States; (3) establish a task force with responsibility for closely monitoring U.S. imports of steel; and (4) report to the Congress by January 5, 1999, with a comprehensive plan for responding to the import surge, including ways of limiting its deleterious effects on employment, prices, and investment in the U.S. steel industry.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1998
Medicare Home Health Care Interim Payment System Refinement Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA'97), to: (1) increase per beneficiary and per visit payment limits under the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies; and (2) provide for the exclusion of certain additional Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) costs from determination of the Medicare part B monthly premium. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on research paid for by the Secretary on the development of a prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare home health services, including one or more alternative means to provide for savings equivalent to the savings estimated to be made by the mandatory 15 percent reduction in payment limits for such services for FY 2000. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to: (1) report to the Congress its analysis of the Secretary's report, including any recommendations with respect to the matters contained in it; and (2) include in its annual report to the Congress for June 1999 an analysis of whether changes in law made by BBA'97 and this Act with respect to payments for Medicare home health services impede access to them by Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the sums obligated or expended by the Health Care Financing Administration for PPS research and the information provided by it.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1998
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1998 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen by free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Authorizes the President to request from the Congress an exemption from such prohibition, stating that: (1) it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; or (2) an emergency exists under which it is vital to the U.S. interest to do so. Makes the exemption effective upon such request, unless disapproved by the Congress. Directs the President to: (1) compile a list of countries that do not meet the requirements of this Act; (2) notify the governments participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual Use Goods and Technologies, done at Vienna, July 11 and 12, 1996, that the listed countries are ineligible to receive U.S. arms sales and military assistance; and (3) request that the notified countries also declare the listed countries as ineligible for arms sales and military assistance. Requires the President to continue efforts through the United Nations and other international fora, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, to limit arms transfers worldwide, particularly transfers to the listed countries, for the purpose of establishing a permanent multilateral regime to govern the transfer of conventional arms. Directs the President, in conjunction with the submission of the annual congressional presentation documents for foreign assistance programs, to report to the Congress on progress made toward establishing such regime.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and local health care entities to strengthen their response to domestic violence by building the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify, address, and prevent domestic violence. Prescribes guidelines for State and local demonstration grants. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Neighborhood Tobacco Advertising Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to repeal provisions preempting any: (1) statement relating to smoking and health (other than the one specified by the Act); and (2) requirement or prohibition based on smoking and health under State law regarding the advertising or promotion of cigarettes in packages labeled in conformity with the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to nonrefundable personal credits to revise the limitation based on the amount of tax to provide that the aggregate amount allowed for such credits shall not exceed the sum of: (1) the taxpayer's regular tax liability; and (2) the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1998
Women's Progress Commemoration Act - Establishes the Women's Progress Commemoration Commission, which shall report to the Secretary of the Interior on: (1) sites of historical significance to the women's movement; and (2) recommended actions, under the National Historic Preservation Act and other law, to rehabilitate and preserve them, and provide to the public interpretive and educational materials and activities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary, after receipt of the Commission's report, to report to the Congress on actions taken to preserve the sites identified.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) prevention, intervention, and services delivery program. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, cooperative agreements, and technical assistance to eligible State, tribal, and local governments, scientific or academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to carry out such activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect to: (1) foster coordination among governmental agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that support FAS and FAE research, programs, and surveillance and otherwise meet the needs of populations actually or potentially impacted by FAS and FAE; and (2) advise Federal, State, and local programs and research concerning FAS and FAE. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Terminates application of this Act seven years after the date on which all Task Force members have been appointed.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Home Health Access Preservation Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies. Revises such formula for cost reporting periods beginning after FY 1998 to replace the current agency-specific per beneficiary annual limits with limits based on specified base regional limits, a base national limit, and an area wage index. Eliminates the special rule for new agencies with respect to determination of the reasonable cost of home health services. Provides for a three percent increase in per-visit cost limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allot grants to States, according to a specified formula, to provide for adjustment for outliers to assist in the transition to the prospective payment system for home health services. Makes necessary appropriations. Directs the Secretary to meet every 90 days with appropriate congressional committee staff to provide informal updates of progress in implementing the prospective payment system for home health agencies under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to: (1) provide a duty, through December 31, 2004, on fabrics, of carded or combed wool or fine animal hair, all the foregoing certified by the importer as "Super 70's" or "Super 80's" intended for use in making suits, suit-type jackets or trousers; and (2) grant duty-free treatment, through December 31, 2004, to fabrics, of carded or combed wool or fine animal hair, all the foregoing certified by the importer as "Super 90's" or higher grade intended for use in making suits, suit-type jackets or trousers. Treats (for tariff purposes) such suits similarly to certain other suits under the Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1998
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001 for: (1) the Federal Council on the Aging; (2) administration; (3) grants for State and community programs on aging; (4) the availability of surplus commodities; (5) training, research, and discretionary projects and programs; (6) community service employment for older Americans; (7) grants for Native Americans; (8) allotments for vulnerable elder rights protection activities; and (9) the Native American Program. Revises guidelines governing the transfer between specified grant programs of certain Federal funds received by a State.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1998
Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998 - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit delivery of any mail constituting a solicitation or offer in connection with a sales promotion for a product or service that uses any game of chance offering anything of value (including any sweepstakes) or anything resembling a negotiable instrument, unless specified notices in a specified font are printed on the envelope and enclosed material. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt any State law that regulates advertising or sales of goods and services associated with any game of chance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance in the form of grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries that are carrying out projects or activities specifically designed to treat victims of torture for the physical and psychological effects of such torture. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to U.S. programs to cover the costs of services for: (1) the rehabilitation of victims of torture, including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture; (2) social and legal services for victims of torture; and (3) research and training for health care providers outside of treatment centers. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) request the Fund to find new ways to support and protect treatment centers and programs (including the development of new centers and programs) that are carrying out rehabilitative services for victims of torture; (2) use the U.S. vote to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Committee Against Torture established under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and (3) use the U.S. vote to establish a country rapporteur or similar procedural mechanism to investigate human rights violations in a country if either the Special Rapporteur or the Committee Against Torture indicates that a systematic practice of torture is prevalent in such country. Directs the Secretary of State to provide training for consular officers with respect to torture victims, including gender-specific training on the subject of interacting with women and men who are victims of torture by rape or any other form of sexual violence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Torture Victims Protection Act of 1998 - Prohibits U.S. expulsion or extradition of an individual to a country if there is substantial evidence that such individual would be subject to torture in that country. Establishes special procedural considerations and priorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act for alien torture victims seeking refugee or asylee status, or withholding of removal. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should allocate resources to maintain in the Immigration and Naturalization Service's Resource Information Center materials on the use of torture in foreign countries. Provides for specialized training of immigration, asylum, and consular personnel in identifying and interviewing torture victims.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Electronic Funds Transfer Account Improvement and Recipient Protection Act - Amends Federal law to mandate that the head of each Federal agency that disburses retirement or benefit payments give the recipient written notice of available consumer protections with respect to electronic funds transfer, including the right to elect whether or not to receive those payments by electronic funds transfer to an account established for the recipient by the Secretary. Prohibits the agent designated to receive a recipient's transfers from imposing a transaction fee exceeding the national average charged to all consumers for similar transactions. Requires such agent to permit five such transactions each month without charge. Treats violations of such requirements as violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Financial Management Service, to report to the Congress on the implications of the year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem for implementation of Federal requirements that Federal payments be made by electronic funds transfer. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure that personnel of their agencies are fully trained to respond to telephone inquiries regarding all alternatives for receiving Federal payments by electronic funds transfer or other means.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs Subtitle A: Nonemergency Food Assistance Programs Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act of 1998 Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Africa: Seeds of Hope Act of 1998 - Declares it to be U.S. policy, consistent with title XII of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act, to support governments of sub-Saharan African countries, U.S. and African nongovernmental organizations, universities, businesses, and international agencies to help ensure the availability of basic nutrition and economic opportunities for sub-Saharan individuals, through sustainable agricultural and rural development. Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), in providing development assistance under the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, to: (1) emphasize programs and projects that improve the food security of children, women, and food-insecure households, or that improve the agricultural productivity, incomes, and marketing of the rural poor in Africa; (2) solicit and take into consideration the views and needs of intended beneficiaries and program participants during the selection, planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of projects; and (3) ensure that programs are designed and conducted in cooperation with African and U.S. organizations and institutions (such as private and voluntary organizations, cooperatives, land-grant and other appropriate universities, and local producer-owned cooperative marketing and buying associations) that have expertise in addressing the needs of the poor, small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural workers, including women. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, if there is an increase in funding for sub-Saharan programs, the Administrator of AID should proportionately increase resources to the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, for FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years in order to meet the needs of the countries participating in such Initiative. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator of AID to use, through bilateral and multilateral assistance, microenterprise assistance (including credit) to improve the capacity and efficiency of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa of small-scale farmers and small rural entrepreneurs (specifically taking into consideration the needs of women, and using the applied research and technical assistance capabilities of U.S. land-grant universities). (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator of AID to utilize foreign assistance programs and initiatives for sub-Saharan Africa to support private producer-owned cooperative marketing associations there, including rural business associations owned by farmer shareholders. (Sec. 104) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should issue loans, guaranties, and insurance, and utilize existing equity funds and loan and insurance funds, to support private agricultural and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa (particularly intermediary organizations that directly serve the needs of small-scale farmers, small rural entrepreneurs, and rural producer-owned cooperative purchasing and marketing associations). (Sec. 105) Directs the Administrator of AID to develop a comprehensive plan to coordinate and build on the research and extension activities of U.S. land-grant universities, international agricultural research centers, and national agricultural research and extension centers in sub-Saharan Africa. Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs - Subtitle A: Non-Emergency Food Assistance Programs - Sets forth general requirements for the administration of non-emergency assistance programs under title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian International Food Security Trust Act of 1998 - Bill Emerson Humanitarian International Food Security Trust Act of 1998 - Amends the Food Security Commodity Reserve Act of 1996 and the Food Security Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 to rename specified provisions of the Food for Development Program as the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. (Sec. 212) Includes, as part of the established trust stock of wheat, rice, corn, or sorghum used to meet emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries, certain funds for Commodity Credit Corporation programs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 that are available, with respect to FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years, to acquire such eligible commodities through purchases from producers or in the market to replenish the trust. Authorizes the release of eligible commodities from the trust for emergency food assistance to developing countries, provided such release is at levels consistent with maintaining the long-term value of the trust. Makes permanent the authority for the trust. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of AID to report to the Congress on AID's plans for implementing the Africa Food Security Initiative and an estimate of all amounts expended or to be expended on related activities during the current and previous four years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
VAWA Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify procedures and provide special rules for battered spouses and children with respect to: (1) adjustment of status; and (2) removal and deportation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) publicly declare that it considers that there is reason to believe that Slobodan Milosevic, President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, has committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide; (2) make collection of information that can be supplied to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for use as evidence to support his indictment and trial a high priority; (3) provide a fair share of any additional financial or personnel resources that may be required by the Tribunal for the adjudication of Milosevic and others arising from the conflict in the former Yugoslavia; (4) engage in a discussion with other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and interested states of information any such state may hold regarding such matters and of measures to be taken to apprehend persons indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity; and (5) urge the Tribunal to promptly review all information relating to Milosevic's possible criminal culpability, with a view toward prompt issuance of a public indictment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Works and Economic Development Programs Subtitle A: Reauthorizations Subtitle B: Innovative Financing Pilot Programs Title II: Appalachian Regional Development Economic Development Partnership Act of 1998 - Title I: Public Works and Economic Development Programs - Subtitle A: Reauthorizations - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to cooperate with States and other entities to assure that Federal economic development programs are compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development strategies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide appropriate technical assistance to such entities in order to alleviate economic distress, encourage partnerships for economic development strategies, and stimulate modernization and technological advances in the generation and commercialization of goods and services; and (2) issue regulations for intergovernmental review of proposed economic development projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into appropriate economic development agreements with two or more adjoining States. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients (defined later under this Act) for acquisition or development of land improvements for public works, public service, or development facility usage, as well as the acquisition, design and engineering, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such facilities. Provides assistance conditions relating to the establishment of industrial or commercial plants and the increase of employment in the area. Prohibits more than 15 percent of the appropriations made for such assistance from being expended in any one State. Allows grants to be increased due to construction cost increases, with limitations. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for economic development planning and related administrative expenses. Requires such planning to be a continuous process and to be prepared as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the area involved. Requires State certification of an economic development plan's consistency with local and economic development district plans. Provides a Federal cost-share limit of 50 percent of project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary grants for a project for which the applicant is eligible but cannot supply the required matching share. Provides supplementary grant conditions and requirements, authorizing the Secretary to reduce or waive the required non-Federal share in such cases. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for training, research, and technical assistance for alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment. Allows such grants to include amounts for relocation assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for public facilities, public services, business development, planning, technical assistance, training and other assistance which demonstrably furthers the economic adjustment objectives of the Act. Allows such grant to be used in either direct expenditures by the recipient or through redistribution to other public and private entities, but prohibits any such redistribution to a private profit-making entity. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) approve the use of grant funds for projects the scope or purpose for which changes after the grant has been made; (2) use funds for projects constructed for less than the projected costs to improve such projects; and (3) make assistance available for projects to be carried out at a military or Department of Energy installation. Prohibits any assistance under the Act which would produce unfair commercial competition. Authorizes the sale of financial instruments in revolving loan funds to further the purposes of the Act. Requires reports from grant and assistance recipients. Defines as an eligible recipient for purposes of this Act an area that: (1) has a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average or an unemployment rate one percent above such average; (2) has experienced or is about to experience a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment; or (3) is determined by the Secretary to be a pocket of poverty or high unemployment within a larger community of less economic distress and that has demonstrated a resistance to economic recovery without assistance under the Act. Requires from recipients: (1) documentation of the presence of any such criteria; and (2) a comprehensive economic development strategy which identifies the economic problems to be addressed through such assistance, as well as related information. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to plan and carry out economic development projects of broader geographic significance, to designate appropriate economic development districts and economic development centers within such districts. Provides geographic, population, and other requirements with respect to each such designation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for the termination of such districts and centers. Authorizes the Secretary to increase by up to ten percent of project costs the amount of grant assistance otherwise provided in the Act for projects within designated districts. Requires each designated district to provide to the Appalachian Regional Commission a copy of such district's comprehensive economic development strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to a district area which does not meet the requirements of an eligible recipient under the Act when such assistance will be of substantial direct benefit to a qualifying area in such district. Directs the Secretary to administer this Act with the assistance of an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Economic Development Administration (EDA) an Office of Economic Development Information to serve as a central information clearinghouse on all matters relating to economic development programs and activities of Federal and State governments, to help applicants for such assistance, and to develop electronic links or other connections to other information databases to assist such entities in identifying and applying for assistance and resources under such programs. Requires public access to Office information and data services. Requires appropriate consultation with other persons and agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish procurement divisions of the Federal Government with a list of business firms located in distressed areas which desire Government supplies and services contracts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify specified congressional committees of any EDA reorganization of its offices, programs, or activities at least 30 days before such reorganization; (2) conduct an evaluation at least every three years of each university center and economic development district receiving assistance to assess its performance and contribution toward job retention and creation; (3) establish a Federal Coordinating Council for Economic Development to coordinate with Federal, State, and other districts and organizations its activities relating to comprehensive economic development strategies and grants; and (4) establish an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Task Force to review and make recommendations concerning the financial management and related standards and requirements of revolving loan funds from which financial instruments are sold in order to further the purposes of this Act. Imposes penalties upon persons who: (1) make false statements in order to obtain assistance under the Act; and (2) embezzle or commit other fraud-related crimes while connected in any capacity with the Secretary in the administration of the Act. Sets forth: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions; and (2) recordkeeping requirements for the Secretary and recipients regarding assistance under this Act. Provides that assistance under the Act shall supplement and not supplant other Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Authorizes additional appropriations for administrative expenses and defense conversion activities. Subtitle B: Innovative Financing Pilot Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee a loan made by a private lending institution to a State, political subdivision, Indian tribe, or organization or association for any purpose for which the Secretary can make a direct grant under title I of this Act. Provides funding. (Sec. 122) Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, to carry out a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of encouraging economic development by making grants for reducing interest rates on loans for economic development activities. Outlines grant requirements, terms, and conditions. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary to convey to the city of Two Harbors, Minnesota, the J and J Casting Site in Lake County, Minnesota, together with a road easement. (Sec. 124) Directs the Secretary, by September 30 of each of FY 1999 through 2003, to report to the Congress an evaluation of the effectiveness of the loan guarantees and grants under this Subtitle. (Sec. 125) Prohibits funds made available under this Act from being expended in violation of the Buy American Act. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to: (1) require the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to meet at least once a year and allow the ARC to conduct additional meetings by electronic means as considered advisable; (2) require the ARC to obtain a quorum of State members before reaching certain decisions; (3) extend permanently the authorization of appropriations for ARC administrative expenses; (4) revise compensation levels for ARC employees; (5) extend ARC administrative authority through FY 2003; and (6) reduce from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to demonstration health projects in the Appalachian region under this Act, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. (Sec. 208) Repeals the following programs and provisions under the Act: (1) the land stabilization, conservation, and erosion control program; (2) the timber development program; (3) the mining area restoration program; (4) the water resource development and utilization survey; (5) the Appalachian airport safety improvements program; (6) the sewage treatment works program; and (7) amendments to the Housing Act of 1954. (Sec. 214) Reduces from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to Appalachian vocational education and education demonstration projects, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. Makes an identical reduction with respect to Federal costs for Federal grant-in-aid programs in the Appalachian region. (Sec. 218) Adds specified criteria and measurements to be considered when determining programs and projects to be given assistance under the Act. (Sec. 219) Directs the ARC to designate as: (1) distressed counties those counties that are the most severely and persistently distressed; (2) competitive counties those counties which are approaching economic parity with the rest of the country; and (3) attainment counties those counties which have attained or exceeded such economic parity. Requires the ARC to give special consideration to counties designated as distressed. Limits to 30 percent of project costs the authorized assistance for a county designated as competitive and prohibits assistance for a county designated as attainment. Provides exceptions and an authorized waiver by the ARC. (Sec. 220) Empowers the ARC (currently, the President) to make grants for administrative expenses and ARC research and development projects under the Act. Reduces from 75 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal share of such projects, with an exception of 80 percent for counties designated as distressed. Repeals provisions concerning such projects which: (1) require certain ARC studies and reports; (2) authorize appropriations through June 30, 1969; and (3) ensure public availability of all information obtained from such projects. (Sec. 221) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations and termination date under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Small Business Employee Retirement Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish requirements, for pension plans covering less than 100 participants, relating to holders of plan assets and to annual asset statements.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Kate Mullany National Historic Site Act - Establishes the Kate Mullany National Historic Site in New York State. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the Site. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Medicare+Choice Cold-Calling Prohibition Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit "cold-call" (including door-to-door and telephonic) marketing of Medicare+Choice plans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to add to title I a new subtitle C, which may be cited as the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1998. Directs the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (Administrator) to establish a microenterprise technical assistance and capacity building program to provide Fund grants to qualified nonprofit organizations to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs; (2) provide training and capacity building services to help microenterprise development organizations and programs develop microenterprise training and services; and (3) aid in researching and developing the best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Sets forth an allocation formula for such assistance and for grants benefitting very low-income persons, including those residing on Indian reservations. Authorizes a qualified organization to provide subgrants to small and emerging microenterprise entities. Mandates matching funds from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Future Entrepreneurs of America Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for entrepreneurship education and training programs for students in grades seven through 12 (programs). Allows such grants to States in any fiscal year in which appropriations under this Act equal or exceed a specified amount. Sets forth requirements for: (1) State plans; (2) grant allocations to States; (3) use of funds for local programs and for State monitoring, evaluation, and administrative costs; and (3) State reports. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants to local educational authorities and public schools for such programs, in any fiscal year for which appropriations do not reach the level required for grants to States. Directs the Secretary to make a competitive grant or contract for a national clearinghouse for instructional materials and information regarding exemplary entrepreneurship education and training programs and best practices. Directs the Secretary to develop performance measures and evaluate programs assisted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Anti-Redlining Insurance Disclosure Act of 1998 - Requires designated insurers to annually submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and make available to the public with respect to types of insurance in designated metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) information concerning: (1) total numbers of policies, exposure units, and premiums; (2) property claims by type; (3) underwriting standards; and (4) licensed agents. Requires nondesignated insurers to submit to the Secretary their annual total exposure units (in car and house years) of policies in a designated line sold in their MSA. Exempts insurers in States with substantially similar disclosure provisions from such requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specification of collected data; and (2) implement a public access system to such insurance information. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to designate: (1) MSAs for which reporting is required; and (2) insurers. Sets forth the following insurance lines requiring reporting: (1) automobile insurance; (2) homeowners insurance; (3) dwelling fire insurance; (4) small business insurance; and (5) surety bonds. (Authorizes the Secretary to designate additional insurance lines.) (Sec. 5) Sets forth disclosure requirements for rejected insurance applicants. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to establish a task force on insurance agency appointments which shall: (1) review and recommend solutions to improve inner city and minority insurance agents' ability to market insurance products, including steps to increase minority appointments. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to annually collect and make available to the public insurance data from each designated MSA. (Sec. 10) Sets forth civil and injunctive remedies for agent violations of this Act. (Sec. 11) Terminates this Act five years from its effective date (with a two-year discretionary extension). (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) insurance applicants; (2) insurer actions to meet needs of minority and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, including small businesses; (3) disparate claim treatment; (4) territory rating; and (5) reinvestment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a program for the collection of information relating to the use of children and individuals with mental disabilities in biomedical or behavioral research subject to Federal regulation; and (2) ensure that such information is made available to the public on a regular basis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Condemns the repressive policies of the Government of the former Soviet Union during the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933. Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) in remembrance of the victims of the Famine; and (2) that any supplemental material that will assist in disseminating information about the Famine should be compiled and made available worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate that a group health plan or health insurance issuer provide to children of enrollees and enrollees who are children: (1) access to primary care providers who specialize in pediatrics and pediatric specialty services; (2) access to a sufficient number, distribution, and variety of qualified participating health care providers; (3) emergency services coverage without a requirement for either prior authorization determination, or a participating provider; (4) pediatric specialty services without imposing cost-sharing in excess of that required for other specialty care, and nonparticipating pediatric specialty services without additional cost; and (5) coverage that includes special consideration for the provision of services to children with special health care needs. (Sec. 3) Prescribes guidelines for continuity of care in the event that a contract between a health insurance issuer and a heath care provider should be terminated. Mandates that group health plans that cover children and health insurance issuers that offer health insurance coverage for children: (1) establish and maintain an ongoing, internal quality assurance program that meets certain requirements; (2) conduct utilization review activities that comply with prescribed criteria; (3) establish an internal and external appeals and grievance system meeting specified requirements; and (4) disseminate benefits and processes to the public plan. Requires group health plans and issuers of both group and individual health insurance plans to comply with the children's health accountability requirements set forth in this Act. (Sec. 3) (sic) Makes conforming amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on: (1) unique characteristics of patterns of illness, disability, and injury in children; (2) development of measures of quality of care and outcomes related to the health care of children; and (3) access of children to primary mental health services and the coordination of managed behavioral health services. Directs the General Accounting Office to study and report to certain congressional committees on: (1) the structure and performance of certain health plans (especially non-governmental plans) serving the needs of children with special health care needs; and (2) a survey of health plan activities that address the health needs of adolescents, including quality measures and innovative practice arrangement.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to emergency medical services (EMS). Requires programs for emergency medical services and preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative approaches to include: (1) development and dissemination of a core content for a model State training program applicable to cardiac arrest for inclusion in EMS educational curricula and training programs that address lifesaving interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation; (2) a limited demonstration project to provide training in such core content; (3) identification of cardiac arrest care providers; (4) identification of equipment and supplies that should be accessible to such providers to permit lifesaving interventions; (5) development of model State and Federal legislation; and (6) coordination of a national database for reporting and collecting information on the incidence of cardiac arrest and related issues. Prescribes guidelines for the core content of the model State training program. Declares that the purpose of the model legislation is to ensure: (1) access to EMS through consideration of a requirement for public placement of lifesaving equipment; and (2) good samaritan immunity for cardiac arrest care providers, those involved with the instruction of the training programs, and owners and managers of property where equipment is placed.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Congress must assure that the fundamental protections that social security provides for American families are available for generations to come; (2) the problems facing the social security system are manageable and can be prudently addressed by making careful and modest changes; (3) hastily conceived and radical solutions, such as utilizing social security system resources to fund individual accounts, require significant reductions in guaranteed benefits, are not necessary to assure the financial solvency of the system, and should be rejected; (4) solutions to a projected shortfall should be enacted within the existing social security structure, without compromising the guaranteed nature of benefits to individuals and families under the social security system; and (5) any solutions adopted by the Congress must be nondiscriminatory and equitable to Americans of all ages and must help insure American workers and their families against the economic risks associated with disability, the death of a parent or spouse, and retirement.
![Official portrait of Rep. Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY-25]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000480_200.jpg)