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Official portrait of Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]

Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]

United States · Official source

Records

2,741 records where Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 710 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount of bonds eligible for certain small issuer exceptions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise from $5,000,000 to $25,000,000 the threshold amount of tax-exempt bonds that a small governmental unit may issue and still remain within the exception from arbitrage rebate requirements. Makes the exception from such rebate for construction bonds effective as if included under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Permits elections concerning such bonds to be made until 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. States that any rebates paid shall not be refunded. Increases from $10,000,000 to $25,000,000 the amount of tax-exempt obligations excepted from the pro rata allocation of interest expense of financial institutions to tax-exempt interest for qualified small issuers. Repeals the five percent unrelated and disproportionate private use rules for private activity bonds. Provides that a bond shall not be treated as an arbitrage bond by reason of any failure to meet any requirements of temporary period investments if all earnings which would cause such bond to be an arbitrage bond are paid to the United States by the issuer by the required due dates. Reduces from 100 percent to 90 percent the amount of arbitrage to be rebated to the United States if certain State and local bonds are not to be treated as arbitrage bonds. Provides that an advance refunding bond will not be tax-exempt if it results in amounts becoming available which are invested in substantially guaranteed higher yielding investments pursuant to a contract entered during a certain period before or after issuance of the bond.

Bill· HRH.R. 676 (102nd)referred

To require that the United States Postal Service rescind changes recently implemented relating to standards for the delivery of mail.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

Directs the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that: (1) any changes in the nature of postal service implemented on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis, beginning after July 27, 1990, and before the enactment of this Act, are rescinded; and (2) any practices, standards, or other related matters (including standards as to the maximum length of time for the delivery of classes or types of mail) which were modified or replaced as a result of those changes are restored.

Bill· HRH.R. 643 (102nd)open

Garnishment Equalization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Garnishment Equalization Act of 1991 - Provides for the treatment of Federal pay in the same manner as non-Federal pay with respect to garnishment.

Bill· HRH.R. 640 (102nd)referred

Judicial Taxation Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Judicial Taxation Prohibition Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny to inferior Federal courts jurisdiction to issue any remedy, order, writ, or other judicial decree requiring the Federal Government or any State or local government to impose any new tax or to increase any existing tax or tax rate.

Bill· HRH.R. 608 (102nd)open

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces to provide chiropractic care, and to amend title 37, United States Code, to provide special pay for chiropractic officers in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Authorizes the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force Medical Service Corps. Provides special pay to chiropractic officers on active duty for not less than one year. Increases such special pay with service. Authorizes the payment of additional special pay for any 12-month period during which such an officer is not undergoing chiropractic internship training, with appropriate increases for years of service. Requires such an officer, to receive such additional special pay, to execute a written agreement to remain on duty for no less than one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to terminate the payment of such additional special pay at any time, with an appropriate refund required from the officer concerned for any period paid but unserved. Requires an officer who voluntarily terminates service for a period for which a special payment was made to refund the proper amount to the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 534 (102nd)open

Recreational Boat User Fee Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1991

Amends Federal law to repeal provisions mandating the imposition of fees on owners or operators of recreational vessels over 16 feet in length.

Bill· HRH.R. 531 (102nd)open

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1991

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1991 - Requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct, at least biannually, joint spectrum planning with respect to: (1) future spectrum requirements for public and private uses and the allocation actions to accommodate those uses; and (2) actions to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit to the President and the Congress a report identifying bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Federal Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future needs of the Government; (3) can be made available for use under the Act (other than for Government stations); (4) are most likely to have the greatest potential for productive uses; and (5) will not result in excessive costs to the Federal Government. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment, such frequencies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report which makes a preliminary identification of reallocable bands of frequencies. Directs the Secretary to convene an advisory committee to: (1) review the bands of frequencies identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to the bands of frequencies which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit to the Secretary and specified congressional committees a report on recommendations for the reform of the process of allocating the electromagnetic spectrum between Federal and non-Federal use. Directs the President, after receiving the final report, to: (1) withdraw the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends be reallocated or made available for mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) notify the FCC and each House of Congress of the actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interest of national defense, important governmental needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Directs the FCC to submit to the President and the Congress a plan for the distribution of the reallocated frequency bands. Authorizes the President to reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Authorizes appropriations to cover the costs of reclaiming frequencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 524 (102nd)referred

Social Security Tax Cut Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Social Security Tax Cut Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to revise social security tax rates to provide for reduced rates until 2015 and increased rates beginning in 2020. Increases the OASDI contribution and benefit base on a graduated basis from 1990 to 1996.

Bill· HRH.R. 500 (102nd)referred

Christopher Columbus Coin and Fellowship Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991

Christopher Columbus Coin and Fellowship Act - Title I: Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins - Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after June 30, 1993. Requires the Secretary to deposit surcharges from the sale of such coins in the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund for use by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. Declares that no law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out this Act, except that this provision shall not relieve any person from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. Mandates that all amounts received from coin sales be deposited in the coinage profit fund. Title II: Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation - Christopher Columbus Fellowship Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation to award fellowships to outstanding individuals to encourage new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund. Directs the Foundation to report to the President and to the Congress annually on its operations.

Bill· HRH.R. 127 (102nd)referred

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs. (Under current law the exclusion expires for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1991.)

Bill· HRH.R. 467 (102nd)open

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for payment under CHAMPUS of certain health care expenses incurred by members and former members of the Uniformed Services (and their dependents) who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and who are otherwise ineligible for such payment by reason of their entitlement to benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act because of a disability.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1991

Allows payments under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services for certain health care expenses incurred by members and former members of the uniformed services (and their dependents) who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and who are otherwise ineligible for such payments by reason of their entitlement to benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act because of a disability.

Bill· HRH.R. 302 (102nd)referred

Judicial Taxation Prohibition Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Judicial Taxation Prohibition Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny to inferior Federal courts jurisdiction to issue any remedy, order, writ, or other judicial decree requiring the Federal Government or any State or local government to impose any new tax or to increase any existing tax or tax rate.

Bill· HRH.R. 418 (102nd)referred

Tourism Policy and Export Promotion Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Tourism Policy and Export Promotion Act of 1991 - Declares it to be the national goal to increase U.S. export earnings from U.S. tourism and transportation services and to maintain a travel and tourism export surplus in order to help eliminate the overall U.S. trade deficit. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to publish on a monthly basis a statistical report on U.S. international travel receipts and payments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify foreign trade barriers to U.S. travel and tourism; (2) estimate the trade-distorting impact of such barriers on U.S. commerce; and (3) estimate the value of U.S. travel and tourism exports that would have been exported to a foreign country if such barriers did not exist. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on such barriers. Directs the Secretary to take appropriate action to ensure that foreign tourists are not unnecessarily delayed when entering the United States. Amends the International Trade Act of 1961 to require each annual tourism trade development plan to focus on those countries in which tourism trade development has the greatest potential for increasing travel and tourism export revenues. Declares that the Congress finds that increased efforts directed at the promotion of rural tourism will contribute to the economic development of rural America. Establishes the Rural Tourism Development Foundation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) economic effects of the identification and promotion of scenic byways as tourist attractions; and (2) techniques for incorporating scenic byways into tourism development programs. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 371 (102nd)referred

Sport Hunting Safety and Preservation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Sport Hunting Safety and Preservation Act of 1991 - Prescribes civil penalties for knowingly interfering with the conduct of a lawful hunt in a national forest or on other Federal lands. Authorizes injunctive relief, the recovery of actual and punitive damages, and the awarding of attorney's fees. Grants hunting and sportsman's organizations standing to sue under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 384 (102nd)referred

Federal Employees Health Care Freedom-of-Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Federal Employees Health Care Freedom-of-Choice Act - Authorizes direct payment or reimbursement to be made to Federal employees under provisions relating to employee health benefits for services performed by a: (1) chiropractor; (2) marriage family therapist; and (3) mental health counselor. Declares that this Act does not supersede or preempt any State or local law which relates to licensing or certification of health practitioners.

Bill· HRH.R. 303 (102nd)referred

To amend section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have service-connected disabilities to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

Bill· HRH.R. 44 (102nd)referred

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine, including a vessel crewmember of the U.S. Army Transport Service, during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Defines "qualified service." Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act. Mandates a processing fee of a specified amount for any benefit application for such qualified service. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to add references to components or ingredients of equipment, materials, or commodities in certain cargo preference provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 73 (102nd)open

Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from diminishing existing allocations of spectrum (available radio frequencies) to the amateur radio service after January 1, 1991. Requires the FCC to provide replacement spectrum to the service for any frequency reallocation after such date.

Bill· HRH.R. 123 (102nd)referred

Language of Government Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Language of Government Act of 1991 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that the Government has an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because they communicate in English. Prohibits a Government entity from making or enforcing an official act requiring the use of a language other than English. Deems anyone discriminated against for communicating to the Government in English to have been discriminated against on the basis of national origin. Makes available to a person so discriminated against all lawful remedies available under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Law· HRH.R. 3 (102nd)enacted

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Bill· HRH.R. 20 (102nd)referred

Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1991 - Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using, attempting to use, or permitting the use of any official information, unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or to refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employee's official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.

Bill· HRH.R. 53 (102nd)referred

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the reductions in social security benefits which are presently required in the case of spouses and surviving spouses who are also receiving certain Government pensions.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent be reduced by the amount such individual receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 34 (102nd)referred

Family Education Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Family Education Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child or certain other relatives at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $1,500 annually (adjusted for inflation) for each account. Disallows the deduction for contributions to an account maintained for any individual aged 19 or older. Requires any account balance to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 30. Permits an exclusion from the gross income of the contributor or the beneficiary of account distributions used to pay educational expenses of the latter. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization), unless a contributor or the beneficiary engages in specified prohibited transactions in connection with it. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions not used for educational purposes. Requires the account trustee to report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary concerning the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to report. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions to deduct for contributions to an education savings account. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account.

Bill· HRH.R. 5968 (101st)referred

Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990

Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions concerning permits for dredged or fill material. Prohibits, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; (2) the draining or excavation of wetlands; and (3) the burning of vegetation on wetlands for purposes of altering the biological character of such wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such activities. Sets forth permit application procedures. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the ecosystem of which they are a part and which meet specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of avian, aquatic, or terrestrial wildlife or provide other ecologically significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve limited ecological functions or that serve such functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions. Directs the Secretary to notify a permit applicant of the classification and advise such applicant of the right to seek a classification modification. Sets forth provisions concerning modifications. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Deems such takings to be takings of surface interests in lands only unless the Secretary determines that the exploration for, or development of, oil and gas or mineral interests is not compatible with conservation of the surface interests in lands that have been classified as Type A wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to classify such interests as Type A wetlands and to notify the owner that he may receive compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning court jurisdiction and remedies for taking of interests. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with de minimis alteration or surface disturbance; (2) there are overriding public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the watershed or aquatic ecosystem of which such wetlands are a part does not suffer loss or degradation of wetlands values or functions. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in the permanent loss or degradation of Type B wetlands. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Sets forth requirements of such programs. Permits activities in Type C wetlands to be undertaken without specified authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for activities in Type B wetlands if such activities are similar in nature and will not result in the significant loss of ecologically significant wetlands values and functions. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Permits States or political subdivisions to submit land management plans for identified wetlands for the Secretary's approval. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to establish standards that govern the delineation of lands as wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Provides for public participation in such project and makes information concerning identification and classification available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for permit violations. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations. Applies a specified exemption from permit requirements for discharges from the construction of Federal projects to activities in wetlands related to such projects. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 673 (101st)enacted

To designate November 2, 1990, as a national day of prayer for members of American military forces and American citizens stationed or held in the Middle East, and for their families.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1990

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should declare November 2, 1990, a national day of prayer for: (1) members of American military forces and American citizens stationed or held hostage in the Middle East, and for their families; and (2) American and Iraqi authorities to bring about a just resolution of the Persian Gulf crisis.

Bill· HRH.R. 5820 (101st)open

National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1990

National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council Reauthorization Act - Amends the Fish and Seafood Promotion Act of 1986 to replace provisions terminating the National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council, effective October 1, 1990, with provisions directing the Secretary of Commerce to complete a referendum on whether: (1) a majority of the receivers and importers of fish and fish products desire to continue in existence the National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council or a similar entity as an industry supported council; and (2) Congress should be encouraged to extend and modify the provisions of the Act. Requires the Council to study the administration and management of the Council, including methods for determining and collecting assessments from industry members, refusal to pay assessments, and provisions for accepting or rejecting members. Requires that members of the Council and Council staff be retained in their positions until the Act is repealed as provided in this Act. Authorizes appropriations: (1) from the Fisheries Promotional fund to carry out the annual marketing and promotion plan and annual budget of the Council; and (2) to carry out the Act. Repeals this Act effective December 31, 1993.

Bill· HRH.R. 5768 (101st)open

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1990

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to convene the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force to prepare a list of coastal wetlands restoration projects in Louisiana in order of priority based on the cost-effectiveness of such projects in creating, restoring, or protecting wetlands, taking into account the quality of such wetlands. Directs the Secretary to transmit the list annually to the Congress. Provides that such list (prior to the date a plan to identify such projects is prepared) shall only include restoration projects that can be substantially completed during the initial five-year period. Directs the Task Force to prepare a plan to identify priority coastal restoration projects. Requires such plan to coordinate projects to ensure long-term conservation of Louisiana wetlands. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit such plan to the Congress; and (2) submit a triennial scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of such projects to the Congress. Deems ecological, aesthetic, cultural, and economic benefits to exceed the cost of any project which contributes significantly to wetlands restoration. Allocates funding for such projects based on a project's priority. Limits the Federal share of projects to 75 percent of the total cost. Raises such limit for States with approved coastal wetlands conservation plans. Sets forth forms of State shares of such projects. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the Governor of Louisiana if the Governor agrees, to enter into an agreement to: (1) set forth a process by which the State of Louisiana agrees to develop and implement a Coastal Wetlands Conservation Plan; and (2) designate a State agency to develop and submit such Plan to the Administrator and the Secretary for approval. Directs the Administrator to make grants to assist the agency in developing the Plan. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to provide technical assistance to the State for such Plan. Sets forth a goal for such Plan of no net loss of wetlands as a result of development activities. Outlines the elements of the Plan. Provides for approval of the Plan if: (1) the State has adequate authority to implement the Plan; and (2) the Plan is adequate to attain the goal of no net loss of wetlands and is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth modification procedures in the case of noncompliance. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator to report biennially to the Congress on such Plan. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to coastal States to carry out coastal wetlands conservation projects. Directs the Secretary, in awarding such grants, to give priority to projects that are: (1) consistent with the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan developed under the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act; and (2) in coastal States that have established dedicated funding for programs to acquire coastal wetlands, natural areas, and open spaces. Subjects the provision of such grants to conditions that will ensure that real property interests acquired, enhanced, or restored with such moneys will be administered for the long-term conservation of lands, waters, and fish and wildlife. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the total cost of a project, except in cases where a State has established a trust fund. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make progress payments on wetlands conservation projects; and (2) enter into agreements to make payments on portions of such projects, subject to the availability of Federal funds. Makes funds appropriated or credited to a wetlands fund to carry out this Act available through FY 1999. Allocates funds to carry out this Act's activities, including an amount for allocation under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and to assess Texas wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects for the protection, restoration, or enhancement of aquatic and associated ecosystems. Requires the Secretary to give such projects equal consideration with irrigation, navigation, or flood control projects. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of modifying the operation of existing navigation and flood control projects to allow for an increase in the share of Mississippi River flows and sediment sent down the Atchafalaya River for purposes of land building and wetlands nourishment.