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Official portrait of Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID]

Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID]

United States · Official source

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3,869 records where Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 2214 (105th)referred

Economic Growth Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998

Economic Growth Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual capital gains tax rates.

Bill· SS. 2205 (105th)referred

Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998

Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.

Bill· SS. 2196 (105th)referred

Cardiac Arrest Survival Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 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.

Bill· SS. 2175 (105th)referred

Firearms Owner Privacy Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998

Firearms Owner Privacy Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit an officer, employee, contractor, consultant, or agent of the United States, including a State or local employee or officer acting on behalf of the United States, who receives information provided to or derived from the national instant criminal background check system about an individual seeking to obtain a firearm, from knowingly retaining or transferring that information: (1) after 24 hours if the individual is not prohibited from receiving a firearm; or (2) after five years if the individual is prohibited from receiving a firearm (with an exception for information about an individual if a criminal prosecution has been commenced against the individual on the basis of that information).

Bill· SS. 2158 (105th)referred

A bill to amend the Arms Export Control Act to provide that certain sanctions provisions relating to prohibitions on credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance not apply with respect to programs of the Department of Agriculture for the purchase or other provision of food or other agricultural commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998

Amends the Arms Export Control Act to exempt Department of Agriculture assistance for the purchase or other provision of food or other agricultural commodities from the prohibition against extensions of U.S. Government credit, credit guarantees, or other financial assistance to countries involved in the transfer or use of nuclear explosive devices.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 50 (105th)referred

A joint resolution to disapprove the rule submitted by the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services on June 1, 1998, relating to surety bond requirements for home health agencies under the medicare and medicaid programs.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998

Disapproves the rule submitted by the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, on June 1, 1998, relating to surety bond requirements for home health agencies under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

Bill· SS. 2151 (105th)open

Lethal Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998

Lethal Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to require the Attorney General to determine that registration of an applicant to manufacture, distribute, conduct research with, or dispense specified controlled substances or listed chemicals is inconsistent with the public interest if: (1) during the five-year period immediately preceding submission of the application, the applicant's registration was revoked; or (2) the Attorney General determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the applicant is applying for the registration with the intention of using such registration to violate CSA provisions. Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend or revoke a registration upon a finding that the registrant has intentionally dispensed or distributed a controlled substance with a purpose of causing, or assisting in causing, the suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of any individual. Directs the Attorney General to establish the Medical Review Board on Pain Relief, which, based on a hearing, shall make findings regarding whether a particular action at issue is an appropriate means to relieve pain that does not constitute a violation of such provision.

Bill· SS. 2145 (105th)referred

Manufactured Housing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998

Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council.

Bill· SS. 2128 (105th)referred

No Gun Tax Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1998

No Gun Tax Act of 1998 - Prohibits the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from collecting any fee, assessment, third party collection, or other charge from any person or agency in connection with any background check required under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

Bill· SS. 2098 (105th)referred

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1998

American Land Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from nominating any Federal lands for inclusion on the World Heritage List pursuant to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage unless: (1) the Secretary publishes a finding that commercially viable uses of nominated lands and lands within ten miles of them will not be adversely affected by such inclusion; (2) the Secretary has reported to the Congress on the lands' natural resources and the impact that the inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such lands; and (3) such nomination is specifically authorized by a law. Authorizes the President to submit proposals for legislation authorizing such a nomination after publication of the Secretary's finding. Requires the Secretary to object to the inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of World Heritage in Danger (established under the Convention) unless the Secretary: (1) has reported to the Congress on the necessity for such inclusion, the natural resources associated with the property, and the impact such inclusion would have on existing and future uses of such property; and (2) is specifically authorized to assent to the inclusion by a joint resolution of the Congress enacted after the report is submitted. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees on the management of each World Heritage Site within the United States. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating any lands in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Provides that any such designation before enactment of this Act shall not have any force or effect, unless the Biosphere Reserve: (1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted before December 31, 2000; (2) consists solely of federally owned lands; and (3) is subject to a management plan that specifically ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal property is not limited or restricted as a result of that designation. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to specified congressional committees information on the management of each Biosphere Reserve within the United States. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any Federal official from nominating, classifying, or designating any Federal land located within the United States for a special (including commercial) or restricted use under any international agreement for conserving, preserving, or protecting the terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna (with specified exceptions) unless specifically authorized by law, but authorizes the Secretary to submit proposals for authorizing legislation. Provides that any such nomination, classification, or designation of private or State or local lands shall have no force or effect without the owner's consent or specific authorization by State or local law, respectively.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 232 (105th)passed

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that the European Union should waive the penalty for failure to use restitution subsidies for barley to the United States and ensure that restitution or other subsidies are not used for similar sales in the United States and that the President, the United States Trade Representative, and the Secretary of Agriculture should conduct an investigation of and report on the sale and subsidies.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1998

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the European Union should take immediate steps to waive the penalty for failure to use restitution subsidies for barley exported to the United States and establish procedures to ensure that restitution and other subsidies are not used for sales of agricultural commodities to the United States or other North American countries; (2) the President, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the Secretary of Agriculture should immediately consult with the European Union regarding the sale of European feed barley to the United States in order to avoid any future sale of such barley to the United States that is based on restitution or other subsidies; and (3) the USTR and the Secretary should report to the Congress on the terms and conditions of such sale, the results of the consultations, and the steps that are being taken or will be taken to address such situations in the future.

Bill· SS. 2078 (105th)referred

Farm and Ranch Risk Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

Farm and Ranch Risk Management Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals engaged in eligible farming businesses to deduct from gross income for any taxable year the amount (limited to 20 percent of the individual's taxable income for the year) paid into an interest-bearing Farm and Ranch Risk Management (FARRM) Account, created for the taxpayer's exclusive benefit. Requires withdrawal of contributions within five years, upon which they are taxable as ordinary income in the year of withdrawal. Deems a distribution, subject to income tax, of any deposits not actually distributed within five years, and prescribes an additional penalty tax of ten percent of any such deemed distribution.

Bill· SS. 2067 (105th)referred

Encryption Protects the Rights of Individuals from Violation and Abuse in CYberspace (E-PRIVACY) Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Privacy Protection for Communications and Electronic Information Title II: Law Enforcement Assistance Title III: Exports of Encryption Products Encryption Protects the Rights of Individuals from Violation and Abuse in CYberspace (E-PRIVACY) Act - Title I: Privacy Protection for Communications and Electronic Information - Prohibits any person within the United States, and any U.S person in a foreign country, from using, developing, manufacturing, selling, distributing, or importing any encryption product, except as provided by this Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or State from requiring, compelling, setting standards for, or conditioning any approval or the receipt of any benefit on, a requirement that a decryption key, access to a decryption key, key recovery information, or other plaintext access capability be: (1) given to any other person, including any U.S. or State agency, or any private sector entity; or (2) retained by any person using encryption. Prohibits any U.S. agency from requiring any person who is not an employee or agent of the United States or a State from using any key recovery or other plaintext access features for communicating or transacting business with any U.S. agency. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to encryption used solely for the internal operations and telecommunications systems of the United States or a State. Directs that the use, development, manufacture, sale, distribution, and import of encryption products, standards, and services for purposes of assuring the confidentiality, authenticity, or integrity or access control of electronic information be voluntary and market driven. Prohibits any U.S. or State agency from establishing any condition, tie, or link between encryption products, standards, and services used for confidentiality and those used for authentication, integrity, or access control purposes. (Sec. 102) Authorizes a U.S. agency to purchase encryption products for: (1) the internal operations and telecommunications systems of the agency; or (2) use by, among, and between that agency and any other U.S. agency, and its employees or contractors. Prohibits the United States from purchasing any encryption product with a key recovery or other plaintext access feature that would interfere with use of the product's full encryption capabilities when interoperating with other commercial encryption products. (Sec. 103) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize a governmental entity to require the disclosure of the contents of an electronic record in networked electronic storage: (1) by a provider of a remote computing service only if the person who created the record is accorded the same protections that would be available if the record had remained in that person's possession; and (2) only pursuant to a warrant or subpoena issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or equivalent State warrant (subject to specified requirements), or upon the consent of the person who created the record. (Sec. 104) Requires a provider of mobile electronic communication service to provide to a governmental entity information generated by and disclosing, on a real time basis, the physical location of a subscriber's equipment only if the governmental entity obtains a court order issued upon a finding that there is probable cause to believe that an individual using or possessing the subscriber equipment is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a felony offense. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the court to enter an ex parte order: (1) authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device within the court's jurisdiction if the court finds, based on the certification by the attorney for the Government or the State law enforcement or investigative officer, that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation; and (2) directing that the use of the pen register or trap and trace device be conducted in such a way as to minimize the recording or decoding of any electronic or other impulses that are not related to the dialing and signaling information utilized in call processing. Title II: Law Enforcement Assistance - Prohibits and sets penalties for knowingly and willfully, during the commission of a Federal felony, encrypting any incriminating communication or information relating to that felony with intent to conceal it to avoid detection by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor. Requires that an order authorizing the interception of a wire or electronic communication in criminal investigations and in foreign intelligence investigations, upon request of the applicant, direct that a provider of wire or electronic communication service furnish the applicant with the necessary decryption assistance, if the court finds that such assistance is necessary, subject to specified requirements. Prohibits: (1) persons possessing information capable of decrypting a wire or electronic communication of another person from disclosing that information or providing decryption assistance to an investigative or law enforcement officer, other than pursuant to an order under this Act; (2) disclosing a decryption key or providing decryption assistance pertaining to the contents of stored electronic communications or records to a governmental entity, with exceptions (and authorizes a delay in service of the copy of the warrant or subpoena on the person who created the communication under specified circumstances); and (3) any investigative or law enforcement officer from releasing a decryption key to a foreign government or to a law enforcement agency of a foreign government, or providing decryption assistance to such government or agency unless specified conditions are met. Establishes in the Department of Justice a National Electronic Technologies Center. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Exports of Encryption Products - Grants the Secretary of Commerce exclusive authority to control exports of encryption products. (Sec. 302) Specifies that an encryption product that is generally available, or incorporates or employs in any form, implementation, or medium an encryption product that is generally available, shall be exportable without the need for an export license and without restrictions, other than those permitted under this Act, after a one-time 15-day technical review by the Secretary. Authorizes the manufacturer or exporter of an encryption product to request written assurance from the Secretary that an encryption product is considered generally available for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to make a determination whether to issue a written assurance within 30 days after receiving a request and notify the requester. Specifies that a manufacturer or exporter who obtains such assurance shall not be held liable, responsible, or subject to sanctions for failing to obtain an export license for the encryption product at issue. (Sec. 303) Provides that any product that does not itself provide encryption capabilities, but that incorporates or employs cryptographic application programming interfaces, shall be exportable without the need for an export license and without restrictions, other than those permitted under this Act, after a one-time, 15-day technical review by the Secretary. (Sec. 304) Specifies that: (1) technical assistance and technical data associated with the installation and maintenance of encryption products covered by sections 302 (license exception for mass market products) and 303 (license exception for products without encryption capable of working with encryption products) shall be exportable without the need for an export license and without restrictions, other than those permitted under this Act; and (2) an encryption product not qualifying under section 302 shall be exportable without the need for an export license and without restrictions, other than those permitted under this Act, after a one-time 15-day technical review by the Secretary, if an encryption product utilizing the same or greater key length or otherwise providing comparable security to such product, is, or will be within the next 18 months, commercially available outside the United States from a foreign supplier. Establishes the Encryption Export Advisory Board. Sets forth provisions regarding the Secretary's approval or disapproval of determinations by the Board and judicial review. Specifies that a product that incorporates or employs a foreign product, in the way it was intended to be used and that the Board has determined to be commercially available outside the United States, shall be exportable without the need for an export license and without restrictions other than those permitted under this Act, after a one-time 15-day technical review by the Secretary. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the Government from restricting the export of encryption products used for nonconfidentiality purposes. Specifies that those encryption products previously decontrolled and not requiring an export license as of January 1, 1998, as a result of administrative decision or rulemaking, shall not require an export license. (Sec. 307) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the President's authority under specified Acts to: (1) prohibit the export of encryption products to countries that have been determined to repeatedly provide support for acts of international terrorism; or (2) impose an embargo on exports to, and imports from, a specific country. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prohibit the export of particular encryption products to an individual or organization in a specific foreign country identified by the Secretary if the Secretary determines that there is substantial evidence that such encryption products will be used for military or terrorist end-use; and (2) identify foreign barriers to exports of U.S. encryption products, initiate appropriate actions to address such barriers and report to the Congress on actions taken under this section.

Bill· SS. 2036 (105th)referred

Bosnia Force Realignment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998

Bosnia Force Realignment Act - Prohibits the obligation of Department of Defense (DOD) funds for the ground elements of U.S. armed forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except to the extent necessary: (1) for U.S. ground forces to protect themselves during withdrawals; (2) to support a limited number of U.S. military personnel sufficient to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities; (3) to support non-combat military personnel sufficient to advise the commanders North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations in the Republic; and (4) for the deployment of U.S. ground forces as part of NATO containment operations surrounding such countries. Directs the President to continue the planned withdrawal of American forces from the NATO Stabilization Force such that U.S. ground forces in that force or the planned multi-national successor force does not exceed specified levels for years 1998 through 2000. Prohibits the use of DOD funds for: (1) the conduct of law enforcement and police activities in the Republic, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) the conduct of any activity that may jeopardize the mission of the NATO-led force in preventing armed conflict between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska (Bosnian Entities); (3) any transfer of refugees within the Republic that has as one of its purposes the acquisition of control by a Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to the other Bosnian Entity under the Dayton Peace Agreement, or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk to their personal safety; and (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of territory within the Republic unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Agreement. Directs the President to report to the Congress on progress made toward meeting the established troop drawdown limits.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 220 (105th)referred

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that the European Union should cancel the sale of heavily subsidized barley to the United States and ensure that restitution or other subsidies are not used for similar sales and that the President, the United States Trade Representative , and the Secretary of Agriculture should conduct an investigation of and report on the sale and subsidies.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the European Union should take immediate steps to cancel the sale of European feed barley to the United States and establish procedures to ensure that restitution and other subsidies are not used for sales of agricultural commodities to the United States or other North American countries; (2) the President, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the Secretary of Agriculture should immediately investigate the sale of European feed barley to the United States and prevent any future sale of such commodities to the United States or other North American countries that is based on restitution or other subsidies; and (3) the USTR and the Secretary should report to the Congress on the terms and conditions of such sale and the steps that have been taken to cancel, and prevent the recurrence of, such sales in the future.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 46 (105th)referred

A joint resolution expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998

Recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Commends the Israeli people for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.

Bill· SS. 1930 (105th)referred

Royalty Enhancement Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998

Royalty Enhancement Act of 1998 - Declares that all royalty oil and royalty gas accruing to the United States under any oil and gas lease shall be taken in kind by the United States at the applicable delivery point for each lease premises. Sets forth rights, obligations and responsibilities pertaining to such royalty oil and gas with respect to: (1) the United States; (2) the States; (3) the lessee; and (4) qualified marketing agents. (Sec. 4) Allocates costs responsibility and transporter charges between the lessee and the United States. Prescribes procedures for resolving royalty share imbalances between: (1) the amount of royalty oil or gas production taken by the United States from a lease premises during a calendar month; and (2) the amount of such production attributable to such lease premises for that month. (Sec. 7) Sets forth guidelines for transportation by truck, tanker, or barge for royalty oil or gas taken in kind from onshore or offshore lease premises for which there is no pipeline connection at the well. (Sec. 8) Exempts from coverage by this Act: (1) compensatory royalties; (2) minimum royalties; and (3) net profit share lease royalties prior to payout. (Sec. 9) Sets forth reporting requirements for lessees and qualitied marketing agents. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to audit their reports. (Sec. 12) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall dirct qualified marketing agents to offer for sale to eligible small refiners an eligible small refiner portion, which is intended for processing, or trading for equivalent barrels for processing, in the eligible small refiner's refineries located in the United States, and not for resale in-kind or value. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) convene an eligible small refiner advisory panel to assist in developing policies and procedures to implement this Act; and (2) develop and implement procedures to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for eligible small refiners to purchase royalty oil from the eligible small refiner portion. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to repeal existing royalty-in-kind authority. (Sec. 13) Declares that this Act does not: (1) affect the Deep Water Royalty Relief Act of 1995 or any other Federal law applicable to stripper or marginal production; or (2) apply to Indian lands.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 44 (105th)open

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence the right to: (1) reasonable notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at all public proceedings to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence (grants such rights at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent they are afforded to the convicted offender); (3) reasonable notice of a release or escape from custody relating to the crime; (4) consideration for the interest of the victim in a trial free from unreasonable delay; (5) an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) consideration for the safety of the victim in determining any release from custody; and (7) reasonable notice of the rights established by this amendment. Grants the victim or the victim's representative standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds for the victim to challenge a charging decision or a conviction, to overturn a sentence or negotiated plea, to obtain a stay of trial, or to compel a new trial; and (2) give rise to a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public official. Empowers the Congress and the States to implement and enforce this amendment within their respective jurisdictions by appropriate legislation, including by enacting exceptions when necessary to achieve a compelling interest.

Bill· SS. 1873 (105th)open

American Missile Protection Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1998

American Missile Protection Act of 1998 - States as U.S. policy to deploy as soon as technologically possible an effective National Missile Defense system capable of defending U.S. territory against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate).

Bill· SS. 1874 (105th)referred

Department of Energy Small Business and Industry Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1998

Department of Energy Small Business and Industry Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to make arrangements for the conduct of technology research and development activities within the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE). Revises NRC authority to conduct research and development activities and studies for others in its own contractor-operated facilities where private facilities are inadequate for the purposes. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy, when conducting such activities for others, from recovering more than the full cost of work incurred at DOE contractor-operated facilities. Declares that any costs incurred by DOE in connection with work performed by contractor-operated DOE facilities shall be funded from DOE departmental administration accounts. Prescribes guidelines for charges a DOE contractor-operated facility may assess for work performed for a non-DOE entity (external customer). Requires the Secretary and each contractor operating a DOE facility to develop jointly a system of measurements (metrics) to determine levels of specific areas of performance, which shall subsequently be specified in the contract for operation of a contractor-operated facility, and which shall be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the facility's partnership development. Instructs the Secretary to encourage partnerships and interactions with universities and private industry at each contractor-operated facility. Makes development and expansion of partnerships and interactions with universities and private industry a component in evaluating the annual performance of each contractor-operated facility. Requires each contractor operating a DOE facility to create a small business technology partnership program at each such facility. Requires the Secretary to evaluate program effectiveness annually with each contractor to ensure opportunities for small businesses to interact with and use the resources of each contractor-operated facility. Requires the use of program funds to cover a contractor-operated facility's costs of interactions with small businesses. Prohibits the use of such funds for direct monetary grants to small businesses.

Bill· SS. 1868 (105th)open

International Religious Freedom Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of State Activities Title II: Commission on International Religious Persecution Title II: National Security Council Title IV: Sanctions Subtitle I: Targeted Responses to Religious Persecution Abroad Subtitle II: Strengthening Existing Law Title V: Promotion of Religious Freedom Title VI: Refugee, Asylum, and Consular Matters Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) condemn religious persecution, and to promote, and to assist other governments in the promotion of, the fundamental right to religious freedom; and (2) seek to channel U.S. security and development assistance to governments that are found not to be engaged in gross violations of human rights, including the right to religious freedom. Title I: Department of State Activities - Establishes within the Department of State an Office on International Religious Freedom which shall be headed by an Ambassador at Large on International Religious Freedom. (Sec. 102) Directs the Ambassador at Large to assist the Secretary of State in preparing those portions of the Human Rights Reports that relate to freedom of religion and religious discrimination, and to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, in conjunction with the Human Rights Reports, an Annual Report on Religious Persecution: (1) identifying foreign countries that engage in or tolerate acts of religious persecution; and (2) describing U.S. policies in support of religious freedom in such countries. (Sec. 103) Requires the Ambassador at Large, in order to facilitate access by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the public around the world to international documents on the protection of religious freedom, to establish an Internet site containing major international documents relating to religious freedom, the Annual Report on Religious Persecution, and any other relevant documentation or references to other sites. (Sec. 104) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary and the Ambassador at Large to establish as part of the standard training for Foreign Service officers, including chiefs of mission, instruction in the field of internationally-recognized human rights. (Sec. 105) Directs U.S. chiefs of mission to seek out and meet with religious NGOs, including imprisoned religious leaders where appropriate. (Sec. 106) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) U.S. diplomatic missions in countries where the government engages in or tolerates religious persecution should develop, as part of annual program planning, a strategy to promote freedom of religion; and (2) in allocating funds or recommending candidates for U.S. programs and grants, U.S. missions should give particular consideration to those programs and candidates deemed to assist in the promotion of the right to religious freedom. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to permit, on terms no less favorable than that accorded other nongovernmental activities, access to the premises of U.S. diplomatic missions by U.S. citizens seeking to conduct religious activities. (Sec. 108) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in order to encourage involvement with religious persecution concerns at every possible opportunity and by all appropriate U.S. Government representatives, officials of the executive branch should promote increased advocacy with respect to the preparation of issue briefs consisting of lists of persons believed to be imprisoned for their religious faith during meetings between executive branch and congressional leaders and foreign dignitaries. Title II: Commission on International Religious Persecution - Establishes the United States Commission on International Religious Persecution. (Sec. 202) Makes the Commission's primary responsibility to: (1) consider the facts and circumstances of religious persecution presented in the Annual Report on Religious Persecution, as well as information from other appropriate sources; and (2) make appropriate policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress. Title III: National Security Council - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to express the sense of the Congress that there should be within the staff of the National Security Council a Special Adviser to the President on Religious Persecution, serving as a resource for executive branch officials, compiling information on the facts and circumstances of religious persecution and violations of religious freedom, and making policy recommendations. Title IV: Sanctions - Subtitle I: Targeted Responses to Religious Persecution Abroad - Directs the President, for each foreign country in which the government engages in or tolerates religious persecution, to oppose that persecution by certain measures and promote the right to freedom of religion in that country. Prescribes a procedure for determining, before the President imposes any sanctions or commensurate actions, whether a foreign government has engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of the right to religious freedom. (Sec. 403) Directs the President to: (1) consult with the violating foreign government prior to imposing such sanctions; and (2) report to the Congress. (Sec. 405) Specifies among the measures and sanctions the President may take: (1) public condemnation; (2) cancellation of scientific and cultural exchanges; (3) withdrawal, limitation, or suspension of U.S. development assistance and U.S. security assistance; (4) withdrawal, limitation, or suspension of certain preferential tariff treatment; (5) instruction of U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions to vote against loans primarily benefiting the foreign government responsible for such persecution; (6) restrictions on the issuance of licenses to export any goods or technology to such foreign government; (7) prohibition against the making, guaranteeing, or insuring of loans, or extension of credit by certain U.S. financial institutions to the violating government; and (8) prohibition of U.S. Government procurement of goods or services from such government. Provides for commensurate actions in substitution for any of such measures and sanctions. Declares that any such action may not: (1) prohibit or restrict the provision of humanitarian assistance; or (2) impede any U.S. Government action to enforce the right to maintain intellectual property rights. (Sec. 407) Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 409) Provides for congressional review of any sanctions imposed, or the waiver of any requirements, under this Act. Subtitle II: Strengthening Existing Law - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Financial Institutions Act to add as a factor for consideration in formulating U.S. development assistance, military assistance, and multilateral assistance programs whether the government of a foreign country has: (1) engaged in gross violations of the right to freedom of religion; or (2) failed to undertake serious and sustained efforts to combat gross violations of the right to freedom of religion, when such efforts could have been reasonably undertaken. (Sec. 423) Requires the inclusion on the list of crime control and detection instruments or equipment controlled for export or reexport under the Export Administration Act of 1979 (and so subject to mandatory licensing) items the Secretary of State has determined are being used or are intended for use directly and in significant measure to carry out gross violations of the right to freedom of religion. Declares that the prohibition on the issuance of a license for export of crime control and detection instruments or equipment under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall apply to the export or reexport of such items. Title V: Promotion of Religious Freedom - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the use of development assistance funds to carry out programs and activities in foreign countries which will encourage and promote the right to free religious belief and practice. (Sec. 502) Amends the International Broadcasting Act of 1994 and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 with respect to promoting respect for freedom of religion. (Sec. 504) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to state that service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to religious freedom, shall serve as a basis for the award of performance pay and Foreign Service awards to Foreign Service employees. Title VI: Refugee, Asylum, and Consular Matters - Requires the Annual Report on Religious Persecution to serve as a resource for immigration judges and consular, refugee, and asylum officers in cases involving claims of persecution on the grounds of religion. (Sec. 602) Directs the Attorney General to provide all U.S. officials adjudicating refugee cases with the same training provided to officers adjudicating asylum cases, including training on the right to religious freedom and religious persecution. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to develop and implement guidelines that address potential hostile biases in Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel hired abroad and involved with duties which could constitute an effective barrier to a refugee claim if such personnel carry a hostile bias toward the claimant on the grounds of religion, race, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to: (1) develop guidelines to ensure uniform procedures to the extent possible with Joint Voluntary Agencies; and (2) ensure that the Joint Voluntary Agencies process is enhanced, and faulty preparation of claims does not result in the failure of a genuine claim to refugee status. (Sec. 603) Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to develop guidelines to ensure that interpreters with hostile biases, including personnel of airlines owned by governments known to be involved in practices which would meet the definition of persecution under international refugee law, shall not in any manner be used to interpret conversations between aliens and inspection or asylum officers. Requires the Attorney General to provide training to all officers adjudicating asylum cases on the right to religious freedom and the nature of religious persecution abroad, including country-specific conditions. Requires the Executive Office of Immigration Review of the Department of Justice to incorporate into its initial and ongoing training of immigration judges training on the extent and nature of religious persecution internationally, including country-specific conditions. (Sec. 604) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make inadmissible for naturalization any alien (including a spouse and children) who, while serving as a foreign government official, directly engaged in gross violations of the right to religious freedom. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that transnational corporations operating in countries in which the government engages in gross violations of the right to religious freedom should adopt codes of conduct: (1) upholding the right to religious freedom of their employees; and (2) ensuring that a worker's religious views in no way affect the status or terms of his or her employment. (Sec. 702) Expresses the sense of the Congress that in negotiating the definitions of crimes to be included in the subject matter jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, the President should pursue the inclusion of gross violations of the right to religious freedom, to the extent they fall within the meaning in international law of crimes against humanity or genocide.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 196 (105th)passed

A resolution recognizing, and calling on all Americans to recognize, the courage and sacrifice of Senator John McCain and the members of the Armed Forces held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and stating that the American people will not forget that more than 2,000 members of the Armed Forces remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict and will continue to press for the fullest possible accounting for all such members whose whereabouts are unknown.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998

Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses gratitude to, and calls upon all Americans to show their gratitude to, John McCain and the men who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and for the return of Senator McCain to the United States; and (2) will not forget that more than 2,000 members of the armed forces remain unaccounted for from such conflict and will continue to press for the fullest accounting for such members.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 84 (105th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of Costa Rica should take steps to protect the lives of property owners in Costa Rica, and for other purpeses.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Costa Rica should: (1) consider fundamental reform to protect the property rights and lives of all law-abiding residents and property owners of Costa Rica from acts of intimidation, violence, and property invasion; and (2) conduct a complete investigation into the death of Max Dalton (a U.S. citizen who was murdered in a dispute with squatters illegally occupying his property in the Pavones region of that country).

Bill· SS. 1758 (105th)open

Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1998

Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish a Tropical Forest Facility in the Department of the Treasury to provide for the administration of debt reduction in accordance with this Act. Makes eligible for Facility benefits developing countries with tropical forests that: (1) meet certain requirements applicable to Latin American and Caribbean countries for eligibility for Enterprise for the Americas Facility benefits; and (2) have put in place major investment reforms, as evidenced by the conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty with the United States, implementation of an investment sector loan with the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank-supported investment reforms, or other appropriate measures. Authorizes the President to: (1) reduce debt owed to the United States (outstanding as of January 1, 1998) by eligible countries as a result of concessional loans made under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation or credits extended under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954; and (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any concessional loans or credits or, on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser, reduce or cancel such loans or credits (or portion thereof), only for the purpose of facilitating a debt-for-nature swap or debt buyback (by an eligible country of its own qualified debt) to support activities to preserve or restore tropical forests. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into a Tropical Forest Agreement with any eligible country concerning the operation and use of the Tropical Forest Fund which any eligible country must establish in order to receive payments of interest on new obligations issued under this Act. Requires the use of Funds to provide grants to preserve, maintain, and restore tropical forests in beneficiary countries. Provides that grants shall be made to: (1) nongovernmental environmental, conservation, and indigenous peoples organizations in beneficiary countries; (2) other appropriate local or regional entities; and (3) governments of such countries, in exceptional circumstances. Makes grants of more than $100,000 subject to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Directs the Enterprise for the Americas Board established under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (in addition to its other required duties) to: (1) advise the Secretary of State on the negotiations of Tropical Forest Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of each administering body. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the Facility.

Law· SS. 1754 (105th)enacted

Health Professions Education Partnerships Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Professions Education and Financial Assistance Programs Subtitle A: Health Professions Education Programs Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Development Subtitle C: Financial Assistance Title II: Office of Minority Health Title III: Selected Initiatives Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Professions Education Partnerships Act of 1998 - Title I: Health Professions Education and Financial Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Health Professions Education Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to the training of health personnel from disadvantaged backgrounds with provisions mandating grants for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minority individuals, including to develop large applicant pools, enhance academic performance, train, recruit, and retain faculty, improve resources and curricula, and facilitate research. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to specified types of health professions schools for scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a financial need for a scholarship, with grant priority based on the proportion of graduates going into primary care, the proportion of underrepresented minority students, and the proportion of graduates working in medically underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a program of contracts for educational loan repayment (for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds) in return for service as faculty members at specified types of health professions schools. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants and contracts to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty members. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants and contracts to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession and for scholarships for health professions education. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions relating to obligated service regarding certain programs. (Sec. 102) Repeals provisions relating to area health education center programs. Modifies provisions relating to training in family medicine by adding: (1) references to internal medicine and general pediatrics; (2) provisions regarding the training of physician assistants; and (3) provisions regarding programs of general or pediatric dentistry. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions regarding: (1) training in internal medicine, general pediatrics, general dentistry, physician assistants, and podiatric medicine; and (2) traineeships, fellowships, and the amount of grants. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry. (Sec. 103) Replaces provisions relating to training in certain health professions with provisions requiring that, in order to receive assistance under the amendments made by this section, an academic institution use the assistance in collaboration with two or more disciplines. Requires the recipient to carry out innovative demonstration projects for strategic workforce supplementation to meet national goals for interdisciplinary, community-based linkages. Mandates grants and contracts for area health education center programs meeting certain objectives, including recruiting and training health professionals from and for underserved areas and underserved populations. Requires that, in order to be eligible for funds under this paragraph, a health education training center be an entity otherwise eligible for funds under the paragraph immediately above and meet other specified requirements, including addressing persistent and severe unmet health care needs in States bordering the United States and Mexico, in Florida, and other areas. Requires that funding be made available. Mandates grants and contracts for the establishment or operation of geriatric education centers. Authorizes grants and contracts for geriatric training projects to train physicians, dentists, and behavioral and mental health professionals who plan to teach geriatric medicine, geriatric behavioral or mental health, or geriatric dentistry. Mandates a program to provide Geriatric Academic Career Awards to promote the career development of individuals as academic geriatricians. Requires Award recipients to provide clinical geriatrics training. Authorizes grants or contracts to help fund interdisciplinary training projects involving: (1) training health practitioners for rural areas; (2) demonstrating cost-effective comprehensive health care; (3) delivering rural health care; (4) enhancing rural health care research; and (5) recruiting and retaining practitioners from rural areas and making rural practice more attractive. Allows the use of student stipends, post-doctoral fellowships, faculty training, and the purchase or rental of transportation and telecommunication equipment. Authorizes grants or contracts for: (1) expanding or establishing programs to increase the number of allied health professionals; (2) projects in preventive and primary care training for podiatric physicians in residency programs providing traineeships; and (3) demonstration projects involving collaboration between chiropractors and physicians to identify and provide effective treatment for spinal and lower back conditions. Mandates establishment of the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this section. (Sec. 104) Replaces provisions relating to special training projects with provisions authorizing grants or contracts for information collection, analysis, research, and the development of a non-Federal analytic and research infrastructure, all related to the health professions workforce, related issues, and future directions. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Health Professions Education Extension Amendments of 1992 to extend the dates for the final report and termination of the Council on Graduate Medical Education. Allows amounts otherwise appropriated under specified provisions to be used to support the Council's activities. Transfers the amended provisions to the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 105) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants or contracts: (1) to increase the public health workforce and enhance its quality and ability to meet health care needs; and (2) for the operation of public health training centers. Authorizes grants for graduate or specialized training in public health, to assist in providing traineeships in health professions fields in which there is a severe shortage of health professionals. Authorizes grants and contracts for residency programs in preventive medicine and dental public health and related financial assistance to residency trainees. Authorizes grants for: (1) traineeships in health administration, hospital administration, or health policy analysis and planning; and (2) related preparation of students for employment with public or nonprofit private entities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this section. (Sec. 106) Repeals or removes provisions of the Public Health Service relating to: (1) research on certain health professions issues; (2) chiropractic demonstration projects; (3) the submission of specified information in conjunction with applications for grants or contracts; and (4) the development and publication of certain statistics, the handling of certain personal data, and the submission of certain reports. Imposes new application requirements and lists permitted uses of funds. Requires competitive awarding of grants and contracts. Adds professional counselors to the list of health professions personnel about whom information may be collected and analyzed. (Sec. 107) Requires that programs that have graduated less than three classes be given funding priority if they meet certain criteria relating to serving underserved populations or underserved communities. (Sec. 108) Adds references to behavioral health and to counseling to various generally applicable to health professions education provisions. Includes in the definition of "medically underserved community" an area or population designated by a State governor as a shortage area or medically underserved community. Modifies the definition of "program for the training of physician assistants." Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Development - Nursing Education and Practice Improvement Act of 1998 - Replaces Public Health Service Act title VIII (Nurse Education) (except provisions relating to student loans, the loan repayment program, and sex discrimination) with a new title on nursing workforce development. Requires that grants and contracts be awarded competitively. Authorizes grants and contracts to: (1) enhance advanced practice nursing education and practice and traineeships for individuals in advanced practice nursing programs; (2) increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing scholarships or stipends, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities; and (3) strengthen capacity for basic nurse education and practice. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice. Subtitle C: Financial Assistance - Chapter 1: School-Based Revolving Loan Funds - Modifies requirements: (1) schools must (in order to participate in the student loan program under specified provisions) meet regarding the percentages of graduates going into primary care; and (2) regarding student noncompliance with loan agreements. Removes a requirement for an annual report to specified congressional committees regarding administration of provisions relating to student loan funds in the context of medical schools and primary care. (Sec. 132) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds under provisions relating to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Repeals the authorization effective October 1, 2002. (Sec. 133) Allows loan repayment to be extended for up to ten years in specified circumstances. Increases minimum principal and interest payments. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provisions of Federal or State law, any limit on the period within which a nursing school may seek repayment. Specifies the consequences (applicable if so provided in the agreement) imposed on default concerning an agreement to provide service in consideration for an award of Federal funds regarding nursing education. (Sec. 134) Modifies provisions controlling the maximum limit on a loan made to a student for a school year. Allows repayment to be made over ten to 25 (currently, over ten) years, at the option of the institution. Increases minimum principal and interest payments. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provisions of Federal or State law, any limit on the period within which a nursing school may seek repayment. Sets a deadline for obligation of amounts from student loan funds under certain provisions that are returned to the Secretary by health professions schools. Chapter 2: Insured Health Education Assistance Loans to Graduate Students - Authorizes loan payment deferral for up to three years while the borrower is providing health care services to Indians through an Indian health program. Removes a requirement that the Office for Health Education Assistance Loan Default Reduction submit an annual report to specified congressional committees. Allows collection of loan balances after the borrower's death. Limits the maximum annual dollar amount of a loan to a student in a graduate program in behavioral and mental health practice, including clinical psychology, and includes institutions offering such programs in the definition of "eligible institution." (Sec. 142) Removes provisions mandating performance standards for lenders and holders of loans. Allows Federal payment of the loan after default, unless the lender, holder, or servicer has a compliance performance rating under 97 percent, in which case payment must be made at 98 percent of the loss. (Sec. 143) Sets forth maximum limits for specified fiscal years on the total principal amount of new loans made and installments paid pursuant to lines of credit to borrowers covered by Federal loan insurance under provisions relating to insured health education assistance loans to graduate students. (Sec. 144) Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law, an insured loan to be discharged in bankruptcy. (Current law allows such discharge, but makes no reference to other provisions of law.) (Sec. 145) Prohibits construing specified provisions as prohibiting refinancing of a single loan. Title II: Office of Minority Health - Modifies the duties of the Office of Minority Health. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. Requires that grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts be awarded on a competitive basis. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for the Office; and (2) to enable the National Center for Health Statistics to collect data on Hispanics and American Indians and to develop special area population studies on major Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Locates the Office in the Office of Public Health and Science (currently, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health). Title III: Selected Initiatives - Amends provisions relating to grants to States for operation of offices of rural health to remove a requirement that non-Federal matching funds be in cash. Extends the authorization of appropriations. Increases the dollar appropriation level after which additional grants are prohibited. (Sec. 302) Removes the minimum and maximum limits on the number of grants to States for certain programs concerning Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Allows respite care under such programs to be provided to individuals living in single family homes or in congregate settings. Allows grant funds to be used to improve access to home-based or community-based long-term care services. Removes a grant duration limitation. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 303) Extends the authorization of appropriations for immunization program grants for no-charge immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults (currently, for individuals). Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Deems active service of Public Health Service commissioned officers to be active military service in the U.S. armed forces for purposes of all laws regarding discrimination on the basis of race and other specified factors. Authorizes leave without pay status for attendance at an educational institution or training program when it is in the best interest of the Service. Declares that provisions mandating confidentiality of certain substance abuse records do not apply to any interchange of records within the uniformed services (currently, within the armed forces). (Sec. 403) Requires that a person who has received a clinical traineeship in counseling under specified provisions serve for specified periods. (Sec. 404) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for screenings, referrals, and education regarding lead poisoning. (Sec. 405) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for the prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis. Authorizes the set-aside of a specified percentage (currently, a specified dollar amount) for areas with a substantial number of, or a substantial rate of increase in, cases. (Sec. 406) Authorizes establishment of technical and scientific peer review groups and scientific program advisory committees as needed to carry out the functions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Sec. 407) Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions regarding grants for community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence. Provides for a study of the training needs of health professionals concerning the detection and referral of victims of family or acquaintance violence. (Sec. 408) Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants for programs to increase the availability of primary health services in health professional shortage areas. (Sec. 409) Allows reservation of up to $2.5 million (currently, requires reservation of $5 million) for construction, renovation, or other improvement of regional centers for primate research. (Sec. 410) Allows a grant or cooperative agreement (currently, a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract), the direct cost of which exceeds $50,000, to be made only if it is recommended after peer review and by the appropriate advisory council. (Sec. 411) Extends the authorizations of appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to trauma care and to health information and health promotion. (Sec. 413) Limits grants for emergency medical services for children to three years with an optional fourth year (currently, to two years). Allows only three (currently, one) grant in a State per fiscal year. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 414) Amends the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993 to remove provisions requiring that entities receiving funds under that Act comply with specified provisions of the Act popularly known as the Buy American Act. (Sec. 415) Amends Public Health Service Act provisions relating to the determination of the amount of grants to States to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease to list the Virgin Islands and Guam with States. (Currently, they are listed with U.S. territories. Listing them with States changes the formula used for determining the amount of grants.)

Bill· SS. 1737 (105th)referred

Taxpayer Confidentiality Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1998

Taxpayer Confidentiality Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend common law confidentiality protections to a communication between a taxpayer and a federally authorized tax practitioner (as defined by this Act) if such communication would be considered a privileged taxpayer-attorney communication. Limits such privilege to noncriminal matters before the Internal Revenue Service and related Federal court proceedings.

Bill· SS. 1723 (105th)referred

American Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1998

American Competitiveness Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish an H1-C nonimmigrant category of nonphysician health care workers. (Removes such aliens from the H-1B skilled worker category.) Increases H1-B visa levels, and makes available to such category a certain number of unused visas from specified other temporary visa categories. (Sec. 4) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the State Student Incentive Grant program. Obligates specified amounts for grants to low-income students in higher education programs of mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish or improve an Internet technology employment data bank. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Revises and increases penalties for violations of the H1-B or H1-C programs. Transfers labor condition application authority from the Secretary to the Attorney General. Defines "prevailing wage." (Sec. 6) Directs the Attorney General to submit an annual H1-B visa report. (Sec. 7) Exempts employment-based immigrants from per country limitations if unused visas are available during a calendar quarter. Authorizes nonimmigrant status extension for certain aliens who: (1) have petitions pending for employment-based immigrant status adjustment; and (2) are subject to per country limitations. (Sec. 8) Authorizes H1-B aliens to accept academic honorarium payments for services on behalf of an institution of higher education or other nonprofit entity.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 188 (105th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Israeli membership in a United Nations regional group.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to support Israel's efforts to enter an appropriate United Nations (UN) regional group; (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to carry out this policy; (3) the United States should insist that any effort to reform the UN, including the Security Council, also resolve this anomaly and should ensure that the principle of sovereign equality be upheld without exception; and (4) the Secretary of State should submit a report to the Congress on the steps taken by the United States, the UN Secretary General, and others to help secure Israel's membership in an appropriate UN regional group.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 186 (105th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Israeli membership in a United Nations regional group.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1998

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to support Israel's efforts to enter an appropriate United Nations (UN) regional group; (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to carry out this policy; (3) the United States should insist that any effort to reform the UN, including the Security Council, also resolve this anomaly and should ensure that the principle of sovereign equality be upheld without exception; and (4) the Secretary of State should submit a report to the Congress on the steps taken by the United States, the UN Secretary General, and others to help secure Israel's membership in an appropriate UN regional group.

Bill· SS. 1673 (105th)referred

Tax Code Termination Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998

Tax Code Termination Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2001; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2001. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be a simple and fair system.

Bill· SS. 1645 (105th)open

Child Custody Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998

Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for transporting an individual under age 18 across a State line to obtain an abortion if the requirements of a law in the State where the individual resides, requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, are not met before obtaining the abortion. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Authorizes any parent or guardian who suffers legal harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 77 (105th)open

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Federal government should acknowledge the importance of at-home parents and should not discriminate against families who forego a second income in order for a mother or father to be at home with their children.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998

Declares that the Congress recognizes that: (1) parents choose many legitimate forms of child care to meet their individual needs; (2) child care needs of at-home parents and working parents should be given careful consideration by the Congress; and (3) any quality child care proposal should reflect careful consideration of providing financial relief for those families where there is an at-home parent. Calls for no bias against at-home parents, and recognizes and applauds their sacrifices and efforts.

Bill· SS. 1631 (105th)referred

Parental Freedom of Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998

Parental Freedom of Information Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the availability of funds under any applicable program to any educational agency or institution that has a policy of denying, or that effectively prevents, parents of elementary and secondary school students from exercising the right to inspect and review any instructional materials used with respect to the educational curriculum of, or certain testing materials administered to, their children. Allows parents to maintain a civil action for appropriate relief if their right to gain access to such information is violated. Prohibits the availability of funds under any applicable program to an educational agency or institution that, as part of an applicable program and without the prior written informed consent of the parent of a student, requires the student to: (1) undergo medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination, testing, treatment, or immunization, except in the case of a medical emergency; or (2) reveal any information about the student's personal or family life, except to the extent necessary to comply with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 73 (105th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the European Union is unfairly restricting the importation of United States agriculture products and the elimination of such restrictions should be a top priority in trade negotiations with the European Union.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1998

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the European Union unfairly restricts the importation of U.S. agricultural products; (2) the elimination of such restrictions should be a top priority of any current or future trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union; and (3) the U.S. Trade Representative should not engage in any trade negotiations with the European Union that undermine U.S. ability to achieve such elimination.

Bill· SS. 1590 (105th)referred

Better Opportunities for Our Kids and Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools Title II: Dollars to the Classroom Title III: Educational Opportunity and Safety for Low-Income Children Title IV: Testing and Merit Pay for Teachers Title V: Reading Excellence Subtitle A: Reading Grants Subtitle B: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs Title VI: Teacher and Student Safety Subtitle A: Student Safety and Family Choice Subtitle B: Victim and Witness Assistance Programs for Teachers and Students Subtitle C: Innovative Programs to Protect Teachers and Students Title VII: Charter School Expansion Title VIII: Full Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Better Opportunities for Our Kids and Schools Act - Title I: A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools - A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-free expenditures from education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary education expenses (including tuition, special needs services, home schooling expenses, and transportation expenses) required for attendance at a public, private, or religious school, or for homeschooling that meets State or local requirements. (Sec. 102) Increases from $500 to $2,500, through December 31, 2002, the maximum annual contribution to such an account. Title II: Dollars to the Classroom - Requires the Secretary of Education to award directly to the States the total amount of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for specified programs or activities under: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; and (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). (Sec. 201) Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any Federal agency head except the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this title; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulations regarding the types of activities or services that may be assisted under this title. (Sec. 202) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require that at least 95 percent of title I funds made available to an LEA be used for costs of activities and services provided in the classroom for the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to the Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for such funds to be used in such manner. (Sec. 203) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools. Title III: Educational Opportunity and Safety for Low-Income Children - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this title and for program evaluation. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities for 20 to 30 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the costs of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Gives priority to eligible entities that: (1) are conducting a school choice program, involving public or private schools, on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) operate a school choice program, involving public and private schools, that is authorized by Federal law. Requires 90 percent of such grants (85 percent the first year) to be used for providing education certificates to low-income parents to pay tuition, fees, allowable transportation costs, and costs of certain special programs, for their eligible children to attend a choice school. Declares that such education certificates shall be considered as aid to students, not to the choice school. Provides that such education certificates shall not be considered income to an eligible child or its parent for Federal, State, or local tax purposes, or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. Title IV: Testing and Merit Pay for Teachers - Authorizes States to use Federal education funds to: (1) carry out an assessment of the performance of each elementary or secondary school teacher in the State; (2) establish a merit pay program for the teachers; or (3) hire elementary or secondary school teachers who are certified or licensed to teach in the State. Title V: Reading Excellence - Reading Excellence Act - Subtitle A: Reading Grants - Amends ESEA to establish a new title XV Reading Grants program. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to State-established reading and literacy partnerships to make subgrants for local reading improvement programs and tutorial assistance programs. Provides for peer review panel evaluation of grant applications. Sets forth the requirements relating to partnership membership, contractual agreements, functions, duties, fiscal agency, pre-existing partnerships, multi-state partnerships, and performance reports. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive three-year local reading improvement subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with one or more schools: (1) that are identified for school improvement; and (2) that have a contractual association with community-based organizations of proven effectiveness with respect to reading readiness, reading instruction for children in kindergarten through third grade, and early childhood literacy. Sets forth requirements for subgrant duration, applications, agencies, priorities, authorized activities, and administrative costs. Allows subgrantees to train, on a fee-for-service basis, personnel from schools or LEAs that are not subgrant recipients, in the instructional practices based on reliable, replicable research on reading used by the recipient. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive tutorial assistance subgrants to LEAs with at least one school: (1) located in an empowerment zone or an enterprise community; or (2) identified for school improvement. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such subgrants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national assessment of programs under this Act; (2) receive recommendations from the peer review panel in developing the criteria for the assessment; and (3) submit the findings of the assessment to such panel. Requires the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information on reliable, replicable research on reading and on subgrantee projects that have proven effective. Requires each reading and literacy partnership to: (1) evaluate subgrantees success; (2) submit the findings of the evaluations to the Secretary and the peer review panel, who will submit a summary to the appropriate congressional committees; and (3) provide for program participation by children enrolled in private schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2001. Subtitle B: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Amends ESEA to direct the Secretary to award competitive grants to States for the planning and implementation of statewide family literacy initiatives, including specified services. (Sec. 523) Requires grant recipients to: (1) provide technical assistance for the evaluation of subgrant recipient local programs; and (2) develop indicators of program quality. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretary to research through grant or contract into successful family literacy services to improve the quality of existing programs and to develop models for new programs. Revises provisions for the dissemination of information. Title VI: Teacher and Student Safety - Subtitle A: Student Safety and Family Choice - Amends the ESEA to allow students, who are program-eligible or who attend a program-eligible school, to switch schools if they have been victims of violent crimes in or on the grounds of their schools. Authorizes the LEA to use program funds to pay certain supplementary costs for such students to attend any other public or private elementary school or secondary school, including a religious school, in that State, that is selected by the student's parent. (Sec. 612) Authorizes States, State educational agencies (SEAs), or LEAs to transfer any non-Federal public funds associated with the education of a student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school served by an LEA to another LEA or to a private elementary school or secondary school, including a religious school. Subtitle B: Victim and Witness Assistance Programs for Teachers and Students - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize: (1) use of victim compensation program grant funds for compensation to students who are victims of school violence; and (2) grants for a demonstration project or for training and technical assistance services to a program that assists SEA and LEA programs designed to protect victims of and witnesses to incidents of school violence, or that supports a toll-free hotline that provides school students and teachers with confidential assistance on issues of school crime, violence, drug dealing, and threats to personal safety. Subtitle C: Innovative Programs to Protect Teachers and Students - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this subtitle. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States, SEAs, and LEAs for innovative programs to improve unsafe elementary schools or secondary schools. Gives priority to programs that: (1) provide parent and teacher notification of about incidents of physical violence, weapon possession, or drug activity on school grounds as soon after the incident as practicable; (2) report annually to parents and teachers on the total number of incidents of physical violence, weapon possession, and drug activity on school grounds, the percentage of students missing ten or fewer days of school, with a comparison to previous annual reports; and (3) enhance school security measures. Title VII: Charter School Expansion - Charter Schools Expansion Act of 1998 - Amends ESEA to revise requirements for grants to public charter schools. (Sec. 702) Increases from three years to five years the duration of grants or subgrants for planning, design, or initial implementation of charter schools. Sets forth certain priorities for awarding grants to SEAs. Bases such priorities on requirements of State laws regarding charter schools' budget autonomy, increased numbers, and periodic review and evaluation. Includes among requirements for SEA applications a description of how the SEA will: (1) inform each charter school of available Federal programs and funds that each such school is eligible to receive; (2) ensure that each such school receives its commensurate share of Federal education funds allocated by formula; and (3) disseminate best or promising practices of charter schools to LEAs. Includes among selection criteria for awarding grants to SEAs the number of charter schools created in the State. Eliminates provisions for State revolving trust funds for charter schools. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified amount for national activities on behalf of such schools (including assistance in accessing private capital, and pilot projects to better understand and improve such access); and (2) (along with SEAs) ensure that each public charter school receives its full share of funding for LEAs for helping disadvantaged children meet high standards or of any other Federal educational assistance purpose. Sets forth requirements for student records transfer and for paperwork reduction. Specifies that a public charter school: (1) must have a performance contract with the authorized public chartering agency in the State; and (2) is a school to which parents choose to send their children. Extends the authorization of appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002. Title VIII: Full Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act to authorize specified minimum appropriations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities for FY 1999 through 2004, and necessary appropriations for each fiscal year thereafter.

Bill· SS. 1589 (105th)referred

Dollars to the Classroom Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1998

Dollars to the Classroom Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to award the total amount of certain applicable education funding directly to the States. (Sec. 2) Requires such direct awarding of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for programs or activities under specified provisions of: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (5) the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any head of a Federal department or agency other than the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this Act; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this Act. (Sec. 3) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require the use of at least 95 percent of title I funds for an LEA for a fiscal year according to the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for the use of such funds. (Sec. 4) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools.

Bill· SS. 1563 (105th)referred

Temporary Agricultural Worker Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997

Temporary Agricultural Worker Act of 1997 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish: (1) an alternative temporary agricultural worker process pilot program based upon a labor condition attestation filed by an employer and accepted by the appropriate State agency; and (2) a nonimmigrant visa category for such aliens. Sets forth program provisions.