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United States · Official source
5,070 records where Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend, for five years, the credit for producing energy from wind or a closed-loop biomass.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Designates 1998 as the Onate Cuartocentenario to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first permanent Spanish settlement in New Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to establish a class A license for qualifying low-power television (LPT) stations. Requires notification of LPT licensees of the availability of such license. Defines as a qualifying LPT station one which, within 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act and for six months prior to the filing of its class A application: (1) broadcast for at least 18 hours per day; (2) broadcast for an average of at least three hours weekly programming that was produced within the market area served by such station or the market area served by a group of commonly controlled stations that carry common local or specialized programming not otherwise available to their communities; and (3) complied with other requirements applicable to LPT stations and, after the date of its license application, complies with the FCC's operating rules for full power television stations. Allows the FCC to treat non-qualifying stations as LPT stations under this Act if public interest, convenience, and necessity would be so served. Provides that: (1) the FCC is not required to issue any additional licenses for advanced television services to the licensees of class A television stations; (2) the FCC shall approve such license applications proposing facilities that will not cause interference to any other broadcast facility authorized on the date of the filing of the class A advanced television application; and (3) no licensee of a class A television station shall be required to cease operations, or have a license rescinded or terminated, due to the implementation of amendments to the table of allotments adopted before the enactment of this Act. Allows the FCC to order such a cessation, rescission, or termination only after compliance with specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) support and expand the NIH's involvement in clinical research; (2) support and expand the resources available for the clinical research community; and (3) establish peer review mechanisms. (Sec. 4) Mandates grants to: (1) establish general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research, including clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) support individual careers in clinical research at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as clinical research career enhancement awards); (3) support individual clinical research projects at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as innovative medical science awards); and (4) support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in clinical investigation (to be known as graduate training in clinical investigation awards). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Increases the limit on the aggregate number of scholarship (regarding professions needed by the NIH) and loan repayment (regarding clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds) contracts under specified provisions. Modifies the loan repayment program to: (1) remove current references to disadvantaged backgrounds; and (2) require a period of service in a general clinical research center, in clinical NIH research, or as a physician receiving a clinical research career enhancement award, an innovative medical science award, or a graduate training in clinical investigation award (currently, a period of service as an NIH employee). Requires that at least 50 percent of the loan repayment contracts involve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the loan repayment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Authorizes: (1) Jack Blum, a former employee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to testify in the case of First American Corp., et al. v. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, et al., except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; (2) the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee to produce Committee records relating to the investigation of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Narcotics, and International Operations into the Bank of Credit and Commerce, International; and (3) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Jack Blum and any present or former Member of employee of the Senate in connection with such case.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Meals for Achievement Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to expand the school breakfast program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Accessible Health Coverage Act - Amends Federal law to require any plan approved under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to offer health insurance to certain members of the general public who are not otherwise eligible for health insurance. Sets forth provisions concerning premiums, contributions, and benefits. Terminates the provisions of this Act ten years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend tax incentives for use of alcohol as fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Designates November 1997 as National American Indian Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1997
Amends Federal law incorporating the American Legion to revise a qualifying date of military service for Legion membership purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1997
Limits the amount of a veteran's disability compensation that may be deducted by reason of the receipt of military separation pay or a Department of Defense separation benefit to 75 percent of that pay or benefit. Makes such provision effective for compensation payments made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for months beginning after December 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), upon request, to designate a common carrier providing telephone exchange service and exchange access that is not subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission as an eligible telecommunications carrier (eligible to receive universal service support) for a telephone service area designated by the FCC. Authorizes the FCC, with respect to an area served by a rural telephone company, and requires the FCC, in the case of all other areas, to designate more than one common carrier as an eligible carrier for such a designated service area, provided each additional requesting carrier meets eligibility requirements. Requires the FCC, before designating an additional eligible telecommunications carrier for an area served by a rural telephone company, to find that such designation is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1997
Innovative Environmental Strategies Act of 1997 - Authorizes owners or operators of facilities subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, requirements, policies, or practices to submit proposals for innovative environmental strategies for achieving better environmental results to the EPA Administrator. Excludes rules for emissions reductions under the Clean Air Act and certain reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 from the definition of "rule." Authorizes the Administrator to enter into an innovative environmental strategy agreement with a facility upon approval of the proposal and subject to other specified requirements. Permits such agreements to: (1) modify or waive otherwise applicable EPA rules, requirements, policies, or practices; (2) establish new environmental standards for a facility; or (3) establish new requirements not contained in existing rules or statutes. Bars such agreements from contravening the specific terms of a statute. Declares that such agreements should further the purposes of environmental statutes. Requires the Administrator to establish procedures under which a person other than the owner or operator may cosponsor a proposal. Gives priority to proposals cosponsored by stakeholder groups. Sets forth requirements for the stakeholder participation process. Permits the Administrator to limit the number of stakeholder participants if it is determined that such participants adequately represent the full range of interests (excluding competitive business interests) that may be affected by the innovative environmental strategy. Lists conditions for the approval of agreements, including that a strategy is expected to achieve better environmental results. Requires the Administrator to give great weight to stakeholders in determining whether to approve or disapprove a strategy. Sets forth conditions under which the Administrator shall deny a proposal if individual stakeholders object. Provides that if a proposed strategy involves waiving or modifying requirements under State, tribal, or local law, the Administrator shall not approve an agreement unless procedures required under such laws for waivers or modifications are followed. Requires agreements to include enforceable requirements and permits agreements to include voluntary commitments. Provides that failure to implement a voluntary commitment constitutes a ground for agreement termination. Sets forth conditions under which the Administrator may terminate agreements. Limits agreements to five-year terms, with exceptions. Provides for renewals. Provides for judicial review of a decision by the Administrator to enter into an agreement. Limits the number of agreements to 50 and authorizes the Administrator to limit the number to fewer than 50. Requires the Administrator to: (1) give priority consideration to proposals from small businesses; (2) ensure that agreements reflect proposals from a diversity of industrial sectors; and (3) establish a program to facilitate development of proposals from small businesses. Sets forth limits on the purposes and uses of agreements. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on whether approaches embodied in an innovative environmental strategy should be proposed for incorporation in a statute or regulation. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the aggregate effect of agreements. Permits the Administrator to provide grants for technical assistance to stakeholder groups. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project under which covered members and beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be eligible to enroll in health benefits plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted in two geographic areas and to last at least two, but not more than three, contract years. Provides for: (1) management of participation in the project; (2) Government contributions for beneficiary coverage under the FEHB program; and (3) reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and State of South Dakota Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to lease to the State of South Dakota, upon request, for not less than 50 years any other land within the projects of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin program in South Dakota that: (1) is located outside the external boundaries of a reservation of an Indian tribe; and (2) the Secretary determines is designated as a recreation area in the current Project Master Plans. Sets forth lease conditions. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior land that is located above the top of the exclusive flood pool of the projects of the program, that was acquired by the Secretary for the implementation of the program, and that is located within the external boundaries of a reservation of an Indian tribe. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to hold in trust for each Indian tribe the land transferred under this section that is located within the external boundaries of the reservation of the tribe. Sets forth transfer conditions, including requirements for land management and enforcement of hunting, fishing, and recreation regulations on such land by Indian tribes. (Sec. 6) Requires the State and each Indian tribe, as a condition of the receipt of funds under this Act, to develop a plan for the mitigation of terrestrial wildlife habitat loss that occurred as a result of flooding relating to projects carried out as part of the program. Authorizes the State and each tribe to use specified payments to develop or expand a program for the purchase of wildlife habitat leases, subject to specified requirements. Specifies permissible uses of assistance. Deauthorizes the Blunt Reservoir Project. (Sec. 7) Establishes: (1) the South Dakota Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Trust Fund; and (2) the Native American Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Trust Fund. (Sec. 9) Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Army such sums as necessary to pay administrative expenses incurred in carrying out this Act and to fund the implementation of terrestrial wildlife habitat mitigation plans until other specified funds are available. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage of services furnished by certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists which are authorized under State law to be performed by such a nurse, regardless of whether such services are performed under the supervision of a physician or other health care provider. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual: (1) licensed as a registered nurse to practice in the State where the clinical nurse specialist services are performed; and (2) holding a master's degree in a defined area of clinical nursing from an accredited educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1997 - Presumes to be service-connected (and therefore compensable or treatable under Federal veterans' benefits provisions) any illness that: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to warrant such a presumption based upon a positive association with exposure to a biological, chemical, or other toxic agent or environmental or wartime hazard (agent or hazard) associated with service in the southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; and (2) becomes manifest in a Gulf War veteran within a period to be prescribed by the Secretary. Requires such presumption even though there is no record of evidence of such illness in the veteran during the period of service. Requires the Secretary to make determinations under (1), above, based on sound medical and scientific evidence and to take into account reports submitted by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as required under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make appropriate determinations within 60 days after receipt of the NAS report. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the NAS under which NAS shall identify: (1) the agents or hazards to which Gulf War veterans may have been exposed; and (2) the illnesses that are manifest in such members. Directs NAS, after such identification, to determine whether a statistical association exists between exposure to such agent or hazard and the illness. Requires NAS to separately review potential treatment models for such illnesses, make recommendations for additional studies, and perform subsequent reviews of available evidence and data. Requires periodic reports from NAS to the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the veterans and defense committees (designated committees) concerning NAS activities under this Act. Terminates requirements and activities under this Act ten years after NAS submits its first report. Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an alternative scientific organization if agreement cannot be reached with NAS. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for the establishment and operation of a single computerized information data base for the collection, storage, and analysis of information on illnesses of, and treatment provided to, Gulf War veterans. Requires such plan to be submitted to the Secretary of Defense, NAS, and the designated committees. Directs NAS to evaluate and report on such plan. Requires the Secretary to: (1) continually compile and analyze all appropriate clinical data contained in the data base; and (2) report annually, along with the Secretary of Defense, to the designated committees with respect to the analysis of such data. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Health and Human Services to jointly carry out, and report to the designated committees on, a program of feasibility studies for conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from exposure to agents or hazards associated with Gulf War service. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to carry out an ongoing program to provide Gulf War veterans with information relating to any health risks determined to be associated with such service, together with services or benefits available.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons (except those previously identified or sanctioned or subject to waiver) who, on or after August 8, 1995, have transferred, or attempted to transfer, controlled goods or technology, or provided, or attempted to provide, technical assistance or facilities that contributed, or would have contributed, to Iran's efforts to acquire, develop, or produce ballistic missiles. Requires imposition on such persons of minimum two-year sanctions prohibiting: (1) sales to such persons of items on the United States Munitions List (and terminating sales of any controlled U.S. arms); (2) the export to such persons of dual use goods and technology; and (3) the provision of U.S. financial assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions on the basis of additional information demonstrating that the sanctioned person did not commit the acts alleged.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retiree Health Benefits Protection Title II: Retiree Continuation Coverage Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act - Title I: Retiree Health Benefits Protection - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to add rules governing litigation involving the termination or reduction of retiree health benefits. Title II: Retiree Continuation Coverage - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to extend group health plan insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or elimination of a retiree group health plan. Allows early retirees and their dependents who lost such employer-sponsored health benefits to purchase continuing group health insurance coverage until they become eligible for Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
Authorizes: (1) James E. LePire, Billy R. Smith, Kristine D. Brown, and any other Senate employee from whom testimony may be required to testify in the cases of United States v. Tara LaJuan Edwards and United States v. Robbin Tiffani Stoney, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; (2) the Secretary of the Senate to release Senate records and documents relevant to these cases; and (3) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent such individuals in connection with these cases.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of the Congress, to named individuals referred to collectively as the "Little Rock Nine," in recognition of the selfless heroism they exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates of such medals in bronze. States that these medals are national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Designates October 17, 1997, as National Mammography Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Authorizes the Committee on Rules and Administration, through formal action or by joint action of the Chairman and Ranking Member, to provide to Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials copies of records related to the 1996 U.S. Senate election in Louisiana.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Food Safety Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat or poultry products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) provide the Secretary with authority for voluntary and mandatory nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, and civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Authorizes: (1) Dwight MacKay, an employee on the staff of Senator Conrad Burns, to testify in the case of United States v. Delyla D. Wilson, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senator's testimony in related State proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Special Separation Benefits Improvement Act - Limits the amount of veterans' disability compensation that may be deducted as a result of the payment of special separation benefits to not more than 75 percent of the amount of the separation benefits. Makes such amendment effective for benefits paid for months beginning after December 5, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to the family of the late Raul Julia in recognition of his dedication to ending world hunger and his contributions to the Latino community and to the performing arts. States that no appropriations are authorized to implement this Act, but gifts and donations for the purpose may be accepted. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Raul Julia Ending Hunger Fund and to the National Hispanic Foundation of the Arts, any proceeds above costs from such gifts and donations as well as sales of duplicate bronze medals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1997
Declares September 26, 1997, to be Austrian-American Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
Declares that the Congress: (1) maintains that the standard for the "Made in USA" label should continue to be that a product was all or virtually all made in the United States; and (2) urges the Federal Trade Commission to refrain from lowering the standard at the expense of consumers and jobs in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Educational Facilities Improvement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish an educational facilities construction and renovation bond subsidy program. Directs the Secretary of Education to use such bond subsidy program funds to pay up to 50 percent, according to a sliding scale based on need, of the interest costs applicable to any State or local bond for construction or renovation of educational facilities in local areas. Provides for: (1) mandatory direct grants to local bond authorities for up to 100 local areas with the highest numbers of school age children whose families do not exceed 100 percent of the poverty line (plus an optional 25 additional local areas with extraordinary construction or renovation needs); and (2) mandatory grants to States for State or local bond authority assistance for local areas according to a specified formula. Authorizes reservation of specified amounts for Indian schools, schools in U.S. territories, and certain studies, evaluations, and reports. Sets forth requirements for authorized activities, waivers (in order to increase assistance), fair wages, and reports. Makes appropriations for FY 1998. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to foreign tax credit carryback and carryover periods to: (1) reduce from two years to one year the carryback period for unused credits; and (2) extend the carryover period from five years to seven years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Expresses the condolences of the Congress on the death of Mother Teresa. Designates September 13, 1997, as a National Day of Recognition for the humanitarian efforts of Mother Teresa and those who have labored with her in service to the poor and afflicted of the world.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should use specified existing authority to establish a temporary emergency minimum milk price that is equitable to all producers nationwide and provides price relief to economically distressed milk producers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1997
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program through contracts with appropriate colleges or universities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to assist institutions of higher education in providing campus-based child care services to low-income students. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1997
Substance Abuse Treatment Parity Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require parity and nondiscriminatory application of treatment limitations and financial requirements to substance abuse treatment benefits under private group and individual health plans which offer such treatment benefits in addition to medical and surgical benefits. Exempts from this Act small employers with 50 or fewer employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Extends condolences to the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Recognizes the extraordinary impact of the Princess of Wales' humanitarian efforts around the world. Designates September 6, 1997, as a National Day of Recognition for the Humanitarian Efforts of Diana, Princess of Wales.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Alternative Fuels - General Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Biodiesel Energy Development Act of 1997 - Title I: Alternative Fuels - General - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify definitions relating to alternative fuels, dual-fueled vehicles, heavy duty motor vehicles, and marine vessels. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to alternative fuel use by light duty Federal vehicles to provide that if such vehicles are not acquired from original equipment manufacturers, existing fleet vehicles may be converted to use alternative fuels at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), if appropriate, to permit a Federal fleet to: (1) acquire one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle in place of two light duty alternative fueled vehicles; and (2) take an additional credit for the purchase and documented use of alternative fuel used in a dual-fueled vehicle, comparable conventionally-fueled motor vehicle, or marine vessel. Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs - Requires State and local alternative fuel incentives programs to include the goal of introducing substantial numbers of light and heavy duty alternative fuels vehicles and increasing the use of alternative fuels. Conditions State eligibility for Federal assistance upon inclusion in each State plan of an examination of the introduction of converted or acquired light and heavy duty alternative fueled vehicles in State-owned or operated motor vehicle fleets. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to provide, upon State request, Federal financial assistance grants for the incremental purchase cost of alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the volume of alternative fuel consumed. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and political subdivisions for the incremental cost of alternative fuels used in flexible fueled school buses and school bus conversions to alternative fueled vehicles. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on alternative fuel use in marine vessels. Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Modifies the mandate for alternative fuel providers to include regulation of heavy duty trucks. (Sec. 301) Cites circumstances under which the Secretary may allow the conversion of an existing fleet vehicle into a dual-fueled alternative fueled vehicle at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to: (1) include heavy duty motor vehicles in the program to promote the development and use in light duty motor vehicles of domestic replacement fuels; and (2) review every five years a development plan and production goals for replacement fuel supply and demand. (Sec. 304) Modifies the fleet program purchase goals to require that specified percentages of new light duty motor vehicles acquired in each model year be acquired as, or converted into, alternative fueled vehicles. Modifies the fleet requirement program to direct the Secretary to permit fleets to substitute the acquisition or conversion of one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle for two light duty vehicle acquisitions to meet program requirements. Permits a fleet owner to convert an existing fleet vehicle into an alternative fueled vehicle, and purchase the fuel for such vehicle for compliance purposes, if the original equipment manufacturer's warranty continues to apply to the vehicle. Allows a fleet owner a credit for such conversion. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Secretary to allocate a credit to a fleet or covered person that acquires a volume of alternative fuel equal to the estimated need for one year for any dual-fueled vehicle acquired or converted under this Act. Sets forth a credit allocation scheme for dual-fueled vehicles and alternative fuel. (Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommended requirements for exempting replacement fuels from taxes levied on non-replacement fuels if the Secretary notifies the Congress that a fleet requirement program is not necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Comprehensive One-Call Notification Act of 1997 - Provides for the establishment of a State one-call notification program to protect underground facilities from excavation damage. Outlines required elements of the program, including minimum standards and provisions for implementation and enforcement. Authorizes a State to maintain an alternate one-call notification program if it provides protection for public safety, the environment, or excavators that is equivalent to, or greater than, protection under a program that meets the minimum standards of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study damage prevention practices associated with existing one-call notification systems in order to determine which systems practices appear to be the most effective in preventing damage to underground facilities and in protecting the public, the environment, excavators, and public service disruption. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist qualifying States in improving their one-call notification programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1977 to authorize the President pro tempore of the Senate to appoint and fix the compensation of one consultant, on a temporary or intermittent basis, at a daily rate of compensation not in excess of the per diem equivalent of the highest gross rate of annual compensation which may be paid to employees of a Senate standing committee.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Lifetime Caps Discrimination Prevention Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan (and a health insurer providing coverage under a group plan) from imposing an aggregate dollar lifetime limit less than specified amounts. Exempts plans offered to or maintained for employees of employers with fewer than 20 employees.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in order to provide capability to carry out the authorized purposes of the Missouri River Main Stem dams that are part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program, to acquire lands in the vicinity of Pierre, South Dakota, that are adversely affected by the full wintertime Oahe Powerplant release.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Aircraft Repair Station Safety Act of 1997 - Terminates the effectiveness of certain November 22, 1988, amendments to the foreign repair station rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Declares that certain standards issued by the FAA for domestic repair stations shall apply in the same manner to foreign repair stations. Amends Federal aviation safety law to require the FAA Administrator to issue an order revoking an air agency certificate for a repair station if the Administrator finds that that any station owner or personnel knowingly used an uncertified or substandard airframe, engine, propeller, appliance, or any other part in the repair or overhaul of an aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Authorizes each State that issues licenses to commercial motor vehicle operators to waive any requirement to obtain such a license for operators of custom harvesting farm machinery or employees of farm-related service industries (or both) that would otherwise apply.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
National Aquaculture Development, Research, and Promotion Act of 1997 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish at regional aquaculture centers a means of electronically compiling information for the National Aquaculture Information Center; and (2) authorize (current law requires) the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a National Aquaculture Information Center. (Sec. 6) Provides for coordination with the aquaculture industry. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for aquaculture commercialization research. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a national policy for private aquaculture; (2) implement a Department of Agriculture Aquaculture Plan; (3) treat private aquaculture as a form of agriculture; and (4) coordinate and carry out Department aquaculture programs and policy. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations for aquaculture programs. (Sec. 10) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make aquaculture farmers eligible for farm credit assistance. (Sec. 11) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to establish an international aquaculture information and data collection program. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with respect to: (1) aquaculture information network enhancement; and (2) implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Mexico should: (1) review whether it properly initiated an antidumping investigation into imports of high fructose corn syrup from the United States in conformity with the standards of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Antidumping; and (2) terminate such investigation. Declares that if the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that Mexico initiated the investigation in violation of WTO standards, and Mexico does not terminate it, then the USTR should immediately take appropriate measures, including actions pursuant to the dispute settlement provisions of the WTO.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the alcohol fuels credit to be allocated to patrons of specified cooperatives.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicate medals in bronze. Authorizes appropriations from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund, where sales proceeds shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997
Genetic Justice Act - Prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of genetic information with respect to an individual, including an inquiry by the individual regarding genetic services. Sets forth confidentiality and civil action provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997
Family Farmer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Bankruptcy Judges, United States Trustees, and Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 to repeal a sunset provision, thus making chapter 12 (adjustment of debts of a family farmer with regular annual income) of the Bankruptcy Code permanent. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make a direct or guaranteed farm operating loan for paying annual farm or ranch operating expenses of a borrower who has successfully completed a reorganization plan under chapter 12.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1997 - Provides that a veterans' preference eligible (PE) or an individual who has been separated from military service under honorable conditions after three or more years of active duty shall not be denied the opportunity to compete for a vacant position within a Federal agency, either in the competitive or excepted service, by reason of: (1) not having acquired competitive status; or (2) not being an employee of such agency. Requires each agency to notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. employment offices of each vacant position for which competition is restricted to employees or individuals having competitive service. Requires OPM, at least every two years, to submit to the Congress and the President a report detailing for the prior period the number of such vacant positions in the Federal Government and the number of PE or separated individuals referred or appointed to such positions. Directs OPM to establish and keep current a comprehensive list of all announcements of vacant positions within each agency for which competition is so restricted. Applies such PE requirements to the Postal Service, with exceptions for certain collective bargaining positions. Prohibits, during a Federal reduction in force (RIF), a position occupied by a PE from being placed in a single-position competitive level if the PE is qualified to perform the essential functions of any other position at the same grade in the competitive area (defined as being able to perform such functions within 150 days). Entitles a PE whose current or latest performance rating is at least fully successful to be assigned during a RIF to any position for which he or she is qualified that is within: (1) the PE's commuting area and is currently occupied by an individual placed in such position within six months before the RIF; or (2) the PE's competitive area and is not more than three grades below the position from which the PE was released (with an exception). Authorizes a PE to challenge the classification of any position to which the PE asserts assignment rights in an action before the Merit Systems Protection Board. Requires each agency to establish an agency-wide priority placement program to facilitate employment placement for PEs who are scheduled to be or who are separated from service due to a RIF and who have received a rating of at least fully successful at their last performance evaluation or who occupy positions excluded from a performance appraisal system. Allows an individual to designate a different local commuting area in order to exercise reemployment rights if there are no alternative positions within the most local area. Requires an agency to place qualified present and former employees in retention order by PE subgroup and tenure group. Makes an individual eligible for reemployment for two years after a RIF. Provides conditions under which an individual loses eligibility for such reemployment. Provides administrative and judicial redress and remedies for any PE or other individual who alleges that an agency has violated such individual's veterans' preference or related rights. Extends the veterans' preference to: (1) employment within the General Accounting Office; (2) appointments made to the Office of the President (with an exception when the President certifies that the position is a confidential, policy-making, or political position); and (3) appointments to the legislative branch (with specified exclusions). Establishes administrative remedies and procedures for PE and separated individuals with respect to appointments within the legislative or judicial branches of the Federal Government. Requires the Judicial Conference of the United States to prescribe regulations to provide for: (1) veterans' preference in the consideration of applicants for employment, and in the conduct of any RIF, within the judicial branch; and (2) redress procedures for alleged violations of any rights of such individuals. Requires the Conference to: (1) consult with specified congressionally chartered veterans' service organizations when considering such regulations; and (2) provide specified congressional committees with a copy of such regulations. Extends the veterans' preference to RIFs in the Federal Aviation Administration. Includes among PE veterans those who served during a military operation in a qualified hazardous duty area under requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits any employee authorized to take personnel actions from knowingly taking, or failing to take, any personnel action if such taking or failure would violate a PE requirement.