United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Coverage for Eligible Children Title II: Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women Title III: Children's Health Coverage Subsidy Credits Children's Health Coverage Act - Title I: Health Insurance Coverage for Eligible Children - Mandates establishment of a program of subsidies to children and their families for a portion of the child's health plan premium. Sets forth State responsibilities, including certification of plans and income verification. Requires each health insurance issuer that provides health coverage under contract with any Federal program and that offers family coverage to apply to the State insurance commissioner for certification. Makes a noncomplying issuer ineligible to provide benefits under a Federal contract. (Sec. 102) Sets forth procedures for obtaining coverage under certified plans. Requires payment of premiums to the State and from the State to the plans of enrollment. (Sec. 103) Regulates the subsidy percentage, basing it on family income as related to the poverty line. (Sec. 104) Prohibits, with regard to subsidy eligible children: (1) preexisting condition exclusions; (2) insurance issuer discrimination on the basis of health status (including medical condition, claims experience, genetic information, and disability); and (3) employment discrimination. (Sec. 105) Prohibits States from modifying eligibility under the State Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) in any way that would reduce the eligibility of children for Medicaid coverage. (Sec. 106) Provides for Federal action if a State fails to carry out this title. Title II: Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women - Mandates programs of: (1) grants to States to assist pregnant women in obtaining prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care; and (2) categorical grants to States to assist children and pregnant women in obtaining health care services and coverage. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Children's Health Coverage Subsidy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit for the premium subsidies provided by an insurance issuer under this Act. Mandates transfer from the general fund to the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds and the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of amounts sufficient to cover the decreased tax revenues resulting from the credit. (Sec. 302) Allows a credit for the premium subsidy determined under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Crime Control Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth in-Sentencing Grants Subtitle C: Domestic Violence Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement Title II: Youth Violence Control Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction Subtitle A: Protecting Youth From Dangerous Drugs Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements Title IV: Protecting Youth From Violent Crime Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 Subtitle C: Missing Children Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund Youth Violence, Crime, and Drug Abuse Control Act of 1997 - Title I: Crime Control - Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for public safety and community policing grants; and (2) limit to 20 percent of grant funds available in any fiscal year the amount authorized for grants for equipment, technology, and support systems. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to make grants to States, local governmental units, Indian tribes, other public and private entities, and multijurisdictional or regional consortia to encourage the use of, and to implement, 311 (as opposed to 911) nonemergency telecommunication systems for public safety. Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund (Fund) through FY 2002. Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-in- Sentencing Grants - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise the formula allocation between States and U.S. territories and possessions for technical assistance and training to entities receiving grants under either the Violent Offender Incarceration or Truth-in-Sentencing grant programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations under each such grant program through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Domestic Violence - Extends through FY 2002: (1) grants to combat violent crimes against women; (2) education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women; (3) the grant for a national domestic violence hotline; (4) grants for battered women's shelters; and (5) programs for victims of child abuse. Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2002 the funding for: (1) law enforcement family support; (2) rural drug enforcement and training; (3) DNA identification grants; (4) Byrne grants (law enforcement training and education); (5) technical automation grants; and (6) grants for State court prosecutors. Requires no less than 20 percent of the funds made available during FY 2001 and 2002 for the latter grant program to be used to provide increased resources to State juvenile courts, including its prosecutors, public defenders, and other juvenile court system participants. Title II: Youth Violence Control - Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions - Amends provisions concerning Federal juvenile prosecutions to require a predisposition report, which includes victim impact information, to be prepared by the probation officer and provided to the juvenile, his or her attorney, and the attorney for the government. Directs the juvenile court, after a dispositional hearing, to enter an order of restitution for the victim. Authorizes such court to suspend the findings of juvenile delinquency, place the juvenile on probation, commit the juvenile to official detention (including supervised release), and impose any fine that would be authorized if the juvenile had been tried and convicted as an adult. Provides the terms of probation, official detention, or supervised release for such juveniles. Excludes time spent in the custody of the AG for observation and study from time served for a juvenile offense. Authorizes the court, with respect to any juvenile prosecuted and convicted as an adult, to treat the conviction as an adjudication of delinquency and impose any disposition authorized for an adult offender. Requires: (1) a juvenile adjudicated for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony to be fingerprinted and photographed; (2) such records to be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (3) the court to transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and sentence. (Sec. 203) Directs a juvenile court, in determining whether an information should be dismissed with or without prejudice, to consider the seriousness of the offense, the facts and circumstances leading to the dismissal, and the impact of a reprosecution on the administration of justice. Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders - Authorizes the AG to make grants to assist States and local governments in planning, establishing, and operating secure facilities, staff-secure facilities, detention centers, and other correctional programs for violent juvenile offenders. Requires each facility or program funded under this subtitle to contain an evaluation component, developed under guidelines established by the AG, which includes outcome measures that may be used to determine the effectiveness of the funded programs. Requires periodic reviews and reports. Reserves a specified percentage of program funds for FY 1998 through 2002 for grants to Indian tribes for constructing correctional facilities and establishing correctional programs for the incarceration of tribal juvenile offenders. Requires a report from the AG to the Congress regarding the possible use of performance-based criteria in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of juvenile corrections facilities and programs. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for: (1) providing juvenile courts with a range of sentencing options such that first time juvenile offenders face at least some level of punishment as a result of their initial contact with the juvenile justice system; and (2) increasing the sentencing options available to juvenile court judges so that juvenile offenders receive increasingly severe sanctions as the seriousness of their conduct increases and for each additional offense. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan as part of such application. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of the total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations: (1) from grant recipients to the AG; and (2) from the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2001. Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for court-based juvenile justice programs that target juvenile firearm offenders through the establishment of juvenile gun courts. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations as above. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction - Part 1: Enhanced Penalties for Gang-Related Activities - Sets forth criminal penalties for anyone who travels in interstate or foreign commerce to recruit, solicit, induce, command, or cause to create, or attempt to create, a franchise of a criminal street gang. (Sec. 242) Includes franchising a criminal street gang as a "racketeering activity" for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 243) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to provide an appropriate enhancement with respect to any offense committed in connection with, or in furtherance of the activities of, a criminal street gang if the defendant is a member of the gang at the time of the offense. (Sec. 244) Increases the penalties for using physical force to tamper with witnesses, victims, or informants. (Sec. 245) Sets forth criminal penalties for using or carrying a firearm during and in close proximity to (currently, in relation to) any crime of violence or drug trafficking. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentence enhancement with respect to a defendant who discharges a firearm during or in close proximity to a crime of violence or drug trafficking. (Sec. 246) Increases the penalties for transferring a firearm to a minor for use in a crime. (Sec. 247) Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to any offense punishable by death or for a Class A felony involving murder. (Sec. 248) Extends to ten years after the commission of the offense the statute of limitations with respect to a Class A felony that is a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Part 2: Gang Paraphernalia - Authorizes the appropriate court to enter an order authorizing the installation and use by law enforcement personnel of a pen register or a trap and trace device within the jurisdiction of the court, or of a clone pager whose service provider is within the court's jurisdiction, if the court finds that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Authorizes a Federal court to order a provider of a paging service or other person to furnish to appropriate law enforcement personnel all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the operation and use of a clone pager unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with normal service. (Sec. 252) Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement for any offense in which the defendant: (1) used body armor; (2) possessed a firearm equipped with a laser sighting device; or (3) possessed a firearm while another defendant possessed a firearm so equipped. Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts - Directs the AG to establish guidelines for State programs to require: (1) prior to the disposition of adjudicated juvenile delinquents, that victims or their representatives are provided the opportunity to make a statement or present any relevant information; (2) that such victims be given notice of the disposition; and (3) that restitution to victims may be ordered as part of such a disposition. Requires State compliance with such requirements within three years, with an additional two-year extension authorized to be granted by the AG when a State is determined to be making a good faith effort to implement such requirements. Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction - Subtitle A: Protecting Youth from Dangerous Drugs - Directs the AG to add ketamine hydrochloride to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction - Part 1: Pharmacotherapy Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations from the Fund for FY 2001 and 2002 for the medication development program (a program providing research into medicines used to treat drug addiction). Part 2: Patent Protections for Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) authorize the sponsor of a drug for the treatment of an addiction to illegal drugs to request the Secretary of Agriculture for written recommendations for the investigation necessary for the approval or licensing of such drug; (2) authorize such a sponsor to request the Secretary to designate such drug as a drug for the treatment of addiction to illegal drugs; (3) provide exclusive approval or licensing of such drug as an unpatented drug for such purpose; and (4) provide open protocols for the clinical investigation of such drugs. Part 3: Encouraging Private Sector Development of Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to establish criteria for an acceptable drug for the treatment of an addiction to heroin and one for the treatment of an addiction to cocaine. Requires such criteria to be reviewed by specified congressional committees and published in the Federal Register. Authorizes the patent owner of a drug used for either such treatment to submit to the Secretary an application: (1) to contract to sell to the Secretary such patent rights; or (2) to enter into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Secretary for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Provides for purchase amount limitations and the transfer of rights from the patent owner to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after purchasing patent rights or entering into such an agreement, to develop a plan for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs - Part 1: Comprehensive Drug Education - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the safe and drug-free schools and communities program. Part 2: Drug Courts - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the drug courts program (a program providing continuing judicial supervision over non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems). (Sec. 362) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts and governments, and Indian tribes to establish programs that: (1) involve continuous early judicial supervision over juvenile offenders, other than violent juvenile offenders, with substance abuse or related problems; and (2) integrate administration of other sanctions and services, including testing, treatment, and diversion, probation, or other forms of supervised release. Requires the AG to issue regulations to ensure that such programs do not permit participation by violent offenders. Prohibits the Federal share of such programs from exceeding 75 percent of total program costs, with an authorized limit waiver by the AG. Requires the AG to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant awards, with a required specified allocation to Indian tribes. Requires annual reports to the AG from grant recipients. Authorizes the AG to provide technical assistance and training in furtherance of program goals and to carry out program evaluations. Provides for the reallocation of unawarded grant funds. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Part 3: Drug Treatment - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (Center) to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment to juveniles for substance abuse through programs in which the juveniles reside in facilities made available under the programs. Requires the inclusion by grant recipients of an individualized plan for the provision of services to the juvenile or young adult. Includes as eligible supplemental services under such programs hospital referrals, HIV and AIDS counseling, domestic violence and sexual abuse counseling, and preparation for reentry into society. Requires the appropriate State agency or Indian tribe to certify that the applicant has the capacity to carry out the program and meets certain other requirements. Outlines provisions with respect to: (1) applicants who are also Medicaid providers; (2) the provision of treatment for mental diseases; (3) matching fund requirements; (4) program outreach and accessibility; (5) continuing education for individuals providing such services; (6) the imposition of appropriate charges for such services; (7) applicant reports to the Center Director; and (8) required equitable geographic allocation of grant awards. Limits to five years the period during which payments may be made to any entity under a program. Requires annual Director approval of program payments. Requires the Director to conduct program evaluations and disseminate findings. Requires an initial and periodic reports from the Director to specified congressional committees describing the programs carried out under this Part. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002, including an authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the last two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to established projects for the outpatient treatment of substance abuse among juveniles. Requires entities receiving such grants to engage in activities to prevent such abuse. Requires such Secretary to evaluate the projects and disseminate evaluation results. Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to extend through FY 2002 the authority for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Office), as well as the authorization of appropriations for the Office. (Sec. 382) Requires the Office Director to conduct a study on the effect of the 1996 voter referenda in California and Arizona concerning the medicinal use of marijuana and other controlled substances on the general use of such substances in those States. Requires a Director report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to increase the penalties for using Federal property to grow or manufacture controlled substances. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement to ensure that such violations are punished substantially more severely than violations that do not occur on Federal property. Title IV: Protecting Youth from Violent Crime - Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, Indian tribes and national nonprofit organizations in crime-prone areas (such as Boys and Girls Clubs and the 4-H) to: (1) provide constructive activities to youth during nonschool hours to prevent their criminal victimization; (2) provide supervised activities in safe environments to youth in crime-prone areas; (3) provide antidrug education to prevent youth drug abuse; (4) support police officer training and salaries and educational materials; or (5) provide constructive activities to youth in a safe environment through the use of parks and other public recreation areas. Requires annual reports from: (1) grant recipients to the AG; and (2) the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 - Say No to Drugs Community Centers Act of 1997 - Authorizes the AG to make grants to certain AG-approved recipients to provide the following services to youth during after-school hours or summer vacations: (1) rigorous drug prevention education; (2) drug counseling and treatment; (3) academic tutoring and mentoring; (4) activities promoting interaction between youth and law enforcement officials; (5) vaccinations and other preventive health care; (6) sexual abstinence education; and (7) other activities and instruction to reduce youth violence and substance abuse. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of costs under the grant program, as well as grant allocation and reallocation requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 from the Fund. Subtitle C: Missing Children - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to contract with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in order to provide a national 24-hour toll-free hotline and national resource center for use by missing children. (Currently, the hotline and resource center are required to be established and operated by such Administrator.) Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention - Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts - Directs the AG to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Science or, if the Academy declines, another public or nonprofit private entity to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of federally funded programs for preventing youth violence, youth substance abuse, and the criminal victimization of juveniles. Outlines reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs - Directs the AG to provide for the comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of each program under titles II through IV of this Act, using independent evaluation and research criteria. Authorizes the AG to require grant recipients to comply with any information requirements under the mandate. Reserves a specified amount of the funds authorized for such programs to carry out the required evaluation and research. Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs - Expresses the sense of the Senate that programs found ineffective under the study required under Subtitle A, above, in addressing juvenile crime and substance abuse should not receive Federal funding in any fiscal year following the issuance of such study. Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Reduces by specified amounts in FY 2001 and 2002 the discretionary spending limits set forth under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to: (1) the Congress to set reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to Federal office; (2) a State to set reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to State or local office; and (3) the Congress to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Job Training Vouchers Title II: Consolidation of Federal Job Training Programs Title III: Employment-Related Information and Services Through One-Stop Career Centers Title IV: Reports and Plans Title V: General Provisions Working Americans Opportunity Act - Title I: Job Training Vouchers - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a job training system that provides vouchers to individuals for job training. (Sec. 102) Allows an individual to: (1) receive such a voucher for two years beginning on the date of application approval; and (2) use such voucher to purchase authorized job training. (Sec. 103) Makes individuals eligible for such vouchers if they are dislocated workers or economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Requires one-stop career centers (established under title III of this Act) to provide: (1) applications for vouchers, as well as assistance in completing them and collection of them for eligibility determinations; (2) performance-based information on service providers; and (3) information on local economy, employment, industries, and labor market demand. Requires conflict of interest standards for centers operated by entities that are concurrently eligible job training providers. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to issue oversight and accountability regulations relating to such vouchers. (Sec. 106) Sets forth eligibility requirements for providers of job training, including requirements for submission of performance-based information. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to monitor and evaluate the voucher system annually, and report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 108) Provides for apportionment of system funds to States based on relative numbers of individuals in service delivery areas (SDAs) who are: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) excess unemployed individuals; (3) individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more; and (4) economically disadvantaged adults. Requires at least 75 percent of such funds to be made available as vouchers. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Job Training Programs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the consolidation and streamlining of Federal job training programs should not reduce Federal commitment and effort to improve education, employment, and earnings of all workers and jobseekers, particularly those in hard-to-serve communities. Repeals specified employment training program provisions under the Job Training Partnership Act, Food Stamp Act of 1977, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, and Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act, as well as under a specified Federal law relating to certain workers affected by an expansion of Redwood National Park in California. Title III: Employment-Related Information and Services Through One-Stop Career Centers - Requires each service delivery area receiving funds under this Act to develop and implement a network of one-stop career centers to provide access for jobseekers, workers, and businesses to a comprehensive array of high quality job training and employment-related services (including provision of information). Requires each workforce development entity for an SDA to negotiate with the State a method for establishing such centers (including designating one-stop career center operators), consistent with criteria the Secretary prescribes. Makes each entity within the service delivery area that provides specified job training or employment-related services eligible to be designated a center operator for a two-year period (renewable after evaluation). Directs the Secretary to establish a performance standard system for assessing the performance of each center operator. Lists employment related services such centers may offer to individuals and to employers. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to make arrangements with public or private entities to develop and provide relevant regional labor market information to interested individuals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Department of Education to try to make known the value and availability of direct loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, through cooperative arrangements with one-stop career centers, training and educational training programs, State agencies, and other Federal agencies. Title IV: Reports and Plans - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on how additional Federal job training programs not covered by this Act can be consolidated into a more integrated and accountable workforce development system. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan that, wherever practicable, requires the Federal job training programs to use common definitions, outcome measures, eligibility standards, and funding cycles. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the need for income support, and options for providing it, to enable dislocated workers and economically disadvantaged adults to participate in long-term job training. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Working Families Child Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend its authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from (additional) Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated, to award grants to States to provide child care services for: (1) families who have left the State program of assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act because of employment; (2) families that are at risk of becoming dependent on such assistance program; and (3) low-income working families meeting specified criteria. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for child care activities in areas of the State that have child care supply shortages. Includes among such child care activities programs for: (1) infant care; (2) before- and after-school; (3) resources and referrals; (4) nontraditional work hours; (5) extending the hours of pre-kindergarten programs to provide full-day services; and (6) any other program the Secretary deems appropriate. Requires State reports to include information on access to child care by low-income working families. Requires reports of the Secretary to place particular emphasis on such access. (Sec. 6) Makes this Act effective as if included in the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193).
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Subtitle A: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle B: General Provisions Title II: Independent Expenditures Title III: Expenditures Subtitle A: Personal Funds; Credit Subtitle B: Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Title IV: Contributions Title V: Authorities and Duties of the Federal Election Commission Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Effective Dates; Authorizations Congressional Election Campaign Spending Limit and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending - Subtitle A: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to make a Senate candidate eligible for FECA benefits if the candidate: (1) files a primary election eligibility declaration; (2) files a general election eligibility certification and declaration; and (3) meets certain contribution and expenditure limits. Limits Senate primary expenditures for a candidate (or his or her authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) 67 percent of the general election expenditure limit; or (2) $2.75 million. Limits runoff expenditures. Sets a threshold contribution amount which triggers application of such primary and runoff limits. Limits the use by a Senate candidate (or authorized committees), during an entire election cycle, of the candidate's personal (or family) funds (including debt). Limits aggregate general election expenditures by an eligible Senate candidate (or authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) $5.5 million; or (2) the greater of $1.2 million, or $400,000 plus 30 cents times the voting age population up to 4 million and 25 cents times the voting age population over 4 million. Exempts from the general election expenditure limit qualified accounting or legal expenditures. Entitles eligible Senate candidates to certain broadcast media rates, and in certain circumstances, payments compensating for independent expenditures and excess expenditures on behalf of the candidate's opponent. Requires the Federal Election Commission (Commission) to certify an eligible Senate candidate within 48 hours after his or her application to the Secretary of the Senate. Requires the Commission to examine and audit, for FECA compliance, the campaign accounts of all candidates in five percent of the elections to the Senate in which there was an eligible Senate candidate on the ballot. Requires candidates to refund to the Commission any excess payments or expenditures. Sets civil penalties for excess expenditures and contributions. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions and requires Commission reports to the Senate after each general election. Requires closed captioning for eligible Senate candidates' television broadcasts. Authorizes reduced payments to an eligible Senate candidate under circumstances of insufficient funds. (Sec. 102) Prohibits Senate election activities by political action committees (PACs). (Sec. 103) Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates not eligible for FECA benefits. Requires reports to the Secretary within two days after aggregate contributions have been received and aggregate expenditures have been made or obligated to be made in excess of FECA limits. Requires any candidate for the Senate who, during the election cycle, expends more than the personal funds expenditure limit to report to the Secretary of the Senate within two days after expenditures have been made or loans incurred in excess of the personal funds expenditure limit. Requires certain expenditure reports from any Senate candidate who held Federal, State, or local office during the same election cycle, and made any expenditures, before becoming a Senate candidate, that would have been treated as Senate candidate expenditures. (Sec. 104) Requires Senate candidates ineligible for FECA benefits to place on every paid or authorized political commercial or communication the declaration: "This candidate has not agreed to voluntary campaign spending limits." (Sec. 105) Sets forth provisions governing excess campaign funds of Senate candidates. (Sec. 106) Sets forth a contribution limit for an eligible Senate candidate (and the candidate's authorized political committees) whose opponent fails to comply with the expenditure limits and has received contributions in excess of ten percent of the general election limits or has expended personal funds in excess of ten percent of the general election limits. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast station to make broadcast time available to all House and Senate candidates in the last 30 (currently 45) days before a primary at the lowest unit charge of the station for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time) for the same period on the same date. Allows Senate candidates to purchase broadcast time at 50 percent of the lowest unit rate for the 30 days before a primary or runoff election and 60 days before a general election. Prohibits broadcasters from preempting advertisements sold to political candidates at the lowest unit rate, unless the preemption is beyond the broadcaster's control. (Sec. 112) Amends FECA to set forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 113) Makes certain amendments with regard to campaign advertising that include certain requirements for printed as well as broadcast and cablecast communications. (Sec. 114) Adds various defintions to FECA for such specified terms as "general election," "general election period," and "primary election period." (Sec. 115) Amends Federal postal law to prohibit a Senator who is a candidate for election to any public office from making a mass mailing under the frank during the calendar year of any primary or general election for such office. Title II: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to define "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person other than a candidate or candidate's authorized committee: (1) that is made for a communication that contains express advocacy; and (2) is made without the participation or cooperation of and without coordination with a candidate. Defines the following terms: (1)"express advocacy"; and (2) "without the participation or cooperation of and without coordination with a candidate." (Sec. 202) Defines "coordinated expenditure" to mean an expenditure that is made by a person other than the candidate and that is not an independent expenditure. Prohibits political party committees from making both a coordinated expenditure and an independent expenditure to the same candidate during a single election cycle. Requires political party committees to file with the Commission a certification signed by the treasurer stating whether the committee will make coordinated expenditures or independent expenditures to the candidate. Prohibits a party committee that certifies that it will make coordinated expenditures to a candidate from, in the same election cycle, making a transfer of funds to, or receiving a transfer of funds from, any other party committee that has certified that it will make independent expenditures to the candidate. (Sec. 203) Permits qualified nonprofit corporations to make independent expenditures. (Sec. 204) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for equal broadcast time, including notification and opportunity to purchase equal time on an independent expenditure basis. Title III: Expenditures - Subtitle A: Personal Funds; Credit - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of contributions after the date of a general election to repay loans to a candidate (or authorized committee) by the candidate or by members of the candidate's family. (Sec. 302) Treats as a contribution any extension of credit for goods or services relating to general political advertising of more than $1,000 for more than 60 days to candidates for Federal office (or authorized committees). Subtitle B: Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends FECA to exclude from the definition of "contribution" the preparation and distribution, by volunteers, of materials in connection with State and local party voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities. (Sec. 312) Permits maximum contributions to a State Party Grassroots Fund of: (1) $20,000 by an individual; and (2) $15,000 from a multicandidate committee. Establishes an overall $60,000 annual limit on individual contributions, including specified limits for: (1) candidates and their political committees; and (2) State committees. (Sec. 313) Provides for the treatment of: (1) any amount solicited, received, or expended directly or indirectly by a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party (including any subordinate committee) with respect to an activity (such as voter registration and get-out-the vote activities among others) which is in connection with an election to Federal office as a contribution subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements; (2) any amount to raise funds that are used, in whole or in part, in connection with such activities as an expenditure subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements; and (3) any get-out-the-vote activity for a State and local candidate, or for a ballot measure conducted by a State, district, or local committee of a political party as an expenditure subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements. Limits the expenditures for which a State committee may use its State Party Grassroots Fund. (Sec. 314) Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting contributions: (1) not subject to FECA; and (2) on behalf of tax-exempt organizations, if a significant portion of the activities of the organization include voter registration or get-out-the-vote activities. (Sec. 315) Requires: (1) a national committee and a congressional campaign committee to report all receipts and disbursements whether or not in connection with a Federal election; and (2) other specified political committees to report all receipts and disbursements in connection with a Federal election. Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Requires that persons other than political parties who make (or obligate to make) aggregate disbursements totaling over $2,000 for specified election activities shall file a statement with the Commission within 48 hours after the disbursements or obligations are made, or in the case of disbursements or obligations that are made within 14 days of an election, on or before the 14th day before the election. Title IV: Contributions - Prohibits certain lobbyist contributions. (Sec. 402) Treats contributions by a dependent not of voting age as having been made by the individual on whom that dependent is a dependent. (Sec. 403) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting, with respect to any election, any contribution from a State or local political party committee (or subordinate committee) if such contribution, when added to the total of contributions previously accepted from all such committees of that political party, would cause the total amount of contributions to exceed the relevant contribution limitation. (Sec. 404) Makes it unlawful to use physical threat, intimidation, or taking or threatening to take other adverse action to: (1) coerce contributions or expenditures from another person; or (2) deter or prevent any person from filing a complaint, providing testimony, or otherwise cooperating with enforcement efforts under FECA; or (3) retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint, provided testimony, or otherwise cooperated with enforcement efforts under FECA. (Sec. 405) Prohibits acceptance by a candidate of cash contributions from any one person aggregating more than $100. Title V: Authorities and Duties of the Federal Election Commission - Authorizes the Commission to issue a regulation to require the filing of designations, statements, and reports using computers if the person has, or has reason to expect to have, aggregate contributions or expenditures in excess of a threshold amount determined by the Commission. Requires the Commission to prescribe a regulation allowing persons to file designations, statements, and reports using facsimile machines. (Sec. 502) Increases the threshold amount to $50 with respect to reporting the identification of certain contributors and disbursements. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Commission to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary compliance. Extends the period during which a campaign audit of a candidate's authorized committee may be begun. (Sec. 504) Grants authority to the Commission, to seek at any time in a proceeding, a temporary restraining order or a temporary injunction if the Commission believes there is a substantial likelihood that a violation is occurring or is about to occur. (Sec. 505) Revises specified enforcement requirements to provide for: (1) increased monetary penalties; and (2) equitable remedies if authorized by a conciliation agreement with the Commission. Directs the Commission to establish a schedule of automatic monetary penalties for the late filing of reports. (Sec. 506) Repeals requirements authorizing the Commission to appear in and defend against any action initiated under FECA. Replaces them with requirements authorizing the Commission to appear on its own behalf in any action related to the exercise of its statutory duties or powers in any court as a party or amicus curiae. Revises a requirement respecting the powers of the Commission to initiate civil actions to permit the Commission to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari to review judgements or decrees entered with respect to actions in which the Commission appears. (Sec. 507) Revises requirements concerning the referral of suspected violations to the Attorney General. (Sec. 508) Revises certain powers of the Commission. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee (such as a "leadership committee") other than a principal campaign committee of the candidate, authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee designated as an authorized committee. (Sec. 602) Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of developing a system by which persons with disabilities could vote by telephone. (Sec. 603) Exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from specified corporate expenditure limits. (Sec. 604) Provides that with respect to any provision of FECA that places a requirement or prohibition on any person acting in a particular capacity, any person who knowingly aids or abets the person in that capacity in violating that provision may be proceeded against as a principal in the violation. (Sec. 605) Requires exact copies of campaign advertising that refers to a candidate's opponent to be filed with the Commission and the Secretary of State of the candidate's State. (Sec. 606) Amends Federal postal law to prohibit a Member of Congress, during an election year, from using the franking privilege for a mass mailing from January 1 until the general election date. (Sec. 607) Amends FECA to make it unlawful for: (1) foreign nationals to make or promise to make contributions and expenditures in connection with an election to any political office or in connection with any primary election, convention, or caucus held to select candidates for any political office; or (2) any person to solicit, receive, or accept contributions from a foreign national. Makes it unlawful for foreign nationals or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence to participate in the decisionmaking process of any other person with regard to the person's election-related activities. Prohibits a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from accepting a contribution over $500 unless the contribution is accompanied by a statement, signed by the person making the contribution, affirming that the person is not a person prohibited from making the contribution. (Sec. 608) Requires that reports shall include a certification under penalty of perjury that the political committee has complied with foreign contribution and solicitation limitations. Title VII: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth the general effective date of this Act. Provides for direct, expedited appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court from any court rulings on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or amendment made by it.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Designates minority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Budget; (2) Rules and Administration; (3) Small Business; (4) Veterans' Affairs; (5) Indian Affairs; (6) Aging; (7) Intelligence; (8) Joint Economic; and (9) Ethics.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Designates minority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Grants Senate floor privileges to an employee to be designated by Senator Max Cleland during any period when the Senator is in the Senate chamber during the 105th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1996
Thanks the Honorable Trent Lott, Senate Majority Leader, for the manner in which he performed his leadership responsibilities in the conduct of Senate business during the second session of the 104th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1996
Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgement Fund Distribution Act of 1996 - Provides for distribution to, and use of certain funds by, the Sisseton and Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, one year after enactment of this Act, to distribute specified amounts to the tribal governing body of the: (1) Devils Lake Sioux Tribe of North Dakota; (2) Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota; and (3) Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. Designates the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Council of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes as the tribal governing body of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation. (Sec. 5) Directs each tribal governing body, as a condition for receiving the distributed funds, to establish a tribal trust fund for the benefit of the covered Indian tribe under its jurisdiction. Requires that each tribal governing body shall: (1) serve as the trustee of the trust fund; and (2) administer the trust fund. (Sec. 6) Prohibits funds distributed to a covered Indian tribe from being used to make per capita payments to members of the covered Indian tribe. Allows funds distributed to be used by a tribal governing body only for the purpose of making investments or expenditures that the tribal governing body determines to be related to: (1) economic development that is beneficial to the covered Indian tribe; (2) the development of resources of the covered Indian tribe; or (3) the development of a program that is beneficial to members of the covered Indian tribe, including educational and social welfare programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual audit. (Sec. 7) Sets forth provisions concerning the effect of payments to a covered Indian tribe or an individual on eligibility for, or the reduction or denial of, Federal benefits. Prohibits subjecting a payment made to a covered Indian tribe or individual under this Act to Federal or State income tax. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary, not later than one year after enactment, to distribute a specified amount to the lineal descendants of the Sisseton and Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths. Prescribes conditions for payment of such surcharges, including a proscription against Foundation compensation to any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or influence legislative action of the Congress relating to the coins minted and issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1996
Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Indian Affairs to provide to the Department of Justice, counsel for the plaintiff-realtors and defendant in U.S. ex rel. William I. Koch, et al. v. Koch Industries, Inc., et al., and other requesting individuals and entities, copies of records of the Special Committee on Investigations for use in connection with pending legal proceedings, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
Imposes a one-year delay in the imposition of certain penalties under the Internal Revenue Code for failure to make specified business tax payments by electronic fund transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code regarding estates and trusts to provide rules for the gratuitous transfer of qualified employer securities to an employee stock ownership plan from charitable remainder trusts.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1996
Commends the military actions taken by, and the performance of, the U.S. armed forces, under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, for carrying out the military mission of destroying Iraqi air defense installations on September 3, 1996, in a highly professional, efficient, and effective manner.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Perkins County Rural Water System Act of 1996 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants for the planning and construction of the Perkins County Rural Water System, Inc. Prohibits the obligation of System construction funds until: (1) Federal environmental compliance requirements have been met; (2) a final System engineering report has been prepared and submitted to the Congress for at least a 90-day period; and (3) a water conservation program has been developed and implemented. Requires the water conservation program to be designed to ensure that System water users will use the best practicable technology and management techniques to conserve water use. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses during System construction and operation. Directs the Western Area Power Administration to make available, from power produced under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program, the capacity and energy required to meet the pumping and incidental operational requirements of the System from May 1 to October 31 of each year. Provides power use conditions. States that this Act does not limit: (1) the authorization for water projects in North and South Dakota under any law; or (2) current water rights. Provides the Federal share (75 percent) of System costs. Authorizes the Secretary to allow the Bureau of Reclamation to provide construction oversight to a specified service area within the System, limiting oversight costs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Fall River Water Users District Rural Water System Act of 1996 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants for the construction and operation of the Fall River Water Users District Rural Water System, Inc. Prohibits the obligation of System construction funds until: (1) Federal environmental compliance requirements have been met; (2) a final System engineering report has been prepared and submitted to the Congress for at least a 90-day period; and (3) a water conservation program has been developed and implemented. Requires the water conservation program to be designed to ensure that System water users will use the best practicable technology and management techniques to conserve water use. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses during System construction and operation. Directs the Western Area Power Administration to make available, from power produced under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program, the capacity and energy required to meet the pumping and incidental operational requirements of the System from May 1 to October 31 of each year. Provides power use conditions. States that this Act does not limit: (1) the authorization for water projects in South Dakota under any law; or (2) current water rights. Provides the Federal share (80 percent) of System costs. Authorizes the Secretary to allow the Bureau of Reclamation to provide construction oversight to a specified service area within the System, limiting oversight costs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
National Motor Vehicle Safety, Antitheft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a term or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply specified uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of these acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Authorizes the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to provide to the Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey copies of records requested for use in connection with its pending licensing investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996
Commends Operation Sail and encourages its continuation into the next millennium. Encourages all individuals to join in the celebration of the 224th birthday of the United States of America and the international camaraderie that Operation Sail and the International Naval Review will foster.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1996
Agent Orange Benefits Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide needed health care to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida, for any associated disability. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such health care directly or by contract or other arrangement with a health care provider. Includes within such care home, hospital, nursing home, outpatient, preventive, and rehabilitative care, case management, respite care, the training of family members in the provision of necessary home care, and necessary pharmaceuticals, supplies, and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide vocational training to such a child if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by such child is reasonably feasible. Limits such training to 24 months, unless the Secretary determines that an extension is necessary (up to 24 additional months). Requires a child eligible for more than one assistance program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to elect one program for participation. Directs the Secretary to pay a monetary allowance to any such child for any disability resulting from spina bifida based on the degree of disability. Requires an increase in such disability benefit whenever there is an increase in benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation for the additional disability or death of a veteran which: (1) was not the result of the veteran's own willful misconduct; (2) was caused by care, treatment, or examination furnished to the veteran through the Department; and (3) was incurred as a proximate result of such care, treatment, or examination.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1996
Authorizes the chairman and vice chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, acting jointly, to provide to the court-appointed monitor of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HEREIU) copies of memoranda and transcripts of interviews conducted by subcommittee staff that the monitor has requested for use in connection with the monitor's oversight of the consent decree enjoining members of HEREIU from violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or knowingly associating with organized crime figures.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996
Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senator Trent Lott and former Senator Robert J. Dole in the case of James Lockhart v. United States, et al.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate international drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Imposes civil penalties upon businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996
Authorizes Mary Chiles, and any other Senate employee from whom testimony may be required, to testify and to produce documents in the case of State of Florida v. Kathleen Bush, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted. Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent such individuals in connection with such case.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996
Cattle Industry Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to advance the Fund for Rural America's initial funding date. (Sec. 3) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit noncompetitive practices relating to the price or terms of sale of livestock or meat and meat by-products. (Sec. 4) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to set forth domestic market reporting requirements for certain persons in the slaughter business. Defines "captive supply." (Sec. 5) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 with regard to livestock and meat food products reporting requirements. (Sec. 6) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit retaliation by packers against livestock producers. Provides damages for producers suffering such retaliation. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an interagency working group to review whether Federal lending practices are contributing to market concentration in the livestock and dairy sectors. (Sec. 8) Directs the President to prepare a consolidation plan for the U.S. food inspection system. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require a labeling system for U.S.-produced meat and meat food products. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to collect and publicize information on bulk cheese spot transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from: (1) 9 to 11 the number of areas which may be designated as empowerment zones; (2) six to eight the number of such zones which may be in urban areas; and (3) 750,000 to 1,000,000 the aggregate population allowable in all urban area zones. Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities - Permits, before January 1, 1998, the designation, in the aggregate of an additional: (1) 80 nominated areas as enterprise communities; and (2) 20 nominated areas as empowerment zones, subject to availability of eligible nominated areas. Modifies eligibility criteria. Prohibits: (1) applying the employment credit to the new empowerment zones; and (2) in certain developable sites, application of increased expensing provisions for certain depreciable business assets. Modifies provisions concerning: (1) enterprise facility zone bonds; and (2) the enterprise zone business definition. Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs - Permits a taxpayer to expense any defined qualified environmental remediation expenditure which is not chargeable to capital account.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Condemns the attacks of June 25, 1996, and November 13, 1995, in Saudi Arabia. Extends condolences to the families of all U.S. service personnel killed and wounded and to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Honors such personnel for their sacrifice. Expresses gratitude to such Government and people for their heroic rescue efforts at the scene of the attack and their determination to find and punish those responsible. Reaffirms: (1) support for such Government and for continuing good relations; and (2) commitment to provide all necessary support for the men and women of our armed forces. Determines that such terror attacks present a clear threat to U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf. Calls upon the United States to: (1) continue to assist such Government in its efforts to identify those responsible for the attack; and (2) use all reasonable means available to punish the responsible parties.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996
Designates the bridge, estimated to be completed in the year 2000, that replaces the bridge on highway 74 spanning from East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1996
Authorizes William T. Brack, a former chief of staff to Senator Hank Brown, to testify in the case of Carol Ward v. United States, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted. Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Brack in connection with such testimony.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the property is damaged because of its racial or ethnic character; and (2) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the property is damaged because of its religious character; (2) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (3) the loss exceeds $10,000.) Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, religious, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property. Increases penalties for violations of such provisions where bodily injury results or where such acts include the use, or attempted or threatened use, of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire. Includes within the definition of "religious property" fixtures or religious objects contained within a place of religious worship. Sets a seven-year statute of limitation for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of a person for any noncapital offense under such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use up to $5 million of the credit subsidy provided under the General and Special Risk Insurance Fund for guaranteed loans to financial institutions in connection with loans made to assist certain tax exempt religious or other organizations that have been damaged by arson or terrorism. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, including the Community Relations Service, to increase personnel to investigate, prevent, and respond to potential violations of this Act and Federal explosives prohibitions. Reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Commends those individuals and entities that have responded with funds to assist in the rebuilding of places of worship that have been victimized by arson. Encourages the private sector to continue such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1996
Condemns arson and other acts of desecration against churches and other houses of worship as being totally inconsistent with fundamental American values. Expresses the Senate's belief that investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible for fires at such entities, and especially any incidents of arson whose purpose is to divide communities or to intimidate any Americans, should be a high national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Condemns arson against churches and declares that the investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible, especially for any incidents of arson the purpose of which is to divide communities or to intimidate Americans, should be a high national priority. Commends the President for pledging to devote all Federal resources necessary to bring to justice those responsible. Calls for all investigations of fires at churches which are of suspicious origin to be conducted in a sensitive manner that reflects the special character of churches and the role they play in American communities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should: (1) use the disaster reserve for livestock producers affected by natural disasters in 1996; and (2) provide voluntary conservation assistance to anyone who is permitted to hay or graze conservation reserve land on an emergency basis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
Requires the Secretary of the Army to acquire, from willing sellers, permanent flowage and saturation easements over land that is located within the ten-year floodplain of the James River, South Dakota. Directs the Secretary to permit haying and grazing on the land subject to such easements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents Title II: Revenue Provisions Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification Subtitle B: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability Subtitle C: Other Expansions of Pension Portability Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents - Retirement Savings and Security Act - Sets forth the table of contents of this Act. Title II: Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification - Chapter 1: The NEST and Other Coverage Expansion - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish national employee savings trusts (NESTS) for employees of small employers. (Sec. 1102) Makes tax-exempt organizations and Indian governmental instrumentalities eligible section 401(k) pension plan employers. (Sec. 1103) Sets forth alternative methods for satisfying section 401(k) nondiscrimination tests. (Sec. 1104) Revises "highly compensated employee" provisions. (Sec. 1106) Repeals the limitation in the case of an employee with defined benefit and a defined contribution plans from the same employer. (Sec. 1107) Makes certain defined contribution plan provisions applicable to all permanently disabled employees. (Sec. 1108) Revises deferred payment provisions with respect to: (1) owner-employee contributions; and (2) State and local plan trust requirements. Chapter 2: Simplification and Cost Savings - Sets forth a special compensation limitation rule with respect to governmental and multiemployer deferred payment plans. States that a governmental plan's eligibility shall not be affected by its excess benefit arrangement. (Sec. 1204) Provides special rules for treatment of governmental and tax-exempt organization deferred compensation plans. (Sec. 1206) Establishes a simplified method for annuity distribution taxation for certain employer plans. (Sec. 1207) Eliminates five-year income averaging for lump-sum distributions. (Sec. 1208) Reduces from 59.5 years old to 59 years old the age at which a recipient may receive certain retirement and annuity distributions penalty-free. (Sec. 1209) Provides a special rule for certain rural cooperative plan distributions. (Sec. 1211) Treats the social security retirement age as the uniform retirement age for purposes of pension plan non-discrimination requirements. (Sec. 1214) Eliminates partial termination rules with respect to multiemployer plans. (Sec. 1217) Increases the tax on prohibited transactions. Subtitle B: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability - Chapter 1: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subchapter A: IRA Deduction - Increases individual retirement account (IRA) income limitations. Provides inflation adjustments for deductible amounts and income limitations. Subchapter B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Establishes nondeductible tax-free IRAs. Chapter 2: Distributions and Investments - Authorizes IRA distributions to be used without the additional ten-percent tax for first home purchases, higher education, financially devastating medical costs, and by the unemployed. (Sec. 1323) Sets forth provisions with respect to the use of IRA funds to purchase qualifying State prepaid tuition instruments. Chapter 3: Termination of Certain Provisions - Sets forth IRA-related termination provisions with respect to: (1) inflation adjustments; (2) contributions to special IRA accounts; (3) early withdrawal tax; and (4) increases in specified limitations. Subtitle C: Other Expansions of Pension Portability - Establishes alternative nondiscrimination rules for certain plans that provide for early participation. (Sec. 1402) Establishes special rules for certain veterans' reemployment rights, including provisions regarding: (1) contributions; (2) elective deferrals; (3) retroactive adjustments; (4) loan repayment suspensions; and (5) compensation. (Sec. 1403) Eliminates the special vesting rule for multiemployer plans. Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments - Makes specified conforming amendments.
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