United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1997
Urges the Clinton Administration to: (1) enforce the Iran-Iraq Arms Non-Proliferation Act of 1992 with respect to the acquisition by Iran of C-802 model cruise missiles; or (2) carry out an alternative policy that would address such acquisition in a similar manner.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian and charitable activities. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a suitable gold medal. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Declares these medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates deposit of sale proceeds in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Children's Health Insurance Provides Security (CHIPS) Act of 1997 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to offer an enhanced Federal match to States with Medicaid plans that provide for: (1) coverage of pregnant women, infants, and children under age six with family income between 133 and 150 percent of the poverty line, as well as older children with family income between 100 and 150 percent of the poverty line; and (2) continuous eligibility for a 12-month period for children under any age the State specifies (up to age 19). Gives States the option to: (1) expand Medicaid eligibility to 150 percent of the poverty line for children over one year of age; and (2) extend coverage to all children under age 19. Prohibits any employer which elects to make employer health insurance contributions on behalf of an employee (or dependent) from conditioning, or varying, such contributions with respect to any such individual by reason of his or her eligibility for Medicaid. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for grants to States, localities, and nonprofit entities to promote outreach efforts to enroll eligible children under Medicaid and related programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: America Reads Challenge Act Title II: General Provisions Title I: America Reads Challenge Act - Part 1: Program Authorized - Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Education and provides for funds from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation for National and Community Service for joint financial support for effective local reading programs for preschool-aged children and children attending both public and private schools. Part 2: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary and the CEO to use specified amounts of funds for grants to States for subgrants to local reading programs and local "Parents As First Teachers" programs. Part 3: Local and Regional Grants to Support Effective Models and Exemplary Partnerships - Directs the Secretary and the CEO jointly to: (1) make competitive grants for various local, regional, and national activities that identify and promote effective and promising practices for helping all children read well and independently by the end of the third grade; and (2) ensure that at least ten percent of such funds are awarded to national or regional information networks or other programs to provide support, training, and educational materials to assist parent to help their children become successful readers by the end of the third grade. Part 4: Supportive Activities - Directs the Secretary and the CEO to use certain reserved funds: (1) for technical assistance, dissemination of materials and information about best practices, and other activities; and (2) to evaluate programs under this Act. Title II: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary and the CEO to waive certain provisions of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 under specified conditions. (Sec. 203) Prohibits use of funds under this Act for: (1) awards to a pervasively sectarian organization; or (2) support of religious worship, instruction, or proselytization.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1997
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1997 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Prescribes procedural guidelines for both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and State access to records of a holding company (including subsidiaries, associates and affiliates) of a public utility or natural gas company. Instructs FERC to promulgate a final rule to exempt specified holding companies from such access requirements. Requires FERC to exempt any person or transaction from such access requirements if it finds that regulation of such person or transaction is irrelevant to the jurisdictional rates of a public utility company. Retains the jurisdiction of FERC and State commissions to determine whether a public utility company may recover in rates any costs of affiliate transactions. Declares this Act inapplicable to: (1) the United States; (2) a State or its political subdivision; and (3) a foreign governmental authority not operating in the United States. Grants FERC certain Federal Power Act enforcement powers. Transfers from the Securities and Exchange Commission to FERC all books and records that relate primarily to the functions vested in FERC by this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal its conflict of jurisdiction guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1997
Requests that a nationwide moment of remembrance be observed on Memorial Day, May 26, 1997, by the simultaneous pausing of all citizens to acknowledge the playing of "Taps" at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) in honor of the Americans who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom and peace.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, concerning tax-exempt State bonds, to: (1) permit an unlimited three-year carryover of the unused State ceiling; and (2) increase the capital expenditure limit on qualified small issue bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Reconstructive Breast Surgery Benefits Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require group health plans and insurers offering group health coverage, if they cover a mastectomy, to also cover reconstructive breast surgery resulting from the mastectomy, including surgery on a nondiseased breast to establish symmetry and coverage of prostheses and complications of mastectomy. Prohibits related: (1) denial of coverage or monetary incentives to women; and (2) penalties or incentives to providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to individual health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 30th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to publicly affirm as a matter of U.S. policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel. Urges U.S. officials to refrain from any actions that contradict U.S. law on this subject.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
ISTEA Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for: (1) the National Highway System; (2) the Interstate maintenance program; (3) the surface transportation program; (4) the bridge program; (5) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (6) the minimum allocation program; (7) apportionment adjustments; (8) the Interstate System reimbursement program; (9) certain projects under the Federal lands highways program; (10) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs; and (11) FHWA highway safety research and development. (Sec. 4) Amends Federal-aid highway law to revise the formula for determining the State apportionment of funds for the National Highway System and the surface transportation program. Extends through FY 2003 the set aside of Federal highway funds for discretionary projects for the resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing of routes on the Interstate System (4 R projects). (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Transportation, not later than April 1, 2000, to report to specified congressional committees recommended adjustments to the formula used to apportion funds to States for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and to the amount apportioned for the program, to reflect changes since the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) in: (1) national ambient air quality standards under the Clean Air Act; and (2) the emission control requirements that result from such standards. Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the apportionments if the recommendations are not enacted into law by October 1, 2000. Revises the formula for the apportionment of funds under the program. Adds transportation projects which will have air quality benefits, and consist of certain intercity rail passenger activities, to the eligible projects that a State may obligate congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and surface transportation program funds. Limits a State's obligation for such projects to no more than 50 percent of the apportioned funds. (Sec. 6) Extends for an additional six-fiscal year period the obligation of a State to allocate surface transportation program funds for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 7) Increases the minimum amount of apportioned highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program funds that a State shall receive in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the discretionary bridge program. (Sec. 8) Revises for FY 1998 and each fiscal year thereafter the formula for determining the amount of highway funds that would be required to ensure a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year for specified transportation programs is not less than 90 percent of the percentage that the population of the State is of the population of the United States. (Sec. 10) Provides for the adjustment of funds apportioned to States for the surface transportation program. (Sec. 11) Extends through FY 2003: (1) the strategic highway research program; (2) the applied research and technology program; (3) intelligent transportation systems; (4) the scenic byways program; (5) construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities; and (6) the national recreational trails program. (Sec. 15) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a comprehensive initiative to carry out a comprehensive research program to investigate and understand the relationships between transportation, land use, and the environment; and (2) award transportation and land use planning and policy grants to State, regional, and local agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for construction of the Appalachian development highway system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Allows a disabled individual who has or is granted the privilege of the Senate floor to bring those supporting services (including service dogs, wheelchairs, and interpreters) on the Senate floor as are determined by the employing or supervising office to be necessary to assist the individual in discharging his or her official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Senior Citizen Home Equity Protection Act - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to home equity conversion mortgages to: (1) require full disclosure to the mortgagor of all mortgage costs, including estate planning, financial advice, or other related costs; and (2) provide for imposition of restrictions by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to ensure that the mortgagor is not charged for such costs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the certification of mammography facilities. Requires that appeals from certification denials follow procedures in effect at that time (currently, in effect on a specified date). Modifies mammogram record retention requirements. Allows inspection of facilities (currently, certified facilities) for compliance with certification requirements and mammography quality standards (currently, compliance with mammography quality standards). Allows inspections to be conducted by a local agency on behalf of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Empowers the Secretary to require a facility to notify patients who received mammograms if the Secretary determines the quality was so inconsistent with standards as to present a significant risk to the individual or public health. Authorizes civil money penalties for failure to comply. Allows certificate suspension or revocation for a failure to comply with an accreditation body's requests for records or materials. Modifies requirements for certification suspension before holding a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Handgun Safety Act of 1997 - Amends Federal criminal law to define (firearm) "locking device." Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun without a locking device or a specified related warning, with exceptions for law enforcement and governmental entities. Sets forth civil penalties (in addition to any administrative penalties) for related violations, including suspension or loss of license. Directs the National Institute of Justice to study and report to the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury on the feasibility of developing minimum quality standards for locking devices.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training regarding Parkinson's disease. Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health to provide for coordination of the program among all the national research institutes conducting Parkinson's research. Requires coordination to include the convening of a research planning conference at least once every two years. Provides for each such conference to prepare and submit to certain congressional committees a report concerning the conference. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Establishes a grant program to support investigators with a proven record of excellence and innovation in Parkinson's research and who demonstrate potential for significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson's. Limits the availability of grants for a period not to exceed five years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Child Health Insurance and Lower Deficit Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize each State to establish a children's health insurance program. Requires participating States to contract with insurance issuers, ensure that policies are available to all eligible children, and provide certain premium and cost sharing payments. Mandates coverage equivalent to the medical assistance available under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Requires each participating State, for each area served by a health center, to contract directly with the health center for direct services. Bases eligibility on family income (as a percentage of the poverty line), with assistance paid to the issuer (or, for a child receiving direct services, to the provider). Regulates the amount of grants to States. Provides for taking into account cost variations among States. Authorizes appropriations. Allows a State to use up to a specified percentage of the grants to meet the needs identified in the statewide needs assessments prepared under provisions of the Social Security Act relating to preventive and primary care services for pregnant women, mothers, and infants up to age one. Prohibits an employer that elects to make health coverage contributions from conditioning or varying the contributions because of an individual's eligibility for assistance under provisions of this Act. Provides for the application of specified provisions of title XXVII (Assuring Portability, Availability, and Renewability of Health Insurance Coverage) of the Public Health Service Act relating to preexisting conditions, portability, eligibility, guaranteed availability, and network plans and financial capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1997
Equal Remedies Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove the limits on the dollar amount of damages awardable for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses and punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic home which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Requiring Consideration of the Health and Safety of a Child in Foster Care and Adoption Placements Title II: Enhancing Public Agency and Community Accountability for the Health and Safety of Children Title III: Incentives for Providing Permanent Families for Children Title IV: Promotion of Innovation in Ensuring Safe and Permanent Families Title V: Miscellaneous Safe Adoptions and Family Environments Act - Title I: Requiring Consideration of the Health and Safety of a Child in Foster Care and Adoption Placements - Amends the Social Security Act to include a child's safety among the requisite features of a State plan for child welfare services addressing foster care and adoption placements. (Sec. 102) States that to be eligible for Federal payments a State shall enact and enforce laws that specify cases in which: (1) the State is not required to make efforts at reunification of the child with its parents because of circumstances that endanger the child's health or safety; and (2) there are grounds for expedited termination of parental rights without prior reunification attempts due to such circumstances. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Federal child death review team, and States to establish their own State child death review teams, meeting specified criteria, in order to remain eligible for Federal funds. Title II: Enhancing Public Agency and Community Accountability for the Health and Safety of Children - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families and the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, to disseminate to State child welfare agencies and substance abuse prevention and treatment agencies an inventory of all Federal programs that may provide funds for substance abuse prevention and treatment services for families receiving services from public child welfare agencies. Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act to condition Federal grant eligibility upon a report by State substance abuse prevention and treatment agencies and State child welfare agencies to the Secretary on their joint conduct of prevention and treatment services for their clientele. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on their programs. (Sec. 203) Amends the Social Security Act to authorize foster care maintenance payments for children placed with a parent in certain residential treatment programs. (Sec. 204) Modifies the guidelines governing Federal reimbursement of State staff training expenditures. (Sec. 205) Requires State plans for foster care and adoption assistance to: (1) provide procedures for criminal records checks for any prospective foster parent, adoptive parent, or for any employee of a child-care institution; and (2) develop and implement State guidelines to ensure safe, quality care for children residing in out-of-home care settings. Title III: Incentives for Providing Permanent Families for Children - Mandates that State plans for foster care and adoption assistance include: (1) requirement of reasonable efforts to place the child in a permanent home in a timely manner; and (2) documentation of such efforts within the case plan and case review system. Mandates permanency planning hearings. (Sec. 303) Redraws the eligibility guidelines governing children with special needs. (Sec. 304) Includes within permissible foster care maintenance payments reimbursement to the State for reunification services. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory panel to study and report on specified interjurisdictional adoption issues. Title IV: Promotion of Innovation in Ensuring Safe and Permanent Families - Sets forth procedural guidelines for innovation grants awards to reduce the backlogs of children awaiting adoption or long-term foster care. (Sec. 602) Increases from 10 to 15 the authorized number of State child protection demonstration projects. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate establishment, in the National Institutes of Health, of a Pediatric Research Initiative. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1997
Anti-Gun Trafficking Act of 1997 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit any licensed firearms dealer from selling: (1) two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual during any 30-day period; or (2) a handgun to an unlicensed individual who purchased a handgun during the 30-day period ending on the date of the sale. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to an exchange of one handgun for one handgun. Bars any unlicensed individual from purchasing two or more handguns during any 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. Increases penalties for making knowingly false statements in connection with firearms. Extends the deadlines for the destruction of: (1) records related to handgun transfers subject to the waiting period; and (2) records of the national instant criminal background check system. Revises the definition of "engaged in the business" as applied to a firearms dealer to include any person who transfers more than one handgun in any 30-day period to a person who is not a licensed dealer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: School Construction Assistance Program Title II: General Provisions Partnership to Rebuild America's Schools Act of 1997 - Title I: School Construction Assistance Program - Part 1: Program Authorized - Establishes a program to provide Federal funds to help States and local school districts finance the repair, renovation, modernization, and construction of their school facilities. (Sec. 104) Makes appropriations and specifies their allocation. Part 2: Grants to States - Provides for allocation of funds for formula grants to States by the Secretary of Education, on a proportional basis similar to that for Basic Grants for disadvantaged students under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) eligible State agencies; (2) allowable uses of funds; (3) eligible construction projects; (4) period for project initiation; (5) selection of localities and projects; (6) State applications; (7) amount of Federal subsidy; (8) separate funds or accounts; (9) prudent investment; and (10) State reports. Part 3: Direct Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Provides for direct grants both formula and competitive) to local educational agencies (LEAs) by the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 121) Makes eligible for grants the LEAs with the largest numbers of children aged five through 17 from families living below the poverty level. Makes LEAs for Hawaii and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ineligible for such grants. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) grantees; (2) allowable uses of funds; (3) eligible construction projects; (4) redistribution of funds; (5) local applications; (6) formula grants; (7) competitive grants; (8) amount of Federal subsidy; (9) separate funds or accounts; (10) prudent investment; and (11) local reports. Title II: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) technical employees; (2) wage rates; (3) no liability of the Federal Government; and (4) consultation with Secretary of the Treasury by the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1997
Waste Tire Recycling, Abatement, and Disposal Act of 1997 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit, with exceptions, the following: (1) disposal of a waste tire (other than shredded tire material) on land or in a landfill; (2) receipt of any waste tire at any collection site unless, within seven days after receipt, it is processed, converted to shredded tire material, or transferred to a tire retreading business; (3) operation of a collection site except in compliance with stated standards (and others required by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule) concerning such matters as size, location, accessibility, enclosure, and emergency planning; (4) storage of more than 1,500 waste tires, other than as shredded tire material, for more than seven days at a collection site; (5) engaging in certain waste tire transfer, disposal, or delivery activities except in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to a State waste tire recycling, abatement, and disposal program (State program) approved under this Act or by the EPA Administrator; and (6) operation of a shredded tire facility containing more than a specified amount of material. Requires tire haulers, collectors, and processors to file with the Administrator or the designated State agency, within one year of enactment of this Act, reports containing specified information on waste tire presence, delivery, and site operation. Provides procedures for application for approval to implement a State program. Directs the Administrator to establish minimum elements of a program that include permit, fee, and revenue use requirements. Requires a report to the Congress based on State application information. Authorizes grants to States from the Waste Tire Recycling, Abatement, and Disposal Trust Fund and other assistance on a cost recovery basis. Requires the Administrator to establish, administer, and enforce a program for a State if it has not submitted a program for approval or is not adequately administering and enforcing a program. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) order an owner or operator of a collection site or a transferor of waste tires to a site to abate the site and to undertake abatement action using the Trust Fund; and (2) bring an action to restrain the operation of, or deposit of tires at, the site or take other action to protect human health and the environment, including issuing orders as necessary if this action is insufficient. Imposes penalties for violations of orders and liability for costs incurred in an abatement action undertaken by the Administrator. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, and the head of each Federal agency that owns land on which a tire collection site is located to prepare a plan to abate, not later than December 31, 2002, waste tire dumps and stockpiles located on public lands. Authorizes appropriations from the Trust Fund. Makes Trust Fund amounts available for: (1) grants to develop and implement State programs (giving highest priority to ensuring adequate capacity for tire shredding operations); (2) abatement on public lands; (3) cost offsets associated with Federal procurement of asphalt paving material containing recycled rubber; (4) Federal abatement program implementation or Federal abatement actions; and (5) waste tire processing research and development. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation, to conduct a program of research regarding such asphalt material. Sets forth procedures for issuance of compliance orders and imposition of civil and criminal penalties. Requires the Administrator to prepare final guidelines, not later than December 31, 1999, for rubber products containing crumb rubber derived from waste tire processing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1997
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to authorize the Federal Election Commission (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. 3) 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. 4) 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. 5) Revises the requirement regarding the payment of a civil penalty for knowing and willful violations of any contribution or expenditure to authorize, under a conciliation agreement entered into by the Commission, the payment of a civil penalty not exceeding the greater of $15,000 or an amount equal to 300 percent (currently the greater of $10,000 or an amount equal to 200 percent). (Sec. 6) Sets forth the following with respect to civil penalties for minor reporting violations. Directs the Commission by regulation to: (1) establish a definition of the term "minor reporting violation"; and (2) establish a schedule of the amounts (or ranges of the amounts) of civil penalties (not to exceed $5,000 or an amount equal to the amount of any contribution or expenditure involved in the violation) to be assessed for different categories of minor reporting violations. Prohibits the Commission from assessing a civil penalty within 30 days before the date of an election. Permits the Commission to seek enforcement of a civil action in U.S. district court. (Sec. 7) Repeals requirements for the filing of designations, statements, and reports required under FECA by a Senate candidate and the candidate's principal campaign committee with the Secretary of the Senate. Replaces them with a requirement for all such designations, statements, and reports to be filed with the Commission. (Sec. 8) Revises FECA authorization of appropriations provisions to, among other things: (1) add an additional amount for FY 1997 to be used to investigate the extraordinary problems associated with the 1996 elections; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to impose a tax on the manufacture or importation of tires of any type, including solid and pneumatic tires. Establishes the Waste Tire Recycling, Abatement, and Disposal Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the taxes received under IRC provisions relating to an assessment on motor vehicle tires and amounts received under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Makes Fund amounts available (as provided in appropriations Acts), and authorizes appropriations, for State and Federal waste tire recycling, abatement, and disposal activities and related research.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1997
Urges the Presidents of the United States and Mexico to expand and strengthen their cooperative relationship in order to make additional progress in halting the production in and transit through Mexico of illegal drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997
Child Safety Lock Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define (firearm) "locking device." Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun without a locking device or a specified related warning, with exceptions for law enforcement and governmental entities. Sets forth civil penalties (in addition to any administrative penalties) for related violations, including suspension or loss of license.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997
Better Financial Aid for Working Students Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the student contribution from available income component of the student aid needs analysis formula. Revises the adjustment to student income (which is subtracted from the student contribution) to: (1) increase the income protection allowance from $1,750 to $3,500; and (2) reduce assessment of the student's available income from 50 percent to 35 percent for the first $1,500 of such income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples Title II: Disclosure of Genetic Information to Third Persons Title III: Authorization by Written Informed Consent Title IV: Discrimination Prohibited Title V: Research Activities Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Enforcement Title VIII: Effective Date; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws Genetic Confidentiality and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples - Allows DNA collection only with written authorization and after specified notice. Allows storing or conducting a DNA analysis only in accordance with the authorization and notice. Title II: Disclosure of Genetic Information To Third Persons - Allows genetic information disclosure and redisclosure only with written authorization. Entitles an individual to inspect and receive a copy of his or her genetic information. Provides for amendment of records and for disclosures pursuant to compulsory process. Title III: Authorization by Written Informed Consent - Regulates collection and disclosure authorizations. Title IV: Discrimination Prohibited - Prohibits an employer from requesting, requiring, or using genetic information of an employee or prospective employee to restrict any right or benefit otherwise due or available. Allows an employer to request, require, or use genetic information to: (1) permit a genetically susceptible employee to avoid occupational mutagenic or teratogenic exposure; or (2) determine a genotype that is otherwise directly related to the work and is consistent with business necessity. (Sec. 402) Prohibits health insurers from discriminating on the basis of any molecular genetic information about a healthy individual or a healthy family member, or on the basis of a request for or receipt of genetic services. Prohibits insurers from requiring genetic testing or questioning. Provides for enforcement. Title V: Research Activities - Allows DNA analysis as part of a research project only if an Institutional Review Board, or similar board in the research industry, has made specified determinations. Requires destruction of samples at completion of the project or withdrawal of the subject unless specific authorization is obtained to store after that date. Sets forth rules for pedigree or linkage analysis. Regulates disclosure for research purposes. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires annual notification of employees of a person who collects, stores, or analyzes DNA regarding their responsibilities under this Act and related penalties. Regulates the transfer of samples or information, including regarding discontinuance of services. Title VII: Enforcement - Provides for a private right of action by any individual whose rights under this Act have been violated. Includes in damages: (1) in the case of negligent violations, actual damages, treble damages if there is profit or monetary gain, and costs and attorney's fees; and (2) in the case of willful violations, actual damages, punitive damages, and costs and attorney's fees. Provides, in the case of employment discrimination, for actual damages, treble damages if there is profit or monetary gain, and costs and attorney's fees. Authorizes actions by the Attorney General for injunctive relief and civil penalties. Title VIII: Effective Date; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Provides for the effective date and applicability of this Act. Prohibits a State from establishing or enforcing any disclosure law or regulation that does not conform to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish birth defects prevention and research programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to provide for collection, analysis, and reporting of birth defects statistics from birth certificates, infant death certificates, hospital records, or other sources and to collect and disaggregate such statistics by gender and racial and ethnic group. Directs the Secretary to establish at least five regional birth defects monitoring and research programs to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlation, and causes of birth defects. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with specified entities to serve as Centers of Birth Defects Prevention Research. Requires one of the Centers to focus on birth defects among ethnic minorities. Requires the CDC to establish a clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated from birth defects monitoring programs developed under this Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to provide for the evaluation, and implementation of prevention strategies designed to reduce the incidence and effects of birth defects. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the CDC, shall consult with State and local governmental agencies, managed care organizations, nonprofit organizations, physicians, and other health professionals and organizations. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee for Birth Defects Prevention. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding birth defects. Subjects the provisions of this Act to requirements of the Privacy Act. Applies all Federal laws relating to the privacy of information to data and information collected under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1997
Safe and Sober Streets Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of the funds authorized for Federal aid highway programs for FY 2001, and ten percent of such amounts for subsequent fiscal years, from any State that has not enacted and is not enforcing a law that considers as intoxicated an individual who has an alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent or greater while operating a motor vehicle in such State. Allows funds withheld from a State during FY 2001 to be available for up to three fiscal years after such date (to allow a State to meet such requirement within such period), but allows no grace period with respect to funds withheld during the subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997
Amends the Investment Advisers Supervision Coordination Act to postpone its effective date from (the current) 180 days to 270 days after its date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997
Provides for a specified increase in Federal judicial salaries. Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) provide for annual judicial cost-of-living adjustments; and (2) base such adjustments upon the Federal General Schedule. Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that the Congress must vote for judicial cost-of-living adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the credit for increasing research activities. Removes a restriction on electing the alternative incremental credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997
Treats heart disease and hypertension as personal injuries or sickness for purposes of excluding from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code the disability benefits received by former police officers or fire fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Makes veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart eligible for veterans' hospital care and medical services. Provides such veterans with a priority in the veterans' system of annual patient enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the criminal penalty added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for the fraudulent disposition of assets in order to obtain Medicaid benefits under SSA title XIX.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Blind Persons Earnings Equity Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to restore the link ended by the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 1995 between the rules relating to substantial gainful activity for blind individuals and the rules relating to excess earnings under the social security earnings test for individuals who have attained retirement age (thus allowing blind individuals, once again, to earn up to the social security excess earnings threshold without being regarded as having demonstrated an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity and without losing entitlement to OASDI benefits).
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 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 · 26 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1997 - Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Specifies that any individual who has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection shall receive $125,000 from amounts available in the Fund if the individual meets one of the following conditions: (1) has a blood-clotting disorder and was treated with blood-clotting agents between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987; (2) is the lawful spouse of such individual or the former lawful spouse and was the lawful spouse of the individual at any time after a date within such period on which the individual was treated; or (3) acquired the HIV infection through perinatal transmission from a parent who is such an individual. Requires that the following conditions be met with respect to such individual: (1) the individual submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services written medical documentation that the individual has an HIV infection; (2) a petition for payment be filed with the Secretary by or on behalf of such individual; and (3) that the Secretary determine that the claim meets the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 105) Specifies that any right under this Act shall not be assignable or transferable. Sets limits regarding the number of claims per victim. (Sec. 106) Prohibits the Secretary from making any payment with respect to any petition filed under this Act unless the petition is filed within three years after the enactment of this Act. Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs - Prohibits a settlement payment from being considered income or resources in determining a class member's eligibility for, or the amount of: (1) medical assistance under the Medicaid program; or (2) benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program. Defines the terms: (1) "class member"; and (2) "settlement payment.
![Official portrait of Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000388_200.jpg)