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United States · Official source
5,235 records where Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that October 15, 1998, should be designated as National Inhalant Abuse Awareness Day, to be observed with appropriate activities. Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating such Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Patients' Bill of Rights Subtitle A: Right to Advice and Care Subtitle B: Right to Information about Plans and Providers Subtitle C: Right to Hold Health Plans Accountable Title II: Individual Rights with Respect to Personal Medical Information Subtitle A: Access to Medical Records Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Subtitle C: Enforcement; Definitions Title III: Genetic Information and Services Title IV: Healthcare Quality Research Title V: Women's Health Research and Prevention Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Subtitle C: Women's Health and Cancer Rights Title VI: Enhanced Access to Health Insurance Coverage Patients' Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Patients' Bill of Rights - Subtitle A: Right to Advice and Care - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan covering emergency medical care to provide coverage, without requiring preauthorization, for appropriate emergency medical screening examinations to the extent that a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of health and medicine, would determine such examinations to be necessary to determine whether emergency medical care is necessary. (Sec. 101) Requires a plan to cover additional emergency medical services following such an examination to the extent that a prudent emergency medical professional would determine such services to be necessary to avoid specified serious consequences. Requires a plan (other than a small employer's plan) providing benefit coverage only through a defined set of participating health care professionals to offer the option of point-of-service coverage (of the same benefits provided by a nonparticipating health care professional), unless the plan offers multiple issuer or coverage options. Requires any plan offering gynecological, obstetric, or pediatric care not to require prior authorization from a participant's primary care provider if such provider is not a gynecologist, obstetrician, or pediatrician. Requires a plan to permit a participant or beneficiary undergoing a course of treatment to continue such treatment for a period of time even though the contract between the plan and a health care provider is terminated, or the schedule of benefits or coverage is terminated by a change in the terms of the provider's participation in the plan. Specifies a 90-day continuation of coverage generally, and other transitional periods for institutionalization (until discharge), pregnancy (through post-partum care), and terminal illness (remainder of life). Declares that a plan shall not prohibit a health care professional from advising a patient about the patient's health status, medical care, or treatment for the patient's condition or disease, regardless of whether coverage for such care or treatment is provided under the contract, if the professional is acting within the lawful scope of the practice. Applies the requirements of this subtitle to group health plans, but not to a health insurance issuer licensed by a State and subject to State insurance regulation while engaged in the business of insurance in such State. Subtitle B: Right to Information about Plans and Providers - Requires plans and group health insurance issuers to disclose specified plan information to enrollees and (upon request) potential enrollees. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) health care professionals information currently available to patients, consumers, States, and professional societies, nationally and on a State-by-State basis; (2) the legal and other barriers to the sharing of information about health care professionals; and (3) recommendations for disclosure of such information on health care professionals, including their competencies and professional qualifications, to better facilitate patient choice, quality improvement, and market competition. Subtitle C: Right to Hold Health Plans Accountable - Revises requirements for plan provision of a procedure for appealing denied claims. (Sec. 121) Requires a plan or health insurance issuer conducting utilization review to have: (1) specified procedures in place for coverage determinations, including expedited determinations; (2) written procedures for addressing grievances between a plan and enrollees; (3) an internal procedure for coverage determination appeals; and (4) an external review procedure for enrollee appeals, involving specified entities and independent medical experts, whose determination shall be binding. Prescribes external review standards. Directs the General Accounting Office to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a statistically appropriate sample of completed external reviews. Title II: Individual Rights with Respect to Personal Medical Information - Personal Medical Information Access Act - Subtitle A: Access to Medical Records - Amends ERISA to require any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university, except in specified circumstances, to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information (or the individual's designee) to inspect and copy protected health information concerning the individual; (2) amend such information upon the individual's request; and (3) make reasonable efforts to inform any person to whom the unamended portion of the information was previously disclosed of any nontechnical amendment that has been made. (Sec. 212) Prescribes procedures for: (1) an entity's denial of a request to amend such information; and (2) an individual's filing of a statement of disagreement with such denial, which shall accompany any subsequent disclosure of the disputed portion of the information. (Sec. 213) Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to post notice of the entity's confidentiality practices, including specified information. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate model notices of confidentiality practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to establish and maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information the entity creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, transmits, or disposes of. Subtitle C: Enforcement; Definitions - Prescribes civil money penalties for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. (Sec. 232) Sets forth definitions. Title III: Genetic Information and Services - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1998 - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a health care plan or health insurance issuer from restricting enrollment or adjusting premium or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of predictive genetic information concerning an individual in the group or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). (Sec. 302) Prohibits a plan or issuer from requesting or requiring predictive genetic information concerning an individual or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). Permits a plan or issuer to request, but not require, such information for diagnosis, treatment, or payment purposes only. Title IV: Healthcare Quality Research - Healthcare Quality Research Act of 1998 - Amends PHSA to establish within the Public Health Service (PHS) an Agency for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. (Sec. 402) Directs the Agency to identify and disseminate methods or systems used to assess healthcare research results, particularly to rate the strength of the scientific evidence behind healthcare practice and technology recommendations in the research. Requires the Agency to employ research strategies and mechanisms that will link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the United States, including: (1) Healthcare Improvement Research Centers that combine demonstrated multidisciplinary expertise in outcomes or quality improvement research with linkages to relevant sites of care; (2) Practice-based Research Networks, including plan, facility, or delivery system sites of care (especially primary care), that can evaluate and promote quality improvement; and (3) other innovative mechanisms or strategies. Directs the Agency to: (1) award grants to enable eligible entities at geographically diverse locations throughout the United States to carry out research training programs dedicated to health services research training at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and junior faculty levels; and (2) provide specified scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve healthcare quality, including accrediting organizations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Agency Director, to establish a demonstration program of grants for one or more centers to conduct: (1) state-of-the-art clinical research on drugs, biological products, and devices; (2) research on the comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of drugs, biological products, and devices; and (3) other appropriate activities (excluding the review of new drugs). Requires the Agency Director to: (1) collect certain data on the cost and quality of healthcare; (2) support research on and initiatives to advance the use of information systems for the study of healthcare quality; and (3) provide ongoing administrative, research, and technical support for the Preventive Services Task Force, which shall review scientific evidence on the effectiveness, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive services regarding their usefulness in daily clinical practice. Establishes within the Agency a Center for Primary Care Delivery Research to serve as the principal funding source for HHS primary care delivery research and demonstrations with respect to the first contact when illness or health concerns arise, the diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialty care, preventive care, and the relationship between the clinician and the patient in the context of the family and community. Requires the Agency Director by specified activities to promote innovation in evidence-based clinical practice and healthcare technologies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to coordinate all research, evaluations, and demonstrations related to health services research and quality measurement and improvement activities undertaken and supported by the Federal Government. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to: (1) describe and evaluate current quality improvement research and monitoring processes; and (2) recommend options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such processes, and optimize public- private sector accreditation bodies. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a nonprofit, nongovernmental Foundation for Healthcare Research, which shall: (1) support the Agency and foster public-private partnerships to support Agency programs and activities; (2) advance collaboration with healthcare researchers from universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations; and (4) develop linkages with users of healthcare and quality research. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency Director, to make grants each fiscal year to support the Foundation. Establishes an Advisory Council for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Advisory Council for Health Care Policy, Research, and Evaluation. Requires the Agency Director to establish technical and scientific peer review groups to review each application for a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract under this title. Repeals the mandates for: (1) a demonstration program regarding centers for education and research on therapeutics; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Requires the Secretary, within 30 days after enactment of any Act providing for a qualifying health care benefit, to evaluate scientifically and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the safety, efficacy, cost, benefits and value of such benefit; (2) alternative approaches in improving care compared with such benefit; and (3) the benefit's overall impact on health care as measured through research. Title V: Women's Health Research and Prevention - Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health - Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for research on the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES). Directs the Secretary, acting through PHS agency heads, to carry out a national program to educate health professionals and the public about DES. (Sec. 512) Extends the authorization of appropriations for research on: (1) osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) breast and ovarian cancers; and (3) aging processes relating to women. (Sec. 514) Requires the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities with respect to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. (Sec. 516) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) to appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Center for Health Statistics; (2) the National Program of Cancer Registries; (3) the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; (4) Centers for Research and Demonstration of Health Promotion; and (5) community programs on domestic violence. (Sec. 523) Authorizes a State receiving a Federal grant to make grants to or contract with for-profit private entities to carry out programs of preventive health measures for breast and cervical cancers. Subtitle C: Women's Health and Cancer Rights - Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code to require certain group health plans and health insurance issuers to ensure specified minimum coverage regarding: (1) breast cancer mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissections; (2) post-mastectomy breast reconstruction on both breasts; and (3) the costs of prostheses and complications of mastectomy, including lymphedemas. Prohibits: (1) denial of eligibility to a patient, and other related practices, solely to avoid the requirements of this subtitle; (2) incentives or rebates to encourage individuals to accept less than the minimum coverage; and (2) certain penalties or incentives to providers to evade application of this subtitle. (Sec. 535) Amends PHSA to apply the same requirements to health insurance issuers in the individual market. (Sec. 537) Directs the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the scientific issues relating to prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Title VI: Enhanced Access to Health Insurance Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow the annual carryover of up to $500 of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts; (2) allow a full deduction from gross income of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; and (3) repeal the limitation of the availability of medical savings accounts (MSAs) to employees of small employers and the self-employed. (Sec. 603) Reduces from $1,500 to $1,000 (self-only coverage) and from $3,000 to $2,000 (family coverage) the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan. Revises the formula for the monthly limitation on the allowable deduction for MSAs to increase the contribution limit to 100 percent of the annual deductible under a high deductible health plan. Waives the additional tax on MSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses to the extent any payment or distribution does not reduce the fair market value of the MSA assets to an amount less than the annual deductible for the account holder's high deductible health plan. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to contract for or approve catastrophic FEHBP plans, whose covered expenses exceed $500. Amends Federal civil service law, with respect to Government contributions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), to require an additional Government contribution, according to a certain formula, to an individual's MSA with respect to a catastrophic plan. Increases the Government's biweekly contribution to an employee's or annuitant's FEHBP catastrophic plan from 75 percent to 100 percent of the subscription charge.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Home Health Access Preservation Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, in order to mandate a new interim system, as of October 1, 1998, with a revised formula and specific amounts for the agency-specific per beneficiary annual limitation, according to the census division in which an agency is located. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) estimate the amount of savings (if any) to Medicare resulting from this Act for each fiscal year beginning after FY 1998 and before the first fiscal year in which the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health agencies applies; (2) prescribe rules for increased payments to such an agency, if there will be estimated savings; and (3) establish procedures to provide heightened scrutiny of claims for reimbursement under Medicare for items and services provided to certain agency beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a three percent increase in per visit cost limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997. Directs the Secretary to meet every 90 days with appropriate congressional committee staff to provide informal updates of progress in implementing the PPS above.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1998
Property Rights Implementation Act of 1998 - Authorizes an owner of private property to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action as a violation of the fifth amendment to the U.S. Constitution in a district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (Claims court). Grants such courts concurrent jurisdiction over claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any Federal regulation affecting private property rights. Authorizes the plaintiff to elect to file an action under this Act in a district court or the Claims court. Waives U.S. sovereign immunity with respect to such an action and grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction. Sets a six-year statute of limitations. Directs the court to award litigation costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to any prevailing plaintiff. (Sec. 6) Modifies Federal judicial code provisions to grant the Claims court jurisdiction to render judgment upon any claim under this Act against the United States for monetary relief founded either upon the Constitution, any Act of Congress, or any regulation of an executive department, or upon any express or implied contract with the United States in cases not sounding in tort, or for invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of an executive department. Sets forth provisions regarding the Claims court's: (1) supplemental jurisdiction; and (2) jurisdiction which constitutes judicial review of agency action. Makes any claim brought under this Act founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets forth guidelines as to what constitutes a final decision. Repeals provisions regarding pendency of claims in other courts. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction, concurrent with the Claims court, over any civil action filed under this Act. Prohibits a district court, whenever it exercises civil rights jurisdiction in an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, from abstaining from exercising jurisdiction or relinquishing it to a State court because the party seeking redress: (1) brings a prior or concurrent proceeding before a State, territory, or local tribunal as required; (2) asserts claims under State or local law pendent to and arising from the same core of operative facts as a claim for the taking of real property; or (3) asserts a claim for the taking of real property that requires interpretation of State, territory, or local laws. Permits a district court that exercises jurisdiction in an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property to abstain where the party seeking redress: (1) has not submitted a meaningful application (as defined by the locality concerned within that State or territory) to use such property; and (2) challenges whether an action of the applicable locality exceeds the authority conferred upon it under the applicable zoning or planning enabling statute of the State or territory. Authorizes the district court, where it has jurisdiction over such an action which cannot be decided without resolution of an unsettled question of State law: (1) to certify the question of State law to the highest appellate court of that State; and (2) after that court resolves the question, to proceed with resolving the merits. Authorizes the district court, in making a decision whether to certify a question of State law, to consider whether the State law question will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim and is patently unclear. Specifies that any claim or action brought to redress the deprivation of a right or privilege to use and enjoy real property as secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, regulation, or usage of any State of U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. (Sec. 7) Amends Federal civil rights law to provide that in a civil action for deprivation of rights, where the taking of real property is alleged, a district court: (1) may hold the party seeking redress liable for a reasonable attorney's fee and costs where the takings claim is not substantially justified, unless special circumstances make such an award unjust; and (2) shall decide any motion to dismiss such claim on an expedited basis. (Sec. 8) Prohibits a party seeking redress for a taking of real property without the payment of compensation from commencing an action in district court before 60 days after the date on which written notice has been given to any potential defendant. (Sec. 9) Requires a Federal agency that takes an agency action limiting the use of private property to give notice to the property owners explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1998
Declares that the Congress affirms: (1) its longstanding commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) its expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means with the consent of the people of Taiwan and that it considers any effort to determine Taiwan's future by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific and of grave concern to the United States; (3) its commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; and (4) its commitment that only the President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services needed by Taiwan. Urges the President to seek a public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of force, or threat to use force, against democratic Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Federal Research Investment Act - Calls for Federal funding levels for fundamental, scientific, and pre-competitive engineering research to be increased to equal approximately 2.6 percent of the total annual Federal budget. Authorizes appropriations for civilian research and development (R&D) within specified agencies for FY 1999 through 2010. Directs the President to include with the annual budget request a report concerning Federal R&D program funding, future R&D strategies and targets, and an analysis of funding levels across Federal agencies by funding methodology. Requires the Director of the Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) to enter in an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study to develop methods for evaluating federally-funded R&D programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), based on study results, to promulgate one or more alternative forms for Federal R&D performance goals. Permits an agency head to apply such an alternative form without further authorization by OMB. Requires agency heads carrying out R&D activities, upon updating a strategic plan, to describe the current and future use of methods for determining an acceptable level of R&D success as recommended by the study. Authorizes appropriations for the study. Requires: (1) the OMB Director, based upon program performance reports, to identify the civilian R&D program activities or components which do not meet an acceptable level of success; (2) an agency head to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a concise statement of the steps needed to terminate a program activity or component identified as being below the acceptable level of success for two consecutive fiscal years; (3) such a program to be terminated unless the Directors of OSTP and OMB and the agency head determine that it should be continued; and (4) the statement of termination to recommend disposition of unexpended and unobligated funds from terminated programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Mortgage Litigation Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide a moratorium between the date of enactment of this Act and July 1, 1999, on class certification orders, discovery, sanctions, or other proceedings with regard to civil actions alleging improper payments by one lender to another lender or mortgage broker.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Education Flexibility Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to allow all States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Act program. Directs the Secretary to make available funds to carry out such program for FY 1999 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) publicly declare that it considers there to be probable cause to believe that Slobodan Milosevic, President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, has committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide; (2) make collection of information that can be supplied to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for use as evidence to support his indictment and trial a high priority; (3) provide a fair share of any additional financial or personnel resources that may be required by the Tribunal for the adjudication of Milosevic and others arising from the conflict in the former Yugoslavia; (4) engage in a discussion with other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and interested states of information any such state may hold regarding such matters and of measures to be taken to apprehend persons indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity; (5) urge the Tribunal to promptly review all information relating to Milosevic's possible criminal culpability, with a view toward prompt issuance of a public indictment; (6) upon issuance of such indictment, adopt a policy of having no dealings with Milosevic other than as a defendant before the Tribunal; and (7) support Milosevic's immediate apprehension.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1998
Sets a one-year moratorium during which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may not modify regulations governing the operation of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, including pertinent regulations under the Social Security Act. States that a related final rule published in the Federal Register has no legal effect. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consult with the medical community and organ donation organizations to develop workable guidelines for Network operation; and (2) study the impact of proposed regulations on indigent care, economic and geographic access to transplantation services, transplantation outcome and survival rate, and waiting list time by organ.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to add to title I a new subtitle C, which may be cited as the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1998. Directs the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (Administrator) to establish a microenterprise technical assistance and capacity building program to provide Fund grants to qualified non profit organizations to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs; (2) provide training and capacity building services to help microenterprise development organizations and programs develop microenterprise training and services; and (3) aid in researching and developing the best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Sets forth an allocation formula for such assistance and for grants benefitting very low-income persons, including those residing on Indian reservations. Authorizes a qualified organization to provide subgrants to small and emerging microenterprise entities. Mandates matching funds from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, on June 1, 1998, relating to surety bond requirements for home health agencies under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense - Civil Title II: Department of the Interior Title III: Department of Energy Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Denali Commission Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1999 - Title I: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Army and its Corps of Engineers for FY 1999 for: (1) authorized civil functions of the Department of the Army relating to rivers and harbors, flood control, beach erosion, and related purposes; (2) expenses necessary for the collection and study of information related to such purposes; (3) the prosecution of authorized water development and related projects; (4) certain flood control projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (5) water development projects operation and maintenance; (6) the navigable waters and wetlands regulatory program; (7) formerly utilized atomic energy program sites remediation; and (8) general expenses. Authorizes use of the Revolving Fund to construct an addition to the United States Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District main office building on Elmendorf Air Force Base. (Sec. 101) Bars application of a fully allocated funding policy to projects for which funds are identified in specified Committee reports. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake such projects using continuing contracts. (Sec. 102) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of the Army shall provide planning, design and construction assistance to non-Federal interests in implementing water-related environmental infrastructure and environmental resources development projects in Alaska. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to revise the Missouri River Master Water Control Manual when it is made known to the pertinent Federal authority that such revision provides for an increase in the springtime water release program during the spring heavy rainfall and snow melt period in States with rivers draining into the Missouri River below the Gavins Point Dam. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes FY 1999 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation, water and related resources; (3) Bureau of Reclamation Loan Program Account; (4) Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; (5) California Bay-Delta Ecosystem Restoration; and (6) general administrative expenses. Title III: Department of ENERGY - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for: (1) energy supply programs; (2) non-defense environmental management; (3) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (4) general DOE science and research activities; (5) the Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund; (6) DOE administration; (7) Office of the Inspector General; (8) atomic energy defense weapons activities; (9) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (10) defense facilities closure projects; (11) defense environmental management privatization; (12) other DOE defense activities; (13) defense nuclear waste disposal; (14) the various geographical power marketing administrations of DOE (including specified costs for the hydroelectric facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams under the Western Area Power Administration); and (15) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 301) Prohibits funds under this Act from being used to: (1) award either a management and operating contract without competitive procedures, or a contract that deviates from the Federal Acquisition Regulation, unless the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) grants a waiver on a case-by-case basis; (2) develop or implement a workforce restructuring plan for DOE employees, or to provide them with enhanced severance payments or other benefits; (3) augment specified funds made available for severance payments and other benefits and community assistance grants under specified law; (4) prepare or initiate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for a program that has not been funded by the Congress; or (5) decrease the concentration of radioactive contamination in waste in order to comply with the waste acceptance criteria for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. (Sec. 307) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to redesignate the Office of Energy Research the Office of Science Research. (Sec. 308) Amends the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) Privatization Act to instruct the Secretary of Energy to reimburse a contractor or subcontractor for the costs of providing security to bring a gaseous diffusion plant into compliance with statutory guidelines. (Sec. 309) Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to sell electric power at wholesale, upon the request of a joint operating entity, for the purpose of meeting the firm power loads of regional public bodies and cooperatives that are members of participants of such entity. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Denali Commission; (3) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (4) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (5) the NRC Office of the Inspector General; (6) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (7) the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title V: General Provisions - Declares the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products bought with funds under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. Bars contracts funded under this Act from being awarded to any person determined by a court or Federal agency to have falsely labelled products as made in America. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds in this Act to pay the salary of any Department of the Interior officer or employee for the Animas-La Plata Project, in Colorado and New Mexico, except for: (1) activities required to comply with the applicable provisions of current law; and (2) continuation of activities pursuant to the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-585). (Sec. 506) Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to determine the final point of discharge for the interceptor drain for the San Luis Unit until the Secretary of the Interior and the State of California develop a plan, which shall conform to California water quality standards approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis drainage waters. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to classify the costs of the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup and the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Programs as reimbursable or nonreimbursable and collected until fully repaid pursuant to the "Cleanup Program--Alternative Repayment Plan" and the "SJVDP--Alternative Repayment Plan" described in a specified report. Makes San Luis Unit beneficiaries of drainage service or drainage studies responsible to reimburse the United States fully for any future obligations of Federal funds relating to, or providing for, such service or studies for the San Luis Unit. (Sec. 507) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from September 30, 1998, through September 30, 1999, the NRC's authority to assess annual charges. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the use of any funds to restart the High Flux Beam Reactor. Title VI: Denali Commission - Denali Commission Act of 1998 - Establishes the Denali Commission to develop a statewide, comprehensive plan for economic and infrastructure development, establish priorities, approve project and grant proposals, and administer funds appropriated to such Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) solicit project proposals to modernize infrastructure from local governments and other organizations; (2) report annually to the President, the Chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and the Governor of Alaska; and (3) develop a repair or replacement program for bulk fuel storage tanks in Alaska which are not in compliance with Federal and State law. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Designates portions of the highway formerly designated as U.S. Route 66 that remain in existence as "America's Main Street". Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Office for the Preservation of America's Main Street; and (2) designate National Park Service officials stationed at locations convenient to the States in which a portion of Route 66 is located and interested persons in such States to perform Office functions. Requires the Office to: (1) support efforts of State and local public and private persons and entities in such States to preserve Route 66 by providing technical assistance, participating in cost-sharing programs, and making grants and loans; (2) act as a clearinghouse for communication among Federal, State, and local agencies and private persons and entities interested in the preservation of Route 66; and (3) assist such States in determining the appropriate form of and establishing and supporting a non-Federal entity or entities to perform the Office's functions after it is terminated. Authorizes the Office to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements; (2) accept donations; (3) provide cost-share grants; (4) provide technical assistance in historic preservation and fundraising; and (5) conduct research. Requires the Office: (1) to sponsor a road sign program on Route 66 to be implemented on a cost-sharing basis with State and local organizations; (2) to provide assistance in the preservation of Route 66 that is compatible with the idiosyncratic nature of the highway; (3) not to prepare an overall management plan for Route 66, but to cooperate with the States and local public and private persons and entities in developing local preservation plans to guide efforts to protect the most important or representative resources of Route 66; (4) to develop a technical assistance program in the preservation of Route 66, including guidelines for setting priorities for preservation needs; and (5) to coordinate a program of historic research, curation, preservation strategies, and collection of oral and video histories of Route 66 designed for continuing use and implementation by other organizations after the Office is terminated. Makes available cost-share grants for the preservation of Route 66 for resources that meet the guidelines under the program. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Office ten years after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1998
No Gun Tax Act of 1998 - Prohibits the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from collecting any fee, assessment, third party collection, or other charge from any person or agency in connection with any background check required under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Declares that the U.S. Government should pursue policies that: (1) support and encourage the U.S. people to master the English language plus other languages of the world; (2) recognize the importance of English as the unifying language of the United States, and the importance of English fluency for individuals who want to succeed in U.S. society; (3) recognize that command of the English language is a critical component of the success and productivity of U.S. children, and should be encouraged at every age; (4) recognize that a skilled labor force is crucial to U.S. competitiveness in a global economy, and the ability to speak one or more languages in addition to English is a significant skill; (5) recognize that knowledge of Spanish, in particular, is vital for building future cultural and economic bridges to Latin America; (6) support literacy programs, including programs designed to teach English, as well as those dedicated to helping U.S. people learn and maintain other languages in addition to English; and (7) develop U.S. linguistic resources by encouraging U.S. citizens to learn and maintain Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, African languages, sign language, and the many other languages of the world, in addition to English.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1998
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act Amendments of 1998 - Amends the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (Act) to expand the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's authority to accept and administer private gifts within the Departments of Commerce and the Interior. (Sec. 3) Increases the Foundation's Board of Directors from 15 to 25 members, including the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Foundation to have its principal offices in Washington, D.C. (as currently provided), or in the bordering counties of Maryland and Virginia. Sets forth conditions for the Foundation to: (1) acquire and convey property, including agency approval; and (2) invest and deposit Federal funds. Amends the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 to repeal specified grant and audit provisions with respect to the Foundation. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and the Interior to carry out activities under the Act. Authorizes the Foundation to accept funds from a Federal agency under any other Federal law to further its conservation activities. Sets forth matching fund requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the credit for increasing research activities. Modifies the fixed-base percentage used in determining such credit. Makes the credit available to additional laboratories and centers. Revises the definition of basic research.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a 404-mile trail from the Rio Grande River near El Paso, Texas, to San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, as a component of the National Trails System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer the trail. Requires owner consent for any Federal land acquisition along the trail. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage volunteer groups to develop and maintain the trail; and (2) consult with affected Federal, State, and tribal agencies in its administration. Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate trail activities and programs with the Government of Mexico and Mexican non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998
Recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Commends the Israeli people for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
Designates the auditorium in the Sandia Technology Transfer Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the Steve Schiff Auditorium.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1998
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Honorable Terry Sanford, a former Senator from North Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
Federal Oil and Gas Stripper Well Preservation Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide permanent regulatory authority to make royalty rate reductions for stripper well properties on Federal lands. Instructs the Secretary to suspend the minimum royalty and per acre lease rental during the period of any royalty rate reduction for such properties for so long as the royalty rate reduction is in effect. States that, once a royalty rate reduction for such a property is terminated, the lease rental and minimum royalty shall be reinstated to the applicable rate or rates that would pertain without regard to any elapsed period of time during which the reduction or suspension was in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
Royalty Enhancement Act of 1998 - Declares that all royalty oil and royalty gas accruing to the United States under any oil and gas lease shall be taken in kind by the United States at the applicable delivery point for each lease premises. Sets forth rights, obligations and responsibilities pertaining to such royalty oil and gas with respect to: (1) the United States; (2) the States; (3) the lessee; and (4) qualified marketing agents. (Sec. 4) Allocates costs responsibility and transporter charges between the lessee and the United States. Prescribes procedures for resolving royalty share imbalances between: (1) the amount of royalty oil or gas production taken by the United States from a lease premises during a calendar month; and (2) the amount of such production attributable to such lease premises for that month. (Sec. 7) Sets forth guidelines for transportation by truck, tanker, or barge for royalty oil or gas taken in kind from onshore or offshore lease premises for which there is no pipeline connection at the well. (Sec. 8) Exempts from coverage by this Act: (1) compensatory royalties; (2) minimum royalties; and (3) net profit share lease royalties prior to payout. (Sec. 9) Sets forth reporting requirements for lessees and qualitied marketing agents. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to audit their reports. (Sec. 12) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall dirct qualified marketing agents to offer for sale to eligible small refiners an eligible small refiner portion, which is intended for processing, or trading for equivalent barrels for processing, in the eligible small refiner's refineries located in the United States, and not for resale in-kind or value. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) convene an eligible small refiner advisory panel to assist in developing policies and procedures to implement this Act; and (2) develop and implement procedures to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for eligible small refiners to purchase royalty oil from the eligible small refiner portion. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to repeal existing royalty-in-kind authority. (Sec. 13) Declares that this Act does not: (1) affect the Deep Water Royalty Relief Act of 1995 or any other Federal law applicable to stripper or marginal production; or (2) apply to Indian lands.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Production From Marginal and Inactive Wells Title II: Other Incentives United States Energy Economic Growth Act - Title I: Production From Marginal and Inactive Wells - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for marginal domestic oil and natural gas well production during any taxable year in the amount of $3 per barrel of qualified crude oil production and 50 cents per 1,000 cubic feet of qualified natural gas production, reduced, but not below zero, as oil and gas prices increase. States that the limitation to the general business credit, based on the amount of tax, shall not be reduced by the amount of the marginal oil and gas well credit. Excludes from gross income, at the taxpayer's election, any income attributable to independent producer oil from a recovered inactive well, under certain conditions, while disallowing any deductions directly connected with such excluded amounts. Provides that, with respect to the alternative minimum tax, the inclusion of certain items in the computation of earnings and profits shall not apply to any income attributable to independent producer oil from a recovered inactive well that is excluded from gross income. Title II: Other Incentives - Allows both geological and geophysical expenditures on domestic oil and gas exploration and development and delay rental payments, at the taxpayer's election, to be deducted from gross income at the time incurred. Extends the special rule for the spudding of oil and gas wells. Extends the enhanced oil recovery credit to certain nontertiary recovery methods.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1998
American Missile Protection Act of 1998 - States as U.S. policy to deploy as soon as technologically possible an effective National Missile Defense system capable of defending U.S. territory against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate).
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1998
Department of Energy Small Business and Industry Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to make arrangements for the conduct of technology research and development activities within the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE). Revises NRC authority to conduct research and development activities and studies for others in its own contractor-operated facilities where private facilities are inadequate for the purposes. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy, when conducting such activities for others, from recovering more than the full cost of work incurred at DOE contractor-operated facilities. Declares that any costs incurred by DOE in connection with work performed by contractor-operated DOE facilities shall be funded from DOE departmental administration accounts. Prescribes guidelines for charges a DOE contractor-operated facility may assess for work performed for a non-DOE entity (external customer). Requires the Secretary and each contractor operating a DOE facility to develop jointly a system of measurements (metrics) to determine levels of specific areas of performance, which shall subsequently be specified in the contract for operation of a contractor-operated facility, and which shall be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the facility's partnership development. Instructs the Secretary to encourage partnerships and interactions with universities and private industry at each contractor-operated facility. Makes development and expansion of partnerships and interactions with universities and private industry a component in evaluating the annual performance of each contractor-operated facility. Requires each contractor operating a DOE facility to create a small business technology partnership program at each such facility. Requires the Secretary to evaluate program effectiveness annually with each contractor to ensure opportunities for small businesses to interact with and use the resources of each contractor-operated facility. Requires the use of program funds to cover a contractor-operated facility's costs of interactions with small businesses. Prohibits the use of such funds for direct monetary grants to small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. Requires the Secretary to establish a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of poison control resources in local communities and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Directs the Secretary to award grants to certified regional poison control centers for purposes of achieving financial stability and for preventing and providing treatment recommendations for poisoning. Lists other activities for which the Secretary shall use funds. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Levels and Amounts Title II: Budgetary Restraints and Rulemaking Title III: Sense of Congress and the Senate Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 1999, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2000 through 2003, and revised budgetary levels for FY 1998. Title I: Levels and Amounts - Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 1998 through 2003, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; and (5) public debt. (Sec. 102) Sets forth for such fiscal years specified amounts of revenues and outlays of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 103) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and budget outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 1998 through 2003. Title II: Budgetary Restraints and Rulemaking - Authorizes the Senate to reduce revenue and spending aggregates and allocations only for legislation that reduces revenues by providing family tax relief and incentives to stimulate savings, investment, job creation, and economic growth, if such legislation will not increase the deficit or reduce the surplus for: (1) FY 1999; (2) the period of FY 1999 through 2003; or (3) the period of FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Senate to increase revenue aggregates for legislation which reserves the Federal share of receipts from tobacco legislation only for the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 203) Permits the Senate to increase revenue and spending aggregates and allocations only for legislation that reauthorizes and reforms the Superfund program to facilitate the cleanup of hazardous waste sites if such legislation will not increase the deficit or reduce the surplus for: (1) FY 1999; (2) the period of FY 1999 through 2003; or (3) the period of FY 2004 through 2008. Authorizes increased aggregates, allocations, and outlays in the case of a reported Senate bill to reform the Superfund program that does not exceed specified limits on budget authority and outlays for FY 1999 and the period of FY 1999 through 2003. (Sec. 204) Permits the Senate Budget Committee Chairman to reserve estimated reductions in new budget authority and outlays resulting from changes in legislation affecting specified programs, if contained in the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for purposes of offsetting limited additional outlays for discretionary highway programs and additional budget authority for discretionary transit programs as called for in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1998. Describes programs subject to reductions in mandatory spending. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Chairman of the Budget Committee, if the Line Item Veto Act is ruled unconstitutional, to make adjustments to the allocations and aggregates in this resolution to reflect the President's cancellations becoming null and void. Title III: Sense of Congress and the Senate - Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to: (1) the sunset of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after 2001; (2) social security reform and the use of proceeds from the tobacco settlement for saving Medicare; (3) the statement of accrued liability of social security and Medicare; (4) full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Act; (5) balancing the budget without counting social security trust fund surpluses and ensuring future availability of social security; (6) the School-to-Work program; (7) taxpayer rights; (8) full funding of the National Guard; (9) blending of local and national Medicare payment rates; (10) long-term care; (11) funding for reducing or mitigating carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions; (12) increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant; (13) the scheduled formula change for the Federal Family Education Loan program; (14) tax treatment of health insurance premiums for the self-employed; (15) objection to Kyoto Protocol implementation prior to Senate ratification; and (16) price increases on cigarette packs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: International Monetary Fund Title II: New Arrangements to Borrow International Monetary Fund Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: International Monetary Fund - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to consent, subject to appropriations, to a specified increase in the U.S. IMF quota of Special Drawing Rights. Makes funds available for such increase only if the Secretary of the Treasury makes certain certifications to the appropriate congressional committees regarding transparency of internal IMF procedures and specified standards for future IMF lending to borrower countries. Title II: New Arrangements to Borrow - Sets forth conforming amendments for Federal participation in new arrangements to borrow.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1998
Designates April 1, 1998, as National Breast Cancer Survivors' Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998
Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Customs Service for FY 1999 and 2000 for acquisition and deployment of narcotics enforcement and cargo processing technology (including maintenance and support of such equipment, training of personnel, and for new technologies) along the U.S. Southwest border. Earmarks amounts for additional inspectors, canine enforcement officers, special agents, and enhanced investigative resources during peak hours along the border.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses gratitude to, and calls upon all Americans to show their gratitude to, John McCain and the men who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and for the return of Senator McCain to the United States; and (2) will not forget that more than 2,000 members of the armed forces remain unaccounted for from such conflict and will continue to press for the fullest accounting for such members.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1998
Grants a Federal charter to the American GI Forum of the United States (a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of New Mexico).
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1998
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise certification standards for waiver of the requirements that: (1) bilateral assistance be withheld from a major illicit drug producing country or major drug-transit country; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to vote against the provision of assistance to such countries under the international narcotic control program. Allows waiver of such requirements, in addition to other certification standards, if during the previous year such a country has cooperated with the United States, or has taken steps on its own, to achieve compliance with the goals and objectives established by the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, but has not made adequate progress toward meeting certain plans, programs, or timetables (including any relating to the Convention) identified in a specified report of the President to the Congress. Declares that, with respect to such a country, a high-level contact group should be convened consisting of, but not limited to, specified U.S. officials and their counterparts from the country. Requires each high-level group to establish specific, achievable benchmarks for the country for each plan, program, and timetable for which inadequate progress has been made. Directs the President to place the greatest emphasis on the progress made by the country with respect to such benchmarks in making certifications for such country in the following year. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a high-level contact group should be convened with respect to Mexico in 1998; and (2) any benchmarks the group establishes should be used in its certification in 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1998
Designates March 22 through 28, 1998, as National Corrosion Prevention Week.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1998
Calls for commemoration of the death of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1998
Designates December 13, 1998, as National Children's Memorial Day.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for programs regarding diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates a program of education of health professionals and the public concerning DES. (Sec. 102) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) research on osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) the National Cancer Institute; (3) breast cancer programs; and (4) programs on ovarian and other cancers of the reproductive system of women. (Sec. 104) Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute regarding heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Institute on Aging. (Sec. 106) Requires that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Women's Health. Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Program of Cancer Registries. (Sec. 203) Requires that certain breast and cervical cancer programs be carried out through public or private (currently, public or nonprofit private) entities. Extends authorizations of appropriations for various preventive health measures relating to breast and cervical cancers. (Sec. 204) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) centers for research and demonstration regarding health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998
Recognizes and celebrates 1998 as the 150th anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement and March 1998 as National Women's History Month under the theme "Living the Legacy of Women's Rights."
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
Grassroots Campaign and Common Sense Federal Election Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit out-of-State contributions that may be accepted by a candidate to the Senate or the House of Representatives or by such candidate's authorized committees from individuals, separate segregated funds, and multicandidate political committees to 40 percent of total contributions accepted. (Sec. 3) Removes a provision that excludes separate segregated funds to be utilized for political purposes by a corporation, labor organization, and other specified entities from the definition of "contribution or expenditure." Prohibits national banks, labor organizations, or corporations from making disbursements for political committees or soliciting contributions to such committees. Decreases the limitation on contributions by multicandidate political committees to candidates for Federal office and their authorized committees. Bars contributions by multicandidate political committees to any political committee. (Current law allows annual aggregate contributions of up to $5,000.) (Sec. 4) Requires House and Senate candidates to file declarations with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) stating whether or not they intend to expend personal funds for election in an amount exceeding $250,000 (for Senate candidates) or $100,000 (for House candidates). Defines "personal funds" as funds of the candidate, funds from obligations incurred by the candidate in connection with the campaign, and funds of the candidate's family. Provides for increased contribution limits for opponents of such candidates who are not required to file declarations. Bars a candidate who incurs personal loans in connection with a campaign from repaying such loans from any contributions to the candidate or authorized committee after the date of election. Prohibits candidates from making expenditures from personal funds in connection with a general, special, or runoff election after the later of 90 days before the election or the day after the primary. Prescribes civil penalties for specified violations of this section. (Sec. 5) Increases individual contribution limits with respect to contributions to candidates and authorized committees and to political committees of national political parties. Provides for indexing of such limits. (Sec. 6) Limits annual donations to political party committees to $100,000. (Sec. 7) Sets forth disclosure requirements for individuals who spend more than a prescribed limit for specified radio or television broadcasts that refer to candidates for Federal office. (Sec. 8) Makes it unlawful for labor organizations to collect fees for political activities without voluntary authorization of each individual assessed a fee. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the receipt or solicitation of donations to national or campaign committees of a national political party on Federal property. Applies prohibitions on the solicitation or making of political contributions by congressional candidates, Members of Congress, Federal employees, and others receiving Federal salaries or compensation to donations as well. (Sec. 10) Prohibits specified contributions to defray legal expenses of certain candidates and Federal officials if: (1) the aggregate amount of an individual's contributions exceeds $10,000 annually; or (2) the contributor is a foreign national or a person prohibited from contributing under provisions governing national banks, labor organizations, and corporations. Prescribes penalties for knowing violations of such prohibition. Establishes reporting requirements for individuals that accept such contributions. (Sec. 11) Prescribes criminal penalties for violations involving prohibited contributions by foreign nationals or by one person in the name of another. (Sec. 13) Bars FEC members from serving more than one term of eight years. (Currently, members may serve for six-year terms.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998
Tax Code Termination Act - Prohibits the imposition of any tax by the Internal Revenue Code: (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2001; and (2) in the case of any tax not imposed on the basis of a taxable year, on any taxable event or for any period after December 31, 2001. Excepts the: (1) tax on self-employment income (chapter 2 of the Code); (2) Federal Insurance Contributions Act (chapter 21 of the Code); and (3) Railroad Retirement Tax Act (chapter 22 of the Code). Declares that any new Federal tax system should be a simple and fair system.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that March 2, 1998, shall be known as Read Across America Day, in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday. Encourages reading with children on that day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Authorizes the Navajo Indian irrigation project to use its allocation of 87 megawatts of power from the Colorado River storage project for water delivery, on-farm production, and related agricultural purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Designates October 18 through 24, 1998, as National Character Counts Week.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1998
Designates the week of May 3, 1998, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1998
Designates March 25, 1998, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Renames Washington National Airport in Virginia as the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.