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United States · Official source
720 records where Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1998
Higher Education Reporting Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the higher education tuition information return requirement for educational institutions and certain related businesses; and (2) require certain institution-identifying information to be provided by the taxpayer in order to claim the tuition credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Quality Oversight Title II: Quality Improvement Title III: Health Care Information Subtitle A: Plan Sponsor Responsibilities Subtitle B: Health Plan Requirements and Consumer Protection Health Care Quality, Education, Security, and Trust Act or Health Care QUEST Act - Title I: Health Quality Oversight - Establishes the Health Quality Council (HQC) to advise the President and the Congress regarding health care quality. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Chairperson and the Executive Director of HQC from engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment. (Sec. 105) Directs HQC to: (1) serve as a resource for the appropriate congressional committees and the President in providing information and scientific evidence with respect to health care quality and consumer protection legislation; (2) develop (on request) financial and socioeconomic impact statements for health care quality and consumer protection legislation; (3) develop, update, and disseminate population-based benchmarks and indicators of health care quality; (4) provide such committees and the President with national report cards on health care quality; (5) develop recommendations for measuring and reporting quality indicators for use in the fee-for-service market; (6) develop the data sampling methods to be used in data reporting for monitoring quality indicators and health outcomes measures as required under the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), as amended by this Act. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct studies to: (1) determine what standards should be used in the development of population-based benchmarks against which health care quality can be compared and measured; (2) determine, and validate, the optimal process for establishing such population-based benchmarks; (3) assess the optimal application of population-based benchmarks and how information concerning health care quality should be presented to users, including consumers, providers, and purchasers; (4) analyze the next steps necessary for a national continuous health care quality improvement process; (5) develop recommendations for linking payment for health services to health outcomes measures in order to recognize and reimburse health plans and health care providers that provide quality health care, particularly with respect to individuals with special needs or chronic health problems; and (6) consider the relationship between the need for public information to help consumers make informed health care choices and the processes necessary to create an environment that will promote the use of continuous quality improvement techniques. Requires a report on each such study to the Congress and the President. Requires the General Accounting Office to review periodically the conduct of HQC and report findings to the appropriate congressional committees and the President. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Quality Improvement - Amends PHSA to direct the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) to collect, analyze, and disseminate health care quality information. (Sec. 201) Requires AHCPR to: (1) provide administrative and scientific support to HQC; (2) develop risk and case mix adjustment methodology for use in comparing health outcomes data; (3) compile and publicly disseminate aggregate data regarding health care quality indicators and outcomes; (4) develop a model standard format that may be used by health insurance issuers in reporting; (5) provide assistance in the development of improved information systems, including computerized formats that may be used by health plans in providing specified required information; (6) collect, maintain, and publicly distribute health care quality population-based benchmarks established by HQC; (7) coordinate its activities with respect to health care quality with health plan accrediting bodies, the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, the National Center for Health Statistics, and State and local governments; and (8) develop survey tools to measure participant and beneficiary satisfaction as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Requires health insurance issuers, group health plans, and health insurance issuers of group health plans to submit aggregate data, without patient identifiers, obtained in the process of reporting quality indicators and health outcomes measures to AHCPR for the purpose of HQC's report. Directs the Secretaries of HHS and of Labor to develop data sampling methods for the submission of such aggregate data, based on HQC recommendation. Authorizes the Secretaries to adopt different data sampling methods, if more cost-reductive or more appropriate, than those recommended by HQC. Title III: Health Care Information - Subtitle A: Plan Sponsor Responsibilities - Amends ERISA to establish requirements for group health plan distribution of information. (Sec. 301) Requires group health plan administrators to furnish to each participant a copy of the most recent summary plan description for each plan option under which the participant or beneficiary may elect to receive benefits: (1) upon employment of the participant or at the time the group health plan first becomes subject to ERISA, whichever is later; and (2) at the beginning of any open enrollment period. Requires such administrators also to provide such descriptions to participants and beneficiaries: (1) at least annually if the plan has been materially modified or amended; and (2) upon the request of a participant or beneficiary. Requires such administrators to notify participants and beneficiaries, within 30 days after the pertinent effective date, of any material changes in: (1) benefit coverage, including any new exclusions from coverage or new optional supplemental coverage (especially the associated premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments for which the enrollee will be responsible, and any annual or lifetime limits on benefits); (2) the health insurance issuer's service area, including any changes in the number, mix, and geographic distribution of participating providers, including specialists; (3) out-of-area coverage or out-of-network services or additional payments required for these services; (4) prior authorization rules; and (5) plan grievance and appeals procedures. Requires a group health plan sponsor to provide to participants and beneficiaries an annual summary report of participant satisfaction and disenrollment rates regarding each enrollment option offered, if such sponsor has: (1) 100 or more participants enrolled in a group health plan during a plan year; and (2) a contracting relationship with the health insurance issuer involved for at least two years. Allows such sponsors to use satisfaction measuring tools developed by AHCPR. Requires group health plan administrators to notify participants and beneficiaries that the plan sponsor: (1) has stopped paying plan premiums or has terminated reimbursement for services covered under the plan, within 30 days after the date of the first nonpayment; or (2) in the case of a plan sponsor involved in a sale or merger, has made changes in the group health plan, by the date on which the plan sponsor's assets are transferred. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an Internet site to provide technical support and information concerning ERISA rights of participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Health Plan Requirements And Consumer Protection - Amends PHSA to establish consumer protection standards and consumer information requirements for group health plans. (Sec. 311) Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to exempt a group health plan or a health insurance issuer from compliance with one or more of such standards and requirements if certain requirements are met. Establishes certain health plan comparative information requirements under PHSA. Directs the Secretary of HHS to develop quality indicators and health outcomes measures for use by health insurance issuers in providing such required information, taking into consideration HQC recommendations. Requires such indicators and measures to be consistent where appropriate with requirements applicable to Medicare+Choice health plans under the Social Security Act, while taking into consideration the different populations served (such as children and individuals with disabilities). Authorizes either Secretary to adopt different indicators or measures, if more cost-reductive or more appropriate, than those recommended by HQC. Establishes consumer protection and plan standards for group health plans under PHSA. Sets forth such requirements with respect to: (1) emergency services; (2) advance directives and organ donation; (3) coverage determination, grievances and appeals; and (4) confidentiality and accuracy of participants' and beneficiaries' records. Establishes health care professional protections with respect to group health plans under PHSA. Requires plan provision of specified information to such professionals. Prohibits group health plan organizations or insurance issuers from penalizing health care professionals for advocating on behalf of a patient or for providing information or referral for medical care consistent with the patient's health care needs and with the code of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, conscience, medical knowledge, and license of such professional.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
Collegiate Initiative To Reduce Binge Drinking Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate that college and university administrators should take specified actions in an effort to change the culture of alcohol consumption on college campuses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to support Israel's efforts to enter an appropriate United Nations (UN) regional group; (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to carry out this policy; (3) the United States should insist that any effort to reform the UN, including the Security Council, also resolve this anomaly and should ensure that the principle of sovereign equality be upheld without exception; and (4) the Secretary of State should submit a report to the Congress on the steps taken by the United States, the UN Secretary General, and others to help secure Israel's membership in an appropriate UN regional group.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to support Israel's efforts to enter an appropriate United Nations (UN) regional group; (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to carry out this policy; (3) the United States should insist that any effort to reform the UN, including the Security Council, also resolve this anomaly and should ensure that the principle of sovereign equality be upheld without exception; and (4) the Secretary of State should submit a report to the Congress on the steps taken by the United States, the UN Secretary General, and others to help secure Israel's membership in an appropriate UN regional group.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1998
American Priorities Act - Establishes in the executive branch of the Federal Government, on January 1, 1999, a Department of National Drug Control Policy to be headed by a Secretary of National Drug Control Policy and eliminates the Office of National Drug Control Policy established under the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988. Transfers to the Department all functions that the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy exercised on December 31, 1998, including all related functions of any officer or employee of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to the Congress a report describing: (1) a detailed legislative proposal for technical and conforming amendments necessary to carry out this Act; and (2) the resources and potential resources of the Federal Government available to the Department from other Federal agencies, with an emphasis on any resources available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Directs the OMB Director, by January 1, 1999, to transfer one-third of all employees of the IRS who are engaged in enforcement activities to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the Department of Justice to assist in carrying out the enforcement activities of the DEA.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998
Legal Reform Commission Act of 1998 - Establishes the Legal Reform Commission to study, develop recommendations regarding, and report to the President and the Congress on the reform and simplification of the U.S. legal system. Requires matters studied by the Commission to include reform of: (1) Federal, State, criminal, and civil law; (2) judicial, trial and appellate processes; and (3) the Federal Rules of Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Criminal Procedure. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1998
Wetlands and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the Partnerships for Wildlife Act to extend the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Acts through FY 2003.
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
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for transporting an individual under age 18 across a State line to obtain an abortion if the requirements of a law in the State where the individual resides, requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, are not met before obtaining the abortion. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Authorizes any parent or guardian who suffers legal harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Designates October 18 through 24, 1998, as National Character Counts Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Declares that the Congress recognizes that: (1) parents choose many legitimate forms of child care to meet their individual needs; (2) child care needs of at-home parents and working parents should be given careful consideration by the Congress; and (3) any quality child care proposal should reflect careful consideration of providing financial relief for those families where there is an at-home parent. Calls for no bias against at-home parents, and recognizes and applauds their sacrifices and efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Honest Balanced Budget Act of 1998 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds included in the gross Federal debt shall not be: (1) included in the Federal budget baseline for any fiscal year; and (2) counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of offsetting any tax decrease and any spending increase.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Parental Freedom of Information Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the availability of funds under any applicable program to any educational agency or institution that has a policy of denying, or that effectively prevents, parents of elementary and secondary school students from exercising the right to inspect and review any instructional materials used with respect to the educational curriculum of, or certain testing materials administered to, their children. Allows parents to maintain a civil action for appropriate relief if their right to gain access to such information is violated. Prohibits the availability of funds under any applicable program to an educational agency or institution that, as part of an applicable program and without the prior written informed consent of the parent of a student, requires the student to: (1) undergo medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination, testing, treatment, or immunization, except in the case of a medical emergency; or (2) reveal any information about the student's personal or family life, except to the extent necessary to comply with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Declares that the Congress: (1) honors the proud history of Wisconsin statehood; and (2) encourages all Wisconsinites to reflect on the State's distinguished past and look forward to the State's promising future.
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
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase armor vests for use by State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers; and (2) give preferential consideration to applications from jurisdictions that have a violent crime rate at or above the national average and that have not been providing each law enforcement officer assigned to patrol or other hazardous duties with body armor. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds and allocation of funds, applications, and reimbursement of funds. Prohibits any State, local government, or Indian tribe that receives financial assistance made available by this Act from purchasing equipment or products manufactured using prison inmate labor. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should, in expending such assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out an environmental restoration project at the Eastern Channel of the Lockwoods Folly River, Brunswick County, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 28 January 1998
Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to make accessible to the public via the Internet all information available through the CRS web site that is not confidential, including all CRS issue briefs, reports, and authorization or appropriations products. Requires the information to be made accessible not earlier than 30 days after the first day it is available to Members of Congress through the CRS web site.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Medicare Venipuncture Assessment Act of 1998 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to place an 18-month moratorium on the prohibition against payment for home health services consisting of venipuncture solely for purposes of obtaining a blood sample. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress with respect to the provision of home health services consisting of venipuncture under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the report on the definition of homebound to include specific legislative recommendations to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse (if any) in the determination of whether an individual is homebound without jeopardizing the Medicare services provided to beneficiaries with serious medical conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Condemns the continued threat to international peace and security posed by Iraq's refusal to meet its international obligations and end its weapons of mass destruction programs. Urges the President to: (1) take all necessary and appropriate actions to respond to such threat; and (2) work with the Congress in furthering a long-term policy aimed at definitively ending such threat.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Renames Washington National Airport in Virginia as the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Public Health Funds Preservation Act - Limits attorney's fees to $125 per hour, plus out-of-pocket expenses approved by the court, for attorneys acting on behalf of a State or political subdivision of a State or other plaintiff in connection with the settlement of a State action against one or more tobacco companies to recover tobacco-related Medicaid expenditures or for other causes of action involved in the settlement agreement dated June 20, 1997. Prohibits the award of attorney's fees under any national tobacco settlement until the attorneys have: (1) provided to the Congress a detailed time accounting regarding the work performed; and (2) made public disclosure of such time accounting and fee arrangements. Requires each attorney whose fees are subject to this Act to submit to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees a comprehensive record of the time and expenses for which the fees are to be paid. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to limit attorney's fees paid by manufacturers of tobacco products in connection with such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Urges the Department of Education, States, and local education agencies to work together to ensure that at least 95 percent of all funds appropriated for Department-administered elementary and secondary education programs is spent for children in their classrooms.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Accurate Accounting Standards Certification Act of 1997 - Declares that accounting standards developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board as of November 13, 1997, governing the treatment of derivatives and similar instruments shall not be considered to be generally accepted accounting principles. Prohibits their use by a depository institution for purpose of compliance with Federal banking law unless the appropriate Federal banking agency certifies in writing to the Congress that such standards: (1) reflect more accurately depository institution assets, liabilities, and earnings; and (2) will not have the effect of diminishing the use of risk management practices that would have the effect of inhibiting the safe and sound operation of a depository institution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Early Detection and Prevention of Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, and an insurer offering group coverage, to include coverage for bone mass measurement for individuals who: (1) are estrogen-deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis; (2) have vertebral abnormalities; (3) are receiving chemotherapy or long-term gluococorticoid (steroid) therapy; (4) have primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or excess thyroid replacement; or (5) are being monitored to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapy. Regulates frequency and cost sharing. Prohibits related denial of coverage, incentives to individuals, restrictions on provider-patient communications, and provider penalties. Allows State laws providing greater detection or prevention benefits. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to coverage offered in the individual market. (Sec. 3) Requires five specified Institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify osteoporosis and related bone disease research. Mandates (subject to available appropriations) grants or contracts for the development and operation of at least three centers to conduct such research. Authorizes appropriations for each of the Institutes and the research centers. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations (in addition to other authorizations) for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse on osteoporosis and related bone disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1997
Internal Revenue Service Oversight and Restructuring and the Tax Code Elimination Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish within the Department of the Treasury the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board which shall be composed of nine members, appointed by the President, who are not Federal employees. Directs the Board, generally, to oversee the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in its administration and conduct of the execution and application of the internal revenue laws and tax conventions. Sets forth specific responsibilities. (Sec. 3) Reestablishes the: (1) Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall serve a five-year term; (2) Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations; and (3) Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Revises the duties of such offices. (Sec. 4) Repeals current provisions concerning reorganization plans. Revises current provisions concerning other personnel. (Sec. 5) Makes it unlawful for any applicable person to request any officer or employee of the IRS to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer with respect to the liability of such taxpayer. Defines an applicable person as any: (1) executive branch employee (including the President); and (2) individual serving in a Level I Executive Schedule position (other than the Attorney General). (Sec. 6) Provides for the termination of the IRC (beginning January 1, 2001) and the IRS (beginning October 1, 2001). (Sec. 7) Sets forth declarations concerning any new Federal tax system.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1997
Designates April 6 as National Tartan Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Accountability for International Bailouts Act of 1997 - Amends Federal monetary law governing exchange rate stabilization to require the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain congressional approval before incurring any obligation or making any expenditure or guarantee through the stabilization fund in excess of $250 million for the purpose of engaging in a coordinated international rescue plan for any foreign entity or any government of a foreign country.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1997
Designates 1998 as the Onate Cuartocentenario to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first permanent Spanish settlement in New Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act - Establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission to: (1) represent the United States and take a leadership role with other countries in recognizing the importance of aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; (2) encourage and promote participation and sponsorships in commemoration of the centennial of powered flight by certain companies, individuals, institutions, organizations, and governments; (3) plan and develop programs and activities with the First Flight Centennial Commission, the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the 2003 Committee of Ohio; (4) publish a calendar of programs and provide a central clearinghouse for information regarding aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; and (5) coordinate celebration dates during the centennial year and assist in conducting activities relating to the centennial throughout the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving Monetary Policy and Financial Institution Management Practices Title II: Streamlining Activities of Institutions Title III: Streamlining Agency Actions Title IV: Disclosure Simplification Title V: Miscellaneous Title VI: Technical Corrections Financial Regulatory Relief and Economic Efficiency Act of 1997 - Title I: Improving Monetary Policy and Financial Institution Management Practices - Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to permit interest payments on reserves maintained at a Federal reserve bank to meet depository institution reserve requirements. (Sec. 102) Repeals the limitation on the authority of a depository institution to permit the owner of any deposit or account to make withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for transfers to third parties. (Currently, such authority may be applied only with respect to the accounts of charitable, religious, and other nonprofit organizations, as well as to Federal, State, and local governments.) Amends the FRA, the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to repeal the prohibition against interest or dividend payments on demand deposits. (Sec. 103) Amends HOLA to: (1) repeal savings association liquid asset and dividend notice requirements; (2) provide for examination of savings association companies; (3) repeal certain restrictions on interstate acquisitions that result in the formation of a multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings and loan associations in more than one State; and (4) permit a savings and loan holding company, with the prior approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, to acquire more than five percent of the voting shares of a non-subsidiary savings association or non-subsidiary savings and loan holding company. (Sec. 108) Amends the FDIA to repeal deposit broker notification and recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 109) Amends the FRA to reserve to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) (currently, the appropriate Federal banking agency) the authority to promulgate regulations on extensions of credit to executive officers of member banks. (Sec. 110) Amends the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act to prescribe expedited procedures permitting a national banking association to: (1) reorganize as either a bank holding company, or as a bank holding company subsidiary; or (2) merge with subsidiaries or nonbank affiliates. (Sec. 111) Amends Federal banking law to increase from one year to three years the term of the national bank director. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to exempt a national banking association from the 25-member limit on the number of members of an association's governing body. (Sec. 113) Amends Federal banking law and the FDIA to exclude from the prohibition against loans or discounts on the security of the shares of its own capital stock any such loan or discount if a national banking association or depository institution acquires the stock in order to prevent loss upon a debt contracted for in good faith before the discount transaction or loan date. Removes the prohibition against depository institution affiliation with a Government-sponsored enterprise. (Sec. 116) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA) to: (1) repeal certain cross-marketing restrictions placed upon banks controlled by certain companies that are not treated as bank holding companies; (2) preserve the exemption from bank holding company treatment of certain companies whose limited purpose bank subsidiary may have permitted overdrafts resulting from an inadvertent computer or accounting error beyond the control of both the bank and the affiliate (daylight overdrafts); and (3) authorize actions which specified banks may take to avoid divestiture following loss of exemption from treatment as bank holding companies. (Sec. 118) Amends the FRA to mandate inclusion of net debit caps and daylight overdraft fees (as well as exemption from such caps and fees) within any FRA policy or regulation governing payment system or intraday credit. (Sec. 119) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) to: (1) repeal the requirement of Board approval for certain internal bank management practices; (2) provide that a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) shall not be required to submit budget, business, or strategic plans to its board of directors for approval; and (3) revise guidelines for secured advances to FHLB members to include federally insured or guaranteed mortgages as collateral eligible for such advances. Title II: Streamlining Activities of Institutions - Amends the HOLA to permit community development investments for the primary purpose of promoting the public welfare, including housing, services, and jobs for low- and moderate-income communities. (Sec. 202) Amends the FDIA to repeal the restriction on the interest rate paid by an adequately- but not well-capitalized insured depository institution, or by an insured depository institution in conservatorship, that accepts deposits from a deposit broker. Applies the prohibition on deposit solicitation to adequately- but not well-capitalized insured depository institutions and insured depository institutions in conservatorship. (Sec. 203) Amends the FRA to terminate the power of the Board to set lending limitations upon member banks' extension of loans that are collateralized by stocks and bonds (thus eliminating the Board's duty to prevent undue use of bank loans for the speculative carrying of securities). (Sec. 204) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to repeal the prohibition against certain bank tying arrangements in connection with credit, leasing, or property sales transactions. (Sec. 205) Amends the BHCA to permit certain banks and bank holding companies to extend credit card accounts for business purposes, including the issuance of such accounts to small businesses. (Sec. 206) Makes it lawful for a real estate settlement services provider, upon clear disclosure to the consumer, to make payments to an unrelated affinity group in exchange for its endorsement of such provider's services or products. (Sec. 207) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to exempt from its coverage: (1) communications involving legal proceedings or made to collect loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) bank drafts payable on demand and signed by the maker. (Sec. 208) Amends BHCA to exempt from treatment as a bank holding company any company that acquires control from the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision of more than five percent of the shares of an undercapitalized bank, savings association, or other insured institution. (Sec. 209) Revises HOLA guidelines governing reorganization by a mutual savings association into a holding company. (Sec. 210) Mandates that the Federal banking agencies work jointly to develop: (1) electronic filing and public dissemination of depository institution status reports (call reports); and (2) uniform formats as well as simplified filing instructions for such reports. Title III: Streamlining Agency Actions - Amends the Resolution Trust Corporation Completion Act to reduce from four to two times a year the frequency of scheduled meetings of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. (Sec. 302) Amends the FDIA to: (1) repeal the mandate for Federal banking agencies to jointly develop a method for supplemental disclosures in various required Federal filings of the estimated fair market value of depository institution assets and liabilities; (2) authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish the interest rate for or make postinsolvency interest payments to creditors holding proven claims against the receivership estates of insured Federal or State depository institutions following satisfaction by the receiver of the principal amount of all creditor claims; and (3) repeal the mandate that Federal banking agencies file annual reports with certain congressional banking committees regarding differing accounting and capital standards used by other agencies. (Sec. 305) Requires the responsible agency, in its review of competitive factors in bank merger filings, to request a report from the Attorney General only (currently, from the Attorney General and the other Federal banking agencies). Amends the BHCA and the FDIA to require the Board and the responsible agency, respectively, before disapproving a bank merger transaction on the grounds of disproportionate anticompetitive effects, to consider specified criteria concerning competitive effects. (Sec. 306) Terminates the Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board. Title IV: Disclosure Simplification - Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosure requirements for open end consumer credit plans to permit, as an alternative to the currently required table illustration, a statement at the option of the creditor that periodic payments may increase or decrease substantially. (Sec. 402) Amends specified consumer protection disclosure requirements for advertisements for credit other than open end plans. Sets forth requirements for alternative compliance methods for advertising credit terms. Title V: Miscellaneous - Revises the positions of Board members on the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 502) Prescribes enrollment guidelines for certain enrollees in health plans administered by the Federal banking agencies. (Sec. 503) Amends the FHLBA to eliminate the position of consumer representative from mandatory membership on the board of directors of the Federal Housing Finance Board. Title VI: Technical Corrections - Makes technical corrections to related Acts. (Sec. 603) Amends Federal banking law to: (1) authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the citizenship requirement for a minority of the total number of directors sitting on the board of a national bank; (2) declare it is unlawful for the Comptroller to hold an interest in any national bank; and (3) repeal specified capital and surplus requirements for national banking associations. (Sec. 604) Amends the International Bank Act of 1978 to modify examination requirements pertaining to establishment and operation by a foreign bank of Federal branches and agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1997
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) support and expand the NIH's involvement in clinical research; (2) support and expand the resources available for the clinical research community; and (3) establish peer review mechanisms. (Sec. 4) Mandates grants to: (1) establish general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research, including clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) support individual careers in clinical research at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as clinical research career enhancement awards); (3) support individual clinical research projects at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as innovative medical science awards); and (4) support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in clinical investigation (to be known as graduate training in clinical investigation awards). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Increases the limit on the aggregate number of scholarship (regarding professions needed by the NIH) and loan repayment (regarding clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds) contracts under specified provisions. Modifies the loan repayment program to: (1) remove current references to disadvantaged backgrounds; and (2) require a period of service in a general clinical research center, in clinical NIH research, or as a physician receiving a clinical research career enhancement award, an innovative medical science award, or a graduate training in clinical investigation award (currently, a period of service as an NIH employee). Requires that at least 50 percent of the loan repayment contracts involve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the loan repayment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail that is equal to the regular rate plus a differential of not to exceed 25 percent to be offered as an alternative that patrons may use voluntarily to contribute to funding for prostate cancer research. Requires the Service to pay amounts attributable (additional revenues minus costs) to such differential to the National Institutes of Health under arrangements as mutually agreed, provided payments are made at least twice a year. Requires the Postmaster General to include in each annual report to the Board of Governors information concerning the operation of this Act. Terminates the provisions of this Act at the end of the two-year period beginning on the date on which such postage stamps are first made available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1997
Designates November 1997 as National American Indian Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1997
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit an interactive computer service from providing an account or otherwise providing for the use of any information service, system, or access software of such service to a sexually violent predator subject to a registration requirement under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Prescribes a fine of $5,000 for each day of violation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project under which covered members and beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be eligible to enroll in health benefits plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted in two geographic areas and to last at least two, but not more than three, contract years. Provides for: (1) management of participation in the project; (2) Government contributions for beneficiary coverage under the FEHB program; and (3) reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1997
Osteoporosis Federal Employee Health Benefits Standardization Act - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to prohibit contracts from being made or plans approved under the health insurance program for Federal employees which do not include coverage of bone mass measurements of qualified individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1997
Amends the Clean Water Act to require grants made under the National Estuary Program to be used for assisting activities necessary for the development and implementation of conservation and management plans (currently, for research and other technical work necessary for the development of such plans). Reauthorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 1999 through 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Establishment of United States Trade Administration Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: United States Trade Administration Title IV: Establishment of the Office of Patents, Trademarks, and Standards Subtitle A: Establishment Subtitle B: Administrative Provisions Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments Title V: Statistical Consolidation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service Subtitle C: Transfers of Functions and Offices Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Abolishes the Department of Commerce (Department). Transfers all Department functions to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before the applicable date of abolishment, which is the earlier of: (1) the last day of the six-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) September 30, 1998. (Sec. 103) Sets forth requirements for the resolution of all Department functions. Terminates all functions that are transferred to the Director that are not otherwise continued by this Act on the last day of the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment. (Sec. 104) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the OMB Director's responsibilities during the resolution and termination of functions; and (2) transfer of Department personnel. (Sec. 106) Provides for the submission of specified reports. (Sec. 107) Requires General Accounting Office (GAO) audits of: (1) persons performing functions or activities pursuant to this Act; and (2) persons providing certain goods or services to, or receiving financial assistance from, persons performing functions or activities pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 109) Sets forth provisions for privatizing transferred functions designated for privatization under Title II of this Act. (Sec. 110) Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to require affected agencies to establish agency-wide priority placement programs for Federal employees affected by a reduction in force attributable to this Act. (Sec. 111) Limits the total amount authorized to be appropriated as funding related to the performance of functions transferred to the Director or to OMB from the Department to not exceed: (1) for the first fiscal year that begins after the abolishment date, 75 percent of the total amount of funding appropriated to the Department for FY 1997; and (2) for the second fiscal year that begins after the abolishment date and for each fiscal year thereafter, 65 percent of the total amount appropriated to the Department for FY 1997. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations owned by the Department under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all Department grants made under such Act in FY 1997. (Sec. 202) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Redesignates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). Transfers: (1) the NBS to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reestablished under this Act; (2) all functions relating to the Bureau that were functions of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) or the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology to the NBS Director; and (3) all functions of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to the OMB Director for privatization. Provides for the reestablishment of the NTIS as a wholly owned Government Corporation if an arrangement for privatization of the functions of the NTIS has not been made. (Sec. 203) Transfers all functions of the Secretary relating to the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Statistical Service established under this Act. (Sec. 204) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). Transfers the: (1) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) laboratories to the OMB Director for privatization; (2) NTIA functions concerning the research and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum to the NBS Director; and (3) functions of the NTIA, and of the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information with respect to the NTIA to the Federal Communications Commission. Provides for the transfer of NTIA laboratories to the reestablished NOAA if an arrangement for privatization of the laboratories has not been made. Abolishes the NTIA. (Sec. 205) Terminates specified miscellaneous NOAA research programs. Transfers from the NOAA: (1) aeronautical mapping and charting functions to the Transportation Administrative Services Center at the Department of Transportation; (2) functions relating to mapping, charting, and geodesy authorized under a certain Act to the Army Corps of Engineers; (3) all functions and assets performed by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System to the reestablished NOAA; (4) all functions and assets (including global programs) performed by the NOAA that were authorized to be performed by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to the reestablished NOAA; and (5) all functions and assets of the NOAA that are authorized to be performed by the National Weather Service to the reestablished NOAA. Prohibits: (1) funding for the NOAA Administration Corps of commissioned officers after FY 1997; and (2) allowing individuals to serve as such commissioned officers after FY 1997. Provides for the establishment of a priority placement program by NOAA to assist commissioned officers who are separated from the active list because of the termination. Abolishes on September 30, 2000: (1) the Office of the NOAA Administration of Corps of Operations or its successor; and (2) the Commissioned Personnel Center. Sets forth service contract provisions with respect to the NOAA Administration Fleet. Directs the Administrator of Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) use excess capacity of University National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessels; and (2) enter into memoranda of agreement with the operators of such vessels. Transfers certain excess vessels to the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Transfers to the: (1) NOAA all functions authorized to be performed by the National Marine Fisheries Service; (2) reestablished NOAA all functions performed by the National Ocean Service, including the Coastal Ocean Program; and (3) Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency coastal nonpoint pollution functions that are vested in the Secretary under the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. (Sec. 206) Reestablishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the NOAA. Provides for NOAA, and all functions and offices transferred to the new NOAA to be administered under the supervision and direction of an Administrator of Oceans and Atmosphere. Transfers to the new NOAA: (1) the functions and offices of the NOAA; (2) the NBS along with its functions and offices; and (3) the Office of Space Commerce, along with its functions and offices. Terminates NOAA and certain other agency offices affected by the transfer. (Sec. 207) Terminates: (1) the Minority Business Development Administration; (2) NTIA programs and activities mentioned in section 204 of this Act; (2) the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Manufacturing Extension Programs; (4) the NIST METRIC Program; and (5) the Economics and Statistics Administration. Title III: Establishment of United States Trade Administration - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions. Subtitle B: United States Trade Administration - Chapter 1: Establishment - Reestablishes the Trade Administration in the executive branch as an independent establishment to be headed by the Trade Representative who shall retain ambassador rank and represent the U.S. in all trade negotiations conducted by the Trade Administration. Directs the Trade Representative to serve as the principal adviser to the President on international trade policy, along with certain additional trade related functions, including those under Chapter 3. Chapter 2: Officers - Sets forth provisions related to Trade Administration management positions and related functions, among other things establishing three Deputy U.S. Trade Representatives: (1) the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Negotiations (with ambassador rank); (2) the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (with ambassador rank); and (3) the U.S. Trade Representative for Administration (acts for and exercises the functions of the Trade Representative during the absence, disability, or vacancy of the Trade Representative and exercises all transferred or established Trade Administration functions, except those functions exercised by certain Trade Administration officials). Establishes four Assistant Administrators to exercise certain transferred Department functions under the direction of the Deputy Trade Representative for Administration: (1) the Assistant Administrator for Export Administration; (2) the Assistant Administrator for Import Administration; (3) the Assistant Administrator for Trade and Policy Analysis; and (4) the Assistant Administrator for Export Promotion (with ambassador rank). Creates the position of chief financial officer to perform all functions prescribed by the Deputy Trade Representative for Administration under the direction of such Deputy. Chapter 3: Transfers to the Trade Administration - Abolishes the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Transfers to the Trade Administration Federal trade functions, including those of the Department, the Trade and Development Agency, the Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. (Sec. 336) Directs the President to: (1) transmit to the Congress a comprehensive plan to consolidate Federal nonagricultural export promotion and financing activities; and (2) transfer those functions to the Trade Administration. (Sec. 337) Transfers: (1) functions of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to the Trade Administration; and (2) other functions of CITA related to the assessment of the impact of textile imports on domestic industry to the International Trade Commission. Abolishes CITA. Chapter 4: Administrative Provisions - Sets out Trade Representative related administrative provisions pertaining to personnel and other miscellaneous administrative matters, including those relating to a working capital fund for administrative expenses. Chapter 5: Related Agencies - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the National Security Act of 1947, and the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to make miscellaneous and conforming changes to complete the consolidation and streamlining process described above. Chapter 6: Conforming Amendments - Makes miscellaneous technical and conforming amendments to various specified provisions of Federal law, including those relating to executive schedule positions. Chapter 7: Miscellaneous - Limits the total amount appropriated in the performance of all functions vested in the Trade Representative and the Trade Administration to not exceed: (1) for the first fiscal year that begins after the effective date, 75 percent of the total amount appropriated in FY 1998; and (2) for the second fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, 65 percent of the total amount appropriated in FY 1998. Title IV: Establishment of the Office of Patents, Trademarks, and Standard s - Subtitle A: Establishment - Establishes the Office of Patents, Trademarks, and Standards in the executive branch as an independent establishment to be administered by a Director. Transfers to the Director of the Office of Patents, Trademarks, and Standards all functions of, and all functions performed under the direction of, certain Department officials. Transfers to the Office the Patent and Trademark Office and NIST. Subtitle B: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions related to the administrative functions of the Director. Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments relating to the Office and the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. Title V: Statistical Consolidation - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) a more centralized statistical system and the role of the Chief Statistician of OMB; (2) confidentiality; and (3) decennial censuses of population. Subtitle B: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service - Establishes the Federal Statistical Service as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Sets forth provisions for principal officers, including: (1) an Administrator; (2) a Deputy Administrator; (3) a Director of the Census; (4) a Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis; and (5) a Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Sec. 513) Establishes a Federal Council on Statistical Policy to advise the Service, nominate the Administrator, serve as an advisory body to the Chief Statistician on certain confidentiality issues, and establish a unified statistical policy for the Federal Government. Mandates studies by the Council on: (1) whether the functions of the Bureau of the Census relating to decennial censuses of population could be delineated from the other functions of the Bureau; and (2) making the Bureau's field offices part of the field offices of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Subtitle C: Transfers of Functions and Offices - Transfers to the Service the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, along with all of its functions and offices. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions related to the administrative functions of the Administrator. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions with respect to functions or offices of the Service and makes conforming amendments relating to certain officials of the Service. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Sets forth provisions pertaining to officers and employees to whom a function is transferred by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
U.S. Market Security Act of 1997 - Establishes the Office of National Security within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review and monitor securities offerings by foreign governments and by any entity the Office believes to be controlled by a foreign governmental unit. Requires: (1) the Office to report quarterly to certain congressional committees on the amount of securities offerings by foreign entities; (2) the Director of the Office to notify the SEC Chairman of any violation by such foreign entities; and (3) each Federal banking agency to report annually to certain congressional committees on the number of foreign banks operating in the United States that are believed to be controlled by a foreign governmental unit. Instructs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the extent of U.S. pension fund assets that represent interests in any foreign person or governmental entity. Directs the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury to: (1) negotiate agreements with U.S. allies to institute in them reporting requirements similar to those imposed by this Act; and (2) report to the Congress on such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Marriage Tax Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a husband and wife to file a combined income tax return on which each spouse is taxed separately at the unmarried return rate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1997
Expresses the Senate's support for: (1) the presidential efforts to achieve removal of Japanese port restrictions; and (2) vigilant, continued monitoring and enforcement by the Federal Maritime Commission of changes in port practices promised by the Japanese Government that will benefit international trade.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997 - Directs the President to report periodically to specified congressional committees on foreign persons (except those previously identified or sanctioned or subject to waiver) who, on or after August 8, 1995, have transferred, or attempted to transfer, controlled goods or technology, or provided, or attempted to provide, technical assistance or facilities that contributed, or would have contributed, to Iran's efforts to acquire, develop, or produce ballistic missiles. Requires imposition on such persons of minimum two-year sanctions prohibiting: (1) sales to such persons of items on the United States Munitions List (and terminating sales of any controlled U.S. arms); (2) the export to such persons of dual use goods and technology; and (3) the provision of U.S. financial assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions on the basis of additional information demonstrating that the sanctioned person did not commit the acts alleged.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund Title II: Agricultural Market Transition Assistance Title III: Farmer and Worker Transition Assistance Title IV: Immunity Long-Term Economic Assistance for Farmers Act or the Leaf Act - Title I: Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund to be used for: (1) payments for lost tobacco quota revenue; (2) industry payments for Department of Agriculture tobacco-related costs; (3) tobacco community development grants; (4) tobacco worker transition assistance; and (5) education opportunity grants. (Sec. 102) Sets forth tobacco manufacturer and importer Fund assessment provisions. Title II: Agricultural Market Transition Assistance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to: (1) eligible tobacco quota holders, lessees, and tenants for lost tobacco quota resulting from decreased domestic tobacco production; (2) reimburse the Department for tobacco program-related costs; and (3) States for tobacco community economic development grants. (Sec. 204) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to provide for referenda on proposed tobacco quota changes within a State. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the tobacco producer, purchaser, or importer marketing assessment. Makes a conforming amendment to the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Title III: Farmer and Worker Transition Assistance - Sets forth group eligibility requirements under the tobacco worker transition program. Authorizes through a certain date the use of specified Fund amounts for such program. (Sec. 302) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize through a certain date a higher education farmer opportunity grant program for qualifying tobacco farm families. Title IV: Immunity - Grants tobacco producers, growers associations, or warehouse owners and employees immunity from any action resulting from a tobacco product manufacturer's, distributor's, or retailer's noncompliance with national tobacco settlement legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, in disposing of real property at Long Beach Naval Station, California, under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, from conveying any portion thereof to China Ocean Shipping Company or a successor entity. Directs the Secretary to impose as a condition on each conveyance of such property that it may not be subsequently conveyed to such entity. Provides for reversion to the United States if any such property is conveyed to or used by such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1997
Taxpayer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Places such office under the direction of the National Taxpayer Advocate, who shall be appointed by the President. (Currently, the Office is under the direction of the Taxpayer Advocate, who is appointed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.) Revises provisions concerning reporting and responsibilities of the Office, including directing the National Taxpayer Advocate to appoint local taxpayer advocates who shall report directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. Requires each local taxpayer advocate office to maintain separate phone, facsimile, and other communication access, and a separate post office address from its IRS district office or service center. Revises provisions concerning the authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders.