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United States · Official source
2,777 records where Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1997
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require States to verify that prisoners are not receiving food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997
Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997
Provides for a specified increase in Federal judicial salaries. Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) provide for annual judicial cost-of-living adjustments; and (2) base such adjustments upon the Federal General Schedule. Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that the Congress must vote for judicial cost-of-living adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1997
Commends the 3,600 students who have been selected to participate in the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Senate Youth Program between 1962 and 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1997
Mandates Information Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require a congressional committee report on any bill or joint resolution that includes any Federal mandate to contain information concerning the impact of such mandate on consumers, workers, and small businesses, including any disproportionate impact in particular regions or industries. Revises provisions concerning legislation subject to a point of order to: (1) define the point of order for a determination by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office that it is not feasible to determine the economic impact of a Federal mandate; and (2) replace certain references to Federal intergovernmental mandates with references to Federal mandates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1997
Software Export Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify software, whether or not patented, for Foreign Sales Corporation treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Promotion of Commerce On-Line in the Digital Era (Pro-CODE) Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the National Institute of Standards and Technology or otherwise) from promulgating or enforcing regulations, or otherwise adopting standards or carrying out policies: (1) that result in encryption standards intended for use by businesses or entities other than Federal computer systems; or (2) in a manner inconsistent with this Act, or that have the effect of imposing Government-designed encryption standards on the private sector by restricting the export of computer hardware and computer software with encryption capabilities. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the Federal and State governments from: (1) restricting or regulating the interstate sale by any person of any product designed to provide encryption capabilities; or (2) requiring, as a condition of such a sale, that a decryption key, or access to a decryption key, be given to any other person (including a Federal agency or a private entity certified or approved by the Federal or a State government). Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to control exports of all computer hardware, software, and technology with encryption capabilities, except that which is specifically designed or modified for military use, including command, control, and intelligence applications. Requires only a general license (with limited exceptions) for the export or reexport of any: (1) computer software, including that with encryption capabilities, that is generally available, as is, and designed for installation by the purchaser, or (2) that is available on enactment of this Act or becomes legally available thereafter in the public domain (including on the Internet) or publicly available because it is generally accessible to the public in any form; or (3) computing device or computer hardware solely because it incorporates or employs in any form such computer software (including that with encryption capabilities). Directs the Secretary to authorize the export or reexport of computer software with encryption capabilities under a general license for nonmilitary end-uses in any country to which exports of software or hardware of similar capability are permitted for use by financial institutions not controlled in fact by U.S. persons, unless there is substantial evidence that such software and hardware will be diverted to a military end-use or an end-use supporting international or domestic terrorism, modified for military or terrorist end-use, including acts against the national security, public safety, or the integrity of the transportation, communications, or other essential systems of interstate commerce in the U.S., or reexported without requisite Federal authorization, or intentionally used to evade enforcement of U.S. law or taxation by the U.S. or by any State or local government. Requires that the publisher or manufacturer of computer software or hardware with encryption capabilities shall disclose (for reporting purposes only) within 30 days after export, to the Secretary such information regarding a program's or product's encryption capabilities as would be required for an individual license to export that program or product. Prohibits requiring or permitting the Secretary to impose any conditions or reporting requirements as a precondition to the exportation of any such product or program. (Sec. 6) Establishes an Information Security Board comprised of representatives of agencies within the Federal Government responsible for or involved in the formulation of information security policy, including export controls on products with information security features (including encryption) to: (1) provide a forum to foster communication and coordination between industry and the Federal Government; and (2) foster the aggregation and dissemination of general, nonproprietary, and nonconfidential developments in important information security technologies, including encryption. Requires that the Board shall regularly report such information to appropriate Federal agencies to keep law enforcement and national security agencies abreast of emerging technologies so they are able effectively to execute their responsibilities and cause such information (other than classified, proprietary, or confidential information) to be published from time to time and made available to the public. Directs the Secretary to establish quarterly meetings between the Board and representatives from the private sector with interest or expertise in information security, including cryptographers, engineers, and product managers. Permits the Board to meet at any time with one or more representatives of any person involved in the development, production, or distribution of encryption technology or of computing devices containing encryption technology. Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to affect any law intended to prevent the: (1) distribution of descramblers and any other equipment for illegal interceptions of cable and satellite television signals; (2) illegal or unauthorized distribution or release of classified, confidential, or proprietary information; or (3) enforcement of Federal or State criminal law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Medicare Cancer Clinical Trial Coverage Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project which provides for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of routine patient care costs for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who are enrolled in an approved clinical trial program, while still applying the beneficiary cost sharing provisions of such program to project participants. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact on Medicare of covering such costs as well as the cost of extending routine patient care coverage to Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis other than cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1997 - Provides that, in any civil action, a biomaterials supplier (one who supplies components or raw materials used to manufacture implants) may raise any defense provided under this Act. Exempts a biomaterials supplier (supplier) from liability for harm to a claimant caused by an implant, with exceptions in the case of a supplier who: (1) is a registered manufacturer of the implant; (2) is a seller of the implant and who held title to the implant at the time of sale; or (3) furnishes raw materials or components that fail to meet applicable contractual requirements or specifications. Provides grounds for liability with respect to each exception. Outlines procedural guidelines for the dismissal of civil actions against suppliers . States that a supplier may be considered a manufacturer of an implant, for purposes of such civil actions, only if the supplier has registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires claimant payment of attorney's fees if: (1 ) the claimant named or joined the biomaterials supplier; and (2) the court finds the claim to be without merit and frivolous.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to prohibit the House of Representatives or the Senate from considering any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that increases a tax and applies such increase to taxable years beginning before the date of the enactment of the law (retroactive tax increases). Provides that a point of order raised under any such measure may be waived only by a three-fifths vote in the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any Federal tax from being imposed for the period before the date of enactment of the tax.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1997
Designates the Federal building located at 100 Alabama Street, N.W., in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Sam Nunn Federal Center.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the: (1) National Highway System (NHS); (2) Surface Transportation Program (STP); and (3) Federal Lands Highway Program, including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park highways. (Sec. 4) Defines "highway funds" as funds apportioned and allocations authorized under this Act for the fiscal year and funds allocated to a State for the preceding fiscal year for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction. Revises the apportionment of NHS funds to allocate one third of one percent (previously, one percent) to U.S. territories and possessions, and the remaining 99 and two-thirds percent among the States according to a formula based on population density. Includes bridge construction and related activities among eligible NHS projects. (Sec. 5) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) apportionments for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System (IS); and (2) the transfer of interstate construction apportionments, the transfer of funds for STP projects, and limits on new capacity. (Sec. 6) Includes bridge construction and related activities as an eligible activity within the streamlined STP. Makes eligible under the STP an area of a State that is a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, or for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to ten micrometers resulting from transportation activities, or for any combination thereof, for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement projects without regard to any Department of Transportation limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard addressed by such project. Requires a State, for each fiscal year, to allocate an amount determined according to a specified formula (based on FY 1995 funds) for transportation enhancement activities. Revises State certification procedures. (Sec. 7) Directs that, for purposes of STP and IS provisions, population shall be determined based on the most recent estimate prepared by the Secretary of Commerce, while apportionment factors shall be determined on the basis of the most recent data certified by the Secretary. (Sec. 8) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program; and (2) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. (Sec. 10) Replaces provisions regarding minimum allocations to States with an apportionment adjustment program under which the Secretary shall apportion among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that the ratio of the highway funds of a State to highway funds of all States for the fiscal year is not less than the adjustment percentage specified for that State under this Act. Requires each State to receive additional apportionments so that its percentage of highway funds is not less than 95 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the Highway Trust Fund. Repeals: (1) existing apportionment adjustment programs; and (2) set-asides for interstate discretionary projects. (Sec. 12) Reduces from 3.75 to 2.0 the percentage of program funds authorized to be set aside for administrative costs. (Sec. 13) Sets forth provisions regarding permissible transfers of unobligated balances of funds apportioned to a State for: (1) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement; (2) interstate construction and maintenance; (3) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (4) the STP.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes specified charges against the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the cost of the medal and requires the proceeds of duplicate medal sales to be deposited in the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the election of any person to a full term as a Senator more than twice or to a full term as a Representative more than three times. Bars any person who has been: (1) a Senator for more than three years of a term to which another person was elected from being subsequently elected more than once; and (2) a Representative for more than a year of a term to which another person was elected from being subsequently elected more than twice.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning actions that the President should take to resolve the labor dispute between the Allied Pilots Association and AMR, the parent company of American Airlines. Declares that the President should: (1) work with the National Mediation Board to help resolve such dispute; (2) encourage settling the issues in such dispute through use of Board services before the strike deadline, or achieving, by such deadline, the parties' agreement to arbitrate the issues through the Board; and (3) if necessary, establish an emergency board, under specified provisions of the Railway Labor Act, to investigate and report on matters relating to such dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Officer Brian Gibson District of Columbia Police Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties, including the death penalty, for the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer of the District of Columbia. Includes among aggravating circumstances for imposition of the death penalty that the defendant committed the offense against the officer: (1) while the officer was engaged in the performance of official duties; (2) because of the officer's performance of official duties; or (3) because of such officer's status as a public servant.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Military Voting Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to require that a person who is absent from a State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence, for purposes of voting for an office of the United States or of a State, be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence or domicile in that State; (2) acquired a residence or domicile in any other State; or (3) become resident in or a resident of any other State. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act to require States, with respect to elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee voting by uniformed services members.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions relating to the reconciliation process. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the funds are to be spent is of less than two years duration; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution (but not including an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill) until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; or (2) any matter considered in Executive Session. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General, during the second session of each Congress, to give priority to requests from Congress for audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities. (Sec. 9) Makes appropriations for the second year of a biennium necessary to continue, at the first year rate of operations, projects and activities funded by any regular appropriation Act that provides funding only for the first year of a biennium. (Sec. 10) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 11) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority under the jurisdiction of all of the subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations for a period other than each of the fiscal years of the biennium. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to specified congressional committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a two-year budget process based on the two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Honorable Frank Tejeda, a Representative from the State of Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that studies are needed to further determine the benefits of screening women between the ages of 40 and 49 through mammography and other emerging technologies and that the Senate urges the Advisory Panel for the National Cancer Institute to consider reissuing a specified guideline rescinded in 1993 and, until there is more definitive data, direct the public to consider guidelines issued by other organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1997
Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Amends Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for continuing appropriations in the absence of regular appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities Title III: Systems Change Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 - Revises the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and extends its authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. Title I: General Provisions - Revises IDEA to declare that the right to equal educational opportunities for all children with disabilities is guaranteed by the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 103) Allows the office of Special Education Programs to accept voluntary and uncompensated services. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements for: (1) prescribing regulations; (2) eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) discretionary grant programs. Requires the Secretary of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for activities under titles IV and V of this Act. Provides for specified enhanced services to children with disabilities. Lists entities eligible for awards. Authorizes the Secretary to limit, without rulemaking, competitions to projects that give priority to one or more targeted areas, if each project addresses the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Provides for application management, including a peer review process. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds for: (1) payments to non-Federal entities for administrative support; (2) Federal employees to monitor projects; and (3) evaluation of program activities carried out under these programs. (Sec. 107) Repeals IDEA provisions for: (1) acquisition of equipment and construction of necessary facilities; and (2) grants for the removal of architectural barriers. Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities - Revises entitlements and allocations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. (See. 201) Authorizes States to determine whether to make subgrants smaller than a specified minimum amount to some local education agencies (LEAs). (See. 202) Revises and consolidates State eligibility and planning provisions. Provides that, if a child with a disability qualifies for special education, that child does not have to be classified by a specific impairment or condition. Requires the State educational agency (SEA) to: (1) examine data to determine if significant racial disproportionality is occurring in the identification or placement of children under IDEA; and (2) review and revise policies accordingly. Provides that, if a hearing officer agrees with the parents' unilateral placement of a child with a disability in a private school, the LEA may be required to reimburse the parents. Requires a non-educational agency, if it is responsible for services necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities, to pay for or provide such services directly or by contract or other arrangements. Requires States to: (1) ensure that interagency agreements or other mechanisms are in effect between educational agencies and non-educational agencies for defining respective financial responsibilities, resolving interagency disputes, and interagency coordination; and (2) establish a mechanism by which LEAs may seek reimbursement from agencies for the costs of providing related services. Revises requirements for a comprehensive system of personnel development. Allows LEAs to use appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessionals. Requires States to: (1) establish performance goals and indicators for children with disabilities; (2) ensure that these children participate in general State and district-wide assessments, with appropriate accommodations, where necessary; and (3) develop guidelines for participation in alternative assessments for those children who cannot participate in such general State and district-wide assessments. Consolidates funding and public participation requirements. Revises requirements for State advisory panels and their duties. Repeals requirements for three-year State plans. (Sec. 203) Revises LEA and SEA eligibility and maintenance of effort requirements, with specified exceptions. Allows specified activities, regardless of certain excess cost and noncommingling of funds requirements, including: (1) incidental benefits to non-disabled students; (2) simultaneous services on a space-available basis to non-IDEA-eligible children with disabilities protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act; (3) a coordinated services system that links education, health, and social welfare services, systems, and entities to improve educational and transitional results for all children and their families; and (4) a school-based improvement plan. Revises requirements for LEA involvement with a State's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. (Sec. 204) Revises and consolidates specified requirements for State and local administration of evaluations, reevaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and educational placements. Revises IEP content to: (1) focus on measurable annual objectives; and (2) emphasize ensuring that each child, as appropriate, has the opportunity to progress in the general curriculum, and to participate with nondisabled children in various environments. Requires consideration of transition services needs: (1) for all students with disabilities beginning at age 14 (or younger, under specified circumstances); (2) under the applicable components of the IEP; and (3) in light of the student's participation in the general curriculum. Provides for transfer of rights at the age of majority. (Sec. 205) Repeals certain IDEA provisions relating to treatment of State agencies that received certain kinds of funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1964. (Sec. 206) Revises procedural safeguards, including provisions for written notices to parents. Requires States to make mediation available to parents of children with disabilities in disputes with LEAs on any matter regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child or the provision of free appropriate public education. Permits the transfer of parental rights to a student with disabilities upon reaching the age of majority under State law. Requires the State to have procedures for appointing the parent or another person to represent the student's interests if, under State law, such a student is determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent. Prescribes alternate procedural safeguards for short-term and long-term disciplinary actions with respect to children with disabilities who violate the LEA's rules or code of conduct, engage in serious disruptive behavior, or engage in any such behavior involving dangerous weapons, drugs, or actions resulting in serious bodily injury. Requires such rules or code of conduct to apply to children without disabilities as well. Provides for due process hearings with respect to disagreements between an agency and parents over determinations by a principal to remove a child with disabilities to an interim alternative educational setting. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements for: (1) withholding of payments from non-compliant States and judicial review of such determinations; (2) rulemaking on compliance and eligibility; (3) evaluation and program information; (4) preschool grants; and (5) payments. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct studies and evaluations to assess the effectiveness of efforts to provide free appropriate public education and early intervention services, including assessing the placement of children with disabilities by disability category; and (2) conduct a longitudinal study that measures the educational and transitional services provided to and results achieved by children with disabilities under IDEA. Title III: Systems Change - Establishes a program to promote systems change to improve educational and transitional services and results for children with disabilities. Authorizes competitive grants to SEAs, in partnership with LEAs and other interested individuals, agencies, and organizations, to improve such services and results on a system-wide basis. Allows grant recipients to collaborate in systems change activities with those in other States, through joint arrangements with institutions of higher education and sharing of staff and consultants. Requires coordination with this program of activities under titles IV and V. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation - Establishes a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated research and personnel preparation. (Consolidates current personnel preparation and research provisions.) (Sec. 401) Authorizes research and innovation grants and contracts for: (1) new knowledge production in learning styles, instructional approaches, behavior management, assessment tools, assistive technology, program accountability and personnel preparation models; (2) integration of research and practice, through demonstration and dissemination of successful practice; and (3) improvement in the use of professional knowledge by teachers, parents, and others in their classrooms and other learning settings. Authorizes personnel preparation grants and contracts in the areas of: (1) high incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, and behavior disordered groups; (2) leadership preparation; (3) low-incidence disabilities, such as sensory impairment, multiple disabilities, and severe disabling conditions; and (4) projects of national significance. (Sec. 402) Makes conforming amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of information - Establishes (in part by consolidating certain current activities) a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination of information. (Sec. 501) Authorizes grants and contracts for: (1) parent training and information centers and community programs; (2) coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination; and (3) technology and media activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 502) Makes conforming amendments to IDEA and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities - Revises the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities with respect to: (1) expanded States opportunities for infants and toddlers with disabilities at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided; (2) continuing eligibility; (3) statewide system requirements; (4) the individualized family service plan; (5) allocation and use of funds; (6) procedural safeguards; (7) State interagency Coordinating Council duties; and (8) Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC) membership and duties. (See. 615) Directs the FICC to convene a panel of experts to develop recommendations for a model definition of developmental delay. Allows the use of funds for referring at risk infants and toddlers, in those States not currently serving them, to other IDEA services. Permits planning for transition to preschool services to begin up to six months before the child's third birthday, if parents and agencies agree. (Sec. 616) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to enter into an agreement under which covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in lieu of receiving care under CHAMPUS or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires: (1) the Secretary to begin to offer such health benefits option no later than January 1, 1998; and (2) the Secretary and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Fair Trade in Meat and Pork Products Act of 1997 - Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), for purposes of identifying foreign countries not in compliance with the terms of any trade agreement with the United States, to determine whether the European Union has failed to implement its obligations under the Exchange of Letters, the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, or any other agreement. Requires the USTR, in the event of such a failure, to: (1) promptly request proceedings under the formal dispute settlement procedures applicable under the agreement; and (2) request the Secretary of Agriculture to direct the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture to review certifications for European Union facilities that export meat and other agricultural products to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1997
Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act of 1997 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn (earnings test) without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1997
Commemorates June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1997 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Individual Retirement Deduction (IRA), to increase the income limits applicable to active participants. Removes limitations on a spouse's participation. (Sec. 102) Provides an inflation adjustment for the deductible amount. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions concerning the allowance of certain coins and bullion as IRA investments. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Permits individuals to establish IRA Plus accounts which shall be treated similarly to an IRA plan. Prohibits deductions for contributions to such accounts. Sets forth distribution rules (including excluding qualified distributions from gross income). Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Permits distributions without penalty for qualified: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; (3) unemployed individuals; and (4) medical expenses of specified relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit both an individual and an individual's spouse to contribute to an individual retirement account.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Family Farm Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the alternative minimum tax inapplicable to specified farm property installment sales.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Campaign Finance Reform and Disclosure Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions to candidates for political office by any individual who is not a U.S. citizen. (Currently, such prohibition applies only to an individual who is not a U.S. citizen and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.) Limits acceptance of out-of-State contributions by Senate candidates. Limits reimbursement from campaigns for contributions by Senate candidates and the immediate families of Senate candidates. Restricts the use of campaign funds by Senate candidates for personal purposes. Limits congressional use of the franking privilege during a year in which there will be an election for the seat held by the member unless the member makes a public announcement that the Member will not be a candidate for election to any Federal office in that year. Decreases and indexes the multicandidate political committee contribution limit. Restricts the acceptance of contributions by political party committees. Exempts communications between a political party and members of the political party from specified spending limitations. Excludes from the definition of contribution State or local political party committee payments for certain State and local activities. Excepts from receipt and disbursement reporting requirements PACs which have accepted contributions or made expenditures aggregating less than $25,000 during an election cycle. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to revise the rights of employees relating to the payment and use of labor organization dues. Provides for expedited Supreme Court review of constitutional issues of this Act or any amendment made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Family Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for: (1) time-and-a-half compensatory time off; (2) biweekly work programs (allowing more than 40 hours of work in one week and correspondingly less in the other); and (3) flexible credit hour programs (thus providing private sector employees opportunities under such programs similar to those of Federal employees). Amends the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for certain executive, administrative, and professional employees and outside salesmen. Prohibits from consideration in determining whether an employee is exempt: (1) the fact that the employee is subject to deductions in compensation for absences from employment of less than a full workday or less than a full pay period; or (2) the payment of overtime compensation or other additions to the compensation of an employee employed on a salary based on hours worked. Allows consideration, in such a determination, of an actual reduction in compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Family Heritage Preservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, gift tax, and tax on generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
National Research Investment Act of 1997 - States purposes of this Act, including to double the annual authorized amount of Federal funding for basic science and medical research over the ten-year period following enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for covered research and development for FY 1998 through 2007 to be used by the National Institutes of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Family Tax Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax credit for an eligible taxpayer equal to $500 multiplied by the number of qualifying children under the age of 18.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Farmer and Entrepreneur Estate Tax Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified estate and gift tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Extends veterans' benefits to an individual who served as a member of the U.S. merchant marine between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, who, during that period, was licensed or otherwise documented by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document such an individual as a crewmember of a vessel that at the time of service was: (1) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, or an agent thereof; (2) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States; (3) under contract, charter to, or property of, the U.S. Government; and (4) serving the armed forces. Establishes application procedures. Requires the issuance of a certificate of honorable discharge to an individual who performed qualified service. Deems qualified service to be active duty in the armed forces during a period of war for purposes of eligibility for benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reimbursement of the Secretary for benefits provided under this Act; and (2) an application processing fee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Tax Credit Title II: Capital Gains Reform Subtitle A: Taxpayers Other Than Corporations Subtitle B: Corporate Capital Gains Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed with Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence Title III: Estate and Gift Provisions Title IV: Savings Incentives American Family Tax Relief Act - Title I: Child Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit of $500 per child. Reduces such credit incrementally as income increases above threshold amounts. Title II: Capital Gains Reform - Subtitle A: Taxpayers Other Than Corporations - Provides for taxpayers, other than corporations, a deduction of 50 percent of net capital gain. Provides that, in the case of an estate or trust, the deduction shall be computed by excluding the portion of the gains from sales or exchanges of certain capital assets includible in gross income by the income beneficiaries as gain derived from the sale of capital assets. Excludes collectibles gain from the computation of net capital gain. Sets forth a formula for determining the maximum rate on nondeductible capital gain. Allows the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. (Sec. 202) Provides that for taxpayers, other than corporations, the indexed basis of an asset shall be substituted for its adjusted basis in determining gain on the disposition of an indexed asset, if held more than three years. Defines an indexed asset as: (1) common stock in a C corporation; and (2) tangible property which is a capital asset used in a trade or business. Defines the indexed basis as: (1) the adjusted basis of the asset, increased by; (2) the applicable inflation adjustment. Defines applicable inflation adjustment. Suspends treatment of an asset as an indexed asset during any period in which a taxpayer enters into an agreement which substantially reduces the risk of loss of holding the asset. Provides for the treatment of short sales. Permits such substitution, subject to stated exceptions, to any qualified investment entity. Permits stock in a regulated investment company or a real estate investment trust to be an indexed asset as specified. Provides for pass-through in the case of: (1) a partnership to partners; (2) an S corporation to shareholders; and (3) a common trust fund to participants. Makes the provisions of this section inapplicable to a disposition of property between related persons, except to the extent that the basis of such property in the hands of the transferee is a substituted basis. Sets forth rules concerning: (1) improvements; (2) assets which are not indexed assets throughout the holding period; (3) treatment of certain dispositions; (4) acquisition date where there has been a prior application of this section; and (5) collapsible corporations. Applies the provisions of this section to the disposition of property the holding period of which began after December 31, 1996. (Sec. 203) Repeals the minimum tax preference applicable to the sale of certain small business stock. Doubles the amount of assets a qualified small business may have and remain eligible for reduced rates. Repeals the per-issuer limitation on a taxpayer's eligible gain. Requires that certain working capital of a small business must be expended in five (currently, two) years to be treated as actively in business. Subtitle B: Corporate Capital Gains - Provides for a reduction in the alternative capital gains tax for corporations. Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence - Treats as a deductible capital loss a loss from the sale or exchange of a principal residence. Title III: Estate and Gift Provisions - Increases, over an eight year period, the unified estate and gift tax credit. (Sec. 302) Establishes estate tax rules for qualified family-owned business interests, if such interests exceed 50 percent of the adjusted gross estate. Excludes, subject to specified requirements, from the value of such an estate the lesser of: (1) the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent otherwise includible in the estate, or; (2) the sum of $1.5 million, plus 50 percent of the excess of the adjusted value of such interests over $1.5 million. Subjects such exclusion to recapture, if specified events occur. (Sec. 303) Extends from 10 to 20 years the amount of time permitted to an estate for making installment payments of the estate tax in an estate consisting largely of interest in a closely held business. Revises provisions concerning the payment of interest on such tax to make a certain portion interest-free. Title IV: Savings Incentives - Increases incrementally, through the year 2000, the adjusted gross income phaseout limits for IRA (individual retirement account) contributions. Repeals, after the year 2000, such limits. Permits a spouse who is not an active IRA plan participant to make a deductible IRA contribution of up to $2,000 without regard to such limits. (Sec. 403) Permits an individual to create an IRA Plus Account into which limited nondeductible contributions can be made. Excludes a qualified distribution from gross income. Defines a qualified distribution as any distribution made: (1) after age 59 and one-half; (2) to a beneficiary after the death of the owner of the account; (3) because of disability; or (4) as a qualified special purpose distribution (medical expenses, long-term unemployment, etc.). Prohibits distributions made within five years of establishing (or, of rolling over into) such an account as being treated as qualified distributions. (Sec. 404) Permits tax-free withdrawals from an individual retirement account for: (1) business start-up costs; (2) long-term (more than 12 weeks) unemployment; or (3) higher education expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or child.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence and other crimes that the Congress may define by law the right to: (1) notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at a public pre-trial or trial proceeding to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence (grants such rights at a public parole proceeding, or at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent they are afforded to the convicted offender); (3) notice of a release pursuant to a public or parole proceeding or an escape; (4) a final disposition of the proceedings relating to the crime free from unreasonable delay; (5) an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) consideration for the victim's safety in determining any release from custody; and (7) notice of the rights established by this amendment. Grants the victim standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds for the victim to challenge a charging decision or a conviction, to obtain a stay of trial, or to compel a new trial or for the accused or convicted offender to obtain any form of relief; or (2) give rise to a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public official. Grants power to the Congress and the States to enforce this amendment within their respective jurisdictions by appropriate legislation, including the power to enact exceptions when required for compelling reasons of public safety or for judicial efficiency in mass victim cases.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Paycheck Protection Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to make it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
National Missile Defense Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment a National Missile Defense (NMD) system which shall achieve operational capability by the end of 2003. Includes as system elements: (1) an interceptor system that optimizes defensive coverage of the United States; (2) fixed ground-based radar; (3) space-based sensors; and (4) battle management, command, control, and communications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an integrated systems test by the end of FY 1999; (2) use streamlined acquisition procedures; (3) develop a follow-on program that leverages off of, and that could augment, the NMD system to provide for a layered defense; and (4) report to the Congress on the plan for carrying out this Act, the appropriations required for FY 1998 through 2003, and the point at which activity would conflict with terms of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Urges the President, if necessary, to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year, to consider the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safe and Drug-Free Schools Initiative Subtitle A: Student Opportunity and Safety Subtitle B: Common Sense School Safety Title II: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Title III: Tax Incentives for Higher Education Title IV: Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Title V: Adult Education and Family Literacy Subtitle A: Adult Education Act Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs and Projects to Promote Literacy Subtitle C: National Commission on Literacy Safe and Affordable Schools Act of 1997 - Title I: Safe and Drug-Free Schools Initiative - Subtitle A: Student Opportunity and Safety - Student Opportunity and Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this subtitle and for program evaluation. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities for 20 to 30 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the costs of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Gives priority to eligible entities that: (1) are conducting a school choice program, involving public or private schools, on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) operate a school choice program, involving public and private schools, that is authorized by Federal law. Requires 90 percent of such grants (85 percent the first year) to be used for providing education certificates to low-income parents to pay tuition, fees, allowable transportation costs, and costs of certain special programs, for their eligible children to attend a choice school. Allows the remainder to be used for administration of the demonstration project. Declares that such education certificates shall be considered as: (1) aid to parents, not to the choice school. States that such education certificates shall not be considered income to an eligible child or its parent for Federal, State, or local tax purposes, or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. Subtitle B: Common Sense School Safety - Common Sense School Safety Act - Chapter I: Pupil Safety and Family Choice - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow students, who are program-eligible or who attend a program-eligible school, to switch schools if they have been victims of violent crimes in or on the grounds of their schools. Authorizes the local educational agency (LEA) to use program funds to pay certain supplementary costs for such students to attend any other public or private elementary school or secondary school, including a sectarian school, in that State, that is selected by the student's parent. (Sec. 151) Authorizes States, State educational agencies (SEAs), or LEAs to transfer any non-Federal public funds associated with the education of a student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school served by an LEA to another LEA or to a private elementary school or secondary school, including a sectarian school. Chapter II: Victim Assistance Programs - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize: (1) use of victim compensation program grant funds for compensation to students who are victims of school violence; and (2) grants for a demonstration project or for training and technical assistance services to a program that assists LEA programs designed to protect victims of and witnesses to incidents of school violence. Chapter III: Innovative Programs to Improve Unsafe Schools - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this chapter. (Sec. 175) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States, SEAs, and LEAs for innovative programs to improve unsafe elementary schools or secondary schools. Gives priority to programs that: (1) provide parent and teacher notification of crimes or drug activity occurring at school; (2) provide for the suspension, delay, or restriction of driving privileges of persons under age 18 who have a conviction, an adjudication in a juvenile proceeding, or a finding in a school disciplinary proceeding, involving illegal drugs; (3) link local educational agencies with community-based mentoring programs; (4) include cooperative efforts between the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to share the training and salary costs of former members of the Armed Forces who are hired as teachers and assigned to teach in public elementary schools and secondary schools, especially in communities adversely affected by the recent closing or substantial downsizing of a military base or facility; and (5) enhance school security measures. Chapter IV: Notification for Juvenile Justice and Law Enforcement Purposes - Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute to SEAs and LEAs a notice regarding the extent of permissible disclosure of educational records under the General Education Provisions Act and related regulations. Title II: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - State Education Flexibility Act - Amends ESEA to include under targeted uses of LEA innovative education assistance funds: (1) programs using scholarships or vouchers provided to a parent by an LEA that permit the parent to select the public or private, including sectarian, school that the parent's child will attend; (2) education reform projects that provide same gender schools, as long as comparable educational opportunities are offered for students of both sexes; and (3) education reform projects that reward teachers, administrators, and schools with cash bonuses and other incentives for significantly improving the academic performance of their students. Title III: Tax Incentives for Higher Education - Affordable College Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to qualified State tuition programs to provide for Bob Dole Education Investment Accounts. Limits contributions to such an account to $1,000 in cash per calendar year for an account holder under age 18. Exempts such accounts from Federal income taxation, except the tax on the unrelated business income of charitable organizations. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the establishment of such an account for the benefit of more than one individual. Provides that, if at any time during a calendar year, two or more education investment accounts are maintained for the benefit of an individual, only the account first established shall be treated as a Bob Dole education investment account (except where more than one account exists solely by reason of a rollover contribution). (Sec. 302) Extends permanently the tax exclusion for educational assistance programs provided by employers. Allows such programs to include assistance for graduate education. (Sec. 303) Revises the tax treatment of qualified State tuition programs to exclude from gross income any distributions used for qualified higher educational expenses, including room and board. (Sec. 304) Allows a tax deduction for up to $2,500 per year of interest on education loans, with specified reductions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds certain amounts. Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Requires specified tax returns from persons (including governmental units) which have received education loan interest in the course of trade or business from individuals. (Sec. 305) Excludes from gross income any payments received under a Federal work study program. Title IV: Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities. Title V: Adult Education and Family Literacy - Subtitle A: Adult Education Act - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to revise and consolidate AEA programs for adult education and family literacy, and to extend the authorization of appropriations for such programs. (Sec. 511) Revises requirements for Grants to Eligible Agencies, National Programs, and the National Institute for Literacy. Renames the National Institute Board the National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, including specified types of assistance, evaluation, and demonstration activities. (Sec. 512) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the functional literacy and life skills program for State and local prisoners. (Sec. 513) Revises specified provisions of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 and ESEA to conform to the amendments made to AEA. Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs and Projects to Promote Literacy - Amends ESEA title X (Programs of National Significance) to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to and contracts and cooperative agreements with SEAs, LEAs,, institutions of higher learning, and other public and private organizations to establish Demonstration Partnerships to Promote Literacy. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Commission on Literacy - National Commission on Literacy - Establishes the National Commission on Literacy to review and report to the President and the Congress on the social and economic impact of illiteracy in the United States and any correlation between such impact and welfare costs, juvenile delinquency, special education, adult literacy programs, drug addiction, and underemployment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date Product Liability Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Applies this Act to any product liability action in any State or Federal court on any theory for harm caused by a product, except for commercial loss actions. (Sec. 103) Imposes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect or if the inspection would not have revealed the aspect that caused the harm. Makes a seller liable as a manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service or if the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment. Makes certain persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing liable as a seller, but prohibits liability for the tortious act of another solely by reason of ownership. (Sec. 104) Makes it a complete defense if the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 105) Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer or co-employee if the employer or co-employee is, under State law, immune from claimant's action. (Sec. 106) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started, with a separate limit for durable goods other than motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or trains used primarily to transport passengers for hire. (Sec. 107) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution. (Sec. 108) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's conduct, carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others, was the proximate cause of the harm. Regulates punitive damage amounts. (Sec. 110) Permits several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic loss, allocating liability in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 111) Grants an insurer a right of subrogation whether or not the insurer is a party. Prohibits an employee from making settlements or accepting payments without the consent of the employer. Requires, if the manufacturer or seller alleges the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer or coemployee, that the issue be submitted to the trier of fact. Reduces damages if it is found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was so caused, but requires the manufacturer or seller to reimburse the insurer for attorney's fees and costs if it is not so found. Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance - Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1997 - Applies this title, subject to exception, to any civil action in Federal or State court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, on any legal theory, for harm allegedly caused by an implant. (Sec. 205) Declares that a biomaterials supplier shall not be liable for harm caused by an implant unless the supplier: (1) is a manufacturer; (2) is a seller; and (3) furnishes materials or parts that fail to meet contractual requirements or specifications. Sets forth the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a manufacturer and the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a seller. Allows a supplier, to the extent required and permitted by other law, to be liable if the claimant shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, violation of contractual requirements or specifications. (Sec. 206) Sets forth procedures relating to motions by a supplier to dismiss actions that are subject to this title. Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date - Makes any circuit court of appeals decision interpreting this Act a precedent for any Federal or State court within that court's geographic jurisdiction. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on provisions of the U.S. Code relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Estate and Gift Tax Repeal Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, gift tax, and tax on generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Estate and Gift Tax Phase-Out Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase-out and repeal, effective January 1, 2003, the estate tax, gift tax, and the tax on generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights through Sanctions Reform Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish an effective framework for consideration by the legislative and executive branches of unilateral economic sanctions. (Sec. 3) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) pursue U.S. interests through vigorous and effective diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, cultural, and strategic engagement with other countries, while recognizing that U.S. national security interests may sometimes require the imposition of economic sanctions on other countries; (2) foster multilateral cooperation on vital matters of U.S. foreign policy, including promoting human rights and democracy, combating international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international narcotics trafficking, and ensuring adequate environmental protection; (3) promote U.S. economic growth and job creation by expanding exports of goods, services, and agricultural commodities, and by encouraging investment that supports the sale abroad of U.S. products and services; (4) maintain the reputation of U.S. businesses and farmers as reliable suppliers to international customers of quality products and services; (5) avoid the use of restrictions on exports of agricultural commodities as a foreign policy weapon; and (6) oppose policies of other countries designed to discourage economic interaction with countries friendly to the United States or with any U.S. national, and to avoid use of such measures as instruments of U.S. foreign policy. States that when economic sanctions are necessary, it is U.S. policy to: (1) target them as narrowly as possible on those foreign governments, entities, and officials that are responsible for the conduct being targeted, thereby minimizing unnecessary or disproportionate harm to individuals who are not responsible for such conduct; and (2) to the extent feasible, avoid any adverse impact of economic sanctions on the humanitarian activities of the United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in a country against which sanctions are imposed. (Sec. 5) Provides that any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch, and considered by the House of Representatives or the Senate, should: (1) state the U.S. foreign policy or national security objective; (2) terminate after two years unless specifically reauthorized; (3) provide for contract sanctity; (4) provide presidential authority to adjust or waive the sanction in the national interest; (5) target the sanction as narrowly as possible against the parties responsible for the conduct being targeted; and (6) provide for expanded export promotion programs if sanctions are likely to target an export market for American farmers. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a procedure for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that imposes, or authorizes the imposition of, any unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the committee of primary jurisdiction reporting such a bill or joint resolution to timely request specified reports: (1) from the President assessing the likelihood that the proposed unilateral economic sanction will achieve its stated objective within a reasonable period of time, as well as the impact of the proposed unilateral economic sanction on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and humanitarian activities; and (2) from the Secretary of Agriculture assessing the extent to which any country or countries proposed or likely to be sanctioned are markets that accounted for more than three percent of all U.S. agricultural export sales in the preceding calendar year, as well as the likelihood that U.S. agricultural exports will be affected by the proposed sanction or by retaliation by any country proposed or likely to be sanctioned, and specific commodities which are most likely to be affected. Considers any bill or joint resolution that imposes any unilateral economic sanction to include a Federal private sector mandate for purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Requires the Congressional Budget Office, in its report pursuant to such Act, to assess the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to implement a unilateral economic sanction under any provision of law not less than 60 days after announcing his intention to do so. Requires any executive sanction to include a clear finding that the sanction is likely to achieve a specific U.S. foreign policy or national security objective within a reasonable and specified period of time. Requires, before imposition of a unilateral economic sanction, that the President and the Secretary of Agriculture report to appropriate congressional committees the same assessments required in connection with any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the President to request a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy, including the potential impact on U.S. competitiveness. Provides, in the case of a national emergency, for allowing the President temporarily to waive most of the requirements for executive action in order to act immediately, generally requiring the waived requirements to be met within 60 days after imposition of the sanction (which shall terminate after 90 days if such requirements are not met). Directs the President to establish an interagency Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions and provide appropriate recommendations to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act - Makes specified unobligated balances of funds apportioned to a State under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 before October 1, 1997, available for obligation in that State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1997. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2002 for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); and (3) the Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP), including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park highways. (Sec. 6) Modifies the definition of: (1) "Federal-aid system" to mean the NHS; and (2) NHS to mean the Federal-aid highway system established pursuant to Federal highway provisions. Defines "highway funds," beginning on October 1, 1997, to mean the funds apportioned and allocations authorized by such provisions to a State for a fiscal year and the funds administratively allocated to a State for the preceding fiscal year (if any) for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction (other than funds made available for the FLHP and for emergency relief). Modifies provisions regarding Federal-aid systems and the formula for apportionments of NHS funds. (Sec. 7) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) apportionments for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System (IS); and (2) the transfer of interstate construction apportionments, the transfer of funds for STP projects, and limits on new capacity. (Sec. 8) Modifies STP provisions regarding the location of projects and allocations of apportioned funds. Authorizes a State, in nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide, or for PM-10 resulting from transportation activities, or any combination thereof, to obligate STP funds for any congestion mitigation and air quality improvement project or program without regard to any Department of Transportation limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses. (Sec. 9) Directs that, for purposes of STP and IS provisions, population shall be determined based on the most recent estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 10) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program; and (2) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. (Sec. 12) Replaces provisions regarding minimum allocations to States with an apportionment adjustment program to provide that the Secretary shall apportion among the States additional amounts sufficient to ensure that the ratio of the highway funds of the State to those of all States for the fiscal year is not less than certain listed percentages for the State. Repeals existing apportionment adjustment programs. (Sec. 13) Repeals set-asides for: (1) railway-highway crossing hazard elimination in high speed rail corridors; and (2) interstate discretionary programs. (Sec. 14) Modifies Federal highway provisions to require the Secretary, whenever an apportionment is made of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on the STP and NHS, to deduct a sum not to exceed two percent of all sums so authorized as the Secretary may deem necessary for administering the legal provisions to be financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid systems and for carrying on specified research authorized by such provisions.