United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs Subtitle A: Nonemergency Food Assistance Programs Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act of 1998 Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Africa: Seeds of Hope Act of 1998 - Declares it to be U.S. policy, consistent with title XII of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act, to support governments of sub-Saharan African countries, U.S. and African nongovernmental organizations, universities, businesses, and international agencies to help ensure the availability of basic nutrition and economic opportunities for sub-Saharan individuals, through sustainable agricultural and rural development. Title I: Assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), in providing development assistance under the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, to: (1) emphasize programs and projects that improve the food security of children, women, and food-insecure households, or that improve the agricultural productivity, incomes, and marketing of the rural poor in Africa; (2) solicit and take into consideration the views and needs of intended beneficiaries and program participants during the selection, planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of projects; and (3) ensure that programs are designed and conducted in cooperation with African and U.S. organizations and institutions (such as private and voluntary organizations, cooperatives, land-grant and other appropriate universities, and local producer-owned cooperative marketing and buying associations) that have expertise in addressing the needs of the poor, small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural workers, including women. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, if there is an increase in funding for sub-Saharan programs, the Administrator of AID should proportionately increase resources to the Africa Food Security Initiative, or any comparable or successor program, for FY 2000 and subsequent fiscal years in order to meet the needs of the countries participating in such Initiative. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator of AID to use, through bilateral and multilateral assistance, microenterprise assistance (including credit) to improve the capacity and efficiency of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa of small-scale farmers and small rural entrepreneurs (specifically taking into consideration the needs of women, and using the applied research and technical assistance capabilities of U.S. land-grant universities). (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator of AID to utilize foreign assistance programs and initiatives for sub-Saharan Africa to support private producer-owned cooperative marketing associations there, including rural business associations owned by farmer shareholders. (Sec. 104) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should issue loans, guaranties, and insurance, and utilize existing equity funds and loan and insurance funds, to support private agricultural and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa (particularly intermediary organizations that directly serve the needs of small-scale farmers, small rural entrepreneurs, and rural producer-owned cooperative purchasing and marketing associations). (Sec. 105) Directs the Administrator of AID to develop a comprehensive plan to coordinate and build on the research and extension activities of U.S. land-grant universities, international agricultural research centers, and national agricultural research and extension centers in sub-Saharan Africa. Title II: Worldwide Food Assistance and Agricultural Programs - Subtitle A: Non-Emergency Food Assistance Programs - Sets forth general requirements for the administration of non-emergency assistance programs under title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Subtitle B: Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act of 1998 - Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act of 1998 - Amends the Food Security Commodity Reserve Act of 1996 and the Food Security Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 to rename specified provisions of the Food for Development Program as the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. (Sec. 212) Includes, as part of the established trust stock of wheat, rice, corn, or sorghum used to meet emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries, certain funds for Commodity Credit Corporation programs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 that are available to acquire such eligible commodities through purchases from producers or in the market to replenish the trust. Authorizes the release of eligible commodities from the trust for emergency food assistance to developing countries, provided such release is at levels consistent with maintaining the long-term value of the trust. Makes permanent the authority for the trust. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of AID to report to the Congress on AID's plans for implementing the Africa Food Security Initiative and an estimate of all amounts expended or to be expended on related activities during the current and previous four years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1998
National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to provide that any gift or bequest made for the benefit of a particular national wildlife refuge or complex of refuges shall be disbursed only for such refuge's or refuges' benefit. Authorizes Federal matching funds. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to conduct a volunteer coordinator pilot project in at least two refuges (but not more than 20 nationwide) in each United States Fish and Wildlife Service region. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce to provide volunteers in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with awards and recognition, including nominal cash awards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Senior Volunteer Corps. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with community partnership organizations (private, corporate, academic, or State or local) to implement refuge related programs. Authorizes Federal matching funds. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to develop guidance for, and programs of, refuge education. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to permit grants for public safety and community policing to be used to establish school-based partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school systems by using school resource officers who operate in and around elementary and secondary schools to combat school-related crime and disorder problems, gangs, and drug activities. Defines "school resource officer" to mean a career law enforcement officer, with sworn authority, deployed in community-oriented policing, assigned by the employing police department or agency to work in collaboration with schools and community-based organizations to: (1) address crime and disorder problems, gangs, and drug activities affecting or occurring in or around an elementary or secondary school; (2) develop or expand crime prevention efforts for students; (3) educate likely school-age victims in crime prevention and safety; (4) develop or expand community justice initiatives for students; (5) train students in conflict resolution, restorative justice, and crime awareness; (6) assist in the identification of physical changes in the environment that may reduce crime in or around the school; and (7) assist in developing school policy that addresses crime and recommend procedural changes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Head Start Programs Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Title IV: Assets for Independence Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Title I: Head Start Programs - Head Start Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 103) Revises the statement of purpose to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of low income children. (Sec. 104) Revises definitions of family literacy services, of full-working-day, and of migrant or seasonal Head Start program. Adds definitions of child with a disability and of reliable and replicable research. (Sec. 105) Provides for financial assistance to Head Start programs that enable children to attain school readiness (as well as to attain their full potential). (Sec. 106) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to make available certain amounts for such program activities, transition activities, impact studies, and other research and evaluation activities. (Sec. 107) Revises requirements for allotment of funds. Allows set-aside funds to be used for: (1) activities related to correcting deficiencies and conducting proceedings to terminate the designation of Head Start agencies; and (2) research and evaluation. Revises funding for Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) continue the administrative arrangement for meeting the needs of migrant and Indian children; and (2) assure that appropriate funds are provided to meet the needs of such children. Revises requirements relating to use of quality improvement funds for: (1) children with disabilities; (2) encouraging staff training; and (3) staff training related to promotion of language skills and literacy growth of children and the acquisition of English for children from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Requires that each State initially receive an amount of Head Start funds equal to the amount received in FY 1998. Revises various requirements for collaboration grants. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental funding to: (1) States that develop unified plans for early childhood education and child care that include participation of Head Start agencies; and (2) States that engage in other innovative collaborations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review barriers to collaboration; (2) develop initiatives to eliminate such barriers; and (3) develop a mechanism to resolve conflicts between programs. Increases the amount of funds set-aside for Early Head Start. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce these amounts, if necessary to avoid a reduction in Head Start services or quality, subject to certain conditions. Revises requirements relating to enrollment of children with disabilities. Directs the Secretary to consider specified factors concerning applicants in awarding expansion funds. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements relating to designation of Head Start agencies. Allows designation of for-profit organizations. Directs the Secretary, in making such designations, to: (1) consult with the State Governor; (2) give priority to existing Head Start grantees or their successors, unless the agency has failed to meet certain requirements; (3) give priority to Head Start agencies that have met or exceeded performance standards and performance measures; and (4) consider an applicant's plan to seek parent involvement and meet the needs of non-English background children and children with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to designate an interim Head Start grantee until a qualified applicant from the community is designated. (Sec. 109) Requires education performance standards to ensure children's school readiness and development of a minimum level of literacy awareness and understanding. Requires performance measures to assess the impact of the services provided to children and their families. Revises monitoring provisions to require: (1) review teams to include individuals knowledgeable about the needs of children with disabilities; and (2) reviews to include a review and assessment of program effectiveness in accordance with outcome-based performance measures and performance standards. Requires Head Start agencies to: (1) immediately correct any identified deficiencies that threaten health or safety or the integrity of Federal funds; (2) correct a deficiency within 90 days of being informed, if the Secretary determines that 90 days is reasonable; and (3) develop and obtain approval for a quality improvement plan, if required by the Secretary. (Sec. 110) Revises powers and functions of Head Start agencies. (Sec. 111) Revises Head Start transition provisions to require each Head Start agency to coordinate with the local education agency and schools in which participating Head Start children will enroll. (Sec. 112) Allows State Governors 45 days in which to disapprove any plan to carry out a Head Start program within the State through contract, agreement, grant, or other assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from overruling a Governor's disapproval in cases in which the disapproval is because of failure to comply with State health, safety and child care laws and regulations applicable to comparable programs within the State. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for participation in Head Start regarding: (1) continuing eligibility of children who have participated in the Head Start program and whose families have met the low-income criteria; (2) use of a sliding fee scale for extended day services in full-day programs that operate through collaborations with other agencies or entities; and (3) continuous recruitment and acceptance of applications for Head Start throughout the year. (Sec. 114) Revises requirements for Early Head Start programs for families with infants and toddlers. Adds a reference to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Limits eligibility to pregnant women and families with children under age three. Directs the Secretary to use a portion of Early Head Start funds for monitoring, training, technical assistance, and evaluation. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure provision of technical assistance to Head Start agencies, other entities and States in collaborative efforts to promote full-day, full-year services; and (2) assist Head Start agencies and programs in expediting information sharing about innovative models for providing full-day, full-year services, and in ensuring school readiness of children and meeting education performance standards. (Sec. 116) Requires each Head Start classroom to have a teacher with demonstrated competency to perform certain functions (in addition to certificate and degree requirements already contained in current law). Directs the Secretary to grant a 180-day waiver of degree requirements for Head Start teachers, upon request, if the Head Start agency has unsuccessfully attempted to recruit an individual with the required credential, certificate or degree. (Sec. 117) Requires: (1) comparative studies of children participating in Head Start with eligible children who did not participate; and (2) a national Head Start impact research and a quality improvement study. Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 201) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for community services block grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified portions of annual appropriations for payments to territories, training and technical assistance and other activities, and discretionary activities. Revises or adds provisions relating to: (1) program authorization; (2) apportionment of funds to territories; (3) allotment and payment of funds to States; (4) use of funds by States for grants to eligible entities; (5) State applications and plans; (6) designation and redesignation by States of eligible entities in unserved areas of the State; (7) tripartite boards for eligible entities; (8) direct payment of funds by the Secretary to Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (9) the Secretary's carrying out certain functions of the Act through the Office of Community Services, and through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements; (10) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for training, technical assistance, planning, evaluation, and data collection activities; (11) State monitoring of eligible entities to determine whether such entities meet performance goals, administrative standards, financial management requirements, and other State requirements; (12) corrective action, termination and reduction of funding, in cases where a State determines that an eligible entity materially fails to comply with the terms of an agreement or the State plan, or to meet appropriate standards, goals, and other State requirements; (13) fiscal controls, audits, and withholding of Federal funds; (14) Federal and State accountability and reporting on the performance of eligible entities; (15) limitations on the use of funds; (16) participation of faith-based organizations in programs under the Act; and (17) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for discretionary activities involving community economic development, rural community development, and neighborhood innovation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) community food and nutrition programs; and (2) national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions of the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to: (1) interest rates payable on certain rural development loans, and assignment of loan contracts; and (2) demonstration partnership agreements addressing the needs of the poor. Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 301) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) low-income home energy assistance programs (LIHEAP) in general; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non- Federal resources. (Reduces the authorized amount for the incentive program except in fiscal years when appropriations for the general program reach a specified minimum level.) (Sec. 303) Provides for release of LIHEAP funds in response to emergencies, including a natural disaster, any other event meeting criteria the Secretary determines appropriate, or a significant increase in: (1) home energy supply shortages or disruptions; (2) the cost of home energy; (3) home energy disconnections; (4) participation in a public benefit program such as the food stamp program; or (5) a significant increase in unemployment or layoffs. (Sec. 304) Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the combined Freely Associated States as participants in LIHEAP. (Sec. 306) Prohibits certain transfers out of LIHEAP. (Sec. 307) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to the Congress on the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge program. (Sec. 308) Increases the amount of funds available for technical assistance, training, and compliance reviews. Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds for: (1) onsite program reviews; and (2) interagency agreements, including agreements with Federal agencies. Title IV: Assets for Independence - Assets for Independence Act - Provides for the establishment of individual development account (IDA) demonstration projects designed to determine: (1) the social, civic, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals and families with limited means an incentive to accumulate assets by saving a portion of their earned income in an individual development account; (2) the extent to which an asset-based policy that promotes saving for education, home ownership, and microenterprise development may be used to enable individuals and families with limited means to increase their economic self-sufficiency; and (3) the extent to which an asset-based policy stabilizes and improves families and the community in which they live. (Sec. 404) Limits the use of IDA distributions to specified postsecondary educational, first-home purchase, and business capitalization expenses, as well as transfers to IDAs of family members. (Sec. 405) Allows not-for-profit organizations, State or local government agencies, and tribal governments to apply to the Secretary of HHS for grants for such demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to publicly announce funding for such projects and make applications widely available to qualified entities. Sets forth criteria for application approval, including project sufficiency, administrative ability, ability to assist participants, commitment of non-Federal funds, and adequacy of information for evaluation. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to make annual grants for four project years for such demonstration projects to entities with approved applications. Limits the amount of such a grant to any qualified entity in a single year to the lesser of $1 million or an amount equal to the amount of non-Federal matching funds. (Sec. 407) Requires each qualified not-for-profit organization receiving a grant to establish a reserve fund for deposit of private and public funds provided for the demonstration project, as well as proceeds from investments. (Sec. 408) Makes an individual eligible for assistance under a demonstration project if the individual is a member of a household that: (1) is eligible for assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) meets certain income and net worth tests. (Sec. 410) Allows IDAs, to which qualified individuals may contribute, to be matched from grant funds by the qualified entity conducting the demonstration project, according to a certain formula, in an amount up to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per household). (Sec. 411) Provides for local control over such demonstration projects. (Sec. 412) Requires annual progress reports by qualified entities. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to terminate a demonstration project upon determination of noncompliance with requirements and failure to implement corrective recommendations. (Sec. 415) Prohibits considering funds in the IDA of a demonstration project participant as income for purposes of any Federal or federally-assisted program based on need. (Sec. 416) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Healthcare Quality Enhancement Act of 1998 - Replaces all provisions of title IX (Agency for Health Care Policy and Research) of the Public Health Service Act with a new title IX (Agency for Healthcare Quality). Sets forth the mission, duties, and general authorities of the new Agency for Healthcare Quality. Requires the Agency to promote health care quality improvement by: (1) conducting and supporting research that develops and presents scientific evidence regarding all aspects of health care; (2) synthesizing and disseminating available scientific evidence for use by patients, consumers, practitioners, providers, purchasers, policy makers, and educators; and (3) advancing private and public efforts to improve health care quality. Directs the Agency, in collaboration with experts from the public and private sector, to identify and disseminate methods or systems used to assess health care research projects. Directs the Agency to employ research strategies and mechanisms that will link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the United States. Provides for grants to carry out research training programs that are dedicated to health services research training at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and junior faculty levels at geographically diverse eligible entities. Directs the Agency to provide scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve health care quality, including accrediting organizations. Requires the Agency to provide scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve health care quality, including accrediting organizations. Requires the collection of data from a nationally representative population sample on the cost and use of health care. Requires the Agency to support research to evaluate and initiatives to advance the use of information systems in connection with health care. Requires the Agency to provide ongoing support to the Preventive Services Task Force. Establishes within the Agency a Center for Primary Care Research. Requires the Director of the Agency to promote innovation in evidence-based clinical practice and health care technologies. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Agency's Director, to coordinate all research, evaluations, and demonstrations related to health services research and quality improvement activities undertaken and supported by the Federal Government. Establishes the Advisory Council for Healthcare Quality. Establishes, as a nonprofit corporation, the Foundation for Healthcare Research to: (1) support the Agency; (2) foster public-private partnerships; (3) advance collaboration with health care researchers; and (4) develop linkages with users of health care and quality research. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) peer review with respect to grants under this Act; (2) standards with respect to the utility of data collected and statistics developed; (3) the dissemination of information; and (4) administrative authority. Authorizes appropriations. Deems any reference in law to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to be deemed a reference to the Agency for Healthcare Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt bond financing of certain electric facilities, to revise the definition of private business use to exclude a permitted open access transaction. Defines such a transaction. Permits, as specified, the termination or suspension of tax-exempt bond financing for certain electric output facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Amends the Small Business Act to increase for each of FY 1999 through 2001 the authorization of appropriations for women's business center program projects.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, on June 1, 1998, relating to surety bond requirements for home health agencies under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998
National Bone Marrow Registry Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) declare that the purpose of the National Bone Marrow Registry is to increase the number of transplants for recipients suitably matched to biologically unrelated bone marrow donors; (2) revise the membership and tenure of the Registry's board of directors; and (3) revise the Registry's functions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that the Registry develops, evaluates and implements a plan to: (1) effectuate efficiencies in the relationship between the Registry and donor centers; and (2) incorporate the findings and recommendations of the Bone Marrow Program Inspection conducted as of January 1997 by the Office of the Inspector General. Requires the Registry to: (1) implement a bone marrow donors recruitment program to identify populations underrepresented among potential Registry donors; (2) establish an office of patient advocacy, which shall provide individualized case management services directly to the patient; and (3) report annually to the Secretary on pretransplant costs. Directs the Secretary (acting through the Registry) to establish a scientific registry of information relating to recipients of bone marrow transplants from a biologically unrelated donor. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the Registry, covering specified questions, including the extent to which the Registry has increased the representation of racial and ethnic minority groups among potential donors.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1998
Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1998 - Amends Federal postal law to prohibit delivery of any mail constituting a solicitation or offer in connection with a sales promotion for a product or service that uses any game of chance offering anything of value (including any sweepstakes) or anything resembling a negotiable instrument, unless specified notices in a specified font are printed on the envelope and enclosed material. States that nothing in this Act shall preempt any State law that regulates advertising or sales of goods and services associated with any game of chance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Postal Employees Safety Enhancement Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to apply it to the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an employer. Amends Federal law to prohibit USPS from: (1) considering compliance with OSHA in determining whether to close or consolidate a post office; or (2) restricting, eliminating, or adversely affecting any service it provides as a result of paying a penalty imposed under OSHA. Prohibits the Postal Rate Commission from considering compliance with OSHA in determining whether to increase rates. Provides that OSHA compliance shall not otherwise affect the service of the USPS.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1998
Nigerian Democracy and Civil Society Empowerment Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should actively seek the cooperation of other countries as part of the U.S. policy of isolating the military government of Nigeria; (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to use the U.S. vote at the UNCHR annual meeting to condemn human rights abuses in Nigeria, and to press for the continued renewal of the mandate of, and continued access to Nigeria for, the special rapporteur on Nigeria; and (3) the President should not send any other envoy to Nigeria, besides the U.S. Ambassador, without prior notification of the Congress, and should not designate a special envoy to Nigeria without consulting the Congress. (Sec. 4) Earmarks specified development assistance funds for FY 1999 through 2001 to: (1) nongovernmental organizations to promote democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria; (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to provide grants to support individuals or nongovernmental organizations that seek to promote, directly or indirectly, the advancement of human rights there; and (3) the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) to support its activities in Nigeria, including the promotion of greater awareness among Nigerians of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of AID should: (1) increase the number of U.S. personnel at its office in Lagos, Nigeria, from within its current, overall staff resources; and (2) consider placement of personnel elsewhere in Nigeria. (Sec. 5) Prohibits economic and military assistance or arms transfers to the Government of Nigeria. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified international financial institutions to use the U.S. vote to oppose any multilateral assistance to the Government of Nigeria. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of State to deny a visa to, and the Attorney General shall exclude from the United States, certain Nigerian nationals. (Sec. 7) Declares that, unless a free and fair presidential election has occurred in Nigeria during 1998, the President shall: (1) prohibit, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, any financial transaction involving the participation by a Nigerian national as a representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a sporting event in the United States; (2) prohibit entry into the United States of any employees or military officers of the Nigerian government and their immediate families; (3) list by name to the appropriate congressional committees any senior Nigerian government officials and military officers who are suspended from entry into the United States; and (4) consider additional economic sanctions against Nigeria. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any international sports organization in which the United States is represented should refuse to invite the participation of any Nigerian national in any sporting event in the United States sponsored by that organization. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the President to waive any prohibition contained in this Act, provided the President makes a certain determination, and notifies the Congress, regarding Nigeria's human rights record and progress toward democracy. (Sec. 9) Prohibits any U.S. department or agency from providing any assistance or other contribution to any political party, group, organization, or person if it would have the purpose or effect of supporting or influencing any election or campaign for election in Nigeria. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if: (1) the climate exists in Nigeria for a free and fair democratic election that will lead to civilian rule; or (2) it is in the U.S. national interests to do so. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on governmental corruption in Nigeria.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1998
NRC Fairness in Funding Act of 1998 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend through FY 2003 Nuclear Regulatory Commission authority (NRC) to assess and collect user fees and annual charges. Reformulates the aggregate annual charges collected from all licensees to factor in the costs of certain NRC activities for FY 1999 and thereafter. Requires the NRC to take specified considerations into account when it determines which costs of its activities would be inequitable to include in licensee assessments. Sets a ceiling for such maximum excluded costs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1998
Veterans' Equality for Treatment and Services Act of 1998 (VETS) - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a demonstration project under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary from the Medicare trust funds for Medicare health care services furnished to certain targeted Medicare-eligible veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States, at the 50th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Oman, should: (1) remain firmly opposed to commercial whaling; (2) initiate and support efforts to ensure that all activities conducted under reservations to the Commission's moratorium or sanctuaries are ceased; (3) oppose the lethal taking of whales for scientific purposes unless specifically authorized by the Commission's scientific committee; (4) seek the Commission's support for specific efforts by member nations to end illegal trade in whale meat; and (5) support the permanent protection of whale populations through the establishment of whale sanctuaries in which commercial whaling is prohibited. Urges the United States to make full use of all appropriate mechanisms to implement such goals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Community and Postal Participation Act of 1998 - Modifies Federal postal provisions to require 60-days' written notice before the relocation, closing, or consolidation (currently, the closing or consolidation) of a post office. Requires such notice to be: (1) hand delivered or delivered by mail; and (2) published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the zip codes served by such post office. Sets forth provisions which: (1) allow any person served by the post office to offer an alternative relocation, consolidation, or closing proposal within such 60-day period; and (2) require the Postal Service to conduct a hearing to allow such persons to present oral or written testimony. Revises factors to be considered in deciding whether to relocate, close, or consolidate a post office to include: (1) the extent to which the post office is part of a core downtown business area; (2) the sentiment of the community served; (3) whether postal officials negotiated with persons served; (4) whether management of the post office contributed to a desire to relocate; and (5) the adequacy of the existing post office. Requires the Postal Service to respond to all alternative proposals by way of a consolidated report containing findings and determinations with respect to each such proposal and to make a copy of such report available at such post office. Provides for an appeal to the Postal Rate Commission of a decision to relocate, close, or consolidate. Requires the Postal Service to follow a community's public participation procedures to address the relocation, closing, or consolidation of buildings in the community if participation requirements of such procedures are more stringent than those provided in this Act. Requires the Postal Service, in making a determination to relocate, close, or consolidate any post office, to comply with any zoning, planning, or land use regulations or building codes applicable to State or local public entities, including the zoning authority of the local jurisdiction. Includes within the Postal Service policy with respect to planning and building new postal facilities that the Service consider the effect a new facility may have on the community and the service provided by any facility currently in operation at the time that such a decision is made.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998
Recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Commends the Israeli people for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
Medicare Home Health Equity Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA), to: (1) restore the per visit cost limit to 112 percent of the mean (currently, 105 percent of the median) with regard to payments to home health agencies under Medicare; and (2) revise the interim payment system (IPS) for home health agency services. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to estimate annually the amount of savings to the Medicare program resulting from the IPS for home health agency services that was established by the BBA. Provides that, if the Director determines that the estimated amount exceeds the amount of savings to the Medicare program that the Director estimated immediately prior to enactment of the BBA by reason of such IPS, then the Director shall certify such excess to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary, in turn, when an excess is certified, to prescribe rules under which appropriate adjustments are made to the amount of payments to home health agencies in the case of outliers: (1) where events beyond the home health agency's control or extraordinary circumstances, including the agency's case mix, create reasonable costs for a payment year which exceed the applicable payment limits; or (2) in any other case where the Secretary deems such an adjustment appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual's Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Health Care Personal Information Nondisclosure Act of 1998 - Health Care PIN Act - Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect, copy, and request amendment of the information (or, if amendment is refused, to append the individual's disagreement statement). (The list of specified parties varies from provision to provision throughout this Act. The list includes, in various provisions, such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health researchers, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, and their agents.) Requires specified parties to post or provide notice of confidentiality practices. Mandates development of model notices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to maintain safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Requires specified parties to maintain a disclosure record. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure within such a party. (Sec. 202) Requires: (1) a single authorization form for each individual for disclosure in connection with treatment, payment, and health care operations; and (2) a separate authorization for other purposes, including for disclosure with intent to sell, transfer, or use protected health information for commercial advantage. Mandates disclosure to coroners and medical examiners. Requires development of model authorizations for circumstances other than treatment, payment and health care operations. (Sec. 204) Allows and regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin (or another person identified by the information subject); (2) of directory information; (3) regarding a deceased individual; (4) in emergencies; (5) for oversight, public health, or health research; (6) in civil, judicial, and administrative procedures; and (7) for law enforcement. Sets forth the rights of minors. (Sec. 211) Mandates reporting, by code number rather than patient name, of adverse experiences regarding human drugs and licensed biological products. (Sec. 212) Allows disclosure, if an individual pays for health care using a debit or credit card or other electronic means, of only such information as is necessary for the processing of the payment transaction or the billing or collection of amounts. (Sec. 213) Mandates standards for disclosing, authorizing, and authenticating protected health information in electronic form. (Sec. 214) Regulates the exercise of an information subject's rights by that individual's representatives, including after death. (Sec. 215) Declares that: (1) Federal and State law enforcement officers shall not be personally liable for violations of this Act absent intentional conduct for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm; and (2) specified parties who make a disclosure permitted by this Act shall not be liable under common law. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers of such parties are found guilty of criminal acts under this Act, have civil penalties imposed under subtitle B, or make false statements or obstruct justice regarding illegal disclosure. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 314) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Preempts, subject to exceptions, any State law directly relating to matters covered by this Act. Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act. Provides for the application of this Act to the Departments of Defense, Transportation (regarding the Coast Guard), and Veterans Affairs. Mandates a report by the General Accounting Office on research issues regarding protected health information.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1998
Commends public health professionals for their role in safeguarding communities and workplaces and improving the health and well-being of Americans. Calls upon Americans to celebrate National Public Health Week from April 6 through April 12, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Improving Teacher Quality Title III: Institutional Aid Title IV: Student Assistance Title V: Graduate and Post-Secondary Improvement Programs Title VI: International Education Programs Title VII: Related Programs and Amendments to Other Acts Higher Education Amendments of 1998 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to repeal the current title I (Partnerships for Educational Excellence). (Sec. 102) Repeals a disclaimer that nothing in Federal law shall be construed to authorize any Federal agency, officer, or employee to exercise direction, supervision, or control over membership practices or internal operations of fraternal organizations, fraternities, sororities, private clubs, or religious organizations at higher education institutions that are financed exclusively by private funds and have facilities not owned by the institutions. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) publish the expiration dates of terms of members of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity; and (2) solicit nominations for vacancies on such Committee. (Sec. 104) Sets forth provisions relating to prior rights and responsibilities including authorization of appropriations) and to recovery of payments under HEA title VII (Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic Facilities) (as in effect before title VII is repealed by this Act). Title II: Improving Teacher Quality - Revises, and transfers to title II, various teacher education provisions (currently in title V). Repeals various unfunded programs, replacing them with a comprehensive program to: (1) improve student achievement; (2) improve preparation of prospective teachers and professional development for teachers; and (3) make higher education institutions accountable for preparing teachers. (Sec. 201) Makes States eligible to compete for Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants to institute State-level reforms to ensure that current and future teachers possess necessary teaching skills and academic content knowledge in the subject areas in which they are assigned to teach. Provides for one-time Teacher Training Partnership Grants to local partnerships that: (1) shall include a school of arts and sciences, a school or program of education, a local educational agency (LEA), and a kindergarten-through-grade-12 school; and (2) may include State education agencies (SEAs), pre-kindergarten programs, non-profit groups, businesses, or teacher organizations. Sets forth accountability requirements for Enhancement and Partnership grants. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the National Center for Education Statistics, to study and report to the Congress on the ways teachers are trained and the extent to which teachers in the United States and other comparable countries () including all participants in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)) are teaching in areas other than the teachers' field of study or expertise (out-of-field teaching). Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible partnerships of higher education institutions and LEAs serving underserved areas to award scholarships, and provide support and followup services, to students in a teacher preparation program, who shall within seven years of completing such program teach full-time for at least five years in a high-poverty school in an underserved geographic area, or repay the amount of the scholarship. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Institutional Aid - Revises HEA title III to give special consideration to applications for Strengthening Institutions grants which propose to acquire high technology equipment for use in strengthening funds management and academic programs. Allows institutions to use up to 20 percent of such grants to establish or increase an endowment fund. Requires a two-year wait-out-period between the receipt of consecutive five-year grants. Revises the definition of Hispanic-serving institution and allows such institutions to use up to 20 percent of part A grants to establish or expand an endowment fund. Encourages such institutions to collaborate with community-based organizations on certain projects. (Sec. 304) Allows Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to use up to 20 percent of part B grants to establish or expand an endowment fund. Revises requirements for eligible professional or graduate institutions to: (1) require matching funds from non-Federal sources only for grants in excess of a specified amount; and (2) allow spending for any qualified graduate program. (Sec. 305) Revises requirements for endowment challenge funds for institutions eligible for assistance under part A or part B. (Sec. 306) Revises, and transfers to title III part D, requirements for HBCU Capital Financing (currently under title VII part B). Includes administrative facilities, student centers, and student unions as capital projects. Authorizes the Secretary to sell guaranteed qualified bonds to any party offering the best terms. (Sec. 307) Revises, and transfers to title III part E, requirements for the Minority Science Improvement Program (currently Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Programs under title X part B). Includes the behavioral sciences under such program. (Sec. 308) Extends the authorization of appropriations for title III programs. Title IV: Student Assistance - Part A: Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education - Revises HEA title IV part A to repeal authority for: (1) Presidential Access Scholarships; (2) model program community partnership and counseling grants; (3) public information; (4) a National Student Savings Demonstration Program; (5) pre-eligibility forms; and (6) technical assistance for teachers and counselors. Repeals authority for special child care services for disadvantaged college students (but establishes a program of campus-based child care for low-income parents in postsecondary education). Repeals authority for the State postsecondary review program. (Sec. 412) Revises the Federal Pell Grant program to extend program authority and increase the Federal Pell Grant maximum awards. Changes the name of the program from Basic Education Opportunities Grants to the Federal Pell Grant program. Replaces the current mandatory 85 percent advance payments to institutions with an alternative system (to be determined by the Secretary) that provides accurate and timely Pell grant program payments to institutions. Revises Pell grant requirements pertaining to maximum and minimum grants. Limits the period of a student's eligibility to receive a Pell grant to 150 percent of the period normally required to complete a course of study (full-time or part-time, as appropriate), with exceptions for students with disabilities. Revises requirements relating to Pell grants for separate courses in English language proficiency. (Sec. 413) Revises requirements Federal Early Outreach and Student Services Programs (which include Federal Trio Programs and National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership Program, as well as programs added by this Act). Increases the minimum grant level for Federal TRIO programs. Revises procedures for awarding TRIO grants and contracts. Permits TRIO directors to administer more than one program for disadvantaged students. Extends the authorization of appropriations for TRIO programs. Includes in the Talent Search Program activities designed to acquaint youth with careers in which individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly underrepresented. Revises authorized activities in Upward Bound to include work-study positions where participating youth are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree. Allows those in such work-study positions to receive a $300 monthly stipend during June, July, and August. Requires the Secretary, in awarding Student Support Services grants to institutions, to consider the institution's efforts and past history in maintaining each student's loan burden at a manageable level when fulfilling the requirement of offering financial assistance to meet full financial need. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to TRIO project entities to work in partnership with non-TRIO entities to disseminate and replicate best practices of, and provide technical assistance for, TRIO projects. (Sec. 414) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership program. (Sec. 415) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Federal supplemental educational opportunity grants (SEOG) program. Eliminates a specific percentage requirement relating to use of SEOG funds for less-than-full-time or independent students. Revises the formula for distributing SEOG campus-based funds in excess of the base guarantee amounts by eliminating a pro rata requirement and allowing all such distribution to be based on fair share. Provides for carry-over and carry-back authority and reallocation with respect to an institution's SEOG funds. (Sec. 416) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Grants to States for State Student Incentives (SSIG) program. Establishes a Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP) for grants to States for a one-third Federal share of the cost of assisting eligible needy students by: (1) increasing the dollar amount of SSIG aid; (2) carrying out transition programs from secondary to postsecondary education; (3) making funds available for community service work-study activities; (4) creating a postsecondary scholarship program for those who wish to enter teaching; (5) creating a scholarship program for those who wish to enter a program of study leading to a degree in mathematics, computer science, or engineering; (6) carrying out early intervention, mentoring, and career education programs; and (7) awarding merit or academic scholarships. Sets forth requirements relating to Federal-State relationships and State agreements under the SSIG program. (Sec. 417) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the high school equivalency program (HEP) and the college assistance migrant program (CAMP) for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork. (Sec. 418) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. (Sec. 419) Establishes a campus-based child care program under a new subpart 7 (Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CAMPUS)). Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to assist them in providing campus-base child care services to low-income students. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Federal Family Education Loan Program - Revises HEA title IV part B (Federal Family Education Loan Program) with respect to advances to reserve funds. (Sec. 422) Requires each guaranty agency to establish and deposit specified funds for certain uses into a Federal Student Loan Reserve Fund, with such funds to be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or a State, or in other similarly low-risk securities selected by the guaranty agency. (Sec. 423) Requires each guaranty agency to establish and deposit specified funds for certain uses into an Agency Operating Fund, with such funds (except those transferred from the Reserve Fund) to be invested at the guaranty agency's discretion. (Sec. 424) Revises requirements regarding: (1) applicable interest rates for student loans; and (2) special allowances. (Sec. 425) Revises requirements for Federal payments to reduce student interest costs with respect to: (1) Federal interest subsidies; (2) insurance program agreements, including options for repayment plans; (3) guaranty agreements for reimbursing losses; (4) payments for the costs of certain activities; (5) lenders-of-last-resort; and (6) default aversion assistance. Repeals provisions for: (1) payment to guaranty agencies for lender referral services; and (2) a State share of default costs. (Sec. 426) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into voluntary flexible agreements with guaranty agencies. (Sec. 427) Revises provisions for Federal PLUS loans to parents to: (1) authorize the Secretary to specify additional eligibility criteria; and (2) make PLUS loan applicants subject to verification of immigration status and social security number. (Sec. 428) Revises requirements for Federal consolidation loans to exclude from eligibility for consolidating defaulted loans any borrowers from whom involuntary payments are secured through litigation or administrative wage garnishment. (Sec. 429) Revises conditions for multiple disbursements of student loans. Exempts institutions with low cohort default rates from certain disbursement and endorsement requirements. (Sec. 431) Revises requirements relating to eligible borrowers of unsubsidized Stafford loans. (Sec. 432) Repeals the demonstration program for loan forgiveness for nurses and individuals performing national community service (while retaining the program of loan forgiveness for teachers). (Sec. 433) Directs the Secretary to prescribe common application forms and promissory notes, or multiyear promissory notes, for student financial assistance. Allows guaranty agencies, borrowers, and lenders to use electronically printed versions of the common forms approved by the Secretary. (Sec. 434) Revises requirements for lender disclosure of student loan information to borrowers to permit disclosure by electronic means. (Sec. 435) Requires any institution appealing loss of eligibility to pay the Secretary, during the pendency of the appeal, the equivalent of interest, special allowance, reinsurance, and any related payments the Secretary makes (or is obligated to make) with respect to loans to attending students. Requires any institution exceeding the cohort default rate threshold percentage for two consecutive years to submit to the Secretary a satisfactory default management plan. Formulates a participation rate index. Exempts from loss of eligibility any institution whose participation rate index is equal to or less than 0.0375 for any of the three applicable indices. (Sec. 436) Prescribes requirements for delegation of functions by an eligible lender or guaranty agency. Repeals the authority of the government of the District of Columbia to establish a student loan insurance program. (Sec. 437) Revises requirements relating to the Secretary's collection of origination fees through deduction from interest and special allowance subsidies. (Sec. 438) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study, and report to specified congressional committees on, market-based mechanisms for determining student loan interest rates. Part C: Federal Work-Study Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriations for HEA title IV part C Federal Work-Study Programs. (Sec. 442) Revises work-study program grant requirements with respect to use of funds for independent and less-than-full time students. Sets the Federal share of work-study compensation for students employed in community service at not more than 90 percent. (Sec. 443) Revises requirements, and extends the authorization of appropriations, for work colleges. Part D: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program - Amends HEA title IV part D (William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program) to revise criteria for selection of institutions for Federal direct loan program participation and origination. (Sec. 452) Revises the formula for applicable interest rates for Federal direct student loans. (Sec. 453) Revises direct loan program requirements for contracts for origination, servicing, and data systems. (Sec. 454) Sets forth requirements regarding funds for administrative expenses. Revises the calculation basis for account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies. (Sec. 455) Sets forth requirements for cancellation of Stafford-Ford loans for teachers. Part E: Federal Perkins Loans - Amends HEA title IV part E (Federal Perkins Loans) to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Perkins Loan program. (Sec. 462) Revises requirements for: (1) allocation of funds; and (2) institutional default rate calculation and penalties. (Sec. 463) Revises requirements for agreements with institutions of higher education. Requires institutions to report at least annually to credit bureaus any changes to information previously disclosed. (Sec. 464) Revises terms and conditions of loans. Eliminates loans to students in institutions that do not have agreements with the Secretary. Provides for loans of up to $8,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study, and up to $10,000 for the first year of graduate study, for juniors who state in writing that they will study to become full-time elementary or secondary school teachers in schools meeting certain criteria. Sets forth conditions for discharge and rehabilitation of loans. Authorizes participating institutions of higher education to establish incentive repayment programs, with the Secretary's approval. (Sec. 465) Revises requirements for distribution of assets from student loan funds to extend the program. (Sec. 466) Repeals authority for a Perkins Loan Revolving Fund, and requires transfer of its funds to the Treasury. Part F: Need Analysis - Revises HEA title IV part F (Need Analysis) cost of attendance requirements to eliminate specified dollar ceilings on the cost of room and board. Increases income protection allowances for student and family contributions, requiring the Secretary to revise these allowances for each academic year. Replaces current requirements for student financial aid administrator adjustments to loan certifications for special circumstances with general authorization to refuse or adjust loan certifications, with written documentation. Part G: General Provisions - Revises or establishes HEA title IV part G General Provisions relating to: (1) compliance with a master calendar; (2) delay of effective date for late publications; (3) a common financial aid form; (4) use of applications via electronic forms; (5) payments for data; (6) a multiyear promissory note; (7) student eligibility (to include those who have met State requirements with respect to high school education in a home school setting); (8) verification of income data with the Internal Revenue Service; (10) institutional refunds; (11) institutional and financial assistance information for students; (12) electronic media for information dissemination and for exit counseling for borrowers; (13) disclosures required with respect to athletically related student aid; (14) disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics; (15) the national student loan data system; (16) training in financial aid services; (17) specified information on the costs of higher education; (18) program participation agreements; (19) regulatory relief and improvement; (20) distance education demonstration programs; (21) the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance; and (22) regional meetings and negotiated rulemaking. Part H: Program Integrity Triad - Revises HEA title IV part H (Program Integrity Triad) to replace authority for the State Postsecondary Review Program with requirements relating to State responsibilities and institutional responsibility. (Sec. 492) Revises, or establishes, program integrity requirements relating to: (1) standards for accrediting agency recognition; (2) operating procedures; (3) a single application form; (4) financial responsibility standards; (5) financial guarantees from owners; (6) applications and site visits; (7) eligibility time limitations and renewal; (8) provisional certification; (9) treatment of branches; (10) program review and data; and (11) special administrative rules. Part I: Administrative Provisions for Delivery of Student Financial Assistance - Establishes a performance-based organization (PBO) in the Department of Education to administer various functions relating to student financial assistance programs. (Sec. 495) Vests management of the PBO in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) appointed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary and the COO to develop an annual performance agreement for the PBO establishing measurable goals and objectives for the organization. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Graduate and Postsecondary Education Improvement - Sets forth a new HEA title V (Graduate and Postsecondary Education Improvement) programs to replace the current HEA title V (Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Development), hereby repealed. (Sec. 501) Transfers to title V (from current titles IX, X, and XI): (1) the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program; (2) Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need; (3) Urban Community Service; and (4) the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Part A: Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship program. (Sec. 511) Increases the amount of the payment to an institution with respect to each individual awarded a fellowship under such program. Revises requirements for award of such fellowships to limit eligibility to students who demonstrate financial need. Sets forth requirements for the process and timing of the fellowship competition. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer the program. Part B: Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need - Extends the authorization of appropriations for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need. (Sec. 521) Increases the amount of the payment to an institution with respect to each individual awarded a fellowship under such program. Revises requirements for designation of areas of national need and content of applications. Part C: Urban Community Service - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Urban Community Service grants program. (Sec. 531) Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicant eligible institutions that demonstrate commitment to urban community service. Part D: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, and for its grants for planning and special projects. (Sec. 541) Allows a greater number of technical employees. Includes among authorized special projects: (1) institutional restructuring to improve learning and promote cost efficiencies; (2) evaluation and dissemination of model programs; and (3) articulation between two-year and four-year institutions, including developing innovative methods to ensure the successful transfer of students. Part E: Higher Education Access for Students with Disabilities - Sets forth a new title V part F (Higher Education Access for Students with Disabilities). (Sec. 551) Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to higher education institutions to develop model programs to provide technical assistance, training, and professional development for faculty and administrators to teach effectively students with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to higher education institutions to disseminate their demonstrated exceptional programs for disabilities. Title VI: International Education Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriations for part A (International and Foreign Language Studies). (Sec. 601) Revises or establishes provisions for: (1) graduate and undergraduate national language and area centers and programs and authorized activities; (2) language resource centers; (3) incentives for new and existing undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs, and Federal share and use of funds for such programs; (4) research, studies, and reports; (5) selection of certain grant applicants; (6) equitable distribution of certain funds; (7) American overseas research centers; and (8) development grants for new such centers. (Sec. 602) Extends the authorization of appropriations for part B (Business and International Education Programs). Revises requirements for centers for international business education. (Sec. 603) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Institute for International Public Policy. Raises from one-fourth to one-half the non-Federal matching funds requirement for the minority foreign service professional development program. Requires the non-Federal contribution to be from private sector sources. Revises requirements for the study abroad program to extend the program to students completing the third year of study in the case of a summer abroad program. Provides for an institutional development program of grants to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled community colleges, and minority institutions, to strengthen their international affairs programs. (Sec. 604) Repeals provisions relating to preservation of pre-1992 programs. Title VII: Related Programs and Amendments to Other Laws - Part A: Indian Higher Education Programs - Amends the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 to rename it the Tribally Controlled College or University Act of 1978. (Sec. 711) Extends such Act's programs to colleges and universities. Increases the amount per Indian student of grants to such colleges and universities. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants, endowment, and economic development programs. (Sec. 712) Amends the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. Part B: Advanced Placement Fee Payment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to reimburse low-income individuals for the cost of advanced placement test fees. (This program is currently under the Higher Education Amendments of 1992.) (Sec. 721) Revises such program to: (1) encourage States to support advanced placement teacher training and related activities designed to increase the participation of low-income individuals; and (2) permit the use of up to five percent of funds to disseminate information about the availability of test fee payments. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program. Part C: Institute for Peace Act - Amends the United States Institute for Peace Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Institute. Part D: Community Scholarship Mobilization - Community Scholarship Mobilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award an endowment grant, on a competitive basis, to a national organization to support the establishment or ongoing work of regional, State or community program centers that foster development of local entities in high poverty areas to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary attendance through academic support services and postsecondary scholarship assistance. (Sec. 745) Directs the Secretary to award one or more such endowment grants pursuant to an agreement with a national association which requires that: (1) 70 percent of endowment fund interest income in any fiscal year be used to assist such centers; (2) 30 percent of such income in any fiscal year be used for scholarships for students from low-income families, to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis from funds raised by the local entities; and (3) at least 50 percent of all the interest income from the endowment be allocated to establish new local entities or support regional, State or community program centers in high poverty areas. (Sec. 746) Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out the program of Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders (currently under HEA title X part E). (Sec. 751) Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program. Part F: Education of the Deaf - Education of the Deaf Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Education of the Deaf Act (EDA) to: (1) require elementary and secondary programs to comply with certain requirements under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act; (2) revise requirements relating to agreements with Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID); and (3) revise requirements for audits, reports, investments, and international students. (Sec. 768) Extends the authorization of appropriations for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. (Sec. 769) Revises requirements for Federal endowment programs payments, and for withdrawals and expenditures. Extends the authorization of appropriations for Federal endowment programs (for Gallaudet University and NTID). (Sec. 771) Requires Gallaudet University and the NTID to: (1) establish and disseminate research priorities that reflect public input; and (2) submit reports to the Secretary of Education and specified congressional committees. (Sec. 772) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Gallaudet University and NTID programs under EDA. (Sec. 773) Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a Commission on the Education of the Deaf to identify those education-related factors in the lives of deaf individuals that: (1) result in barriers to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment; or (2) contribute to successful postsecondary education and employment experiences. Authorizes appropriations. Part G: Repeals - Repeals the following HEA provisions: (1) under title VII (Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic Facilities), part A (Improvement of Academic and Library Facilities), part C (Loans for Construction, Reconstruction and Renovation of Academic, Housing, and Other Educational Facilities), part D (College Construction Loan Insurance Association), and part E (General Provisions); (2) title VIII (Cooperative Education); (3) under title IX (Graduate Programs), part A (Grants to Institutions and Consortia to Encourage Women and Minority Participation in Graduate Education), part B (Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program), part E (Faculty Development Fellowship Program), part F (Assistance for Training in Legal Profession), and part G (Law School Clinical Experience Programs); (4) under title X (Postsecondary Improvement Programs), part B subpart 2 (Science and Engineering Access Programs), part C (Women and Minorities Science and Engineering Outreach Demonstration Program), and part D (Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Program); and (5) under title XI (Community Service Programs), part B (Innovative Projects). (Sec. 781) Repeals the following provisions under the Higher Education Amendments of 1992: (1) under title XIII (Indian Higher Education Programs), part E (Tribal Development Student Assistance Act), part F (American Indian Postsecondary Economic Development Scholarship), and part G (American Indian Teacher Training); (2) title XIV (Studies and Commissions); and (3) title XV (Related Programs and Amendments to Other Laws), including parts A (National Center for the Workplace), part B (National Clearinghouse for Postsecondary Education Materials), part C (School-Based Decisionmakers), part D (Grants for Sexual Offenses Education), and part E (Olympic Scholarships). Part H: Miscellaneous - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Education should: (1) assess immediately the extent of the risk to the operations of the student financial aid system posed by the year 2000 computer problem; (2) give the highest priority to correcting all two-digit date-related problems in the Department's computer systems to ensure that those systems continue to operate effectively in the year 2000 and beyond; and (3) develop contingency plans, with respect to the year 2000 computer problem, for those computer systems that the Department is unable to correct in time. (Sec. 791) Directs the Secretary of Education to report to specified congressional committees on the compliance status of all mission critical systems at the Department, as well as such contingency plans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of Options Program Title II: Expanded Availability of Health Care Services Title III: Demonstration Projects and Outreach Title IV: Miscellaneous Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Establishment of Options Program - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (OPTIONS Program for Working Individuals with Disabilities). Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to establish the OPTIONS program under which an eligible working individual with a disability and an SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) Options program participant shall receive, without being subjected to a waiting period, work incentive services under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to the extent the State in which the individual or participant resides makes such services available in accordance with title II of this Act, as well as work counseling and assistance. (Sec. 101) Requires an SSDI OPTIONS program participant to be provided, after having been entitled to receive cash benefits under the Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) program under SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) for at least 24 months (or having participated in the OPTIONS program for at least such period), with the opportunity to purchase Medicare hospital insurance benefits and supplementary medical insurance benefits for as long as the individual participates in the OPTIONS program. Requires such SSDI OPTIONS program participant to choose: (1) to waive DIB cash benefits and acquire average monthly earnings from substantial gainful activity in excess of the amount designated to represent such activity by the Commissioner; or (2) if at the time the individual first elects to participate in the OPTIONS program, he or she has received DIB cash benefits for at least 24 months, to not waive such benefits, and to continue to be subject to the limitation imposed by the Commission for other disability beneficiaries under DIB with respect to average monthly earnings from substantial gainful activity. Outlines continuing disability and other work-related reviews with regard to SSDI OPTIONS program participants, as well as the rules applicable to such program participants who choose to retain cash DIB benefits. Provides that if an SSDI OPTIONS program participant terminates his or her employment, the participant shall: (1) no longer be considered an SSDI OPTIONS program participant; and (2) be presumed automatically eligible for cash DIB benefits and hospital insurance benefits under OASDI, and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits under SSA title XVI and medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid), and any month in which the participant participated in the OPTIONS program shall be included in the determination of the 24-month period required for hospital insurance benefits under OASDI. Such a participant shall continue to be eligible for work incentive services under a State work options program only to the extent that the individual's State of residence offers such services and the participant otherwise qualifies for them. Makes appropriations to carry out the OPTIONS program, except for work incentive counseling and assistance program components, which are to be funded out of amounts available for the OASDI and SSI programs. (Sec. 102) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner to establish a community-based work incentive counseling and assistance program under which the Commissioner shall enter into agreements to provide counseling and assistance to eligible working individuals with a disability and SSDI OPTIONS program participants. Requires such agreements to be made with States and public and private agencies and organizations other than Social Security Administration Field Offices that the Commissioner determines have experience in providing rehabilitation services or independent living and social services to working individuals with disabilities, and are qualified to provide counseling and assistance in accordance with specified requirements. Title II: Expanded Availability of Health Care Services - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for a State Work Options Program for States that elect through a plan amendment to provide work incentive services to qualified eligible working individuals with a disability and to work eligible individuals. Provides for certain limitations on premiums and cost-sharing under such program. Gives priority under such program for personal assistance services to 16- through 25-year-old work eligible individuals. (Sec. 201) Requires a State to provide a choice of provider models for receiving personal assistance services. Prohibits payment under the program for any work incentive services provided to an eligible participant who is also eligible for: (1) health benefits coverage offered by the individual's employer; or (2) any other coverage or payment available for such services, including a vocational rehabilitation program. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for an extension of Medicare Hospital Insurance and Supplementary Medical Insurance for SSDI OPTIONS Program participants. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for disclosure of taxpayer return information to the Social Security Administration for purposes of collecting premiums for SSDI OPTIONS Program participants receiving extended Medicare benefits. Title III: Demonstration Projects and Outreach - Amends the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 to provide for an extension of disability insurance program demonstration project authority to include any group of participants with impairments that reasonably may be presumed to be disabled. (Sec. 301) Amends SSA title XI to prescribe requirements for consideration of demonstration project waivers to reduce work disincentives for individuals with disabilities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services should establish additional demonstration projects to assist individuals with disabilities to engage in work. (Sec. 302) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to establish and conduct directly, or through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements, an ongoing program of outreach to individuals with disabilities who are potentially eligible to participate in the OPTIONS program or to engage in substantial gainful activity under SSI, and to the families of such individuals. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) prepare and disseminate information explaining the OPTIONS program and the opportunity to engage in substantial gainful activity; and (2) work in cooperation with other Federal, State, and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve disabled individuals, and with agencies and organizations that focus on vocational rehabilitation and work-related training and counseling. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report jointly to the Congress their recommendations for any administrative or legislative changes, including changes to the OPTIONS program for working individuals with disabilities, that they determine would be appropriate to reduce work disincentives for individuals with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
Enhanced Savings Opportunities Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit maximum employee contributions to a defined contribution plan to be the lesser of either $30,000 or the participant's compensation, rather than the lesser of $30,000 or 25 percent of the participant's compensation. Makes conforming amendments regarding tax-exempt, educational, and State and local employee annuity plans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1998
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to examine, and include in the Department of Veterans Affairs Ionizing Radiation Registry Program, any veteran who received nasopharyngeal radium irradiation treatments while serving on active duty. Directs the Secretary to provide hospital care and outpatient or ambulatory care, and authorizes the Secretary to provide nursing home care, to such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1998
Child Support Performance Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make incentive payments to States, according to specified formulae, with respect to their performance in paternity establishment and child support order enforcement, including cost-effectiveness. (Sec. 2) Instructs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the implementation of such incentive payment system (especially on variations in State performance attributable to demographic or economic variables); and (2) the development of a performance measure based on State effectiveness in establishing and enforcing child medical support obligations (including recommendations for incorporating such measure into the incentive payment system in a revenue neutral manner). Requires the Secretary to implement recommendations in such reports, unless they are disapproved by a joint resolution of Congress enacted according to specified procedures. Repeals the predecessor incentive payment system. (Sec. 3) Requires the director of the Department of Health and Human Resources unit dealing with child support and establishment of paternity to: (1) ensure that data required for the operation of State programs is complete and reliable by providing Federal guidance, technical assistance, and monitoring; (2) develop jointly with the Secretary of Labor a National Standardized Medical Support Notice (Notice) for State enforcement of medical support orders, as well as appropriate procedures for State agency transmittal of the Notice to employers; (3) establish with the Secretary of Labor a medical support working group to identify impediments to effective enforcement of medical support by State agencies and recommend appropriate measures to address such impediments; and (4) promulgate implementing regulations. (Sec. 4) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which all child support orders include child health care coverage that is enforced through use of the Notice. Prescribes enforcement guidelines for enrollment of the child in the health care coverage of the noncustodial parent's employer, as well as mandatory paycheck contributions by such parent to pay for such coverage. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to declare such Notice a qualified medical child support order with which a plan administrator must comply. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report to certain congressional committees any recommendations for legislation to improve the effectiveness and enforcement of qualified medical child support orders under ERISA.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1998
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses gratitude to, and calls upon all Americans to show their gratitude to, John McCain and the men who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and for the return of Senator McCain to the United States; and (2) will not forget that more than 2,000 members of the armed forces remain unaccounted for from such conflict and will continue to press for the fullest accounting for such members.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1998
Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish a Tropical Forest Facility in the Department of the Treasury to provide for the administration of debt reduction in accordance with this Act. Makes eligible for Facility benefits developing countries with tropical forests that: (1) meet certain requirements applicable to Latin American and Caribbean countries for eligibility for Enterprise for the Americas Facility benefits; and (2) have put in place major investment reforms, as evidenced by the conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty with the United States, implementation of an investment sector loan with the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank-supported investment reforms, or other appropriate measures. Authorizes the President to: (1) reduce debt owed to the United States (outstanding as of January 1, 1998) by eligible countries as a result of concessional loans made under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation or credits extended under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954; and (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any concessional loans or credits or, on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser, reduce or cancel such loans or credits (or portion thereof), only for the purpose of facilitating a debt-for-nature swap or debt buyback (by an eligible country of its own qualified debt) to support activities to preserve or restore tropical forests. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into a Tropical Forest Agreement with any eligible country concerning the operation and use of the Tropical Forest Fund which any eligible country must establish in order to receive payments of interest on new obligations issued under this Act. Requires the use of Funds to provide grants to preserve, maintain, and restore tropical forests in beneficiary countries. Provides that grants shall be made to: (1) nongovernmental environmental, conservation, and indigenous peoples organizations in beneficiary countries; (2) other appropriate local or regional entities; and (3) governments of such countries, in exceptional circumstances. Makes grants of more than $100,000 subject to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Directs the Enterprise for the Americas Board established under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (in addition to its other required duties) to: (1) advise the Secretary of State on the negotiations of Tropical Forest Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of each administering body. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Professions Education and Financial Assistance Programs Subtitle A: Health Professions Education Programs Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Development Subtitle C: Financial Assistance Title II: Office of Minority Health Title III: Selected Initiatives Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Professions Education Partnerships Act of 1998 - Title I: Health Professions Education and Financial Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Health Professions Education Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to the training of health personnel from disadvantaged backgrounds with provisions mandating grants for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minority individuals, including to develop large applicant pools, enhance academic performance, train, recruit, and retain faculty, improve resources and curricula, and facilitate research. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to specified types of health professions schools for scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a financial need for a scholarship, with grant priority based on the proportion of graduates going into primary care, the proportion of underrepresented minority students, and the proportion of graduates working in medically underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a program of contracts for educational loan repayment (for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds) in return for service as faculty members at specified types of health professions schools. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants and contracts to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty members. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants and contracts to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession and for scholarships for health professions education. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions relating to obligated service regarding certain programs. (Sec. 102) Repeals provisions relating to area health education center programs. Modifies provisions relating to training in family medicine by adding: (1) references to internal medicine and general pediatrics; (2) provisions regarding the training of physician assistants; and (3) provisions regarding programs of general or pediatric dentistry. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions regarding: (1) training in internal medicine, general pediatrics, general dentistry, physician assistants, and podiatric medicine; and (2) traineeships, fellowships, and the amount of grants. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry. (Sec. 103) Replaces provisions relating to training in certain health professions with provisions requiring that, in order to receive assistance under the amendments made by this section, an academic institution use the assistance in collaboration with two or more disciplines. Requires the recipient to carry out innovative demonstration projects for strategic workforce supplementation to meet national goals for interdisciplinary, community-based linkages. Mandates grants and contracts for area health education center programs meeting certain objectives, including recruiting and training health professionals from and for underserved areas and underserved populations. Requires that, in order to be eligible for funds under this paragraph, a health education training center be an entity otherwise eligible for funds under the paragraph immediately above and meet other specified requirements, including addressing persistent and severe unmet health care needs in States bordering the United States and Mexico, in Florida, and other areas. Requires that funding be made available. Mandates grants and contracts for the establishment or operation of geriatric education centers. Authorizes grants and contracts for geriatric training projects to train physicians, dentists, and behavioral and mental health professionals who plan to teach geriatric medicine, geriatric behavioral or mental health, or geriatric dentistry. Mandates a program to provide Geriatric Academic Career Awards to promote the career development of individuals as academic geriatricians. Requires Award recipients to provide clinical geriatrics training. Authorizes grants or contracts to help fund interdisciplinary training projects involving: (1) training health practitioners for rural areas; (2) demonstrating cost-effective comprehensive health care; (3) delivering rural health care; (4) enhancing rural health care research; and (5) recruiting and retaining practitioners from rural areas and making rural practice more attractive. Allows the use of student stipends, post-doctoral fellowships, faculty training, and the purchase or rental of transportation and telecommunication equipment. Authorizes grants or contracts for: (1) expanding or establishing programs to increase the number of allied health professionals; (2) projects in preventive and primary care training for podiatric physicians in residency programs providing traineeships; and (3) demonstration projects involving collaboration between chiropractors and physicians to identify and provide effective treatment for spinal and lower back conditions. Mandates establishment of the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this section. (Sec. 104) Replaces provisions relating to special training projects with provisions authorizing grants or contracts for information collection, analysis, research, and the development of a non-Federal analytic and research infrastructure, all related to the health professions workforce, related issues, and future directions. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Health Professions Education Extension Amendments of 1992 to extend the dates for the final report and termination of the Council on Graduate Medical Education. Allows amounts otherwise appropriated under specified provisions to be used to support the Council's activities. Transfers the amended provisions to the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 105) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants or contracts: (1) to increase the public health workforce and enhance its quality and ability to meet health care needs; and (2) for the operation of public health training centers. Authorizes grants for graduate or specialized training in public health, to assist in providing traineeships in health professions fields in which there is a severe shortage of health professionals. Authorizes grants and contracts for residency programs in preventive medicine and dental public health and related financial assistance to residency trainees. Authorizes grants for: (1) traineeships in health administration, hospital administration, or health policy analysis and planning; and (2) related preparation of students for employment with public or nonprofit private entities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this section. (Sec. 106) Repeals or removes provisions of the Public Health Service relating to: (1) research on certain health professions issues; (2) chiropractic demonstration projects; (3) the submission of specified information in conjunction with applications for grants or contracts; and (4) the development and publication of certain statistics, the handling of certain personal data, and the submission of certain reports. Imposes new application requirements and lists permitted uses of funds. Requires competitive awarding of grants and contracts. Adds professional counselors to the list of health professions personnel about whom information may be collected and analyzed. (Sec. 107) Requires that programs that have graduated less than three classes be given funding priority if they meet certain criteria relating to serving underserved populations or underserved communities. (Sec. 108) Adds references to behavioral health and to counseling to various generally applicable to health professions education provisions. Includes in the definition of "medically underserved community" an area or population designated by a State governor as a shortage area or medically underserved community. Modifies the definition of "program for the training of physician assistants." Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Development - Nursing Education and Practice Improvement Act of 1998 - Replaces Public Health Service Act title VIII (Nurse Education) (except provisions relating to student loans, the loan repayment program, and sex discrimination) with a new title on nursing workforce development. Requires that grants and contracts be awarded competitively. Authorizes grants and contracts to: (1) enhance advanced practice nursing education and practice and traineeships for individuals in advanced practice nursing programs; (2) increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing scholarships or stipends, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities; and (3) strengthen capacity for basic nurse education and practice. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice. Subtitle C: Financial Assistance - Chapter 1: School-Based Revolving Loan Funds - Modifies requirements: (1) schools must (in order to participate in the student loan program under specified provisions) meet regarding the percentages of graduates going into primary care; and (2) regarding student noncompliance with loan agreements. Removes a requirement for an annual report to specified congressional committees regarding administration of provisions relating to student loan funds in the context of medical schools and primary care. (Sec. 132) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds under provisions relating to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Repeals the authorization effective October 1, 2002. (Sec. 133) Allows loan repayment to be extended for up to ten years in specified circumstances. Increases minimum principal and interest payments. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provisions of Federal or State law, any limit on the period within which a nursing school may seek repayment. Specifies the consequences (applicable if so provided in the agreement) imposed on default concerning an agreement to provide service in consideration for an award of Federal funds regarding nursing education. (Sec. 134) Modifies provisions controlling the maximum limit on a loan made to a student for a school year. Allows repayment to be made over ten to 25 (currently, over ten) years, at the option of the institution. Increases minimum principal and interest payments. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provisions of Federal or State law, any limit on the period within which a nursing school may seek repayment. Sets a deadline for obligation of amounts from student loan funds under certain provisions that are returned to the Secretary by health professions schools. Chapter 2: Insured Health Education Assistance Loans to Graduate Students - Authorizes loan payment deferral for up to three years while the borrower is providing health care services to Indians through an Indian health program. Removes a requirement that the Office for Health Education Assistance Loan Default Reduction submit an annual report to specified congressional committees. Allows collection of loan balances after the borrower's death. Limits the maximum annual dollar amount of a loan to a student in a graduate program in behavioral and mental health practice, including clinical psychology, and includes institutions offering such programs in the definition of "eligible institution." (Sec. 142) Removes provisions mandating performance standards for lenders and holders of loans. Allows Federal payment of the loan after default, unless the lender, holder, or servicer has a compliance performance rating under 97 percent, in which case payment must be made at 98 percent of the loss. (Sec. 143) Sets forth maximum limits for specified fiscal years on the total principal amount of new loans made and installments paid pursuant to lines of credit to borrowers covered by Federal loan insurance under provisions relating to insured health education assistance loans to graduate students. (Sec. 144) Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law, an insured loan to be discharged in bankruptcy. (Current law allows such discharge, but makes no reference to other provisions of law.) (Sec. 145) Prohibits construing specified provisions as prohibiting refinancing of a single loan. Title II: Office of Minority Health - Modifies the duties of the Office of Minority Health. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. Requires that grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts be awarded on a competitive basis. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for the Office; and (2) to enable the National Center for Health Statistics to collect data on Hispanics and American Indians and to develop special area population studies on major Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Locates the Office in the Office of Public Health and Science (currently, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health). Title III: Selected Initiatives - Amends provisions relating to grants to States for operation of offices of rural health to remove a requirement that non-Federal matching funds be in cash. Extends the authorization of appropriations. Increases the dollar appropriation level after which additional grants are prohibited. (Sec. 302) Removes the minimum and maximum limits on the number of grants to States for certain programs concerning Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Allows respite care under such programs to be provided to individuals living in single family homes or in congregate settings. Allows grant funds to be used to improve access to home-based or community-based long-term care services. Removes a grant duration limitation. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 303) Extends the authorization of appropriations for immunization program grants for no-charge immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults (currently, for individuals). Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Deems active service of Public Health Service commissioned officers to be active military service in the U.S. armed forces for purposes of all laws regarding discrimination on the basis of race and other specified factors. Authorizes leave without pay status for attendance at an educational institution or training program when it is in the best interest of the Service. Declares that provisions mandating confidentiality of certain substance abuse records do not apply to any interchange of records within the uniformed services (currently, within the armed forces). (Sec. 403) Requires that a person who has received a clinical traineeship in counseling under specified provisions serve for specified periods. (Sec. 404) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for screenings, referrals, and education regarding lead poisoning. (Sec. 405) Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for the prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis. Authorizes the set-aside of a specified percentage (currently, a specified dollar amount) for areas with a substantial number of, or a substantial rate of increase in, cases. (Sec. 406) Authorizes establishment of technical and scientific peer review groups and scientific program advisory committees as needed to carry out the functions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Sec. 407) Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions regarding grants for community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence. Provides for a study of the training needs of health professionals concerning the detection and referral of victims of family or acquaintance violence. (Sec. 408) Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants for programs to increase the availability of primary health services in health professional shortage areas. (Sec. 409) Allows reservation of up to $2.5 million (currently, requires reservation of $5 million) for construction, renovation, or other improvement of regional centers for primate research. (Sec. 410) Allows a grant or cooperative agreement (currently, a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract), the direct cost of which exceeds $50,000, to be made only if it is recommended after peer review and by the appropriate advisory council. (Sec. 411) Extends the authorizations of appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to trauma care and to health information and health promotion. (Sec. 413) Limits grants for emergency medical services for children to three years with an optional fourth year (currently, to two years). Allows only three (currently, one) grant in a State per fiscal year. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 414) Amends the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993 to remove provisions requiring that entities receiving funds under that Act comply with specified provisions of the Act popularly known as the Buy American Act. (Sec. 415) Amends Public Health Service Act provisions relating to the determination of the amount of grants to States to improve the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease to list the Virgin Islands and Guam with States. (Currently, they are listed with U.S. territories. Listing them with States changes the formula used for determining the amount of grants.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for programs regarding diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates a program of education of health professionals and the public concerning DES. (Sec. 102) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) research on osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) the National Cancer Institute; (3) breast cancer programs; and (4) programs on ovarian and other cancers of the reproductive system of women. (Sec. 104) Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute regarding heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Institute on Aging. (Sec. 106) Requires that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Women's Health. Title II: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Program of Cancer Registries. (Sec. 203) Requires that certain breast and cervical cancer programs be carried out through public or private (currently, public or nonprofit private) entities. Extends authorizations of appropriations for various preventive health measures relating to breast and cervical cancers. (Sec. 204) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for: (1) centers for research and demonstration regarding health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1998
Copyright Compulsory License Improvement Act - Amends Federal copyright law to revise provisions regarding limitations on exclusive rights and secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing. Replaces such provisions with provisions that make certain secondary transmissions by satellite carriers of primary transmissions made by television broadcast stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) satellite feed that embody a performance or display of a work subject to statutory licensing. Makes conforming changes to apply to such satellite carriers certain provisions regarding the submission of subscriber lists and penalties for noncompliance with accounting and royalty requirements, willful alterations of programming, and unlawful discrimination against distributors. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions regarding the deposit of a statement of accounts and royalty fees by such satellite carriers to make submitted information apply to television broadcast stations whose signals were retransmitted and the PBS satellite feed (currently, to superstations and network stations). Retains existing provisions regarding the investment of fees and the persons to whom the fees are distributed. Requires claims for statutory licensing fees to be submitted to, and determinations of controversy to be made by, the Copyright Royalty Adjudication Board, an entity established by this Act (currently, by the Librarian of Congress). (Sec. 4) Revises and adds certain definitions to reflect changes made by this Act. Defines "secondary transmission" as the further transmitting of a primary transmission simultaneously with the primary transmission. (Sec. 5) Provides that no other law or copyright provision shall be construed to contain any authorization, exemption, or license through which secondary transmissions by satellite carriers for private home viewing of programming contained in a primary transmission may be made without obtaining the copyright owner's consent. (Sec. 7) Replaces provisions regarding copyright arbitration royalty panels with those establishing the Copyright Royalty Adjudication Board within the Copyright Office, to consist of administrative copyright judges. Grants the Board independence in reaching its determinations concerning the adjustment of copyright royalty rates, the distribution of copyright royalties, the acceptance or rejection of royalty claims and rate adjustment petitions, and such rulemaking functions as delegated. Sets forth factors for determining royalty fees and provisions regarding the institution and conduct of proceedings by the Board. Transfers certain authorities of the Librarian of Congress with respect to such proceedings to the Board. Applies existing language regarding judicial review to Board decisions on rate adjustments or royalty distributions. (Sec. 8) Continues certain existing proceedings for which a copyright arbitration royalty panel has been convened. (Sec. 9) Removes a provision which allows certain copyright owners or public broadcasting entities to submit to the Librarian proposed licenses covering the terms and rates of royalty payments and the division of fees among owners with respect to the use of works in noncommercial broadcasting. Extends the deadline for concluding the initial procedure for negotiations and agreements between such parties to December 31, 2002. Removes a provision which allows owners of copyright in nondramatic literary works and public broadcasting entities to agree among themselves during the course of voluntary negotiations to the terms and rates of royalty payments without liability under the antitrust laws. Replaces certain provisions which permit arbitration of disputes between copyright owners and manufacturers, importers, or distributors of digital audio recording or digital audio interface devices with those that require adjudication of such disputes by the Board. (Sec. 11) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the list of retransmissions exempt from a prohibition on retransmission of broadcasting station signals by cable systems or other multichannel video programming distributors to include the retransmission: (1) of the signal of a superstation by a satellite carrier to subscribers for private home viewing if the originating station was a superstation on January 1, 1998; (2) of the signal of a station that is owned or operated by, or affiliated with, a broadcasting network directly to a home satellite antenna if the household receiving the signal is located in an area in which such station may not assert its rights not to have its signal duplicated under FCC network nonduplication regulations; or (3) by a cable operator or multichannel video programming distributor of a superstation signal if such signal was obtained from a satellite carrier and the originating station was a superstation on January 1, 1998 (currently, May 1, 1991). (Sec. 12) Requires satellite carriers providing direct to home service of a network station to subscribers located within the local market of such station to carry all television broadcast stations located within that local market. Provides that a carrier shall not be required to carry local station signals that substantially duplicate the signal of another local station which is secondarily transmitted by the carrier or to carry the signals of more than one local station affiliated with a particular broadcast network. Bars satellite carriers from accepting or requesting monetary payment or other valuable consideration in exchange for carriage of such stations or for channel positioning rights provided to such stations. Establishes remedies for local stations that believe a carrier has failed to meet obligations under this Act, including the filing of complaints with the FCC. (Sec. 13) Directs the FCC to establish regulations that apply network nonduplication protection, syndicated exclusivity protection, and sports blackout protection to the retransmission of broadcast signals by satellite carriers to subscribers for private home viewing. Requires such regulations to allow a television broadcast station in any local market to assert nonduplication rights against: (1) a satellite carrier throughout the local market if such carrier retransmits the signal of another station within such market to subscribers; or (2) all satellite carriers within the zone in which the station may be received over-the-air, using conventional consumer television receiving equipment (but such zone shall not extend beyond such local market). Provides that until such regulations are established, the current statutory license for secondary transmissions of primary transmissions of programming contained in a primary transmission made by a network station shall be limited to secondary transmissions to persons who reside in unserved households, notwithstanding the amendments to statutory license provisions made by this Act.
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 · 3 March 1998
Pell Grant Dependent Care Act of 1998 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase from $750 to $1,500 the dependent care allowance used to calculate Pell Grant awards.
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
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
Economic Development Partnership Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (the Act) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to cooperate with States and other entities to assure that Federal economic development programs are compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development strategies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide appropriate technical assistance to such entities in order to alleviate economic distress, encourage partnerships for economic development strategies, and stimulate modernization and technological advances in the generation and commercialization of goods and services; and (2) prescribe regulations for intergovernmental review of proposed economic development projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into appropriate economic development agreements with two or more adjoining States. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a National Public Advisory Committee on Regional Economic Development to make recommendations to the Secretary, including regarding the coordination of activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients (defined later under this Act) for acquisition or development of land improvements for public works, public service, or development facility usage, as well as the acquisition, design and engineering, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such facilities. Provides assistance conditions relating to the establishment of industrial or commercial plants and the increase of employment in the area. Prohibits more than 15 percent of the appropriations made for such assistance from being expended in any one State. Allows grants to be increased due to construction cost increases. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for economic development planning and related administrative expenses. Requires such planning to be a continuous process and to be prepared as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the area involved. Requires State certification of an economic development plan's consistency with local and economic development district plans. Provides a Federal cost-share limit of 50 percent of project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary grants for a project for which the applicant is eligible but for which the applicant cannot supply the required matching share. Provides supplementary grant conditions and requirements, authorizing the Secretary to reduce or waive the required non-Federal share in such cases. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for training, research, and technical assistance for alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment. Allows such grants to include amounts for relocation assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for public facilities, public services, business development, planning, technical assistance, training and other assistance which demonstrably furthers the economic adjustment objectives of the Act. Allows such grant to be used in either direct expenditures by the recipient or through redistribution to other public and private entities, but prohibits any such redistribution to a private profit-making entity. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) approve the use of grant funds for projects the scope or purpose for which changes after the grant has been made; (2) use funds for projects constructed for less than the projected costs to improve such projects; and (3) make assistance available for projects to be carried out at a military or Department of Energy installation. Prohibits any assistance under the Act which would produce unfair commercial competition. Requires reports from grant and assistance recipients. Defines as an eligible recipient for purposes of this Act an area that: (1) has a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average or an unemployment rate one percent above such average; (2) has experienced or is about to experience a sudden economic dislocation resulting in significant job losses; (3) is a community or neighborhood which has a large concentration of low-income individuals, substantial out-migration, or substantial unemployment; (4) has long-term economic deterioration; (5) has a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment; (6) contains a population of 250,000 or less with growth potential; or (7) is experiencing severe out-migration. Requires from recipients: (1) documentation of meeting such criteria; and (2) evidence of a comprehensive economic development strategy which identifies the economic problems to be addressed through such assistance, as well as related information. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to plan and carry out economic development projects of broader geographic significance, to designate appropriate economic development districts and economic development centers within such districts. Provides geographic, population, and other requirements with respect to each such designation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for the termination of such districts and centers. Authorizes the Secretary to increase by up to ten percent of project costs the amount of grant assistance otherwise provided in the Act for projects within designated districts. Requires each designated district to provide to the Appalachian Regional Commission a copy of such district's comprehensive economic development strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to a district area which does not meet the requirements of an eligible recipient under the Act when such assistance will be of substantial direct benefit to a qualifying area in such district. Directs the Secretary to administer this Act with the assistance of an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Directs the Secretary to serve as a central information clearinghouse on all matters relating to economic development and adjustment, disaster recovery, and defense conversion programs and activities of Federal and State governments and to help applicants for such assistance. Requires appropriate consultation with other persons and agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish procurement divisions of the Federal Government with a list of business firms located in distressed areas which desire Government supplies and services contracts. Imposes penalties upon persons who: (1) make false statements in order to obtain assistance under the Act; and (2) embezzle or commit other fraud-related crimes while connected in any capacity with the Secretary in the administration of the Act. Sets forth: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions; and (2) recordkeeping requirements for the Secretary and recipients regarding assistance under this Act. Provides that assistance under the Act shall supplement and not supplant other Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2002. Authorizes additional appropriations for defense conversion activities and disaster economic recovery activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Regulation of Tobacco Products and Tobacco Product Development Title II: National Efforts to Reduce Youth Smoking Title III: Standards to Reduce Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Preventing Addiction to Smoking Among Teens Act (or PAST Act) - States as national goals that the average annual incidence of daily use of tobacco products by individuals under 18 years of age (minors) be reduced: (1) by 30 percent during the fifth and sixth calendar years after the enactment of this Act; (2) by 50 percent during the seventh, eighth, and ninth calendar years thereafter; and (3) by at least 60 percent during the tenth and subsequent years thereafter. Makes the above reduction 25, 35, and 45 percent, respectively, during such periods with respect to smokeless tobacco products. Title I: Regulation of Tobacco Products and Tobacco Product Development - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to include as prohibited activities: (1) the introduction into interstate commerce of any tobacco product that does not comply with health and safety regulatory requirements prescribed pursuant to this Act; and (2) the failure by the manufacturer of a tobacco product to comply with a health risk management standard, a good manufacturing practice standard, or a product labeling, warning, or packaging standard prescribed pursuant to this Act. Subjects tobacco product facilities to inspections under such Act. Adds a new FDCA chapter concerning health and safety regulatory requirements for tobacco products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) receive, assess, and provide appropriate confidentiality regarding certain health information submitted by each manufacturer or importer of tobacco products; (2) develop and implement with respect to such products health risk reduction standards, good manufacturing practice standards, and product labeling, warning, and packaging standards; (3) enforce and revise the labeling, warning, and packaging standards; (4) develop and implement tobacco product reduced risk and marketing standards; (5) establish and oversee a tobacco products scientific advisory committee which shall provide advice on the establishment of tobacco product marketing standards; and (6) submit reports to the Congress evaluating the effectiveness of such chapter and this Act. Requires each manufacturer or importer of tobacco products to submit to the Secretary specified product information, including ingredients, substances, and compounds, nicotine content, and scientific and marketing research activities and findings. Requires such information to be updated on an annual basis. Provides for the confidentiality of such information. Allows a manufacturer to petition the Secretary for a partial exemption from such requirements based upon a trade secret, with a required petition determination procedure. Directs the Secretary to establish tobacco product health risk reduction standards. Authorizes the Secretary to amend or revoke such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to adopt a standard that requires the modification of a tobacco product that involves the gradual reduction of nicotine, the reduction or elimination of other harmful ingredients, substances, and compounds, and changes to reduce the likelihood of cigarette-induced fires. Requires standards adopted to have as their objective the reduction of overall health risk to the public. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating the authority to promulgate a regulation that results in a general prohibition of a class of tobacco products or the elimination of nicotine. Directs the Congress to review, and authorizes it to disapprove of, any rule establishing, amending, or revoking a standard. Requires adopted standards to include the assessment of health risks posed by the components of tobacco, including nicotine and tar, and by tobacco use, including carbon monoxide. Requires each tobacco manufacturer to submit to the Secretary a health risk assessment for each ingredient, substance, or compound of each tobacco product of such manufacturer. Allows such assessment to be carried out by a third party organization on behalf of one or more manufacturers. Allows the Secretary to prohibit the use of any ingredient, substance, or compound in a tobacco product if no assessment has been submitted within 12 months after enactment of this Act. Provides for the review and approval or disapproval of such assessments. Directs the Secretary to require that the methods, facilities, and controls used in the manufacture, packaging, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practices. Directs the Secretary to establish a Tobacco Product Requirements Waiver Board to provide advice and make recommendations with respect to the approval or disapproval of petitions for an exemption or variance from such conformance requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, package, or import for sale or distribution any cigarettes the package of which fails to bear one of nine specified statements as to the harm or dangers posed by cigarette use. Requires one such statement to be used in any cigarette advertising. Requires such statements to appear on the upper portion of the front panel of the cigarette package and to occupy no less than 25 percent of such panel. Outlines related labeling requirements, with exceptions, for cigarette packaging and advertising. Requires the quarterly rotation of labeling statements. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes and small cigars on any medium of electronic communications, subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, package, or import any smokeless tobacco product the package of which fails to bear one of four specified statements as to the harm or dangers posed by such use. Outlines labeling, advertising, and rotation requirements similar to those provided for cigarettes, above, including a prohibition on advertising. Requires all manufacturers of tobacco products (regular and smokeless) to include on their product a general use statement to the effect that use of such product is intended only for persons 18 years of age and older. Prohibits, with respect to all tobacco products: (1) any form of outdoor advertising, including in stadiums or arenas; (2) the use of human images or cartoons in advertising; (3) advertising on the Internet; and (4) point-of-sale advertising (with certain exceptions and limitations). Provides general restrictions concerning the use of product names. Prohibits payments from being made by a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer for the placement of any tobacco product package or advertisement: (1) as a prop in any television program or motion picture; or (2) in a video or on a video game machine. Prohibits such payments from being made to promote the image or use of such products through print or film media that appeals to individuals under 18 years old or through a live performance by an entertainment artist that appeals to such individuals. Requires (with exceptions) tobacco product labeling and advertising to use only black text on a white background. Prohibits tobacco product manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers from marketing, licensing, distributing, or selling any item other than such product which bears the same brand name or other recognizable symbol of such product. Prohibits the use of gifts, contests, and lotteries in conjunction with the sale of tobacco products. Prohibits the use of tobacco brand names for the sponsorship of events, but allows the use of the corporate name under certain conditions. Allows a product to be designated by the Secretary as a reduced risk tobacco product if such product delivers a substantially lower yield of toxic substances than that delivered by conventional tobacco products. Outlines application, research, and marketing requirements for the reduced risk products. Requires a manufacturer to provide written notice to the Secretary upon the development or acquisition of any technology that would reduce the health risk of such products. Authorizes the Secretary, upon a determination of a reduced health risk of a product, to require: (1) the disclosure and use of the technology providing such reduced risk; and (2) that manufacturers cease manufacturing and marketing products not incorporating such technology. Directs the Secretary to implement specified restrictions on the marketing of tobacco products to minors, including: (1) prohibitions against retailer distribution of such products to minors, out-of-package distribution, distritution of free samples, or distribution through a vending machine or self-service display; and (2) requirements for photo identification of purchasers under age 27 and for face-to-face transactions. Allows a tobacco product to be distributed through the mail if there is a procedure for verifying that minors are not receiving the mailed products (with a required review of such procedure by the Secretary within two years after enactment of this Act). Directs the Secretary to establish the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to: (1) assist in establishing, amending, or revoking a regulation required in prior provisions of this Act; (2) examine and make recommendations concerning nicotine yield levels; and (3) review other safety, dependence, or health issues relating to tobacco products. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress biennial reports concerning: (1) current sales, advertising, and marketing practices for tobacco products; (2) tobacco product use, especially among individuals under 18 years old; and (3) certain health issues related to tobacco product use. Allows any person adversely affected by any regulation adopted under this Act to file with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals or any appropriate Federal circuit court a petition for review. Provides review procedures. Allows the Secretary to use certain fees required of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers under this Act for the regulation and control of tobacco products. Requires the Secretary to set the total yearly collected fees at $100 million. Allows the adoption of State and local product regulatory laws that are in addition to, or more stringent than, requirements established under this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Directs the Secretary, after certain consultation, to establish and implement a Federal tobacco licensing program to be applied to entities that sell or distribute tobacco products to military installations, U.S. embassies, other Federal entities, and duty-free shops. Treats Indian tribes and lands as a State for purposes of such program. Title II: National Efforts to Reduce Youth Smoking - Tobacco Use by Minors Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title "National Efforts to Reduce Youth Smoking." Provides for the determination of the underage use base percentages for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually determine the average annual incidence of daily tobacco product use by minors; and (2) determine whether specified percentage reductions have been achieved. Mandates a surcharge on manufacturers if the reduction has not been achieved. Sets dollar limits on total surcharges during a calendar year. Makes the surcharge a joint and several obligation of all manufacturers as allocated by their market share. Allows abatement petitions. Mandates manufacturer license fee reductions if use reduction targets are exceeded. Requires a State, in order to be eligible for Federal payments for the treatment of health and medical problems related to tobacco product use, to have and enforce a law that prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors and ensures compliance with such prohibition. Sets forth a model State law establishing a program under which a person is required to obtain a State or local license to sell or otherwise distribute tobacco products directly to consumers. Includes under the model law provisions: (1) prohibiting tobacco product distribution to minors; (2) requiring tobacco licenses for distributors; (3) requiring photo identification of buyers and face-to-face purchase transactions; and (4) prohibiting out-of-package distribution or product sampling. Outlines tobacco licensing requirements, including State approval or denial within 30 days after application. Provides civil and criminal penalties for licensees and their employees for the sale or distribution of tobacco products in violation of licensing requirements. Provides for the suspension or revocation of such licenses in appropriate circumstances, requiring an opportunity to be heard on the matter. Prohibits a minor from purchasing, receiving, possessing, or using tobacco products in public places (mandating parental notification of violation allegations). Mandates random, unannounced inspections of licensed establishments, using minors to test compliance. Regulates retail signage. Requires notification of retail tobacco employees of relevant requirements. Imposes employer liability if such employer pays an employee's penalty. Provides a no-license penalty of two times the applicable license fee and $250 for each day that distribution continues without such license. Makes $65 million available annually from the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund (Fund) for FY 1999 through 2008 to carry out the licensing requirements, with a specified per-State allotment of such funds. Makes specified amounts available from the Fund for such fiscal years to States, on an allotted basis, for various State and community action programs and initiatives for tobacco use prevention and control. Provides State application requirements, including submission of a State plan and certification with respect to funds use, and the establishment of an advisory committee. Requires each State to submit annual reports on funds use and progress made in achieving program goals. Mandates public inspection of reports and State audits of expenditures. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold allotted funds from a State not using such funds for their intended purposes. Considers programs and activities funded under such program as programs receiving Federal financial assistance for purposes of the enforcement of Federal nondiscrimination regulations. Provides criminal penalties for false statements made in receiving or using allotted funds. Makes specified Trust funds available for FY 1999 through 2008, on an allotted basis, for a State and community smoking cessation program. Outlines application procedures similar to the above program, including State plan and certification, an advisory committee, annual reports, public inspections and State audits, withholding of funds for improper uses, enforcement of Federal nondiscrimination regulations, and criminal penalties. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study on the framework for a research agenda and research priorities to be used by the National Tobacco Task Force. Establishes the Task Force to foster coordination among public health agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that conduct or support tobacco-related biomedical, clinical, behavioral, health services, public health and community, and surveillance and epidemiology research activities. Provides Task Force funding from the Fund for ten fiscal years. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out tobacco-related surveillance and epidemiological studies and to develop tobacco control and prevention strategies. Provides funding from the Fund for FY 1999 through 2008. Establishes the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Board to enter into contracts with or award grants to eligible public and nonprofit private entities to carry out public informational and educational activities designed to reduce the use of tobacco products. Provides funds from the Fund for FY 1999 through 2008. Title III: Standards to Reduce Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary, within 12 months after enactment of this title, to promulgate a final standard on indoor air quality in work environments. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the severability of provisions of this Act in the event that any provision is held invalid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Grants to States for State Student Incentives (SSI grants). Establishes a Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Assistance Program of grants to States for the following activities on behalf of eligible students who demonstrate financial need: (1) increased dollar amounts for SSI grant awards; (2) transition programs from secondary school to postsecondary education; (3) community service programs; (4) a scholarship program for such students who wish to enter teaching; (5) early intervention programs, mentoring programs, and career education programs; and (6) merit or academic scholarships. Sets the Federal share at one-third of the cost of authorized activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1998
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, to delay from FY 1998 to FY 1999 the effective date of the per beneficiary limits under the interim payment system for home health agencies. Changes from FY 1994 to FY or (at the home health agency's election) calendar 1995 the base year for calculating new payment rates under the system for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000072_200.jpg)