United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1998
Declares that: (1) it is in the national interest of the United States to remain actively engaged in the South Pacific region as a means of supporting important U.S. commercial and strategic interests, and to encourage the consolidation of democratic values; (2) a Pacific island summit, hosted by the President with the Pacific island heads of government, would be an excellent opportunity for the United States to foster and improve diplomatic relations with the Pacific island nations; and (3) the United States should fulfill its longstanding commitment to the democratization and economic prosperity of the Pacific island nations by promoting their earliest integration in the mainstream of bilateral, regional, and global commerce and trade.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a credit for electricity produced from poultry waste; and (2) extend, by five years, the placed in service date of a qualified energy resources facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1998
Requests the President to advance: (1) the late Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel to the grade of admiral on the retired list of the Navy; and (2) the late Major General Walter C. Short to the grade of lieutenant general on the retired list of the Army. Prohibits any change in compensation or benefits based on the military service of such officers as a result of such advancements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such officers performed their duties competently and professionally and that losses incurred by the United States in attacks on military targets on Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, were not a result of their dereliction of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Trade and Development Subtitle A: Trade Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa Subtitle B: Generalized System of Preferences Subtitle C: United States-Caribbean Trade Enhancement Title II: Reciprocal Trade Agreements Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance Title IV: Market Access Identification for Certain Agricultural Products Title V: Approval and Implementation of OECD Shipbuilding Agreement Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Other Provisions Subtitle C: Effective Date Title VI: Miscellaneous Trade and Tariff Provisions Subtitle A: Extension of Normal Trade Relations to Mongolia Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Tariff Provisions Title VII: Revenue Provisions Title I: Trade and Development - Subtitle A: Trade Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa - African Growth and Opportunity Act - Declares the policy of the Congress toward sub-Saharan African countries. (Sec. 1004) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to designate a sub-Saharan African country eligible for duty-free treatment for certain non-import-sensitive articles if the President determines that: (1) it has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, a democratic society, an open trading system, and economic policies to reduce poverty, increase health care availability and educational opportunities, and promote private enterprise; and (2) it does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or support international terrorism, and cooperates in international efforts to eliminate human rights violations and terrorist activities. Directs the President to monitor and review the progress of sub-Saharan African countries to determine their current or potential eligibility under the requirements of this Act. Requires the President to terminate the designation as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country of any such country that is not making continual progress in meeting such requirements. Waives the competitive need limitation (a basis for withdrawal of duty-free treatment) for articles of any beneficiary sub-Saharan African country. (Sec. 1005) Grants duty-free and quota-free treatments to certain textile and apparel articles (including textile luggage) of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, namely: (1) apparel articles assembled from fabrics wholly formed and cut in the United States, from yarns wholly formed in the United States that are entered under a specified subheading or chapter of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; (2) apparel articles cut from such fabrics and yarns, if assembled in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries with thread formed in the United States; and (3) certified handloomed, handmade, or folklore articles of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country or countries. Prescribes penalties for exporters engaged in transshipments of such articles under false claims as to country of origin, manufacture, processing, or assembly. Grants the President authority to impose appropriate remedies, including import restrictions, in the event that textile and apparel articles from a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country are being imported in such increased quantities as to threaten or cause serious damage to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive articles. (Sec. 1006) Directs the President to convene annual high-level meetings between U.S. Government officials and officials of the governments of sub-Saharan African countries to foster close economic ties between them. Directs the President to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which shall discuss expanding trade and investment relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. (Sec. 1007) Directs the President to examines and report to the Congress on the feasibility of negotiating one or more free trade agreements with interested eligible sub-Saharan African countries to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Free Trade Area. (Sec. 1008) Names the sub-Saharan countries covered by this subtitle. Subtitle B: Generalized System of Preferences - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment: (1) under the General System of Preferences through December 31, 2000 (applied retroactively for liquidations and reliquidations (refunds) to articles entered between June 30, 1998, and October 1, 1998); and (2) for any beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African country through June 30, 2008. Subtitle C: United States-Caribbean Trade Enhancement - United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to tariff treatment during a specified transition period of articles from U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act (CBTEA) beneficiary countries planning to become parties to the Free Trade Area of the Americas, or countries which have undertaken their obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) on or ahead of schedule. Extends immediate duty- and quota-free treatment to certain textile (including textile luggage) and apparel articles assembled, and to certain handloomed, handmade and folklore articles originating, in an eligible CBTEA beneficiary country. Directs the President to reduce tariffs on footwear, canned tuna, petroleum and derivatives, watches and watch parts, and certain leather goods to half of the preference Mexican products enjoy under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) relative to imports of the same articles from CBTEA beneficiary countries. Authorizes the President to proclaim further reductions for such articles if a country meets specified criteria. (Sec. 1204) Imposes certain penalties on persons or countries that have engaged in, or permitted, the transshipment (based on false claims) of covered textile or apparel products. Directs the President to report periodically to the Congress concerning CBTEA beneficiary countries. Directs the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to report biennially to the Congress and the President regarding the economic impact of this Act on U.S. industries and consumers, including its effectiveness in promoting drug-related crop eradication and crop substitution efforts of the CBTEA beneficiary countries. (Sec. 1205) Authorizes the President to determine that a country is not providing adequate protection of intellectual property rights under its laws, even if it is in compliance with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights under the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Title II: Reciprocal Trade Agreements - Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1998 - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, which are, through trade agreements affording mutual benefits, to achieve: (1) more open, equitable, and reciprocal market access for U.S. goods, services, and investment; (2) the reduction or elimination of barriers and other trade-distorting policies and practices; (3) a more effective system of international trading disciplines and procedures; and (4) economic growth, higher living standards, and full employment in the United States, and economic growth and development among U.S. trading partners. (Sec. 2002) Sets forth the principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives for agreements regarding tariff barriers and agreements regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. Declares that the principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives regarding a reduction of barriers to trade in goods include eliminating specified tariffs for products identified in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding trade in services are: (1) reducing or eliminating barriers to, or other distortions of, international trade in services, including regulatory and other barriers that deny national treatment or unreasonably restrict the establishment and operation of service suppliers in foreign markets; and (2) developing internationally agreed rules, including dispute settlement procedures, that are consistent with U.S. commercial policies and will reduce or eliminate such barriers or distortions, and help ensure fair, equitable opportunities for foreign markets. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding foreign investment are: (1) reducing or eliminating artificial or trade-distorting barriers to foreign investment, expanding the principle of national treatment, and reducing unreasonable barriers to establishment; and (2) developing internationally agreed rules through the negotiation of investment agreements, including dispute settlement procedures, that will help ensure a free flow of foreign investment and will reduce or eliminate the trade distortive effects of certain trade-related investment measures. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding intellectual property are: (1) promoting adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights; (2) securing fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory market access opportunities for U.S. persons that rely on intellectual property protection; and (3) recognizing that the inclusion in the WT0 of adequate and effective substantive norms and standards for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and dispute settlement provisions and enforcement procedures is without prejudice to other complementary initiatives undertaken in other international organizations. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding agriculture are, in addition to those set forth in the Food Security Act of 1985, achieving on an expedited basis to the maximum extent feasible, more open and fair conditions of trade in agricultural commodities. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding unfair trade practices are: (1) enhancing the operation and effectiveness of the relevant Uruguay Round Agreements and any other agreements designed to define, deter, discourage the persistent use of, and otherwise discipline, unfair trade practices having adverse trade effects, including forms of subsidy and dumping not adequately disciplined; and (2) obtaining the enforcement of WTO rules against trade-distorting practices of state trading enterprises and the acts, practices, or policies of any foreign government which, as a practical matter, unreasonably require that substantial direct investment in the foreign country be made, intellectual property be licensed to the foreign country or to any firm of the foreign country or other collateral concessions be made, as a condition for the importation of any product or service of the United States into the foreign country or as a condition for carrying on business in the foreign country. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding safeguards are: (1) improving and expanding rules and procedures covering safeguard measures; (2) ensuring that safeguard measures are transparent, temporary, degressive, and subject to review and termination when no longer necessary to remedy injury and to facilitate adjustment; and (3) requiring notification of, and to monitor the use by, WTO members of import relief actions for their domestic industries. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding improvement of the WTO and multilateral trade agreements are: (1) improving the operation and extending the coverage of the WTO and such agreements to products, sectors, and conditions of trade not adequately covered; and (2) expanding country participation in particular agreements, where appropriate. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding dispute settlement are: (1) providing for effective and expeditious dispute settlement mechanisms and procedures in any trade agreement entered into under this authority; and (2) ensuring that such mechanisms within the WTO and agreements concluded under the auspices of the WTO provide for more effective and expeditious resolution of disputes and enable better enforcement of U.S. rights. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objective regarding transparency is to obtain broader application of the principle of transparency through increased public access to information regarding trade issues, clarification of the costs and benefits of trade policy actions, and the observance of open and equitable procedures by U.S. trading partners and within the WTO. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding developing countries are: (1) ensuring that developing countries promote economic development by assuming the fullest possible measure of responsibility for achieving and maintaining an open international trading system by providing reciprocal benefits and assuming equivalent obligations with respect to their import and export practices; and (2) establishing procedures for reducing nonreciprocal trade benefits for the more advanced developing countries. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objective regarding current account surpluses is to promote policies to address large and persistent global current account imbalances of countries by imposing greater responsibility on such countries to undertake policy changes aimed at restoring current account equilibrium through expedited implementation of trade agreements where feasible and appropriate. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objective regarding access to high technology is to obtain the elimination or reduction of foreign barriers to, and acts, policies, or practices by foreign governments which limit, equitable access by U.S. persons to foreign-developed technology. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objective regarding border taxes is, within the WTO, to obtain a revision of the treatment of border adjustments for internal taxes in order to redress the disadvantage to countries that rely primarily on direct taxes rather than indirect taxes for revenue. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding regulatory competition are: (1) ensuring that foreign government regulations and other government practices do not unfairly discriminate against U.S. goods, services, or investment; and (2) preventing the use of foreign government regulation and other government practices, including the lowering of, or derogation from, existing labor, health and safety, or environmental standards, for the purpose of attracting investment or inhibiting U.S. exports. States that it is U.S. policy to reinforce the trade agreements process by: (1) fostering stability in international currency markets and developing mechanisms to assure greater coordination, consistency, and cooperation between international trade and monetary systems and institutions in order to protect against the trade consequences of significant and unanticipated currency movements; (2) supplementing and strengthening standards for protection of intellectual property rights under conventions designed to protect such rights that are administered by non-WTO international organizations, expanding the conventions to cover new and emerging technologies, and eliminating discrimination and unreasonable exceptions or pre-conditions to such protection; (3) promoting respect for workers' rights; and (4) expanding the production of goods and trade in goods and services to ensure the optimal use of the world's resources while seeking to protect and preserve the environment and to enhance the international means for doing so. (Sec. 2003) Sets forth the authority of the President to enter trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. Allows the President to enter into such agreements before October 1, 2001 (or before October 1, 2005, if trade authorities are extended according to a specified congressional procedure). States that a trade agreement may be entered only if it makes progress in meeting the applicable objectives, and the President satisfies certain congressional consultation requirements, set forth in this Act. Declares that bills implementing trade agreements may qualify for congressional trade agreement approval (fast-track) procedures only if they consist solely of: (1) provisions approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act that achieves one or more of the principal negotiating objectives set forth above, and approving any statement of administrative action; (2) provisions that are necessary to implement such agreement or otherwise related to the implementation, enforcement, and adjustment to the effects of such trade agreement and are directly related to trade; and (3) provisions necessary to comply with budget offset requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Provides for extension of fast-track procedures to agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2001, and before October 1, 2005, upon the President's request if neither House of the Congress adopts an extension disapproval resolution according to a specified procedure. (Sec. 2004) Prescribes requirements for presidential notice and consultation with the Congress before negotiations on tariff and nontariff barrier agreements. Requires the President to consult with specified congressional committees before entering an agreement. Provides that in the course of negotiations conducted under this Act, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) shall consult closely and on a timely basis (including immediately before initialing an agreement) with, and keep fully apprised of the negotiations, the congressional advisers for trade policy and negotiations appointed under the Trade Act of 1974, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives. (Sec. 2005) Requires the President to notify the Congress within 90 days of entering an agreement. Requires the President, within 60 days of signing an agreement, to submit to the Congress a preliminary list of changes to existing laws considered mandatory to bring the United States into compliance with the agreement. Provides that fast-track procedures shall not apply to any implementing bill that contains a provision approving any agreement regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers with any foreign country if the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives disapprove of the negotiation of the agreement before the close of the 90-calendar day period that begins when notice is provided with respect to the negotiation of such agreement. Authorizes both Houses of Congress to adopt, within 60 days of each other, a procedural disapproval resolution denying fast-track to any trade agreement if the President has failed or refused to notify or consult with the Congress about it. Requires the President, at least 90 days before entering into a trade agreement, to provide the ITC with agreement details and request the Commission to assess them. Requires the ITC, within 90 calendar days after the President enters into the agreement, to assess for the President and Congress the agreement's likely impact on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors. (Sec. 2006) Exempts from notice and certain consultation requirements of this Act agreements that result from negotiations which were commenced before the enactment of this Act: (1) under the auspices of WTO regarding trade in information technology products; (2) pursuant to a Uruguay Round Agreement; (3) with Chile; or (4) to achieve a free trade area of the Americas. Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations to the Departments of Labor and of Commerce through FY 2000 for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) for workers and for firms, respectively. (Sec. 3001) Postpones termination of the TAA programs until the end of FY 2000. Title IV: Market Access Identification for Certain Agricultural Products - United States Agricultural Products Market Access Act of 1998 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the USTR, by 30 days after the annual National Trade Estimate is due, to identify those foreign countries that: (1) deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. agricultural products, or that apply unjustified sanitary or phytosanitary standards to such imports; and (2) are priority foreign countries (which engage in the most egregious acts, policies, or practices that deny market access to, or whose acts, policies, or practices have the greatest adverse impact on, U.S. agricultural products). Prescribes certain requirements with respect to the identification of such countries. (Sec. 4003) Requires the USTR to report annually to specified congressional committees on actions taken, and on progress made, in achieving market access for U.S. value-added agricultural products. Title V: Approval and Implementation of OECD Shipbuilding Agreement - OECD Shipbuilding Trade Agreement Act - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Declares that the Congress approves the Agreement Respecting Normal Competitive Conditions in the Commercial Shipbuilding and Repair Industry (Shipbuilding Agreement), a reciprocal trade agreement resulting from negotiations under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, entered into on December 21, 1994. (Sec. 5102) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose an injurious pricing charge upon the foreign producer of a vessel sold to U.S. buyers at less than fair value if the U.S. International Trade Commission determines that as a result of the sale an industry in the United States: (1) has been materially injured, or is threatened with material injury; or (2) the establishment of an industry in the United States is or has been materially retarded. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) an injurious pricing investigation by an administering authority (Secretary of Commerce, or any other Federal officer to whom such responsibilities are transferred); (2) collection of such an injurious pricing charge; and (3) imposition of countermeasures. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) injurious pricing petitions by third countries, and by eligible interested parties with respect to a sale to a buyer in a Shipbuilding Agreement Party; (2) a comparison between export price and normal value in order to determine whether a subject vessel has been sold at less than fair value; (3) hearings and determinations on the basis of available facts; and (4) conduct of investigations. Authorizes the USTR to request the Commission to issue an advisory report, and to notify certain congressional committees, if a dispute settlement panel finds that a Commission action is not in conformity with U.S. obligations under the Shipbuilding Agreement. Provides for implementation of Commission determinations, including suspension of injurious pricing charges. (Sec. 5103) Directs the Customs Service to deny any request, with certain exceptions, for a permit to lade or unlade passengers, merchandise, or baggage from or onto vessels appearing on a countermeasures list pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 5104) Provides for judicial review in injurious pricing and countermeasure proceedings. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt certain Shipbuilding Agreement Party vessels from the customs duty on equipment purchased for, and repairs made in a foreign country upon, a vessel documented under U.S. law to engage in the foreign or coastwise trade. Specifies as so exempt: (1) self-propelled seagoing vessels of 100 gross tons or more used for transportation of goods or persons or for performance of a specialized service (including, but not limited to, ice breakers and dredges); (2) tugs of 365 kilowatts or more; and (3) integrated tug-barges or tug-barge combinations. (Sec. 5202) Precludes any private right of action under the Shipbuilding Agreement. (Sec. 5204) Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to include a Shipbuilding Agreement vessel within its eligibility guidelines on construction-differential and operating-differential subsidies. Revises guidelines for Federal loans and guaranteed loans for shipbuilding. (Sec. 5206) Directs the USTR to: (1) establish a program to monitor the compliance of Shipbuilding Agreement Parties with their obligations under the Agreement; and (2) use the consultation and dispute settlement procedures under the Agreement to redress Agreement violations. (Sec. 5208) Provides, with respect to the Shipbuilding Agreement, for: (1) Party withdrawal (and termination of withdrawal); (2) congressional procedures for withdrawing approval of the Agreement; (3) non-Party accession; and (4) protection of U.S. interests. Prohibits the President from implementing the notice of withdrawal of the United States from the Shipbuilding Agreement until the withdrawal of one or more Shipbuilding Agreement Parties is in effect and specified circumstances apply to such Parties. Sets forth an expedited congressional procedure for the introduction and enactment of snapback implementing bills, which would reinstate requirements regarding ships built in the United States before enactment of this Act, in the event of U.S. withdrawal from the Shipbuilding Agreement. Subtitle C: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective and termination dates of this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Trade and Tariff Provisions - Subtitle A: Extension of Normal Trade Relations to Mongolia - Authorizes the President to: (1) determine that title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (denying nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of certain countries) should no longer apply to Mongolia; and (2) based upon such determination, extend normal trade relations to Mongolian products. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Tariff Provisions - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to set forth the duty treatment of certain fabrics, of carded or combed wool or fine animal hair, all certified by the importer as "Super 90's" or higher grade intended for use in making suits, suit-type jackets or trousers. (Sec. 6102) Grants duty-free treatment, through January 1, 2003, of the personal effects of, and other equipment imported and used by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in the 1999 International Special Olympics, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer, the 2001 International Special Olympics, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games. Declares that such articles shall be: (1) free of applicable taxes and fees; but (2) not exempt from routine customs inspections. (Sec. 6103) Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend to certain fine jewelry (gold, silver, and platinum) which is the product of the Virgin Islands, Guam, or American Samoa (including any such article which contains any foreign component) certain trade benefits of insular possessions of the United States. (Sec. 6104) Declares that Executive Order 13067 (prohibiting importation into the United States of articles of Sudanese origin without a specified license) shall not apply to importation on or before December 31, 2002, of gum arabic. (Sec. 6105) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make eligible for duty drawback any materials imported and used in the construction and equipment of a mobile offshore drilling unit operated outside the exclusive economic zone of the United States for the unit's useful life, notwithstanding that such unit may not within the strict meaning of the term be an article exported. Title VII: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the tax benefits provided by capital construction funds to any vessel constructed or reconstructed in any nation (not just the United States) that is a Party to the OECD Shipbuilding Agreement entered into on December 21, 1994. (Sec. 7002) Reduces the carryback period for excess foreign tax credits from two years to one year. Extends the excess foreign tax credits carryforward period from five years to seven years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Amends the Uruguay Round Agreements Act to revise rules of origin for textile and apparel products to provide, for purposes of the customs laws and the administration of quantitative restrictions, that certain fabrics of silk, cotton, man-made fiber, or vegetable fiber, and certain other silk accessories shall be considered to originate in, and be the growth, product, or manufacture of, the country, territory, or possession in which the finishing operations for such products occur.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the U.S. Government should place priority on formulating a comprehensive and strategic policy of engaging and cooperating with Japan in advancing science and technology for the benefit of both nations as well as the rest of the world; (2) that policy should aim to promote strategic cooperation on areas that further U.S. policy interests in science and technology, more balanced flows of scientific and technological information and personnel between the United States and Japan, more rigorous application of scientific methods in the development of standards and regulations to promote efficient technological progress and mitigate trade problems, and more equitable intellectual property protection; and (3) the U.S. Government should integrate this strategic policy into current and future science and technology agreements with the Government of Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1998
Personal Retirement Accounts Act of 1998 - Establishes in the Treasury the Save Social Security First Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Appropriates specified amounts to it for FY 1998 and 1999 for investment in public debt securities, with investment income credited to the Trust Fund. Prohibits Trust Fund amounts from being appropriated or used for any purpose other than transfer to the Personal Retirement Savings Fund (PRSF) established by this Act under the Personal Retirement Accounts Program for the benefit of individuals eligible for personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs) (eligible individuals). Slates the Trust Fund for dissolution upon the transfer of all its amounts to PRSF. (Sec. 4) Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to create a new title I, Personal Retirement Accounts Program (PRAP), redesignating current SSA title I (Old Age Assistance) as SSA title VI. Establishes in the executive branch, to administer PRAP, a Personal Retirement Accounts Board (Board), which shall appoint an Executive Director to manage the PRSF. Appropriates specified amounts for FY 2000 through 2003 for the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the PRSF, along with amounts in the Trust Fund, where they are to be held in PRSF, along with all net investment earnings in PRSF, in trust for the benefit of eligible individuals. Establishes the PRSF in the Treasury for paying benefits, making distributions, and other uses as specified in connection with PRAP, including most notably for the investment of PRSA funds. Prohibits sums in PRSF that are credited to the individual's PRSA from being used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of the PRSA holder or that holder's beneficiaries. Requires the Executive Director to establish a PRSA for any individual who has worked four qualifying quarters of coverage, as determined under SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI). Directs the Executive Director to allocate annually to each PRSA a minimum amount of $250, plus an additional amount, determined according to a specified formula, based on how much the individual paid in payroll taxes and the net earnings and net losses from the investment of the sums transferred above to PRSF. Directs the Board to establish a Government Securities Investment Fund, a Fixed Income Investment Fund, and a Common Stock Index Investment Fund (modeled after the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for Federal employees) for the investment of PRSF sums credited to an individual's PRSA, according to an election the individual may make at least twice each year. Prescribes requirements similar to those for the TSP with respect to: (1) accounting and information; (2) annuities and their methods of payment, election, and purchase; (3) protections for spouses and former spouses; and (4) tax treatment of PRSF. Authorizes distributions from an individual's PRSA only on or after the earlier of the date on which the individual begins receiving OASDI benefits or the date of the individual's death. Allows a PRSA holder to designate one or more beneficiaries under regulations prescribed by the Board. Outlines fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the PRSF, as well as personal liability and civil penalties for breach of duties, and bonding requirements. (Sec. 5) Directs the Board to report to appropriate congressional committees its recommendations for additional investment options for individuals with PRSAs, including specific recommendations regarding whether the Board should: (1) make available to such account holders investment funds managed by qualified professional asset managers; and (2) offer diversified investment selections for such account holders that take the individual's age into consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Declares that the Congress honors the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police for the selfless acts of heroism they displayed on July 24, 1998, in sacrificing their lives in the line of duty so that others might live. Provides that, when the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourn on this date, they shall do so out of respect for the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to place a plaque in honor of the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut at an appropriate site in the U.S. Capitol, with the approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to make arrangements for funeral services for Officers Gibson and Chestnut, including payments for travel expenses of immediate family members, and for expenses incurred by Members of the House of Representatives in attending such services. Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to pay survivor's gratuities to the widows of Officers Gibson and Chestnut. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be established under law a U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund for the surviving spouses and children of members of the U.S. Capitol Police who are slain in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Patients' Bill of Rights Subtitle A: Right to Advice and Care Subtitle B: Right to Information about Plans and Providers Subtitle C: Right to Hold Health Plans Accountable Title II: Individual Rights with Respect to Personal Medical Information Subtitle A: Access to Medical Records Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Subtitle C: Enforcement; Definitions Title III: Genetic Information and Services Title IV: Healthcare Quality Research Title V: Women's Health Research and Prevention Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Subtitle C: Women's Health and Cancer Rights Title VI: Enhanced Access to Health Insurance Coverage Patients' Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Patients' Bill of Rights - Subtitle A: Right to Advice and Care - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan covering emergency medical care to provide coverage, without requiring preauthorization, for appropriate emergency medical screening examinations to the extent that a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of health and medicine, would determine such examinations to be necessary to determine whether emergency medical care is necessary. (Sec. 101) Requires a plan to cover additional emergency medical services following such an examination to the extent that a prudent emergency medical professional would determine such services to be necessary to avoid specified serious consequences. Requires a plan (other than a small employer's plan) providing benefit coverage only through a defined set of participating health care professionals to offer the option of point-of-service coverage (of the same benefits provided by a nonparticipating health care professional), unless the plan offers multiple issuer or coverage options. Requires any plan offering gynecological, obstetric, or pediatric care not to require prior authorization from a participant's primary care provider if such provider is not a gynecologist, obstetrician, or pediatrician. Requires a plan to permit a participant or beneficiary undergoing a course of treatment to continue such treatment for a period of time even though the contract between the plan and a health care provider is terminated, or the schedule of benefits or coverage is terminated by a change in the terms of the provider's participation in the plan. Specifies a 90-day continuation of coverage generally, and other transitional periods for institutionalization (until discharge), pregnancy (through post-partum care), and terminal illness (remainder of life). Declares that a plan shall not prohibit a health care professional from advising a patient about the patient's health status, medical care, or treatment for the patient's condition or disease, regardless of whether coverage for such care or treatment is provided under the contract, if the professional is acting within the lawful scope of the practice. Applies the requirements of this subtitle to group health plans, but not to a health insurance issuer licensed by a State and subject to State insurance regulation while engaged in the business of insurance in such State. Subtitle B: Right to Information about Plans and Providers - Requires plans and group health insurance issuers to disclose specified plan information to enrollees and (upon request) potential enrollees. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) health care professionals information currently available to patients, consumers, States, and professional societies, nationally and on a State-by-State basis; (2) the legal and other barriers to the sharing of information about health care professionals; and (3) recommendations for disclosure of such information on health care professionals, including their competencies and professional qualifications, to better facilitate patient choice, quality improvement, and market competition. Subtitle C: Right to Hold Health Plans Accountable - Revises requirements for plan provision of a procedure for appealing denied claims. (Sec. 121) Requires a plan or health insurance issuer conducting utilization review to have: (1) specified procedures in place for coverage determinations, including expedited determinations; (2) written procedures for addressing grievances between a plan and enrollees; (3) an internal procedure for coverage determination appeals; and (4) an external review procedure for enrollee appeals, involving specified entities and independent medical experts, whose determination shall be binding. Prescribes external review standards. Directs the General Accounting Office to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a statistically appropriate sample of completed external reviews. Title II: Individual Rights with Respect to Personal Medical Information - Personal Medical Information Access Act - Subtitle A: Access to Medical Records - Amends ERISA to require any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university, except in specified circumstances, to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information (or the individual's designee) to inspect and copy protected health information concerning the individual; (2) amend such information upon the individual's request; and (3) make reasonable efforts to inform any person to whom the unamended portion of the information was previously disclosed of any nontechnical amendment that has been made. (Sec. 212) Prescribes procedures for: (1) an entity's denial of a request to amend such information; and (2) an individual's filing of a statement of disagreement with such denial, which shall accompany any subsequent disclosure of the disputed portion of the information. (Sec. 213) Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to post notice of the entity's confidentiality practices, including specified information. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate model notices of confidentiality practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires any health care provider, health plan, employer, health or life insurer, school, or university to establish and maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information the entity creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, transmits, or disposes of. Subtitle C: Enforcement; Definitions - Prescribes civil money penalties for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. (Sec. 232) Sets forth definitions. Title III: Genetic Information and Services - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1998 - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a health care plan or health insurance issuer from restricting enrollment or adjusting premium or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of predictive genetic information concerning an individual in the group or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). (Sec. 302) Prohibits a plan or issuer from requesting or requiring predictive genetic information concerning an individual or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). Permits a plan or issuer to request, but not require, such information for diagnosis, treatment, or payment purposes only. Title IV: Healthcare Quality Research - Healthcare Quality Research Act of 1998 - Amends PHSA to establish within the Public Health Service (PHS) an Agency for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. (Sec. 402) Directs the Agency to identify and disseminate methods or systems used to assess healthcare research results, particularly to rate the strength of the scientific evidence behind healthcare practice and technology recommendations in the research. Requires the Agency to employ research strategies and mechanisms that will link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the United States, including: (1) Healthcare Improvement Research Centers that combine demonstrated multidisciplinary expertise in outcomes or quality improvement research with linkages to relevant sites of care; (2) Practice-based Research Networks, including plan, facility, or delivery system sites of care (especially primary care), that can evaluate and promote quality improvement; and (3) other innovative mechanisms or strategies. Directs the Agency to: (1) award grants to enable eligible entities at geographically diverse locations throughout the United States to carry out research training programs dedicated to health services research training at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and junior faculty levels; and (2) provide specified scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve healthcare quality, including accrediting organizations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Agency Director, to establish a demonstration program of grants for one or more centers to conduct: (1) state-of-the-art clinical research on drugs, biological products, and devices; (2) research on the comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of drugs, biological products, and devices; and (3) other appropriate activities (excluding the review of new drugs). Requires the Agency Director to: (1) collect certain data on the cost and quality of healthcare; (2) support research on and initiatives to advance the use of information systems for the study of healthcare quality; and (3) provide ongoing administrative, research, and technical support for the Preventive Services Task Force, which shall review scientific evidence on the effectiveness, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive services regarding their usefulness in daily clinical practice. Establishes within the Agency a Center for Primary Care Delivery Research to serve as the principal funding source for HHS primary care delivery research and demonstrations with respect to the first contact when illness or health concerns arise, the diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialty care, preventive care, and the relationship between the clinician and the patient in the context of the family and community. Requires the Agency Director by specified activities to promote innovation in evidence-based clinical practice and healthcare technologies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to coordinate all research, evaluations, and demonstrations related to health services research and quality measurement and improvement activities undertaken and supported by the Federal Government. Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to: (1) describe and evaluate current quality improvement research and monitoring processes; and (2) recommend options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such processes, and optimize public- private sector accreditation bodies. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a nonprofit, nongovernmental Foundation for Healthcare Research, which shall: (1) support the Agency and foster public-private partnerships to support Agency programs and activities; (2) advance collaboration with healthcare researchers from universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations; and (4) develop linkages with users of healthcare and quality research. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency Director, to make grants each fiscal year to support the Foundation. Establishes an Advisory Council for Healthcare Quality Research to replace the current Advisory Council for Health Care Policy, Research, and Evaluation. Requires the Agency Director to establish technical and scientific peer review groups to review each application for a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract under this title. Repeals the mandates for: (1) a demonstration program regarding centers for education and research on therapeutics; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Requires the Secretary, within 30 days after enactment of any Act providing for a qualifying health care benefit, to evaluate scientifically and report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the safety, efficacy, cost, benefits and value of such benefit; (2) alternative approaches in improving care compared with such benefit; and (3) the benefit's overall impact on health care as measured through research. Title V: Women's Health Research and Prevention - Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at the National Institutes of Health - Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for research on the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES). Directs the Secretary, acting through PHS agency heads, to carry out a national program to educate health professionals and the public about DES. (Sec. 512) Extends the authorization of appropriations for research on: (1) osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) breast and ovarian cancers; and (3) aging processes relating to women. (Sec. 514) Requires the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities with respect to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. (Sec. 516) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) to appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Women's Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Center for Health Statistics; (2) the National Program of Cancer Registries; (3) the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; (4) Centers for Research and Demonstration of Health Promotion; and (5) community programs on domestic violence. (Sec. 523) Authorizes a State receiving a Federal grant to make grants to or contract with for-profit private entities to carry out programs of preventive health measures for breast and cervical cancers. Subtitle C: Women's Health and Cancer Rights - Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code to require certain group health plans and health insurance issuers to ensure specified minimum coverage regarding: (1) breast cancer mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissections; (2) post-mastectomy breast reconstruction on both breasts; and (3) the costs of prostheses and complications of mastectomy, including lymphedemas. Prohibits: (1) denial of eligibility to a patient, and other related practices, solely to avoid the requirements of this subtitle; (2) incentives or rebates to encourage individuals to accept less than the minimum coverage; and (2) certain penalties or incentives to providers to evade application of this subtitle. (Sec. 535) Amends PHSA to apply the same requirements to health insurance issuers in the individual market. (Sec. 537) Directs the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the scientific issues relating to prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Title VI: Enhanced Access to Health Insurance Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow the annual carryover of up to $500 of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts; (2) allow a full deduction from gross income of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; and (3) repeal the limitation of the availability of medical savings accounts (MSAs) to employees of small employers and the self-employed. (Sec. 603) Reduces from $1,500 to $1,000 (self-only coverage) and from $3,000 to $2,000 (family coverage) the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan. Revises the formula for the monthly limitation on the allowable deduction for MSAs to increase the contribution limit to 100 percent of the annual deductible under a high deductible health plan. Waives the additional tax on MSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses to the extent any payment or distribution does not reduce the fair market value of the MSA assets to an amount less than the annual deductible for the account holder's high deductible health plan. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to contract for or approve catastrophic FEHBP plans, whose covered expenses exceed $500. Amends Federal civil service law, with respect to Government contributions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), to require an additional Government contribution, according to a certain formula, to an individual's MSA with respect to a catastrophic plan. Increases the Government's biweekly contribution to an employee's or annuitant's FEHBP catastrophic plan from 75 percent to 100 percent of the subscription charge.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Education Flexibility Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to allow all States to participate in the Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Act program. Directs the Secretary to make available funds to carry out such program for FY 1999 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 - Revises provisions regarding the filling of Federal vacancies to authorize the President, if an appointed officer of an executive agency (defined to include the Executive Office of the President and exclude the General Accounting Office (GAO)) dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform office functions, to direct a person who serves in an office for which appointment is required to perform such functions temporarily in an acting capacity, subject to specified time limitations. Retains the requirement that the first assistant of such officer shall perform such functions temporarily in an acting capacity as well, subject to specified time limitations and the limitations described below. Bars a person from serving as an acting officer if: (1) on the date of the officer's inability to serve, such person serves in the position of first assistant; (2) during the 365-day period preceding such date, such person served as first assistant for less than 180 days; and (3) the President submits a nomination of such person to the Senate for appointment to such office. Applies vacancy provisions of the Federal judicial code with respect to the office of the Attorney General. Revises time limitations on temporary appointments, limiting service to 150 (currently, 120) days, or, once a first or second nomination for the office is submitted to the Senate, to the period the nomination is pending. Changes the 120-day limitation to 150 days with respect to provisions regarding rejection, withdrawal, or return of nominations. Makes vacancy and time limitation provisions applicable to any affected office for which an advice and consent appointment is required unless: (1) another statutory provision expressly supersedes such provisions; (2) a statutory provision in effect on this Act's enactment date expressly authorizes the President or the head of an executive department to designate an officer to perform the functions of a specified office temporarily in an acting capacity; or (3) the President makes an appointment to fill a vacancy during a Senate recess. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to presidential nominations to fill vacant offices, requiring that an office, if it remains vacant after 150 days after the rejection, withdrawal, or return of a second presidential appointment nomination, remain vacant until a person is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Permits, in such instance, only the head of an executive agency to perform office functions until such appointment is made in the case of an office other than the office of head of an executive agency. Provides that any action to perform a function of a vacant office by a person filling a vacancy in violation of requirements or by a person who is not filling such vacancy shall have no effect. Directs the heads of affected executive agencies to submit to the Comptroller General and to the Congress: (1) notification of a vacancy and the date such vacancy occurred immediately upon occurrence of the vacancy; (2) the name of the person serving in an acting capacity and the date such service began immediately upon the designation; (3) the name of any person nominated to fill the vacancy and the date such nomination is submitted immediately upon submission; and (4) the date of a rejection, withdrawal, or return of any nomination immediately upon such action. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees, the President, and the Office of Personnel Management any determination that an officer is serving longer than the prescribed 150-day period, including exceptions to such period. Sets forth additional provisions regarding vacancies existing during presidential inaugural transitions, independent establishments, and exceptions to requirements of this Act for certain board members of independent establishments or Government corporations or commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998
Urges the United States and the Republic of Korea to continue to advance bilateral security and economic and political ties. Commends President Kim Dae Jung and the Republic of Korea for measures already implemented and measures it has committed to implement to resolve the country's economic and financial problems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) concerning liquidation of corporate subsidiaries to provide that if a corporation receives a distribution from a regulated investment company or a real estate investment trust which is considered as being in complete liquidation of such company or trust, then, notwithstanding other specified IRC provisions, such corporation shall recognize and treat as a dividend from such company or trust an amount equal to the deduction for dividends paid allowable to such company or trust by reason of such distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Congratulates the Philippines on the commemoration of its independence from Spain. Recognizes and supports the relationship between the Philippines and the United States. Supports Philippine efforts to strengthen democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and expansion of free market economics.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1998
Modifies the boundaries of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument to include the property known as George Washington's Ferry Farm in Stafford County, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
Cuban Solidarity (SOLIDARIDAD) Act of 1998 - Directs the President to: (1) instruct the heads of all relevant U.S. agencies to increase support for democratic opposition groups in Cuba; (2) initiate broadcasting of Radio Marti and Television Marti from the United States Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or other suitable sites in proximity to Cuba; (3) provide not less than $5 million of funds otherwise available for U.S. voluntary contributions to the Organization of American States (OAS) in FY 1999, solely for the purpose of establishing a fund for the deployment of human rights observers, election support, and election observation in Cuba; (4) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the number of personnel of the Office of Foreign Assets Control having responsibilities with respect to the economic embargo on Cuba in order to enforce the embargo more vigorously and to license expeditiously lawful transactions involving Cuba; and (5) take steps to secure a commitment from the Cuban government to allow the direct delivery of mail from the United States to Cuba. (Sec. 5) Urges the President to instruct: (1) the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) to introduce a resolution in the UN Security Council calling upon the Cuban government to immediately respect all human rights, free all political prisoners, legalize independent political parties, allow independent trade unions, and conduct internationally monitored and freely contested elections; and (2) the Attorney General to seek an indictment of Fidel Castro and-or other Cuban government officials for the willful, premeditated attack on and destruction of two unarmed "Brothers to the Rescue" humanitarian aircraft on February 24, 1996 within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, and the violence against and incapacitation and murder of four individuals on such aircraft, Pablo Morales, Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pena, and Armando Alejandre. Requires specified reports on Cuba. (Sec. 6) Earmarks specified amounts of economic support fund and development assistance funds for individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support democracy-building efforts, and to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of political repression, in Cuba. Requires notification of the appropriate congressional committees with respect to such funds. Prohibits the provision of assistance under this Act to the Cuban government, to any organization affiliated with the Cuban government, or to any organization that has violated any U.S. law prohibiting or restricting trade or other financial transactions with Cuba. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to authorize air transportation flights directly from the United States to Cuba for a period of six months (including additional six month periods) only if the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) those flights are necessary for, and will be used solely for, the delivery of humanitarian assistance (including medicines and medical supplies) by independent nongovernmental organizations to victims of political repression in Cuba; and (2) adequate monitoring is in place to ensure that such assistance will be delivered by such organizations only to the intended recipients and will not be diverted to ineligible persons.
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 · 21 April 1998
Amends Federal law to allow acquisition of specified lands for the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park (Wilderness Battlefield), Virginia, by purchase or exchange as well as by donation (as currently). Specifies one parcel which may be acquired by donation only.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2001, the duty on Benzamide, 3,3'-((2,5- dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)bis(imino(1-acetyl)-2-oxo 2,1- ethanediyl)azo))bis(4-chloro-N-(5-chloro-2-methylphenyl).
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2001, the duty on benzamide, 3,3'- (2- chloro-5-methyl-1,4-phenylene)bis(imino(1-acetyl-2-oxo-2,1- ethanediyl)azo))bis(4-chloro-N-(2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl).
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2001, the duty on 2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)- Pyrimidinetrione, 5-((2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxo-1H-benzimidazol-5- yl)azo).
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2001, the duty on Benzamide, 3,3'(2- chloro-5-methyl-1,4-phenylene)bis(imino - (1-acety-2-oxo-2,1- ethanediyl)azo))bis(4-chloro-N-(3-chloro-2-methyphenyl).
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2001, the duty on 2- Naphthalenecarboxamide, N,N'-(2-chloro-1,4-phenylene)bis-(4-((2,5- dichlorophenyl)azo)-3-hydroxy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Prohibits the President from transferring a veterans memorial object that was brought to the United States as a memorial of combat abroad to a foreign country or entity controlled by a foreign government, or to any person for ultimate transfer or conveyance to such a country or entity, unless specifically authorized by law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1998
American Missile Protection Act of 1998 - States as U.S. policy to deploy as soon as technologically possible an effective National Missile Defense system capable of defending U.S. territory against limited ballistic missile attack (whether accidental, unauthorized, or deliberate).
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1998
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to provide for the termination of the exception for certain real estate investment trusts from the treatment of stapled entities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to allow certain entries of television receivers, monitors, and picture tubes, and combination TV-VCRs with a diagonal measurement of up to 34.29cm (currently, 33.02 cm), or 13.5 inches, to be classified as 13 inches for purposes of tariff treatment under the Schedule. Directs the Customs Service, upon proper request, to liquidate or reliquidate certain entries made on or after January 1, 1995, and before 15 days after enactment of this Act, as if such amendment applied to such entries.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on 6-chloro-4- (cyclopropylethynyl)-1, 4-Dihydro-4-(trifluoro-methyl)-2H-3, 1- benzoxazin-2-one (an anti-HIV and anti-AIDS drug).
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 · 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
Collegiate Initiative To Reduce Binge Drinking Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate that college and university administrators should take specified actions in an effort to change the culture of alcohol consumption on college campuses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 2000, the suspension of duty on N - phenyl - N' - (1,2,3 - (1,2,3 - thiadiazol - 5 -yl urea (thidiazuron) in bulk or in forms or packages for retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on (1R,3R) - 3(2,2- dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-carboxylic acid (S)- alpha- cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl ester (deltamethrin) in bulk or in forms or packages for retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5- tetra-chloro-6- cyano-,methyl ester, reaction product with 2-methyl- 1,3-benzenediamine and sodium methoxide (C.I. Pigment Yellow 109).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on 5 - ((2 - butoxyethoxy) ethoxy) methyl) - 6 -propyl - 1,3 - benzodioxole (piperonyl butoxide).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5- tetrachloro-6- cyano-, methyl ester, reaction products with p- phenylenediamine and sodium methoxide (C.I. Pigment Yellow 110).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on (5-(phenylmethyl)-3 -furanyl) methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1- propenyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate (resmethrin).
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2000, the duty on cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 2,2 - dimethyl - 3 - (1,2,2,2 - tetrabromoethyl) - cyano (3 - phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester (tralomethrin) in bulk or in forms or packages for retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 2000, the suspension of duty on methyl 2 - (4 - (2,4 - dichlorophenoxy) phenoxy) propionate (diclofop - methyl) in bulk or in forms or packages for retail sale containing no other pesticide products.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should be prepared to take appropriate steps to help ensure that Thailand's economic recovery efforts will continue uninterrupted and to enhance the close political, economic, and security relations between Thailand and the United States; and (2) Thailand deserves praise and commendation from the United States for the measures it has implemented to resolve its financial problems.
![Official portrait of Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000460_200.jpg)