United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
First Flight Commemorative Coin Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue for a limited period ten-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Instructs the Secretary to ensure: (1) establishment of a coin marketing plan; and (2) availability of adequate funds to cover the costs of implementing such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1997
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) family members and loved ones of individuals with breast cancer can support each other in addition to the individual with breast cancer; and (2) everything possible should be done to support both the individuals with breast cancer and their family and loved ones through public awareness and education.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian and charitable activities. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a suitable gold medal. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Declares these medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates deposit of sale proceeds in the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Women's Investment and Savings Equity Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to limitations on the deduction for active participants in certain pension plans to provide that an individual's participation in a plan is not treated as participation by the individual's spouse. Permits retirement contributions to be made for periods during which individuals were on leave for maternity or paternity leave. Permits "catchup contributions" by parents returning to work after periods of nonparticipation in a plan. Defines "catchup contributions."
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1997 - Revises provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue the Chesapeake Bay Program; and (2) maintain a Program Office to provide specified support to the Chesapeake Executive Council. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and assistance grants to nonprofit private organizations and individuals, State and local governments, colleges and universities, and interstate agencies to carry out the Program. Provides the Federal and non-Federal share of various Program costs. Provides for Chesapeake Bay Agreement (an agreement among signatory members to restore and protect the Bay's ecosystem) implementation grants, with specified Federal and non-Federal shares. Requires any Federal agency that owns or operates a facility within the Bay watershed to participate in regional and subwatershed planning and restoration programs. Requires the Administrator to ensure that management plans are developed and that implementation is begun by signatories to the Agreement for the Bay tributaries to achieve specified water nutrient and quality goals and habitat restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to offer technical assistance and assistance grants for a small watershed grants program within the Bay. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on Program goals, effects, and needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to: (1) identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (2) identify and utilize such sources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Bay; (3) link such Gateways sites with trails, roads, byways, and other connections; (4) develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to the Gateways sites and other land resources within the watershed; and (5) create a network of Gateways sites and Watertrails, including within such network State or Federal parks or refuges, historic seaports, and archaeological, cultural, historical, or recreational sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a Chesapeake Bay Gateways Grants Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 30th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to publicly affirm as a matter of U.S. policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel. Urges U.S. officials to refrain from any actions that contradict U.S. law on this subject.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
ISTEA Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for: (1) the National Highway System; (2) the Interstate maintenance program; (3) the surface transportation program; (4) the bridge program; (5) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (6) the minimum allocation program; (7) apportionment adjustments; (8) the Interstate System reimbursement program; (9) certain projects under the Federal lands highways program; (10) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs; and (11) FHWA highway safety research and development. (Sec. 4) Amends Federal-aid highway law to revise the formula for determining the State apportionment of funds for the National Highway System and the surface transportation program. Extends through FY 2003 the set aside of Federal highway funds for discretionary projects for the resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing of routes on the Interstate System (4 R projects). (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Transportation, not later than April 1, 2000, to report to specified congressional committees recommended adjustments to the formula used to apportion funds to States for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and to the amount apportioned for the program, to reflect changes since the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) in: (1) national ambient air quality standards under the Clean Air Act; and (2) the emission control requirements that result from such standards. Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the apportionments if the recommendations are not enacted into law by October 1, 2000. Revises the formula for the apportionment of funds under the program. Adds transportation projects which will have air quality benefits, and consist of certain intercity rail passenger activities, to the eligible projects that a State may obligate congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and surface transportation program funds. Limits a State's obligation for such projects to no more than 50 percent of the apportioned funds. (Sec. 6) Extends for an additional six-fiscal year period the obligation of a State to allocate surface transportation program funds for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 7) Increases the minimum amount of apportioned highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program funds that a State shall receive in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the discretionary bridge program. (Sec. 8) Revises for FY 1998 and each fiscal year thereafter the formula for determining the amount of highway funds that would be required to ensure a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year for specified transportation programs is not less than 90 percent of the percentage that the population of the State is of the population of the United States. (Sec. 10) Provides for the adjustment of funds apportioned to States for the surface transportation program. (Sec. 11) Extends through FY 2003: (1) the strategic highway research program; (2) the applied research and technology program; (3) intelligent transportation systems; (4) the scenic byways program; (5) construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities; and (6) the national recreational trails program. (Sec. 15) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a comprehensive initiative to carry out a comprehensive research program to investigate and understand the relationships between transportation, land use, and the environment; and (2) award transportation and land use planning and policy grants to State, regional, and local agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for construction of the Appalachian development highway system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Exempts a business entity from civil liability for any injury or death occurring at the entity's facility if: (1) such injury or death occurs during a tour of the facility in an area that is not otherwise accessible to the general public; and (2) the entity authorized the tour. Provides an exception for an entity's act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including crimes of violence or acts of international terrorism, hate crimes, sexual offenses, or misconduct that violates Federal or State civil rights laws. Provides that this Act shall not apply in a State that enacts a statute to that effect if all parties to an action are citizens of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Exempts a business entity from civil liability for any injury or death occurring at such entity's facility in connection with the use of such facility by a nonprofit organization if: (1) the use occurs outside of the scope of the business of the entity; (2) the injury or death occurs while the facility is being used by the organization; and (3) the entity authorized the organization's use of the facility. Provides an exception for an injury or death that results from an entity's act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including crimes of violence or acts of international terrorism, hate crimes, sexual offenses, and misconduct that violates Federal or State civil rights laws. Provides that this Act shall not apply in a State that enacts a statute to that effect if all parties to an action are citizens of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Exempts a business entity from civil liability for any injury or death occurring as a result of the operation of an entity's aircraft or motor vehicle loaned to a nonprofit organization for use outside the scope of business of such entity if: (1) the injury or death occurs while the aircraft or vehicle is used by the organization; and (2) the entity authorized the organization's use of the aircraft or vehicle. Provides an exception for an injury or death that results from an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including crimes of violence or acts of international terrorism, hate crimes, sexual offenses, or misconduct that violates Federal or State civil rights laws. Provides that this Act shall not apply in a State that enacts a statute to that effect if all parties to an action are citizens of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Exempts a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death that results from the use of mechanical, electronic, or office equipment donated by such entity to a nonprofit organization. Provides an exception with respect to an injury or death that results from an entity's act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including crimes of violence or acts of international terrorism, hate crimes, sexual offenses, and misconduct which violates Federal or State civil rights laws. Provides that this Act shall not apply in a State that enacts a statute to that effect if all parties to an action are citizens of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
Allows a disabled individual who has or is granted the privilege of the Senate floor to bring those supporting services (including service dogs, wheelchairs, and interpreters) on the Senate floor as are determined by the employing or supervising office to be necessary to assist the individual in discharging his or her official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 - States that this Act preempts inconsistent State law except when such law provides additional protection from liability relating to volunteers, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities. Exempts a volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity from liability for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of such organization or entity if: (1) the volunteer was acting within the scope of his or her responsibilities at the time; (2) if appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed or otherwise authorized for the activities or practice in the State in which the harm occurred; and (3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed. Prohibits the award of punitive damages against a volunteer, organization, or entity unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was proximately caused by an action of such volunteer which constitutes willful or criminal misconduct or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed. Provides exceptions. Makes each volunteer, organization, or entity liable for noneconomic loss only in the amount allocated to such defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility for the harm for which the defendant is liable. Requires the trier of fact to determine such percentage of responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the certification of mammography facilities. Requires that appeals from certification denials follow procedures in effect at that time (currently, in effect on a specified date). Modifies mammogram record retention requirements. Allows inspection of facilities (currently, certified facilities) for compliance with certification requirements and mammography quality standards (currently, compliance with mammography quality standards). Allows inspections to be conducted by a local agency on behalf of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Empowers the Secretary to require a facility to notify patients who received mammograms if the Secretary determines the quality was so inconsistent with standards as to present a significant risk to the individual or public health. Authorizes civil money penalties for failure to comply. Allows certificate suspension or revocation for a failure to comply with an accreditation body's requests for records or materials. Modifies requirements for certification suspension before holding a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 - States that this Act preempts inconsistent State law except when such law provides additional protection from liability relating to volunteers, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities. Exempts a volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity from liability for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of such organization or entity if: (1) the volunteer was acting within the scope of his or her responsibilities at the time; (2) if appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed or otherwise authorized for the activities or practice in the State in which the harm occurred; and (3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed. Prohibits the award of punitive damages against a volunteer, organization, or entity unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was proximately caused by an action of such volunteer which constitutes willful or criminal misconduct or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed. Provides exceptions. Makes each volunteer, organization, or entity liable for noneconomic loss only in the amount allocated to such defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility for the harm for which the defendant is liable. Requires the trier of fact to determine such percentage of responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training regarding Parkinson's disease. Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health to provide for coordination of the program among all the national research institutes conducting Parkinson's research. Requires coordination to include the convening of a research planning conference at least once every two years. Provides for each such conference to prepare and submit to certain congressional committees a report concerning the conference. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Establishes a grant program to support investigators with a proven record of excellence and innovation in Parkinson's research and who demonstrate potential for significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson's. Limits the availability of grants for a period not to exceed five years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997
Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Medicare Cancer Clinical Trial Coverage Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project which provides for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of routine patient care costs for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who are enrolled in an approved clinical trial program, while still applying the beneficiary cost sharing provisions of such program to project participants. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact on Medicare of covering such costs as well as the cost of extending routine patient care coverage to Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis other than cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1997 - Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Specifies that any individual who has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection shall receive $125,000 from amounts available in the Fund if the individual meets one of the following conditions: (1) has a blood-clotting disorder and was treated with blood-clotting agents between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987; (2) is the lawful spouse of such individual or the former lawful spouse and was the lawful spouse of the individual at any time after a date within such period on which the individual was treated; or (3) acquired the HIV infection through perinatal transmission from a parent who is such an individual. Requires that the following conditions be met with respect to such individual: (1) the individual submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services written medical documentation that the individual has an HIV infection; (2) a petition for payment be filed with the Secretary by or on behalf of such individual; and (3) that the Secretary determine that the claim meets the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 105) Specifies that any right under this Act shall not be assignable or transferable. Sets limits regarding the number of claims per victim. (Sec. 106) Prohibits the Secretary from making any payment with respect to any petition filed under this Act unless the petition is filed within three years after the enactment of this Act. Title II: Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid and SSI Programs - Prohibits a settlement payment from being considered income or resources in determining a class member's eligibility for, or the amount of: (1) medical assistance under the Medicaid program; or (2) benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program. Defines the terms: (1) "class member"; and (2) "settlement payment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1997 - Provides that, in any civil action, a biomaterials supplier (one who supplies components or raw materials used to manufacture implants) may raise any defense provided under this Act. Exempts a biomaterials supplier (supplier) from liability for harm to a claimant caused by an implant, with exceptions in the case of a supplier who: (1) is a registered manufacturer of the implant; (2) is a seller of the implant and who held title to the implant at the time of sale; or (3) furnishes raw materials or components that fail to meet applicable contractual requirements or specifications. Provides grounds for liability with respect to each exception. Outlines procedural guidelines for the dismissal of civil actions against suppliers . States that a supplier may be considered a manufacturer of an implant, for purposes of such civil actions, only if the supplier has registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires claimant payment of attorney's fees if: (1 ) the claimant named or joined the biomaterials supplier; and (2) the court finds the claim to be without merit and frivolous.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Language of Government Act of 1997 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that the Government has an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language. Requires the Government to conduct its official business in English. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should consider acting immediately to modify the Basic Formula Price for dairy by replacing the National Cheese Exchange as a factor in setting such price.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes specified charges against the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the cost of the medal and requires the proceeds of duplicate medal sales to be deposited in the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should consider acting immediately to modify the Basic Formula Price for dairy by replacing the National Cheese Exchange as a factor in setting such Price, and to establish in its place an equivalent pricing mechanism more reflective of national dairy conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Officer Brian Gibson District of Columbia Police Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties, including the death penalty, for the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer of the District of Columbia. Includes among aggravating circumstances for imposition of the death penalty that the defendant committed the offense against the officer: (1) while the officer was engaged in the performance of official duties; (2) because of the officer's performance of official duties; or (3) because of such officer's status as a public servant.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Continues existing average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles until such standards are specifically amended or changed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Bear Protection Act - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, purchasing, or possessing it with intent to sell or barter, transporting, acquiring, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the United States Trade Representative to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions relating to the reconciliation process. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the funds are to be spent is of less than two years duration; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution (but not including an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill) until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; or (2) any matter considered in Executive Session. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General, during the second session of each Congress, to give priority to requests from Congress for audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities. (Sec. 9) Makes appropriations for the second year of a biennium necessary to continue, at the first year rate of operations, projects and activities funded by any regular appropriation Act that provides funding only for the first year of a biennium. (Sec. 10) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 11) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority under the jurisdiction of all of the subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations for a period other than each of the fiscal years of the biennium. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to specified congressional committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a two-year budget process based on the two-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate an integrated management system for the storage and permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) store spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste beginning no later than November 30, 1999, at designated facilities pursuant to certain interim storage facility contracts; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes (using systems and components procured and manufactured in the United States); and (4) engage private sector participation to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of this Act. Shields the United States from any financial liability for the Secretary's failure to meet acceptance or emplacement deadlines under this Act. Establishes an integrated management system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, including its storage, transportation, and disposal. Sets a deadline for development of the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer from the mainline rail line at Caliente, Nevada, to the interim storage facility site. Directs the Secretary to offer to enter into a prescribed benefits agreement with Lincoln County, Nevada, including a payment schedule. Requires conveyance to such County of specified Federal lands. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the availability beginning by November 30, 1999, of safe transportation for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from sites designated by the contract holders to mainline transportation facilities using routes that minimize transportation through populated areas. Requires development by such date of a comprehensive management plan that ensures safe transportation from sites designated by the contract holders to the interim storage facility site. Prescribes general transportation requirements, including public education programs for States, local governments, and Indian tribes through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport substantial amounts of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Requires a transporter of nuclear waste under contract with the Secretary to comply with all governmental and Indian tribal transportation regulations. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate employee protection training standards for workers directly involved in nuclear waste transportation, storage, and disposal. Sets forth a phased schedule for the Secretary to begin operating an interim nuclear waste storage facility; but prohibits construction activities before December 31, 1998. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) cease all but termination activities at the Yucca Mountain site if the President determines it is unsuitable for repository development; (2) present a viability assessment of the site to the President and the Congress by a specified deadline; and (3) proceed with all activities necessary to begin acceptance of nuclear waste at another interim storage facility site designated by the President. Precludes construction activities, however, until the site has been approved by law. Prescribes two-tiered design and licensing phases for the site. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue generally applicable standards for the protection of the public from releases of radioactive materials or radioactivity from the repository. Mandates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) repository licensing determinations for the protection of the public be based solely upon a finding that the repository can be operated in conformance with an overall system performance standard that incorporates the Administrator's radiation protection standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants (including financial and technical assistance) to enable affected Indian tribes or local governmental units to monitor and review the impact of the integrated management system upon residents at the Yucca Mountain site. Directs the Secretary to offer an affected local government unit the opportunity to designate an on-site representative to conduct oversight activities at an interim storage facility or repository site. Provides that acceptance of benefits under this Act by any affected Indian tribe or local government shall not be deemed an expression of consent to the siting of an interim storage facility or repository in Nevada. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to convey all Federal interest in specified property to Nye County, Nevada. Prescribes contract guidelines for the Secretary to accept title to, and transport, store, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Prescribes a schedule of annual fees payable to the Secretary of Energy for electricity generated by civilian nuclear power reactors, and of a one-time fee for spent nuclear fuel used in such generation. States that payment of the latter one-time fee relieves the payer of further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal of spent fuel or waste derived from spent nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian power reactor before January 7, 1983. Mandates annual fee reviews, and adjustment proposals to the Congress if appropriate. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund. Establishes the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management within the Department of Energy, whose Director shall be directly responsible to the Secretary for executing the Secretary's functions under this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities and spent nuclear fuel from foreign research reactors. Authorizes appropriations. Preempts State and local law in favor of this Act and the Atomic Energy Act. Grants U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings about facility expansions and transshipments. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for them. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial arrangements for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Delineates an emplacement schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. States that the Secretary's acceptance of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste constitutes a transfer of title to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept all spent nuclear fuel withdrawn from Dairyland Power Cooperative's La Crosse Reactor; and (2) pay for the on-site storage of such fuel until DOE removes it from the site. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Decommissioning Pilot Program to decommission and decontaminate the sodium-cooled fast breeder experimental test-site reactor located in northwest Arkansas. Prohibits the use of the Nuclear Waste Fund for such Pilot Program. Declares that nothing in this or any other Federal law shall be construed as a reservation of Federal water or water rights for any purpose arising under this Act. Authorizes the United States to acquire and exercise such rights, subject to certain restrictions. Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure to the maximum extent its operation like a private business. Directs the Secretary to: (1) create a value engineering function within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (2) employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. Declares that this Act shall become effective one day after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Family Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for: (1) time-and-a-half compensatory time off; (2) biweekly work programs (allowing more than 40 hours of work in one week and correspondingly less in the other); and (3) flexible credit hour programs (thus providing private sector employees opportunities under such programs similar to those of Federal employees). Amends the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for certain executive, administrative, and professional employees and outside salesmen. Prohibits from consideration in determining whether an employee is exempt: (1) the fact that the employee is subject to deductions in compensation for absences from employment of less than a full workday or less than a full pay period; or (2) the payment of overtime compensation or other additions to the compensation of an employee employed on a salary based on hours worked. Allows consideration, in such a determination, of an actual reduction in compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit performing a partial birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother and no other medical procedure would suffice. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as an abortion in which the person performing the procedure partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the infant and completing the delivery. Prescribes penalties. Authorizes the father and, if the mother is under 18 years of age, the maternal grandparents of the fetus to obtain specified relief in a civil action, even if the mother consented to the abortion, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1997 - Revises Federal copyright law to provide that communication by electronic device of a transmission embodying a performance or display of a nondramatic musical work by the reception of a broadcast, cable, satellite, or other transmission shall not be a copyright infringement unless an admission fee is charged to see or hear the transmission or the transmission is not properly licensed. Applies the infringement exemption for the performance of a nondramatic musical work at an annual agricultural or horticultural fair or exhibition to such performance at agricultural or horticultural fairs, exhibitions, conventions, meetings, and events. Excludes as a copyright infringement the performance of a nondramatic musical work: (1) by a commercial establishment at no charge when a purpose of the performance is to promote audio, video, or other devices utilized in such performance; and (2) at an organized children's camp if the children in attendance sing, dance, or participate in all or a portion of such work, or when the performance is of an instructional nature. (Sec. 3) Specifies that if a general music user and a performing rights society are unable to agree on the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of musical works in the society's repertoire, the user shall be entitled to binding arbitration of such disagreement pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association in lieu of any other dispute-resolution mechanism established by any judgment or decree governing the operation of such society. Requires the arbitrator to determine a fair and reasonable fee for the user's past and future performance of works in such society's repertoire and to impose a penalty for infringement if the user's past performance infringed the copyright of such works. Makes an arbitrator's determination binding on both parties. Sets forth provisions regarding civil actions for infringement that may be submitted to arbitration if the license fee for a performance is contested. (Sec. 4) Requires a performing rights society, at the request of any radio broadcaster, to offer the broadcaster a per programming period license to perform nondramatic musical works in its repertoire. Directs that such license be offered on terms and conditions that provide an economically and administratively viable alternative to the society's blanket license for all such broadcasters. Sets forth provisions regarding prices of such licenses. Authorizes radio broadcasters entitled to a per programming period license to bring actions to require compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 5) Directs each performing rights society to make available free online computer access to copyright and licensing information for each work in its repertoire as well as a semiannual printed directory of each title in its repertoire. Requires such society, upon request, to provide to any person who may perform musical works in its repertoire copies of documentation establishing the society's right to license the public performance of such works. Bars a society from instituting or being a party to any action alleging infringement in, or charging a fee under any per programming period license for, any work in the repertoire that is not identified or documented as described above, with exceptions. (Sec. 6) Requires the Attorney General to report annually to the Congress on the activities of the Department of Justice relating to the continuing supervision and enforcement of specified consent decrees of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and Broadcast Music, Inc. (Sec. 7) Sets forth conditions under which landlords, organizers of conventions, or others making space available to another party are exempt from liability under any theory of vicarious or contributory infringement with respect to an infringing public performance of a copyrighted work by a tenant, lessee, or other user of such space.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Extends veterans' benefits to an individual who served as a member of the U.S. merchant marine between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, who, during that period, was licensed or otherwise documented by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document such an individual as a crewmember of a vessel that at the time of service was: (1) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, or an agent thereof; (2) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States; (3) under contract, charter to, or property of, the U.S. Government; and (4) serving the armed forces. Establishes application procedures. Requires the issuance of a certificate of honorable discharge to an individual who performed qualified service. Deems qualified service to be active duty in the armed forces during a period of war for purposes of eligibility for benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reimbursement of the Secretary for benefits provided under this Act; and (2) an application processing fee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Tax Credit Title II: Capital Gains Reform Subtitle A: Taxpayers Other Than Corporations Subtitle B: Corporate Capital Gains Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed with Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence Title III: Estate and Gift Provisions Title IV: Savings Incentives American Family Tax Relief Act - Title I: Child Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit of $500 per child. Reduces such credit incrementally as income increases above threshold amounts. Title II: Capital Gains Reform - Subtitle A: Taxpayers Other Than Corporations - Provides for taxpayers, other than corporations, a deduction of 50 percent of net capital gain. Provides that, in the case of an estate or trust, the deduction shall be computed by excluding the portion of the gains from sales or exchanges of certain capital assets includible in gross income by the income beneficiaries as gain derived from the sale of capital assets. Excludes collectibles gain from the computation of net capital gain. Sets forth a formula for determining the maximum rate on nondeductible capital gain. Allows the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. (Sec. 202) Provides that for taxpayers, other than corporations, the indexed basis of an asset shall be substituted for its adjusted basis in determining gain on the disposition of an indexed asset, if held more than three years. Defines an indexed asset as: (1) common stock in a C corporation; and (2) tangible property which is a capital asset used in a trade or business. Defines the indexed basis as: (1) the adjusted basis of the asset, increased by; (2) the applicable inflation adjustment. Defines applicable inflation adjustment. Suspends treatment of an asset as an indexed asset during any period in which a taxpayer enters into an agreement which substantially reduces the risk of loss of holding the asset. Provides for the treatment of short sales. Permits such substitution, subject to stated exceptions, to any qualified investment entity. Permits stock in a regulated investment company or a real estate investment trust to be an indexed asset as specified. Provides for pass-through in the case of: (1) a partnership to partners; (2) an S corporation to shareholders; and (3) a common trust fund to participants. Makes the provisions of this section inapplicable to a disposition of property between related persons, except to the extent that the basis of such property in the hands of the transferee is a substituted basis. Sets forth rules concerning: (1) improvements; (2) assets which are not indexed assets throughout the holding period; (3) treatment of certain dispositions; (4) acquisition date where there has been a prior application of this section; and (5) collapsible corporations. Applies the provisions of this section to the disposition of property the holding period of which began after December 31, 1996. (Sec. 203) Repeals the minimum tax preference applicable to the sale of certain small business stock. Doubles the amount of assets a qualified small business may have and remain eligible for reduced rates. Repeals the per-issuer limitation on a taxpayer's eligible gain. Requires that certain working capital of a small business must be expended in five (currently, two) years to be treated as actively in business. Subtitle B: Corporate Capital Gains - Provides for a reduction in the alternative capital gains tax for corporations. Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence - Treats as a deductible capital loss a loss from the sale or exchange of a principal residence. Title III: Estate and Gift Provisions - Increases, over an eight year period, the unified estate and gift tax credit. (Sec. 302) Establishes estate tax rules for qualified family-owned business interests, if such interests exceed 50 percent of the adjusted gross estate. Excludes, subject to specified requirements, from the value of such an estate the lesser of: (1) the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent otherwise includible in the estate, or; (2) the sum of $1.5 million, plus 50 percent of the excess of the adjusted value of such interests over $1.5 million. Subjects such exclusion to recapture, if specified events occur. (Sec. 303) Extends from 10 to 20 years the amount of time permitted to an estate for making installment payments of the estate tax in an estate consisting largely of interest in a closely held business. Revises provisions concerning the payment of interest on such tax to make a certain portion interest-free. Title IV: Savings Incentives - Increases incrementally, through the year 2000, the adjusted gross income phaseout limits for IRA (individual retirement account) contributions. Repeals, after the year 2000, such limits. Permits a spouse who is not an active IRA plan participant to make a deductible IRA contribution of up to $2,000 without regard to such limits. (Sec. 403) Permits an individual to create an IRA Plus Account into which limited nondeductible contributions can be made. Excludes a qualified distribution from gross income. Defines a qualified distribution as any distribution made: (1) after age 59 and one-half; (2) to a beneficiary after the death of the owner of the account; (3) because of disability; or (4) as a qualified special purpose distribution (medical expenses, long-term unemployment, etc.). Prohibits distributions made within five years of establishing (or, of rolling over into) such an account as being treated as qualified distributions. (Sec. 404) Permits tax-free withdrawals from an individual retirement account for: (1) business start-up costs; (2) long-term (more than 12 weeks) unemployment; or (3) higher education expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or child.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Paycheck Protection Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to make it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date Product Liability Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Applies this Act to any product liability action in any State or Federal court on any theory for harm caused by a product, except for commercial loss actions. (Sec. 103) Imposes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect or if the inspection would not have revealed the aspect that caused the harm. Makes a seller liable as a manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service or if the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment. Makes certain persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing liable as a seller, but prohibits liability for the tortious act of another solely by reason of ownership. (Sec. 104) Makes it a complete defense if the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 105) Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer or co-employee if the employer or co-employee is, under State law, immune from claimant's action. (Sec. 106) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started, with a separate limit for durable goods other than motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or trains used primarily to transport passengers for hire. (Sec. 107) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution. (Sec. 108) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's conduct, carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others, was the proximate cause of the harm. Regulates punitive damage amounts. (Sec. 110) Permits several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic loss, allocating liability in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 111) Grants an insurer a right of subrogation whether or not the insurer is a party. Prohibits an employee from making settlements or accepting payments without the consent of the employer. Requires, if the manufacturer or seller alleges the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer or coemployee, that the issue be submitted to the trier of fact. Reduces damages if it is found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was so caused, but requires the manufacturer or seller to reimburse the insurer for attorney's fees and costs if it is not so found. Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance - Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1997 - Applies this title, subject to exception, to any civil action in Federal or State court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, on any legal theory, for harm allegedly caused by an implant. (Sec. 205) Declares that a biomaterials supplier shall not be liable for harm caused by an implant unless the supplier: (1) is a manufacturer; (2) is a seller; and (3) furnishes materials or parts that fail to meet contractual requirements or specifications. Sets forth the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a manufacturer and the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a seller. Allows a supplier, to the extent required and permitted by other law, to be liable if the claimant shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, violation of contractual requirements or specifications. (Sec. 206) Sets forth procedures relating to motions by a supplier to dismiss actions that are subject to this title. Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date - Makes any circuit court of appeals decision interpreting this Act a precedent for any Federal or State court within that court's geographic jurisdiction. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on provisions of the U.S. Code relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights through Sanctions Reform Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish an effective framework for consideration by the legislative and executive branches of unilateral economic sanctions. (Sec. 3) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) pursue U.S. interests through vigorous and effective diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, cultural, and strategic engagement with other countries, while recognizing that U.S. national security interests may sometimes require the imposition of economic sanctions on other countries; (2) foster multilateral cooperation on vital matters of U.S. foreign policy, including promoting human rights and democracy, combating international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international narcotics trafficking, and ensuring adequate environmental protection; (3) promote U.S. economic growth and job creation by expanding exports of goods, services, and agricultural commodities, and by encouraging investment that supports the sale abroad of U.S. products and services; (4) maintain the reputation of U.S. businesses and farmers as reliable suppliers to international customers of quality products and services; (5) avoid the use of restrictions on exports of agricultural commodities as a foreign policy weapon; and (6) oppose policies of other countries designed to discourage economic interaction with countries friendly to the United States or with any U.S. national, and to avoid use of such measures as instruments of U.S. foreign policy. States that when economic sanctions are necessary, it is U.S. policy to: (1) target them as narrowly as possible on those foreign governments, entities, and officials that are responsible for the conduct being targeted, thereby minimizing unnecessary or disproportionate harm to individuals who are not responsible for such conduct; and (2) to the extent feasible, avoid any adverse impact of economic sanctions on the humanitarian activities of the United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in a country against which sanctions are imposed. (Sec. 5) Provides that any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch, and considered by the House of Representatives or the Senate, should: (1) state the U.S. foreign policy or national security objective; (2) terminate after two years unless specifically reauthorized; (3) provide for contract sanctity; (4) provide presidential authority to adjust or waive the sanction in the national interest; (5) target the sanction as narrowly as possible against the parties responsible for the conduct being targeted; and (6) provide for expanded export promotion programs if sanctions are likely to target an export market for American farmers. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a procedure for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that imposes, or authorizes the imposition of, any unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the committee of primary jurisdiction reporting such a bill or joint resolution to timely request specified reports: (1) from the President assessing the likelihood that the proposed unilateral economic sanction will achieve its stated objective within a reasonable period of time, as well as the impact of the proposed unilateral economic sanction on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and humanitarian activities; and (2) from the Secretary of Agriculture assessing the extent to which any country or countries proposed or likely to be sanctioned are markets that accounted for more than three percent of all U.S. agricultural export sales in the preceding calendar year, as well as the likelihood that U.S. agricultural exports will be affected by the proposed sanction or by retaliation by any country proposed or likely to be sanctioned, and specific commodities which are most likely to be affected. Considers any bill or joint resolution that imposes any unilateral economic sanction to include a Federal private sector mandate for purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Requires the Congressional Budget Office, in its report pursuant to such Act, to assess the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to implement a unilateral economic sanction under any provision of law not less than 60 days after announcing his intention to do so. Requires any executive sanction to include a clear finding that the sanction is likely to achieve a specific U.S. foreign policy or national security objective within a reasonable and specified period of time. Requires, before imposition of a unilateral economic sanction, that the President and the Secretary of Agriculture report to appropriate congressional committees the same assessments required in connection with any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the President to request a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy, including the potential impact on U.S. competitiveness. Provides, in the case of a national emergency, for allowing the President temporarily to waive most of the requirements for executive action in order to act immediately, generally requiring the waived requirements to be met within 60 days after imposition of the sanction (which shall terminate after 90 days if such requirements are not met). Directs the President to establish an interagency Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions and provide appropriate recommendations to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1996
Military Reservists Small Business Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), upon request, to defer repayment of a direct loan made to: (1) an individual who is a reservist who received such loan before being called or ordered to, or retained on, active duty; or (2) a small business that received such loan before a reservist who is an owner, manager, or key employee of such small business was so called, ordered, or retained. Extends the loan deferral period from the date the individual is so called, ordered, or retained until the later of 180 days after: (1) such individual is released; or (2) the enactment of this Act, with no accrual of interest during such period. Authorizes the SBA to make disaster loans to assist a small business that has suffered or is likely to suffer economic injury as the result of its owner, manager, or key employee being ordered to active duty during a period of military conflict. Limits to $500,000 the amount outstanding and committed on each loan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996
Pharmaceutical Equity Act of 1996 - Extends for a two-year period the term of any patent in force on September 24, 1984, and on this Act's effective date, that claims a drug product or a method of using or manufacturing it from the product's expiration date if: (1) an exemption became effective for the drug product before September 24, 1984; (2) the regulatory review period for such product exceeded 120 months or 60 months, as appropriate. Provides that during such extensions, the rights in the extended patents shall be the same as those that existed before their expirations, thereby guarding against patent infringements during the extensions. Requires: (1) the patentee to notify the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks of such patent extended number; and (2) the Commissioner to confirm the patent extension by placing a notice thereof in the official file of the patent and to publish an appropriate notice in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark Office.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths. Prescribes conditions for payment of such surcharges, including a proscription against Foundation compensation to any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or influence legislative action of the Congress relating to the coins minted and issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Welcomes the efforts of many post-Communist countries to address the status of plundered properties. Urges: (1) countries which have not already done so to return plundered properties to their rightful owners or, as an alternative, pay compensation in accordance with principles of justice and in a manner that is just, transparent, and fair; and (2) post-Communist countries to pass and effectively implement laws that provide for restitution of, or compensation for, plundered property. Calls for: (1) the urgent return of property formerly belonging to Jewish communities as a means of redressing the particularly compelling problems of aging and destitute survivors of the Holocaust; and (2) the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and other countries to remove restrictions which require those whose properties have been wrongfully plundered by Nazi or Communist regimes to reside in or have the country's citizenship from which they now seek restitution or compensation. Calls upon foreign financial institutions, and the states having legal authority over their operation, that possess wrongfully and illegally property confiscated from Holocaust victims, from residents of former Warsaw Pact states who were forbidden by Communist law from obtaining restitution of such property, and from states that were occupied by Nazi, Fascist, or Communist forces, to assist and to cooperate fully with efforts to restore this property to its rightful owners.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Urges the President to categorically disavow any intention of issuing a presidential pardon to James or Susan McDougal or Jim Guy Tucker, and thereby affirm the principle that, in the U.S. justice system, no person is above the law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Provides that the agreement with the State of Pennsylvania (or any modification thereof) entered into pursuant to certain provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act on voluntary agreements for coverage of State and local employees may, at the State's option, be modified before January 1, 1998, so as to exclude service performed in the employ of a school, college, or university if such service is performed by a student who is enrolled and regularly attending classes there. Makes any such modification irrevocable.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the German Government should investigate and prosecute Dr. Hans Joachim Sewering for his crimes of active euthanasia and crimes against humanity committed during World War II.
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