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101 records in US in 1997
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1997
Designates the Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest in California and Nevada as a unit of the National Forest System. Modifies the boundaries of the Tahoe, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests to exclude lands within its boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1997
Interstate Distribution of State-Inspected Meat Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the interstate distribution of State-inspected meat and poultry where State inspection requirements are at least equal to Federal requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1997
Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1997 - 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. 2) 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 World Trade Organization (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. 3) 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. 4) 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 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. 5) 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. (Sec. 6) 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; or (3) with Chile. (Sec. 8) 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. Postpones termination of the TAA programs until the end of FY 2000. (Sec. 9) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend from FY 1997 through 1998 the inapplicability of the exemption for certain customs services fees involving the arrival of any passenger whose journey originated in Canada or Mexico, or originated in the United States but was limited to those countries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Food Safety Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat or poultry products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) provide the Secretary with authority for voluntary and mandatory nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, and civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Trade Authorities Procedures Title II: Trade Adjustment Assistance Title III: Revenue Provisions Reciprocal Trade Agreement Authorities Act of 1997 - Title I: Trade Authorities Procedures - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)), including: (1) to further strengthen the system of international trading disciplines and procedures, including dispute settlement; and (2) to foster economic growth, raise living standards, and promote full employment in the United States and to enhance the global economy. (Sec. 102) Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions, trade in services, foreign investment, intellectual property, transparency, reciprocal trade in agriculture, labor, the environment and other matters, and World Trade Organization (WTO) extended negotiations. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions include: (1) expanding competitive market opportunities for U.S. exports, and obtaining fairer and more open conditions of trade, by reducing or eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers and policies and practices of foreign governments directly related to trade that decrease market opportunities for U.S. exports or otherwise distort U.S. trade; and (2) obtaining reciprocal tariff and nontariff barrier elimination agreements, with particular attention to specified tariff categories covered in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding intellectual property include: (1) ensuring that any multilateral or bilateral trade agreement entered into by the United States provides protection at least as strong as the protection afforded by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its annexes; and (2) providing strong protection for new and emerging technologies and new methods of transmitting and distributing products embodying intellectual property. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objective regarding reciprocal trade in agriculture is to obtain competitive opportunities for United States exports in foreign markets substantially equivalent to the competitive opportunities afforded foreign exports in U.S. markets, and to achieve fairer and more open conditions of trade in bulk and value-added commodities. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding labor, the environment and other matters include ensuring that: (1) foreign labor, environmental, health, or safety policies and practices do not arbitrarily or unjustifiably discriminate or serve as disguised barriers to trade; and (2) foreign governments do not derogate from or waive existing domestic environmental, health, safety, or labor measures, including measures that deter exploitative child labor, as an encouragement to gain competitive advantage in international trade or investment. Specifies the principal U.S. objectives regarding WTO extended negotiations regarding trade in financial services, trade in civil aircraft, and rules of origin. Urges the President to take into account the following general international economic policy priorities (not subject to fast track): (1) seeking to ensure that trade and environmental policies are mutually supportive; (2) seeking to protect and preserve the environment and enhance the international means for doing so, while optimizing the use of the world's resources; (3) promoting respect for worker rights and the rights of children and an understanding of the relationship between trade and worker rights, particularly by working with the International Labor Organization to encourage the observance and enforcement of core labor standards, including the prohibition on exploitative child labor; and (4) supplementing and strengthening standards for protection of intellectual property under conventions administered by non-WTO international organizations, expanding these conventions to cover new and emerging technologies, and eliminating discrimination and unreasonable exceptions or preconditions to such protection. Requires U.S. negotiators to take into account U.S. domestic objectives, including the protection of health and safety, essential security, environmental, consumer, and employment opportunity interests, and related law and regulations. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) consult closely with congressional advisers on trade policy and negotiations appointed under the Trade Act of 1974; and (2) take into account the need for the United States to retain the ability to enforce rigorously its trade laws in order to ensure that U.S. workers, agricultural producers, and firms can compete fully on fair terms and enjoy the benefits of reciprocal trade concessions. Requires the President, in determining whether to enter into negotiations with a particular country, to take into account the extent to which that country has implemented, or has accelerated the implementation of, its obligations under the Uruguay Round Agreements. (Sec. 103) Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to his authority under OTCA) 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 authorities (fast-track) procedures only if they consist solely of: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; (2) provisions directly related to the principal trade negotiating objectives set forth in this Act achieved in such trade agreement, if they are necessary for the operation or implementation of U.S. rights or obligations under such trade agreement; (3) provisions that define and clarify, or provisions that are related to, the operation or effect of the provisions of the trade agreement; (4) provisions to provide adjustment assistance to workers and firms adversely affected by trade; and (5) 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 implementing bills submitted after September 30, 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. 104) Prescribes requirements for Presidential notice and consultation with the Congress before negotiations on: (1) tariff and nontariff barrier agreements; (2) certain principal trade negotiating objectives; and (3) agriculture. Requires the President to consult with specified congressional committees before entering an agreement. (Sec. 105) Requires the President (as under OTCA) to notify 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. 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 Congress about it. (Sec. 106) Exempts from the prenegotiation consultation requirements of this Act any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which is entered into with Chile or is entered into under WTO auspices regarding: (1) trade in information technology products (Information Technology Agreement); (2) extended negotiations on financial services; or (3) the rules of origin work program under the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Requires consultations with specified congressional committees about such negotiations as soon as feasible after enactment of this Act. Title II: 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. 203) Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on TAA programs by the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 204) Postpones termination of the TAA programs until the end of FY 2000. Title III: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the exclusion from gross income of rental income from a dwelling unit the taxpayer uses as a residence and actually rents out for less than 15 days during the taxable year; and (2) the denial of any allowable deduction of expenses because of the rental use of such dwelling unit. (Sec. 301) States that the basis reduction for such a dwelling unit by reason of such rental use in any taxable year shall not exceed the depreciation deduction allowed for it.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1997
Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1997 - 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. 2) 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 World Trade Organization (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. 3) 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. 4) 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 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. 5) 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. (Sec. 6) 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; or (3) with Chile. (Sec. 8) 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. Postpones termination of the TAA programs until the end of FY 2000. (Sec. 9) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend from FY 1997 through 1998 the inapplicability of the exemption for certain customs services fees involving the arrival of any passenger whose journey originated in Canada or Mexico, or originated in the United States but was limited to those countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from controlling the consumption, production, importation, or export of methyl bromide for pesticide use, except: (1) as required by the Montreal Protocol of all parties; or (2) upon a Department of Agriculture certification of appropriate alternatives or substitutes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1997
Makes a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 2160 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1997
Federal Lands Management Adjustment Act - Provides that whenever a State applies for a transfer of authority to manage Federal lands located in such State and the Congress enacts legislation authorizing and directing such transfer, the Secretary with jurisdiction over such lands (Secretary of the Interior with respect to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands or Secretary of Agriculture with respect to National Forest System (NFS) lands) shall transfer management responsibilities to such State for the appropriate period. Outlines procedures for: (1) State applications for such management authority; (2) the granting of such authority; and (3) subsequent State management of such lands (including the continuation of all existing leases, permits, mineral rights, and other authorizations, and the collection of fees, rents, and other revenues). (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations to a State assuming such authority for three fiscal years following enactment of the legislation authorizing such transfer. (Sec. 10) Provides a ten-year term of State authority to manage eligible Federal lands, allowing such State to apply for an additional ten-year period or to apply for ownership of such lands. Provides for resumption of Federal authority over such lands if the term expires and no additional application is approved. (Sec. 12) Authorizes any nonprofit organization organized under the laws of a State in which the Federal lands are located to apply for authority to manage Federal lands comprising: (1) not less than all Federal lands within any BLM district or NFS unit in such State; and (2) not more than three BLM districts or NFS units, or a combination thereof, in the same general area. Outlines application requirements and procedures for granting management authority (including enactment of legislation authorizing such transfer) to such organizations. Authorizes appropriations to an organization assuming such authority for three fiscal years following enactment of the authorizing legislation. Provides an identical ten-year term of management authority for such organizations, with a right to apply for an additional ten-year period. Provides for resumption of Federal authority over such lands if such term expires and no additional application is approved. (Sec. 13) Provides venue in the appropriate State court for any action for which a State has assumed land management authority over Federal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ensuring the Effectiveness and Implementation of Federal Land Planning Part A: In General Part B: Resource Management and Management Activity Planning Part C: Challenges to Planning Title II: Coordination and Compliance with Other Environmental Laws Title III: Development of Ecoregion Assessments Title IV: Development of a Global Renewable Resources Assessment Title V: Administration Part A: In General Part B: Non-Federal Lands Part C: The Forest Resource Title VI: Miscellaneous Public Lands Management Improvement Act of 1997 - Provides that this Act shall prevail in the event of an inconsistency with other laws applicable to Federal lands, except for laws governing the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, or the National Trails System and as otherwise provided. Title I: Ensuring the Effectiveness and Implementation of Federal Land Planning - Part A: In General - Requires the mission of the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to be to manage Federal lands to furnish a sustainable flow of multiple goods and services while protecting and providing a full range and diversity of natural habitats of native species. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretaries, in rendering decisions concerning resource management plans for and management activities on Federal lands, to utilize the best scientific and commercial data available. Part B: Resource Management and Management Activity Planning - Limits the Secretaries to two levels of planning for Federal lands comprised of: (1) multiple-use planning in the form of resource management plans for planning units; and (2) site or area specific planning for management activities. Authorizes the Secretaries to conduct analyses or assessments for geographical areas larger or smaller than designated planning units but bars their application to affected Federal lands unless the resource management plans for such units are amended or revised in accordance with this Act and other laws. Grants the Secretaries three years from this Act's enactment date to amend or revise plans to modify policies in plans which do not comply with this Act's planning requirements. Terminates noncomplying plans after such three-year period. (Sec. 105) Sets forth specific plan requirements, planning deadlines, and procedures for amending and revising plans to eliminate conflicts between plan provisions and the Secretaries' policies. (Sec. 107) Continues management activities during the amendment or revision process, except as otherwise required by this Act, court order, or a formal declaration of the Secretary concerned. (Sec. 109) Requires, in preparing or revising plans, consideration of the stability of each community dependent on the resources of the Federal lands to which a plan applies. (Sec. 110) Requires alternatives to plans or revisions developed by independent committees of local interest to be included in documentation related to environmental impact assessment analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Requires committees to be composed of interests representing commodity resource production and noncommodity resource protection, respectively. Authorizes funding to such committees for plan monitoring and implementation if the Secretary concerned adopts a significant part of a committee's alternative. Encourages the Secretaries to establish committees corresponding to planning units. (Sec. 111) Requires consideration of ecosystem management principles in environmental analysis documents prepared for plans and plan revisions. Directs the Secretaries, in such documents, to specify the fully allocated cost, expressed as a user or cost-per- beneficiary, of each noncommodity output from Federal lands to which plans apply. (Sec. 113) Sets forth procedures for citizen petitions to challenge plans or plan revisions. (Sec. 114) Requires the President's budget requests to the Congress governing the planning and management of Federal lands to include a statement of what funds would be required to achieve 100 percent of annual outputs specified in, and implement fully, the plan for each planning unit. Directs each Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on the total cost and costs per function or procedure incurred in the preparation of plans, ecoregion assessments, and significant plan revisions, including costs incurred by other Federal agencies. (Sec. 115) Requires each Secretary to report in each decision to undertake a management activity on Federal lands that the decision contributes to or, at a minimum, does not preclude, achievement of plan goals, land allocations, outputs, or policies. Provides for monitoring of plan implementation and Federal land management at least every two years. Part C: Challenges to Planning - Requires each Secretary to promulgate regulations to govern administrative appeals of decisions to approve plans and plan revisions and to approve or disapprove Federal land management activities. Replaces certain Forest Service regulations promulgated pursuant to provisions related to decisionmaking and appeals reform with those required by this Act. (Sec. 117) Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review of challenges to planning, citizen suits, and filing deadlines. Title II: Coordination and Compliance with Other Environmental Laws - Directs the Secretary concerned to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to NEPA in developing a plan or plan revision. Requires environmental assessments (or an EIS if the nature or scope of activity is substantially different from, or greater than, consequences considered in the plan EIS) with respect to planning management activities on Federal lands. (Sec. 203) Directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service, as appropriate, to ensure that plan or management activities are not likely to jeopardize the existence of any threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Sets forth procedures for certifying such agencies to perform certain consultation and biological assessment actions currently assigned to the Secretaries of the Interior or Commerce. (Sec. 204) Deems management activities on Federal lands which constitute a nonpoint source of water pollution certified by the State in which the Federal lands are located to meet best management practices to be in compliance with area wide waste treatment management plans and State nonpoint source management programs under the Clean Water Act. (Sec. 205) Deems a prescribed use of fire on Federal lands which, pursuant to a finding by a Forest Service supervisor or BLM district manager, would reduce the risk of greater emissions from a wildfire and will be conducted in a manner to minimize air quality impacts, to be in compliance with State implementation plans for air quality standards and any other Environmental Protection Agency requirements imposed under the Clean Air Act. Title III: Development of Ecoregion Assessments - Authorizes each Secretary to prepare or participate in the preparation of ecoregion assessments which may encompass all Federal and non-Federal lands within a region specified by the Secretary. Permits the inclusion of non-Federal lands only upon concurrence of the affected State's Governor. Provides for review of assessments and requires the Forest Service or BLM to determine whether a plan revision is warranted. Bars regulation of non-Federal lands based on an assessment. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Consortium of Regional Forest Assessment Centers, through the University of Washington, to conduct a review of the Pacific Northwest Forest Plan and supporting documentation, including documents regarding the Northern spotted owl. Requires such review to be submitted to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Development of a Global Renewable Resources Assessment - Directs the National Council on Renewable Resources Policy (established by this Act) to prepare a Global Renewable Resources Assessment, to be submitted to specified congressional committees every five years. (Sec. 403) Establishes the Council. (Sec. 404) Repeals provisions of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act relating to a Renewable Resource Assessment and presidential budget requests for Forest Service activities. Title V: Administration - Part A: In General - Sets forth provisions regarding the presidential appointment and confirmation of the Chief of the Forest Service. (Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Public Lands Monitoring Fund and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Forest Lands Monitoring Fund. (Sec. 503) Authorizes interagency land transfers and interchanges of jurisdiction between the Secretaries to facilitate land management or achieve other public purposes, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 505) Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct, and report to specified congressional committees on, a study of the feasibility and likely effects of prohibiting appropriations to the Forest Service and the BLM, except for activities conducted on or related to non-Federal lands, and permitting such agencies to retain for their use, without fiscal year limitation, all revenues from Federal lands minus funds necessary to make payments to State and local governments. Part B: Non-Federal Lands - Sets forth deadlines and processing requirements for applications for access through Federal lands to non-Federal lands pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. (Sec. 507) Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to set forth certain procedural deadlines and requirements related to the exchange of Federal lands for non-Federal lands. Increases the maximum combined value of Federal lands that may be exchanged in exchanges of lands of approximately equal value. Part C: The Forest Resource - Authorizes the Secretaries to require, as a condition of any specific salvage sale of forest products from Federal lands or any sale of forest products constituting a forest health enhancement project, that the purchaser undertake a forest management activity which addresses effects of the sale or past sales or involves vegetation management within the sale or affected area. Sets forth financing provisions and authorizes the use of appropriated funds for such activities, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Secretary, prior to the advertisement of such sales, to determine the amount of forest health credits to be allocated to each activity to be performed by the purchaser. Permits the transfer of unused credits from one sale to another sale held by the same purchaser if the other sale applies to Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the same Secretary and is located in the same State as the original sale. Terminates the authority to offer such sales five years after this Act's enactment date but continues contracts in effect on such date. (Sec. 509) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to maintain a special fund to be derived from the Federal share of monies received from the salvage sales of forest products from BLM lands and to be available for planning, preparing, and administering such sales, subsequent site preparation and reforestation, and forest health enhancement projects. Credits the Federal share of all monies received from such sales and other specified activities on lands within the National Forest System to the Forest Service Permanent Appropriations. Lists purposes for which such funds shall be expended. Considers monies received from salvage sales and other activities funded by this section to be money received for purposes of computing and distributing payments to State and local governments under other law concerning the distribution of revenues derived from forest resources from affected lands. (Sec. 510) Requires the Secretaries, to the extent feasible and subject to specified conditions, to use private contractors to prepare sales for forest products. (Sec. 511) Permits purchasers of sales of forest products from Federal lands, with specified exceptions, to elect not to harvest the stands of trees subject to the sale. (Sec. 512) Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to bar the imposition of liability without fault for fire suppression costs with respect to a right-of-way granted or renewed to or for a nonprofit entity. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. (Sec. 604) Sets forth certain laws that will prevail in case of inconsistencies with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Amends the Clean Air Act to suspend the application of such Act to prescribed burning carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture on national forest system lands for purposes of demonstrating that an aggressive prescribed burning program over time will lower the total amount of particulate produced from combined outputs of prescribed fires and wildfires.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
Farmers' Temporary Employment Assistance Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish: (1) an alternative temporary agricultural worker process based upon a labor condition attestation filed by an employer and accepted by the appropriate State agency; and (2) a nonimmigrant visa category for such aliens. Sets forth program provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1997
United States Agricultural Products Market Access Act of 1997 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify those foreign countries that: (1) deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. agricultural products or apply standards for the importation of U.S. agricultural products that are not related to public health concerns or cannot be substantiated by reliable analytical methods; and (2) are determined by the USTR to be priority foreign countries. Limits the identification of priority foreign countries to those that engage in the most onerous or egregious acts which have the greatest adverse impact on the relevant U.S. products. Provides that if available information indicates that such action is appropriate, the USTR may at any time: (1) revoke the identification of any foreign country as a priority foreign country; or (2) identify any foreign country as a priority foreign country. Subjects priority foreign countries to investigation by means other than a petition. Authorizes the USTR, with respect to an investigation of a country identified as denying fair and equitable market access to U.S. agricultural products, to request the Secretary of Agriculture to direct the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture to review certifications for the facilities of such country that export meat and other agricultural products to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Highway Safety Title II: Hazardous Materials Transportation Reauthorization Title III: Sanitary Food Transportation Title IV: Rail and Mass Transportation Anti-Terrorism Title V: Rail and Mass Transportation Safety Title VI: Motor Carrier Safety Subtitle A: State Grants and Other Commercial Vehicle Programs Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1997 Title VII: Research Subtitle A: Programs and Activities Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Title VIII: Boating Safety Highway and Surface Transportation Safety Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide for awards to individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to Department of Transportation (DOT) programs, missions, or operations, including State and local governments, transportation unions, and commercial and nonprofit organizations. Title I: Highway Safety - Amends requirements for highway safety programs. Requires the Secretary to make safety incentive grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from persons driving under the influence of alcohol. Specifies requirements for such programs, including: (1) driver's license suspension or revocation systems; (2) three-stage graduated licensing; (3) nondiscriminatory vehicle-stopping to determine alcohol influence; and (4) certain alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. Establishes incentive programs to: (1) improve data systems and identify priorities for State and local highway and traffic safety programs; and (2) increase safety belt and child safety seat use. Requires the Secretary to carry out safety research on, among other things, measures that may deter drugged driving. (Sec. 102) Revises the National Driver Register (NDR) statute to: (1) authorize the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an organization representing State interests to manage, administer, and operate NDR's computer timeshare and user assistance functions; (2) extend participation to specified other Federal departments or agencies; and (3) allow Federal agencies authorized to receive NDR information to make their requests and receive the information directly from NDR. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) consolidated State highway safety programs; (2) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operations and research; and (3) NDR. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to participate in the development of an international compendium of national motor vehicle standards, including both safety and environmental standards. Authorizes the Secretary or the Administrator to promote international cooperative programs for conducting research, development, demonstration projects, training, and other forms of technology transfer and exchange to enhance international motor vehicle safety, and provide technical assistance to other countries relating to their adoption of U.S. Federal standards for vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator of EPA to participate in international negotiations and agree to harmonized rules for vehicular safety and environmental pollution if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to develop a program to notify U.S. dealers and distributors that Federal law prohibits the sale or delivery of a schoolbus that does not meet certain Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Title II: Hazardous Materials Transportation Reauthorization - Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Repeals the Secretary's authority to prescribe criteria for handling hazardous material. (Sec. 205) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to impose a fee on persons who are required to file a registration statement for the transport of hazardous materials in order to pay for the costs of processing such statements. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to implement a pilot program to evaluate the use of automated carrier assessment programs for carriers of certain hazardous materials. (Sec. 209) Directs the Secretary (currently, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to monitor public sector emergency response planning and training for an accident involving hazardous material. Authorizes the Secretary to allow a State or Indian tribe receiving a planning and training grant to use up to 25 percent of the grant amount to assist small businesses in complying with regulations for the safe transportation of hazardous material. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions with a person, U.S. agency, State or local government, Indian tribe, foreign government, educational institution, or other entity to further research, development, demonstration, risk assessment, emergency response planning and training activities with respect to the transportation of hazardous materials. (Sec. 212) Authorizes officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary to: (1) inspect and examine packages in transport when they are marked as containing a hazardous material, or when there is a reasonable belief that such a package may contain such material; and (2) prevent, when there is a reasonable belief that an imminent hazard may exist, the further transportation of the hazardous material until the hazardous qualities of such material have been determined. (Sec. 213) Revises penalties for violations of a regulation, order, special permit, or approval in connection with the transportation of a hazardous material to: (1) increase the maximum civil penalty to not more than $27,500 for each violation; and (2) provide for a fine, or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both for violations which lead to the release of a hazardous material (aggravated violations). (Sec. 215) Authorizes a person with a substantial interest in a final enforcement order issued in connection with the transportation of a hazardous material to petition for review in the appropriate court. (Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to: (1) determine the safety benefits of implementing a Federal permit program for high risk hazardous material carriers; (2) examine the safety benefits of increased monitoring of high risk hazardous material carriers, and the costs, benefits, and procedures of existing State permit programs; and (3) assess the potential of advanced technologies for improving the assessment of high risk hazardous material carrier's compliance with motor carrier safety regulations. (Sec. 217) Authorizes appropriations. Earmarks certain funds for: (1) training the public sector to respond to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials; and (2) hazardous material emergency response planning and training grants to States and Indian tribes. Title III: Sanitary Food Transportation - Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem as adulterated any food transported under unsanitary conditions. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation sanitary transportation practices (subject to waiver) which shippers, carriers, receivers, and other persons engaged in the transportation of food shall follow to ensure that such food will not become adulterated during transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, by publication in the Federal Register, to establish a list of nonfood products that may, if shipped in a tank or bulk vehicle, or motor or rail vehicle, adulterate any food transported subsequently in such vehicle. (Sec. 304) Amends Federal transportation law to revise sanitary food transportation requirements to direct the Secretary to establish transportation safety inspection procedures to identify suspected incidents of contamination or adulteration of food, and to train Department of Transportation (DOT) personnel in the use of such procedures. Directs the Secretary to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Agriculture of any instances of potential food contamination or adulteration of food identified during such inspections. Title IV: Rail and Mass Transportation Anti-Terrorism - Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the use of firearms, dangerous weapons, and propelling objects against railroad trains and mass transportation. (Sec. 405) Requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to lead the investigation of all such offenses (including existing offenses under the "Wrecking Trains" statute). Title V: Rail and Mass Transportation Safety - Amends Federal transportation law to require the Federal Transit Administrator to consult with the Federal Railroad Administrator concerning relevant safety issues when making mass transportation grants or loans to commuter railroads that are under the Secretary's railroad safety jurisdiction. (Sec. 502) Changes the frequency with which rail carriers must file accident and incident reports with the Secretary from monthly to periodically. (Sec. 503) Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to extend through January 1, 2003, the temporary exemption from certain axle weight limitations to any intrastate public agency transit passenger bus using the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Title VI: Motor Carrier Safety - Subtitle A: State Grants and Other Commercial Vehicle Programs - Provides for performance-based grants to States for: (1) improving motor carrier safety; and (2) enforcing regulations for hazardous materials transportation safety. Requires State plans under such grants to implement performance-based activities by FY 2000. (Sec. 603) Makes 100 percent the Federal share of public education activities with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety programs and enforcement. (Sec. 604) Provides funding for commercial motor vehicle safety programs for FY 1998 through 2003. (Sec. 605) Authorizes the Secretary to establish motor carrier information systems and data analysis programs to support motor carrier regulatory and enforcement activities. Requires such information systems, in cooperation with the States, to be coordinated into a network providing identification of motor carriers and drivers, registration and licensing tracking, and motor carrier and driver safety performance. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain data analysis capacity and programs to provide the means: (1) to develop strategies to address safety problems and to use data analysis to measure the effectiveness of these strategies and related programs; (2) to determine the cost effectiveness of State and Federal safety compliance, enforcement programs, and other countermeasures; (3) to evaluate the safety fitness of motor carriers and drivers; (4) to identify and collect necessary data; and (5) to adapt, improve, and incorporate other information and information systems as deemed appropriate by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to include, as part of the DOT motor carrier safety information network system, a Performance and Registration Information Systems Management information system to serve as a clearinghouse and repository of information related to State registration and licensing of commercial motor vehicles and the safety system of the commercial motor vehicle registrants or the motor carriers operating the vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program focusing on improving commercial motor vehicle driver safety. (Sec. 606) Authorizes FY 1998 through 2003 appropriations for information systems and strategic safety initiatives. Repeals the existing truck and bus accident grant program. Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1997 - Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1997 - Amends commercial vehicle safety law to abolish the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Review Panel (effectively making the Secretary the primary one to review State laws or regulations on commercial motor vehicle safety). (Sec. 652) Repeals the requirement for State submission of commercial motor vehicle safety laws and regulations to the Secretary for review, including the mandate for the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Review Panel. Revises safety fitness provisions to prohibit motor carriers (including motor carriers that transport hazardous material or more than 15 passengers) who fail to meet certain safety fitness requirements from operating in interstate commerce. Authorizes an commercial motor carrier employee, in conjunction with other remedies, to bring a civil action in district court to enforce an order by the Secretary of Labor that such employee had been discharged, disciplined, or discriminated against for filing a complaint related to a violation of a commercial motor vehicle safety regulation. (Sec. 653) Repeals grant programs for: (1) testing and ensuring the fitness of operators of commercial motor vehicles; and (2) issuing commercial drivers' licenses and complying with State participation requirements. Declares that no action for defamation, invasion of privacy, or interference with a contract that is based on the furnishing or use of safety performance records in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary may be brought against: (1) a motor carrier requesting such records of an individual under consideration for employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver; (2) a person who has complied with such request; or (3) the agents or insurers of such persons. (Sec. 654) Revises civil penalties for violations of certain commercial motor vehicle safety and recordkeeping requirements. Subjects to both civil and criminal penalties a person who knowingly aids, abets, counsels, or procures a violation of such requirements. (Sec. 655) Repeals the mandate for a working group of State and local government officials with respect to the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement. Repeals the authority for grants to States and appropriate persons to facilitate participation in such Plan and Agreement, as well as the authorization of appropriations for the program. (Sec. 656) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the adequacy of parking facilities that could be used by motor carriers to comply with Federal hours-of-service rules. Title VII: Research - Subtitle A: Programs and Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a national strategic planning process which encompasses Federal, State, and local planning activities for intermodal, multimodal, and modal transportation research and technology; and (2) the Intermodal Transportation Research and Development Program. (Sec. 701) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish one university transportation center (thereby combining the existing university research institute and transportation centers programs) in each of the ten U.S. Government regions that compose the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System to address transportation management, research and development, and education and training for qualified graduate and undergraduate students, with special attention to women and minorities. (Sec. 702) Requires the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to compile statistics on transportation-related variables influencing global competitiveness. Revises the duties of the BTS Director with respect to the long term data collection program to require, among other things, that it be coordinated with efforts to measure outputs and outcomes of DOT and the nation's transportation systems under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Requires the BTS Director to establish an Intermodal Transportation Data Base, the National Transportation Library, and a National Transportation Atlas Data Base. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative contracts with, public and nonprofit entities to conduct research and development in support of the Bureau's activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to engage in research, development, and technology transfer activities with respect to motor carrier transportation and all phases of highway planning and development. Directs the Secretary to develop programs to facilitate application of the products of research and technical innovations that will improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the highway system. (Sec. 704) Repeals the mandate for the National Highway Institute (thus abolishing it). Converts the current discretionary education and training assistance program providing urban and rural highway and transportation agencies access to modern highway technology into a mandatory a National Technology Deployment Initiatives program Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1997 - Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems and advance the deployment of such systems as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems (in effect, extending the expiring Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1991). (Sec. 753) Defines "intelligent transportation systems" (ITS) as the application of electronics, communications, or information processing to improve the efficiency and safety of surface transportation systems. (Sec. 754) Directs the Secretary to establish a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally-sponsored projects under this title. (Sec. 755) Directs the Secretary to update the National ITS Program Plan as necessary. (Sec. 756) Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) planning and technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement ITS technologies and services; and (2) funding to Federal agencies and make grants to non-Federal entities (including State and local governments, universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and other persons) for ITS research. (Sec. 757) Directs the Secretary to conduct an intelligent transportation infrastructure (ITI) deployment incentives program to promote deployment of integrated, multimodal transportation systems throughout the Nation. (Sec. 758) Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Boating Safety - Sportfishing and Boating Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Act popularly known as the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act to establish the National Outreach and Communications Fund. Credits to the Fund specified amounts from the Sport Fish Restoration Account. Increases: (1) the regional average that States must allocate from specified appropriations for certain recreational boating purposes; and (2) the limit on State funding for aquatic resource education, outreach, and communications (currently, for aquatic resource education and outreach) programs. (Sec. 803) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement a national plan for outreach and communications. Authorizes grants and contracts from the National Outreach and Communications Fund to carry out the plan. Requires States to develop an outreach and communications plan. (Sec. 804) Requires that, of the balance remaining after the annual initial distribution of funds from appropriations to carry out the Act, certain amounts be used for programs and projects under specified provisions of: (1) Federal law relating to State recreational boating safety programs; (2) the Clean Vessel Act of 1992; and (3) this Act. (Sec. 805) Directs the Secretary to adopt a national framework for a public boat access needs assessment. Requires States to conduct the assessments unless the Secretary certifies that a State is implementing a plan that ensures adequate access. Allows States to fund the assessments from amounts dedicated to access to recreational waters under existing provisions. Mandates matching grants to States for up to 75 percent of the cost of facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels. (Sec. 806) Amends Federal boating safety law to direct the Secretary, subject to specified restrictions, to expend in each fiscal year specified funds for State recreational boating safety programs. Earmarks funds for the payment of expenses of the Coast Guard for personnel and activities directly related to carrying out the national recreational boating safety program. (Sec. 807) Limits the allocation of funds for recreational boating safety programs for the insular areas to no more than one-half of one percent of the total expended for such programs for all eligible States. Waives local matching fund requirements for amounts under $200,000 that are received by the insular areas for such programs. Reduces the period of availability of State allocations from three years to two years after the date of allocation. Requires amounts not obligated by the State within such period to be withdrawn and allocated to the State the following fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1997
National Police Pursuit Policy Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving the highway safety program of a State that does not have in effect by January 1, 1999: (1) a law that makes it unlawful for the driver of a motor vehicle to increase speed or to take any other deliberately evasive action if a law enforcement officer clearly signals the driver to stop the motor vehicle and that subjects any driver who violates that law to a minimum penalty of three months' imprisonment and seizure of the motor vehicle; and (2) a requirement that each State and local agency that employs law enforcement officers who may conduct a motor vehicle pursuit have a policy that meets guidelines set by the Secretary, train all law enforcement officers in accordance with that policy, and submit to the chief executive officer of the State a report regarding each motor vehicle pursuit. Requires the U.S. Attorney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Chief of the Capitol Police, and the Administrator of General Services to report to the Congress on each such entity's motor vehicle pursuit policy and the procedures used to train law enforcement officers to implement that policy. Requires each such policy to meet the policy requirements of State programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1997
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Burlington Resources Oil and Gas Company (formerly Meridian Oil Inc.) all Federal oil and gas rights and interests identified on a map entitled the "Billings County, North Dakota, Consolidated Mineral Exchange--November 1995," contingent on Burlington's conveyance to the Secretary of title to its own oil and gas rights and interests identified on the same map. States that the values of such exchanged oil and gas rights shall be deemed to be equal. Directs the Secretary, after Burlington makes such conveyance, to convey all remaining Federal non-oil and gas mineral rights, title, and interests in the National Forest System lands and National Grasslands in the State of North Dakota, to owners of the remaining non-oil and gas mineral interests identified on such map, contingent on the owners' conveyance to the Secretary of all their rights, title, and interests. States that the values of such exchanged interests shall be approximately equal, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to grant to Burlington the use of federally-owned surface lands to explore and develop interests conveyed to Burlington under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Pfiesteria Research Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Directors of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a research program for the eradication or control of Pfiesteria piscicida and other aquatic toxins; and (2) make grants to specified colleges, universities, and other entities in affected States for carrying out such research. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1997
Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for continuing projects or activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, which were conducted in FY 1997 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; (3) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998; (4) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1998; (5) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1998; (6) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998; (7) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; (8) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; (9) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1998; (10) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998; (11) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1998; (12) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1998; and (13) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998. Sets forth the rates of (current rates, with specified exceptions), and limitations on, such funding. Provides funding under this resolution until enactment into law of any covered appropriation or the applicable appropriations Act or October 23, 1997, whichever occurs first. Continues provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act pertaining to a visa waiver pilot program for certain visitors through the effective period of this resolution. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the authority to enter into new flood insurance contracts through October 23, 1997. Authorizes the District of Columbia government to delay repayment of the 1997 Treasury advances beyond October 1, 1997, until it receives the full year Federal contribution. Waives any interest or penalties otherwise applicable to late payments. Continues the issuing authority of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation through the effective period of this resolution. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to extend the Export-Import Bank's functions through October 23, 1997. Extends, through October 23, 1997, certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act pertaining to the issuance of immigrant visas within 90 days' of an alien's departure and the adjustment to permanent resident status of certain aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1997
Pfiesteria Research Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Directors of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a research program for the eradication or control of Pfiesteria piscicida and other aquatic toxins; and (2) make grants to specified colleges, universities, and other entities in affected States for carrying out such research. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1997
Valle Grande-Valles Caldera Preservation bill - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to acquire specified lands in New Mexico owned by the Baca Land and Cattle Company. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Forest Service, and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service, to: (1) jointly develop a plan to adjust the boundaries between the Sante Fe National Forest and the Bandelier National Monument to provide consistent land management to protect the Monument's watershed; and (2) submit such plan to the Congress within 120 days of the land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Coordination, Planning, and Definitions Regarding Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Title II: Reform of Existing Research, Extension, and Education Authorities Subtitle A: Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887 Subtitle B: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Subtitle C: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Subtitle D: National Research Initiative Subtitle E: Other Existing Laws Title III: Extension or Repeal of Research, Extension, and Education Initiatives Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Title I: Coordination, Planning, and Definitions Regarding Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish priorities and specified management principles for federally supported and conducted agricultural research, extension, and education. (Sec. 102) Revises the definition of "food and agricultural sciences." (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to provide for: (1) scientific peer review of research grants and merit review of extension and education grants by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and (2) scientific peer review of research activities of the Agricultural Research Service. Requires pre-funding merit review of college and university research and extension activities. Makes related amendments to the Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887. (Sec. 105) Makes all colleges and universities eligible for agricultural research, extension, and education cost-reimbursable agreements. Title II: Reform of Existing Research, Extension, and Education Authorities - Subtitle A: Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887 - Amends specified Acts to make their common names (Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887) their official titles. (Sec. 202) Amends the Smith-Lever Act to expand college and university extension funding eligibility. (Sec. 203) Amends such Acts to prohibit (with certain exceptions) Federal matching payments in excess of State payments. (Sec. 204) Amends the Smith-Lever Act to require specified fund use for multi-State and multi-institutional activities. (Sec. 205) Amends such Acts to permit fund transfer between research and extension activities. Subtitle B: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish a specified matching funds requirement for research and extension activities at the 1890 land grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Changes specified references to Tuskegee Institute to Tuskegee University. (Sec. 214) Transfers authority for a specified agricultural research facilities task force from the Research Facilities Act to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. Repeals the Research Facilities Act. Subtitle C: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to revise National Agricultural Weather Information System provisions to: (1) make the System's establishment discretionary; (2) revise its components, authority, and fund use requirements; and (3) authorize appropriations. (Sec. 232) Authorizes appropriations for the agricultural genome initiative (currently the plant genome mapping program). Subtitle D: National Research Initiative - Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to authorize the Secretary to waive the matching requirement for certain small college or university projects (based upon equipment cost and use). Subtitle E: Other Existing Laws - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to use specified amounts available from forestry competitive research grants for certain high priority forestry research areas. Title III: Extension or Repeal of Research, Extension, and Education Initiatives - Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to authorize appropriations for competitive, special, and facilities research grants. (Sec. 302) Amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for "1994 Institutions" (Indian and tribal colleges), and Institutional capacity building grants. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for: (1) education grants for Hispanic-serving institutions; and (2) agricultural extension and research, and State experiment stations. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that the Secretary shall be the principal executive branch official with respect to agricultural and food sciences research, education, and extension. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to establish in the Department of Agriculture an Office of Pest Management Policy. (Sec. 403) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary and the Secretary of Education should cooperate in providing school-based agricultural education.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore, in modified versions, two line-item-vetoed provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997: (1) a provision concerning a tax exemption for income earned in connection with the active conduct of foreign financial services businesses; and (2) a provision concerning the nonrecognition of gain on the sale of stock to certain farmers' cooperatives.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1997
Forest Recovery and Protection Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to begin a national program of U.S. forest land recovery and protection. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 5) Establishes a Scientific Advisory Panel to assist the Secretary. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to conduct an initial number of advance recovery projects. (Sec. 7) Establishes in the Treasury the Forest Recovery and Protection Fund. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of forest inventorying, monitoring, and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Management of Grazing on Federal Lands Title II: Miscellaneous Forage Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Management of Grazing on Federal Lands - Sets forth requirements for grazing on Federal lands concerning: (1) monitoring and inspection; (2) subleasing; and (3) fees and charges. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to jointly establish and operate a Resource Advisory Council on a State, regional, or local level to provide related land use and management assistance. Title II: Miscellaneous - Sets forth effective date and implementing regulation provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Millers Chapel Church in Monroe County, Tennessee, all rights and interest to specified real property within the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1997
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2160 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs appropriations). Provides that the House shall be considered to have adopted a concurrent resolution barring the use of domestic food program or food stamp program funds under such Act for studies and evaluations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1997
True Cost of Dairy Farming Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to include an estimate of milk production costs in announcing the basic formula price for milk.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1997
Hamburger Safety Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit construing specified FDCA provisions to require on food labeling a separate radiation disclosure statement more prominent than the required declaration of ingredients. Requires approval of the Isomedix Corporation petition submitted on a specified date under FDCA provisions relating to regulations on food additive safety. Requires a commercial establishment serving prepared meat and poultry to make information available to patrons, in a manner deemed appropriate by the establishment, about whether the meat and poultry has been treated with low-dose radiation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Management of Wildland-Urban Interface Areas Title II: Fire Danger Reduction By Removal of Grasses and Forbs Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Community Protection and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Act of 1997 - Title I: Management of Wildland-Urban Interface Areas - Requires the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to identify wildlife-urban interface areas (areas of Federal land in close proximity to communities and human habitations) with hazardous fuels buildups and other forest management needs. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture or of the Interior to (temporarily) enter into forest product sales contracts in order to reduce hazardous fuels buildups in such areas, which may require the purchaser to undertake forest management projects under specified conditions in return for forest management credits. Title II: Fire Danger Reduction by Removal of Grasses and Forbs - Authorizes the Secretary concerned, upon local certification of fire hazard due to excessive grasses and forbs in such areas, to enter into livestock grazing contracts for such vegetation's removal. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the Secretary concerned to issue implementing regulations within a specified time. Authorizes program appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving the Regulation and Labeling of Food Title II: Effective Date Food and Nutrition Information Reform Act - Title I: Improving the Regulation and Labeling of Food - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to food nutrition levels and health-related claims to allow certain regulations to be effective on publication at the discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 102) Modifies requirements regarding petitions to issue a regulation on health-related claims. (Sec. 103) Allows a health or nutrient content claim not authorized by the Secretary if: (1) a U.S. governmental scientific body with public health protection or research responsibility directly relating to human nutrition has published an authoritative statement, currently in effect, about the relationship to which the health claim refers or setting forth a basis for the nutrient claim; (2) a person has notified the Secretary; (3) the claim and food are in compliance with certain requirements; and (4) the claim is stated in a way that it is an accurate representation of the authoritative statement and in a way that it enables the public to understand the information and its significance. (Sec. 105) Requires, if a nutrient claim is made and the food contains a nutrient at a level that increases to persons in the general population the risk of a disease or health-related condition that is diet-related, that the label contain, close to the claim, a statement referring to the nutrition information elsewhere on the label. (Sec. 107) Revises oleomargarine sale and labeling requirements. Repeals provisions relating to: (1) a congressional declaration of policy regarding oleomargarine sales; and (2) noncontravention of State oleomargarine laws. Title II: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Huna Totem Corporation Land Exchange Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to valid existing rights and easements, to enter into a land exchange under which there is conveyed to the: (1) Huna Totem Corporation the surface estate to certain Federal lands; (2) Sealaska Corporation title to the subsurface estate in such lands; and (3) United States, by the Huna Totem Corporation, specified lands needed as a municipal watershed area and a municipal greenbelt buffer from timber harvesting activities. Directs that timber harvested from land conveyed to Huna Totem Corporation is not available for export as unprocessed logs from Alaska, nor may Huna Totem Corporation sell, trade, exchange, substitute, or otherwise convey such timber to any person for the purpose of exporting that timber from the State of Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Kake Tribal Corporation Land Exchange Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to valid existing rights and easements, to enter into a land exchange under which there is conveyed to the: (1) Kake Tribal Corporation title to certain land suitable for development; (2) Sealaska Corporation title to subsurface estate in such land needed as municipal watershed area; and (3) United States, by the Kake Corporation, specified lands. Prohibits: (1) timber harvested from lands conveyed to the Kake Tribal Corporation being made available for export as unprocessed logs from Alaska; and (2) the Kake Tribal Corporation from selling, trading, exchanging, substituting, or otherwise conveying such timber to any person for export from Alaska. States that the land exchange valuation shall be in accordance with the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1997
Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding protection of vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants. Defines "vulnerable subpopulations" as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) consistently and explicitly evaluate environmental health risks to vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental and public health standards, and general regulatory decisions; (2) ensure that all EPA standards protect such subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (3) develop and use a separate assessment with respect to such subpopulations; and (4) issue revised standards, after reevaluation, that meet the criteria of this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas reasonably accessible to children; (2) create and review at least annually a list of substances with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate exposure to pollutants in such areas, including advice on integrated pest management; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; and (5) make all information described above publicly available. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Disapproves the President's cancellations (line item veto) of provisions in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that provide for: (1) tax exemptions for active financing income of certain financial service providers; and (2) nonrecognition of gain on sales of stock of qualified farm product refiners or processors to eligible farmers' cooperatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should use specified existing authority to establish a temporary emergency minimum milk price that is equitable to all producers nationwide and provides price relief to economically distressed milk producers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Disapproves the President's cancellations (line item veto) of provisions in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that provide for: (1) tax exemptions for active financing income of certain financial service providers; and (2) nonrecognition of gain on sales of stock of qualified farm product refiners or processors to eligible farmers' cooperatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should use specified existing authority to establish a temporary emergency minimum milk price that is equitable to all producers nationwide and provides price relief to economically distressed milk producers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1997
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program through contracts with appropriate colleges or universities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Priorities, Scope, and Review of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Title II: Other Reforms of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Subtitle A: Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Subtitle B: Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Subtitle C: Amendments to Other Laws Subtitle D: New Programs Subtitle E: Studies and Miscellaneous Title III: Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems Title IV: Extension or Repeal of Certain Authorities; Technical Amendments Title V: Agricultural Program Savings Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Priorities, Scope, and Review of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to: (1) ensure that agricultural research, education, or extension activities of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) are priority concerns with a national or multistate significance; and (2) establish such priorities. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to provide for: (1) scientific peer review of research grants and merit review of extension and education grants by CSREES; and (2) scientific peer review of ARS research. Requires pre-funding merit review of land grant college and university research and extension activities. Makes related amendments to the Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887. (Sec. 104) Amends such Acts to set forth multistate project requirements for research and extension funding. (Sec. 106) Amends the Research Facilities Act and the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to provide for multistate or national activities. Title II: Other Reforms of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education - Subtitle A: Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize the Secretary to maintain a national food and agricultural education information system. (Sec. 204) Includes teaching within the activities of international research and extension. Authorizes grants for collaborative projects among Federal scientists, university faculty, and scientists from international agricultural institutions, including centers of the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research. (Sec. 206) Makes all colleges and universities eligible for agricultural research, extension, and education cost-reimbursable agreements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to revise National Agricultural Weather Information System provisions to: (1) make the System's establishment discretionary; (2) revise its components, authority, and fund use requirements; and (3) authorize appropriations. (Sec. 212) Establishes a National Food Genome Strategy, which shall include among its purposes and components Plant and Animal Genome Initiatives. (Sec. 213) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to: (1) authorize the Secretary to establish a National Advisory and Implementation Board on Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and Eradication; (2) authorize fire ant research and control grants; and (3) authorize appropriations. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to A*DEC (distance education consortium) to administer the agricultural telecommunications program. (Sec. 215) Authorizes appropriations for the assertive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Obligates a specified percent of such funds for national grants. Subtitle C: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Equity in Education Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to include the Little Priest Tribal College within the group of 1994 institutions. (Sec. 223) Amends the Smith-Lever Act to expand college and university extension funding eligibility. (Sec. 224) Amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to require increased use of land grant institution funds for integrated research and extension activities. (Sec. 225) Amends the Cooperative, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to revise special grant authority provisions. (Sec. 226) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to extend funding authority for the Fund for Rural America. (Sec. 227) Amends the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act to obligate specified funds for research projects to advance efficiency, pest and disease control, and other management aspects of beekeeping and honey production. (Sec. 228) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. Subtitle D: New Programs - Provides for research, cooperative agreements, and an ARS pilot program with respect to biobased products (produced from renewable agricultural or forestry products). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 232) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for precision agriculture (integrated information- and production-based farming system) activities, including multistate and national partnerships. Authorizes appropriations, with set-asides for specified activities. (Sec. 233) Authorizes a Formosan termite research and eradication program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 234) Directs the Secretary to periodically update nutrient composition data. (Sec. 235) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for the construction of a consolidated administrative and laboratory facility of the Animal and Plant Inspection Service to be located in or near Ames, Iowa. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 236) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through ARS, to accept as a gift and administer the National Swine Research Center in Ames, Iowa. Subtitle E: Studies and Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate whether federally funded agricultural research, education, and extension programs have national or multistate significance; and (2) request a National Academy of Sciences study of such programs' mission. (Sec. 243) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should provide matching funds for 1890 Institutions. Title III: Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems - Establishes in the Treasury the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems Account for grants to address emerging agricultural issues. Transfers unappropriated Treasury funds to the Account. Title IV: Extension or Repeal of Certain Authorities; Technical Amendments - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend program authority or authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education; (2) grants for research on the production and marketing of alcohols and industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities and forest products; (3) policy research centers; (4) the human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program; (5) the nutrition education program; (6) continuing animal health and disease research programs; (7) research on national and regional animal health or disease problems; (8) grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University; (9) national research and training centennial centers; (10) education grants for Hispanic-serving institutions; (11) general agricultural research; (12) agricultural research at state agricultural experiment stations; (13) extension education; (14) research for supplemental and alternative crops; (15) building acquisition or construction; and (16) aquaculture. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the: (1) National Genetics Resources Program; (2) agricultural telecommunications program; and (3) global climate change program. Amends the Critical Agricultural Materials Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for critical agricultural materials. Amends the Research Facilities Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for agricultural research facilities. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to extend the authorization of appropriations for Federal agricultural research facilities. Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to extend authorization of appropriations for competitive, special, and facilities research grants. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Amendments of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for agricultural research at 1890 land grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to extend the authorization of appropriations for 1994 Institutions, including institutional capacity building grants. Amends the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 to extend the authorization of appropriations for forest and rangeland renewable resources activities. Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to extend the authorization of appropriations for aquaculture activities of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior. (Sec. 402) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act to repeal authority for: (1) the pilot program to combine medical and agricultural research; and (2) the research program for intensive water recirculating aquaculture systems. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to repeal authority for the: (1) water quality research, education, and coordination program; (2) livestock product safety and inspection program; (3) national centers for agricultural product quality research; and (4) red meat safety research center. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal authority for agricultural research, education, and extension activities. (Sec. 403) Amends specified Acts to make their common names (Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887) their official titles. Title V: Agricultural Program Savings - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to limit amounts the Secretary may pay States for administering the food stamp program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to establish a Low-Income Area Grant Program to assist schools and service institutions to expand programs under the school breakfast and summer food service programs. Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) increase the number of covered meals and supplements under the child care and summer food service programs; and (2) authorize appropriations for the Information Clearinghouse. (Sec. 502) Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to reduce information technology funding limits. (Sec. 503) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to set forth requirements for haying and grazing on conservation reserve land.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
Provides for the transfer of specified property (including buildings and associated water rights) located in the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest in Summit County, Colorado, by the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ in exchange for payment by the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, of an amount equal to the sum of the appraised fair market value of the water rights and the replacement value of the two residential structures constructed by the Church on such property.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
Waives the time limitation regarding commencement of civil actions against the United States with respect to any claims by two named individuals arising out of the mortgage held by the Department of Agriculture on their home in Massachusetts. Bars the Department from foreclosing upon the mortgage until the later of one year after the enactment of this Act or the final resolution of claims submitted within one year after such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1997
Provides for a temporary increase in the basic formula price of class I milk.
United States · United States Senate · 2 September 1997
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 to make it a felony for a commission merchant, dealer, or broker to intentionally or with reckless disregard misrepresent the country of origin of a perishable agricultural commodity, with the resulting serious injury or death of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to transfer authority to conduct the census of agriculture from the Secretary of Commerce to the Secretary (Secretary) of Agriculture. Requires the Secretary to take a census every five years beginning in 1998. Sets forth enforcement and confidentiality provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Defense Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts Title III: Entitlements Title I: Defense - Directs the Secretary of Defense to reduce: (1) by FY 2003 the Department of Defense (DOD) strategic nuclear force to include a maximum of 300 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles; and (2) DOD theater missile defense programs by terminating the Navy sea-based area theater missile defense system, the Army Medium Extended Air Defense System, the Air Force airborne laser for destruction of missiles system, and the Space and Missile Tracking System. (Sec. 102) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for the production of Trident II (D-5) missiles for the Navy. Requires the Secretary to retire eight Trident I submarines during FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 103) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for: (1) assistance to Israel for development of the Arrow missile; and (2) research, development, test, and evaluation or for procurement for the Marine Corps V-22 Osprey aircraft program. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to retire 20 Air Force KC-135E aircraft during each of FY 1998 through 2002. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to assign to a unit of the armed forces members who are: (1) in transit during a scheduled move from one military installation to another; and (2) undergoing military training other than basic training. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary to increase the surcharge on sale prices of goods and services sold in commissary stores so that commissary prices are increased by at least ten percent. (Sec. 108) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide that any sale of major defense equipment approved under such Act shall include an appropriate charge for costs incurred by the United States in the research, development, and production of such equipment. Provides an exception. Repeals a provision of such Act which allows for the recovery of certain administrative expenses when such expenses are neither salaries of U.S. armed forces nor represent unfunded estimated costs of civilian retirement and other benefits. Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to terminate U.S. participation in the International Space Station program. Authorizes appropriations for termination costs. (Sec. 202) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to require the interest rates on loans and advances under such Act to equal the coupon equivalent yield on Treasury obligations of comparable maturity at the most recent Treasury auction of such obligations. Provides for loan origination fees from borrowers of loans made under such Act. Eliminates references to existing interest rates under such Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to eliminate below-cost timber sales from National Forest System lands. (Sec. 204) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding the foreign market development cooperator program. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 regarding the Cochran Fellowship Program. (Sec. 206) Prohibits the NASA Administrator from obligating funds for the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program, High-Speed Research, or the National Aeronautics Facility. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 effective September 30, 1997. (Sec. 208) Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to prohibit the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act after September 30, 1997. Title III: Entitlements - Requires, for any arrangement for the sale of electric power entered into by a Federal Power Marketing Administration after October 1, 1997, that: (1) the rate for the sale of power be the market rate established by competitive bidding and no discount be provided to any purchaser; and (2) no entity be entitled to any preference or priority right to contract for or purchase such power. Makes certain provisions of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act regarding a residential power exchange program inapplicable to arrangements for the purchase or sale of electric power entered into after October 1, 1997. Prohibits Federal Power Marketing Administrations from entering into or renewing a power marketing contract for a term that exceeds five years. (Sec. 302) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding a market access program. (Sec. 303) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend and increase tobacco price support program marketing assessments on producers, purchasers, and importers. (Sec. 304) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the payment of in-school interest by certain student loan borrowers. (Sec. 305) Amends Federal veterans' provisions to increase from $2 to $5 the prescription drug copayment required from certain veterans. Extends such requirement through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize the imposition of civil money penalties in lieu of fines or imprisonment. Sets forth notice and hearing and appeals provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Expansion, Protection, and Access Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to revise provisions regarding motorized portage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota. Provides that nothing shall prevent the operation of a motorized vehicle and associated equipment necessary to assist in the transport of a boat across Prairie Portage from the Moose Lake chain to Basswood Lake, and from Lake Vermilion to Trout Lake across the Trout Lake Portage. Prohibits such vehicles from exceeding the dimensions of a three-quarter ton pickup truck and requires them to be clean-emission and energy efficient. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate special use permits for tow boats in Basswood or South Farm Lakes. Increases the number of motorboat permits for September on Basswood Lake to take into account the removal of tow boats. Requires the costs of operating motorized vehicles to be borne by a concessionaire without government subsidies. Makes provisions regarding motorized portage ineffective if there is no operation of such vehicles for a significant part of the ice-free season for three consecutive years. Adds lands to the Wilderness. Prohibits the use of motorboats on Canoe Lake in Cook County. Requires the Secretary to make funds available annually to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for activities such as campsite restoration, trail and campsite maintenance, law enforcement, management plan monitoring, and user education. Makes a specified executive order regarding an airspace reservation applicable to lands added to the Wilderness under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
National Aquaculture Development, Research, and Promotion Act of 1997 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish at regional aquaculture centers a means of electronically compiling information for the National Aquaculture Information Center; and (2) authorize (current law requires) the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a National Aquaculture Information Center. (Sec. 6) Provides for coordination with the aquaculture industry. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for aquaculture commercialization research. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a national policy for private aquaculture; (2) implement a Department of Agriculture Aquaculture Plan; (3) treat private aquaculture as a form of agriculture; and (4) coordinate and carry out Department aquaculture programs and policy. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations for aquaculture programs. (Sec. 10) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make aquaculture farmers eligible for farm credit assistance. (Sec. 11) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to establish an international aquaculture information and data collection program. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with respect to: (1) aquaculture information network enhancement; and (2) implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997
Declares that no final rule that prohibits States from granting exceptions for not-for-hire intrastate transportation farmers and farm-related service industries shall take effect before October 1, 1999, or until authorization of appropriations for FY 1998 to carry out chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code (relating to transportation of hazardous materials).