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301 records in US in 1997
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the interest on water, waste, and essential community facilities loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Agriculture to be tax-exempt.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should consider acting immediately to modify the Basic Formula Price for dairy by replacing the National Cheese Exchange as a factor in setting such Price, and to establish in its place an equivalent pricing mechanism more reflective of national dairy conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Agricultural Lands Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Food Security Act of 1985 to exempt from certain wetland conservation requirements privately-owned crop, range, or pasture lands that have been used for crop production or livestock grazing for at least five of the preceding ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
National Cheese Exchange Oversight and Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to regulate a concentrated cash market (as defined by this Act), including the National Cheese Exchange in Green Bay, Wisconsin, until the Commission determines that the market is not functioning as a reference price for off-market transactions of the commodity being traded on such market.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Animal Welfare Act Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to redefine "dealer," including delineation of auction operators and shelters or other facilities operated by or for a governmental entity. Revises licensing (and exception) provisions. Prohibits license issuance or renewal to a person who: (1) loses a license for a violation of such Act or failure to pay a related civil penalty; or (2) has violated another animal welfare or species protection law or treaty. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate humane standards and recordkeeping requirements for animal auctions. Sets forth enforcement and injunction provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Milk Price Discovery Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture rom directly or indirectly using a price established on the National Cheese Exchange to determine the basic formula price for milk. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary to develop a dairy price discovery and reporting system, which shall include: (1) collection and dissemination of weekly cheese prices; (2) technical assistance to organize a cash market alternative to the National Cheese Exchange; and (3) studies of improved volume in dairy futures trading and on creation of an electronic dairy exchange. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to provide for oversight of cash markets affecting Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Extends the termination date (and restores lapsed authority) for milk marketing order seasonal base plans under the Agricultural Adjustment Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Weather Service Modernization Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from closing or relocating any National Weather field office that is located in, or serves, an area identified as an area of geographic concern in a specified report by the National Research Council, unless, prior to closing or relocating the field office, the Secretary: (1) evaluates, as part of the certification process, the effect of that closing or relocation on all weather information and services provided to users served by that field office (including State and affected agencies, farmers, and other local citizens); and (2) certifies that, after the closing or relocation, the level of weather services provided to the users will be at least equivalent to the level provided before such closing.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to prohibit National Cheese Exchange information from being used to fix minimum milk prices.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Designates minority party membership on the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Budget; (3) Government Reform and Oversight; (4) House Oversight; (5) International Relations; (6) National Security; (7) Resources; (8) Small Business; and (9) Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
National Cheese Exchange Oversight and Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to regulate a concentrated cash market (as defined by this Act), including the National Cheese Exchange in Green Bay, Wisconsin, until the Commission determines that the market is not functioning as a reference price for off-market transactions of the commodity being traded on such market.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Milk Price Discovery Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from directly or indirectly using a price established on the National Cheese Exchange to determine the basic formula price for milk. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary to develop a dairy price discovery and reporting system, which shall include: (1) collection and dissemination of weekly cheese prices; (2) technical assistance to organize a cash market alternative to the National Cheese Exchange; and (3) studies of improved volume in dairy futures trading and on creation of an electronic dairy exchange. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to provide for oversight of cash markets affecting Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Free Market Grazing Fees Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish fair market value grazing fees for use of their respective public lands. Establishes a prevailing fee exception for current small family ranch leases or permits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Reform Title II: Natural Resources Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims Subtitle C: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources Subtitle D: National Park Concessions Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997 - Title I: Tax Reform - Termination of Energy and Natural Resource Tax Subsidies Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal or terminate the following: (1) the expensing of intangible drilling and development costs and of mining exploration and development costs; (2) the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (3) the percentage depletion deduction for mines, oil and gas wells, other natural deposits, and timber; (4) tax benefits for alcohol fuels; (5) the enhanced oil recovery credit; (6) the credit and deduction for electric vehicles, clean-fuel vehicles, and certain refueling property; (7) the deduction for tertiary injectants; (8) the rehabilitation credit for non-historic structures (reduces such credit for certified historic structures); (9) the provisions concerning the treatment of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Organizations; (10) the small life insurance company deduction; (11) the alternative tax on small property and casualty insurance companies; (12) provisions permitting farming businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (13) the deduction for soil and water conservation expenditures; (14) the deduction for expenditures by farmers for fertilizer, etc.; (15) certain exceptions permitting farm businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (16) the exclusion for the cancellation of qualified farm indebtedness; (17) the exclusion for certain cost-sharing payments; (18) the reforestation credit; (19) the rapid amortization of reforestation expenditures; (20) the exclusion of certain income of citizens or residents living abroad; (21) the exclusion for income of foreign sales corporations; (22) the deferral of income of controlled foreign corporations; (23) the deferral of tax under the Merchant Marine Capital Construction Fund; (24) the special treatment for magazine circulation expenditures; (25) the special treatment for returns of magazines, paperbacks, and records; and (26) the exclusion for interest on State and local bonds. Title II: Natural Resources - Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: General Provisions -Prohibits any timber, minerals, forage, or other natural resources owned by the United States and any federally owned water, or hydroelectric energy of a Federal facility from being sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of by any Federal entity for less than fair market value. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish and collect user fees as necessary to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering programs. (Sec. 213) Requires the revenues from the sale, lease, and transfer of Federal assets to be included in the President's budget submission to Congress. Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims - Requires the holders of mining claims to pay an annual claim maintenance fee of $100 per claim per calendar year. Allows the waiver of such fee for holders of more than ten claims. (Sec. 223) Requires claimholders to pay a royalty of eight percent of gross income for production of locatable minerals on Federal lands. (Sec. 224) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on gross income resulting from the severance of any locatable mineral, or mineral concentrates or products, from a mine or other natural deposit. Makes such tax inapplicable to gross income to which a royalty is imposed. (Sec. 225) Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral activities on Federal lands. Credits the royalties and excise tax under this title to such Fund. (Sec. 226) Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any mining claim unless the Secretary of the Interior determines that, for the claim concerned: (1) a patent application was filed before January 27, 1995; and (2) all requirements are met under the Revised Statutes for vein or lode claims and for placer claims. (Sec. 227) Requires the Secretary to adjust all dollar amounts under this title for changes in purchasing power every ten years, employing the Consumer Price Index as the basis for adjustment. Subtitle C : Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources - Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest lands in the 16 contiguous Western States, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public domain lands, where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law, to establish an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value, based on a specified formula. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) abolition of grazing advisory boards; and (2) the U.S. share of receipts. (Sec. 242) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit below-cost timber sales from National Forest System Lands. (Sec. 243) Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture in revising land management plans to take into account the economic suitability of lands for timber production. (Sec. 244) Amends the Food Security Act of 1995 and the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide for the reduction of payment limitations for persons who receive Federal irrigation water for agricultural purposes. (Sec. 247) Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal the livestock feed assistance program. (Sec. 248) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require that oil and gas rental prices for leases on public lands be established at fair market value. (Sec. 249) Requires that permits for the use of communications sites on public lands be established at fair market prices. Subtitle D: National Park Concessions - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 254) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award concession contracts that authorize private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide services to park visitors and to utilize facilities if it is determined that such award is appropriate. (Sec. 255) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide services to park visitors otherwise than by award of a concession contract. (Sec. 256) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $1 million or of a duration of ten or more years. (Sec. 257) Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 258) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 259) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 261) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 262) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 263) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 264) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 265) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 266) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 267) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 269) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 270) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 1997 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1938 to repeal provisions regarding: (1) parity payments to producers of wheat, corn, cotton, rice, or tobacco; (2) farm marketing quotas and acreage allotments for corn; (3) marketing quotas for wheat, cotton, and rice; and (4) wheat marketing allocation. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal certain price support provisions and price supports for cotton, feed grains, and wheat. Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to reduce payment amounts available for production flexibility contracts. Prohibits price supports beginning with FY 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily permit two-year averaging of farm income.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Value-added Agricultural Products Market Access Act of 1997 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), by 30 days after the annual National Trade Estimate is due, to identify those foreign countries that: (1) deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. value-added agricultural products, or that apply standards to such imports that are not related to public health concerns (or cannot be substantiated by reliable analytical methods); and (2) are priority foreign countries (which engage in the most egregious acts, policies, or practices that deny market access to, or whose acts, policies, or practices have the greatest adverse impact on, U.S. value-added agricultural products). Prescribes certain requirements with respect to the identification of such countries. Requires the USTR to report annually to specified congressional committees on actions taken, and on progress made, in achieving market access for U.S. value-added agricultural products. Authorizes the USTR, with respect to the identification of such foreign countries, to request that the Secretary of Agriculture direct the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture to review certifications for the facilities of such countries that export meat and other agricultural products to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Fair Trade in Meat and Pork Products Act of 1997 - Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), for purposes of identifying foreign countries not in compliance with the terms of any trade agreement with the United States, to determine whether the European Union has failed to implement its obligations under the Exchange of Letters, the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, or any other agreement. Requires the USTR, in the event of such a failure, to: (1) promptly request proceedings under the formal dispute settlement procedures applicable under the agreement; and (2) request the Secretary of Agriculture to direct the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture to review certifications for European Union facilities that export meat and other agricultural products to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for the 105th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to dispose of certain Federal lands within the area under the jurisdiction of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in Clark County, Nevada. Allows the State of Nevada or the unit of local government in whose jurisdiction the lands are located (Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, or Henderson, Nevada) to elect to obtain the lands for local public purposes pursuant to the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (RPPA). Requires the Secretary, upon application by a unit of local government or regional governmental entity (the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the Regional Flood Control District, and the Clark County Sanitation District), to issue right-of-way grants (valid in perpetuity) on Federal lands in Clark County for all facilities and systems needed for: (1) the impoundment, storage, treatment, transportation, or distribution of water or wastewater; or (2) flood control management. Waives rental or cost recovery fees with respect to such grants. Directs the Secretary to make such lands available to Clark County in accordance with the RPPA for the construction of youth activity facilities. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) withdrawal of such lands from mining laws and from operation under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws; and (2) joint selection of such lands for sale or exchange by the Secretary and the respective unit of local government. Provides for allocation of proceeds from the land sales and exchanges to: (1) the general education program of Nevada; (2) the Southern Nevada Water Authority; and (3) a special account in the Treasury for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in Nevada, capital improvements in Federal areas in Clark County and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and development of a multispecies habitat conservation plan, parks, trails, and natural areas in Clark County. Requires the Secretary to transfer the airport environs overlay district lands identified in the Interim Cooperative Management Agreement between the United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management and Clark County, dated November 4, 1992, to Clark County upon request, without consideration, and subject to specified conditions, including conditions governing proceeds from the sale or lease of such property by Clark County. (Sec. 5) Allows the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to acquire environmentally sensitive land with the owner's consent. Provides that such acquired land that is within the boundaries of a unit of the National Forest System, the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Trails System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or any other system or national conservation or recreation area established by Act of Congress shall: (1) become part of the unit or area without further action by the respective Secretary; and (2) be managed in accordance with all laws and regulations and land use plans applicable to the unit or area. Includes lands acquired by the Secretaries under this Act within the definition of entitlement lands with respect to Federal payments to a local unit of government in which such land is located (payments in lieu of taxes). (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request by a grantee of lands within Clark County, Nevada, that are subject to a lease or patent issued under the RPPA, to transfer the reversionary interest in such lands to other non-Federal lands on an equal value basis. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to make available land in Nevada, in accordance with the RPPA, for purposes of affordable housing (housing that is assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937) only to State and local governmental entities (including local public housing authorities). (Sec. 8) Amends the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 to modify the boundaries of the Area.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Dairy Promotion Equity Act - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to: (1) require dairy importers to contribute to the dairy promotion program; (2) increase National Dairy Board membership by including importers; and (3) provide for a referendum regarding suspension of certain provisions under the Dairy Promotion Equity Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from using distance or transportation costs from a location not within a marketing area as the basis for pricing Class I (fluid) milk unless such location supplies the recipient marketing area with specified quantities of milk (single base point pricing).
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
National Dairy Promotion Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to require that National Dairy Promotion and Research Board members be elected by a vote of milk producers. Prohibits a certified organization from voting in such elections on behalf of its members (bloc voting).
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Agricultural Safety Net Act of 1997 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to revise marketing assistance loan rates for wheat, feed grains, upland and extra long staple cotton, and oilseeds. Authorizes six-month loan extensions. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize coverage for reduced or prevented planting revenue loss. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to give loan priority to projects for farmer-owned value-added processing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Plant Protection Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to restrict the importation, movement, and means of conveyance of plants, plant products, biological control organisms, plant pests, and noxious weeds, (articles) in order to prevent their U.S. introduction and interstate movement. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the Secretary of such articles' arrival, and hold them at the port of entry until inspected and authorized for U.S. movement by the Secretary. Prohibits a person from moving unauthorized and uninspected articles from a port of entry or interstate. (Sec. 6) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to take specified remedial measures, including treatment or disposal, to avoid dissemination of a plant pest or noxious weed; (2) the Secretary to make inspections and seizures; and (3) owner compensation for unauthorized disposals. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to make phytosanitary export certificates based upon foreign requirements. (Sec. 12) Sets forth penalty and enforcement provisions. (Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations and fund transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses Title II: Retirement Savings Title III: Performance Stock Options Title IV: Employer-Provided Training Title V: Estate Tax Relief Title VI: Transportation Investment Targeted Investment Incentive and Economic Growth Act of 1997 - Title I: Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to recognize gain from the sale of any small business investment, if a taxpayer so elects, only to the extent that the amount realized from such sale exceeds the cost of any other eligible small business investment purchased within six months, reduced by any portion of such cost previously taken into account. (Sec. 102) Triples the amount of loss, which otherwise would be treated as a loss from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, which an individual may treat as an ordinary loss on small business stock issued to such individual. Provides for the application of such treatment to partnership interests. (Sec. 103) Makes the 50 percent exclusion for gain from the sale or exchange of certain qualified small business stock available to corporations. Doubles the aggregate gross assets permitted a qualifying small business concerning such exclusion. Repeals the minimum tax preference. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions concerning the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence for individuals who are 55 or older to, among other things: (1) remove any reference to the taxpayer's age; (2) double the dollar limitation; (3) reduce from three out of five years to two out of five years the period during which the property must have been used as the principal residence; and (4) make the exclusion applicable to one sale or exchange every two years, rather than applicable to only one sale or exchange. Title II: Retirement Savings - Increases from $2,000 to $2,500 the maximum deduction allowable for contributions to individual retirement plans. (Sec. 202) Adds a new section to the IRC which, subject to limitations, provides that if a taxpayer has a qualified net farm gain from the sale of a qualified farm asset, then, the taxpayer can elect that the gain from the sale shall be recognized only to the extent that such gain exceeds the contributions to one or more asset rollover accounts for the taxpayer for the year in which the sale occurs. Title III: Performance Stock Options - Adds a new section to the IRC which provides, under stated conditions, that if the transfer of a share of stock to an individual pursuant to the exercise of a performance stock option is made and no disposition of such share is made within one year of the transfer then: (1) no income shall result to the individual; (2) no deduction shall be allowed to the employer; and (3) no amount, other than the price paid under the option, shall be considered as received by the employer. (Sec. 302) Excludes from gross income 50 percent of the gain from the disposition of any stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of a performance stock option, if such disposition occurs more than two years after the date on which such option was exercised with respect to such stock. Title IV: Employer-Provided Training - Extends indefinitely the exclusion for employer educational assistance programs. (Sec. 402) Provides for a study of nondiscrimination rules applicable to educational assistance programs. Title V: Estate Tax Relief - Adds a new section to the IRC which provides, in general, that, in the case of certain estates, the value of the gross estate shall not include the lesser of: (1) the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent otherwise includible in the estate; or (2) $900,000, reduced by the amount of any exclusion allowed under such new section with respect to the estate of a previously deceased spouse of the decedent. (Sec. 502) Increases the portion of the estate tax subject to the four percent interest rate. (Sec. 503) Exempts cash rentals of farmland or other land used for a trade or business from recapture of the special estate tax valuation when a qualified heir rents such property on a net cash basis to a member of the decedent's family if, during the period of the lease, such member of the decedent's family uses such property for farming or for the trade or business. Title VI: Transportation Investment - Provides for the use by the States of a portion of their unobligated balances of apportioned Highway Trust Fund revenues for transportation infrastructure improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cattle Industry Improvement Title II: Market Access for United States Meat Products Subtitle A: Identification of Countries Subtitle B: Review of Third Country Meat Directive Cattle Industry Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Cattle Industry Improvement - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit noncompetitive practices relating to the price or terms of sale of livestock or meat and meat by-products. (Sec. 102) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to set forth domestic market reporting requirements for certain persons in the slaughter business. Defines "captive supply." (Sec. 103) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 with regard to imported livestock and meat food products reporting requirements. (Sec. 104) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit retaliation by packers against livestock producers. Provides damages for producers suffering such retaliation. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish an interagency working group to review whether Federal lending practices are contributing to livestock and dairy market concentration, and whether related Federal policies adequately consider price volatility and weather risks. (Sec. 106) Directs the President to prepare a consolidation plan for the U.S. food inspection system. (Sec. 107) Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require a labeling system for U.S.-produced meat and meat food products. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 108) Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the interstate shipment of State-inspected meat, poultry, and eggs. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to provide for a regular exchange of cattle production data with Canada. Title II: Market Access For United States Meat Products - Meat Products Market Access Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Identification of Countries - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the United States Trade Representative (Representative) to identify priority foreign countries that deny market access for U.S. meat and meat products. Sets forth identification and related provisions. Subtitle B: Review of Third Country Meat Directive - Makes specified findings regarding the European Union's (EU) Third Country Meat Directive and its negative effect on U.S. meat exports. Directs the Representative to: (1) determine whether the EU has failed to implement certain related obligations; and (2) if it has so failed, request dispute settlement and certification review of EU facilities that import meat and agricultural products into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act to prohibit bloc voting by milk producer cooperative associations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Crime Control Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth in-Sentencing Grants Subtitle C: Domestic Violence Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement Title II: Youth Violence Control Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction Subtitle A: Protecting Youth From Dangerous Drugs Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements Title IV: Protecting Youth From Violent Crime Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 Subtitle C: Missing Children Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund Youth Violence, Crime, and Drug Abuse Control Act of 1997 - Title I: Crime Control - Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for public safety and community policing grants; and (2) limit to 20 percent of grant funds available in any fiscal year the amount authorized for grants for equipment, technology, and support systems. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to make grants to States, local governmental units, Indian tribes, other public and private entities, and multijurisdictional or regional consortia to encourage the use of, and to implement, 311 (as opposed to 911) nonemergency telecommunication systems for public safety. Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund (Fund) through FY 2002. Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-in- Sentencing Grants - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise the formula allocation between States and U.S. territories and possessions for technical assistance and training to entities receiving grants under either the Violent Offender Incarceration or Truth-in-Sentencing grant programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations under each such grant program through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Domestic Violence - Extends through FY 2002: (1) grants to combat violent crimes against women; (2) education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women; (3) the grant for a national domestic violence hotline; (4) grants for battered women's shelters; and (5) programs for victims of child abuse. Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2002 the funding for: (1) law enforcement family support; (2) rural drug enforcement and training; (3) DNA identification grants; (4) Byrne grants (law enforcement training and education); (5) technical automation grants; and (6) grants for State court prosecutors. Requires no less than 20 percent of the funds made available during FY 2001 and 2002 for the latter grant program to be used to provide increased resources to State juvenile courts, including its prosecutors, public defenders, and other juvenile court system participants. Title II: Youth Violence Control - Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions - Amends provisions concerning Federal juvenile prosecutions to require a predisposition report, which includes victim impact information, to be prepared by the probation officer and provided to the juvenile, his or her attorney, and the attorney for the government. Directs the juvenile court, after a dispositional hearing, to enter an order of restitution for the victim. Authorizes such court to suspend the findings of juvenile delinquency, place the juvenile on probation, commit the juvenile to official detention (including supervised release), and impose any fine that would be authorized if the juvenile had been tried and convicted as an adult. Provides the terms of probation, official detention, or supervised release for such juveniles. Excludes time spent in the custody of the AG for observation and study from time served for a juvenile offense. Authorizes the court, with respect to any juvenile prosecuted and convicted as an adult, to treat the conviction as an adjudication of delinquency and impose any disposition authorized for an adult offender. Requires: (1) a juvenile adjudicated for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony to be fingerprinted and photographed; (2) such records to be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (3) the court to transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and sentence. (Sec. 203) Directs a juvenile court, in determining whether an information should be dismissed with or without prejudice, to consider the seriousness of the offense, the facts and circumstances leading to the dismissal, and the impact of a reprosecution on the administration of justice. Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders - Authorizes the AG to make grants to assist States and local governments in planning, establishing, and operating secure facilities, staff-secure facilities, detention centers, and other correctional programs for violent juvenile offenders. Requires each facility or program funded under this subtitle to contain an evaluation component, developed under guidelines established by the AG, which includes outcome measures that may be used to determine the effectiveness of the funded programs. Requires periodic reviews and reports. Reserves a specified percentage of program funds for FY 1998 through 2002 for grants to Indian tribes for constructing correctional facilities and establishing correctional programs for the incarceration of tribal juvenile offenders. Requires a report from the AG to the Congress regarding the possible use of performance-based criteria in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of juvenile corrections facilities and programs. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for: (1) providing juvenile courts with a range of sentencing options such that first time juvenile offenders face at least some level of punishment as a result of their initial contact with the juvenile justice system; and (2) increasing the sentencing options available to juvenile court judges so that juvenile offenders receive increasingly severe sanctions as the seriousness of their conduct increases and for each additional offense. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan as part of such application. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of the total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations: (1) from grant recipients to the AG; and (2) from the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2001. Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for court-based juvenile justice programs that target juvenile firearm offenders through the establishment of juvenile gun courts. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations as above. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction - Part 1: Enhanced Penalties for Gang-Related Activities - Sets forth criminal penalties for anyone who travels in interstate or foreign commerce to recruit, solicit, induce, command, or cause to create, or attempt to create, a franchise of a criminal street gang. (Sec. 242) Includes franchising a criminal street gang as a "racketeering activity" for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 243) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to provide an appropriate enhancement with respect to any offense committed in connection with, or in furtherance of the activities of, a criminal street gang if the defendant is a member of the gang at the time of the offense. (Sec. 244) Increases the penalties for using physical force to tamper with witnesses, victims, or informants. (Sec. 245) Sets forth criminal penalties for using or carrying a firearm during and in close proximity to (currently, in relation to) any crime of violence or drug trafficking. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentence enhancement with respect to a defendant who discharges a firearm during or in close proximity to a crime of violence or drug trafficking. (Sec. 246) Increases the penalties for transferring a firearm to a minor for use in a crime. (Sec. 247) Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to any offense punishable by death or for a Class A felony involving murder. (Sec. 248) Extends to ten years after the commission of the offense the statute of limitations with respect to a Class A felony that is a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Part 2: Gang Paraphernalia - Authorizes the appropriate court to enter an order authorizing the installation and use by law enforcement personnel of a pen register or a trap and trace device within the jurisdiction of the court, or of a clone pager whose service provider is within the court's jurisdiction, if the court finds that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Authorizes a Federal court to order a provider of a paging service or other person to furnish to appropriate law enforcement personnel all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the operation and use of a clone pager unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with normal service. (Sec. 252) Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement for any offense in which the defendant: (1) used body armor; (2) possessed a firearm equipped with a laser sighting device; or (3) possessed a firearm while another defendant possessed a firearm so equipped. Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts - Directs the AG to establish guidelines for State programs to require: (1) prior to the disposition of adjudicated juvenile delinquents, that victims or their representatives are provided the opportunity to make a statement or present any relevant information; (2) that such victims be given notice of the disposition; and (3) that restitution to victims may be ordered as part of such a disposition. Requires State compliance with such requirements within three years, with an additional two-year extension authorized to be granted by the AG when a State is determined to be making a good faith effort to implement such requirements. Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction - Subtitle A: Protecting Youth from Dangerous Drugs - Directs the AG to add ketamine hydrochloride to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction - Part 1: Pharmacotherapy Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations from the Fund for FY 2001 and 2002 for the medication development program (a program providing research into medicines used to treat drug addiction). Part 2: Patent Protections for Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) authorize the sponsor of a drug for the treatment of an addiction to illegal drugs to request the Secretary of Agriculture for written recommendations for the investigation necessary for the approval or licensing of such drug; (2) authorize such a sponsor to request the Secretary to designate such drug as a drug for the treatment of addiction to illegal drugs; (3) provide exclusive approval or licensing of such drug as an unpatented drug for such purpose; and (4) provide open protocols for the clinical investigation of such drugs. Part 3: Encouraging Private Sector Development of Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to establish criteria for an acceptable drug for the treatment of an addiction to heroin and one for the treatment of an addiction to cocaine. Requires such criteria to be reviewed by specified congressional committees and published in the Federal Register. Authorizes the patent owner of a drug used for either such treatment to submit to the Secretary an application: (1) to contract to sell to the Secretary such patent rights; or (2) to enter into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Secretary for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Provides for purchase amount limitations and the transfer of rights from the patent owner to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after purchasing patent rights or entering into such an agreement, to develop a plan for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs - Part 1: Comprehensive Drug Education - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the safe and drug-free schools and communities program. Part 2: Drug Courts - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the drug courts program (a program providing continuing judicial supervision over non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems). (Sec. 362) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts and governments, and Indian tribes to establish programs that: (1) involve continuous early judicial supervision over juvenile offenders, other than violent juvenile offenders, with substance abuse or related problems; and (2) integrate administration of other sanctions and services, including testing, treatment, and diversion, probation, or other forms of supervised release. Requires the AG to issue regulations to ensure that such programs do not permit participation by violent offenders. Prohibits the Federal share of such programs from exceeding 75 percent of total program costs, with an authorized limit waiver by the AG. Requires the AG to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant awards, with a required specified allocation to Indian tribes. Requires annual reports to the AG from grant recipients. Authorizes the AG to provide technical assistance and training in furtherance of program goals and to carry out program evaluations. Provides for the reallocation of unawarded grant funds. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Part 3: Drug Treatment - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (Center) to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment to juveniles for substance abuse through programs in which the juveniles reside in facilities made available under the programs. Requires the inclusion by grant recipients of an individualized plan for the provision of services to the juvenile or young adult. Includes as eligible supplemental services under such programs hospital referrals, HIV and AIDS counseling, domestic violence and sexual abuse counseling, and preparation for reentry into society. Requires the appropriate State agency or Indian tribe to certify that the applicant has the capacity to carry out the program and meets certain other requirements. Outlines provisions with respect to: (1) applicants who are also Medicaid providers; (2) the provision of treatment for mental diseases; (3) matching fund requirements; (4) program outreach and accessibility; (5) continuing education for individuals providing such services; (6) the imposition of appropriate charges for such services; (7) applicant reports to the Center Director; and (8) required equitable geographic allocation of grant awards. Limits to five years the period during which payments may be made to any entity under a program. Requires annual Director approval of program payments. Requires the Director to conduct program evaluations and disseminate findings. Requires an initial and periodic reports from the Director to specified congressional committees describing the programs carried out under this Part. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002, including an authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the last two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to established projects for the outpatient treatment of substance abuse among juveniles. Requires entities receiving such grants to engage in activities to prevent such abuse. Requires such Secretary to evaluate the projects and disseminate evaluation results. Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to extend through FY 2002 the authority for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Office), as well as the authorization of appropriations for the Office. (Sec. 382) Requires the Office Director to conduct a study on the effect of the 1996 voter referenda in California and Arizona concerning the medicinal use of marijuana and other controlled substances on the general use of such substances in those States. Requires a Director report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to increase the penalties for using Federal property to grow or manufacture controlled substances. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement to ensure that such violations are punished substantially more severely than violations that do not occur on Federal property. Title IV: Protecting Youth from Violent Crime - Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, Indian tribes and national nonprofit organizations in crime-prone areas (such as Boys and Girls Clubs and the 4-H) to: (1) provide constructive activities to youth during nonschool hours to prevent their criminal victimization; (2) provide supervised activities in safe environments to youth in crime-prone areas; (3) provide antidrug education to prevent youth drug abuse; (4) support police officer training and salaries and educational materials; or (5) provide constructive activities to youth in a safe environment through the use of parks and other public recreation areas. Requires annual reports from: (1) grant recipients to the AG; and (2) the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 - Say No to Drugs Community Centers Act of 1997 - Authorizes the AG to make grants to certain AG-approved recipients to provide the following services to youth during after-school hours or summer vacations: (1) rigorous drug prevention education; (2) drug counseling and treatment; (3) academic tutoring and mentoring; (4) activities promoting interaction between youth and law enforcement officials; (5) vaccinations and other preventive health care; (6) sexual abstinence education; and (7) other activities and instruction to reduce youth violence and substance abuse. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of costs under the grant program, as well as grant allocation and reallocation requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 from the Fund. Subtitle C: Missing Children - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to contract with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in order to provide a national 24-hour toll-free hotline and national resource center for use by missing children. (Currently, the hotline and resource center are required to be established and operated by such Administrator.) Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention - Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts - Directs the AG to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Science or, if the Academy declines, another public or nonprofit private entity to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of federally funded programs for preventing youth violence, youth substance abuse, and the criminal victimization of juveniles. Outlines reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs - Directs the AG to provide for the comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of each program under titles II through IV of this Act, using independent evaluation and research criteria. Authorizes the AG to require grant recipients to comply with any information requirements under the mandate. Reserves a specified amount of the funds authorized for such programs to carry out the required evaluation and research. Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs - Expresses the sense of the Senate that programs found ineffective under the study required under Subtitle A, above, in addressing juvenile crime and substance abuse should not receive Federal funding in any fiscal year following the issuance of such study. Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Reduces by specified amounts in FY 2001 and 2002 the discretionary spending limits set forth under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Irrigation Subsidy Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to define the terms "legal entity," "operator," and "single farm operation." Directs the Secretary of the Interior, for each parcel of land to which irrigation water is delivered or proposed to be delivered, to identify a single individual or legal entity as the owner, lessee, or operator. Allows irrigation water to be delivered at less than the normal per-acre cost to either: (1) a qualified recipient that reports gross farm income from a single farm operation in excess of $500,000 per taxable year; or (2) a limited recipient that received such water on or before October 1, 1981, and that reports gross farm income in excess of such amount. Provides an inflation adjustment for calendar years after 1997. Requires lessees (currently, only owners and operators) of an irrigation district to furnish such district a certification of compliance with the Act. Allows the Secretary to require a lessee or operator to submit for examination a copy of a tax return for any taxable year in which the single farm operation of the lessee or operator received irrigation water at less than full cost. Repeals a provision exempting district lands held in trust from Federal reclamation ownership and cost pricing limitations. Directs the Secretary to establish penalties for failure to comply with provisions of the Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding to permit the Secretary of the Interior to have access to and use available information collected or maintained by either the Department of the Treasury or Agriculture that would aid in enforcement of the ownership and pricing limitations of Federal reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Park Renewal Fund Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act to authorize the sale of annual admission permits to National Park visitors for a fee. Designates the annual park permit the Golden Eagle Passport. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the fees and conditions for issuing permits. Authorizes the administering Secretary to charge reasonable admission fees for a single visit for those visitors who choose not to purchase an annual permit. Deletes the provision prohibiting an admission fee at an urban park location which provides significant outdoor recreation opportunities and which has multiple points of access. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish procedures for discounted admission fees for U.S. citizens over the age of 62. Provides that the discount shall be nontransferable and given regardless of the method of travel. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop procedures to grant persons who have been medically determined to be permanently disabled with a lifetime admission permit to National Parks. Allows one accompanying individual to enter the park with the permittee. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit to the Congress within six months of the Act's enactment a report on the entrance fees to be charged at National Parks. Allows admission fees to be charged at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Independence National Historic Park, any unit of the National Park System within the District of Columbia, Arlington House, San Juan National Historic Site, and Canaveral National Seashore. Deletes the provision requiring the Director of each park unit to designate one day during periods of high visitation as a "Fee-Free Day." Allows any National Park permit holder to use specialized recreation facilities at a rate of 50 percent of the established use fee. Requires fees to be comparable to those charged by other public and private entities. Permits persons violating National Park rules or regulations to be fined any amount as provided by law. Authorizes the National Park Service to charge a fee for fishing in areas where State fishing licenses are not required. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to withhold money from the special account which equals the amount of money spent on fee collection costs for the immediately preceding fiscal year. Directs that the additional revenue generated by the fees shall be used to cover infrastructure needs at the parks. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for the use of the fund to ensure accountability and demonstrated results. Deletes the provision allowing the head of the fee collecting agency to enter into an agreement with public or private entities to sell annual admission permits. Allows individual units of the National Park System to retain money earned from transporting persons visiting the park. Directs the park to use the money for costs associated with the transportation systems at the unit. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a flat fee for commercial tour vehicles based upon the commercial tour use fee rate and the current admission rates. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish reasonable fees for non-recurring commercial or non-recreational uses of National Park System units that require special arrangements. Requires the fees to cover the costs of services provided. Authorizes the individual park unit to keep the portion of the fee necessary to cover the cost of providing services. Requires that any additional funds be deposited into the National Park Renewal Fund. Prohibits fees for the use of any federally owned land except as provided for in this Act. (Sec. 3) Prohibits the use of Highway 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by commercial vehicles after noon on September 30, 2005. Exempts commercial vehicles serving businesses within the vicinity of the recreation area. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into challenge cost-share agreements with cooperators. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept, as well as solicit, donations on behalf of the National Park System. Permits employees of the National Park Service to solicit donations in limited circumstances. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to issue written guidelines regarding the policy of employees soliciting donations. (Sec. 6) Defines "park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource located within the boundaries of a unit of the National Park System, except for those owned by a non-Federal entity. Describes "marine or aquatic park system resource" as any living or non-living part of a marine or aquatic regimen within, or within the boundaries of, a unit of the National Park System, except for those resources owned by a non-Federal entity.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate timber operators in the Vallecitos sustained-yield unit, New Mexico, for profit and wage loss resulting from an old growth preservation agreement with the Forest Service.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1997
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to dispose of certain Federal lands within the area under the jurisdiction of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in Clark County, Nevada. Allows the State of Nevada or the unit of local government in whose jurisdiction the lands are located (Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, or Henderson, Nevada) to elect to obtain the lands for local public purposes pursuant to the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (RPPA). Requires the Secretary, upon application by a unit of local government or regional governmental entity (the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Regional Flood Control District, and the Clark County Sanitation District), to issue right-of-way grants (valid in perpetuity) on Federal lands in Clark County for all facilities and systems needed for: (1) the impoundment, storage, treatment, transportation, or distribution of water (other than water from the Virgin River) or wastewater; or (2) flood control management. Waives rental or cost recovery fees with respect to such grants. Directs the Secretary to make such lands available to Clark County in accordance with the RPPA for the construction of youth activity facilities. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) withdrawal of such lands from mining laws and from operation under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws; and (2) joint selection of such lands for sale or exchange by the Secretary and the respective unit of local government. Provides for allocation of proceeds from the land sales and exchanges to: (1) the general education program of Nevada; (2) the Southern Nevada Water Authority; and (3) a special account in the Treasury for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in Nevada, capital improvements in Federal areas in Clark County and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, development of a multispecies habitat conservation plan, parks, trails, and natural areas in Clark County, and reimbursement of costs incurred by BLM local offices in arranging sales or exchanges. Requires the Secretary to transfer the airport environs overlay district lands identified in the Interim Cooperative Management Agreement between the United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management and Clark County, dated November 4, 1992, to Clark County upon request, without consideration, and subject to specified conditions, including conditions governing proceeds from the sale or lease of such property by Clark County. Allows the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to acquire environmentally sensitive land with the owner's consent. Provides that such acquired land that is within the boundaries of a unit of the National Forest System, the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Trails System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or any other system or national conservation or recreation area established by Act of Congress shall: (1) become part of the unit or area without further action by the respective Secretary; and (2) be managed in accordance with all laws and regulations and land use plans applicable to the unit or area. Includes lands acquired by the Secretaries under this Act within the definition of entitlement lands with respect to Federal payments to a local unit of government in which such land is located (payments in lieu of taxes). Authorizes the Secretary, upon request by a grantee of lands within Clark County, Nevada, that are subject to a lease or patent issued under the RPPA, to transfer the reversionary interest in such lands to other non-Federal lands on an equal value basis. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to make available land in Nevada, in accordance with the RPPA, for purposes of affordable housing (housing that is assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937) only to State and local governmental entities (including local public housing authorities). Amends the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 to modify the boundaries of the Area.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Designates majority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Designates minority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to: (1) El Rito, New Mexico, specified real property within the Carson National Forest in New Mexico, in order to expand the El Rito Cemetery; and (2) Jemez Springs, New Mexico, specified real property within the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico, in order to operate a fire substation for Jemez Springs. Provides a reversionary interest for the United States in both cases if such property is not used for its specified purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Provides for a one-year extension of certain expiring conservation reserve program contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and any other Federal official from: (1) regulating the use of tobacco or a tobacco product as a sponsor of an event of the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing or other professional motor sports association under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) taking any action with respect to tobacco advertising used by such associations under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health and Education Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1997
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to release the reversionary interest of the United States in a specified parcel of real property conveyed to the County of Iosco, Michigan, in 1960.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights through Sanctions Reform Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish an effective framework for consideration by the legislative and executive branches of unilateral economic sanctions. (Sec. 3) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) pursue U.S. interests through vigorous and effective diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, cultural, and strategic engagement with other countries, while recognizing that U.S. national security interests may sometimes require the imposition of economic sanctions on other countries; (2) foster multilateral cooperation on vital matters of U.S. foreign policy, including promoting human rights and democracy, combating international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international narcotics trafficking, and ensuring adequate environmental protection; (3) promote U.S. economic growth and job creation by expanding exports of goods, services, and agricultural commodities, and by encouraging investment that supports the sale abroad of U.S. products and services; (4) maintain the reputation of U.S. businesses and farmers as reliable suppliers to international customers of quality products and services; (5) avoid the use of restrictions on exports of agricultural commodities as a foreign policy weapon; and (6) oppose policies of other countries designed to discourage economic interaction with countries friendly to the United States or with any U.S. national, and to avoid use of such measures as instruments of U.S. foreign policy. States that when economic sanctions are necessary, it is U.S. policy to: (1) target them as narrowly as possible on those foreign governments, entities, and officials that are responsible for the conduct being targeted, thereby minimizing unnecessary or disproportionate harm to individuals who are not responsible for such conduct; and (2) to the extent feasible, avoid any adverse impact of economic sanctions on the humanitarian activities of the United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in a country against which sanctions are imposed. (Sec. 5) Provides that any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch, and considered by the House of Representatives or the Senate, should: (1) state the U.S. foreign policy or national security objective; (2) terminate after two years unless specifically reauthorized; (3) provide for contract sanctity; (4) provide presidential authority to adjust or waive the sanction in the national interest; (5) target the sanction as narrowly as possible against the parties responsible for the conduct being targeted; and (6) provide for expanded export promotion programs if sanctions are likely to target an export market for American farmers. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a procedure for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that imposes, or authorizes the imposition of, any unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the committee of primary jurisdiction reporting such a bill or joint resolution to timely request specified reports: (1) from the President assessing the likelihood that the proposed unilateral economic sanction will achieve its stated objective within a reasonable period of time, as well as the impact of the proposed unilateral economic sanction on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and humanitarian activities; and (2) from the Secretary of Agriculture assessing the extent to which any country or countries proposed or likely to be sanctioned are markets that accounted for more than three percent of all U.S. agricultural export sales in the preceding calendar year, as well as the likelihood that U.S. agricultural exports will be affected by the proposed sanction or by retaliation by any country proposed or likely to be sanctioned, and specific commodities which are most likely to be affected. Considers any bill or joint resolution that imposes any unilateral economic sanction to include a Federal private sector mandate for purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Requires the Congressional Budget Office, in its report pursuant to such Act, to assess the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to implement a unilateral economic sanction under any provision of law not less than 60 days after announcing his intention to do so. Requires any executive sanction to include a clear finding that the sanction is likely to achieve a specific U.S. foreign policy or national security objective within a reasonable and specified period of time. Requires, before imposition of a unilateral economic sanction, that the President and the Secretary of Agriculture report to appropriate congressional committees the same assessments required in connection with any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the President to request a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy, including the potential impact on U.S. competitiveness. Provides, in the case of a national emergency, for allowing the President temporarily to waive most of the requirements for executive action in order to act immediately, generally requiring the waived requirements to be met within 60 days after imposition of the sanction (which shall terminate after 90 days if such requirements are not met). Directs the President to establish an interagency Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions and provide appropriate recommendations to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Natural Disaster Insurance Title II: Multihazard Mitigation Program Natural Disaster Protection and Insurance Act of 1997 - Title I: Natural Disaster Insurance - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to establish within the Department of the Treasury a National Commission on Catastrophe Risk and Insurance Loss Costs to estimate loss costs from catastrophic natural disasters. Instructs the Commission to: (1) make an initial estimate of catastrophe loss costs (updated at least every three years); (2) file catastrophe loss costs estimates at least every three years; (3) conduct special studies of catastrophe insurance issues in order to develop estimates of catastrophe loss costs, including the investigation of specified issues according to certain procedural guidelines. (Sec. 101) Permits a private insurer to elect to cite the Commission's final catastrophe loss cost estimates in its rate filings to a State department of insurance. Instructs the Secretary to consider catastrophe loss cost estimates when developing reserve prices for Federal excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts. Requires State insurance pools that provide direct insurance, in order to be eligible to purchase Federal excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts, to consider, when developing property coverage rates, such estimates as the minimum loss costs to be filed with State department of insurance. Prescribes guidelines under which the Commission may review and certify private commercial natural disaster hazard models intended to be used to make estimates of catastrophe loss costs. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the intent of the Congress that: (1) this Act relates specifically to the business of insurance; and (2) specified activities prescribed by this Act and applicable to such business shall be regulated by State law. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to implement a program to auction Federal excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts to eligible purchasers in order to increase the capacity of insurance coverage against specified catastrophic natural disasters. Establishes the Federal Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance Fund within the Treasury to make payments on claims and for: (1) the operation of the National Commission on Catastrophe Risk and Insurance Loss Costs; (2) the anticipated Federal contribution to the Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Fund (established by this Act); and (3) administrative expenses. (Sec. 103) Prescribes eligibility qualifications for a licensed private corporation providing excess reinsurance for catastrophic natural disasters, which shall not be subject to antitrust liability. (Sec. 104) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a joint study with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce evaluating specified public policy issues associated with conferring favorable Federal tax treatment to insurance reserves set aside by private insurers for future catastrophic natural disasters. (Sec. 105) Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the national flood insurance program operated under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. (Sec. 106) Requires each State department of insurance to take into account natural disaster hazard mitigation measures in setting rates and deductibles for property insurance. (Sec. 107) Requires the FEMA Director and the Secretaries of Treasury and of Commerce to study jointly, evaluate, and report to the Congress on the availability and affordability of catastrophe insurance for natural hazards to private enterprises and State and local governments. Title II: Multihazard Mitigation Program - Prescribes guidelines and a deadline for the development of State-wide strategic mitigation plans to reduce the hazards of future natural disasters. Denies non-compliant States eligibility to receive funds from the Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Fund. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Fund. (Sec. 203) Directs the Comptroller General to identify all Federal programs providing assistance for public facilities and lifelines, and determine those which include or could include as an eligible use of Federal assistance the retrofitting or strengthening of public facilities and lifelines to minimize damage from future natural disasters. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the interagency National Wildfire Coordinating Group to study and report to the Congress on the threat posed by wildfires. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Title III: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1997 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 103) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Mandates a specified location fee for every unpatented mining claim located after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 104) Subjects existing unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to the provisions of this Act ("converted mining claims"). (Sec. 105) Sets forth certain annual claim maintenance fees. Mandates that all monies received from such fees be deposited into the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established under this Act). (Sec. 106) States that failure to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be deemed conclusively to constitute forfeiture of the mining claim. (Sec. 107) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) contesting a mining claim on the basis of discovery; and (2) demonstrating the continued sufficiency of a mining claim. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries), to require that mineral activities on Federal lands be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment. Prescribes surface management guidelines for the granting of both an exploration and an operations permit. Requires applications for such permits to contain both an operations plan and a reclamation plan, and evidence of financial assurances. Limits an operations permit to a ten-year term (subject to renewal). (Sec. 205) Declares persons in violation of this Act ineligible for permits. Sets as a prerequisite to the issuance of any permit evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States for all lands to be affected by the mineral activities described in the permit application. (Sec. 207) Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses, or to other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans. Sets forth reclamation standards applicable to mineral exploration. (Sec. 208) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, and water or air quality which either meet or exceed Federal standards shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretaries, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Title III: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund) to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities on certain public lands. (Sec. 303) Restricts reclamation expenditures to Federal or Indian land and water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal or Indian lands where such resources have been affected by past mineral activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 306) Subjects to a royalty scheme of eight percent of the net smelter return the production of locatable minerals (or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals) from any mining claim under this Act. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision-making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretaries to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 403) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the publication of an application for an operations permit and public participation requirements. (Sec. 404) Instructs the Secretaries to: (1) inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with surface management requirements; and (2) require all operators to maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with them. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 406) Prescribes procedural guidelines for administrative and judicial review of agency actions. (Sec. 407) Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides transitional rules for: (1) new and preexisting claims; (2) claims that have not been converted; (3) contest proceedings; and (4) oil shale claims. (Sec. 413) Adjusts the dollar amounts established under this Act to a certain inflation formula. (Sec. 417) Prohibits the issuance after January 4, 1997, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 418) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain other Federal law, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 419) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal Acts: (1) the Surface Resource Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. (Sec. 420) Declares that this Act applies to Federal lands used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral regardless of Federal title to the mineral. (Sec. 421) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the "Buy American Act." Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 423) Declares that court-awarded compensation for a Federal taking under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution shall be paid from the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Congress the percentage of each mining claim held by a foreign firm.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to deem food, eggs, egg products, meat, meat products, and poultry products adulterated if they are produced, or are from poultry or livestock that consumed feed produced, on land on which sewage sludge was applied unless certain requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Food Stamp Fraud Act of 1997 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require by specified dates: (1) States to implement a food stamp program (program) electronic benefit transfer system; and (2) participating retail stores to use optical scanners to read food sale bar codes. Authorizes appropriations for grants to stores in low-income areas to meet such requirement. Sets forth: (1) civil and criminal forfeiture provisions for program violations; and (2) retail food store reauthorization periods based upon a food stamp redemption percentage. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to require States with payment error rates exceeding the national performance measure to take additional measures with respect to program coordination and employer and financial institution reporting.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to repeal the provision prohibiting extension of existing and expiring conservation reserve program contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Provides for a one-year extension of certain expiring conservation reserve program contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified land in Dos Palos, California, to the Dos Palos Ag Boosters for use as a farm school.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Private Property Protection Act of 1997 - Declares that no regulation issued by an executive agency after enactment of this Act shall become effective until the issuing agency is certified by the Attorney General to be in compliance with Executive Order 12630 or similar procedures to assess the potential for the taking of private property in the course of Federal regulatory activity, with the goal of minimizing such takings where possible. Provides for limited judicial review of an action taken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the Congress on the effect this Act will have on the farm economy and agricultural production.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Forest Service Employment Opportunity Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assure that Forest Service operations are free of racial, sexual, and ethnic discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily permit two-year averaging of farm income.