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Bill· SS. 495 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Penalties for Unlawful Activities Within the United States or By United States Nationals Abroad Subtitle A: Criminal Penalties Subtitle B: Civil Penalties Subtitle C: Other Penalties Title II: Foreign Relations and Defense-Related Provisions Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat Reduction Act of 1997 - Declares that it should be U.S. policy to take all appropriate measures to: (1) prevent and deter the threat or use of chemical and biological weapons against the citizens, armed forces, and territory of the United States and its allies, and to protect against, and manage the consequences of, such use; (2) discourage the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; (3) prohibit within the United States the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and transfer to third parties of chemical or biological weapons; and (4) impose unilateral sanctions, and seek international sanctions, against any nation using chemical and biological weapons in violation of international law. Title I: Penalties for Unlawful Activities Within the United States or By United States Nationals Abroad - Subtitle A: Criminal Penalties - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: knowingly developing, producing, otherwise acquiring, receiving from any person located outside U.S. territory, stockpiling, retaining, transferring, using, owning, or possessing any chemical or biological weapon, unless: (1) such weapon is intended for a permissible purpose; (2) the types and quantities of such weapons are strictly limited to those that can be justified for such purposes; and (3) the amount of such weapons per person at any given time does not exceed a quantity that, under the circumstances, is inconsistent with permissible purposes. Provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment for knowingly using chemical or biological weapons in violation of such provision where the death of another person results. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) exclusions; (2) jurisdiction; (3) reimbursement of costs to the United States for expenses incurred incident to the seizure, storage, handling, transportation, and destruction or other disposition of property seized in connection with an investigation of the offense; and (4) the seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of chemical and biological weapons. Makes the owner or possessor of seized property jointly and severally liable to the United States in an action for money damages for any expenses incurred by the United States incident to the seizure. Sets penalties for using riot control agents as an act of terrorism. Authorizes the United States to obtain injunctions against proscribed conduct under this subtitle. Authorizes the Attorney General to request military assistance in support of Department of Justice activities relating to enforcement of this subtitle in an emergency situation involving a biological or chemical weapon. Subtitle B: Civil Penalties - Directs the President to designate the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the agency primarily responsible for implementing this subtitle. (Sec. 112) Sets forth civil prohibitions (analogous to the criminal prohibitions) on chemical and biological weapons-related activities and prescribes a penalty of up to $100,000 per violation. Sets forth procedures regarding hearings, administrative appellate review, offsets of amounts of such penalty from sums owed by the United States to the person, judicial review, enforcement of orders, and regulatory authority. Subtitle C: Other Penalties - Authorizes the President, upon determining that any person within U.S. jurisdiction has committed a violation of prohibitions under section 112, to issue an order for the suspension or revocation of such person's authority to export from any goods or technology from the United States. Repeals provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979 regarding civil penalties and administrative sanctions relating to chemical and biological weapons proliferation. (Sec. 122) Provides for a three-year suspension of patent rights for knowingly violating any provision of section 112. Sets forth provisions regarding effect on patent rights, procedures, fees, and certificates of suspension. Title II: Foreign Relations and Defense-Related Provisions - Amends the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) to rewrite provisions regarding determinations with respect to the use of chemical and biological weapons, and sanctions for their use. Requires the President, after consulting with the Congress, to impose at least five of the following sanctions for three years upon determining that any foreign government has used a chemical or biological weapon in violation of international law or against its own nationals: (1) termination of foreign assistance (with exceptions); (2) termination of arms sales; (3) termination of foreign military financing; (4) denial of U.S. Government credit or other financial assistance; (5) imposition of export controls; (6) imposition of import restrictions; (7) opposition to financial or technical assistance by international financial institutions; (8) prohibition on U.S. bank loans or credit; (9) termination of air service and suspension of aviation rights to or from the United States; and (10) downgrading or suspending diplomatic privileges with such country. Declares that such sanctions are in addition to any multilateral sanction or measure that may be otherwise agreed. Specifies exceptions: (1) where the President certifies that implementing such sanctions would have a substantial negative impact upon the supreme national interests of the United States; and (2) with respect to any activity pursuant to a contract or international agreement entered into before the date of the President's determination if performance of the activity would reduce the potential for the use of a chemical or biological weapon by the sanctioned country. Requires the President, in addition, to block any transactions in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which the violating foreign country or any national thereof has any interest, for the purpose of compensating the victims of such weapons use and for punitive damages. Conditions the removal of sanctions against a foreign government on the President's certification, after three years, that such government: (1) has provided reliable assurances that it will not use such a weapon in violation of international law or against its people; (2) will accept onsite inspections to verify that it is not preparing to use such a weapon; and (3) is making restitution to those affected by any use of such weapons in violation of international law or against its own nationals. Requires the President to notify and report to the Congress within specified periods regarding any use of such a weapon and any actions planned and undertaken by the President in response. (Sec. 202) Expresses the sense of the Congress that any collapse of the "Australia Group" or any substantial weakening of common Australia Group export controls and nonproliferation measures would seriously undermine international and national efforts to curb the spread of chemical and biological weapons. Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) continue close cooperation with other countries in the Australia Group in support of its current efforts and in devising additional means to monitor and control the supply of chemicals and biological agents applicable to weapons production; (2) maintain an equivalent or more comprehensive level of control over the export of toxic chemicals and their precursors, dual-use processing equipment, human, animal, and plant pathogens and toxins with potential biological weapons application, and dual-use biological equipment as that afforded by the Australia Group as of this Act's enactment date; (3) block any effort by any Australia Group member to achieve Australia Group consensus on any action that would substantially weaken export controls and nonproliferation measures or otherwise undermine the Group's effectiveness; and (4) work closely with other countries to devise and harmonize the most effective national controls possible on the transfer of equipment, materials, and technology with particular applicability to the production of chemical or biological weapons. Requires the President, annually, to determine and certify to the Congress whether: (1) the Australia Group continues to maintain an equivalent or more comprehensive level of control over exports and remains a viable mechanism for curtailing the spread of such weapons; and (2) the Group's effectiveness has been undermined by changes in membership, lack of compliance with common export controls, or any weakening of common controls and measures in effect as of this Act's enactment date. Sets forth provisions regarding presidential consultation with the Congress on Australia Group export controls and nonproliferation measures. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the provision of certain U.S. assistance to Russia unless the President determines and certifies to the Congress, annually, that: (1) Russia is making reasonable progress toward the implementation of a bilateral agreement signed on June 1, 1990, regarding destruction and nonproduction of chemical weapons and on measures to facilitate the multilateral convention on banning chemical weapons; (2) the United States and Russia have resolved, to the satisfaction of the United States, outstanding compliance issues under such agreement and under a memorandum of understanding signed in Wyoming on September 23, 1989, regarding a bilateral verification experiment and data exchange related to a prohibition on chemical weapons; (3) Russia has fully and accurately declared all information regarding its unitary and binary chemical weapons, chemical weapons production facilities, and other facilities associated with the development of chemical weapons and riot control agents; and (4) Russia is in compliance with its obligations under a biological weapons convention completed at Washington, London, and Moscow on April 10, 1972. (Sec. 204) Requires the President to report annually to the Speaker and specified congressional committees on: (1) proliferation by foreign countries; (2) foreign persons assisting in proliferation; (3) third country assistance in proliferation, and intelligence information on such assistance; (4) intelligence information on subnational groups, including terrorists or paramilitary organizations, developing, producing, stockpiling, or using any chemical or biological weapon; and (5) funding priorities for detection and monitoring capabilities. (Sec. 205) Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to work to obtain multilateral agreement: (1) to effective, international enforcement mechanisms to existing international agreements that prohibit the use of chemical and biological weapons, to which the United States is a state party; and (2) regarding the collective imposition of sanctions and other measures described in the AECA, as amended by this Act. Directs the Secretary of State: (1) as a priority matter, to take steps necessary to achieve such objectives; and (2) to work to convene an international negotiating forum to conclude an international agreement on enforcement of the 1925 Geneva Protocol regarding the prohibition of the use in war of poisonous gas and bacteriological warfare. (Sec. 206) Restricts the use of funds for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons until the Convention on the Prohibition of Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction enters into force for the United States. (Sec. 207) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. armed forces should place increased emphasis on potential threats to deployed U.S. forces and should make countering the use of chemical and biological weapons an organizing principle for U.S. defense strategy and policy. Directs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that the U.S. armed forces are capable of carrying out required military missions in U.S. regional contingency plans despite the threat or use of chemical or biological weapons. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to: (1) give a high priority to discussions with key regional allies and likely regional coalition partners to determine what steps are necessary to ensure that allied and coalition forces and other critical civilians are adequately equipped and prepared to operate in chemically and biologically contaminated environments; and (2) report to the Speaker and to specified congressional committees on the results of such discussions. Directs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that the United States Army Chemical School remains under the oversight of a general officer of the United States Army. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the transfer, consolidation, and reorganization of the School should not disrupt or diminish the training and readiness of the armed forces to fight in a chemical-biological warfare environment, and that the Army should continue to operate the Chemical Defense Training Facility at Fort McClellan until such time as the replacement facility at Fort Leonard Wood is functional. Directs the President to report to the Speaker and specified congressional committees on previous, current, and planned chemical and biological weapons defense activities of the U.S. armed forces. (Sec. 208) Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to achieve an effective deterrence against attacks of the United States and U.S. armed forces by chemical weapons, the President should reevaluate the extension of negative security assurances by the United States to non-nuclear weapon states (i.e., assurances that the United States will forswear the use of certain weapons unless attacked by that non-nuclear weapon state in alliance with a nuclear-weapon state) in the context of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Requires the President to report to the Speaker and specified congressional committees on: (1) the findings of a detailed review of U.S. policy on negative security assurances as a deterrence strategy; and (2) a determination by the President of appropriate responses to the use of chemical or biological weapons against the U.S. armed forces, U.S. citizens, allies, and third parties. (Sec. 209) Prohibits the President from issuing any order or directive that diminishes, abridges, or alters the right of the United States to use riot control agents in any circumstance not involving international armed conflict, or in a defensive military mode to save lives in such a conflict. Expresses the sense of the Congress that international law permits the United States to use herbicides, under regulations applicable to their domestic use, for control of vegetation within U.S. bases and installations or around their immediate defensive perimeters. Directs the President to take all necessary measures, and prescribe such rules and regulations as necessary, to ensure that the policy contained in this section is observed by the U.S. armed forces.
Bill· HRH.R. 145 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aircraft Repair Station Safety Act of 1997 - Terminates the effectiveness of certain November 22, 1988, amendments to the foreign repair station rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Declares that certain standards issued by the FAA for domestic repair stations shall apply in the same manner to foreign repair stations. Amends Federal aviation safety law to require the FAA Administrator to issue an order revoking a repair station certificate if the Administrator finds that the station knowingly used an uncertified or substandard airframe, engine, propeller, appliance, or any other part in the repair or overhaul of an aircraft.
Bill· HRH.R. 1670 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Airline Passenger Safety Act of 1997 - Amends Federal aviation law to require each air carrier to establish procedures, including specified steps, to be followed in the event of an in-flight medical emergency. Requires each air carrier to provide, upon request, a copy of such procedures to each air passenger. (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) each aircraft to be equipped with certain life-saving equipment, including first-aid and medical kits; (2) each member of the flight crew to have access to such items; (3) each air carrier, with respect to cardiac emergencies, to train flight crew members in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operation of an automated external defibrillator; (4) each air carrier to establish an in-flight emergency procedures manual, including cardiac medical emergency response procedures; (5) each aircraft to be equipped with such manual; (6) each air carrier to take certain actions in providing emergency medical care; (7) each air carrier to enter into a contract with a clinic, hospital, or other medical care provider to provide it with medical advice (including the solicitation of assistance of medically-qualified passengers) in the case of in-flight medical emergencies; and (8) the flight crew to check on any passenger who is inside an aircraft lavatory for more than ten minutes. Directs the Secretary to establish certain procedures to ensure that appropriate medical personnel, including a coroner in the event of a passenger's death, are present to meet an aircraft upon the notification of an air traffic controller of an in-flight medical emergency. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for in-flight medical emergencies requiring an emergency landing, including: (1) establishing a medical facility to be contacted after an in-flight medical emergency; and (2) designating an airport ground crew that will meet the plane, including medical personnel assigned to the airport. Prohibits an air carrier from purchasing or leasing an aircraft that is not equipped with an emergency call button in each aircraft lavatory. Requires specified reports on in-flight medical emergencies. Directs an air carrier to notify the family of a passenger as soon as practicable after an in-flight medical emergency involving such passenger. Directs the Secretary to appoint an individual within the Department of Transportation to serve as a liaison to family members of the passenger. Directs the Secretary to review: (1) the compliance of each air carrier with the requirements of this Act; and (2) the procedures established at each airport for meeting passengers with medical emergencies. Requires the Secretary to: (1) keep statistics on the number of in-flight medical emergencies that occur each year; and (2) study the feasibility of using satellite communications of Global Position Satellites as a method of improving communications between pilots, ground medical personnel, and air traffic controllers. Limits the liability of air carriers and individuals in providing medical assistance in the case of an in-flight medical emergency.
Bill· HRH.R. 2305 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act - Establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission to: (1) represent the United States and take a leadership role with other countries in recognizing the importance of aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; (2) encourage and promote participation and sponsorships in commemoration of the centennial of powered flight by certain companies, individuals, institutions, organizations, and governments; (3) plan and develop programs and activities with the First Flight Centennial Commission, the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the 2003 Committee of Ohio; (4) publish a calendar of programs and provide a central clearinghouse for information regarding aviation history and the centennial of powered flight; and (5) coordinate celebration dates during the centennial year and assist in conducting activities relating to the centennial throughout the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 664 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Airplane Emergency Locator Act - Amends Federal aviation law to make applicable to other specified types of aircraft (currently exempted from them) certain requirements that commercial aircraft be outfitted with an emergency locator transmitter. (Continues to exempt from such requirements aircraft used in flight operations related to design and testing, the manufacture, preparation, and delivery of aircraft, or the aerial application of a substance on agricultural crops.)
Bill· HRH.R. 1587 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Airline Passenger Safety Act of 1997 - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit chemical oxygen generators from being transported as cargo on any passenger or cargo aircraft, regardless of whether the generator has been discharged. Sets forth smoke or fire detector system and fire extinguishing system requirements for air cargo compartment transportation of oxidizers and oxidizing materials (other than chemical oxygen generators). Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to modify existing regulations for aircraft airworthiness standards to require that each Class D cargo or baggage compartment be equipped with a separately approved smoke or fire detector and a separately approved built-in fire extinguishing system meeting certain criteria. Requires the Administrator to: (1) evaluate the practices of, and training provided by, all air carriers for accepting passenger baggage and freight shipments and for identifying undeclared or unauthorized hazardous materials; and (2) require all air carriers to revise, as necessary, their practices and training on the basis of such evaluation.
Bill· HRH.R. 1521 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Public Services Aviation Act of 1997 - Amends Federal aviation safety law to consider a government-owned aircraft to be a public aircraft if it is: (1) operated in the performance of a governmental function by a unit of government on behalf of another unit of government pursuant to a cost reimbursement agreement; or (2) transporting (for non-commercial purposes) crewmembers whose presence is associated with the administration or support (or, as currently, performance) of a governmental function such as, but not limited to, public safety, among other functions specified by current law.
Bill· SS. 1358 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize FY 1998 appropriations for specified aviation programs. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a grant program to utilize undergraduate and technical colleges in research on subjects of relevance to the FAA. Sets forth criteria for the award of such grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants, but limits the FY 1998 authorization for the FAA Research, Engineering, and Development account to sums specified by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the FAA should: (1) give priority to correcting all two-digit date-related problems in its computer systems to ensure its continued operation in the year 2000 and beyond; and (2) develop contingency plans for FAA systems it is unable to correct in time.
Bill· HRH.R. 2790 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Community Flight Safety Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from closing any flight service station that: (1) is located in the contiguous United States and within 50 miles from the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or one of the Great Lakes; and (2) is located in an area that the Administrator determines has weather conditions requiring aircraft to operate under instrument flight rules on an average of 180 days or more per year. Directs the Administrator to reopen any flight service station that was closed after September 1, 1997, and that met the requirements under this Act. Amends Federal aviation law to earmark specified funds under the essential air service program to reopen and operate such stations.
Bill· HRH.R. 915 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to air safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air safety. Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Provides for award of attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to a prevailing employer for any such complaint found frivolous or brought in bad faith. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 536 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Quiet Communities Act of 1997- Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator, with funds provided for the Office, to conduct a study of airport noise, examining the Federal Aviation Administration's selection of noise measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and abatement program effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 291 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
National Parks Airspace Management Act of 1997 - Requires the Director of the National Park Service and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop, establish, review, and revise plans for the National Park System (NPS) units affected by commercial air tour flights to the extent the Director considers that such units require airspace management plans to minimize the adverse effects of such flights. Prohibits such an operator from flying in the airspace over a NPS unit covered by a plan unless the operator enters into an agreement with the Director and the Administrator specifying otherwise. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director, for NPS units that, as of January 1, 1997, experienced no such overflights, to: (1) prescribe criteria to identify NPS units where such flights would be incompatible with or injurious to the units; and (2) designate the units which meet those criteria as flight-free park units. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to issue a regulation governing the operation of all commercial air tour flights over NPS units. Allows the Administrator to issue regulations that prescribe separate operational rules governing flights by fixed-wing aircraft and by rotorcraft. (Sec. 7) Directs the Administrator to initiate proceedings to revise the regulations relating to air taxi operators and commercial operators to specifically cover all commercial air tour flights over NPS units and to address safety and environmental issues. Requires each commercial air tour aircraft to display specified identification marks. Requires the Administrator to ensure that aeronautical charts display the boundaries, airspace management plan, operational rule, or Special Federal Aviation Regulation with respect to each unit. Directs: (1) the Administrator to study requiring commercial air tour aircraft operating in the airspace over NPS units to have on board an automatic flight tracking system capable of monitoring altitude and ground position; and (2) the Administrator and the Director, if the Administrator determines the use of such system is feasible and advisable, to jointly develop a plan for implementing a program to monitor such altitude and position. Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain a database concerning commercial air tour aircraft designed to provide data to be used in: (1) making determinations of the scope of commercial air tour flights, accident rates, and flight safety assessments; and (2) ensuring that each FAA flight standards district office that serves a district in which such flights are conducted is adequately staffed to carry out this Act. (Sec. 8) Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) an aircraft experiencing an in-flight emergency, participating in search and rescue, fire fighting, or police emergency operations, carrying out park administration, or complying with air traffic control instructions; and (2) flights by military aircraft. Requires the Director and the Administrator to jointly develop restrictions and fee schedules for aircraft or rotorcraft engaged in commercial aerial photography over NPS units at altitudes that they determine will adversely affect the resources and values of affected units. (Sec. 9) Establishes the National Park Overflight Advisory Council to: (1) determine the effects on the environment of NPS units of commercial tour flights and the economic effects of restrictions or prohibitions on such flights; (2) develop recommendations for means of reducing the adverse effects of such flights; (3) explore financial and other incentives which could encourage manufacturers to advance the state-of-the-art in quiet aircraft and rotorcraft technology and encourage commercial air tour operators to implement such technology; (4) provide comments and recommendations to the Director and the Administrator with respect to National Park airspace management plans and other matters relating to flights over NPS units. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Prohibits this Act from affecting the management of NPS units in Alaska or any aircraft operations over or within such units.
Bill· HRH.R. 30 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Boating and Aviation Operation Safety Act of 1997 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to make nondischargeable in bankruptcy a debt for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's operation of a watercraft or aircraft while intoxicated from alcohol, a drug, or other substance.
Bill· SS. 100 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law regarding air commerce and safety to prescribe whistleblower protection guidelines for airline employees providing air safety information to the Federal Government. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of such employees' protections.
Bill· SS. 951 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Quiet Communities Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of airport noise, examining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) selection of noise measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and abatement program effectiveness; and (2) submit such study to the Congress and the FAA. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1725 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Regional Investments for National Growth Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a regional investments for national growth program (RING program) in order to identify and fund large multi-State and regional transportation projects that are essential to global U.S. competitiveness. Makes eligible for funding under the RING program any regional transportation infrastructure investments that include participation by two or more States or public authorities representing two or more States, or that improve access to international commerce centers such as ports, commercial aviation facilities, and major rail terminals, and meet specified requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1454 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Community Flight Safety Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from closing a flight service station that: (1) is located in the contiguous United States within 50 miles of the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or one of the Great Lakes; (2) on an average of 180 days or more in a year provides services to aircraft operating under instrument flight rules; or (3) meets both requirements.
Bill· SS. 1013 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Regional Jet Air Service Improvement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee loans to certain air carriers, including commuter and intrastate air carriers, for the purchase of regional jet aircraft that provide service to underserved markets. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to use the available services and facilities of other Federal agencies to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1755 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch Chapter 8: Subcommittee on the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Technical Amendments with Respect to Education Title VI: General Provisions - This Act Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act of 1997- Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to conduct an analysis and submit recommendations to the congressional defense committees as to the future roles of the military services with respect to the National Missile Defense Program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform. Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 201) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in an appropriations Act for FY 1997 by the Department of Commerce to make irreversible plans for the use of sampling or any other statistical method in taking the 2000 decennial census for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress. (Sec. 203) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 204) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; and (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 301) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 303) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Energy for energy supply, research and development activities and for construction, rehabilitation, and O&M for the Western Area Power Administration. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain earmarks under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine is not: (1) making progress toward economic reform and the elimination of corruption; (2) permitting American firms and individuals to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) assisting American firms and individuals in their efforts to enforce commercial contracts and resist extortion and other corrupt demands. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 501) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 503) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 504) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Energy for clean coal technology and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 601) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 602) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 603) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 604) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 605) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 701) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 702) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Subcommittee of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 803) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 804) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and Highway Trust Fund contract authority. Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 901) Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 902) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 903) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. (Sec. 904) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. Rescinds specified funds available for GSA presidential transition expenses. Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 1001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 1002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 1005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Rescinds specified funds made available for HUD assisted housing programs and for NASA. Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 3003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 3004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 3005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 50002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 50003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 50004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 50005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VI: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 60002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 300 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Airport Community Representation Act - Amends Federal aviation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to approve the application for an airport development project grant located within five miles of a State boundary only if: (1) a policymaking committee has been established consisting of a specified number of members from each State located within five miles of the airport and the State in which the airport is located; and (2) the sponsor has fully considered the findings of the committee with respect to the project. Authorizes the Secretary to approve an eligible agency's application to impose a passenger facility fee to finance an airport-related project located within five miles of a State boundary only if, among other things, the eligible agency has complied with the requirements of this Act to the same extent as an airport development project sponsor is required to comply.
Bill· HRH.R. 1796 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect To Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform.
Bill· SS. 1048 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Transportation Title II: Related Agencies Title III: General Provisions Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Department of Transportation - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 (with specified rescissions, limitations on obligations and direct loans, and liquidations of contract authorizations) for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) the Federal Highway Administration (FHA); (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Federal Transit Administration; (8) the Research and Special Programs Administration; (9) the Office of the Inspector General; and (10) the Surface Transportation Board. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; and (2) the National Transportation Safety Board. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth specified prohibitions, limitations, permissions, and mandates with respect to the use of appropriations under this Act identical or very similar to those enacted in the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997. (Sec. 316) Defines capital project for formula grant purposes. (Sec. 326) Prohibits expenditure of funds made available under this Act by any entity that does not agree to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should purchase only U.S.-made equipment and products to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the use of funds for contracts with persons falsely labeling products as made in America. (Sec. 327) Makes receipts collected from users of fitness centers operated by or for the Department of Transportation available to support their operation and maintenance. (Sec. 331) Prohibits the provision of essential air service to communities in the 48 contiguous States that are fewer than 70 miles from the nearest large and medium hub airport, or that require a rate of subsidy per passenger in excess of $200 unless such point is greater than 210 miles from the nearest large or medium hub airport. (Sec. 332) Authorizes the City of Dallas, Texas, to prohibit certain flights using reconfigured aircraft from operating from Love Field, Texas, to a destination in a State that is not contiguous to the State of Texas. Defines reconfigured aircraft as one that originally contained more than 56 seats which has been changed to seat 56 or fewer passengers in order to meet the capacity requirement for a specified exception to the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979. (Sec. 334) Directs the Department of the Navy to transfer the inactive USNS EDENTON (ATS-1) to the U.S. Coast Guard. (Sec. 335) Declares that monies paid by diversion from airport revenues for claims related to ceded lands owned by native Americans, native Hawaiians, or Alaskan natives shall not be subject to repayment. Prohibits further payment of such claims from airport revenues. (Sec. 336) Requires, in order for the Coast Guard to use certain funds to issue or enforce certain regulations under the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act, that such regulations recognize and provide, with respect to fats, oils, and greases, for differences in physical, chemical, biological, and other relevant properties, and in environmental effects. (Sec. 338) Authorizes the FAA to grant the requests of Kansas City, Missouri, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, to close Richards-Gebaur and Bader Field airports, respectively, with respect to their redevelopment for non-aeronautical uses, unless such closure would adversely affect aviation safety.
Bill· SS. 268 (105th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
National Parks Overflights Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration recommendations (including a joint proposal for incentives for the use of quiet aircraft technology and a schedule for commercial air tour fleet conversion to such technology) for actions necessary to protect public health and safety and natural resources from adverse effects associated with aircraft overflights at national parks. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) establish minimum flight altitudes to include in the recommendations; and (2) prohibit overflights below such minimum altitudes in any national park to restore or preserve quiet. Directs the Administrator, after receipt of recommendations and notice and opportunity for hearing, to issue a final plan for the management of air traffic over national parks: (1) experiencing adverse impacts associated with noise from aircraft overflights; or (2) for which air tours need to be regulated in order to prevent resource impairment from overflights.
Bill· SS. 764 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Mass Transit Amendments Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to add to the general purposes of mass transportation programs: (1) providing financial assistance to State and local governments to help carry out national goals related to mobility for individuals seeking employment or job training in order to end their reliance on public assistance programs; and (2) achieving demonstrable reductions in energy consumption and air pollution through increased reliance on mass transportation. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations to provide access, through the use of vans, buses, or train routes, to suburban employment and job training opportunities to residents of distressed urban and rural areas. Defines "distressed urban area" as any urban area with a population over 50,000 that meets certain Housing and Urban Development criteria. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Requires metropolitan planning organizations in developing transportation plans and programs to consider, among other things, the transportation requirements of a strategy to revitalize the Nation's inner cities by creating new employment, job training, housing, mobility, and other economic opportunities in urban areas. (Sec. 6) Makes mass transportation block grants for capital projects and related equipment and facilities available for maintaining capital assets. (Sec. 7) Authorizes urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000 and rural areas to use capital project block grants for either operating or capital needs. (Sec. 8) Extends for an additional four-year period discretionary grants and loans: (1) for fixed guideway modernization and capital projects for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing systems; and (2) to replace, rehabilitate, and buy buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. (Sec. 9) Declares that the Secretary may authorize a recipient who no longer needs an asset acquired with mass transportation block grant assistance to sell (currently, transfer) such asset and retain the proceeds of the sale if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations through FY 2002 for: (1) certain apportionments to urbanized areas for fixed guideway modernization (nondiscretionary); (2) specified mass transportation programs; (3) the national mass transportation institute; (4) university research institutes; and (5) transportation centers (including set-asides). (Sec. 11) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary, for apportionment adjustment purposes, to estimate quarterly the net highway receipts of the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the 24-month period (currently, 12-month period) beginning at the close of the next fiscal year. (Sec. 12) Establishes in the HTF the Intercity Passenger Rail Account. Transfers to the Account certain portions of the amounts attributable to taxes for gasoline, diesel fuel, special motor fuels, compressed natural gas, methanol and ethanol fuel, and nongasoline noncommercial aviation fuels. Makes amounts in the Account available to finance qualified expenses of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and each non-Amtrak State. (Redistributes to the Intercity Passenger Rail Account and the Mass Transit Account the 4.3 cents per gallon gasoline tax which is currently going to deficit reduction.) Increases the rate of transfer to the Mass Transit Account. Extends until October 1, 2002, the availability of Mass Transit Account funds for authorized expenditures. Increases the HTF financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, and diesel fuel.
Bill· HRH.R. 1483 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Single Standard of Aviation Safety Act - Amends Federal aviation law to subject to Federal Aviation Administration safety regulation both nonmilitary government aircraft and military aircraft transporting civilians (including persons who operate such aircraft).
Bill· HRH.R. 3064 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Carry-On Baggage Reduction Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to modify specified regulations to require air carrier certificate holders to limit each air passenger to one piece of carry-on baggage when boarding an airplane.
Bill· HRH.R. 1896 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Frequent Flyer Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to require that travel awards accrued by reason of official travel by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate or the House of Representatives (current law applies to only the Senate) be used only for official travel or travel by a Member of Congress or his or her family member between the Washington, D.C. area and the Member's State. Allows a Member of Congress to transfer such travel awards to a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Expresses the sense of the Congress that commercial airlines should provide that travel awards are transferable in a manner consistent with this Act.
Bill· SS. 924 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Subtitle E: Other Matters Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Personnel Management Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights Subtitle F: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations Subtitle B: Contract Provisions Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Reports and Studies Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Land Conveyances Subtitle C: Other Matters Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI: Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures From Revolving Fund Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Prohibits the obligation of more than 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act for helicopter modifications or upgrades until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army submits to the defense and appropriations committees a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the Army's helicopter fleet. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of AH-64D Longbow Apache fire control radar. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the New Attack Submarine program and authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into procurement contracts for such program. Makes the Electric Boat Corporation and the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company eligible for such contracts. Repeals superseded provisions of prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 122) Earmarks funds for the procurement and construction of nuclear and nonnuclear components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. Earmarks funds for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of such program from funds authorized under title II of this Act. (Sec. 123) Provides an exception to a cost limitation for the Seawolf submarine program required under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 124) Prohibits resumption of serial production of the airborne self-protection jammer until the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation makes certain certifications to the Congress with respect to the capabilities of such jammer. Requires an additional certification from the Secretary of Defense (Secretary). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Prohibits, with exceptions, any funds from being used to: (1) procure any additional B-2 bomber aircraft; or (2) maintain any part of the bomber industrial base solely to procure additional B-2 aircraft in the future. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits any funds from being used to purchase, lease, upgrade, or modify privately-owned drydocks. (Sec. 142) Requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to report to the defense committees an analysis of the requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD) for the replacement of aircraft engines derived from Boeing 707 aircraft and the costs of meeting those requirements. (Sec. 143) Allows a working-capital funded Army industrial facility to sell articles or services to be incorporated into, or used in the manufacture of, a weapon system being procured by DOD without a determination by the Secretary of the Army that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the armed forces for RDT&E. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the options for the sequence in which the variants of the joint strike fighter are to be produced and fielded. (Sec. 212) Places specified development and funding limitations on the F-22 aircraft program. Requires an annual program review and report to the Congress by the Comptroller General (CG). (Sec. 213) Limits the total demonstration costs through FY 2003 with respect to the high altitude endurance unmanned vehicle program. Requires program review by the CG. (Sec. 214) Places an FY 1998 RDT&E funding limitation on the advanced anti-radiation guided missile program. (Sec. 215) Allows no more than 6,006 staff years of technical effort to be funded during FY 1998 for federally funded research and development centers. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the allocation of such staff years among such centers during FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 216) Provides FY 1998 through 2000 funding goals among the military departments with respect to dual-use science and technology projects. Provides, with respect to such projects, for: (1) revised goals for national security reasons, after congressional notification; (2) the designation of a DOD official responsible for such projects; (3) a financial commitment from non-federal government participants; and (4) a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts made available under this Division to certain counterproliferation programs, projects, and activities. Limits to $50 million the total amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Earmarks funds for the kinetic energy tactical anti-satellite technology program and the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs - Directs the Secretary to ensure that the National Missile Defense (NMD) program is structured and programmed to support a test in FY 1999 of an integrated NMD system that could achieve initial operational capability in FY 2003. Provides NMD system elements. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning NMD operational capability by such date. Provides FY 1998 NMD funding. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transfer to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) for procurement for FY 1998 funds from specified military accounts; and (2) ensure that, in the future-years defense program, the procurement funding for BMDO is programmed for BMDO accounts rather than appropriations accounts of the armed forces. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to seek the participation of manufacturers of manufacturing equipment in projects under the manufacturing technology program. (Sec. 232) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facilities. (Sec. 234) Revises and extends certain organizations within the national oceanographic partnership program. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (3) Fisher House trust funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1998 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities - Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contract for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) of weapon systems or other DOD military equipment, or for the performance of related management functions, at any military installation that was approved in 1995 for closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Allows an exception after certification to the Congress and review by the CG. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress describing each logistics capability that the Secretary identifies as a core logistics capability. Includes as a core logistics capability the capabilities, facilities, and equipment to maintain and repair weapon systems and other military equipment that are identified by the Secretary as necessary to enable the armed forces to fulfill contingency plans prepared by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Requires all core logistics functions to be performed at Government-owned and operated facilities of DOD. (Sec. 314) Allows no more than 50 percent of the funds made available in a fiscal year for DLMR workload to be used to contract for the performance of such workload in non-Government owned and operated facilities. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary to designate each depot-level activity of the military departments and defense agencies as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the activity. Provides for the formation of public-private partnerships for the performance of DLMR at such centers and for maximum utilization of center capacity. (Sec. 316) Prohibits civilian DOD employees performing DLMR workloads from being managed on the basis of any end strengths or other personnel constraints. (Sec. 317) Requires reports from the Secretary to the Congress on: (1) annual DLMR activities; and (2) the allocation of core logistics activities among DOD facilities and private sector facilities. (Sec. 319) Requires a review and report from the CG concerning the Navy's practice of using temporary duty assignments of personnel to perform ship maintenance and repair work at homeports not having Navy shipyards. (Sec. 320) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal a conditional repeal of certain DLMR laws and a related reporting requirement; and (2) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Revises provisions relating to the storage and disposal on DOD property of nondefense toxic and hazardous materials. (Sec. 332) Requires additional information relating to the payment of fines and penalties assessed under environmental laws to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on progress made in carrying out environmental restoration activities at military installations. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on DOD overseas environmental activities. (Sec. 335) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to require certain additional information in cooperative agreements between the Secretary and an agency of a State or local government for obtaining assistance in certifying environmental technologies. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the guidelines established for reimbursing such agencies and for cost-sharing under such agreements. (Sec. 336) Directs the Secretary to utilize specified risk assessment methods in evaluating DOD facilities for purposes of allocating funds and establishing priorities for environmental restoration projects under the defense environmental restoration program. (Sec. 337) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations concerning the environmental restoration cost-recovery and cost-sharing activities of the military departments and defense agencies. (Sec. 338) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of the sale of economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a military facility. Provides for the use of sale proceeds. (Sec. 339) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and report to the Congress on a pilot program using existing technologies to determine: (1) the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD for analysis and identification; (2) the deterrent effect of such tagging on the theft and misuse of such fuels; and (3) the extent to which such tagging assists in determining the source of surface and underground pollution. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes the use of various revenues received by DOD for the construction and improvement of commissary store facilities. (Sec. 352) Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to integrate the military exchange services no later than September 30, 2000. Requires the Secretaries to submit to the defense committees a plan for achieving such integration. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits, except under specified narrow circumstances, the advance billing of a customer for a working-capital fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees whenever the aggregate amount of such advance billings not covered by a congressional notification exceeds $50 million. Prohibits the total amount of such advance billings for DOD working-capital funds and the Defense Business Operations Fund for FY 1998 from exceeding $1 billion. (Sec. 362) Authorizes the Secretary to operate a Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. Authorizes an agreement with a higher education institution for joint operation of the Center. Provides FY 1998 funding. (Sec. 363) Provides that, whenever an official of an executive agency proposes or takes an administrative action that affects military training or other readiness activity in a significantly adverse manner, the Secretary shall submit to the defense committees a notification of such action along with each adverse effect. Requires a notification copy to be transmitted to the President and the head of the agency proposing or taking such action. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide financial assistance to a State to support Army National Guard activities in such State. (Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell to certain licensed manufacturers ammunition or ammunition components that are obsolete, unservicable, or excess to the Army. Requires the purchaser to enter into an agreement to demilitarize or recycle such ammunition or components. (Sec. 366) Requires the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency to develop and submit to the Congress a schedule for implementation of best commercial inventory practices for Agency supplies and equipment. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to use commercial sources of services to improve the collection of DOD claims under aircraft engine warranties. (Sec. 368) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to assist a State or local government in enhancing that government's capability to support DOD efforts to privatize its military family support services. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1998. Repeals a Federal provision requiring a permanent active-duty end strength sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingencies. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1998 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Personnel Management - Excludes certain active-duty and reserve officers currently on promotion lists from consideration by later promotion boards. (Sec. 502) Increases the authorized number of officers authorized to be frocked (to wear the insignia of the next higher officer grade even though the promotion to such grade is not yet final). (Sec. 503) Authorizes Navy chaplains who are not on the retired list to serve as a chief or deputy chief of Navy chaplains. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to defer the retirement of such officers if the person will be serving in such capacity during the deferred period. (Sec. 504) States that a current limitation on the authorized period of recalled service shall not apply to chaplains or health care professionals assigned to active duty in such capacity, or to an officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Terminates the Ready Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the reasons for fiscal deficiencies in such Program and whether there is a need for a new program. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the separation of a reserve officer in an inactive status with the Standby Reserve who is not qualified for transfer to the Retired Reserve, or who, if qualified, does not apply for such transfer. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the retention until age 60 of military technicians in the grade of brigadier general. (Sec. 514) Provides that the performance of honor guard functions by members of the National Guard at funerals for veterans may be treated as a Federal function for which appropriated funds may be used. Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into an agreement with an authorized foreign government official to carry out a military academy foreign exchange study program. Provides agreement terms and special rules for the Federal recognition of foreign students studying in the United States. (Sec. 522) Authorizes for instruction at the Community College of the Air Force enlisted members of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who are serving as instructors at an Air Force training school. (Currently, enrollment is limited to Air Force enlisted personnel.) (Sec. 523) Preserves beyond a current ten-year delimiting period the educational assistance entitlement for members of the Selected Reserve serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation. (Sec. 524) Repeals Federal law providing certain staffing and safety requirements for the Army Ranger Training Brigade. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Makes eligible for the award of a military service medal for heroism a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status at the time the member distinguished himself by heroism. (Sec. 532) Provides that time limits for the submission for recommendation for military decorations or awards shall not apply to specified individuals with respect to the award of the Silver Star Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Sec. 533) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend to February 9, 1998, the period for the receipt of recommendations for decorations and awards for certain military intelligence personnel previously prevented by secrecy requirements from receiving such awards. (Sec. 534) Authorizes unit decorations to be awarded to certain units that supported the execution of combat operations during World War II. Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights - Military Voting Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide that, for voting rights purposes, a person absent from a State in compliance with military orders shall not be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence in that State; or (2) acquired a residence in, or become a resident of, another State. (Sec. 543) Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act to require each State, in elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee military personnel to use absentee voter procedures to vote in such elections and to accept and process military absentee voter registration applications. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CG should study and report to the Congress on any inequality in the treatment of men and women in the armed forces arising out of statutes or regulations. (Sec. 552) Establishes the Commission on Gender Integration in the Military to review and assess the current practices of the armed forces and the private sector pertaining to gender-integrated training. (Sec. 553) Authorizes any commanding officer or officer in charge who receives a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a member of the military or a civilian DOD employee to act appropriately on such complaint within 72 hours and to ensure that the complaint investigation is completed within 14 days. Requires specified reports from such officers, the department Secretaries receiving the forwarded complaints, and the Secretary. (Sec. 554) Requires exemplary moral and other appropriate conduct from all commanding officers and others in authority in the Army and Air Force. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to allow a member of the armed forces or a civilian officer or employee of DOD or the Coast Guard to serve in a management capacity with specified military welfare societies and other authorized entities. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay - Waives any FY 1998 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 2.8 percent, effective January 1, 1998. Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances - Part I: Reform of Basic Allowance for Subsistence - Entitles all enlisted personnel other than those in basic training to the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Provides a new BAS rate based on food costs. Allows BAS to be paid to enlisted personnel in advance for not more than three months. Directs the Secretary to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining and field messing facilities of the military departments. Provides transitional provisions with respect to the current BAS, terminating such transitional authority on January 1, 1998. Part II: Reform of Housing and Related Allowances - Redesignates the basic allowance for quarters as the basic allowance for housing (BAH). Authorizes a temporary housing allowance for members in pay grades above E-4 who are in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Authorizes the payment of a BAH for certain dependents of military personnel who die while on active duty. Provides special rules for the payment of a BAH to a member with dependents in the case of a member paying child support. Entitles to a BAH a member with dependents who is assigned to an unaccompanied tour of duty outside the continental United States. Repeals the variable housing allowance. States that a member without dependents who is not entitled to a BAH shall be entitled to a partial allowance for quarters determined by the Secretary. (Sec. 617) Directs the Secretary to prescribe monthly rates for the BAH on a geographic-cost basis. Directs the Secretary to redetermine such rates when basic pay rates are increased. Provides for: (1) protection from housing rate reductions for certain for certain personnel; and (2) a fiscal year limitation on the total allowances paid for housing located inside the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the rate of the temporary housing allowance for members in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Provides the rates of the BAH for dependents of members who die while on active duty and members paying child support, as well as the rate of the partial allowance for quarters for members without dependents. (Sec. 618) Changes the dislocation allowance rates from a rate based on a member's pay grade to a rate based on a percentage of the monthly national average cost of housing for members of the same grade and dependency status. (Sec. 619) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) making the family separation allowance equal to the basic allowance for quarters payable to a member without dependents in the same pay grade; and (2) providing a station allowance for members on duty outside the United States. Part III: Other Amendments Relating to Allowances - Requires the President to adjust the basic pay of military personnel whenever the General Schedule of Compensation is adjusted. Authorizes the President to allocate such increases among pay grade and years-of-service categories, requiring congressional notification of any such allocation. Requires quadrennial assessment of such allocations. (Sec. 627) Allows payment of the Ready Reserve muster duty allowance no later than 30 days after such duty is performed. Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1999 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1998 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 634) Increases the aviation career incentive pay and the aviation continuation pay. Extends through FY 2005 the authority for the continuation pay. (Sec. 636) Makes dental officers eligible for the same multiyear retention bonus currently paid to medical officers of the armed forces. Increases dental officer special pay amounts. (Sec. 638) Makes eligible for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus those Reserve enlisted personnel with less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Authorizes the payment of bonuses for consecutive three-year reenlistments. Revises bonus amounts. (Sec. 639) Makes changes similar to the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus for former enlisted personnel who enlist for three-year periods in the Selected Reserve. (Sec. 640) Increases the special pay and bonuses authorized for nuclear qualified officers. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay bonuses in lieu of special pay for enlisted personnel extending their tours of duty at designated overseas locations. Prohibits the concurrent receipt by such personnel of such an annual bonus and rest and recuperative absence or transportation. Requires pro rata repayment of an unearned bonus. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Authorizes a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to elect to discontinue participation at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences. Requires spousal concurrence, with an exception. (Sec. 652) Allows at any time (currently, within one year after remarriage) a change of election in SBP coverage to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse. (Sec. 653) Considers SBP coverage as paid in entirety after the earlier of 30 years of pay deductions for such coverage or the month in which the member attains 70 years of age. (Sec. 654) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a reserve member between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. Provides annuity amounts. Terminates annuity payment authority on September 30, 2001. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Entitles to basic pay and allowances, medical and dental care, and disability retirement or separation benefits, as well as for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains, a reserve member who is physically disabled as a result of injury, illness, or disease aggravated in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training. (Sec. 662) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay travel and transportation allowances for dependents of members sentenced by court-martial when action on the sentence is pending. (Sec. 663) Makes members of the Public Health Service, National Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eligible for reimbursement of certain adoption expenses. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the administering Secretaries (Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy) to waive any required deductibles, copayments, or annual fees on behalf of military personnel assigned to permanent duty as recruiters, educational instructors, or unit advisors and residing more than 50 miles or one hour from the nearest military health care facility. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the costs of any overseas emergency health care provided to military and civilian personnel of the On-Site Inspection Agency. Provides funding. (Sec. 703) Directs the administering Secretaries to prescribe regulations requiring each source dispensing a prescription medication under CHAMPUS to furnish to the recipient cautionary information on such medication. (Sec. 704) Authorizes CHAMPUS medical and dental care for certain reserve personnel who were Persian Gulf War veterans and who register a sympton or illness presumed to be a result of such service. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to collect dental insurance premiums through military pay deductions. (Sec. 706) Makes the administering Secretaries (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) responsible for CHAMPUS dental plan coverage for certain military retirees and their dependents. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the provision of the following prosthetic devices to military dependents: (1) artificial limbs, voice prostheses, and artificial eyes; and (2) any device determined necessary due to one or more significant impairments resulting from trauma, congenital anomaly, or disease. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations - Authorizes the head of a defense agency to waive a restriction against entering into undefinitized contract actions when determined necessary in order to support a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to enter into a contract for the procurement of severable services for a period that crosses fiscal years, as long as the contract period does not exceed one year. (Sec. 804) Makes unallowable as costs under a defense contract compensation costs of contractor senior executives which exceed the benchmark compensation amount determined under this section by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Makes an identical nonallowability amendment under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the purchase by DOD of right-hand drive vehicles at a cost of vehicles at a cost of up to $30,000 (currently $12,000) each. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements (currently, defense capability preservation agreements). Directs the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) establish application procedures and procedures for the expeditious consideration of such agreements; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on applications for such agreements. (Sec. 807) Amends the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 to remove a certification requirement for grants authorized under such Act. (Sec. 808) Repeals Federal provisions prohibiting the Secretary concerned from adjusting the price under a shipbuilding contract to reflect an amount set forth in a claim or demand for payment under such contract arising out of certain contract events. Subtitle B: Contract Provisions - Revises the guarantees required of a defense prime contractor (conformity, free from defects) when entering into a contract for the production of a major system (currently, major weapon system). Provides an exception for a major system or system component furnished by the United States. (Sec. 812) Provides for vesting of title to the United States under contracts paid under partial or progress payment arrangements. Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs - Earmarks funds for FY 1998 for the procurement technical assistance program and specific programs under such program. (Sec. 822) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for: (1) Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot mentor-protege program; and (2) Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend through FY 2000 a test program for the negotiation of comprehensive subcontracting plans. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the retention of amounts collected from a contractor as a result of claims under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 during the pendency of any litigation concerning such claim. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report annually to the Congress on any such amounts available for obligation. (Sec. 832) Prohibits from disclosure for a five-year period of certain information submitted to DOD as part of a possible award of a cooperative agreement. (Sec. 833) Revises content requirements with respect to limited selected acquisition reports and unit cost reports. (Sec. 835) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to designate an official to serve as a central point of contact for certain contracting information. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through FY 1999 a required report concerning DOD payment of any business restructuring costs under a defense contract. Requires specified reports from the Secretary and the CG with respect to the effect on DOD of any business combinations of major defense contractors. (Sec. 842) Authorizes the director of a defense agency, when considered advantageous, to lease nonexcess personal property of that agency under specified terms and conditions, including a lease term of no more than five years (unless the national defense or public interest would be better served by alonger lease). Requires lease amounts received to be used solely for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the leased property. (Sec. 843) Directs the Secretary concerned, upon presidential approval of a report of a selection board for the promotion above grade O-4 of a member of the Acquisition Corps of a military department, to submit a copy of such report to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for review. Requires a subsequent report from such Under Secretary to the defense committees. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Establishes in DOD a National Defense University made up of specified component institutions already in existence. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the CINC Initiative Fund to be used for force protection. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary to transfer functions of the Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities aggregation to DOD officials outside of the intelligence community, along with the funding for such activities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1998 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2.5 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1997 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1997 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1997 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased in the 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia. (Sec. 1004) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to increase from $2 billion to $3.1 billion the amount authorized to be transferred between any defense authorizations for that fiscal year. (Sec. 1005) Directs the Secretary to submit biannually to the Congress a strategic plan for improving financial management within DOD. (Sec. 1006) Allows Fisher House trust funds to be used only for the operation (currently, operation and maintenance) of Fisher Houses. (Sec. 1007) Authorizes the Secretary to use specified FY 1991 Army procurement funds to reimburse the Government for any judgment against the United States rendered in the case of a certain appeal by the McDonnell Douglas Company. (Sec. 1008) Prescribes information required to be included by the Secretary in each future-years defense program with respect to the procurement of equipment and military construction for each of the reserve components. Provides for a conditional report with respect to such procurements. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a long-term charter for a vessel to support the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Program through FY 2004. (Sec. 1012) Outlines procedures for the sale of vessels stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, and Thailand. Requires such Secretary, as a condition of such sales, to require any pre-sale vessel repair or refurbishment to be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to provide certain support for counter-drug activities of Mexico. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 1998 through 2002, to provide to either or both of the Governments of Peru and Colombia specified support for counter-drug activities. Provides funding and requires certain congressional certification and a 15-day waiting period before fund obligation or expenditure. Subtitle D: Reports and Studies - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions, prior defense authorization and appropriations Acts, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. (Sec. 1032) Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to develop a common means of measuring the operations and personnel tempos of each military department. (Sec. 1033) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the overseas deployment of military personnel. (Sec. 1034) Directs the JCS Chairman to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the military readiness requirements of the active and reserve forces as prepared by the JCS Chairman and the commanders of the unified commands. (Sec. 1035) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the readiness posture of units of the armed forces that provides for a rotation of such units between states of high and low readiness. (Sec. 1036) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should develop alternatives to the current arrangement for forward basing of U.S. armed forces outside the United States; and (2) a continued U.S. military presence in the Pacific Rim is vital to U.S. protection of interests in that region. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on defense overseas infrastructure requirements. (Sec. 1037) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report to the defense committees on aircraft in the DOD inventory. (Sec. 1038) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken or planned within DOD to address problems involved with the sale or other disposition of excess materials. (Sec. 1039) Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of, and report to the defense committees on, the current Federal protections and benefits afforded to former spouses of current and former military personnel and to former spouses of current and former Federal employees. (Sec. 1040) Authorizes the CG to conduct an audit, evaluation, review, or report only after the CG certifies that the General Accounting Office has completed all prior audits, evaluations, reviews, and reports that were requested by the Congress before such certification. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a recommended amendment to the Military Rules of Evidence that recognizes an evidentiary privilege regarding disclosure by a psychotherapist of confidential communications of a patient. (Sec. 1052) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1998 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. Limits the total number of programs carried out to the number in existence at the end of FY 1995. Provides Federal cost share limits. Limits to $20 million the authorized expenditures under the program for a fiscal year. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to ensure that units of the armed forces engaged in peace operations have adequate troop protection equipment. Requires a report. (Sec. 1054) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1998 for retiring or dismantling specified strategic nuclear delivery systems below certain levels. Provides a waiver in order to implement the SALT II Treaty. Provides funding limitations with respect to substantial early deactivations to reach such levels. Requires the President to report to the Congress on such actions. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees a contingency plan for the sustainment beyond October 1, 1999, of U.S. strategic nuclear delivery systems and alternative force structures in the event that a strategic arms reduction agreement subsequent to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does not enter into force before 2004. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept payments of landing fees for the use of overseas military airfields by civilian aircraft. (Sec. 1056) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the International Nonproliferation Initiative (with the same $15 million spending limit for the additional fiscal year). (Sec. 1057) Authorizes DOD's On-Site Inspection Agency, upon request of the facility's owner or operator, to provide technical assistance to a facility that is subject to a routine or challenge inspection under the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure that the United States is able to construct and operate necessary facilities for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions as required under the Chemical Weapons Convention; and (2) encourage Federal-State negotiations to meet concerns about actions being taken to carry out such demilitarization. (Sec. 1059) Expresses the sense of the Congress prohibiting, except in specific limited circumstances, the authorization of appropriations for reserve component modernization activities not included in a DOD budget request. (Sec. 1060) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the CG) to waive certain time limitations for the settling of claims relating to military pay, allowances, and other benefits. (Sec. 1061) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to ensure adequate coordination of operational intelligence support for the commanders of the combatant commands and deployed military units. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes the appropriate official, under specified circumstances, to deny a request for public disclosure of safety-related information that has been provided voluntarily by an air carrier as part of a contract for the charter air transportation of military personnel. (Sec. 1064) Directs the Secretary, with respect to the Global Positioning System (GPS), to: (1) provide for the sustainment of its capabilities and services that are beneficial to U.S. national security; (2) prevent its hostile use; (3) sustain its capabilities and services for peaceful civil, commercial, and scientific uses on a continuous worldwide basis free from direct user fees; (4) use it to meet performance requirements of the Federal Radionavigation Plan; (5) augment the system to enhance its support of transportation; and (6) find new and expanded civil uses. Calls for international cooperation with respect to GPS use. Requires a GPS report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes special agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service to carry firearms, execute and serve warrants, and make arrests without warrants for certain offenses. (Sec. 1066) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1968 to repeal the requirement for the continued operation of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. (Sec. 1067) Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to establish a POW-MIA Intelligence Analysis Cell to provide analytical support on POW-MIA matters to all Federal departments and agencies involved with such matters. Requires the Cell to be the primary source of support in the preparation of the Special National Intelligence Estimate on POW-MIA matters. (Sec. 1068) Protects Federal employees from retaliation for certain disclosures of classified information when such information is disclosed: (1) to provide evidence of a violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or a false statement to the Congress; and (2) to a person or element having oversight responsibilities and cleared for the receipt of such information. (Sec. 1069) Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 to make certain Federal pay authorities inapplicable to Federal annuitants or former military personnel who are members of the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance. (Sec. 1070) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, California, all rights and interest to the aircraft known as the "Picadilly Lilly." (Sec. 1071) Extends through FY 2002 the aviation insurance program. (Sec. 1072) Prohibits a military flight operation from being treated as a transportation program held on or over public land requiring prior approval by the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 1073) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of Philippine nationals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during World War II. (Sec. 1074) Designates Bob Hope as an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to report semiannually to the defense committees on the management of the civilian workforce under their jurisdiction. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the employment of civilian faculty at a school of the Marine Corps University. (Sec. 1103) Requires DOD to remit to the Office of Personnel Management 15 percent of the final basic pay of an individual who agrees to be separated from the armed forces under the DOD voluntary separation incentive program. Requires such remittance to be credited to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Extends the incentive program through FY 2001. (Sec. 1104) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to ensure the placement in the competitive service, within six months after separation from the military reserve, of technicians who were involuntarily separated after at least 15 years of retirement-creditable military service. (Sec. 1105) Revises the pay rate for DOD overseas teachers upon their transfer to a General Schedule position with the Government. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990 to remove conditions for the naturalization of employees of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Authorizes the use of prior-year military construction funds to construct a heliport at Fort Irwin, California. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2407) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified military construction projects, using amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 2408) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. (Sec. 2409) Extends the availability of funds under a prior defense appropriations Act for construction of an over-the-horizon radar at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Increases the amount authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at the Aviation Support Facility in Hilo, Hawaii. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the threshold for minor land acquisition projects. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to transfer all or part of a utility system located on a military installation to a local utility or other appropriate entity for fair market value. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, when exchanging real property or granting an easement, lease, or license of real property, to collect from the receiver the administrative expenses incurred. (Sec. 2804) Provides for the crediting of financial incentives received by DOD from gas, electric, and water utilities for energy and water cost savings. Subtitle B: Land Conveyances - Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal a provision authorizing the Secretary of the Army to transfer to Fairfax County, Virginia, the Engineer Proving Ground at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to Mineral County, Nevada, the Schweer Driving House Area within the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire by long-term lease facilities of a regional hospital complex in Naples, Italy, determined to be necessary for the Naples Improvement Initiative. Terminates the lease authority on September 30, 2002. (Sec. 2815) Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Navy to convey to the Maine School Administrative District No. 75, Topsham, Maine, a parcel of the Topsham Annex, Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to Nassau County, New York, the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 464 in Oyster Bay, New York; (3) Air Force to convey to Bangor, Maine, the Charleston Family Housing Complex in Bangor; and (4) Air Force to convey to the Greater Box Elder Area Economic Development Corporation in Box Elder, South Dakota, specified real property located at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Provides for the disposition of proceeds from the sale of Air Force Plant No. 78 in Brigham City, Utah. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1998 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense environmental management privatization; and (5) defense nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Provides contract requirements for defense environmental privatization projects. Requires a report to the defense and appropriations committees followed by a 30-day waiting period before the Secretary may enter into such a contract. Limits cost variations on such contracts. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees of the intent to use project funds to terminate such a contract. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to such committees on activities conducted under such contracts and a single report on whether such contracts should be entered into in the absence of sufficient appropriations. (Sec. 3132) Prohibits, with exceptions, FY 1998 DOE funds from being used for activities associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship. (Sec. 3133) Earmarks funds authorized in this Division for: (1) the DOE modernization of the enduring nuclear weapons complex; (2) activities related to tritium production to meet stockpile requirements; and (3) the processing, treatment, and disposition of spent nuclear fuel rods and other materials at the Savannah River Site. Requires a report with respect to (1) and (2). (Sec. 3135) Prohibits the use of DOE funds after FY 1997 for DOE laboratory-directed research and development (R&D) unless such activities support DOE's national security mission, environmental restoration or waste management mission, or materials stabilization mission. Limits FY 1998 funding for such R&D until receipt by the defense and appropriations committees of a related report required under a previous defense authorization Act. Requires in such report an assessment of necessary R&D funding. (Sec. 3137) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to make permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1997) the authority for the transfer between programs or projects of defense environmental management funds. (Sec. 3138) Prohibits DOE from recovering from certain parties the cost of any environmental response actions at a site included in the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Project program other that costs stipulated in a binding, written agreement with such parties. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal: (1) certain requirements concerning the promulgation and publication of DOE administrative rules, regulations, or orders; and (2) a provision which makes the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 applicable to advisory committees chartered by the Secretary. (Sec. 3152) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) repeal a requirement that the EPA Administrator conduct a study on the effect of appointment by the Secretary of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel on the conduct of remedial actions at sites listed on the National Priorities List; and (2) extend through FY 1999 the authority of the Secretary to make such appointments. (Sec. 3153) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan and program for the stewardship, management, and certification of warheads in the nuclear weapons stockpile. (Sec. 3155) Repeals various obsolete reporting requirements under the Atomic Energy Act and prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 3156) Establishes the Commission on Safeguards and Security at Department of Energy Facilities to conduct reviews, make determinations and evaluations, and report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to DOE facility security. Terminates the Commission after submission of its report. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to revise the authority of, and extend certain report deadlines for, the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise. (Sec. 3158) Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction over specified real property at the Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1998, to obligate up to $60 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. (Sec. 3304) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request from the Secretary of Defense, to return to such Secretary for sale or other disposition NDS platinum previously loaned to the Treasury Department. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the Secretary to lease U.S. interests in Oil Shale Reserves Number 1, 2, and 3 to one or more private entities for petroleum exploration, development, and production. (Sec. 3403) Repeals a provision requiring the assignment of certain Navy officers to the Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures from Revolving Fund - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1998, with specified limitations. Requires such funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles built in the United States. Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition - Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997 - Part I: Transition Matters Relating to Commission Officers and Employees - Consents to the acceptance by the Administrator of the Commission of appointment by the Republic of Panama as Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (such Authority to become the successor to the Commission on December 31, 1999, when Canal ownership is transferred from the United States to Panama). Waives certain: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions with respect to the Administrator; and (2) post-employment restrictions for current Commission personnel who become Authority employees after the Canal transfer date. Consents to Authority employment for retired military personnel, reserve personnel, and members of the Commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. Repeals current Commission limitations in establishing compensation levels for Commission officers and employees. (Sec. 3524) States that Commission personnel travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses shall no longer be subject to Federal travel regulations. (Sec. 3525) Authorizes the Commission to pay a recruitment bonus to a newly appointed individual, or a relocation bonus to a current Commission employee who must move, if: (1) the Commission determines that it would have difficulty in filling such a position absent such bonus; or (2) the employee has unusually high or unique qualifications. (Sec. 3526) Authorizes transition separation incentive payments for Commission personnel. (Sec. 3527) Provides for Commission personnel collective bargaining rights and required labor-management negotiations. (Sec. 3528) Makes funds from the Panama Canal Revolving Fund available for severance pay for certain employees separated by the Authority after the Canal transfer date. Part II: Transition Matters Relating to Operation and Administration of Canal - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to direct the Commission to establish by regulation a comprehensive procurement system to be known as the Panama Canal Acquisition Regulation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Panama Canal Board of Contract Appeals with exclusive jurisdiction to decide an appeal from a decision of a contracting officer. Requires such Board to be functional no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 3543) Reduces from two years to one year after the date of the alleged injury the time limit for the filing of claims with the Commission. (Sec. 3544) Authorizes the Commission to: (1) set a separate toll rate for small vessels; (2) appoint U.S. citizens as notaries public; and (3) conduct and promote commercial activities related to Canal management, operation, or maintenance. (Sec. 3548) Transfers from the President to the Commission certain regulatory functions relating to Commission employment classification appeals.
Bill· SS. 949 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Tax Credit and Other Family Tax Relief Title II: Education Incentives Subtitle A: Tax Benefits Relating to Education Expenses Subtitle B: Expanded Education Investment Savings Opportunities Subtitle C: Other Education Initiatives Title III: Savings and Investment Incentives Subtitle A: Retirement Savings Subtitle B: Capital Gains Title IV: Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Tax Provisions Title V: Extensions Title VI: Incentives for Revitalization of the District of Columbia Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Excise Taxes Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Pensions and Fringe Benefits Subtitle C: Revisions Relating to Disasters Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Small Businesses Subtitle E: Foreign Provisions Subtitle F: Other Provisions Title VIII: Revenues Subtitle A: Financial Products Subtitle B: Corporate Organizations and Reorganizations Subtitle C: Other Corporate Provisions Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Excise Tax Provisions Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Tax-Exempt Entities Subtitle G: Foreign Provisions Subtitle H: Other Revenue Provisions Title IX: Foreign-Related Simplification Provisions Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations Subtitle C: Repeal of Excise Tax on Transfers to Foreign Entities Subtitle D: Information Reporting Subtitle E: Determination of Foreign or Domestic Status of Partnerships Subtitle F: Other Simplification Provisions Title X: Simplification Provisions Relating to Individuals and Businesses Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Individuals Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Businesses Generally Subtitle C: Simplification Relating to Electing Large Partnerships Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investment Trusts Subtitle E: Provisions Relating to Regulated Investment Companies Subtitle F: Taxpayer Protections Title XI: Simplification Provisions Relating to Estate and Gift Taxes Title XII: Simplification Provisions Relating to Excise Taxes, Tax-Exempt Bonds, and Other Matters Subtitle A: Excise Tax Simplification Subtitle B: Tax-Exempt Bond Provisions Subtitle C: Tax Court Procedures Subtitle D: Other Provisions Title XIII: Pension Simplification Title XIV: Technical Amendments Related to Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 and Other Legislation Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1997 - Title I: Child Tax Credit and Other Family Tax Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax credit of up to $500 dollars for each qualifying child of a taxpayer. (Sec. 102) Increases the exemption amounts applicable to the alternative minimum tax for individuals. Title II: Education Incentives - Subtitle A: Tax Benefits Relating to Education Expenses - Permits an individual a tax credit of up to $1,500 per year for the first two years of qualified post- secondary education. (Sec. 202) Permits a deduction of up to $2,500 for interest paid during the first five years interest is due on a qualified higher education loan. Makes a dependent ineligible for the deduction if a personal exemption is taken with respect to such dependent. (Sec. 203) Waives the ten percent early withdrawal tax due on IRA distributions if the withdrawal is used to pay higher education expenses. Subtitle B: Expanded Education Investment Savings Opportunities - Excludes from gross income education distributions for qualified higher education expenses from State tuition programs. (Sec. 212) Permits an eligible institution to maintain a qualified State tuition program. Includes room and board in the definition of qualified higher education expenses. Makes additional modifications to the qualified State tuition program including, among other things, provisions concerning: (1) the definition of a family member; (2) estate and gift tax treatment; and (3) excess contributions. (Sec. 213) Exempts an education individual retirement account (defined as a trust created exclusively to pay qualified higher education expenses) from taxation, subject to an exception relating to the imposition of tax on unrelated business income of charitable organizations. Subtitle C: Other Education Initiatives - Permanently extends the exclusion for employer-provided educational expenses. Repeals, with respect to such expenses, the limitation on graduate education. (Sec. 222) Repeals the $150 million limit applicable to qualified 501(c)(3) (charitable organization) bonds. (Sec. 223) Increases the arbitrage rebate exception for public school capital expenditure bonds. (Sec. 224) Makes the two-percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions inapplicable to certain elementary and secondary teacher education expenses. Title III: Savings and Investment Incentives - Subtitle A: Retirement Savings - Increases the income limits for active participants with respect to the IRA (Individual Retirement Account) deduction. Removes limitations on a spouse's participation. (Sec. 302) Permits individuals to establish IRA Plus accounts which shall be treated similarly to IRAs. Prohibits deductions for contributions to such accounts. Sets forth distribution rules (including excluding qualified distributions from gross income). (Sec. 303) Permits distributions without penalty for: (1) first home purchases; and (2) certain unemployed individuals. (Sec. 304) Permits the investment of IRA assets in certain bullion. Subtitle B: Capital Gains - Reduces the maximum capital gains rate for individuals from 28 to 20 percent. (Sec. 312) Makes the 50 percent exclusion for gain from the sale of small business stock applicable to corporations as well as to individuals. (Sec. 313) Permits the nontaxable rollover of the gain from the sale of small business stock to another qualified small business stock, if done within 60 days of the sale date. (Sec. 314) Revises provisions concerning the one-time exclusion for the gain from the sale of a principal residence to, among other things: (1) increase the exclusion to $250,000 ($500,000 for certain joint returns); (2) allow the exclusion once every two years; and (3) remove the age limitation. Title IV: Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Tax Provisions - Increases, incrementally, the unified estate and gift tax credit to $1 million by the year 2006. (Sec. 402) Provides, in general, for the exclusion from the estate tax of the first $1 million of the value of a qualified family owned business. (Sec. 403) Excludes from the estate tax a portion of land subject to a qualified conservation easement. (Sec. 404) Extends from 10 to 20 the number of installments permitted to an estate for making payments of the estate tax in an estate consisting largely of an interest in a closely held business. Revises provisions concerning the payment of interest on such tax. (Sec. 406) Permits a lineal descendent to rent specially-valued farm or trade property without imposition of the additional estate tax. (Sec. 407) Extends the predeceased parent exception to transfers to collateral heirs, as specified. Title V: Extensions - Extends: (1) the research tax credit until December 31, 1999; (2) the special rule for contributions of stock (for which market quotations are readily available) to private foundations until December 31, 1999; (3) the work opportunity tax credit for 22 months; and (4) permanently, the orphan drug credit. Title VI: Incentives for the Revitalization of the District of Columbia - Permits, in the District of Columbia, the following tax incentives if, prior to January 1, 1998, a Federal law is enacted creating an entity known as the Economic Development Corporation as part of the District of Columbia government: (1) a first-time homebuyers tax credit of up to $5,000; (2) the allocation of up to $75 million in tax credits for certain investments in and loans to businesses; and (3) a zero-percent capital gains rate for capital gains resulting from the sale of qualified assets held over five years. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Excise Taxes - Repeals the diesel fuel tax applicable to diesel fuel used in recreational boats. (Sec. 702) Establishes the Intercity Passenger Rail Fund to finance qualified expenses of: (1) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; and (2) each non-Amtrak State. (Sec. 703) Provides for the tax treatment of certain hard cider derived from apples. (Sec. 704) Provides for the transfer of a portion of the 4.3 cents per gallon General Fund motor fuel excise tax to the Highway Trust Fund. (Sec. 705) Revises the rate of tax on certain special motor fuels (benzol, naphtha, and etc). (Sec. 706) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study concerning the options for changing the collection point of the distilled spirits excise tax. (Sec. 707) Extends the alcohol used as fuel credit until December 31, 2007, and the related excise tax exemption until September 30, 2007. (Sec. 708) Adds provisions which regulate the use of semi-generic designations on wine labels. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Pensions and Fringe Benefits - Eliminates the percentage (100 percent of compensation or a specified dollar amount) limitation for a defined benefit compensation plan thereby subjecting such plans only to the dollar (indexed for inflation) limitation. (Sec. 712) Modifies rules concerning the partial termination of a pension plan. (Sec. 713) Increases the full funding limit for defined benefit pension plans. (Sec. 714) Requires written spousal consent for distributions from qualified cash or deferred arrangement plans. (Sec. 715) Excludes contributions from a self-employed minister to a church plan on the same basis as if such minister were a church employee. (Sec. 716) Repeals application of the unrelated business income tax for an employee stock ownership plan that is an S corporation shareholder. Subtitle C: Revisions Relating to Disasters - Provides special treatment for income from the sale of livestock sold or involuntarily converted because of drought or other weather related conditions. (Sec. 722) Disregards gain or loss from the sale of livestock for purposes of the earned income credit. (Sec. 723) Waives, with respect to qualified mortgage bond financing, specified requirements for residences located in disaster areas. Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Small Businesses - Waives any penalty through July 1, 1998, for a taxpayer first required to use the electronic fund transfer system after July 1, 1997, and who does not use such system. (Sec. 732) Permits the use of the installment method of accounting for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income. Subtitle E: Foreign Provisions - Provides that computer software is not excluded from the definition of export property under the foreign sales corporation provisions. (Sec. 742) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations which determine the extent to which a taxpayer will be denied benefits under an income tax treaty with respect to income from a hybrid entity. (Sec. 743) Excepts certain cash, securities, and obligations from the definition of U.S. property for purposes the controlled foreign corporation (CFC) rules. (Sec. 744) Excepts for purposes of CFC rules, for the 1998 taxable year, certain income derived by a foreign personal holding company in the active conduct of an insurance, banking, financing, or similar business. (Sec. 745) Provides for the treatment of the income nonresident aliens earned as a crew member of a foreign vessel temporarily in the United States, including treating such income as foreign source income. (Sec. 751) Provides generally that certain U.S. shareholders of controlled foreign corporations will not be subject to passive foreign investment company inclusion. (Sec. 752) Allows, as specified, a mark-to-market election by a shareholder of a passive foreign investment company. Subtitle F: Other Provisions - Provides for the tax-exempt status of any organization created by State law which is organized and operated exclusively to provide workmen's compensation. (Sec. 762) Excepts an existing partnership which elects to be subjected to a specified additional tax from the general rule that a publicly traded partnership be treated as a corporation. (Sec. 763) Excludes certain sponsorship payments received by a tax-exempt organization from unrelated taxable income. (Sec. 764) Permits timeshare associations to be taxed under provisions provided for the taxation of other homeowners associations. (Sec. 765) Increases the business meals deduction for certain individuals: (1) subject to the hours of service limitations of the Department of Transportation; and (2) working at specified northern food processing facilities. (Sec. 766) Permits a State or local government employee to deduct expenses incurred in connection with such employment. (Sec. 767) Increases, for purposes of computing the charitable deduction for the use of a passenger automobile, the standard mileage rate. (Sec. 768) Permits: (1) a taxpayer to treat any qualified environmental remediation expenditure incurred by the taxpayer as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account; and (2) any expenditure so treated to be allowed as a deduction. (Sec. 769) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for a demonstration project assessing the feasibility and desirability of expanding combined Federal and State tax reporting. (Sec. 770) Increases the maximum capital expenditure limit for qualified small issue bonds. (Sec. 771) Extends, for two years, the credit for electricity produced from wind and closed-loop biomass. (Sec. 772) Makes the 100 percent net income limitation applicable to the oil and gas depletion deduction inapplicable for any year in which the annual average wellhead price per barrel of crude oil is less than $14 per barrel. (Sec. 773) Permits cooperative hospital service organizations to purchase patron accounts receivable on a recourse basis and remain tax-exempt. (Sec. 774) Exempts Federal Home Loan Bank Board bonds from the general rule that interest on Federally guaranteed bonds is not tax- exempt. (Sec. 775) Sets forth rules concerning the: (1) period for the deduction for traveling expenses while working away from home, including special rules for construction workers; (2) charitable contribution deduction for certain expenses incurred in support of Native Alaskan subsistence whaling; (3) eligibility criteria for the designation of future enterprise zones in Alaska or Hawaii; (4) de minimis fringe benefit rules concerning no-charge employee meals; and (5) standard for determining the employment tax status of securities brokers. Title VIII: Revenues - Subtitle A: Financial Products - Provides that if there is a constructive sale of an appreciated financial position: (1) a taxpayer shall recognize gain as if such position were sold for its fair market value on the date of the constructive sale; and (2) for purposes of the treatment of gains and losses for periods after the constructive sale, proper adjustment shall be made in the amount of any gain or loss subsequently realized with respect to such position for any gain taken into account by reason of the above and the holding period of such position shall be determined as if such position were originally acquired on the date of such constructive sale. (Sec. 802) Modifies the definition of an investment company for purposes of determining whether a gain or loss is recognized if property is transferred to a corporation by one or more persons solely in exchange for stock and immediately such person or persons controls such corporation. (Sec. 803) Extends to all property (currently, only personal property) specified provisions concerning gains or losses from certain cancellations or other terminations of rights or obligations which are capital assets. Subtitle B: Corporate Organizations and Reorganizations - Revises provisions concerning a corporate shareholder's basis in stock being reduced by the nontaxed portion of extraordinary dividends received to provide that if the nontaxed portion of such dividends exceeds such basis, such excess shall be treated as gain for the sale or exchange of such stock for the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received. (Sec. 812) Revises rules for: (1) distributions of stock and securities of a controlled corporation; (2) redemptions of stock through the use of related corporations; and (3) the holding period applicable to the dividends received deduction. Subtitle C: Other Corporate Provisions - Revises provisions concerning the registration of tax shelters. Includes as a tax shelter any plan: (1) with a significant purpose being the avoidance of Federal income tax for a corporation; (2) offered to any potential participant under conditions of confidentiality; and (3) for which promoters receive in excess of $100,000. Requires the registration of a corporate tax shelter promoter. (Sec. 822) Treats, subject to exceptions, certain preferred stock as boot. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the reporting of payments made by Federal agencies to corporations; (2) extending the Department of Veterans Affairs disclosure provision; (3) requiring consistent reporting of the return of a beneficiary's estate or trust return and the return of the estate or trust; and (4) a continuous levy, levy exemptions, and levy disclosure. Subtitle E: Excise Tax Provisions - Extends, for ten years, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund taxes. (Sec. 842) Restores, for ten years, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund excise tax. (Sec. 843) Applies the three percent communications tax to long- distance prepaid telephone cards. (Sec. 844) Replaces the varied excise tax rates on vaccines with a single tax rate of 84 cents per dose. (Sec. 845) Permits a credit against the manufacturers' excise tax paid with respect to the tire tax on certain truck tires. (Sec. 846) Increases the excise tax rate on all tobacco products. Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Tax-Exempt Entities - Modifies provisions concerning interest, annuities, royalties, and rents received by a tax-exempt organization from a subsidiary and the unrelated business income tax to define the term "control" of a subsidiary to mean ownership of more than 50 percent. (Sec. 852) Provides, as a general rule, that in the case of a sale or exchange between a tax-exempt entity and a related person, the basis of the related person in the property acquired shall not exceed the adjusted basis of such property in the hands of the tax-exempt entity, increased by the gain recognized to the tax-exempt entity on the transfer which is subject to the unrelated business income tax. (Sec. 853) Provides for the tax treatment of Mutual of America. Subtitle G: Foreign Provisions - Treats as foreign personal holding company income: (1) income from notional principal contracts; and (2) payments in lieu of dividends. Provides, for dealers, for an exception from certain foreign personal holding company income provisions. (Sec. 862) Provides, for purposes of like-kind exchanges, that personal property used predominantly within the United States and personal property used predominantly outside the United States are not property of a like kind. (Sec. 863) Establishes minimum holding periods for stock dividends in order to qualify for foreign tax credits. (Sec. 864) Treats as U.S. source income income from the sale of property by a U.S. resident to another U.S. resident for use, consumption, or disposition in the United States, if the sale is not attributable to an office maintained by the seller outside the United States. (Sec. 865) Prohibits the reduction of interest on underpayments by foreign tax credit carrybacks. (Sec. 866) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the period of limitations on a claim for a credit or refund attributable to a foreign tax carryforward; (2) the reduction of the foreign tax credit carryback period and the increase of the foreign tax credit carryforward period; and (3) the repeal of the exception concerning the use of foreign tax credits for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. Subtitle H: Other Revenue Provisions - Prohibits a family farm establishing a suspense account when required to use the accrual method of accounting. (Sec. 872) Limits the net operating loss carryback period to two years and extends the net operating loss carryforward period to 20 years. (Sec. 873) Prohibits, with respect to life insurance, a deduction for that portion of the taxpayer's interest expense which is allocable to unborrowed policy cash values, subject to exceptions. (Sec. 874) Modifies basis allocation rules upon distribution of partnership property. (Sec. 875) Eliminates the requirement that inventory must have substantially appreciated in value to cause ordinary income with respect to rules concerning sales and exchanges of partnership interests. (Sec. 876) Permits the income forecast method of depreciation to be used only for film and video tape, copyrights, books, patents, and other property specified in regulations. (Sec. 877) Sets forth provisions which: (1) require that involuntarily converted property be replaced with property acquired from an unrelated person in certain cases; (2) repeal the exception permitting the use of the installment method of accounting for certain sales by manufacturers to dealers; (3) increase the limit on involuntary pension cash-outs; (4) include a parking benefit in income only if an employee chooses a cash benefit instead of parking; (5) extend the current 6.2 unemployment tax rate through calendar year 2007; (6) repeal the excess distribution and excess retirement accumulation tax; (7) revise the treatment of charitable remainder trusts with a greater than 50 percent annual payout; (8) increase the tax on prohibited pension transactions by five percent; and (9) revise the basis recovery rules for annuities received over more than one life. Title IX: Foreign-Related Simplification Provisions - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Exempts from the foreign tax credit limitation certain individuals whose entire gross income from sources outside the United States consists of qualified passive income and whose amount of creditable foreign taxes paid does not exceed $300. (Sec. 902) Revises the method of translating foreign income taxes into dollars by providing, in general, for the use of the average exchange rate for the taxable year. Subtitle B: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Provides, with respect to controlled a foreign corporation, for: (1) the treatment of gain on certain stock sales by controlled foreign corporations as dividends; (2) regulations concerning basis adjustments of stock in controlled foreign corporation; and (3) extending the application of the indirect foreign tax credit to taxes paid by certain lower-tier controlled foreign corporations. Subtitle C: Repeal of Excise Tax on Transfers to Foreign Entities - Repeals Chapter 5 (Tax on Transfers to Avoid Income Tax) of the IRC. Provides for the recognition of gain on certain transfers to foreign trusts and estates. Subtitle D: Information Reporting - Revises provisions concerning: (1) the return requirement for foreign partnership income; (2) information reporting for controlled foreign corporations; (3) returns as to interests in foreign partnerships; (4) notice of certain transfers to foreign corporations; (5) the statute of limitations applicable in the case of failure to notify the Secretary of certain transactions; and (6) increasing the filing threshold for returns as to organization or reorganization of foreign corporations and acquisitions of stock in such corporations. Subtitle E: Determination of Foreign or Domestic Status of Partnerships - Revises the definition of "domestic" when applied to a corporation or partnership to permit the Secretary, by regulation, to provide an exception to such definition for a partnership. Subtitle F: Other Simplification - Amends the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 to permit a trust in existence on August 20, 1996, and which was treated as a U.S. person on the day before enactment of such Act to elect to continue to be treated as a U.S. person notwithstanding the IRC definition of a U.S. person. (Sec. 952) Eliminates the stock and securities safe harbor requirement that an entity's principal office be outside the United States. Title X: Simplification Provisions Relating to Individuals and Businesses - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Individuals - Increases the: (1) standard deduction for a taxpayer with respect to whom a dependency exemption is allowed on another taxpayer's return; (2) the alternative minimum tax exemption for minors under the age of 14; and (3) estimated de minimis tax threshold. (Sec. 1003) Revises the treatment of: (1) reimbursed expenses of rural mail carriers; and (2) traveling expenses of certain Federal employees engaged in criminal investigations. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Businesses Generally - Permits a taxpayer to elect not to apply the look-back method for a long-term contract for de minimis (below 10 percent of taxable income or loss) amounts. (Sec. 1013) States that a method of determining inventories shall not be deemed not to clearly reflect income solely because it utilizes estimates of inventory shrinkage that are confirmed by a physical count only after the last day of the taxable year, subject to conditions. (Sec. 1014) Excludes from the gross income of a lessee any amount received in cash by a lessee from a lessor: (1) under a short-term lease of retail space; and (2) for the purpose of such lessee's constructing or improving long-term real property for use in the lessee's business. Subtitle C: Simplification Relating to Electing Large Partnerships - Establishes special rules for large partnerships (100 or more partners) which: (1) take into account separately a partner's distributive share of specified items for purposes of determining the income tax of a partner; (2) compute the taxable income of a large partnership in the same manner as in the case of an individual, subject to stated exceptions; and (3) provide for the treatment of partnerships holding oil and gas properties. (Sec. 1022) Creates an audit system for electing large partnerships which provides as a general rule that a partner of any electing large partnership shall, on the partner's return, treat each partnership item attributable to such partnership in a manner which is consistent with the treatment of such partnership item on the partnership return. Sets forth provisions concerning partnership adjustments which generally will flow through to partners for the year in which the adjustment takes effect. (Sec. 1031) Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to an oversheltered return (a return which shows no taxable income and shows a net loss from partnership items), to send a notice of adjustment in specified situations. (Sec. 1032) Provides, on the basis of a decision of the Secretary, that the partnership return shall determine the audit procedures to be followed. (Sec. 1033) Sets forth provisions, with respect to partnerships, concerning: (1) the statute of limitations and untimely petition filing; (2) the exception for small partnerships (under the definition of partnership); (3) the period for assessing tax where a partner and the Secretary enter a settlement agreement but other partnership items remain in dispute; (4) the time for filing a request for administrative adjustment; (5) the innocent spouse defense in court proceedings; (6) partnership level penalties; (7) court jurisdiction; (8) premature petitions; (9) bonds in appeals from Tax Court decisions; and (10) closing the taxable partnership year with respect to a deceased partner. Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investment Trusts - Modifies provisions relating to qualification as, and the taxation of, a real estate investment trust, including: (1) rules relating to ownership determination; (2) tenant service income and tenant ownership; (3) repeal of the 30 percent gross income requirement; (4) earnings and profit rules; (5) income from hedges; (6) excess noncash income; and (7) shared appreciation mortgages. Subtitle E: Provisions Relating to Regulated Investment Companies - Repeals, with respect to regulated investment companies, the 30 percent test. Subtitle F: Taxpayer Protections - Provides for the waiver of certain penalties if a failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. (Sec. 1082) Permits a taxpayer who was due a refund, but who initially failed to file a return and who received a deficiency notice during the third year after the return's due date, to obtain a refund. (Sec. 1083) Repeals the requirement of the Secretary to disclose, upon request, if a prospective juror has been audited. (Sec. 1084) Specifies, for purposes of the statute of limitations, that the term "return" means the taxpayer's return and not the return of any person form whom the taxpayer has received an item of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit. (Sec. 1085) Establishes penalties for Federal employees and others who, without proper authorization, willfully inspect any return or information. Title XI: Simplification Provisions Relating to Estate and Gift Taxes - Provides that, under specified conditions, gifts to charities are not subject to gift tax filing requirements. (Sec. 1102) Waives the right of recovery with respect to qualified terminable interest property only to the extent that the language in the decedent's will specifically indicates. (Sec. 1103) Treats any trust created before enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 as satisfying the withholding requirement if it requires all trustees to be U.S. citizens or corporations. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) the treatment for estate tax purposes of short-term obligations held by nonresident aliens; (2) distributions during the first 65 days of the taxable year of the estate; (3) application of the separate share rules to estates; (4) treatment of an estate and a beneficiary as related for purposes of disallowance of losses; (5) treatment of a qualified funeral trust; (6) adjustments for certain gifts within three years of a decedent's death; and (7) the authority to waive the requirement that a qualified domestic trust have a U.S. trustee. Title XII: Simplification Provisions Relating to Excise Taxes, Tax-Exempt Bonds, and Other Matters - Subtitle A: Excise Tax Simplification - Increases the de minimis limit for aftermarket alterations for heavy trucks and luxury cars. (Sec. 1211) Makes refunds available for imported bottled distilled spirits returned to distilled spirits plants. (Sec. 1212) Permits records of exportation to be maintained by the exporter for purposes of cancelling or crediting bonds furnished when distilled spirits are removed from bonded premises. (Sec. 1213) Permits distilled spirits plants to maintain records of their activities at locations other than the premises where the operations covered by the records are performed. (Sec. 1214) Allows beer to be transferred without payment of tax to a distilled spirits plant to be used in the production of distilled spirits regardless of whether the brewery is contiguous to the distilled spirits plant. (Sec. 1215) Repeals the requirement that wholesale liquor dealers post a sign outside their place of business indicating that they are wholesale liquor dealers. (Sec. 1216) Repeals the requirement that wine returned to bonded premises be unmerchantable in order for the tax to be refunded to the proprietor of the bonded wine cellar to which the wine is delivered. (Sec. 1217) Allows the use of ameliorating material (not in excess of 60 percent) in certain wines made exclusively from a fruit or berry with a natural fixed acid of 20 parts per thousand or more. (Sec. 1218) Allows domestically-produced beer to be withdrawn from the place of production without payment of tax for the official or family use of representatives of foreign governments or public international organizations. (Sec. 1219) Allows beer to be removed from a brewery without payment of tax for purposes of destruction. (Sec. 1220) Permits a domestic exporter to recover the tax paid on the exported beer with specified proof. (Sec. 1221) Provides for imported beer to be withdrawn from customs custody for transfer to a brewery without payment of tax. (Sec. 1231) Expands the authority of the Secretary to waive the excise tax registration requirement. (Sec. 1232) Repeals certain provisions concerning the: (1) tax on heavy trucks and trailers sold at retail; (2) tax on the removal of hard minerals from the deep seabed; and (3) excise tax on the sale or use by a manufacturer or importer of certain ozone depleting chemicals. (Sec. 1233) Revises provisions concerning: (1) the excise taxes on arrows; (2) the excise tax on skydiving flights; and (3) refunding certain aviation fuel taxes paid by a registered producer. Subtitle B: Tax-Exempt Bond Provisions - Repeals the $100,000 limitation on unspent proceeds under the one-year exception from arbitrage rebate requirements. (Sec. 1242) Exempts earnings on bond proceeds invested in bona fide debt service funds from the arbitrage rebate requirements and the penalty requirement of the 24-month exception, if the spending requirements of that exception are otherwise satisfied. (Sec. 1243) Repeals: (1) the debt service-based limitation on investment in certain nonpurpose investments; and (2) certain expired provisions. Subtitle C: Tax Court Procedures - Provides that an order to refund an overpayment is appealable in the same manner as a decision of the Tax Court. Declares that the Tax Court shall not have jurisdiction over the validity or merits of the credits or offsets that reduce or eliminate the refund to which the taxpayer was otherwise entitled. (Sec. 1252) Provides for a taxpayer to file a motion, rather than a petition, to seek, in the Tax Court, a redemption of interest. (Sec. 1253) Applies to estates and trusts the net worth limitations currently applicable to individuals. (Sec. 1254) Permits the Tax Court to have jurisdiction over certain employment status disputes. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Extends the due date of the first quarter estimated tax payment of a private foundation. (Sec. 1262) Permits any Commonwealth to enter into an agreement with the Secretary providing for income tax withholding. (Sec. 1263) Revises provisions concerning the notice to a large corporation of a tax underpayment. Title XIII: Pension Simplification - Treats matching contributions for self-employed individuals the same as matching contributions for employees. (Sec. 1302) Permits an employer to establish a system under which eligible employees, through employer payroll deductions, may make contributions to an individual retirement plan. (Sec. 1303) Sets forth provisions concerning a plan accepting a rollover contribution. (Sec. 1304) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to: (1) permit a participant's benefit in a plan to be reduced in order to satisfy the participant's liability if an order or requirement to pay arises from a civil or criminal judgment in connection with the plan; and (2) eliminate certain filing requirements. (Sec. 1306) Redefines includible compensation to: (1) include any elective deferral; and (2) certain amounts contributed by the employer at the employee's election which are not includible in the employee's gross income. (Sec. 1307) Provides for the issuance of guidelines concerning the use of new technology for plan purposes. (Sec. 1308) Exempts governmental plans from nondiscrimination and minimum participation rules. (Sec. 1309) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) rules relating to employee stock ownership plans of S corporations; (2) the ten percent tax on nondeductible contributions; and (3) minimum funding requirements for certain plans. Title XIV: Technical Amendments Related to Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 and Other Legislation - Sets forth, with respect to sections of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 which amend the IRC, provisions concerning, among other things: (1) informational returns for those engaged in selling fish; (2) the definition of an electing small business trust; (3) the treatment of a wholly owned S corporation subsidiary; (4) the definition of unrelated trade or business for certain hospitals; (5) SIMPLE retirement plans; (6) the treatment of an employee participating in an Indian tribal government annuity; (7) definitions concerning financial asset securitization trusts; (8) definitions concerning State tuition plans; and (9) the year an adoption credit is allowed. (Sec. 1402) Sets forth, with respect to sections of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 which amend the IRC, provisions concerning, among other things: (1) the tax on nonmedical withdrawals from a medical savings account; (2) the definition of a chronically ill individual for purposes of a long-term care insurance contract; (3) deductions for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; (4) reporting requirements concerning long-term care contracts; (5) consumer protection provisions for long- term care insurance contracts; and (6) rules concerning expatriation to avoid tax. (Sec. 1403) Sets forth, with respect to sections of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act 2 which amend the IRC, provisions concerning, among other things: (1) abatement of first-tier taxes in certain cases; and (2) returns of exempt organizations. (Sec. 1404) Sets forth other provisions which amend the IRC which are related to the: (1) Energy Policy Act of 1992; (2) Uruguay Round Agreements Act; and (3) Tax Reform Act of 1984.
Bill· HRH.R. 2856 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aviation Clear Air Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations which: (1) require domestic and foreign aircraft to have a ventilation system providing at least 20 cubic feet of fresh air per minute per person in the cabin; and (2) provide for monitoring recirculating air filters to ensure that they are changed when needed, maintaining a minimum standard of humidity in the aircraft's cabin, and monitoring cabin ozone levels to assure compliance with current regulations. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to establish a toll-free telephone number system for receiving telephone calls to report illnesses relating to passenger aircraft travel.
Bill· SS. 672 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense Supplementals Title II: Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies Title III: Other Supplementals Title IV: Department of Defense Offsets Title V: Other Offsets Title VI: Social Services Block Grant Amendment Title VII: Government Shutdown Prevention Act Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act of 1997 - Title I: Department of Defense Supplementals - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Defense (DOD)--Military, for: (1) Military Personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps,and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance, Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 POW payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, upon his determination that it is necessary in the national interest and with Office of Management and Budget approval, to transfer between such appropriations, but only for higher priority items, based on unforeseen military requirements, up to a specified amount of DOD working capital and other specified funds earmarked for: (1) U.S. participation in the Bosnia Stabilization Force (SFOR); and (2) enforcement of the no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of DOD funds to transfer management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the Military Services until the contract for a Lead System Integrator for it is awarded. Directs the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to: (1) submit recommendations to Congressional Defense Committees on the future roles of the Services with respect to the management, technical development, cost, schedule, and acquisition plan for the elements in such program; and (2) certify that such contract will conform to these recommendations. (Sec. 103) Makes additional appropriations for a grant to reimburse the American Red Cross for disaster relief and recovery expenditures. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 105) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental operation and maintenance costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. (Sec. 106) Prohibits use of DOD funds for operations or activities of the Armed Forces relating to Bosnia, unless the President reports to the Congress, with specified details, on the cost and source of funds for military activities relating to Bosnia. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of the Department of Defense, until and unless the Secretary of Defense designates another person to serve in this position. Title II: Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace, rehabilitate, or replant disaster-damaged trees and vineyards, including (through the Forestry Incentives Program) trees damaged by 1997 tornadoes; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program, for the cost of specified direct loans for emergency expenses, and Rural Housing Assistance Program, for very low-income housing repair grants and domestic farm labor grants; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration, Economic Development Assistance Programs; and (2) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for construction. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Defense--Civil, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general operations and maintenance; and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, for operation and maintenance. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) National Park Service; (4) U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to: (1) the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service for the National Forest System's emergency expenses;and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways, Emergency Relief Program; and (2) the Federal Railroad Administration, Emergency Railroad Rehabilitation and Repair, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged as a result of the floods in the northern plains States in March and April of 1997. Makes such appropriations for a related agency, the National Transportation Safety Board, for emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800 and ValuJet 592, and for assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations to: (1) the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development, community development block grants fund; and (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for disaster relief. Requires the FEMA Director to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Secretary, Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, to support research on environmental risk factors associated with breast cancer. Directs the Secretary of HHS to award such funds on a competitive basis. Title III: Other Supplementals - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain direct operating loans; and (2) the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of State for payment of United States arrearages owed to the United Nations, subject to express authorization enacted in a subsequent Act. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia - Makes supplemental FY 1997 appropriations to the District of Columbia, (Federal Payment to the District of Columbia) for deposit into an escrow account of the D.C. Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority and disbursal pursuant to the instructions of, and in accordance with a plan approved by, such Authority. Requires the use of specified portions of such funds for: (1) emergency repair of D.C. public schools; and (2) pay raises within the Metropolitan Police Department. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for repairs, facilities construction, visitor transportation, and related purposes at Yosemite National Park. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Congressional Operations, Senate - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Aviation Administration, to reimburse State and local agencies for unanticipated disaster costs associated with efforts directly related to the 1996 TWA Flight 800 and ValuJet Flight 592 tragedies; and (3) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the County and City of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service, for the Postal Service Fund, for revenue forgone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. Chapter 8: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for annual contributions for assisted housing and for capacity building for community development and affordable housing. Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program, and the Administration for Children and Families' Social Services Block Grant program; and (2) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Chapter 10: General Provisions - Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in any appropriations Act for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for preparing to use sampling in the 2000 decennial census. (Sec. 304) Provides that, for specified purposes, all patents in force on June 8, 1995, are entitled to the full benefit of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act of 1994 as well as any extension granted before such date. (Sec. 305) Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, which make certain additional Department of Defense appropriations earmarked for the Dual-Use Applications Program. (Sec. 306) Declares that the U.S. members and alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, shall be officers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who hold Presidential appointments as Regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation. (Sec. 307) Amends the Delaware River Basin Compact to provide that certain members serve at the pleasure of the President. (Sec. 308) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) with respect to a recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 309) Amends the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, to authorize the Indian Health Service (IHS), with respect to functions it transfers to tribes or tribal organizations, to provide goods and services to those entities, on a reimbursable basis, including payment in advance with subsequent adjustment. (Sec. 310) Prohibits the use of any funds for any Federal agency for FY 1997 and thereafter to promulgate or implement any rule, regulation, policy, statement, or directive issued after October 1, 1993, regarding the recognition, validity, or management of any right of way established pursuant specified Federal law relating to public lands. (Sec. 311) Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exempt certain emergency flood control projects from specified consultation and conferencing requirements, and prohibitions against the taking of species. (Sec. 312) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in Presidentially-declared disaster areas, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award year 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 314) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 315) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a Presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 319) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 320) Amends Federal transportation law to exempt from certain fees overflights operated by citizens of a country contiguous to the United States if: (1) both the origin and destination of such flights are within that country; and (2) that country exempts similar categories of flights operated by U.S. citizens. (Sec. 321) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama, courthouse. (Sec. 322) Prohibits the use of funds to impose or collect any penalty imposed solely because of a failure to use the electronic fund transfer system by a person first required do so during the last six months of 1997. (Sec. 323) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to repeal specified provisions relating to cooperative purchasing. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish quarterly in the Federal Register a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. (Sec. 325) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. Title IV: Department of Defense Offsets - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-wide; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense-wide; (4) Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction; (5) various types of procurement, including aircraft missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (6) National Guard and Reserve equipment; (7) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; (8) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. (Sec. 401) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; and (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 403) Prohibits the use of any Department of Defense funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 404) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. (Sec. 405) Rescinds a certain amount of funds appropriated for Military Construction in the Navy under specified Federal law. Title V: Other Offsets - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified amounts of the available unobligated balances for the Department of Justice under the General Administration Working Capital Fund. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Energy for Clean Coal Technology and for Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified contract authorizations for the Department of Transportation for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration grants-in-aid for airports; (2) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway traffic safety grants; and (3) Federal Transit Administration discretionary grants for fixed guideway modernization and bus activities. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Rescinds specified amounts available to the General Services Administration for Presidential transition expenses. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Rescinds specified amounts recaptured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from annual contributions for assisted housing. Directs the Secretary of HUD to recapture a specified section 8 reserve funds made available to housing agencies for tenant-based assistance. Rescinds a specified amount of negative credit subsidy from the sale of mortgage notes for the HUD Federal Housing Administration General and Special Risk Program Account. Rescinds certain funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NASA. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies - Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Cancels, permanently, specified funds for the Department of Defense--Civil, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for general construction. Title VI: Social Services Block Grant Amendment - Amends title XX of the Social Security Act to establish a program of block grants to States for non-Medicaid assistance to noncitizens. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997. Title VII: Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Provides for continuing appropriations for FY 1998 at 98 percent of the level of FY 1997 operations, in the absence of regular appropriations for FY 1998.
Bill· SS. 1331 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aviation Competition Enhancement Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to allocate slots (arrival and departure spaces) at each slot-controlled airport for assignment to new entrant air carriers (carriers currently not holding slots) and limited incumbent carriers (carriers holding less than 12 slots at a particular airport). Outlines application procedures for the receipt of such slots at high density airports. Requires a priority in the case of proposed service to small and medium airports not currently serving the high density airport to which the application relates. Directs the Secretary to withdraw from major carriers at each airport a specified percentage of slots for auction to qualified applicants through competitive bidding, as long as the auctioned slot will or is likely to increase competition among carriers. Allows only new entrant and limited incumbent air carriers to participate in such auctions. Requires auction revenues to be deposited in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to conduct a public inquiry and submit to the Congress a report evaluating the competitive bidding process used. Provides special rules, including rules governing the resale or reversion of purchased slots. Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate a study to determine whether application of the high density rule promotes or hinders airline competition, as well as the impact that changes to such rule would have on air safety; and (2) limit the use of air carrier slots by commuter air carriers. Directs the Secretary to grant exemptions from the perimeter rule (a rule prohibiting aircraft from providing nonstop service between Washington National Airport and an airport that is more than 1,250 miles away) to all air carriers to operate limited frequencies and aircraft on select routes between Washington National and other airports if the Secretary finds that such exemption will: (1) provide air transportation service with network benefits; and (2) increase competition in multiple markets. Requires the Secretary to make certain certifications to specified congressional committees with respect to the quality of air service provided under such exemptions. Requires the Secretary to respond within 90 days of the filing of a complaint by an air carrier that another air carrier has engaged in predatory behavior.
Bill· HRH.R. 2175 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Foreign Oil Displacement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment credit for carbonaceous fuels conversion facilities, defined as facilities for producing: (1) oil from shale and tar sands; (2) gas from geopressured brine, Devonian shale, coal seams, or a tight formation, or from biomass; and (3) liquid, gaseous, or solid synthetic fuels from coal (including lignite, standard anthracite, peat, and any byproduct from a coal, culm, or silt preparation facility containing fixed carbon and including such fuels when used as feedstocks). Provides for recapture. Allows any unused portion of a carbonaceous fuels facility credit to be sold or assigned. Provides for the treatment of the seller and acquirer. Excludes from the definitions of "taxable fuel," "gasoline," "diesel fuel," and "aviation fuel," and excludes from taxation under specified provisions, fuel produced by such a facility or that portion of a blend that is such a fuel.
Bill· HRH.R. 4 (105th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits (subject to the Line Item Veto Act of 1996) the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget outlays limitation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the amount of interest that may be credited to such trust funds. Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually: (1) what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such year.
Bill· HRH.R. 2413 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1997- Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with respect to: (1) status adjustment admission date; (2) classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas (firearm offenses and aggravated felons), and deportable aliens; (3) expedited removal of aliens convicted of aggravated felonies; and (4) detention and removal of aliens, and reentry of removed aliens. (Sec. 5) Amends Federal criminal law to eliminate the provision authorizing interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications for specified immigration related felonies. (Sec. 6) Amends the INA with respect to: (1) alien terrorist removal; (2) sponsor affidavit of support; (3) illegal alien apprehension and detention; (4) removal hearings; (5) voluntary departure; (6) worldwide immigration level; (7) temporary protected status; (8) public vessels; (9) unlawful employment of aliens, (10) foreign students; (11) airlines; and (12) removal proceedings. (Sec. 7) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 with respect to: (1) document fraud offenses; (2) the pilot program on limiting issuance of driver's licenses to illegal aliens; (3) Polish and Hungarian parolee status adjustment; (4) foreign and exchange student information collection; and (5) information disclosure penalties. Increases authorization of appropriations for certain Immigration and Naturalization Service investigators' overtime pay. (Sec. 8) Amends the Immigration Act of 1990 with respect to a provision concerning good moral character.
Bill· HRH.R. 2957 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Helicopter Noise Control and Safety Act - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration upon determining independently, or after review of a study submitted by a requester, that helicopter operations pose a public noise and safety risk in a county or municipality with a greater than 500,000 population, to develop and implement a plan, in accordance with specified requirements, to reduce that risk. Authorizes any city, State, local government, agency, or instrumentality, or any person responsible for the operation of a heliport, to submit to the Administrator: (1) a study demonstrating that noise or safety conditions, or both, resulting from helicopter operations pose a risk to the public health and welfare of such a county or municipality; and (2) a plan to reduce the risk. Requires the Administrator to review such a plan and, upon determining that helicopter operations pose such a risk, to make any modifications necessary to conform with this Act. Specifies procedures for public comment and implementation of a plan developed in either manner.
Bill· SS. 1089 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2025
Aircraft Repair Station Safety Act of 1997 - Terminates the effectiveness of certain November 22, 1988, amendments to the foreign repair station rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Declares that certain standards issued by the FAA for domestic repair stations shall apply in the same manner to foreign repair stations. Amends Federal aviation safety law to require the FAA Administrator to issue an order revoking an air agency certificate for a repair station if the Administrator finds that that any station owner or personnel knowingly used an uncertified or substandard airframe, engine, propeller, appliance, or any other part in the repair or overhaul of an aircraft.
Bill· SS. 936 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Subtitle E: Other Matters Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Personnel Management Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights Subtitle F: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations Subtitle B: Contract Provisions Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Reports and Studies Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Land Conveyances Subtitle C: Other Matters Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI: Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures From Revolving Fund Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Prohibits the obligation of more than 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act for helicopter modifications or upgrades until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army submits to the defense and appropriations committees a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the Army's helicopter fleet. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of AH-64D Longbow Apache fire control radar. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the New Attack Submarine program and authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into procurement contracts for such program. Makes the Electric Boat Corporation and the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company eligible for such contracts. Repeals superseded provisions of prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 122) Earmarks funds for the procurement and construction of nuclear and nonnuclear components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. Earmarks funds for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of such program from funds authorized under title II of this Act. (Sec. 123) Provides an exception to a cost limitation for the Seawolf submarine program required under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 124) Prohibits resumption of serial production of the airborne self-protection jammer until the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation makes certain certifications to the Congress with respect to the capabilities of such jammer. Requires an additional certification from the Secretary of Defense (Secretary). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Prohibits, with exceptions, any funds from being used to: (1) procure any additional B-2 bomber aircraft; or (2) maintain any part of the bomber industrial base solely to procure additional B-2 aircraft in the future. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits any funds from being used to purchase, lease, upgrade, or modify privately-owned drydocks. (Sec. 142) Requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to report to the defense committees an analysis of the requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD) for the replacement of aircraft engines derived from Boeing 707 aircraft and the costs of meeting those requirements. (Sec. 143) Allows a working-capital funded Army industrial facility to sell articles or services to be incorporated into, or used in the manufacture of, a weapon system being procured by DOD without a determination by the Secretary of the Army that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the armed forces for RDT&E. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the options for the sequence in which the variants of the joint strike fighter are to be produced and fielded. (Sec. 212) Places specified development and funding limitations on the F-22 aircraft program. Requires an annual program review and report to the Congress by the Comptroller General (CG). (Sec. 213) Limits the total demonstration costs through FY 2003 with respect to the high altitude endurance unmanned vehicle program. Requires program review by the CG. (Sec. 214) Places an FY 1998 RDT&E funding limitation on the advanced anti-radiation guided missile program. (Sec. 215) Allows no more than 6,006 staff years of technical effort to be funded during FY 1998 for federally funded research and development centers. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the allocation of such staff years among such centers during FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 216) Provides FY 1998 through 2000 funding goals among the military departments with respect to dual-use science and technology projects. Provides, with respect to such projects, for: (1) revised goals for national security reasons, after congressional notification; (2) the designation of a DOD official responsible for such projects; (3) a financial commitment from non-federal government participants; and (4) a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts made available under this Division to certain counterproliferation programs, projects, and activities. Limits to $50 million the total amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Earmarks funds for the kinetic energy tactical anti-satellite technology program and the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs - Directs the Secretary to ensure that the National Missile Defense (NMD) program is structured and programmed to support a test in FY 1999 of an integrated NMD system that could achieve initial operational capability in FY 2003. Provides NMD system elements. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning NMD operational capability by such date. Provides FY 1998 NMD funding. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transfer to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) for procurement for FY 1998 funds from specified military accounts; and (2) ensure that, in the future-years defense program, the procurement funding for BMDO is programmed for BMDO accounts rather than appropriations accounts of the armed forces. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to seek the participation of manufacturers of manufacturing equipment in projects under the manufacturing technology program. (Sec. 232) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facilities. (Sec. 234) Revises and extends certain organizations within the national oceanographic partnership program. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (3) Fisher House trust funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1998 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities - Allows no more than 50 percent of the funds made available in a fiscal year for depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) workload to be used to contract for the performance of such workload in non-Government owned and operated facilities. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to designate each depot-level activity of the military departments and defense agencies as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the activity. Provides for the formation of public-private partnerships for the performance of DLMR at such centers and for maximum utilization of center capacity. (Sec. 316) Prohibits civilian DOD employees performing DLMR workloads from being managed on the basis of any end strengths or other personnel constraints. (Sec. 314) Requires reports from the Secretary to the Congress on: (1) annual DLMR activities; and (2) the allocation of core logistics activities among DOD facilities and private sector facilities. (Sec. 316) Requires a review and report from the CG concerning the Navy's practice of using temporary duty assignments of personnel to perform ship maintenance and repair work at homeports not having Navy shipyards. (Sec. 317) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal a conditional repeal of certain DLMR laws and a related reporting requirement; and (2) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Revises provisions relating to the storage and disposal on DOD property of nondefense toxic and hazardous materials. (Sec. 332) Requires additional information relating to the payment of fines and penalties assessed under environmental laws to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on progress made in carrying out environmental restoration activities at military installations. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on DOD overseas environmental activities. (Sec. 335) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to require certain additional information in cooperative agreements between the Secretary and an agency of a State or local government for obtaining assistance in certifying environmental technologies. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the guidelines established for reimbursing such agencies and for cost-sharing under such agreements. (Sec. 336) Directs the Secretary to utilize specified risk assessment methods in evaluating DOD facilities for purposes of allocating funds and establishing priorities for environmental restoration projects under the defense environmental restoration program. (Sec. 337) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations concerning the environmental restoration cost-recovery and cost-sharing activities of the military departments and defense agencies. (Sec. 338) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of the sale of economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a military facility. Provides for the use of sale proceeds. (Sec. 339) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and report to the Congress on a pilot program using existing technologies to determine: (1) the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD for analysis and identification; (2) the deterrent effect of such tagging on the theft and misuse of such fuels; and (3) the extent to which such tagging assists in determining the source of surface and underground pollution. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes the use of various revenues received by DOD for the construction and improvement of commissary store facilities. (Sec. 352) Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to integrate the military exchange services no later than September 30, 2000. Requires the Secretaries to submit to the defense committees a plan for achieving such integration. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits, except under specified narrow circumstances, the advance billing of a customer for a working-capital fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees whenever the aggregate amount of such advance billings not covered by a congressional notification exceeds $50 million. Prohibits the total amount of such advance billings for DOD working-capital funds and the Defense Business Operations Fund for FY 1998 from exceeding $1 billion. (Sec. 362) Authorizes the Secretary to operate a Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. Authorizes an agreement with a higher education institution for joint operation of the Center. Provides FY 1998 funding. (Sec. 363) Provides that, whenever an official of an executive agency proposes or takes an administrative action that affects military training or other readiness activity in a significantly adverse manner, the Secretary shall submit to the defense committees a notification of such action along with each adverse effect. Requires a notification copy to be transmitted to the President and the head of the agency proposing or taking such action. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide financial assistance to a State to support Army National Guard activities in such State. (Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell to certain licensed manufacturers ammunition or ammunition components that are obsolete, unservicable, or excess to the Army. Requires the purchaser to enter into an agreement to demilitarize or recycle such ammunition or components. (Sec. 366) Requires the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency to develop and submit to the Congress a schedule for implementation of best commercial inventory practices for Agency supplies and equipment. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to use commercial sources of services to improve the collection of DOD claims under aircraft engine warranties. (Sec. 368) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to assist a State or local government in enhancing that government's capability to support DOD efforts to privatize its military family support services. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1998. Repeals a Federal provision requiring a permanent active-duty end strength sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingencies. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1998 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Personnel Management - Excludes certain active-duty and reserve officers currently on promotion lists from consideration by later promotion boards. (Sec. 502) Increases the authorized number of officers authorized to be frocked (to wear the insignia of the next higher officer grade even though the promotion to such grade is not yet final). (Sec. 503) Authorizes Navy chaplains who are not on the retired list to serve as a chief or deputy chief of Navy chaplains. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to defer the retirement of such officers if the person will be serving in such capacity during the deferred period. (Sec. 504) States that a current limitation on the authorized period of recalled service shall not apply to chaplains or health care professionals assigned to active duty in such capacity, or to an officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Terminates the Ready Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the reasons for fiscal deficiencies in such Program and whether there is a need for a new program. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the separation of a reserve officer in an inactive status with the Standby Reserve who is not qualified for transfer to the Retired Reserve, or who, if qualified, does not apply for such transfer. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the retention until age 60 of military technicians in the grade of brigadier general. (Sec. 514) Provides that the performance of honor guard functions by members of the National Guard at funerals for veterans may be treated as a Federal function for which appropriated funds may be used. Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into an agreement with an authorized foreign government official to carry out a military academy foreign exchange study program. Provides agreement terms and special rules for the Federal recognition of foreign students studying in the United States. (Sec. 522) Authorizes for instruction at the Community College of the Air Force enlisted members of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who are serving as instructors at an Air Force training school. (Currently, enrollment is limited to Air Force enlisted personnel.) (Sec. 523) Preserves beyond a current ten-year delimiting period the educational assistance entitlement for members of the Selected Reserve serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation. (Sec. 524) Repeals Federal law providing certain staffing and safety requirements for the Army Ranger Training Brigade. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Makes eligible for the award of a military service medal for heroism a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status at the time the member distinguished himself by heroism. (Sec. 532) Provides that time limits for the submission for recommendation for military decorations or awards shall not apply to specified individuals with respect to the award of the Silver Star Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Sec. 533) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend to February 9, 1998, the period for the receipt of recommendations for decorations and awards for certain military intelligence personnel previously prevented by secrecy requirements from receiving such awards. (Sec. 534) Authorizes unit decorations to be awarded to certain units that supported the execution of combat operations during World War II. Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights - Military Voting Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide that, for voting rights purposes, a person absent from a State in compliance with military orders shall not be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence in that State; or (2) acquired a residence in, or become a resident of, another State. (Sec. 543) Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act to require each State, in elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee military personnel to use absentee voter procedures to vote in such elections and to accept and process military absentee voter registration applications. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CG should study and report to the Congress on any inequality in the treatment of men and women in the armed forces arising out of statutes or regulations. (Sec. 552) Establishes the Commission on Gender Integration in the Military to review and assess the current practices of the armed forces and the private sector pertaining to gender-integrated training. (Sec. 553) Authorizes any commanding officer or officer in charge who receives a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a member of the military or a civilian DOD employee to act appropriately on such complaint within 72 hours and to ensure that the complaint investigation is completed within 14 days. Requires specified reports from such officers, the department Secretaries receiving the forwarded complaints, and the Secretary. (Sec. 554) Requires exemplary moral and other appropriate conduct from all commanding officers and others in authority in the Army and Air Force. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to allow a member of the armed forces or a civilian officer or employee of DOD or the Coast Guard to serve in a management capacity with specified military welfare societies and other authorized entities. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay - Waives any FY 1998 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 2.8 percent, effective January 1, 1998. Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances - Part I: Reform of Basic Allowance for Subsistence - Entitles all enlisted personnel other than those in basic training to the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Provides a new BAS rate based on food costs. Allows BAS to be paid to enlisted personnel in advance for not more than three months. Directs the Secretary to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining and field messing facilities of the military departments. Provides transitional provisions with respect to the current BAS, terminating such transitional authority on January 1, 1998. Part II: Reform of Housing and Related Allowances - Redesignates the basic allowance for quarters as the basic allowance for housing (BAH). Authorizes a temporary housing allowance for members in pay grades above E-4 who are in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Authorizes the payment of a BAH for certain dependents of military personnel who die while on active duty. Provides special rules for the payment of a BAH to a member with dependents in the case of a member paying child support. Entitles to a BAH a member with dependents who is assigned to an unaccompanied tour of duty outside the continental United States. Repeals the variable housing allowance. States that a member without dependents who is not entitled to a BAH shall be entitled to a partial allowance for quarters determined by the Secretary. (Sec. 617) Directs the Secretary to prescribe monthly rates for the BAH on a geographic-cost basis. Directs the Secretary to redetermine such rates when basic pay rates are increased. Provides for: (1) protection from housing rate reductions for certain personnel; and (2) a fiscal year limitation on the total allowances paid for housing located inside the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the rate of the temporary housing allowance for members in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Provides the rates of the BAH for dependents of members who die while on active duty and members paying child support, as well as the rate of the partial allowance for quarters for members without dependents. (Sec. 618) Changes the dislocation allowance rates from a rate based on a member's pay grade to a rate based on a percentage of the monthly national average cost of housing for members of the same grade and dependency status. (Sec. 619) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) making the family separation allowance equal to the basic allowance for quarters payable to a member without dependents in the same pay grade; and (2) providing a station allowance for members on duty outside the United States. Part III: Other Amendments Relating to Allowances - Requires the President to adjust the basic pay of military personnel whenever the General Schedule of Compensation is adjusted. Authorizes the President to allocate such increases among pay grade and years-of-service categories, requiring congressional notification of any such allocation. Requires quadrennial assessment of such allocations. (Sec. 627) Allows payment of the Ready Reserve muster duty allowance no later than 30 days after such duty is performed. Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1999 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1998 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 634) Increases the aviation career incentive pay and the aviation continuation pay. Extends through FY 2005 the authority for the continuation pay. (Sec. 636) Makes dental officers eligible for the same multiyear retention bonus currently paid to medical officers of the armed forces. Increases dental officer special pay amounts. (Sec. 638) Makes eligible for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus those Reserve enlisted personnel with less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Authorizes the payment of bonuses for consecutive three-year reenlistments. Revises bonus amounts. (Sec. 639) Makes changes similar to the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus for former enlisted personnel who enlist for three-year periods in the Selected Reserve. (Sec. 640) Increases the special pay and bonuses authorized for nuclear qualified officers. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay bonuses in lieu of special pay for enlisted personnel extending their tours of duty at designated overseas locations. Prohibits the concurrent receipt by such personnel of such an annual bonus and rest and recuperative absence or transportation. Requires pro rata repayment of an unearned bonus. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Authorizes a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to elect to discontinue participation at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences. Requires spousal concurrence, with an exception. (Sec. 652) Allows at any time (currently, within one year after remarriage) a change of election in SBP coverage to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse. (Sec. 653) Considers SBP coverage as paid in entirety after the earlier of 30 years of pay deductions for such coverage or the month in which the member attains 70 years of age. (Sec. 654) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a reserve member between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. Provides annuity amounts. Terminates annuity payment authority on September 30, 2001. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Entitles to basic pay and allowances, medical and dental care, and disability retirement or separation benefits, as well as for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains, a reserve member who is physically disabled as a result of injury, illness, or disease aggravated in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training. (Sec. 662) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay travel and transportation allowances for dependents of members sentenced by court-martial when action on the sentence is pending. (Sec. 663) Makes members of the Public Health Service, National Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eligible for reimbursement of certain adoption expenses. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the administering Secretaries (Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy) to waive any required deductibles, copayments, or annual fees on behalf of military personnel assigned to permanent duty as recruiters, educational instructors, or unit advisors and residing more than 50 miles or one hour from the nearest military health care facility. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the costs of any overseas emergency health care provided to military and civilian personnel of the On-Site Inspection Agency. Provides funding. (Sec. 703) Directs the administering Secretaries to prescribe regulations requiring each source dispensing a prescription medication under CHAMPUS to furnish to the recipient cautionary information on such medication. (Sec. 704) Authorizes CHAMPUS medical and dental care for certain reserve personnel who were Persian Gulf War veterans and who register a symptom or illness presumed to be a result of such service. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to collect dental insurance premiums through military pay deductions. (Sec. 706) Makes the administering Secretaries (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) responsible for CHAMPUS dental plan coverage for certain military retirees and their dependents. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the provision of the following prosthetic devices to military dependents: (1) artificial limbs, voice prostheses, and artificial eyes; and (2) any device determined necessary due to one or more significant impairments resulting from trauma, congenital anomaly, or disease. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations - Authorizes the head of a defense agency to waive a restriction against entering into undefinitized contract actions when determined necessary in order to support a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to enter into a contract for the procurement of severable services for a period that crosses fiscal years, as long as the contract period does not exceed one year. (Sec. 804) Makes unallowable as costs under a defense contract compensation costs of contractor senior executives which exceed the benchmark compensation amount determined under this section by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Makes an identical nonallowability amendment under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the purchase by DOD of right-hand drive vehicles at a cost of up to $30,000 (currently $12,000) each. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements (currently, defense capability preservation agreements). Directs the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) establish application procedures and procedures for the expeditious consideration of such agreements; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on applications for such agreements. (Sec. 807) Amends the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 to remove a certification requirement for grants authorized under such Act. (Sec. 808) Repeals Federal provisions prohibiting the Secretary concerned from adjusting the price under a shipbuilding contract to reflect an amount set forth in a claim or demand for payment under such contract arising out of certain contract events. Subtitle B: Contract Provisions - Revises the guarantees required of a defense prime contractor (conformity, free from defects) when entering into a contract for the production of a major system (currently, major weapon system). Provides an exception for a major system or system component furnished by the United States. (Sec. 812) Provides for vesting of title to the United States under contracts paid under partial or progress payment arrangements. Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs - Earmarks funds for FY 1998 for the procurement technical assistance program and specific programs under such program. (Sec. 822) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for: (1) Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot mentor-protege program; and (2) Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend through FY 2000 a test program for the negotiation of comprehensive subcontracting plans. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the retention of amounts collected from a contractor as a result of claims under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 during the pendency of any litigation concerning such claim. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report annually to the Congress on any such amounts available for obligation. (Sec. 832) Prohibits from disclosure for a five-year period of certain information submitted to DOD as part of a possible award of a cooperative agreement. (Sec. 833) Revises content requirements with respect to limited selected acquisition reports and unit cost reports. (Sec. 835) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to designate an official to serve as a central point of contact for certain contracting information. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through FY 1999 a required report concerning DOD payment of any business restructuring costs under a defense contract. Requires specified reports from the Secretary and the CG with respect to the effect on DOD of any business combinations of major defense contractors. (Sec. 842) Authorizes the director of a defense agency, when considered advantageous, to lease nonexcess personal property of that agency under specified terms and conditions, including a lease term of no more than five years (unless the national defense or public interest would be better served by a longer lease). Requires lease amounts received to be used solely for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the leased property. (Sec. 843) Directs the Secretary concerned, upon presidential approval of a report of a selection board for the promotion above grade O-4 of a member of the Acquisition Corps of a military department, to submit a copy of such report to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for review. Requires a subsequent report from such Under Secretary to the defense committees. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Establishes in DOD a National Defense University made up of specified component institutions already in existence. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the CINC Initiative Fund to be used for force protection. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary to transfer functions of the Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities aggregation to DOD officials outside of the intelligence community, along with the funding for such activities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1998 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2.5 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1997 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1997 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1997 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased in the 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia. (Sec. 1004) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to increase from $2 billion to $3.1 billion the amount authorized to be transferred between any defense authorizations for that fiscal year. (Sec. 1005) Directs the Secretary to submit biannually to the Congress a strategic plan for improving financial management within DOD. (Sec. 1006) Allows Fisher House trust funds to be used only for the operation (currently, operation and maintenance) of Fisher Houses. (Sec. 1007) Authorizes the Secretary to use specified FY 1991 Army procurement funds to reimburse the Government for any judgment against the United States rendered in the case of a certain appeal by the McDonnell Douglas Company. (Sec. 1008) Prescribes information required to be included by the Secretary in each future-years defense program with respect to the procurement of equipment and military construction for each of the reserve components. Provides for a conditional report with respect to such procurements. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a long-term charter for a vessel to support the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Program through FY 2004. (Sec. 1012) Outlines procedures for the sale of vessels stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, and Thailand. Requires such Secretary, as a condition of such sales, to require any pre-sale vessel repair or refurbishment to be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to provide certain support for counter-drug activities of Mexico. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 1998 through 2002, to provide to either or both of the Governments of Peru and Colombia specified support for counter-drug activities. Provides funding and requires certain congressional certification and a 15-day waiting period before fund obligation or expenditure. Subtitle D: Reports and Studies - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions, prior defense authorization and appropriations Acts, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. (Sec. 1032) Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to develop a common means of measuring the operations and personnel tempos of each military department. (Sec. 1033) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the overseas deployment of military personnel. (Sec. 1034) Directs the JCS Chairman to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the military readiness requirements of the active and reserve forces as prepared by the JCS Chairman and the commanders of the unified commands. (Sec. 1035) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the readiness posture of units of the armed forces that provides for a rotation of such units between states of high and low readiness. (Sec. 1036) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should develop alternatives to the current arrangement for forward basing of U.S. armed forces outside the United States; and (2) a continued U.S. military presence in the Pacific Rim is vital to U.S. protection of interests in that region. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on defense overseas infrastructure requirements. (Sec. 1037) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report to the defense committees on aircraft in the DOD inventory. (Sec. 1038) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken or planned within DOD to address problems involved with the sale or other disposition of excess materials. (Sec. 1039) Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of, and report to the defense committees on, the current Federal protections and benefits afforded to former spouses of current and former military personnel and to former spouses of current and former Federal employees. (Sec. 1040) Authorizes the CG to conduct an audit, evaluation, review, or report only after the CG certifies that the General Accounting Office has completed all prior audits, evaluations, reviews, and reports that were requested by the Congress before such certification. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a recommended amendment to the Military Rules of Evidence that recognizes an evidentiary privilege regarding disclosure by a psychotherapist of confidential communications of a patient. (Sec. 1052) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1998 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. Limits the total number of programs carried out to the number in existence at the end of FY 1995. Provides Federal cost share limits. Limits to $20 million the authorized expenditures under the program for a fiscal year. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to ensure that units of the armed forces engaged in peace operations have adequate troop protection equipment. Requires a report. (Sec. 1054) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1998 for retiring or dismantling specified strategic nuclear delivery systems below certain levels. Provides a waiver in order to implement the SALT II Treaty. Provides funding limitations with respect to substantial early deactivations to reach such levels. Requires the President to report to the Congress on such actions. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees a contingency plan for the sustainment beyond October 1, 1999, of U.S. strategic nuclear delivery systems and alternative force structures in the event that a strategic arms reduction agreement subsequent to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does not enter into force before 2004. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept payments of landing fees for the use of overseas military airfields by civilian aircraft. (Sec. 1056) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the International Nonproliferation Initiative (with the same $15 million spending limit for the additional fiscal year). (Sec. 1057) Authorizes DOD's On-Site Inspection Agency, upon request of the facility's owner or operator, to provide technical assistance to a facility that is subject to a routine or challenge inspection under the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure that the United States is able to construct and operate necessary facilities for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions as required under the Chemical Weapons Convention; and (2) encourage Federal-State negotiations to meet concerns about actions being taken to carry out such demilitarization. (Sec. 1059) Expresses the sense of the Congress prohibiting, except in specific limited circumstances, the authorization of appropriations for reserve component modernization activities not included in a DOD budget request. (Sec. 1060) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the CG) to waive certain time limitations for the settling of claims relating to military pay, allowances, and other benefits. (Sec. 1061) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to ensure adequate coordination of operational intelligence support for the commanders of the combatant commands and deployed military units. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes the appropriate official, under specified circumstances, to deny a request for public disclosure of safety-related information that has been provided voluntarily by an air carrier as part of a contract for the charter air transportation of military personnel. (Sec. 1064) Directs the Secretary, with respect to the Global Positioning System (GPS), to: (1) provide for the sustainment of its capabilities and services that are beneficial to U.S. national security; (2) prevent its hostile use; (3) sustain its capabilities and services for peaceful civil, commercial, and scientific uses on a continuous worldwide basis free from direct user fees; (4) use it to meet performance requirements of the Federal Radionavigation Plan; (5) augment the system to enhance its support of transportation; and (6) find new and expanded civil uses. Calls for international cooperation with respect to GPS use. Requires a GPS report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes special agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service to carry firearms, execute and serve warrants, and make arrests without warrants for certain offenses. (Sec. 1066) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1968 to repeal the requirement for the continued operation of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. (Sec. 1067) Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to establish a POW-MIA Intelligence Analysis Cell to provide analytical support on POW-MIA matters to all Federal departments and agencies involved with such matters. Requires the Cell to be the primary source of support in the preparation of the Special National Intelligence Estimate on POW-MIA matters. (Sec. 1068) Protects Federal employees from retaliation for certain disclosures of classified information when such information is disclosed: (1) to provide evidence of a violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or a false statement to the Congress; and (2) to a person or element having oversight responsibilities and cleared for the receipt of such information. (Sec. 1069) Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 to make certain Federal pay authorities inapplicable to Federal annuitants or former military personnel who are members of the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance. (Sec. 1070) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, California, all rights and interest to the aircraft known as the "Picadilly Lilly." (Sec. 1071) Extends through FY 2002 the aviation insurance program. (Sec. 1072) Prohibits a military flight operation from being treated as a transportation program held on or over public land requiring prior approval by the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 1073) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of Philippine nationals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during World War II. (Sec. 1074) Designates Bob Hope as an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to report semiannually to the defense committees on the management of the civilian workforce under their jurisdiction. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the employment of civilian faculty at a school of the Marine Corps University. (Sec. 1103) Requires DOD to remit to the Office of Personnel Management 15 percent of the final basic pay of an individual who agrees to be separated from the armed forces under the DOD voluntary separation incentive program. Requires such remittance to be credited to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Extends the incentive program through FY 2001. (Sec. 1104) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to ensure the placement in the competitive service, within six months after separation from the military reserve, of technicians who were involuntarily separated after at least 15 years of retirement-creditable military service. (Sec. 1105) Revises the pay rate for DOD overseas teachers upon their transfer to a General Schedule position with the Government. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990 to remove conditions for the naturalization of employees of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Authorizes the use of prior-year military construction funds to construct a heliport at Fort Irwin, California. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2407) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified military construction projects, using amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 2408) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. (Sec. 2409) Extends the availability of funds under a prior defense appropriations Act for construction of an over-the-horizon radar at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Increases the amount authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at the Aviation Support Facility in Hilo, Hawaii. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the threshold for minor land acquisition projects. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to transfer all or part of a utility system located on a military installation to a local utility or other appropriate entity for fair market value. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, when exchanging real property or granting an easement, lease, or license of real property, to collect from the receiver the administrative expenses incurred. (Sec. 2804) Provides for the crediting of financial incentives received by DOD from gas, electric, and water utilities for energy and water cost savings. Subtitle B: Land Conveyances - Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal a provision authorizing the Secretary of the Army to transfer to Fairfax County, Virginia, the Engineer Proving Ground at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to Mineral County, Nevada, the Schweer Driving House Area within the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire by long-term lease facilities of a regional hospital complex in Naples, Italy, determined to be necessary for the Naples Improvement Initiative. Terminates the lease authority on September 30, 2002. (Sec. 2815) Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Navy to convey to the Maine School Administrative District No. 75, Topsham, Maine, a parcel of the Topsham Annex, Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to Nassau County, New York, the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 464 in Oyster Bay, New York; (3) Air Force to convey to Bangor, Maine, the Charleston Family Housing Complex in Bangor; and (4) Air Force to convey to the Greater Box Elder Area Economic Development Corporation in Box Elder, South Dakota, specified real property located at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Provides for the disposition of proceeds from the sale of Air Force Plant No. 78 in Brigham City, Utah. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1998 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense environmental management privatization; and (5) defense nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Provides contract requirements for defense environmental privatization projects. Requires a report to the defense and appropriations committees followed by a 30-day waiting period before the Secretary may enter into such a contract. Limits cost variations on such contracts. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees of the intent to use project funds to terminate such a contract. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to such committees on activities conducted under such contracts and a single report on whether such contracts should be entered into in the absence of sufficient appropriations. (Sec. 3132) Prohibits, with exceptions, FY 1998 DOE funds from being used for activities associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship. (Sec. 3133) Earmarks funds authorized in this Division for: (1) the DOE modernization of the enduring nuclear weapons complex; (2) activities related to tritium production to meet stockpile requirements; and (3) the processing, treatment, and disposition of spent nuclear fuel rods and other materials at the Savannah River Site. Requires a report with respect to (1) and (2). (Sec. 3135) Prohibits the use of DOE funds after FY 1997 for DOE laboratory-directed research and development (R&D) unless such activities support DOE's national security mission, environmental restoration or waste management mission, or materials stabilization mission. Limits FY 1998 funding for such R&D until receipt by the defense and appropriations committees of a related report required under a previous defense authorization Act. Requires in such report an assessment of necessary R&D funding. (Sec. 3137) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to make permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1997) the authority for the transfer between programs or projects of defense environmental management funds. (Sec. 3138) Prohibits DOE from recovering from certain parties the cost of any environmental response actions at a site included in the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Project program other that costs stipulated in a binding, written agreement with such parties. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal: (1) certain requirements concerning the promulgation and publication of DOE administrative rules, regulations, or orders; and (2) a provision which makes the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 applicable to advisory committees chartered by the Secretary. (Sec. 3152) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) repeal a requirement that the EPA Administrator conduct a study on the effect of appointment by the Secretary of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel on the conduct of remedial actions at sites listed on the National Priorities List; and (2) extend through FY 1999 the authority of the Secretary to make such appointments. (Sec. 3153) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan and program for the stewardship, management, and certification of warheads in the nuclear weapons stockpile. (Sec. 3155) Repeals various obsolete reporting requirements under the Atomic Energy Act and prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 3156) Establishes the Commission on Safeguards and Security at Department of Energy Facilities to conduct reviews, make determinations and evaluations, and report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to DOE facility security. Terminates the Commission after submission of its report. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to revise the authority of, and extend certain report deadlines for, the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise. (Sec. 3158) Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction over specified real property at the Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1998, to obligate up to $60 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. (Sec. 3304) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request from the Secretary of Defense, to return to such Secretary for sale or other disposition NDS platinum previously loaned to the Treasury Department. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the Secretary to lease U.S. interests in Oil Shale Reserves Number 1, 2, and 3 to one or more private entities for petroleum exploration, development, and production. (Sec. 3403) Repeals a provision requiring the assignment of certain Navy officers to the Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures from Revolving Fund - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1998, with specified limitations. Requires such funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles built in the United States. Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition - Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997 - Part I: Transition Matters Relating to Commission Officers and Employees - Consents to the acceptance by the Administrator of the Commission of appointment by the Republic of Panama as Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (such Authority to become the successor to the Commission on December 31, 1999, when Canal ownership is transferred from the United States to Panama). Waives certain: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions with respect to the Administrator; and (2) post-employment restrictions for current Commission personnel who become Authority employees after the Canal transfer date. Consents to Authority employment for retired military personnel, reserve personnel, and members of the Commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. Repeals current Commission limitations in establishing compensation levels for Commission officers and employees. (Sec. 3524) States that Commission personnel travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses shall no longer be subject to Federal travel regulations. (Sec. 3525) Authorizes the Commission to pay a recruitment bonus to a newly appointed individual, or a relocation bonus to a current Commission employee who must move, if: (1) the Commission determines that it would have difficulty in filling such a position absent such bonus; or (2) the employee has unusually high or unique qualifications. (Sec. 3526) Authorizes transition separation incentive payments for Commission personnel. (Sec. 3527) Provides for Commission personnel collective bargaining rights and required labor-management negotiations. (Sec. 3528) Makes funds from the Panama Canal Revolving Fund available for severance pay for certain employees separated by the Authority after the Canal transfer date. Part II: Transition Matters Relating to Operation and Administration of Canal - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to direct the Commission to establish by regulation a comprehensive procurement system to be known as the Panama Canal Acquisition Regulation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Panama Canal Board of Contract Appeals with exclusive jurisdiction to decide an appeal from a decision of a contracting officer. Requires such Board to be functional no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 3543) Reduces from two years to one year after the date of the alleged injury the time limit for the filing of claims with the Commission. (Sec. 3544) Authorizes the Commission to: (1) set a separate toll rate for small vessels; (2) appoint U.S. citizens as notaries public; and (3) conduct and promote commercial activities related to Canal management, operation, or maintenance. (Sec. 3548) Transfers from the President to the Commission certain regulatory functions relating to Commission employment classification appeals.
Bill· HRH.R. 2858 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title II: Health Care Provisions Subtitle A: Health Care Services Subtitle B: Tricare Program Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Laws Regarding Health Care Management Subtitle E: Other Matters Subtitle F: Persian Gulf Illness Title III: Military Construction, Army Title IV: Military Construction, Navy Title V: Military Construction, Air Force Title VI: Military Construction, Defense Agencies Title VII: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title VIII: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title IX: Expiration and Extension of Certain Authorizations Title X: General Military Construction Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Subtitle D: Land Conveyances Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XI: Sikes Act Improvement Military Readiness Act of 1997 - Title I: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1998 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 2.8 percent, effective January 1, 1998. (Sec. 102) Entitles all enlisted personnel other than those in basic training to the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Provides a new BAS rate based on food costs. Allows BAS to be paid to enlisted personnel in advance for not more than three months. Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining and field messing facilities of the military departments. Provides transitional provisions with respect to the current BAS, terminating such transitional authority on a specified conditional date. (Sec. 103) Consolidates and revises generally Federal provisions concerning the basic allowance for quarters (BAQ), the variable housing allowance, and overseas housing allowances (which include a family separation housing allowance). (Sec. 104) Requires the President to adjust the basic pay of military personnel whenever the General Schedule of Compensation is adjusted. Authorizes the President to allocate such increases among pay grade and years-of-service categories, requiring congressional notification of any such allocation. Requires quadrennial assessment of such allocations. (Sec. 105) Prohibits the total pay and allowances of a member from being reduced when such member is assigned either to field duty at a home station or to temporary duty away from the member's permanent duty station. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1999 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1998 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 114) Increases the monthly hazardous duty incentive pay and the aviation career incentive pay, the latter effective as of January 1, 1999. (Sec. 116) Increases the aviation officer retention bonus and authorizes bonus agreements to extend for a third year. (Currently, only one or two-year agreements are permitted.) (Sec. 117) Authorizes the payment of an annual retention bonus for certain dental officers who execute a written agreement to remain on active duty for two, three, or four years after completion of their active-duty service commitment. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to extend such bonus authority to other dental officers not immediately qualifying for such bonus. (Sec. 118) Increases the variable and additional special pays for dental officers with specified years of creditable service. (Sec. 119) Authorizes the payment of special pay for members on duty at a location designated by the Secretary as a hardship duty location. (Sec. 121) Makes eligible for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus those Reserve enlisted personnel with less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Authorizes the payment of bonuses for consecutive three-year reenlistments. Revises bonus amounts. (Sec. 122) Provides eligibility for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus to an enlisted member of a reserve component who has completed less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Increases bonus amounts. Provides similar eligibility and amount revisions with respect to former enlisted personnel who become members of the Selected Reserve after completion of their enlisted service. (Sec. 123) Extends to Coast Guard personnel eligibility for payment of a bonus when entering into a reserve affiliation agreement to serve in the reserves upon completion of an active-duty tour. (Sec. 124) Increases the special pay and bonuses authorized for nuclear qualified officers. (Sec. 125) Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to pay either a monthly special pay or an annual bonus for enlisted personnel with designated specialties who agree to extend their tours of duty at designated overseas locations. Requires pro rata repayment of an unearned bonus, with a waiver authorized. Prohibits the concurrent receipt by such personnel of the annual bonus and rest and recuperative absence or transportation. (Sec. 126) Increases from $75 to $100 the monthly family separation allowance. (Sec. 127) Allows for payment of the muster duty allowance within 30 days after such duty is performed. (Currently, such payment is required on or before the date of such duty.) Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Removes certain restrictions on the payment of travel and transportation allowances to dependents of members who receive certain court-martial sentences. (Sec. 132) Changes the authorized amount of the military dislocation allowance from two months of the BAQ to a rate based on the member's pay and dependency status. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Authorizes a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to elect to discontinue participation at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences. Requires spousal concurrence, with an exception. (Sec. 142) Allows at any time (currently, within one year after remarriage) a change of election in SBP coverage to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse. (Sec. 143) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on the current Federal protections and benefits afforded to: (1) current and former military personnel and Federal employees; and (2) former spouses of such personnel and employees. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a reserve member between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. Provides annuity amounts. Terminates annuity payment authority on September 30, 2001. (Sec. 145) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consolidate into a single payment certain annuities currently paid by the Secretary of Defense to the survivors of military retirees. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to repay loans used to finance the education of commissioned officers who are qualified in the health professions. Requires the officer to serve an additional period of active duty in return for such repayment. Limits the repayment amount to $22,000 for each additional year that the officer agrees to extend his or her duty. (Sec. 152) Amends the Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned Officers' Act of 1948 to bring the separation pay provisions of commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration into conformity with separation pay authorized for members of the armed forces. (Sec. 153) Makes members of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eligible for reimbursement of certain adoption expenses. (Sec. 154) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay to World War II veterans who served as guerilla fighters in the Philippines an amount representing the quarters and subsistence allowance which accrued during the period of service between January 1942 and February 1945. (Sec. 155) Directs the Secretary to study and report on military personnel and their families who subsist at, near, or below the poverty level. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available to the Secretary the same payments and commodities for military personnel outside the United States as are made for the special supplemental food program in the United States under the Child Nutrition Act of 1996. Requires an implementation report. Title II: Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to include under its military retiree dental insurance plan the surviving spouse and child dependents of military personnel who die while on active duty of 30 days or more and whose dependents are no longer eligible for dental benefits under the regular dental insurance plan. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the provision of prosthetic devices necessary due to significant conditions resulting from trauma, congenital anomalies, or disease. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the provision to TRICARE beneficiaries of comparative information on the medical assistance provided by a managed care entity. Subtitle B: Tricare Program - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit a plan for the expansion of the managed care option of the TRICARE Program known as TRICARE Prime into areas outside of the catchment areas of military medical treatment facilities in which such option is a cost-effective alternative. Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize the Secretary to modify the effective date of the implementation of military health care designated provider agreements to permit a transition period of not more than six months between the date of agreement execution and the date on which the designated provider commences delivery of health care services. Provides for the temporary continuation during such period of existing health care participation agreements. (Sec. 222) Requires a designated provider to be considered part of the Department of Defense (DOD) for purposes of the continued acquisition of reduced-cost drugs for enrollees under the agreement. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretary, in establishing the ceiling rate for designated provider enrollees who are also eligible for CHAMPUS services, to take into account the health status of such enrollees. Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Law Regarding Health Care Management - Makes active-duty personnel assigned to certain remote duty locations eligible for health care under CHAMPUS. Directs the Secretary to waive any deductible, copayment, or annual CHAMPUS fee with respect to such personnel. (Sec. 232) Authorizes the Secretary to waive or reduce the overseas dental plan copayments required of military dependents who accompany members overseas. (Sec. 233) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for the collection of the member's share of premiums under the Selected Reserve dental insurance plan and the retiree dental insurance plan; (2) allow such members to pay such premiums through payroll deduction; and (3) submit an implementation program with respect to both plans. Extends through April 1, 1998, the deadline for implementation of the dental insurance plan for military retirees. (Sec. 234) Makes the administering Secretaries (Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service of the Navy) (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) responsible for CHAMPUS dental plan coverage for certain military retirees and their dependents. (Sec. 235) Revises CHAMPUS provisions to conform health care provider reimbursement rates with such rates under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 236) Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation to enter into personal services contracts to carry out certain health care responsibilities at locations outside of military medical treatment facilities. Includes the actions of service contract personnel under provisions concerning the defense of lawsuits arising out of medical malpractice. Requires a report from the Secretary on alternative means for performing medical screening examinations routinely performed at military entrance processing stations. (Sec. 237) Authorizes any health-care professional holding a current medical, dental, or other health care license to practice within a DOD health care facility, a civilian facility affiliated with DOD, or any other location authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 238) Requires the Secretary to prescribe a standard form for the admission of claims for the payment of health care services provided under CHAMPUS. (Sec. 239) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through FY 1999 the chiropractic health care demonstration program. Requires such program to be expanded to at least three other military health care facilities, including the National Naval Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the defense committees on the additional facilities participating in the program; and (2) modify the program to evaluate its effectiveness at all of the facilities. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into an agreement with an accredited institution of higher education under which students may attend the physician assistant training program conducted by the Army Medical Department at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in return for the institution's agreeing to perform Academy support services. (Sec. 242) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the costs of any overseas emergency health care provided to military and civilian personnel of the On-Site Inspection Agency. Provides funding. (Sec. 243) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force, after 90 days' notice to the defense and appropriations committees, to enter into an agreement with Gerald Champion Hospital, Alamagordo, New Mexico, for the provision of health care services to eligible individuals in a medical resource facility in Alamagordo that is constructed, in part, using funds provided by the Secretary under the agreement. Provides funding for such agreement from Air Force operation and maintenance (O&M) funds. Directs the Secretary to review the proposed agreement and provide comments to the Congress before the agreement may take effect. (Sec. 244) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring each source dispensing a prescription medication under CHAMPUS to furnish to the recipient cautionary information on such medication. (Sec. 245) Requires, by October 1, 1998, the competitive procurement outside DOD of all ophthalmic services related to the provision of eyeware for certain current and former military personnel and their beneficiaries, with an exception. (Sec. 246) Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to conduct studies evaluating: (1) the adequacy of the maximum allowable charges for physicians under CHAMPUS and the effect of such charges on physician participation in CHAMPUS; (2) DOD pharmacy programs; and (3) the validity of recommendations made by the Navy's Medical Education Policy Council regarding restructuring the Navy's graduate medical education program (prohibits any restructuring until a required report is submitted). (Sec. 249) Directs the Secretary to report on expanding the eligibility for participation in a demonstration project for the purchase of prescription pharmaceuticals by mail to include additional Medicare-eligible CHAMPUS beneficiaries. (Sec. 250) Directs the CG to study and report to the Congress and the Secretary on current requirements for military medical facilities in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 251) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the effectiveness of DOD policies and programs promoting healthy lifestyles among military personnel and their dependents. (Sec. 252) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress and the President should address the problems associated with the provision of quality health care to military retirees. Subtitle F: Persian Gulf Illness - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly prepare and submit a plan to provide appropriate health care to Persian Gulf veterans (and their dependents) who suffer from a Gulf War illness. (Sec. 263) Directs the CG to submit a study evaluating revised DOD criteria used by physical evaluation boards to set disability ratings for military personnel who are no longer medically qualified for active duty so as to ensure the accuracy of such ratings with respect to the diagnosis of a Persian Gulf illness. (Sec. 264) Entitles to medical care to the same extent as a member on active duty a member of the reserves who is: (1) a Persian Gulf War veteran with a qualifying symptom or illness; and (2) not otherwise entitled to medical and dental care under either CHAMPUS or veterans' medical care. (Sec. 265) Directs the Secretary to establish a medical tracking system for military personnel deployed outside the United States as part of a contingency or combat operation. (Sec. 266) Directs the Secretary to provide affected members with specified information with regard to the receipt of an investigational new drug, including new drug notification and information concerning possible side effects. (Sec. 267) Directs the Secretary to submit a plan for tracking members and units serving in a theater of operations during a contingency or combat operation. (Sec. 268) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should ensure that U.S. military units involved in a contingency or combat operation include specialized units to detect and monitor the presence of chemical, biological, and similar hazards. (Sec. 269) Directs the Secretary to report on the effectiveness of medical research initiatives regarding Persian Gulf War illnesses. (Sec. 270) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to establish a program of cooperative clinical trials at multiple sites to address the effectiveness of protocols for treating Persian Gulf War veterans who suffer from ill-defined or undiagnosed conditions. (Sec. 271) Expresses the sense of the Congress that all promising technologies and treatments relating to Persian Gulf War illnesses should be fully explored and tested to facilitate treatment to such veterans who are stricken with unexplainable illness. Title III: Military Construction, Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the use of prior-year military construction funds to construct a heliport at Fort Irwin, California. Title IV: Military Construction, Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 405) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to: (1) authorize a military construction project at the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, using funds authorized under such Act; and (2) increase the amount authorized for a project at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title V: Military Construction, Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army. (Sec. 505) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, using funds authorized under such Act. Title VI: Military Construction, Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 605) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified military construction projects, using amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act, for a project at McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 608) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. Title VII: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for such contributions. Title VIII: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 802) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at the Army National Guard, Hilo, Hawaii, and the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Sec. 803) Directs the Secretary of the Army, with regard to a military construction project at Camp Williams, Utah, to enter into an agreement under which the State of Utah agrees to provide financial or in-kind contributions toward project land acquisition, site preparation, and relocation costs. Title IX: Expiration and Extension of Certain Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles III through VIII of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. (Sec. 906) Extends the availability of funds appropriated under a prior defense appropriations Act for construction of over-the-horizon radar at the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title X: General Military Construction Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Requires the Secretary concerned to provide congressional notification when carrying out unspecified minor construction projects even though the project will use funds made available to enhance the deployment and mobility of military forces and supplies. (Sec. 1002) Requires congressional notification by the Secretary concerned when using O&M funds to carry out a repair project with an estimated cost in excess of $10 million. (Sec. 1003) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to lease up to eight family housing units in the Miami, Florida area for key and essential personnel of the United States Southern Command for which unit rental expenditures exceed normal authorized amounts. (Sec. 1004) Provides for the crediting of financial incentives received by DOD from gas, electric, and water utilities for energy and water cost savings. (Sec. 1005) Requires congressional notification with respect to the use of DOD housing funds for investments in nongovernmental entities. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the minor land acquisition threshold. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to convey to a municipal, private, regional, district, or cooperative utility company or other entity part or all of a utility system under its jurisdiction. Requires 21-day prior congressional notification. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept amounts provided by a person or entity to cover administrative expenses incurred in entering into real property transactions. (Sec. 1014) Prohibits the Secretary concerned from conveying any real property unless the Administrator of General Services has screened the property for further Federal use under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Requires notification to the Secretary concerned of screening results. Provides excepted conveyances. (Sec. 1015) Provides for the disposition of proceeds from the sale of Air Force Plant No. 78 in Brigham City, Utah. (Sec. 1016) Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to address the requirements for fire protection and hazardous materials protection services at Fort Meade, Maryland. Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act to direct the head of the Federal agency acquiring non-federal property as a new or replacement Federal facility to consult with the Secretary concerning the feasibility and cost advantages of using Federal property or facilities at a closed military installation in lieu of such an acquisition. Requires the concurrence of the redevelopment authority for the area concerned. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to assist a State or local government in enhancing that government's capability to support DOD efforts to privatize its military family support services. (Sec. 1023) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into an agreement with the local redevelopment authority for the Red River Army Depot, Texas, under which the Secretary shall provide security, fire protection, or hazardous material response services on property under the jurisdiction of such authority after realignment under the base closure laws. (Sec. 1024) Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on costs and savings attributable to prior base closure rounds and on the need for additional base closure rounds. Requires the Congressional Budget Office and the CG to review such report. Prohibits the use of any funds for the closure or realignment of military installations until such report and reviews are completed. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should develop a system for determining actual costs and savings associated with base closures and apply such system to the 1995 base closure round. (Sec. 1025) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the savings derived from the base closure process should be utilized by DOD solely for the modernization of new weapon systems. (Sec. 1026) Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy, in disposing of real property in connection with the closure of Naval Station, Long Beach, California, from conveying any portion of such property to the China Ocean Shipping Company or any of its successors or subsidiaries. Provides a reversionary interest to the United States if such a transfer occurs. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to separately submit to the President and the defense and appropriations committees a report on the national security implications of such a conveyance. Provides presidential waiver authority with respect to the prohibition. Subtitle D: Land Conveyances - Part I: Army Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) Hale County, Alabama, specified real property at the Army Reserve Center, Greensboro; (2) Big Five Community Services Incorporated, an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, the James T. Coker Army Reserve Center in Durant; (3) the Lawndale Business and Local Development Corporation in Illinois the Gibson Army Reserve Center, Chicago; (4) Caroline County, Virginia, specified real property at Fort A.P. Hill; (5) Wrightstown, New Jersey, and the New Hanover Board of Education specified portions of real property at Fort Dix; (6) Spring Lake and Harnett County, North Carolina, specified portions of real property at Fort Bragg; and (7) Mineral County, Nevada, the Schweer Driving House Area within the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot. (Sec. 1038) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to convey to Indiana an additional parcel of real property at the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. (Sec. 1039) Modifies prior land conveyances with respect to: (1) Lompoc, California; (2) the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado; and (3) the Army Reserve Center, Andersen, South Carolina. Part II: Navy Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to: (1) the Maine School Administrative District No. 75, Topsham, a parcel of the Topsham Annex, Naval Air Station in Brunswick; and (2) Nassau County, New York, the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 464 in Oyster Bay. (Sec. 1053) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to change from the State of Mississippi to Lauderdale County, Mississippi, the lessee designation with respect to a lease of the Naval Air Station in Meridian. Part III: Air Force Conveyances - Transfers administrative jurisdiction over specified real property at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of the Air Force. Revokes a contrary executive order. (Sec. 1062) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to: (1) Air Force Village West, Incorporated, in Riverside, California, specified real property at March Air Force Base; (2) the Greater Box Elder Area Economic Development Corporation in Box Elder, South Dakota, specified real property at Ellsworth Air Force Base; (3) Onondaga County, New York, specified real property at Hancock Field, Syracuse; (4) the Bear Paw Development Corporation, Havre, Montana, the Havre Air Force Station and the Havre Training Site; and (5) Bangor, Maine, the Charleston Family Housing Complex in Bangor. (Sec. 1067) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to direct the Secretary of the Air Force to report on Air Force land exchange options in the vicinity of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to terminate or reduce the operations of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. Authorizes such Secretary to lease the dairy farm property, as long as the rural and agricultural nature of the property is maintained. (Sec. 1072) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire by long-term lease structures and real property relating to a regional hospital complex in Naples, Italy, that are suitable for the Naples Improvement Initiative. (Sec. 1073) Designates specified military family housing developments at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in honor of Frank Tejeda, a late Member of the House of Representatives. (Sec. 1074) Directs the Secretary, in at least one U.S. metropolitan area containing multiple military installations, to provide for the installation of fiber-optics based telecommunications technology to link as many of such installations as possible. Title XI: Sikes Act Improvement - Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends an Act of September 15, 1960, commonly known as the Sikes Act, to officially designate such Act as the Sikes Act. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary to carry out a program for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations. Requires the Secretary of each military department to prepare and implement an integrated natural resources management plan (plan) for each military installation under his or her jurisdiction. Authorizes such Secretaries to provide for: (1) the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on such installations and the sustainable multipurpose use of such resources; and (2) public access to such installations to facilitate their use. Directs each Secretary to: (1) review military installations under his or her jurisdiction for which the preparation of a plan is appropriate; (2) submit such determinations to the Secretary; and (3) implement such plans within three years thereafter. Requires the Secretary to report such reviews to the Congress. Provides an opportunity for public comment on such plans. (Sec. 1106) Allows wildlife conservation fees collected at military installations which are subsequently closed to be transferred to another military installation and used for the same purpose. (Sec. 1107) Requires annual reviews and reports by the Secretaries of Defense and the Interior with respect to the implementation of such plans. (Sec. 1108) Authorizes multiyear cooperative agreements for plan implementation. (Sec. 1109) Provides for the enforcement on military installations of all Federal laws relating to natural resources conservation on Federal lands. (Sec. 1110) Requires the Secretary of each military department to ensure that sufficient numbers of trained natural resource management and law enforcement personnel are available and assigned to perform necessary tasks for plan compliance. (Sec. 1114) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for natural resources conservation programs on military installations, as well as equivalent programs on other public lands.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 53 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2025
Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning actions that the President should take to resolve the labor dispute between the Allied Pilots Association and AMR, the parent company of American Airlines. Declares that the President should: (1) work with the National Mediation Board to help resolve such dispute; (2) encourage settling the issues in such dispute through use of Board services before the strike deadline, or achieving, by such deadline, the parties' agreement to arbitrate the issues through the Board; and (3) if necessary, establish an emergency board, under specified provisions of the Railway Labor Act, to investigate and report on matters relating to such dispute.
Bill· HRH.R. 2005 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
Amends Federal aviation law to declare that nothing in such law or in the Death on the High Seas Act shall affect any remedy existing at common law or under State law with respect to any injury or death arising out of any aviation incident occurring on or after January 1, 1995.
Bill· HRH.R. 2036 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
Aviation Insurance Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends Federal aviation law with respect to aviation insurance to require the Secretary of Transportation to determine the reasonable value of an aircraft, for insurance purposes, in accordance with reasonable business practices in the commercial aviation insurance industry. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, upon notification of the Congress, to issue and sell notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out Federal aviation insurance and reinsurance programs. Authorizes appropriations for such borrowing authority. Declares that aviation insurance policies issued by the Secretary of Transportation may authorize the binding arbitration of claims made under them. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the amount of any binding arbitration award. Extends Federal aviation insurance and reinsurance programs through FY 2002.
Law· HRH.R. 2400 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal-Aid Highways Title II: Highway Safety Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining Title VI: Transportation Research Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Title VII: Truth in Budgeting Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highways - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the following: (1) the Interstate Maintenance Program (IM); (2) the National Highway System (NHS); (3) the Bridge Program; (4) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (5) the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ); (6) a new High Risk Road Safety Improvement Program (high risk program); (7) the High Cost Interstate System Reconstruction and Improvement Program (high cost program); (8) Discretionary Programs; (9) the Appalachian Development Highway System Program; (10) the Recreational Trails Program; (11) the Federal Lands Highways Program (FLHP); and (12) Highway Use Tax Evasion Projects. (Sec. 103) Sets forth specified obligation ceilings, and formulas for distribution of (and redistribution of unused) obligation authority for Federal-aid highway programs. (Sec. 104) Revises apportionment provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary): (1) whenever an apportionment is made of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the high cost program, the national corridor planning and development program, the border infrastructure and safety program, and FLHP, to deduct a sum not to exceed one and a half percent of all sums so authorized as necessary for administering legal provisions to be financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid highway program; and (2) on October 1 of each fiscal year, after making a specified deduction and set aside, to apportion the remainder of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on IM, NHS, STP, CMAQ, and the high risk program according to specified formulas. Modifies the recreational trails program to direct the Secretary to: (1) deduct from apportionments of sums for the program an amount not to exceed three percent to cover administrative, research, and technical assistance costs; and (2) apportion half of the remainder equally among eligible States and half to such States in amounts proportionate to the degree of non-highway recreational fuel use in each of those States during the preceding year. Sets forth a new list of State percentages for NHS apportionments. Requires the Secretary to use the most up-to-date data available for the latest fiscal year in making apportionments. (Sec. 105) Revises the IM to authorize the Secretary to approve reconstruction of roads on the Interstate System (IS). (Sec. 106) Repeals certain requirements: (1) on States, local officials, and the Secretary regarding NHS components; and (2) regarding approval of designations and an interim system. Designates specified NHS modifications that consist of highway connections to major ports, airports, international border crossings, public transportation and transit facilities, interstate bus terminals, and rail and other intermodal transportation facilities as NHS components. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the condition of and improvements made to NHS connectors approved by this Act that serve seaports, airports, and other intermodal freight transportation facilities since the designation of the NHS and report to the Congress; and (2) conduct a national children's competition to design a national logo sign for the routes comprising the NHS, appoint a panel to evaluate all designs and select a winning design, and report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 107) Amends provisions regarding the highway bridge program to provide that if a State transfers funds apportioned to it in a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1997, to any other apportionment of funds to such State, the total cost of deficient bridges in such State and in all States to be determined for the succeeding fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of such transferred funds. Grants the Secretary discretion regarding the amounts authorized for FY 1998 through 2000 for bridges under this Act. Authorizes the use of agriculturally derived, environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti- and de-icing compositions or installation of scour countermeasures for bridges other than those on a Federal-aid highway. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the application of anti- and de-icing compositions to bridges under the STP. Includes among eligible STP projects environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects, including the retrofit or construction of storm water treatment systems, to address water pollution or environmental degradation caused or contributed to by existing transportation facilities at the time such facilities are undergoing reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, or restoration. Limits the expenditure of funds to 20 percent of the total cost of such activity. Replaces certification requirements by the Governor of each State with a requirement that each State submit a project agreement for each fiscal year, certifying that the State will meet specified requirements and notifying the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to administer the STP. Deems the Secretary's approval a contractual obligation of the United States for the payment of STP funds. (Sec. 109) Modifies CMAQ to authorize a State to obligate CMAQ funds if the program or project would have been eligible for funding on or before September 30, 1997, under guidance issued by the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes: (1) funds for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles and to high occupancy vehicles if the project is otherwise eligible for assistance; and (2) appropriations for "minimum allocations" to States through FY 1997. Directs the Secretary to: (1) request the National Academy of Sciences to study the impact of CMAQ on the air quality of nonattainment areas and to report to specified congressional committees; (2) establish and implement a high risk program for construction and operational improvement projects only where the primary purpose of the project is to improve highway safety on a high risk road; and (3) allocate to States, in FY 1998 and beyond, amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each such FY for IM, NHS, the bridge program, STP, CMAQ, the high risk program, the recreational trails program, the Appalachian Development Highway System program, and metropolitan planning be at least 95 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the HTF, other than the Mass Transit Account, in the latest fiscal year for which data are available. Sets forth a formula regarding calculation of a minimum allocation adjustment. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to apportion specified funds for FY 1998 through 2000 among the States based on the latest available cost to complete estimate for the Appalachian Development Highway System prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission, unless the Commission adopts an alternative method for distribution. Specifies that, in general, no State containing System routes shall receive less than $1 million. Increases the Federal share for pre-financed projects. (Sec. 113) Replaces provisions regarding reimbursement for segments of the IS constructed without Federal assistance with a high cost interstate system reconstruction and improvement program. Makes funds available for a fiscal year for any major reconstruction or improvement project to a highway designated as part of the IS and open to traffic before this Act's enactment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary to: (1) administer a national program to provide and maintain recreational trails (and terminates the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee on September 30, 2000); and (2) establish and implement a program to make allocations to States for coordinated planning and design of corridors of national significance, economic growth, and international or interregional trade, and a coordinated border infrastructure and safety program to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.- Canadian and U.S.-Mexican borders. (Sec. 117) Increases the Federal share payable for IS projects. Permits the use of funds appropriated to a Federal land managing agency, and for the FLHP, as the non-Federal share for specified purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) allocate 50 percent of sums authorized to be appropriated for forest highways according to a specified formula; (2) conduct a study of methods to improve pedestrian and vehicular access to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (3) allocate funds for specified transportation-related historical research activities of the Smithsonian Institution; (4) allocate specified funds for the planning, design, and construction of a visitors center to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of resources accessible by the New River Parkway in West Virginia; (5) carry out a national scenic byways program that recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archeological qualities by designating them as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads; (6) allocate funds to establish a center for national scenic byways in Duluth, Minnesota; and (7) establish and implement a variable pricing pilot program (repeals a congestion pricing program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)), and report to the Congress. (Sec. 120) Allows States to use as credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for certain funds made available, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce which were not built, improved, or maintained with Federal funds. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement an IS reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program under which the Secretary may permit a State to collect tolls on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the IS for the purpose of constructing and rehabilitating Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls; and (2) develop performance-based criteria for the distribution of up to five percent of the funds from each of the IM, bridge, high risk, STP, and CMAQ programs, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 121) Amends ISTEA to: (1) allow, at the Secretary's discretion, the obligation from the HTF funds for the construction of ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities; and (2) authorize the use of funds to establish and operate an automated fuel reporting system. (Sec. 124) Modifies Federal highway provisions regarding: (1) metropolitan planning to include that it is in the national interest to foster economic growth and development; and (2) statewide planning to authorize a State to consider specified goals and objectives in the transportation planning process. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 126) Requires the Secretary to initiate and: (1) issue a guidance regarding the benefits and performance of various types of crash cushions in different road configurations; and (2) complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine the appropriate use by States of movable barrier technologies to enhance safety and improve the capacity and geometric design of highways. (Sec. 127) Authorizes appropriations for specified executive and legislative branch discretionary programs. (Sec. 128) Amends the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 to direct the Secretary to convey to Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia all U.S. interest in and to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, which shall subsequently convey to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge Authority their respective interests in and to the Bridge. (Sec. 129) Authorizes a State, in implementing Federal-aid highway projects, to reserve training positions for persons who receive welfare assistance from such State. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to develop, conduct, and administer highway technology training, and to develop and fund summer transportation institutes; (2) give priority to funding for a transportation project related to an Olympic event under specified conditions; (3) provide assistance to State and local governments in carrying out transportation projects related to an international quadrennial Olympic event; (4) carry out a project for the reconstruction of a highway, or portion of a highway, located outside the United States that is important to the national defense; and (5) fund the production of a documentary about infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the location and quantity of parking facilities at commercial truck stops and travel plazas and public rest areas that could be used by motor carriers to comply with Federal hours of service rules, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 133) Sets forth provisions regarding various projects in California, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Minnesota. (Sec. 134) Repeals a law regarding Federal approval of membership of bridge commissions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to examine the impact of truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles, and to report to the Congress. (Sec. 135) Bars States from restricting motorcycle access to any highway or portion thereof for which Federal-aid highway funds have been utilized for planning, design, construction, or maintenance. (Sec. 136) Amends ISTEA to include specified corridors, such as the Capital Gateway Corridor, as high priority corridors. (Sec. 137) Revises provisions regarding: (1) bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways to authorize the use of NHS funds for pedestrian walkways; and (2) standards for Federal-aid highways to prohibit the Secretary from approving any project or taking any regulatory action that will result in the severance of an existing major route or have significant adverse impact on the safety for non-motorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless such project or action provides for a reasonably alternate route or such a route exists. Directs the Secretary to initiate a study to consider proposals to amend the policies of such association relating to highway and street design standards to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a national bicycle safety education curricula that may include courses relating to on-road training. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 138) Amends Federal highway provisions regarding the hazard elimination program to consider conditions that may constitute a danger to bicyclists. (Sec. 139) Authorizes the Secretary to approve substitute highway, bus transit, and light rail transit projects, in lieu of construction of the Barney Circle Freeway project in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 140) Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct life-cycle cost analyses of each usable project segment on the NHS (currently, with a cost of $25 million or more); and (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess the impact that a utility company's failure to relocate its facilities in a timely manner has on the delivery and cost of Federal-aid highway and bridge projects, and report to the Congress. Title II: Highway Safety - Amends Federal highway provisions to: (1) provide that uniform guidelines for highway safety programs take into account accident prevention; (2) direct that the apportionment to the Secretary of the Interior for highway safety programs not be less than three-fourths of one percent of the total apportionment; (3) make provisions regarding access for physically handicapped across curbs at pedestrian crosswalks applicable to Indian tribes, with exceptions; and (4) replace a mandatory rulemaking process with one authorizing the Secretary to periodically identify highway safety programs that are highly effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. (Sec. 203) Revises highway safety research and development provisions to authorize the use of safety research funds for training in work zone safety management. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. (Sec. 205) Replaces provisions regarding: (1) school bus driver training with provisions directing the Secretary to make grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of the State's data needed to identify priorities for State and local highway and traffic safety programs, evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such improvements, and link these State data systems, including traffic records, together and with other data systems within the State; and (2) drunk driving prevention programs with an alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures program (which provides for grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of alcohol). (Sec. 207) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an organization that represents the interests of the States to manage, administer, and operate the National Driver Register's (NDR) computer timeshare and user assistance functions. Directs that any transfer of such functions to an organization that represents the interests of the States begin only after a determination is made by the Secretary that all States are participating in NDR's "Problem Driver Pointer System" and that the system is functioning properly. (Sec. 208) Directs: (1) the Secretary to conduct a study on the benefit to public safety of the use of blowout resistant tires on commercial motor vehicles and the potential to decrease the incidence of accidents and fatalities from accidents occurring as a result of blown out tires, and to report to the Congress; (2) the Comptroller General to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of State laws that deem any individual with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or greater, and .02 percent or greater for persons under age 21, while operating a motor vehicle to be driving while intoxicated, in reducing the number and severity of alcohol-involved crashes, and report to the Congress; and (3) the Secretary to make grants to establish and maintain a center for transportation injury research at the State University of New York at Buffalo. (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF for: (1) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway safety programs, and highway safety research and development (R&D); (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs and highway safety R&D; (3) occupant protection incentive grants; (4) State highway safety data grants; (5) State highway safety data grants; (6) the alcohol traffic safety incentive grant program; and (7) NDR. Title III: Federal Transit Administration Programs - Amends Federal transportation law with respect to the metropolitan transportation planning process to replace the current mandatory factors for consideration in developing plans and programs with specified discretionary considerations whose translation into goals and objectives the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) shall determine cooperatively with the State and mass transportation operators. (Sec. 304) Requires the transportation improvement program to be updated at least once every three years (currently, every two years). Allows the program financial plan to include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. (Sec. 305) Changes from mandatory to discretionary the inclusion of a congestion management system in the transportation planning process in a transportation management area (TMA). Requires the State, instead of the TMA MPO, to select high risk road safety projects. (Sec. 306) Changes the capital project block grant program into an urbanized area formula grant program. Repeals authority to finance operating costs generally under the program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation only in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000. Changes the interest allowance under the covered cost of advance construction projects from a specified formula to the most favorable financing terms reasonably available, given the applicant's reasonable diligence in seeking them. Declares that two percent of the block grant funds apportioned to urbanized areas of at least 200,000 population shall only be available for transit enhancement activities. (Sec. 307) Repeals the Secretary's current authority to make capital project block grants from the Mass Transit Account. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist State and local authorities in financing: (1) capital projects to modernize existing fixed guideway systems; and (2) capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. Repeals authority to make such grants and loans for transportation projects that enhance urban economic development or incorporate private investment. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary consider the adverse effect of decreased commuter rail transportation when deciding whether to approve a grant or loan under this section to acquire a rail line and all related facilities: (1) owned by a rail carrier subject to reorganization under the bankruptcy code; and (2) used to provide commuter rail transportation. Revises the criteria for grants and loans for fixed guideway systems. Revises requirements for: (1) letters of intent and full funding agreements; and (2) grant and loan allocations, including bus and bus facility grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program for the testing and deployment of new bus technology, including clean fuel and alternative fuel technology. (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into 50 percent cost-sharing contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with specified consortia selected competitively from among public and private partnerships to promote the early deployment of innovation in mass transportation technology, services, management, or operational practices. Authorizes the Secretary to inform the U.S. domestic mass transportation community about technological innovations available in the international marketplace and activities that may afford domestic businesses the opportunity to become globally competitive in the export of mass transportation products and services. Directs the Secretary to make grants for 80 percent of the cost of developing low speed magnetic levitation technology for public transportation in urban areas to demonstrate energy efficiency, congestion mitigation, and safety benefits. (Sec. 313) Repeals the mandate to make grants to specified university research institutes and for regional transportation centers. (Sec. 316) Increases from 90 percent to 95 percent the Federal share of a project providing bicycle access to mass transportation. Requires capital project grants and loans to require that any person agreeing to occupy space in a federally funded facility pay a reasonable share of facility costs through rental payments or other means. Declares that, to the extent feasible, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that receive assistance from Government sources (other than the Department of Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services shall participate and coordinate with assistance recipients in the planning, design, and delivery of transportation services. (Sec. 318) Authorizes a grant recipient to award a procurement contract to other than the lowest bidder when the award furthers an objective consistent with the purposes of the grant, including improved long-term operating efficiency and lower long-term costs. (Sec. 319) Authorizes an urbanized area formula grant recipient procuring an associated capital maintenance item to contract directly with the original manufacturer or supplier of the item to be replaced, without the Secretary's prior approval, if the recipient first certifies in writing to the Secretary that: (1) the manufacturer or supplier is the only source for the item; and (2) the item's price is no more than what similar customers pay for it. (Sec. 321) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on how the alcohol and controlled substances random testing rate for mass transportation employees should be calculated. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the Secretary to collect fees to cover the costs of training or conferences, including costs of promotional materials, sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration to promote mass transportation. Directs the Secretary to seek public comment on ways to simplify and streamline the administration of the formula program for urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000, and make every effort to ease any administrative burdens identified. (Sec. 324) Limits the total amount of funds available for any fiscal year for operating assistance and preventive maintenance activities for urbanized areas. (Sec. 325) Revises the apportionment of appropriations for fixed guideway modernization. Requires inclusion of route segments in apportionment formulas. (Sec. 326) Authorizes appropriations, and sets the obligation ceilings, for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to assist States, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations in financing transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. Sets the Federal share of costs at 50 percent. (Sec. 329) Declares that it is the sense of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that the Secretary of the Treasury should estimate the mass transit portion of net highway receipts every 24 months instead of every 12 months. (Sec. 330) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the Secretary of Transportation's implementation of project management oversight. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of privatization or contracting out of mass transportation operation and administrative functions on cost, availability and level of service, efficiency, safety, quality of services provided to transit-dependent populations, and employer-employee relations; and (2) the safety issues attendant to transportation of school children to and from school and school-related activities by various transportation modes. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on whether the current formula for apportioning funds to urbanized areas accurately reflects their transit needs, and, if not, whether any changes should be made either to the formula or through some other mechanism to reflect the fact that some urbanized areas with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 have transit systems that carry more passengers per mile or hour than the average of those transit systems in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 334) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on Federal departments and agencies (other than the Department of Transportation) that receive Federal financial assistance for non-emergency transportation services. Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety - Amends Federal transportation law to specify that discretionary grants to States to develop commercial motor vehicle regulatory programs include performance-based grants to improve motor carrier safety, and in particular hazardous materials transportation safety. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1998 through 2000. Authorizes the Secretary, in allocating funds for State grants, to designate up to five percent of them to reimburse: (1) States for carrying out high priority (including national) activities and projects that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, including any that increase public awareness and education or demonstrate new technologies; and (2) local governments and other persons that use trained and qualified officers and employees, for carrying out such activities and projects in coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies. (Sec. 403) Converts the current discretionary commercial motor vehicle information system program into mandatory motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver information systems and data analysis programs to support required safety activities. Requires coordination of such systems into a network providing identification of motor carriers and drivers, commercial motor vehicle registration and license tracking, and motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety performance data. Requires the Secretary to develop data analysis capacity and programs providing the means to perform specified functions. Provides funding for the existing performance and registration information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to improve commercial motor vehicle driver safety. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Secretary to make contracts for inspections and investigations. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to grant a person or class of persons up to a two-year, renewable exemption from a commercial motor vehicle safety or operators regulation if it would likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than the level that would be achieved without such exemption. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot programs to evaluate innovative approaches to motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. Allows such a program containing specified elements to include an exemption under this section. (Sec. 407) Repeals the mandate for (thus abolishing) the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulatory Review Panel. Requires the Secretary to review State laws and regulations on commercial motor vehicle safety. Requires any State that enacts a State law or issues a regulation on commercial motor vehicle safety to submit a copy of it to the Secretary for review immediately after enactment or issuance. Allows enforcement of such law or regulation if the Secretary decides it has the same effect as a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits enforcement if the law or regulation is less stringent than a regulation prescribed by the Secretary. (Sec. 408) Repeals certain requirements for: (1) procedures to ensure timely correction of safety violations; and (2) compliance review priority. (Sec. 409) Declares that an individual may operate a commercial motor vehicle only with a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Requires each CDL issued after January 1, 2000, to include unique identifiers to minimize fraud and duplication. Repeals the Secretary's discretionary authority to make an agreement for the operation of a CDL information system. Requires the Secretary to maintain the system. Requires the system to include information on all fines, penalties, convictions, and failure to appear for a hearing or trial incurred by the operator with respect to operation of a motor vehicle for a period of at least three years beginning on the date of the imposition of such a fine or penalty, or the date of such a conviction or failure to appear. Requires the Secretary to make data collected in such systems and programs available to the public to the maximum extent permissible under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act. Grants access to such data to State and local safety and enforcement officials to the same extent as Federal safety and enforcement officials. Repeals current authority (superseded by this title) for grants to States for: (1) testing and ensuring the fitness of operators of commercial motor vehicles; and (2) issuing CDLs and complying with State participation requirements. (Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary to make grants to border States, local governments, organizations, and other persons for specified activities designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety in the vicinity of borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico. Sets the Federal share of costs for such activities at 80 percent (but only 50 percent for the third year of a grant used to employ additional personnel to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety regulations). (Sec. 411) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on State laws and regulations pertaining to penalties for violation of State commercial motor vehicle weight laws. (Sec. 412) Repeals the mandate and authorization of appropriations to participate in the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to establish a nationwide toll-free telephone system for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and others to report potential violations of Federal motor carrier safety regulations and any laws or regulations relating to the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. (Sec. 414) Directs the Secretary to determine whether a practicable and cost-effective screening, operating, and monitoring protocol could likely be developed for insulin-treated diabetes mellitus individuals who want to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce that would ensure a level of safety equal to or greater than that achieved with the current prohibition against operation of such vehicles by such individuals. Requires the Secretary to compile, evaluate, and report to Congress on research and other information on the effects of insulin treated diabetes mellitus on driving performance. (Sec. 415) Requires the Secretary to: (1) review State procedures to determine if the current system for testing is an accurate measure and reflection of an individual's knowledge and skills as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle; and (2) identify methods to improve testing and licensing standards, including identifying the benefits and costs of a graduated licensing system. Requires issuance of regulations reflecting the results of such review. (Sec. 416) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of using emergency responders and law enforcement officers to conduct post-accident alcohol testing of commercial motor vehicle operators as a method of obtaining more timely information and reducing the burdens that employers may encounter in meeting current testing requirements. (Sec. 417) Requires the Secretary to encourage the research, development, and demonstration of technologies, identified taking into account specified considerations, that may aid in reducing the fatigue of commercial motor vehicle operators. (Sec. 418) Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles; (2) periodically update such safety fitness determinations; (3) make such determinations readily available to the public; and (4) prescribe by regulation penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to maintain by regulation a procedure with specified elements for determining whether an owner or operator is fit to operate safely commercial motor vehicles. Prohibits an owner or operator determined unfit from operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. Requires the Secretary to review, upon request, an unfit owner's or operator's compliance with those requirements with which the owner or operator failed to comply, resulting in the unfitness determination. Prohibits any Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from using an unfit owner or operator to provide any transportation service until the Secretary determines such owner or operator is fit. (Sec. 419) Declares that Federal law governing the transportation of hazardous material does not prohibit a State from providing an exception from requirements relating to placarding, shipping papers, and emergency telephone numbers for the private motor carriage in intrastate transportation of an agricultural production material from a source of supply to a farm, from a farm to another farm, from a field to another field on a farm, or from the farm back to the source of supply. Defines agricultural production material as: (1) under 16,094 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer; (2) under 502 gallons (liquid) or 5,070 pounds (solids) of a pesticide; and (3) under 3,500 gallons of a diluted solution of water and pesticides or fertilizer. Title V: Programmatic Reforms and Streamlining - Modifies provisions regarding plans, specifications, and estimates to direct the Secretary to enter into a formal project agreement with each State highway department formalizing the conditions of project approval. Requires such agreement to make provision for State funds required for the State's pro rata share of the cost of construction of the project and for the maintenance of the project after completion of construction. Authorizes the Secretary to discharge to the State any of the Secretary's responsibilities for design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects on the NHS, with exceptions. Directs: (1) the State to assume such responsibilities for projects that are not on the NHS; and (2) the Secretary and the State to reach agreement as to the extent the State may assume the Secretary's responsibilities for NHS projects, subject to a limitation. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for highway construction projects that require: (1) the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), with an exception; or (2) the conduct of any other environmental review, analysis, opinion, or issuance of an environmental permit, license, or approval by operation of Federal law. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and all other Federal (and, where appropriate, State) agencies; (2) elements of the coordinated process; (3) dispute resolution; (4) acceptance of project purpose and need; (4) State agency participation; (5) assistance to affected Federal agencies; and (6) judicial review. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement a State environmental review pilot demonstration program; (2) eliminate the major investment study as a separate requirement and promulgate regulations to integrate such requirement as part of each analysis undertaken pursuant to NEPA for a project receiving assistance with funds made available under this Act; and (3) require each recipient of Federal financial assistance for a highway or transit project with an estimated total cost of $1 billion or more to submit to the Secretary an annual financial plan. (Sec. 505) Provides that if at least 50 percent of a State's apportionment under specified Federal-aid highway, and highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program, funds for a fiscal year, or at least 50 percent of specified allocations of apportioned funds from the State's apportionment may not be transferred to any other apportionment of the State for such fiscal year, then the State may transfer up to 50 percent of such apportionment or set aside to any other State apportionment for that fiscal year. Sets forth provisions regarding the application of this general rule to certain STP set- asides and CMAQ funds. (Sec. 506) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish criteria for all discretionary programs funded from the HTF which, to the extent practicable, conform to a specified executive order relating to infrastructure investment; and (2) eliminate any required programmatic responsibility for any regional office of DOT carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA regarding any funds made available by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to retain regional DOT offices carrying out responsibilities of the FHWA for the purpose of providing technical support to States, metropolitan areas, and transit authorities upon request. Title VI: Transportation Research - Subtitle A: Surface Transportation Research, Technology, and Education - Part I: Highway Research - Modifies research and planning provisions. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements and contracts to: (1) continue the monitoring, material-testing, and evaluation of the highway test sections established under the long-term pavement performance program; (2) carry out analyses of the data collected under the program; and (3) prepare the products required to fulfill the original objectives of the program and meet future pavement technology needs. (Sec. 611) Replaces provisions regarding short haul passenger transportation systems with provision for an advanced research program that addresses longer-term, higher-risk research that shows potential benefits for improving the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety (including bicycle and pedestrian safety) of highway and intermodal transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to strive to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors. Repeals the strategic highway research program and the applied research and technology program. Modifies: (1) the seismic research program to direct the Secretary to establish a program to study the vulnerability of the Federal-aid highway and other surface transportation systems to seismic activity and to develop and implement cost-effective methods to reduce such vulnerability; and (2) the international highway transportation outreach program to authorize the Secretary to engage in activities to promote U.S highway transportation goods and services internationally, and to gather and disseminate information on foreign transportation markets and industries. Part II: Transportation Education, Professional Training, and Technology Deployment - Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a national technology deployment initiative to expand adoption by the surface transportation community of innovative technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, service life, and sustainability of transportation systems and to reduce environmental impact; (2) integrate activities undertaken with DOT efforts to disseminate the results of research sponsored by DOT and to facilitate technology transfer; and (3) give preference to projects that leverage Federal funds with other significant public or private resources. (Sec. 624) Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one university transportation center in each of the ten U.S. Government regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System, and ten such additional centers to address transportation management and R&D; (2) Marshall University, West Virginia, to establish and operate an Appalachian Transportation Institute; and (3) the University of Minnesota to continue to operate and expand the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute. Part III: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Miscellaneous Programs - Amends Federal transportation provisions to provide for compilation of statistics on transportation-related variables influencing global competitiveness. Directs the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to review and report to the Secretary on the sources and reliability of the statistics proposed by the heads of the operating administrations of DOT to measure outputs and outcomes, and to undertake such other reviews as may be requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 631) Requires the Director of the Bureau to: (1) ensure that statistics compiled are relevant for transportation decisions by Federal, State, and local governments, transportation-related associations, private businesses, and consumers; (2) establish and maintain an intermodal transportation database and a national transportation library; and (3) develop and maintain geographic databases depicting transportation networks; flows of people, goods, vehicles, and craft over those networks; and social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting or affected by those networks. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities to support the programs and activities of the Bureau. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a prohibition of certain disclosures regarding information obtained under the long-term data collection program; and (2) collection of data for non-statistical purposes. Allows funds received by the Bureau from the sale of data products to be credited to the HTF and made available for the purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for such expenses. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 632) Directs the Secretary to carry out a transportation technology innovation and demonstration program, as part of which the Secretary shall: (1) conduct research on improved methods of using concrete and asphalt pavement in the construction, reconstruction, and repair of Federal-aid highways, on improved methods of deploying and integrating existing ITS projects to include hazardous materials monitoring systems across various modes of transportation, on the deployment of a system of advanced sensors and signal processors in trucks and tractor trailers, and on the use of composite materials for guardrails and bridge decking; (2) expand and continue the study relating to the development of a motor vehicle safety warning system and conduct tests of such system; (3) make grants for research and construction to improve and demonstrate the use of steel bridge construction; (4) continue to support the Urban Consortium's ITS outreach and technology transfer activities; (5) continue development and deployment to metropolitan planning organizations of the Transportation Economic and Land Use System; (6) make grants to Wisconsin to continue specified ITS activities; and (7) carry out a program to advance the deployment of an operational intelligent transportation infrastructure system for the measurement of various transportation system activities to aid in the transportation planning and analysis while making a significant contribution to the ITS program, to be located in the two largest metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania. Subtitle B: Intelligent Transportation Systems - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing ITS program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems and advance nationwide deployment of such systems as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems. Lists ITS program goals. (Sec. 653) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the ITS program in cooperation with governmental, private, and educational entities, and in consultation with Federal officials; (2) develop, implement, and maintain a national ITS architecture and standards and protocols to promote the widespread use and evaluation of ITS technology as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems; (3) issue guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of field and related operational tests; (4) establish and maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects and make, upon request, such information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost; (5) ensure that ITS projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF conform to the national ITS architecture and standards and protocols, with an exception; (6) require an analysis of the life-cycle costs of specified projects where the total initial capital costs of ITS operations and maintenance elements exceeds $3 million; and (7) develop appropriate technical assistance and guidance to assist State and local agencies in evaluating and selecting appropriate methods of procurement for its projects carried out using funds made available from the HTF. (Sec. 654) Directs the Secretary to maintain and update, as necessary, the National ITS Program Plan developed by DOT and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and report to the Congress. (Sec. 655) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain, and evaluate ITS technologies and services; funding to support adequate consideration of transportation system management and operations, including ITS, within metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes; and funding for research and operational tests relating to ITS; and (2) conduct R&D activities for the purpose of demonstrating integrated intelligent vehicle highway, and roadway safety, systems, including state-of-the-art systems and integrating collision avoidance, in-vehicle information, and other safety-related systems. (Sec. 656) Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to promote the deployment of regionally integrated, intermodal intelligent transportation systems and, through financial and technical assistance, assist in the development and implementation of such systems. Lists goals, funding limitations, and priorities for ITS deployment. (Sec. 657) Sets forth provisions regarding funding allocations (for the intelligent transportation infrastructure deployment incentives program, and for ITS research and program support activities), and the Federal share for specified programs. (Sec. 658) Repeals the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 (Title VI, Part B, of ISTEA). Title VII: Truth in Budgeting - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund shall: (1) not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985; and (2) be exempt from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending (budget outlays) of the U.S. Government. (Sec. 701) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to state that the amount of interest credited to any of such trust funds for any fiscal year shall not exceed the amount of interest which would be credited to the fund if it were determined at the average interest rate on 52-week Treasury securities sold to the public during such fiscal year. (Sec. 702) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually the net aviation receipts and the unfunded aviation authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amount authorized to be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded aviation authorization will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net aviation receipts. (Sec. 703) Requires the Secretary of the Army to estimate annually the net inland waterways and net harbor maintenance receipts, and the unfunded inland waterways and unfunded harbor maintenance authorizations at the close of the following fiscal year. Requires adjustments to the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for such fiscal year so that the estimated unfunded authorizations will neither exceed nor be less than the estimated net receipts.
Law· HRH.R. 1271 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for specified aviation programs. Earmarks the research and development appropriations authorized for the support of all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) research and development activities falling within the categories of basic and applied research and development, including the design and development of prototypes in accordance with specified classifications. Mandates that: (1) the President's annual FAA budget request include all research and development activities within a single budget category; and (2) all FAA activities within the categories of basic and applied research and development be placed within such category. Requires the FAA Administrator's national aviation research plan to highlight the research and development technology transfer activities that promote technology sharing among government, industry, and academia through the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for awarding grants to researchers at primarily undergraduate institutions who involve undergraduate students in their research on subjects of relevance to the FAA. Sets forth criteria for the award of such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Bars the use of funds under this Act for the Next Generation Internet. Prohibits the use of funds for any lobbying activities before the Congress, except for legislation or appropriations necessary for the efficient conduct of the public business. Directs the Administrator to exclude from consideration for a FAA grant any person who received grant funds from a Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award procedure. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the FAA should: (1) give priority to correcting all two-digit date-related problems in its computer systems to ensure its continued operation in the year 2000 and beyond; and (2) develop contingency plans for FAA systems it is unable to correct in time.
Bill· HRH.R. 1278 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs Title II: Marine Research Title III: Program Support and Other Accounts Title IV: Streamlining of Operations Title V: Miscellaneous National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1997 - Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research and public warning and forecast; (2) the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS); (3) construction, repair, and modification regarding new and existing weather forecast offices; (4) restructuring of the National Meteorological Center into the National Centers for Environmental Prediction; (5) NEXRAD Weather Service Office maintenance. Amends the Weather Service Modernization Act to modify: (1) requirements regarding the restructuring of NWS field offices; and (2) the duties of the Modernization Transition Committee. Sets a termination date for the Committee. Encourages the NWS to form a working group with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding NWS operational use of FAA weather radar data. Requires that Department of Defense NEXRADs that provide primary detection coverage over a portion of their ranges function as fully committed, reliable elements (and be considered as integral parts) of the National Weather Radar Network. (Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) climate and air quality research; (2) atmospheric research; (3) data acquisition; (4) modifications to the Boulder Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado; (5) satellite observing systems; (6) remote sensing; and (7) environmental data and information services. Title II: Marine Research - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) tide and current observation; (4) estuarine and coastal assessment; (5) the National Status and Trends Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and the Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Program; (6) Oil Pollution Act of 1990 activities; (7) ocean services; (8) the Coastal Ocean Program; (9) data acquisition activities of the National Ocean Service; and (10) marine prediction research. Title III: Program Support and Other Accounts - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) Systems Acquisition Office activities; (3) central administrative support; (4) retired pay; (5) aircraft services; and (6) fleet maintenance and planning. Reduces the amount authorized to be appropriated under this Act by specified amounts to reflect the use of prior year balances. Title IV: Streamlining of Operations - Prohibits appropriating funds for 12 specified programs, centers, and activities, including: (1) the National Undersea Research Program; (2) Fleet Replacement in the Capital Assets Acquisition Account; (3) the Goddard Science Center; and (4) the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees certifying that all 12 will be terminated by a specified date. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. (Sec. 402) Limits the total dollar amounts: (1) authorized to be appropriated by this or any other Act for NOAA for all activities associated with operations, research, and facilities or for capital assets acquisition; and (2) authorized to be used for NOAA travel and related expenses. (Sec. 403) Prohibits any NOAA commissioned officers after FY 1997. Makes separated officers eligible, in lieu of separation pay, only for severance pay in accordance with specified provisions. Allows, with the approval of the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation and the NOAA Administrator, transfer to the armed services, the Coast Guard, and the NOAA civil service, respectively. Repeals the Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned Officers' Act of 1948 and inconsistent provisions of Federal law. Abolishes the Office of the NOAA Corps of Operations and the Commissioned Personnel Center. Title V: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, damage, or interfere with any National Data Buoy Center weather data buoy. Provides for civil monetary penalties and rewards. (Sec. 502) Makes the Secretary of Commerce, through the NWS, responsible for: (1) forecasts, serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuance of storm warnings; (3) collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Prohibits the NWS from competing (or assisting other entities in competing) with the private sector when a service is or can be provided by commercial enterprise unless the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service and the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Removes existing provisions relating to the duties of the Secretary regarding weather forecasting. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees detailing all NWS activities not conforming to this paragraph and outlining a timetable for their termination. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts (including multiyear contracts) for the use of vessels to conduct oceanographic and fisheries research, monitoring, enforcement, and management, and to acquire other data necessary to carry out NOAA's missions. Prohibits contracts for the construction, lease-purchase, upgrade, or service life extension of any vessel. Requires use of the excess capacity of University National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessels where appropriate. (Sec. 504) Authorizes NOAA to participate in the National Oceanic Partnership Program established by the National Oceanic Partnership Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits NOAA grants to any person who received grant funds from any Federal funding source that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. (Sec. 506) Mandates notice to specified congressional committees of any reprogramming of funds authorized by this Act and of any NOAA major reorganization. (Sec. 507) Declares the sense of the Congress regarding NOAA handling of the year 2000 computer systems problem.
Bill· HRH.R. 112 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to convey to Stanislaus County, California, specified lands known as the NASA Ames Research Center, Crows Landing Facility. Prohibits such conveyance from relieving Federal agencies of environmental remediation responsibilities. Subjects any other remediation of contamination within or related to structures or fixtures on such property to negotiation to the extent permitted by law. Retains NASA's right to use such property for aviation activities without consideration and on mutually acceptable terms. Requires NASA to relinquish legislative jurisdiction over the conveyed property to California.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 67 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives concerning actions that the President should take to resolve the labor dispute between the Allied Pilots Association and AMR, the parent company of American Airlines. Declares that the President should: (1) monitor the National Mediation Board's attempt to help resolve such dispute; (2) encourage settling the issues in such dispute through use of Board services before the strike deadline, or achieving, by such deadline, the parties' agreement to arbitrate the issues through the Board; and (3) if recommended by the Board, promptly establish an emergency board, under specified provisions of the Railway Labor Act, to investigate and report on matters relating to such dispute.
Law· HRH.R. 2169 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Office of the Secretary Title II: Related Agencies Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Amtrak Route Closure and Realignment Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Office of the Secretary - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 (with specified rescissions, transfers of funds, limitations on obligations and direct loans, and liquidations of contract authorizations) for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) the Federal Highway Administration (FHA); (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Federal Transit Administration; (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (9) the Research and Special Programs Administration; (10) the Office of the Inspector General; and (11) the Surface Transportation Board. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; and (2) the National Transportation Safety Board. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth specified prohibitions, limitations, permissions, and mandates with respect to the use of appropriations under this Act identical or very similar to those enacted in the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-205). (Sec. 319) Reduces the amount of funds provided in this Act for the Transportation Administrative Service Center. (Sec. 324) Prohibits the use of funds (as in Public Law 104-205) for employee training which: (1) does not meet identified needs for knowledge, skills, and abilities bearing directly upon the performance of official duties; (2) contains elements likely to induce high levels of emotional response or psychological stress in some participants; (3) does not require prior employee notification of the content and methods to be used in the training and written end of course evaluations; (4) contains any methods or content associated with religious or quasi-religious belief systems or "new age" belief systems; (5) is offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle outside the workplace; or (6) includes content related to human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) other than that necessary to make employees more aware of its medical ramifications and the workplace rights of HIV-positive employees. (Sec. 329) Prohibits expenditure of funds made available under this Act by any entity that does not agree to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should purchase only U.S.-made equipment and products to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the use of funds for contracts with persons falsely labeling products as made in America. (Sec. 330) Makes receipts collected from users of fitness centers operated by or for the Department of Transportation available to support their operation and maintenance. (Sec. 331) Prohibits the provision of essential air service to communities in the 48 contiguous States that are fewer than 70 miles from the nearest large and medium hub airport, or that require a rate of subsidy per passenger in excess of $200 unless such point is greater than 210 miles from the nearest large or medium hub airport. (Sec. 332) Prohibits the use of funds for improvements to the Miller Highway in New York City, New York. (Sec. 333) Declares that none of the funds in this Act shall be available to implement or enforce regulations that would result in the withdrawal of a slot from an air carrier at O'Hare International Airport in excess of the total slots withdrawn from that air carrier as of October 31, 1993, if such additional slot is to be allocated to another air carrier or foreign air carrier. Title IV: Amtrak Route Closure and Realignment - Amtrak Route Closure and Realignment Act of 1997 - Establishes as an independent commission the Total Realignment of Amtrak Commission. (Sec. 3) Directs the Commission to: (1) identify Amtrak passenger rail routes which are candidates for closure or realignment based on system-wide economic performance rankings and other specified principles and factors; (2) examine ridership forecasts and other assumptions supporting continued service on the Northeast Corridor, particularly with respect to the continuation of the electrification of the Northeast Corridor between New Haven, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts; and (3) examine optional uses for abandoned rail lines. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress and the President on its activities, including recommendations for the closure and realignment of routes in Amtrak's passenger rail system. (Sec. 4) Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of Commission recommendations. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations.
Law· HRH.R. 2266 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, and Air Force and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at formerly used defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid programs; and (6) former Soviet Union threat reduction. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for procurement by the armed forces and reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Working Capital Funds; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) payment to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Fund; and (4) national security scholarships, fellowships, and grants (using funds derived from the National Security Education Trust Fund). Title VIII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8008) Authorizes appropriated procurement funds to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. (Sec. 8010) Prohibits during FY 1998 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8018) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8029) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8031) Directs the Secretary to reduce by $55 million the total amounts appropriated in titles II through IV to reflect savings from the DOD use of defense federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Reduces by $86.3 million the total amounts appropriated in title II to reflect savings from the decreased use of non-FFRDC consulting services. (Sec. 8032) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY 1998. (Sec. 8045) Prohibits the use of funds for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification. (Sec. 8050) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements or to hire additional personnel for such agencies, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program; (3) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated; and (4) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1997, level. (Sec. 8055) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8071) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees on all costs incurred by DOD during the preceding quarter in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) resolutions. (Sec. 8072) Prohibits the use of FY 1997 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8079) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense committees a report identifying any activity for which the FY 1999 budget request was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for that activity for FY 1998. (Sec. 8080) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless certain savings are realized by DOD as a result of such restructuring. Requires a related report from the Comptroller General. (Sec. 8082) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to permit the use of equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project on a space-available, reimbursable basis. (Sec. 8093) Reduces by specified amounts the total amount appropriated in this Act to reflect savings due to: (1) excess inventory; (2) shared cleanup costs; and (3) the repeal of provisions requiring certain defense contractor guarantees with respect to major weapon systems. (Sec. 8098) Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees: (1) an aviation safety plan of navigational safety upgrades for all DOD aircraft, along with funding requirements; and (2) a report on alternatives for current theater combat simulations. (Sec. 8101) Requires each annual Federal budget beginning with FY 1999 to include budget activity groups which separately identify all DOD costs incurred to support NATO expansion. (Sec. 8102) Prohibits DOD funds for any fiscal year from being obligated for the deployment of U.S. troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina after: (1) June 30, 1998; or (2) such later date as specifically prescribed by law. Provides exceptions. Prohibits any such funds from being used for the conduct or support of law enforcement activities in such areas, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the political and military conditions in such countries.
Law· HRH.R. 1871 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect To Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program Title VIII: 2000 Decennial Census 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama, courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform. Title VIII: 2000 Decennial Census - Directs the Department of Commerce to provide to the Congress a comprehensive plan outlining its proposed methodologies for conducting the 2000 decennial census and available methods for conducting an actual enumeration of the population.