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Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 166 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1997
Commends: (1) the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) for carrying out the first phase of implementation of the peace accords signed by the parties on December 29, 1996; (2) such Government and President Alvaro Arzu for the steps taken to tackle corruption and to strengthen civilian control over the armed forces and for putting in place the joint action commissions that will play a critical role in the implementation of the peace accords; (3) the United Nations for its work in facilitating the peace agreement and verifying the accords; and (4) the Group of Friends (Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, the United States, and Venezuela) for their support of the peace process in Guatemala. Notes the need for the greatest possible democratic participation in implementing the accords. Calls on such Government, the URNG, and the United Nations Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) to promote dialogue and consensus-building with the political parties, private sector, and civil society groups. Notes the continued involvement of military intelligence in operational police matters revealed in the Mincho case. Calls on the Government of Guatemala, with the cooperation of the URNG and MINUGUA, to conduct a full investigation into such case and to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the peace accords regarding the role of intelligence structures. Calls on such Government to: (1) provide financial, logistical, and other support to the Clarification Commission to carry out its work and to act upon the Commission's findings; (2) continue strengthening the climate of respect for human rights and interpreting the Law of National Reconciliation in such a manner that those who committed human rights violations during the armed conflict do not escape justice; (3) continue to facilitate the return of Guatemalan refugees currently living in Mexico pursuant to the October 8, 1992, agreement between such Government and the Guatemalan refugee groups; and (4) take prompt measures to increase its revenues in order to implement the socioeconomic commitments of the peace accords and to resolve the land disputes that have raised tensions in the countryside. Calls on the Clinton Administration to: (1) monitor closely the peace process in Guatemala, to support full implementation of the peace accords, and to provide adequate funds for reconstruction and development, with particular emphasis on strengthening the justice system, building a new civilian police force, alleviating extreme poverty, and ensuring the full integration of indigenous people and women into the political and economic system; (2) ensure that any U.S. assistance to the Guatemalan military be limited exclusively to aid that carries out the objectives of the peace accords of increasing civilian control over the military, limiting the role of the Guatemalan armed forces to defense of sovereignty and national security and fostering greater respect for human rights; and (3) support the work of the Commission by declassifying documents that may shed light on human rights violations committed during the Guatemalan conflict and making those documents available to the Commission and to the public.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 157 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should be committed to the proposition that global warming is a very serious international issue and should consult closely with the nations of the world to address it; and (2) the leaders and peoples of Pacific island nations should be commended for their efforts to enhance the consciousness and sensitivity of the world community by raising the issue of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
Law· SS. 1150 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Priorities, Scope, and Review of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Title II: Other Reforms of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Subtitle A: Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Subtitle B: Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Subtitle C: Amendments to Other Laws Subtitle D: New Programs Subtitle E: Studies and Miscellaneous Title III: Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems Title IV: Extension or Repeal of Certain Authorities; Technical Amendments Title V: Agricultural Program Savings Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Priorities, Scope, and Review of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to: (1) ensure that agricultural research, education, or extension activities of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) are priority concerns with a national or multistate significance; and (2) establish such priorities. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to provide for: (1) scientific peer review of research grants and merit review of extension and education grants by CSREES; and (2) scientific peer review of ARS research. Requires pre-funding merit review of land grant college and university research and extension activities. Makes related amendments to the Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887. (Sec. 104) Amends such Acts to set forth multistate project requirements for research and extension funding. (Sec. 106) Amends the Research Facilities Act and the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to provide for multistate or national activities. Title II: Other Reforms of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education - Subtitle A: Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize the Secretary to maintain a national food and agricultural education information system. (Sec. 204) Includes teaching within the activities of international research and extension. Authorizes grants for collaborative projects among Federal scientists, university faculty, and scientists from international agricultural institutions, including centers of the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research. (Sec. 206) Makes all colleges and universities eligible for agricultural research, extension, and education cost-reimbursable agreements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to revise National Agricultural Weather Information System provisions to: (1) make the System's establishment discretionary; (2) revise its components, authority, and fund use requirements; and (3) authorize appropriations. (Sec. 212) Establishes a National Food Genome Strategy, which shall include among its purposes and components Plant and Animal Genome Initiatives. (Sec. 213) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to: (1) authorize the Secretary to establish a National Advisory and Implementation Board on Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and Eradication; (2) authorize fire ant research and control grants; and (3) authorize appropriations. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to A*DEC (distance education consortium) to administer the agricultural telecommunications program. (Sec. 215) Authorizes appropriations for the assertive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Obligates a specified percent of such funds for national grants. Subtitle C: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Equity in Education Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to include the Little Priest Tribal College within the group of 1994 institutions. (Sec. 223) Amends the Smith-Lever Act to expand college and university extension funding eligibility. (Sec. 224) Amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to require increased use of land grant institution funds for integrated research and extension activities. (Sec. 225) Amends the Cooperative, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to revise special grant authority provisions. (Sec. 226) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to extend funding authority for the Fund for Rural America. (Sec. 227) Amends the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act to obligate specified funds for research projects to advance efficiency, pest and disease control, and other management aspects of beekeeping and honey production. (Sec. 228) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. Subtitle D: New Programs - Provides for research, cooperative agreements, and an ARS pilot program with respect to biobased products (produced from renewable agricultural or forestry products). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 232) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for precision agriculture (integrated information- and production-based farming system) activities, including multistate and national partnerships. Authorizes appropriations, with set-asides for specified activities. (Sec. 233) Authorizes a Formosan termite research and eradication program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 234) Directs the Secretary to periodically update nutrient composition data. (Sec. 235) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for the construction of a consolidated administrative and laboratory facility of the Animal and Plant Inspection Service to be located in or near Ames, Iowa. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 236) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through ARS, to accept as a gift and administer the National Swine Research Center in Ames, Iowa. Subtitle E: Studies and Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate whether federally funded agricultural research, education, and extension programs have national or multistate significance; and (2) request a National Academy of Sciences study of such programs' mission. (Sec. 243) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should provide matching funds for 1890 Institutions. Title III: Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems - Establishes in the Treasury the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems Account for grants to address emerging agricultural issues. Transfers unappropriated Treasury funds to the Account. Title IV: Extension or Repeal of Certain Authorities; Technical Amendments - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend program authority or authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education; (2) grants for research on the production and marketing of alcohols and industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities and forest products; (3) policy research centers; (4) the human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program; (5) the nutrition education program; (6) continuing animal health and disease research programs; (7) research on national and regional animal health or disease problems; (8) grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University; (9) national research and training centennial centers; (10) education grants for Hispanic-serving institutions; (11) general agricultural research; (12) agricultural research at state agricultural experiment stations; (13) extension education; (14) research for supplemental and alternative crops; (15) building acquisition or construction; and (16) aquaculture. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the: (1) National Genetics Resources Program; (2) agricultural telecommunications program; and (3) global climate change program. Amends the Critical Agricultural Materials Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for critical agricultural materials. Amends the Research Facilities Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for agricultural research facilities. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to extend the authorization of appropriations for Federal agricultural research facilities. Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to extend authorization of appropriations for competitive, special, and facilities research grants. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Amendments of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for agricultural research at 1890 land grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to extend the authorization of appropriations for 1994 Institutions, including institutional capacity building grants. Amends the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 to extend the authorization of appropriations for forest and rangeland renewable resources activities. Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to extend the authorization of appropriations for aquaculture activities of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior. (Sec. 402) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act to repeal authority for: (1) the pilot program to combine medical and agricultural research; and (2) the research program for intensive water recirculating aquaculture systems. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to repeal authority for the: (1) water quality research, education, and coordination program; (2) livestock product safety and inspection program; (3) national centers for agricultural product quality research; and (4) red meat safety research center. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal authority for agricultural research, education, and extension activities. (Sec. 403) Amends specified Acts to make their common names (Smith-Lever Act and the Hatch Act of 1887) their official titles. Title V: Agricultural Program Savings - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to limit amounts the Secretary may pay States for administering the food stamp program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to establish a Low-Income Area Grant Program to assist schools and service institutions to expand programs under the school breakfast and summer food service programs. Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) increase the number of covered meals and supplements under the child care and summer food service programs; and (2) authorize appropriations for the Information Clearinghouse. (Sec. 502) Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to reduce information technology funding limits. (Sec. 503) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to set forth requirements for haying and grazing on conservation reserve land.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 211 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 106 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Urges the United States to take all necessary steps to protect the Earth's climate and to take a leadership role in negotiating an international climate change agreement that: (1) contains legally binding targets and timetables beginning in 2005 for reducing greenhouse gas emissions substantially below 1990 level; (2) provides for participation by developing nations; and (3) is fair, enforceable, and provides options for nations to achieve necessary greenhouse gas reductions in a cost-effectiveness manner.
Bill· SS. 903 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Consolidation of Foreign Affairs Agencies Title I: General Provisions Title II: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title III: United States Information Agency Title IV: United States International Development Cooperation Agency Title V: Agency for International Development Title VI: Transition Title VII: Functions, Conduct, and Structure of United States Foreign Policy for the 21st Century Division B: Foreign Relations Authorization Title X: General Provisions Title XI: Department of State and Related Agencies Title XII: Other International Organizations and Commissions Title XIII: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title XIV: Peace Corps Title XV: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title XVI: Foreign Policy Division C: United Nations Reform Title XX: General Provisions Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations Title XXII: Arrears Payments and Reform Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1997 - Division A: Consolidation of Foreign Affairs Agencies - Title I: General Provisions - Foreign Affairs Agencies Consolidation Act of 1997 - Specifies the purposes of this division, including: (1) to strengthen the coordination of U.S. foreign policy; (2) to consolidate the foreign affairs functions of the United States within the Department of State; and (3) to assist congressional efforts to balance the Federal budget and reduce the Federal debt. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of State to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on budgetary cost savings resulting from the reorganization. Title II: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) as of October 1, 1998 (or, if earlier, the date mandated in the reorganization plan required by this Act), and transfers all functions of the ACDA Director to the Secretary. (Sec. 213) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish in the Department of State an Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Title III: United States Information Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) (other than the Broadcasting Board of Governors) as of October 1, 1999 (or, if earlier, the date mandated in the reorganization plan required by this Act), and transfers all functions of the USIA Director to the Secretary. (Sec. 313) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish in the Department of State an Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy. (Sec. 314) Abolishes the Office of the Inspector General of the USIA, and transfers its functions to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service. (Sec. 322) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to declare that the Broadcasting Board of Governors shall continue to exist within the executive branch of Government. (Sec. 327) Expresses the sense of the Congress that Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty (RFE-RL), Incorporated should cease to receive Federal support, and should be funded by the private sector, before December 31, 1999. Title IV: United States International Development Cooperation Agency - Abolishes the United States International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA) (including the Institute for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, but excluding the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)) as of October 1, 1998 (or, if earlier, the date mandated in the reorganization plan required by this Act), and transfers all functions of the Agency Director to the Secretary. Title V: Agency for International Development - Mandates reorganization of AID, according to a specified plan required by this Act, as of October 1, 1998 (or, if earlier, the date mandated in the plan), and transfers specified functions to the Department of State. (Sec. 522) Declares that the Administrator of AID shall serve under the direct authority of the Secretary. (Sec. 523) Directs the Secretary, under the direction of the President, to coordinate all U.S. assistance programs, projects, and activities, except export promotion (which shall be under the Secretary of Commerce) and international economic activities (which shall be under the Secretary of the Treasury). (Sec. 524) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget should apportion U.S. assistance funds appropriated to the President under the major functional budget category for international affairs to the Secretary in lieu of the apportionment of those funds to the head of any other Federal agency. Title VI: Transition - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a reorganization plan for: (1) the abolition, and transfer of functions, of ACDA, USIA, and IDCA; and (2) the consolidation, and transfer of specified functions, of AID. (Sec. 601) Sets forth transition administrative provisions regarding: (1) the Secretary's reorganization authorities; (2) the transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel; and (3) specified incidental transfers of personnel, liabilities, records, and funds. (Sec. 617) Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a final accounting of the finances and operations of the agencies abolished under this Act. Title VII: Functions, Conduct, and Structure of United States Foreign Policy for the 21st Century - Establishes the Commission on the Functions, Conduct, and Structure of United States Foreign Policy for the 21st Century to: (1) review the functions required of U.S. foreign policy to assure continued U.S. global leadership in the 21st century; (2) assess the current structures, procedures, and priorities of foreign policy decisionmaking and management, and, if necessary, to consider alternatives; and (3) evaluate the resources necessary to promote U.S. interests, values, and principles abroad. (Sec. 705) Requires the Commission to report its activities, findings, and recommendations to the Congress, the President, and the Secretary. (Sec. 710) Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate a simultaneous review of the functions, conduct, and structure of U.S. foreign relations in the same manner and to the same extent as the Commission's review; and (2) report to the Congress findings and proposals for recommended reforms. (Sec. 711) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on a national foreign relations strategy, describing the priorities and resources required to advance U.S. national interests, values, and principles. Division B: Foreign Relations Authorization - Title X (sic), General Provisions - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 - Sets forth the short title and definitions for Division B. Title XI: Department of State and Related Agencies - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) migration and refugee assistance; and (3) the Asia Foundation. (Sec. 1121) Repeals specified reporting requirements. (Sec. 1122) Amends the International Claims Settlement Act to grant jurisdiction to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to adjudicate claims included in a category of claims against a foreign government upon referral by the Secretary. (Sec. 1123) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to procure personal services in prosecuting claims against a foreign government before an international tribunal. (Sec. 1124) Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for the use of the Department of State's diplomatic reception rooms. (Sec. 1125) Prohibits the judicial review of counterterrorism and narcotics-related rewards awarded by the Secretary. (Sec. 1126) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to direct the Inspector General of the Foreign Service to develop and provide employees under investigation with information detailing their rights to counsel and the policies and procedures of the Office of Inspector General. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the Office's policy guidelines with respect to public disclosure of information during an ongoing investigation. (Sec. 1127) Declares that it is U.S. policy to foster and support procurement of international telecommunications goods and services from private, commercial companies. Directs the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office (DTS-PO) to use full and open competition in the procurement of telecommunications services, and otherwise implement such policy. (Sec. 1141) Repeals the establishment of a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Burdensharing. (Sec. 1142) Amends Federal criminal law to subject to both criminal and civil penalties any person who serves in the position of chief of mission and who, within one year after termination from such position, engages in certain lobbying activities. (Sec. 1143) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary, under the State Department health care program, to collect from a third party payer the reasonable costs incurred by the Department on behalf of covered beneficiaries for health care services to the same extent that such a beneficiary would be eligible to receive indemnification from the third party payer for such costs. (Sec. 1145) Limits the remedial authority of the Foreign Service Grievance Board. (Sec. 1146) Authorizes the Secretary to provide training through the Foreign Service Institute to U.S. company employees and their families engaged in business abroad. Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for use of the Department's National Foreign Affairs Training Center Facility. (Sec. 1147) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize a Federal agency to make grants to the Department, or otherwise reimburse or credit it with advance payment, for funds used in providing assistance to overseas educational facilities attended by children of agency employees. (Sec. 1148) Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act to authorize the U.S. Central Authority to make grants to, or contract with, any individual, corporation, or other Federal, State, or local agency, or U.S. private organization for the purpose of helping it remedy international child abductions (returning wrongfully removed children, as well as securing the exercise of visitation rights). (Sec. 1151) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize special agents of the Department and the Foreign Service, among other things, to conduct investigative leads or perform other law enforcement duties at the request of any law enforcement agency while assigned to a U.S. Mission outside of the United States. (Sec. 1161) Authorizes any U.S. citizen employee of the Department designated to adjudicate nationality abroad to issue reports of birth of U.S. citizens abroad, authenticate certain foreign documents, perform certain notarial acts, administer oaths, and perform certain naturalization functions. (Sec. 1164) Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to exclude from admission into the United States: (1) any member of former Soviet Union intelligence services, with specified exceptions; and (2) any alien who has supported the abduction of children. (Sec. 1165) Authorizes the Secretary to deny the issuance of a visa to any alien who has confiscated property owned by U.S. persons. Title XII: Other International Organizations and Commissions - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) international conferences and contingencies; and (2) certain international commissions. (Sec. 1212) Withholds from obligation an amount equivalent to 110 percent of the total unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines owed to the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and New York by the government of a foreign country in a fiscal year until the Secretary certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such fines are fully paid. (Sec. 1213) Directs the United States to: (1) either limit to no more than $500,000 its annual dues for membership in the Interparliamentary Union; or (2) formally withdraw from it. Prohibits the use of Department funds for congressional participation in such organization. (Sec. 1214) Prohibits, without a prior estimated expense report to the Department's Director of the Office of International Conferences, the use of any funds under this Act to pay: (1) foreign travel expenses of an employee of the U.S. executive agencies (with certain exceptions) in attending any international conference or in engaging in any other foreign travel; or (2) the routine services that a U.S. diplomatic mission provides in support of travel by such employee. Title XIII: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 to: (1) carry out specified international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs; and (2) certain organizations under the National Endowment for Democracy Act. (Sec. 1311) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the USIA to receive fees from educational advising and counseling, exchange visitor program services, advertising sold by the Voice of America, and receipts from international organizations and from the privatization of the Voice of America (VOA) Europe. (Sec. 1313) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to revise the Muskie Fellowship Program for graduate students from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to require selection of participants on the basis of academic and leadership potential in the additional fields of journalism and communications, education administration, public policy, and library and information science. (Sec. 1314) Amends Federal law to repeal the termination date for the USIA au pair program (thus extending indefinitely the authority for the program). (Sec. 1315) Earmarks a specified amount of funds for RFE-RL, Incorporated, for surrogate radio broadcasting (Radio Free Iran) to the Iranian people in the Farsi language. (Sec. 1316) Directs VOA to devote programming time each day to broadcasting information on the individual U.S. States. (Sec. 1317) Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to establish within the USIA, in order to improve the coordination and effectiveness of U.S. Government sponsored international exchanges and training, a senior-level interagency Working Group on United States Government Sponsored International Exchanges and Training. (Sec. 1319) Authorizes the Director of USIA to administer summer travel-work programs without regard to preplacement requirements. Title XIV: Peace Corps - Peace Corps Act Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for the Peace Corps. Prohibits the use of funds to pay for abortions. Title XV: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 to carry out the purposes of the ACDA. (Sec. 1511) Amends the ACDA to declare that nothing in such Act shall be construed to authorize any Government action which would interfere with, restrict, or prohibit the acquisition, possession, or lawful use of firearms by an individual. Title XVI: Foreign Policy - Declares that all nondiplomatic accounts of the Government of Iraq in the United States that have been blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act shall vest in, and be liquidated by, the President. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the vesting of the accounts, to establish within the Treasury the Iraq Claims Fund for payment of private or U.S. Government claims. Requires the President to determine the validity and amounts of U.S. Government claims against the Government of Iraq. Authorizes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to receive and determine the validity and amounts of private claims against Iraq. (Sec. 1602) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe should introduce a resolution abrogating the sovereign status of Belarus within the United Nations (UN) if Belarus concludes a treaty of unification with another country. (Sec. 1603) Earmarks specified funds for construction of a U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. Bars the use of funds for: (1) the operation of a U.S. consulate in Jerusalem unless it is under the supervision of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel; and (2) the publication of any official government document which lists countries and their capitals unless it identifies Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. (Sec. 1604) Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet. (Sec. 1605) Amends Federal criminal law to exempt from provisions prohibiting a U.S. citizen from transacting financial business with a country that supports international terrorism any financial transaction: (1) engaged in by U.S. officers or employees acting within their official capacities; (2) for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian assistance to a foreign country; (3) involving travel or other activity by any journalist or other member of the news media in a foreign country; or (4) with a specified country that is determined vital to the national security interests of the United States. (Sec. 1606) Prohibits the United States from expelling, extraditing, or otherwise effecting the involuntary return of any person to a country in which there are reasonable grounds to believe the person would be in danger of subjection to torture. (Sec. 1607) Directs the President to report periodically to the Congress on the situation of U.S. armed forces in Haiti. (Sec. 1608) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should discuss with the democratically-elected governments of the Western Hemisphere the prospect of forming a multilateral alliance to address problems relating to international drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. (Sec. 1609) Directs the President to assess, and report to the Congress, the effect on the U.S. economy and environment of any objectives, targets, policies, or measures proposed for the control, limitation, or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of the Developed Country Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Sec. 1610) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on criminal cases involving diplomatic immunity. (Sec. 1611) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Italian Republic must honor its Treaty obligations with regard to the confiscated property of Mr. Pier Talenti by negotiating a prompt resolution of his case. Urges the Department of State to continue to press the Italian Government to resolve the claim. Division C: United Nations Reform - Title XX (sic): General Provisions - United Nations Reform Act of 1997 - Prohibits the Secretary from delegating the authority in this division to make any certification. Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of State for FY 1998 and 1999 for the U.S. assessed contributions to the UN for international organizations. Declares that a specified amount of such funds may be made available only semi-annually and only after the Secretary certifies on a semi-annual basis that the UN has taken no action to increase its budget. Withholds 20 percent of such funds until a certification is made that the UN has satisfied certain conditions. Prohibits the disbursement of such funds until the Secretary certifies to the Congress that: (1) the United States has not contributed any funds to pay for any expenses related to the holding of a UN Global Conference; and (2) no portion of such funds will be used to fund any other organization other than the UN, including the Framework Convention on Global Climate Change and the International Seabed Authority. Sets forth other specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. (Sec. 2102) Declares it to be U.S. policy to: (1) promote an end to Israel's inequity in the UN due to its denied acceptance into any of the UN's regional blocs; and (2) seek abolition of certain UN Palestinian groups. (Sec. 2103) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and !999 to the Department to carry out U.S. foreign affairs with respect to international peacekeeping activities. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the status of UN peacekeeping operations. (Sec. 2105) Directs the President to obtain reimbursement from the UN for expenses incurred by it in UN peacekeeping operations, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 2106) Directs the President to withhold the U.S. share of funds for any UN peace operation, unless it is determined, and appropriate congressional committees are notified, that funding such operation is important to the national security interests of the United States. (Sec. 2107) Declares that it shall be U.S. policy: (1) to ensure that major peacekeeping operations authorized by the UN Security Council are undertaken by a competent regional organization such as NATO or a multinational force, and not established as a peacekeeping operation under UN operational control which would be paid for by assessment of UN members; and (2) to consider, on a case-by-case basis, whether it is in the U.S. national interest to agree that smaller peacekeeping operations should be established under UN operational control paid for by UN member assessment. (Sec. 2108) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should make every effort to pay the U.S. assessed funding levels for the Organization of American States. Title XXII: Arrears Payment and Reform - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 only for the payment of arrearages in assessed contributions to the UN for: (1) the U.S. share of assessments for the regular UN budget (excluding the budgets of UN specialized agencies); (2) the U.S. share of UN peace operations; (3) the U.S. share of UN specialized agencies; and (4) the U.S. share of other international organizations. Authorizes the disbursement of such funds only upon submission to the Congress of certain certifications concerning the reform of UN fiscal, budget, and personnel practices, assessments, and peacekeeping operations. (Sec. 2242) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any arrearage for: (1) the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, including any costs to merge it into the UN; (2) the costs associated with any UN organization from which the United States has withdrawn; or (3) the World Tourism Organization, or any other organization with respect to the Congress has rescinded funding.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 98 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy.
Bill· HRH.R. 1276 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1998 and 1999 for specified science and technology activities. Prohibits authorization of funds under this Act for: (1) the Environmental Technology Initiative; (2) the Climate Change Action Plan; or (3) Indoor Air Research. Prohibits authorization of funds under this Act, other than amounts awarded through a competitive process, for the following activities: (1) the North Dakota Center for Air Toxic Metals Research; (2) the American Water Works Association Research Foundation; (3) the Association of California Water Agencies; (4) the Water Environmental Research Foundation; (5) the Experimental Program to Stimulate Cooperative Research; (6) Oil Spill Restoration at the Louisiana Environmental Research Center; (7) the Mine Waste Technology Program; (8) Livestock and Agriculture Pollution Abatement; (9) Resource and Agriculture Policy Development; (10) the San Joaquin Valley PM-10 Study; (11) the Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center; (12) the Gulf Coast Hazardous Substances Research Center; (13) the Salinity of the Salton Sea Study at the University of Redlands; (14) the Clean Air Status and Trends Network monitoring station in New England; (15) the National Decentralized Water Resources Capacity Project; (16) the Lung Disease Study by the National Jewish Center; (17) the Lower Mississippi River Cancer Study; or (18) the Northern Iowa Small Business Pollution Prevention Center. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to assign to the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development the duties of: (1) developing and integrating a strategic plan for scientific and technical research activities; and (2) reviewing all EPA research to ensure that it is of high quality and not duplicative of other EPA research. Requires a report to the Congress regarding research that is of insufficiently high quality or is duplicative. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator to ensure that any fellowship award funded under this Act is used only to support research that would further missions of the Office of Research and Development in fields in which there is, or is projected to be, a shortage of scientists. (Sec. 6) Provides procedures for Science Advisory Board reports to the Congress regarding research programs proposed in the President's budget for EPA, periodic evaluation of selected areas of current and planned research, development, and demonstration activities, and annual review of research activities. Requires Board reports required to be submitted to the Administrator to be submitted also to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for activities of the Board. (Sec. 7) Imposes restrictions on lobbying activities, funding of activities other than those for which funds are specifically authorized under this Act, and grants after FY 1997 for a project not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. (Sec. 8) Sets forth congressional committee notice requirements applicable to funds reprogramming actions and any major reorganization of an EPA program, project, or activity. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to EPA planning for the year 2000 computer problem.
Bill· HRH.R. 1278 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
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.