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Bill· HRH.R. 4275 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Works and Economic Development Programs Subtitle A: Reauthorizations Subtitle B: Innovative Financing Pilot Programs Title II: Appalachian Regional Development Economic Development Partnership Act of 1998 - Title I: Public Works and Economic Development Programs - Subtitle A: Reauthorizations - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to cooperate with States and other entities to assure that Federal economic development programs are compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development strategies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide appropriate technical assistance to such entities in order to alleviate economic distress, encourage partnerships for economic development strategies, and stimulate modernization and technological advances in the generation and commercialization of goods and services; and (2) issue regulations for intergovernmental review of proposed economic development projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into appropriate economic development agreements with two or more adjoining States. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients (defined later under this Act) for acquisition or development of land improvements for public works, public service, or development facility usage, as well as the acquisition, design and engineering, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such facilities. Provides assistance conditions relating to the establishment of industrial or commercial plants and the increase of employment in the area. Prohibits more than 15 percent of the appropriations made for such assistance from being expended in any one State. Allows grants to be increased due to construction cost increases, with limitations. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for economic development planning and related administrative expenses. Requires such planning to be a continuous process and to be prepared as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the area involved. Requires State certification of an economic development plan's consistency with local and economic development district plans. Provides a Federal cost-share limit of 50 percent of project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary grants for a project for which the applicant is eligible but cannot supply the required matching share. Provides supplementary grant conditions and requirements, authorizing the Secretary to reduce or waive the required non-Federal share in such cases. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for training, research, and technical assistance for alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment. Allows such grants to include amounts for relocation assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct grants for public facilities, public services, business development, planning, technical assistance, training and other assistance which demonstrably furthers the economic adjustment objectives of the Act. Allows such grant to be used in either direct expenditures by the recipient or through redistribution to other public and private entities, but prohibits any such redistribution to a private profit-making entity. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) approve the use of grant funds for projects the scope or purpose for which changes after the grant has been made; (2) use funds for projects constructed for less than the projected costs to improve such projects; and (3) make assistance available for projects to be carried out at a military or Department of Energy installation. Prohibits any assistance under the Act which would produce unfair commercial competition. Authorizes the sale of financial instruments in revolving loan funds to further the purposes of the Act. Requires reports from grant and assistance recipients. Defines as an eligible recipient for purposes of this Act an area that: (1) has a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average or an unemployment rate one percent above such average; (2) has experienced or is about to experience a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment; or (3) is determined by the Secretary to be a pocket of poverty or high unemployment within a larger community of less economic distress and that has demonstrated a resistance to economic recovery without assistance under the Act. Requires from recipients: (1) documentation of the presence of any such criteria; and (2) a comprehensive economic development strategy which identifies the economic problems to be addressed through such assistance, as well as related information. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to plan and carry out economic development projects of broader geographic significance, to designate appropriate economic development districts and economic development centers within such districts. Provides geographic, population, and other requirements with respect to each such designation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for the termination of such districts and centers. Authorizes the Secretary to increase by up to ten percent of project costs the amount of grant assistance otherwise provided in the Act for projects within designated districts. Requires each designated district to provide to the Appalachian Regional Commission a copy of such district's comprehensive economic development strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to a district area which does not meet the requirements of an eligible recipient under the Act when such assistance will be of substantial direct benefit to a qualifying area in such district. Directs the Secretary to administer this Act with the assistance of an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Economic Development Administration (EDA) an Office of Economic Development Information to serve as a central information clearinghouse on all matters relating to economic development programs and activities of Federal and State governments, to help applicants for such assistance, and to develop electronic links or other connections to other information databases to assist such entities in identifying and applying for assistance and resources under such programs. Requires public access to Office information and data services. Requires appropriate consultation with other persons and agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish procurement divisions of the Federal Government with a list of business firms located in distressed areas which desire Government supplies and services contracts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify specified congressional committees of any EDA reorganization of its offices, programs, or activities at least 30 days before such reorganization; (2) conduct an evaluation at least every three years of each university center and economic development district receiving assistance to assess its performance and contribution toward job retention and creation; (3) establish a Federal Coordinating Council for Economic Development to coordinate with Federal, State, and other districts and organizations its activities relating to comprehensive economic development strategies and grants; and (4) establish an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Task Force to review and make recommendations concerning the financial management and related standards and requirements of revolving loan funds from which financial instruments are sold in order to further the purposes of this Act. Imposes penalties upon persons who: (1) make false statements in order to obtain assistance under the Act; and (2) embezzle or commit other fraud-related crimes while connected in any capacity with the Secretary in the administration of the Act. Sets forth: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions; and (2) recordkeeping requirements for the Secretary and recipients regarding assistance under this Act. Provides that assistance under the Act shall supplement and not supplant other Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Authorizes additional appropriations for administrative expenses and defense conversion activities. Subtitle B: Innovative Financing Pilot Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee a loan made by a private lending institution to a State, political subdivision, Indian tribe, or organization or association for any purpose for which the Secretary can make a direct grant under title I of this Act. Provides funding. (Sec. 122) Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, to carry out a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of encouraging economic development by making grants for reducing interest rates on loans for economic development activities. Outlines grant requirements, terms, and conditions. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary to convey to the city of Two Harbors, Minnesota, the J and J Casting Site in Lake County, Minnesota, together with a road easement. (Sec. 124) Directs the Secretary, by September 30 of each of FY 1999 through 2003, to report to the Congress an evaluation of the effectiveness of the loan guarantees and grants under this Subtitle. (Sec. 125) Prohibits funds made available under this Act from being expended in violation of the Buy American Act. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to: (1) require the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to meet at least once a year and allow the ARC to conduct additional meetings by electronic means as considered advisable; (2) require the ARC to obtain a quorum of State members before reaching certain decisions; (3) extend permanently the authorization of appropriations for ARC administrative expenses; (4) revise compensation levels for ARC employees; (5) extend ARC administrative authority through FY 2003; and (6) reduce from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to demonstration health projects in the Appalachian region under this Act, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. (Sec. 208) Repeals the following programs and provisions under the Act: (1) the land stabilization, conservation, and erosion control program; (2) the timber development program; (3) the mining area restoration program; (4) the water resource development and utilization survey; (5) the Appalachian airport safety improvements program; (6) the sewage treatment works program; and (7) amendments to the Housing Act of 1954. (Sec. 214) Reduces from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to Appalachian vocational education and education demonstration projects, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. Makes an identical reduction with respect to Federal costs for Federal grant-in-aid programs in the Appalachian region. (Sec. 218) Adds specified criteria and measurements to be considered when determining programs and projects to be given assistance under the Act. (Sec. 219) Directs the ARC to designate as: (1) distressed counties those counties that are the most severely and persistently distressed; (2) competitive counties those counties which are approaching economic parity with the rest of the country; and (3) attainment counties those counties which have attained or exceeded such economic parity. Requires the ARC to give special consideration to counties designated as distressed. Limits to 30 percent of project costs the authorized assistance for a county designated as competitive and prohibits assistance for a county designated as attainment. Provides exceptions and an authorized waiver by the ARC. (Sec. 220) Empowers the ARC (currently, the President) to make grants for administrative expenses and ARC research and development projects under the Act. Reduces from 75 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal share of such projects, with an exception of 80 percent for counties designated as distressed. Repeals provisions concerning such projects which: (1) require certain ARC studies and reports; (2) authorize appropriations through June 30, 1969; and (3) ensure public availability of all information obtained from such projects. (Sec. 221) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations and termination date under the Act.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 301 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1998
Declares that the Congress affirms: (1) its longstanding commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) its expectation that the future status of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means, that the people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait should determine their own future, and that it considers any effort to determine or influence Taiwan's future status by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific region and of grave concern to the United States; (3) its commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services, including appropriate ballistic missile defenses, as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; (4) that only the President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services needed by Taiwan; and (5) its strong support of appropriate membership for Taiwan in international financial institutions and other international organizations. Urges the President to seek a public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of force, or threat to use force, against the free people of Taiwan.
Bill· HRH.R. 4244 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Federal Procurement System Performance Measurement and Acquisition Workforce Training Act of 1998 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to direct the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to establish a system for measuring the performance and effectiveness of the Federal procurement system and each of its elements. Requires the performance standards to be structured: (1) to enable the Congress, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, and the heads of executive agencies to track progress of achievement of acquisition reform objectives on a Government-wide basis and to gauge the effectiveness of the procurement system in supporting the accomplishment of the mission of such agencies; and (2) to benchmark the performance of such agencies against the performance of private and public sector procurement operations. States that the objective of procurement performance measurement system shall be to use the performance data to improve executive agency acquisition practices and policies in order to enhance support for the accomplishment of the mission of such agencies. Directs the head of each executive agency for which more than half of the funds appropriated are expended for procurement, to include, as a part of the agency's annual performance plan, a specified assessment of the performance of its procurement system in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the agency in accomplishing its mission. (Sec. 3) Revises mandatory training and education requirements for the acquisition workforce of executive agencies to require each executive agency head to establish for each career path requirements for initial and continuing education. Provides for such requirements to include, at a minimum, the core curriculum, continuing education programs, and policy implementation training required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Includes in the acquisition workforce: (1) program managers with significant acquisition responsibilities; (2) contracting officers and contracting officer representatives with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts above the micro-purchase threshold; and (3) other Federal employees who are assigned significant acquisition roles and responsibilities. Sets forth training and education qualifications to be required for contracting officers with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts: (1) below the micro-purchase threshold; and (2) above such threshold. Permits an agency head to waive such requirements for employees with significant potential for advancement. Revises provisions relating to qualifications required for contracting officers of the Department of Defense to set forth training and education requirements for officers with authority over contracts for amounts: (1) below the simplified acquisition threshold; and (2) above such threshold. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require employees in the G-1102 occupational series to meet any additional qualification requirements established by the Administrator for senior contracting positions in such series. Applies the exception to the educational requirements for service in the Acquisition Corps of a military department to any employee who passes a specified examination (currently, specified service is required). Permits agency heads to determine that certain Federal acquisition positions are "shortage category" positions in order to recruit and directly hire employees, including preference eligible, with unusually high qualifications. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to authorize the rapid promotion of Federal acquisition personnel (including personnel in the Department of Defense) who satisfactorily complete programs of training and education required by FAR for positions at higher General Schedule grade levels in their respective fields and who meet or exceed standards for satisfactory performance. Permits agency heads to provide any such personnel with a maximum of two promotions during any 52-week period. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to establish requirements for acquisition professionals to obtain and maintain certification by a relevant professional association or organization or other entities as authorized in FAR. Requires Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council members to review, approve, and promulgate in FAR certification requirements core curricula, continuing education programs, and policy implementation training recommended by the Director of the Federal Acquisition Institute to ensure that instructional materials provided for the Federal acquisition workforce accurately incorporate the provisions and intent of FAR and are effective in providing the skills and knowledge necessary to competently implement those provisions and enable the workforce to obtain the best value in awarding and administering Federal contracts. Requires the Administrator, with respect to providing for and directing the Institute's activities, to: (1) provide fellowships and grants for researching acquisition issues; (2) develop and recommend core curricula, continuing education programs, and policy implementation training, and other instructional materials for acquisition personnel in coordination with private and public sector acquisition colleges and training facilities and integrate those instructional materials with electronic performance support systems for just-in-time delivery of initial and continuing education in critical duties and tasks; and (3) enter into partnerships with private and public sector employers of acquisition personnel and with nonprofit professional associations in developing and maintaining valid and reliable professional certification programs for acquisition disciplines. (Sec. 5) Revises the requirement regarding the funding levels for acquisition workforce training and education to require each executive agency head to be responsible for ensuring that adequate funding is included in the agency's budget requests and for ensuring any funds provided for the education and training of the acquisition workforce are expended for such purposes. Requires the agency head, in requesting funding as a part of the agency's budget request, to take into consideration the results of the assessment of the performance of the agency's procurement system in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the agency in accomplishing its mission. Requires the Administrator to: (1) review agency budget requests to assess and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of funding levels for the education and training of the acquisition workforce; (2) include sufficient funds in the budget recommended for the Institute for instructional material, policy implementation training, and technology-based learning tools and support systems; (3) prepare a report for inclusion with the President's budget on the adequacy of amounts requested by agencies for acquisition work. Authorizes an agency head to pay membership and certification and testing fees for employees to organizations to further acquisition professionalism. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General: (1) to conduct an independent evaluation of the actions taken by executive agencies to carry out the requirements relating to the acquisition workforce; and (2) on or before February 10, 2000, to report on the evaluation to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the transfer of limited funds appropriated for FY 1993 or thereafter to an account of OMB, following notice to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, for use by the Administrator for administering Government-wide acquisition workforce training activities and related purposes.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 503 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LII (Drug Testing) to require each Member, officer, and employee of the House to participate in a mandatory drug testing program. Conditions the employment of officers and employees by the House on participation in the program. Requires: (1) the Clerk of the House to contract with a private, nongovernmental entity to carry out the drug testing program; and (2) random testing of each Member, officer, and employees on a neutral selection basis, and in an appropriate testing frequency and ratio (as defined by this rule), and in addition to any methods under the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, using urinalysis, hair testing, and other appropriate methods of testing for illegal use of controlled substances. Requires confirmed positive results to be provided to the Member, officer, or employee involved or in the case of: (1) a Member, to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct; (2) an employee of a Member, to the Member; (3) an employee of a committee, to the chair and ranking minority member of the committee; and (4) an officer or employee not described in paragraphs (3) or (4), to the Speaker, Majority Leader, Majority Whip, Minority Leader, and Minority Whip. Requires each final test result of Members to be included in a biennial report of the Clerk of the House and printed as a House document. Subjects, at the request of the supervising Member of an officer or employee of the House, the individual to a drug test if: (1) evidence exists that supports a reasonable suspicion that the officer or employee may be engaging in or has engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances, or is otherwise in violation of a policy of the supervising Member regarding the illegal use of controlled substance; (2) such individual is participating in or has participated in a substance abuse treatment program under an employee assistance program or is otherwise receiving treatment or counseling for substance abuse; (3) such individual has been involved in an accident which may have involved human error and which caused or may have caused a fatality, an injury, or significant property damage in an estimated amount of at least $200; (4) the supervising Member proposes to promote the individual; or (5) the individual is returning to employment with the House after a period of absence of at least six months. Requires the Committee to publicly disclose the identity of any Member who refuses to provide a sample for testing under the program and to take such other action as it considers appropriate against such a Member. Bars an individual who is an officer or employee of the House as of August 1, 1998, from continuing to serve after the expiration of the 180-day period which begins on the adoption of this resolution unless during such period the individual executes a witnessed statement agreeing to participate in random employee drug testing. Prohibits an individual who is first given an offer of employment by the House on or after August 1, 1998, from being hired unless: (1) the individual executes a witnessed statement agreeing to participate in the random drug testing program if hired; (2) the individual provides a sample for the testing; and (3) the individual's sample does not produce a confirmed positive result. Precludes an officer or employee from carrying out any duties with respect to the fields of national defense, foreign policy, intelligence, law enforcement, or any other field involving national security or public safety (as determined in accordance with regulations issued by the Committee on House Oversight) unless the individual participates in the drug testing program. Amends rule XXXII (Of admission to the floor) to prohibit an officer or employee of the House from being entitled to admission to the Hall of the House or rooms leading thereto unless such individual participates in the drug testing program. Amends rule I (Duties of the Speaker) to strike provisions requiring the Speaker to develop a system for drug testing in the House.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 300 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Declares that the Congress affirms: (1) its longstanding commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) its expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means and that it considers any effort to determine Taiwan's future by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific and of grave concern to the United States; (3) its commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; and (4) its commitment that only the President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services needed by Taiwan. Urges the President to seek a public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of force, or threat to use force, against democratic Taiwan.
Bill· SS. 2312 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: General Provisions Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies. Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) automation enhancement; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) repair and restoration of the Treasury building and annex; (5) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (6) violent crime reduction programs; (7) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, including amounts for acquisition of additional real property and facilities and maintenance and facility improvements; (8) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (9) the Financial Management Service; (10) the Debt Collection Improvement Account; (11) the Federal Financing Bank; (12) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (13) the U.S. Customs Service, including amounts for operations and maintenance of marine vessels and aircraft and collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee; (14) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (15) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including amounts for tax law enforcement, earned income tax credit compliance and error reduction initiatives, information systems, and information technology investments; and (16) the Secret Service, including an amount for construction and improvement of facilities. (Sec. 117) Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that any property with respect to which certain financial transactions are prohibited or regulated under specified provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 prohibiting assistance to Cuba, or any order, regulation, or license issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to execution or attachment in aid of execution of any judgment relating to a claim for which a foreign state claiming such property is not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts in cases where damages are sought against the state for injury or death caused by torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or support for such acts. Makes such requirement inapplicable if, at the time the property is expropriated or seized by the foreign state, the property has been held in title by a natural person or held in trust for the benefit of a natural person. Requires the Secretaries of the Treasury and State, at the request of any party in whose favor a judgment has been issued with respect to a claim for which the foreign state is not immune, to assist any judgment creditor or court in identifying, locating, and executing against the property of such state. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. Title II: Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for payments to the Postal Service Fund for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for: (1) compensation of the President and the White House office; (2) operating, maintenance, and reimbursable expenses of the Executive Residence at the White House; (3) special assistance to the President and the official residence of the Vice President; (4) the Council of Economic Advisers; (5) the Office of Policy Development; (6) the National Security Council; (7) the Office of Administration; (8) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (9) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (10) Federal drug control programs, including amounts for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and for a national anti-drug campaign for youth; and (11) emergency expenses related to year 2000 conversion of Federal information technology systems. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Federal Election Commission; (3) Federal Labor Relations Authority; and (4) General Services Administration (GSA), including amounts for the Federal Buildings Fund, Government-wide policy and operations, Office of Inspector General, and allowances and office staff for former Presidents. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 409) Authorizes the GSA Administrator to convey without consideration to the city of Racine, Wisconsin, certain excess real property containing the Army Reserve Center. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2) the National Archives and Records Administration, including amounts for repairs and restoration of archives; (3) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (4) the Office of Government Ethics; (5) the Office of Personnel Management, including an amount for the Office of Inspector General; (6) Government contributions for health and life insurance benefits for annuitants; (7) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (8) the Office of Special Counsel; and (9) the U.S. Tax Court. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth prohibited uses of funds made available under this Act. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds appropriated for Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 625) Requires the OMB Director to report to the Congress: (1) estimates of costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs and of each rule likely to have a gross annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more in increased costs; (2) impacts of Federal rules on the private sector and all levels of government; and (3) recommendations for reform or elimination of inefficient regulatory programs. (Sec. 632) Bars the use of funds made available for the Customs Service in this Act to allow the importation of any good produced or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor. (Sec. 634) Requires the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service to conduct a quarterly threat assessment on the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, upon submission of proper documentation, to reimburse importers of large capacity military magazine rifles for which authority was granted to import such firearms into the United States on or before November 14, 1997, and which were released under bond to the importer by the Customs Service on or before February 10, 1998, provided that such an importer abandons title to the firearms to the United States. (Sec. 642) Bars the heads of executive agencies from acquiring items that appear on lists required to be prepared by the Secretary of Labor of items that might have been mined, produced, or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor. Requires the heads of executive agencies to include in solicitations of offers for procurement contracts of items included on such lists certain requirements for: (1) contractor certifications regarding good faith efforts to determine whether child labor was used with respect to such items and that the contractor is unaware of the use of child labor; and (2) full cooperation by the contractor for access to records or premises if requested by U.S. officials. Applies such requirement to acquisitions in excess of the micro-purchase threshold, as defined in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Authorizes termination of contracts for violation of such requirements. Permits debarment or suspension of a contractor from eligibility for Federal contracts for a period of three years if the contractor furnished items involving, or used, child labor. Revises the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide for the implementation of this section. Makes this section inapplicable to a contract: (1) for the procurement of any article from a foreign country that is a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement annexed to the World Trade Organization Agreement or to the North American Free Trade Agreement; and (2) that is of a value equal to or greater than the U.S. threshold specified in either of such agreements. (Sec. 643) Provides for a 3.6 percent increase in rates of basic pay for Federal employees for FY 1999.
Bill· HRH.R. 4226 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act of 1998 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase bullet resistant equipment for use by law enforcement officers. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, preferential consideration, minimum and maximum allocations, matching funds, awards to local governmental units with fewer than 100,000 residents, and application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should purchase only American-made equipment and products. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to: (1) conduct research and otherwise work to develop new bullet resistant technologies for use in police equipment; (2) inventory bullet resistant technologies used in the private sector, in surplus military property, and by foreign countries; and (3) promulgate relevant standards for, and conduct technical and operational testing and evaluation of, bullet resistant technology and equipment, and otherwise facilitate the use of that technology in police equipment. Directs NIJ to give priority in testing and engineering surveys to law enforcement partnerships developed in coordination with High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 4220 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
Veterans Benefits Restoration Act of 1998 - Repeals a Federal provision which prohibits a veteran's disability or death from being considered to have resulted from a personal injury suffered or a disease contracted in the line of duty on the basis that it resulted from the use of tobacco products during the veteran's military, naval, or air service. Provides that such repeal shall apply to any claim for compensation received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before or after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget from making any estimate of changes in direct spending outlays under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) for any fiscal year resulting from the enactment of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 502 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1998
Congratulates: (1) the people of Colombia for their recent demonstration of support for the democratic process (as evidenced by the June 21, 1998, election); and (2) President-elect Andres Pastrana for his election victory and for his commitment to seek an end to the guerrilla and paramilitary violence in Colombia. Urges: (1) the guerrilla leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) to end the violence, sever their relationship with narcotics traffickers, and negotiate a peace accord with the new Government of Colombia; (2) the incoming Pastrana government to take greater action against paramilitary units that commit gross human rights violations; (3) the leadership of FARC and ELN to release all hostages currently being held or to account for their whereabouts; (4) the international community to play a more proactive role in trying to resolve the internal conflict; and (5) the Administration to reevaluate U.S. policies toward Colombia and review the need for U.S. assistance.
Bill· SS. 2298 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Indian Civil Rights Enforcement Act - Amends the Indian Civil Rights Act to grant jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts in any civil rights action alleging a failure to comply with rights secured under such Act. Permits an aggrieved individual or the Attorney General to bring an action in a U.S. district court for a declaratory judgment or equitable relief against an Indian tribe , upon exhaustion of remedies in a tribal court of appropriate jurisdiction (if any), to seek compliance with such rights as are timely and reasonable. Provides for the district court to adopt any findings of fact made by the tribal court (if any) with respect to the action, unless it determines that the tribal court: (1) did not operate independently from the legislative or executive authority of the tribe; (2) was not authorized to determine matters of law and fact or did not fully determine those matters; (3) permitted a person or entity to assert a defense of immunity in a declaratory action or an action to seek equitable relief; (4) failed to resolve the merits of the factual dispute; (5) employed a fact finding procedure that was not adequate to afford a full and fair hearing; (6) did not adequately develop facts that are material to the case; (7) failed to provide a full, fair, and adequate hearing; or (8) made factual determinations that are not fairly supported by the record. Requires the district court, if it finds that such a condition applies, to conduct a de novo review of the allegations contained in the complaint. Waives tribal immunity if necessary to enforce this Act.
Bill· SS. 2296 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Defense Jobs and Trade Promotion Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on the amount of receipts attributable to military property which may be treated as exempt foreign trade income.
Bill· SS. 2288 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Transfer of Functions of the Joint Committee on Printing Title II: Government Publications Office Title III: Government Publications Office; Publications Production and Production Procurement Services Title IV: Office of Government Publications Access Programs Title V: Administrative and Savings Provisions Wendell H. Ford Government Publications Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: Transfer of Functions of the Joint Committee on Printing - Repeals provisions regarding the Joint Committee on Printing. Transfers legislative oversight functions of the Committee to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Oversight (committees). Title II: Government Publications Office - Replaces provisions regarding the Government Printing Office (GPO) with those establishing a Government Publications Office, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Authorizes the Administrator to remedy neglect, delay, duplication, or waste in the production, procurement, and dissemination of the Government's publications, and to enhance the dissemination of, and maintenance of permanent public access to, such publications. Sets forth provisions regarding Publications Office employee pay. Incorporates provisions similar to existing GPO provisions regarding: (1) night work; (2) disbursing officers; (3) a revolving fund for operations; (4) payments for printing, supplies, and production services; (5) machinery or supplies from other Government agencies; (6) supplies furnished to other agencies; (7) limitations on branch offices; (8) details of employees; and (9) special policemen. Sets forth Publication Office procurement authority. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate procurement authority to other agencies seeking authority for the procurement of services. Requires Publication Office regulations to: (1) prohibit an agency from contracting for production of services with another agency or a private sector commercial source unless such entity has been certified by the Administrator as having met this title's requirements; and (2) require the Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs (established by this Act) to be a signatory to the procurement contract. Abolishes GPO and transfers GPO functions and employees to the Publications Office or the Office of Government Publications Access Programs established under this Act. Title III: Government Publications Office; Publications Production and Production Procurement Services - Replaces provisions regarding production and procurement of printing and binding with those regarding Publications Office production and procurement services. Authorizes the Publications Office to produce or procure the production of Government publications, including those created for or transmitted through an electronic communications system, as requisitioned by the Congress, Federal agencies and the Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs. Makes the Publications Office the only authorized Federal agency to provide publications production and procurement services for the Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the judiciary (other than the Supreme Court), and every other executive department and independent establishment of the Government, except for: (1) those publications created only for dissemination through an electronic communications system, provided certain requirements of this Act are met; (2) individual production orders by the executive branch costing no more than $1,000, subject to certain conditions; and (3) publications production for the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, or the National Security Agency. Authorizes executive or judicial branch agencies to procure publications production and procurement services under delegation of authority from the Administrator, subject to certain requirements. Bars agencies from participating in public or private partnerships to produce Government publications or from entering into contractual arrangements for the production, procurement, or dissemination of Government publications unless such action complies with the Federal Publications Dissemination Act of 1998 (title IV of this Act) and is approved in advance by the Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs. Provides for the appointment of the Superintendent of Government Publications Production and Procurement Services and the Deputy Superintendent of Government Publications Production and Procurement Services. Establishes an account within the Revolving Fund of the Publications Office for the operation of the Government Publications Office Publications Production and Procurement Services programs. Incorporates provisions similar to those under existing law regarding: (1) printing in veterans' hospitals; (2) time for printing documents which contain illustrations or maps; and (3) deadlines for acting upon orders for printing and publications production services. Requires the submission of annual agency plans on the creation, management, dissemination, security, and accessibility of Government publications. Directs agencies to submit plans to be implemented for the five years following the effective date of this title that: (1) reduce the publications production capacity of the agency; (2) set dates on which incremental stages of the reduction will be implemented; and (3) provide for agency publications production to be performed by non-Federal entities pursuant to contracts. (Sec. 302) Replaces provisions regarding congressional printing and binding with those regarding production and procurement of publications services by the Congress and legislative agencies. Revises provisions regarding the "usual number" of bills, resolutions, documents, and reports printed for binding and distribution to require such number to be jointly established at the beginning of each Congress by the committees. (Current law defines "usual number" as 1,682 copies of documents and reports, with further limitations on the number distributed to specified entities.) Sets forth distribution provisions similar to those under existing law. Removes existing limitations on the number of private bills, bills, and resolutions printed. Requires committee reports to be produced by requisition on order of the originating committee. Directs the committees, at the beginning of each Congress, to determine the style, form, and manner of printing for congressional publications. Revises provisions regarding extra copies to limit each House to 300 extra copies provided by simple resolution. Limits reprints of a pending bill, resolution, or public law, or a report from a congressional committee or commission on pending legislation to 300 copies (currently, 1,000). Removes a condition that such reprints be limited to documents not exceeding 50 pages. Incorporates provisions similar to those under existing law for: (1) the style and form of bills and resolutions; (2) binding sets of bills and resolutions for the Congress; (3) printing of public and private laws and treaties; (4) copies of Acts furnished to the Superintendent of Government Publications Production and Procurement Services (currently, the Public Printer); (5) printing Acts, joint resolutions, and treaties; (6) printing documents in two or more editions; (7) printing of documents not provided by law; (8) charging of the appropriation for printing a congressional document or report; (9) lapse of authority to print; (10) statements of appropriations; (11) indexing and binding of committee reports; (12) distribution and references in the margins of the U.S. Statutes at Large; (13) stationery and blank books for the Congress; and (14) binding at the expense of Members of Congress. Removes limitations on the number of copies of Journals of the Houses of Congress to be printed and requires the committees to establish such number at the beginning of each Congress. Revises distribution requirements as well. Revises requirements regarding printing and distribution of the series of publications ordered to be printed by the Congress and of the Congressional Directory. Requires the Directory to be accessible to the public through an electronic on-line service. Revises numerical limitations on the printing of memorial addresses. Bars congressional committees from procuring the printing of more than 300 (currently, 1,000) copies of a hearing or other germane document, except by simple, concurrent, or joint resolution. Authorizes Senators and Representatives to request to receive copies of the U.S. Statutes at Large. Requires the committees to determine the quantity and distribution of documents to the Members, committees, and offices of their respective Houses. Revises requirements for franks and envelopes for Members of Congress. Requires the committees to establish rules governing the style, content, quantity, printing, distribution, and method of payment for franks and envelopes used for mailing public documents. Directs the committees to determine: (1) the mechanisms for the distribution of congressional documents to the Members of Congress; and (2) the disposition of the inventory of Government publications stored at the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations for congressional printing and binding. Requires the General Accounting Office to report to the committees on the feasibility of legislative branch agencies procuring printing and publications services directly from nongovernmental sources under a delegation of authority from the Administrator if such agencies certify to the Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs and the Superintendent of Government Publications Production and Procurement Services full compliance with specified requirements of this Act. Directs the Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs to report to the committees recommendations on the feasibility of producing, disseminating, and maintaining permanent public access to the congressional serial sets as publications created for or transmitted through an electronic communications system. (Sec. 303) Revises provisions regarding the Congressional Record to replace authorities of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Public Printer with those of the committees and, in certain cases, with those of the Superintendent of Government Publications Production and Procurement Services. Revises provisions regarding distribution of copies of the Record and extracts for Members of Congress. (Sec. 304) Requires the committees to establish the annual number of reports of the departments to the Congress to be printed for each House. (Current law requires 1,000 to be printed for the Senate and 2,000 for the House.) (Sec. 305) Repeals provisions regarding the printing of particular Government publications. (Sec. 307) Revises provisions regarding the printing and distribution of Supreme Court reports. (Sec. 308) Amends various laws to repeal certain provisions which allow for printing and binding to be carried out without regard to specified laws, including provisions amended by this Act. (Sec. 309) Repeals provisions of law providing for distribution of supplements of the U.S. Code and District of Columbia Code of Laws to Members of Congress. Revises requirements regarding the publication of an edition of the U.S. Constitution by the Librarian of Congress to require the Director of the Congressional Research Service to have prepared an annotated edition of the Constitution every ten years, cumulative supplements every two years in the interim period between decennial editions, including cumulative analysis of Supreme Court decisions, and a regularly-updated electronic version. Repeals provisions regarding the printing and binding of the official papers relating to U.S. territories. Title IV: Office of Government Publications Access Programs - Federal Publications Dissemination Act of 1998 - Replaces provisions regarding public printing and the depository library program with those regarding Federal publications access programs. Provides for the appointment of a Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs (Superintendent) and a Deputy Superintendent of Government Publications Access Programs. Establishes an account within the Revolving Fund of the Publications Office for the operation of the Federal Publications Access Programs. Authorizes appropriations for the Programs. Requires the Superintendent to ensure the timely dissemination of Government publications to the public and to improve permanent public access to such publications. Makes Government publications of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches available at no charge to Federal publications access libraries (access libraries). Requires the Superintendent to certify on every contract for the production or procurement of any Government publication entered into by an agency: (1) the number of additional copies required by the Superintendent for the Programs; or (2) the terms for accessing such publications required by the Superintendent. Directs the Superintendent, for on-line, fee-based services, to negotiate the terms for access by the Programs based upon the incremental cost of providing access to access libraries. Requires the Superintendent to: (1) provide selection, cataloging, classification, locator, and indexing services for all Government publications from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; (2) make available a comprehensive and timely catalog, locator, and current, categorized list of Government publications; and (3) produce a consolidated index of congressional documents. Directs executive agency heads, the Administrative Office of the Courts, on behalf of the judicial branch, and the committees, for each House of Congress, to ensure that all Government publications produced or procured for production are made available to the Superintendent for dissemination through the Programs. Requires agencies to notify the Superintendent of intent to produce or procure, substantially modify, or terminate the production of a Government publication or to eliminate printed copies and provide only electronic access. Sets forth notification and other requirements for agencies entering into contracts for the printing or procurement of Government publications. Requires agencies to provide permanent public access to Government publications created for or transmitted through an electronic communications system until such a system for permanent public access is established by the Superintendent. Sets forth procedures to be followed in cases of executive agency noncompliance with access requirements, including prohibitions on contracting for production or procurement of publications during periods of noncompliance. Sets forth access, compliance, and enforcement provisions with respect to the legislative and judicial branches as well. Requires the Superintendent to establish a system of permanent public access to Government publications, including for those created for or transmitted through an electronic communications system. Sets forth provisions regarding the designation and responsibilities of access libraries. Requires the Superintendent to establish a permanent Federal Publications Access Library Council to advise on: (1) appropriate items and preferred formats for inclusion in the Programs; (2) Government publications that are not included and that are recommended for inclusion; and (3) other policy matters. Transfers functions and personnel of the Superintendent of Documents to the Superintendent. Incorporates all relevant provisions of regulations relating to Federal depository libraries into regulations relating to access libraries. (Sec. 403) Replaces provisions regarding the distribution and sale of public documents with those providing for the distribution and sale of Government publications by the Superintendent. Incorporates provisions similar to those under existing law for: (1) publications for public distribution and the sale of Government publications; (2) additional copies for sale; (3) reproduction of publications required for sale; (4) printing and sale of blank forms; (5) publications for use of the Superintendent (currently, the Public Printer); and (6) exchange of Government publications by heads of agencies. Requires the Superintendent to operate the sales program on a self-sustaining basis and to establish prices to cover costs of procurement or production and dissemination and other appropriate costs. Revises provisions regarding publications for the National Archives and Records Administration, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House, and the Library of Congress. Repeals provisions that authorize fees to be charged for use of the electronic directory of Federal electronic information. Title V: Administrative and Savings Provisions - Continues existing employment terms of GPO employees until modified or terminated in accordance with law, including the provisions of this Act. (Sec. 502) Provides that this Act shall not affect any existing proceedings or suits. (Sec. 506) Amends various laws to transfer functions of the Joint Committee on Printing to other entities.
Bill· SS. 2278 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1998
Veterans' Educational Benefits Protection Act of 1998 - Excludes a post-service veterans' educational assistance benefit as financial assistance in the computation of need for Federal educational aid.
Bill· SS. 2274 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1998
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual for compensation for losses incurred by such individual relating to and a direct consequence of: (1) personnel actions taken by the Department of Defense affecting such individual's employment at the Department during a specified period; and (2) such individual's separation from service with such Department. Exempts the payment from Federal, State, or local income taxes.
Bill· SS. 2273 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1998
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 1998, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date. Requires the Secretary to publish such increases in the Federal Register at the same time that the social security increases are required to be published.
Law· HRH.R. 4194 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development Title III: Independent Agencies Title IV: General Provisions Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and for sundry independent agencies. Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) veterans' compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits; (2) veterans' insurance and indemnities; (3) veterans' housing, education, and vocational rehabilitation loan accounts; (4) veterans' medical care; (5) medical and prosthetic research; (6) medical administration; (7) the General post fund, national homes; (8) departmental administration; (9) the National Cemetery System; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction; (12) the parking revolving fund; and (13) grants to States for construction of extended care facilities and cemeteries. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 109) Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Salisbury, North Carolina, as the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for: (1) public and Indian housing; (2) the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds; (3) drug elimination grants for low-income housing; (4) revitalization of severely distressed public housing; (5) Native American housing block grants; (6) Indian housing loan guarantees; (7) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; (8) community development block grants; (9) the HOME investment partnerships program; (10) homeless assistance grants; (11) housing for special populations; (12) the Federal Housing Administration; (13) the Government National Mortgage Association; (14) housing policy development and research; (15) fair housing activities; (16) the Lead Hazard Reduction Program; (17) management and administration; (18) the Office of Inspector General; and (19) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 201) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend provisions regarding: (1) public and assisted housing minimum rents and preferences; and (2) delays in the reissuance of section 8 vouchers and certificates. Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 to extend a provision regarding authorized uses of assistance, including the improvement or replacement of housing, by public housing agencies. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary of HUD to make a grant for any State that: (1) received an allocation in a prior fiscal year under the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act; and (2) is not otherwise eligible for such allocation for FY 1999 because the areas in the State outside of the metropolitan statistical areas that qualify do not have the required number of AIDS cases. (Sec. 205) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to set a maximum monthly rent for a single person (other than an elderly or disabled person living with persons determined to be essential to the person's care or well-being) receiving low-income tenant based rental assistance in a certificate or voucher program. Sets the monthly assistance payment for families being admitted to the voucher program who remain in the same unit or complex where rent does not exceed the payment standard at the amount by which rent exceeds the greater of 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income or ten percent of the family's monthly income. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to revise the performance funding system used for making annual payments for operation of low-income housing to take into account equity among public housing agencies and include incentives for sound management. (Sec. 209) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to extend a certain cap on the amount of assistance used for public services by the city and county of Los Angeles, California. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (3) the Department of the Treasury for community development financial institutions; (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (5) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (6) the Court of Veterans Appeals; and (7) the Department of Defense for Army cemeterial expenses. Appropriates funds for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for: (1) science and technology activities; (2) environmental programs and management; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) buildings and facilities; (5) Superfund; (6) the leaking underground storage tank program; (7) oil spill response programs; and (8) assistance to States and Indian tribes for environmental programs and infrastructure. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Environmental Quality; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for: (1) disaster relief; (2) disaster assistance direct loans; (3) salaries and expenses; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) emergency management planning and assistance; (6) a specified emergency food and shelter program; and (7) the National Flood Insurance Fund. Establishes a Radiological Emergency Preparedness Fund in the Treasury and makes appropriations for the Fund. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human space flight, science, aeronautics, and technology research and development, mission support, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the National Credit Union Administration's Central Liquidity Facility; (4) the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research, major construction projects, science and engineering education and human resources programs, salaries and expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (6) the Selective Service System. Requires NASA to develop a revised appropriation structure for submission in the FY 2000 budget request consisting of two basic appropriations (human space flight and science, aeronautics, and technology) with a separate appropriation for the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 423) Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a final rule amending its Flammable Fabrics Act standards to revoke the amendments to the standards for the flammability of children's sleepwear sizes, up to size 14. Appropriates additional funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical and prosthetic research and for NSF research and related activities.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 107 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1998
Declares that the Congress affirms: (1) its longstanding commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) its expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means with the consent of the people of Taiwan and that it considers any effort to determine Taiwan's future by other than peaceful means a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific and of grave concern to the United States; (3) its commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; and (4) its commitment that only the President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services needed by Taiwan. Urges the President to seek a public renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of force, or threat to use force, against democratic Taiwan.
Bill· SS. 2260 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Justice Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Title III: The Judiciary Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies Title V: Related Agencies Title VI: General Provisions Title VII: Rescissions Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the judiciary, and related agencies. Title I: Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for: (1) general administration; (2) a joint automated booking system; (3) counterterrorism activities; (4) administration of pardon and clemency petitions and immigration-related activities; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (6) the U.S. Parole Commission; (7) legal activities; (8) antitrust activities; (9) the Offices of U.S. Attorneys; (10) the U.S. Trustee Program; (11) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (12) the U.S. Marshals Service, including an amount for expenses related to prisoners in the custody of the Marshals Service; (13) fees and expenses of witnesses; (14) the Community Relations Service; (15) certain uses of the Assets Forfeiture Fund; (16) administrative expenses related to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act; (17) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (18) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (19) construction for specified agencies; (20) the Drug Enforcement Administration; (21) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (22) the Federal prison system, including amounts for buildings and facilities; (23) the Office of Justice programs; (24) State and local law enforcement assistance, including amounts for violent crime reduction programs; (25) the Executive Office for Weed and Seed; (26) community-oriented policing services for violent crime reduction; (27) juvenile justice programs; and (28) public safety officers' benefits. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Establishes a Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System Fund for the payment of expenses related to the scheduling and transportation of U.S. prisoners and illegal and criminal aliens in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Makes appropriations for initial capitalization of the Fund. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this title to: (1) pay for abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape; or (2) require any person to perform or facilitate an abortion. (Sec. 110) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove the authority for beneficiaries of certain petitions for classification or applications for labor certifications to apply to the Attorney General for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Repeals provisions which allow certain employment-based immigrants to adjust to permanent residence status. Establishes the Immigration Detention and Naturalization Activity Account in the Treasury. Provides for: (1) the deposit of certain application fees into the Account; and (2) refunds to any appropriation for expenses incurred by the Attorney General for the detention of aliens, construction relating to such detention, and activities relating to naturalization. (Sec. 112) Prohibits any immigration inspection fee from being charged in connection with the arrival of any passenger, other than aircraft passengers, whose journey originated in a U.S. State. (Sec. 115) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to require the Attorney General to provide investigative assistance to tribal law enforcement agencies. (Sec. 116) Repeals provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 that provide for an automated entry and exit control system. Revises provisions requiring aliens to present border identification cards that match appropriate biometric characteristics in order to cross the border to phase in such requirement over a number of years, requiring all cards in circulation as of April 1, 1998, to match by October 1, 2003. (Current law applies such requirement to all cards presented three years after such Act's enactment date.) (Sec. 117) Directs the President, with the FY 2000 budget request, to present the specific dollar amounts budgeted, by appropriation account and line item, for counterterrorism and antiterrorism programs. Requires a narrative outline of the content of, and detail of the amounts budgeted for, each program for FY 1998 through 2000 and the succeeding five years of the Federal Counterterrorism Strategy. (Sec. 118) Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make unlawful certain knowing failures to provide records or reports, including those pertaining to listed chemicals and certain machines. (Current law provides that all failures to do so are unlawful.) Limits penalties for knowing violations regarding reports or recordkeeping to $500 if no unauthorized person obtains unlawful control of a controlled substance as a result of such a violation. (Sec. 120) Requires the General Accounting Office to report to specified congressional committees on compliance of the Department of Justice and all U.S. Attorneys with the Guidance on the Use of the False Claims Act in Civil Health Care Matters. Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) international trade administration; (4) export administration and national security activities; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) minority business development; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Census Bureau; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities, planning, and construction grants; (11) information infrastructure grants; (12) the Patent and Trademark Office; (13) the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy; (14) the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and for construction and renovation of facilities; (15) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including amounts for procurement, acquisition, and construction of capital assets; (16) the Coastal Zone Management Fund; (17) the Fishermen's Contingency Fund; (18) the Foreign Fishing Observer Fund; (19) the fisheries finance program account; (20) general administration; and (21) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Supreme Court, including an amount for care of the building and grounds; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) defender services; (6) fees of jurors and commissioners; (7) court security; (8) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (9) the Federal Judicial Center; (10) judicial retirement funds; and (11) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes U.S. judges and justices to receive a salary adjustment during FY 1999. Appropriates funds for such purpose. Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies - Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs, diplomatic and consular programs; (2) salaries and expenses; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) security and maintenance of U.S. missions; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, conferences, peacekeeping, and commissions; and (13) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Appropriates funds for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) for: (1) international information programs; (2) information technology improvements; (3) educational and cultural exchanges; (4) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (5) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (6) international broadcasting, including broadcasting to Cuba; (7) radio construction; (8) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West; (9) the North-South Center; and (10) the National Endowment for Democracy. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 403) Requires funds made available by any Act for arrearage payments to the United Nations for peacekeeping operations to be reduced by 25 percent of total U.S. expenditures between October 30, 1997, and February 23, 1998, made in response to efforts by Iraq to block United Nations-sanctioned inspections of Iraqi military and civilian facilities with respect to weapons of mass destruction. Makes such reductions during FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 404) Bars the use of funds made available in this Act by the State Department or USIA to provide assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation or a similar organization. (Sec. 405) Prohibits funds appropriated by any Act from being expended to pay for costs incurred in operating certain diplomatic or consular posts in Vietnam or increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts unless the President certifies that the Vietnamese Government is cooperating in specified activities regarding resolution of sightings of, and accounting for, prisoners-of-war and individuals missing in action, recovery and analysis of American remains, and investigations in Laos. (Sec. 406) Grants the Secretary of State discretionary authority to pay tort claims in connection with damages sought against the United States for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of a Federal employee in a foreign country with respect to State Department overseas operations. Title V: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Maritime Administration for maritime security, operations and training, and the maritime guaranteed loan program; (2) Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) Commission on Civil Rights; (4) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (5) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (6) Federal Communications Commission; (7) Federal Maritime Commission; (8) Federal Trade Commission; (9) Legal Services Corporation; (10) Marine Mammal Commission; (11) Commission on Ocean Policy; (12) Securities and Exchange Commission; (13) Small Business Administration, including amounts for the Office of Inspector General, business and disaster loans, and capital for the Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund; and (14) State Justice Institute. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 607) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act to: (1) enforce any EEOC guidelines covering harassment based on religion if such guidelines do not differ from proposed guidelines of October 1, 1993; or (2) provide specified personal comforts in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 613) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act to issue visas to certain individuals from Haiti, including those involved in specified extrajudicial and political killings. (Sec. 614) Prohibits the use of funds made available in any Act to issue or renew a fishing permit or authorization for any U.S. fishing vessel exceeding a specified length, tonnage, or horsepower that would allow such vessel to engage in fishing in any fishery within the U.S. exclusive economic zone unless: (1) a certificate of documentation had been issued for the vessel, endorsed with a fishery endorsement effective on September 25, 1997, and endorsed at all times thereafter; or (2) the regional fishery management council recommends, and the Secretary of Commerce approves, a fishery management plan that allows the vessel to engage in such fishing. Invalidates any permit or authorization issued or renewed prior to this Act's enactment date for a vessel exceeding such limits that would allow the vessel to engage in fishing for any Atlantic mackerel or herring in the waters off the U.S. east coast during FY 1999 unless the Secretary has approved a plan to allow such fishing. Bars the use of funds made available in any Act to issue an individual fishing quota under a fishery management plan approved by a regional fishery management council after September 30, 2000, to a non-U.S. citizen or a corporation or other entity in which less than 75 percent controlling interest is owned by U.S. citizens. (Sec. 615) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act to pay the expenses of an election officer appointed by a court to oversee an election of any officer or trustee for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. (Sec. 616) Amends the International Security and Development Corporation Act of 1985 to reduce the number of members of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. (Sec. 618) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to the Appropriations Committee on: (1) taxation of the Internet by States and political subdivisions; (2) access to the Internet; and (3) communications and transactions conducted through the Internet. (Sec. 619) Authorizes, upon the joint motion of the United States and the State of Alaska and the issuance of an order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, the deposit of the joint trust funds or any portion thereof, including any interest accrued thereon, received, or to be received by the United States and Alaska under the Agreement and Consent decree issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation (i.e., the Exxon Valdez oil spill consent decree), in appropriate accounts outside the Court Registry, including the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund. Allows any interest accrued under the authority of this section to be used only for grants for marine research and monitoring and for community and economic restoration projects. Terminates the authority provided in this section on September 30, 2002, unless by September 30, 2001, the trustees have submitted to the Congress legislation to establish a board to administer funds invested, interest received, and grants awarded from such interest. Title VII: Rescissions - Rescinds specified amounts of funds made available for: (1) the Department of Justice working capital fund; (2) FBI construction, salaries and expenses, and violent crime reduction; (3) the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration; and (4) the Endowment for Children's Educational TV.
Bill· SS. 2253 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1998
Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act of 1998 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase bullet resistant equipment for use by law enforcement officers. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, preferential consideration, minimum and maximum allocations, matching funds, awards to local governmental units with fewer than 100,000 residents, and application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving assistance under this Act should purchase only American-made equipment and products. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to: (1) conduct research and otherwise work to develop new bullet resistant technologies for use in police equipment; (2) inventory bullet resistant technologies used in the private sector, in surplus military property, and by foreign countries; and (3) promulgate relevant standards for, and conduct technical and operational testing and evaluation of, bullet resistant technology and equipment, and otherwise facilitate the use of that technology in police equipment. Directs NIJ to give priority in testing and engineering surveys to law enforcement partnerships developed in coordination with High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001.
Bill· SS. 2234 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a trade compensation assistance program if the President, any other member of the executive branch, or any other provision of law causes suspension of U.S. exports to another country for reasons of national security or foreign policy; and (2) the Secretary of Defense to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for such program costs.
Bill· SS. 2236 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date Product Liability Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Applies this Act to any product liability action in any State or Federal court on any theory for harm caused by a product, except for: (1) commercial loss actions; (2) civil negligent entrustment actions; (3) negligence per se concerning firearms and ammunition; (4) any dramshop or third-party liability actions arising from the sale or provision of alcohol to intoxicated persons or minors; and (5) actions involving harm caused by either a tobacco product or breast implant. (Sec. 103) Imposes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect or if the inspection would not have revealed the aspect that caused the harm. Makes a seller liable as a manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service or if the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment. Makes certain persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing liable as a seller, but prohibits liability for the tortious act of another solely by reason of ownership. (Sec. 104) Makes it a complete defense if the defendant proves that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 105) Requires reduction of damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer if the employer is immune under State law from claimant's action. (Sec. 106) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started. (Sec. 107) Sets forth an 18-year statute of repose for durable goods used in a trade or business. (Sec. 108) Sets forth a transitional one-year period after enactment of this Act during which a product liability action may be brought if the time limitations of this Act shorten the period during which such action could otherwise be brought pursuant to another provision of law. (Sec. 109) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution. (Sec. 110) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the harm that is the subject of the action resulted from defendant's conduct, carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others. Limits punitive damage amounts to the lesser of $250,000 or double the amount of compensatory damages. (Sec. 111) Recognizes liability for punitive damages in certain claims relating to death. (Sec. 112) Grants an insurer a right of subrogation whether or not the insurer is a party. Prohibits an employee from making settlements or accepting payments without written notification to the insurer. Requires submission to the trier of fact of any allegation by the manufacturer or seller that the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer. Requires a court to reduce damages if it is found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was so caused; but requires the manufacturer or seller to reimburse the insurer for attorney's fees and costs if it is not so found. Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance - Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1998 - Excludes from the term "claimant," for this title, anyone who alleges harm caused by a silicone gel breast implant. (Sec. 204) Applies this title, subject to exception, to any civil action in Federal or State court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, on any legal theory, for harm allegedly caused by an implant. (Sec. 205) Declares that a biomaterials supplier shall not be liable for harm caused by an implant unless the supplier: (1) is a manufacturer; (2) is a seller; and (3) furnishes materials or parts that fail to meet contractual requirements or specifications. Sets forth the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a manufacturer and the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a seller. Allows a supplier, to the extent required and permitted by other law, to be liable if the claimant shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, violation of contractual requirements or specifications. (Sec. 206) Sets forth procedures relating to motions by a supplier to dismiss actions that are subject to this title. (Sec. 207) Cites circumstances under which the court, upon motion by a manufacturer or claimant, may implead a biomaterial supplier who has been dismissed from the action. Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date - Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on judicial code requirements relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
Bill· SS. 2231 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit Title III: Other Provisions International Tax Simplification for American Competitiveness Act of 1998 - Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations which will eliminate multiple inclusion of any item in income if there is a redemption through the use of related corporations and either the acquiring or issuing corporation is a foreign corporation. (Sec. 102) Excludes from the definition of "foreign personal holding company income" income which is derived in the active conduct by a controlled foreign corporation of a banking, financing, or similar business, subject to stated conditions. (Sec. 103) Requires a study and a report on the feasibility of treating all countries in the European Union as one country under subpart F (Controlled Foreign Corporations) of part III (Income From Sources Without the United States) of subchapter N (Tax Based on Income From Sources Within or Without the United States) of chapter 1 (Normal Taxes and Surtaxes) of the IRC. Provides, with respect to subpart F, for: (1) expansion of the de minimis rule; (2) the determination of earnings and profits under generally accepted accounting rules; (3) the treatment of pipeline transportation income and income from the transmission of high voltage electricity; and (4) look-through treatment for certain sales of partnership interests. Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit - Extends the period to which excess foreign taxes may be carried. (Sec. 202) Defines overall domestic loss and sets forth provisions for determining taxable income for any taxpayer sustaining such a loss. (Sec. 203) Sets forth special rules relating to financial services income. (Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions, concerning the foreign tax credit and: (1) the treatment of dividends from certain corporations; (2) the look-through rules; (3) ordering rules for foreign tax credit carryovers; and (4) the repeal of the limitation of such credit under the alternative minimum tax. Title III: Other Provisions - Applies constructive ownership rules for purposes of determining certain post-1986 undistributed U.S. earnings. (Sec. 302) Applies capitalization rules to nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. (Sec. 303) Repeals the special rule for military property with respect to exempt foreign trade income. (Sec. 304) Revises the definition of U.S. property to exclude certain assets acquired by dealers in the ordinary course of business. (Sec. 305) Exempts from the taxes on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations certain regulated investment company dividends. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit, to exclude from the definition of the term "intangible property" any preliminary agreement which is not legally enforceable. (Sec. 307) Sets forth provisions concerning airline mileage awards to certain foreign persons. (Sec. 308) Repeals subpart G (Export Trade Corporations) of part III of subchapter N of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Bill· HRH.R. 4188 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund Act of 1998 - Establishes in the Treasury the Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund. Provides that if a law is enacted that provides for the allocation of funds received from tobacco product manufacturers for programs to reduce the use of tobacco products by minors and for health-care research, then there shall be credited to the Fund, without further appropriation, the amount of $3 billion. Makes such amount available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for: (1) furnishing veterans' medical care and services; and (2) conducting medical, rehabilitation, and health systems research, with particular emphasis on research relating to the prevention and treatment of, and rehabilitation from, tobacco addiction and diseases associated with tobacco use.
Bill· HRH.R. 4168 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Filipino Veterans Health Care Act of 1998 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining the inability of certain Filipino resident veterans to defray the necessary expenses of veterans' medical care, to apply a ratio to reflect the differences between median per capita income levels in the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
Bill· HRH.R. 4160 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Military Retiree Health Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, to provide for a special enrollment period for certain military retirees and their dependents to enroll under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), without penalty for late enrollment, in order to participate in the Medicare (TRICARE Senior Prime) demonstration project for military retirees.
Bill· HRH.R. 4154 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Ten Commandments Defense Act - Declares reserved to the States the power to display the Ten Commandments on State or local government property. Declares that expressions of religious faith by individual persons upon State property are: (1) protected against Federal laws or regulations respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion; and (2) among those liberties of which no State may deprive any person without due process of law made in pursuance of powers reserved to the States. Requires the courts established by the Congress to exercise judicial power in accordance with such declarations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4142 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Requires Department of Defense employees in the Wichita Falls, Texas, and Southwest Oklahoma wage areas during FY 1998 to be paid the wages determined as a result of the full scale wage survey of those areas which took effect in October 1997.
Bill· HRH.R. 4173 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit Title III: Other Provisions International Tax Simplification for American Competitiveness Act of 1998 - Title I: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations which will eliminate multiple inclusion of any item in income if there is a redemption through the use of related corporations and either the acquiring or issuing corporation is a foreign corporation. (Sec. 102) Excludes from the definition of "foreign personal holding company income" income which is derived in the active conduct by a controlled foreign corporation of a banking, financing, or similar business, subject to stated conditions. (Sec. 103) Requires a study and a report on the feasibility of treating all countries in the European Union as one country under subpart F (Controlled Foreign Corporations) of part III (Income From Sources Without the United States) of subchapter N (Tax Based on Income From Sources Within or Without the United States) of chapter 1 (Normal Taxes and Surtaxes) of the IRC. Provides, with respect to subpart F, for: (1) expansion of the de minimis rule; (2) the determination of earnings and profits under generally accepted accounting rules; (3) the treatment of pipeline transportation income and income from the transmission of high voltage electricity; and (4) look-through treatment for certain sales of partnership interests. Title II: Provisions Relating to Foreign Tax Credit - Extends the period to which excess foreign taxes may be carried. (Sec. 202) Defines overall domestic loss and sets forth provisions for determining taxable income for any taxpayer sustaining such a loss. (Sec. 203) Sets forth special rules relating to financial services income. (Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions, concerning the foreign tax credit and: (1) the treatment of dividends from certain corporations; (2) the look-through rules; (3) ordering rules for foreign tax credit carryovers; and (4) the repeal of the limitation of such credit under the alternative minimum tax. Title III: Other Provisions - Applies constructive ownership rules for purposes of determining certain post-1986 undistributed U.S. earnings. (Sec. 302) Applies capitalization rules to nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. (Sec. 303) Repeals the special rule for military property with respect to exempt foreign trade income. (Sec. 304) Revises the definition of U.S. property to exclude certain assets acquired by dealers in the ordinary course of business. (Sec. 305) Exempts from the taxes on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations certain regulated investment company dividends. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit, to exclude from the definition of the term "intangible property" any preliminary agreement which is not legally enforceable. (Sec. 307) Sets forth provisions concerning airline mileage awards to certain foreign persons. (Sec. 308) Repeals subpart G (Export Trade Corporations) of part III of subchapter N of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Bill· HRH.R. 4167 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act - Amends: (1) the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable credit for premiums paid by military retirees for Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage; and (2) part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate, as specified, the ten percent part B premium penalty.
Bill· HRH.R. 4153 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Entitles to an annuity under either the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee Retirement System a military reserve technician who is separated from service as a technician after either: (1) becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of such service; or (2) completing 25 years of such service.
Bill· SS. 2211 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Taxpayers' Defense Act of 1998 - Amends Federal law provisions concerning discretionary congressional review of agency rules to set forth provisions mandating that a rule that establishes or increases a tax, however denominated, shall not take effect before the enactment of a bill the text of which has been submitted to each House of the Congress by the agency promulgating the rule in a report that contains the bill's text and an explanation of the bill. Exempts a rule promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code. Outlines introduction, referral, and consideration procedures for approval of the bill. Applies the same requirements to certain Federal Communications Commission rules concerning universal service, except with respect to specified approval procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4133 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for computation of payments to local educational agencies under the Impact Aid program based on eligible federally-connected children living in military housing constructed pursuant to limited partnerships with private developers.
Law· HRH.R. 4110 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Title II: Education Benefits Title III: Court of Veterans Appeals Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions Relating to the Court Subtitle B: Retirement-Related Provisions Subtitle C: Renaming of Court Title IV: Other Matters Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), effective December 1, 1998, to increase the rates of and limitations on veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents of certain disabled veterans, the clothing allowance for certain service-disabled veterans, veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children, and supplemental DIC for disabled adult children. Title II: Education Benefits - Changes from a fiscal to calendar year basis the calculation of a reporting fee to be charged to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover certain reporting costs of educational institutions who have veterans enrolled under the veterans' educational assistance program (VEAP). Requires such fee to be paid from amounts appropriated for veterans' readjustment benefits. (Sec. 202) Allows an individual to elect to be paid in advance under the veterans' work-study program. (Current law requires such advance payment.) (Sec. 205) Waives certain wage increase and minimum pay rate requirements with respect to Federal job training programs. (Sec. 206) Requires the Secretary to furnish to members of the armed forces participating in VEAP information relating to the benefits, limitations, procedures, eligibility requirements and other aspects of such program, including application requirements. Requires amounts appropriated for veterans' readjustment benefits to be used to cover the costs of providing such information. (Sec. 207) Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to inform military personnel who have not completed their initial obligated period of active or reserve duty but who wish to be discharged or released for the convenience of the Government of the minimum active-duty requirements for entitlement to VEAP benefits. Requires a description of such notification efforts to be included in a currently required report from the Secretary of Defense to the Congress. Title III: Court of Veterans Appeals - Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions Relating to the Court - Authorizes a judge of the Court of Veterans Appeals (Court) who is nominated for reappointment and whose current term of office expires to continue in office for up to one year while such nomination is pending. Subtitle B: Retirement-Related Provisions - Authorizes the recall of retired Court judges who, upon retirement, notify the chief judge in writing of their availability and willingness to be recalled. Prohibits such a judge from being recalled for more than 90 days in a calendar year without his or her consent, or for more than 180 days in a year in any case. (Sec. 312) Disregards as a creditable year of service as a judge any fractional part of a year less than 183 days, while crediting any fractional part of 183 days or more. (Sec. 313) Defines the retired pay eligibility of judges who: (1) are not recalled due to disability; (2) do not provide notice of availability for recall; or (3) are removed from recall-eligible status. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments to Court judges' retired pay, but disallows any adjustment which would result in that judge's retired pay exceeding the current pay authorized for active judges. (Sec. 314) Exempts the Court of Veterans Appeals Retirement Fund from sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (Sec. 315) Mandates forfeiture of all retired pay benefits, from the inception of representation until one year after such representation ends, for retired Court judges who represent a client in any claim for veterans' benefits. (Sec. 316) Allows one eligible Court judge to retire each year beginning in 1999 and ending in 2003. Makes eligible for such retirement any associate judge who: (1) has at least ten years of creditable judicial service; (2) has made an election to receive retired pay; (3) has at least 20 years of creditable combined service as a judge, member of Congress, member of the armed forces, or certain Federal service; and (4) is at least 55 years of age. Requires notice to the President and the chief judge of the intention to retire. Provides the retired pay rate, as well as an adjustment to such rate for judges making themselves available for recall. (Sec. 317) Requires judges' survivor annuities to be increased at the same time and by the same percentage that annuities payable from the Judicial Survivors' Annuity Fund are increased. (Sec. 318) Requires the Court chief judge to report to the veterans' committees on the feasibility and desirability of: (1) merging the Court's retirement plan with retirement plans of other Federal judges; and (2) allowing Court judges to participate in the survivor annuity programs available to other Federal judges. Subtitle C: Renaming of Court - Renames the Court as the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Title IV: Other Matters - Makes Federal procurement law as outlined under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 applicable to VA services or supplies contracts. (Sec. 402) Extends permanently (currently expires on October 27, 1999) the eligibility of members of the Selected Reserve for veterans' housing loans. (Sec. 403) Requires the Secretary to furnish burial flags at the funerals of former members of the Selected Reserve who: (1) completed at least one year of enlistment or, if an officer, completed their period of initial obligated service; (2) were discharged from duty due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; or (3) died while a member of such Reserve. (Sec. 404) Revises cost limitations with respect to grants made by the Secretary to States for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries (State cemetery grant program). Requires the State to contribute the amount by which specified costs exceed grant amounts. Removes the requirement that amounts authorized for the grant program shall remain available only until the end of the second fiscal year after their appropriation. Increases and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the grant program. (Sec. 405) Revises provisions concerning the disabled veterans' outreach program to: (1) require amounts authorized for the program to be sufficient to provide one program specialist for each 7,400 veterans residing in a State who are between the ages of 20 and 64; and (2) remove the requirement that preference in the appointment of such specialists be given to Vietnam era disabled veterans. (Sec. 406) Makes permanent the VA's authority to use certain amounts made available due to a pension limitation for certain veterans receiving nursing home care to cover operating expenses at VA medical facilities. (Sec. 407) Revises provisions concerning the Board of Veterans' Appeals to: (1) require Board members to be known as veterans administrative law judges; (2) require each member to be an attorney in good standing with a State bar; (3) direct the Secretary to appoint to a Board attorney position a member who is removed from the Board, but who served as an attorney in the civil service before the Board appointment. (Sec. 408) Eliminates a provision requiring premiums paid on specified policies issued to disabled veterans under the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 to be credited directly to, and benefits to be made from, the National Service Life Insurance appropriation.
Bill· HRH.R. 4115 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Veterans Life Insurance Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) provisions to allow any person whose Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) was continued after termination of duty or discharge from military service before the date on which VGLI became effective, and whose coverage under SGLI terminated less than four years prior to such effective date, to apply for VGLI coverage within one year from the effective date of VGLI, in an amount equal to the insured's SGLI amount which was not converted to an individual policy under prior law. Provides a coverage period of five years, less the time elapsed between SGLI termination and the effective date of VGLI. Allows such insurance conversion for certain other individuals who did not convert SGLI coverage. Requires a person who cannot meet the good health requirements for VGLI coverage solely because of a service-connected disability to have such disability waived. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide due notice to eligible individuals of the opportunity for such conversion.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 484 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 4103 (Department of Defense appropriations).
Law· HRH.R. 4103 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1998
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 Title IX: Emergency Appropriations for Information Systems Technology and Security Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1999 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1999 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 1999 for the operation and maintenance (O&M) 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; (6) former Soviet Union threat reduction; and (7) Department of Defense (DOD) real property maintenance. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1999 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 1999 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 the Defense Working Capital Funds and programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund (including a transfer of funds in each case). Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) 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 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles and the AV-8B, E-2C, and T-45 aircraft programs. (Sec. 8010) Prohibits during FY 1999 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8019) 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. 8032) 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. 8034) Prohibits the use of FY 1999 DOD funds to fund more than 6,206 staff years of technical effort for defense federally funded research and development centers. Directs the Secretary to control the number of such staff years so as to reduce the total amounts appropriated in titles II through IV by $62 million. Reduces the total amounts appropriated in such titles by such figure. (Sec. 8035) 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 1999. (Sec. 8052) 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; (4) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1998, level; or (5) to transport chemical munitions or agents to Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization, except during a period of war. (Sec. 8056) 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 1998 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. 8080) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense committees a report identifying any activity for which the FY 2000 budget request was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for that activity for FY 1999. (Sec. 8082) Authorizes the Secretary to waive reimbursement of certain educational costs of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies for military officers and civilian officials of foreign countries if determined to be in the national security interest. (Sec. 8083) 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. 8085) Appropriates during FY 1999 amounts necessary for the O&M of Fisher houses. (Sec. 8089) Directs DOD to submit to the defense committees a budget justification document for the active and reserve military personnel accounts which identifies the amounts requested by the President to be appropriated to DOD for military personnel in any budget request for FY 2000. (Sec. 8092) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) for approving the license or sale of the F-22 advanced tactical fighter to any foreign government; or (2) for the United States Man and the Biosphere Program or related projects. (Sec. 8101) Reduces by $201.1 million the total amount appropriated in this Act to reflect savings from revised economic assumptions, to be allocated among various DOD accounts. (Sec. 8102) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer: (1) on a grant basis under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 specified naval vessels to Argentina, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey; (2) on a sales basis under the Arms Export Control Act specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Greece, the Philippines, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States; and (3) on a combined lease-sale basis under the Arms Export Control Act specified naval vessels to Brazil and Greece. Provides lease-sale conditions. Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Vessels Transfer Program Account for lease-sale transfer costs. Amends various Acts to waive congressional notification requirements with respect to transfers under this section. Makes inapplicable certain limitations on the annual aggregate value of transferred excess defense articles. Requires transfer costs to be borne by recipients. Directs such Secretary to require, as a transfer condition, that any necessary pre- transfer vessel refurbishment be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates all transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 8104) Transfers specified O&M funds to the Defense Working Capital Funds to fund operations of the Defense Commissary Agency. (Sec. 8105) Appropriates funds for emergency and extraordinary expenses associated with the accident involving U.S. Marine Corps A-6 aircraft on February 3, 1998, near Cavalese, Italy. (Sec. 8106) Prohibits appropriated or otherwise available funds from being used to initiate or conduct U.S. offensive military operations, except in accordance with the war powers clause of the Constitution. Title IX: Emergency Appropriations for Information Systems Technology and Security - Appropriates funds for DOD emergency expenses relating to the year 2000 conversion of information technology and national security systems (systems), for information technology and computer security and information assurance programs, and related purposes. Prohibits such funds from being obligated or expended on the development or modernization of any such system if it does not meet certification level 1a, 1b, or 2, as specified under a DOD year 2000 management plan. Provides exceptions. Prohibits funding for mission critical systems from being subject to unallocated reductions of funds. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the certification requirements on a case-by-case basis, after congressional notification. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on DOD year 2000 conversion actions and plans. Requires the Secretary to have in place by December 31, 1998, contingency plans to ensure continuity of operations for every DOD critical mission or function that is dependent on such a system. Requires Inspector General evaluation of year 2000 compliance actions. (Sec. 9002) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for the execution of a simulated year 2000 as part of certain military training exercises. Authorizes the Secretary, after congressional notification, to exclude from such exercises a system which is incapable of performing reliably in year 2000 simulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4104 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: General Provisions Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies. Title I: Department of the Treasury - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) the Office of Professional Responsibility; (3) automation enhancement; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) repair and restoration of the Treasury building and annex; (6) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (7) violent crime reduction programs; (8) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, including amounts for acquisition of additional real property and facilities and maintenance and facility improvements; (9) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (10) the Financial Management Service; (11) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (12) the U.S. Customs Service, including amounts for operations and maintenance of marine vessels and aircraft and collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee; (13) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (14) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including amounts for tax law enforcement, earned income tax credit compliance and error reduction initiatives, information systems, and information technology investments; and (15) the Secret Service, including an amount for construction and improvement of facilities. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title II: Postal Service - Makes appropriations for payments to the Postal Service Fund for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for: (1) compensation of the President and the White House office; (2) operating, maintenance, and reimbursable expenses of the Executive Residence at the White House; (3) special assistance to the President and the official residence of the Vice President; (4) the Council of Economic Advisers; (5) the Office of Policy Development; (6) the National Security Council; (7) the Office of Administration; (8) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (9) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (10) Federal drug control programs, including amounts for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and for a national anti-drug campaign for youth; (11) emergency expenses related to year 2000 conversion of Federal information technology systems; and (12) unanticipated needs in furtherance of the national interest, security, or defense. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Federal Election Commission; (3) Federal Labor Relations Authority; and (4) General Services Administration (GSA), including amounts for the Federal Buildings Fund, Government-wide policy and operations, Office of Inspector General, and allowances and office staff for former Presidents. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 409) Requires the GSA Administrator to convey all right, title, and interest in: (1) real property in Miami-Dade County, Florida, comprising the U.S. Naval Observatory-Alternate Time Service Laboratory to the University of Miami for use as a research facility; and (2) specified Army Reserve property in Racine, Wisconsin, to the city of Racine, Wisconsin, for use as a water and wastewater utility site. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund to carry out activities under the Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1997; (2) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (3) the National Archives and Records Administration, including amounts for repairs and restoration of archives and presidential libraries; (4) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (5) the Office of Government Ethics; (6) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including an amount for the Office of Inspector General; (7) Government contributions for health and life insurance benefits for annuitants; (8) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (9) the Office of Special Counsel; and (10) the U.S. Tax Court. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds made available under this Act. (Sec. 511) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require the staff director and general counsel of the Federal Election Commission to be elected by at least four Commission members (currently, appointed by the Commission) and limits their terms to four consecutive years without reappointment. (Sec. 512) Provides for payment of attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions required to be made by the Federal Government in the case Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. v. Clinton from amounts made available for compensation of the President and the White House office. (Sec. 514) Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being available to pay for an abortion or for the administrative expenses of any Federal employee health plan which provides benefits for abortions. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 516) Bars the expenditure of funds appropriated by this Act by OPM to enter into or renew any contract for a Federal employee health benefits plan which provides: (1) coverage for prescription drugs unless such plan also provides equivalent coverage for all prescription contraceptive drugs or devices approved by the Food and Drug Administration; or (2) benefits for outpatient services provided by a health care professional unless such plan also provides equivalent benefits for outpatient contraceptive services. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds appropriated for Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 624) Requires the OMB Director to report to the Congress: (1) estimates of costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs and of each rule likely to have a gross annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more in increased costs; (2) impacts of Federal rules on the private sector and all levels of government; and (3) recommendations for reform or elimination of inefficient regulatory programs. (Sec. 628) Provides that annual adjustments in rates of pay under the General Schedule shall not be considered to have taken effect in FY 1999 in the rates for the statutory pay systems for purposes of certain provisions of law amended by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. (Sec. 631) Bars the use of funds made available for the Customs Service in this Act to allow the importation of any good produced or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor. (Sec. 637) Provides that, for purposes of provisions of law relating to tort liability, certain Federal law enforcement officers and special agents in the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State shall be construed to be acting within the scope of their office or employment if they take any action, including the use of force, that is determined to be necessary to: (1) protect an individual in such an officer's presence from a crime of violence; (2) provide immediate assistance to an individual who has suffered or who is threatened with bodily harm; or (3) prevent the escape of any individual who such an officer reasonably believes to have committed, in his or her presence, a crime of violence. (Sec. 639) Amends Federal law to require compensation at time-and-a-half per hour for any hours worked in excess of 106 during a biweekly pay period or 53 in an administrative workweek by Federal fire fighters. Sets forth pay provisions with respect to Federal fire fighters. Grants fire fighters subject to such pay provisions whose regular tours of duty average at least 60 hours or less per week and exclude a basic 40-hour workweek an increase in basic pay equal to two step-increases of the applicable General Schedule grade. Provides that such increase shall not be an equivalent increase in pay. (Sec. 640) Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to conduct a review of Federal efforts and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan to improve coordination among Federal agencies with responsibility to protect the borders against drug trafficking. (Sec. 641) Makes a minimum amount available to executive agencies for carrying out flexiplace work telecommuting programs. (Sec. 642) Revises Federal law to entitle a Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointee awarded the rank of Meritorious Executive to 20 percent of annual basic pay (currently, a lump-sum payment of $10,000). Grants appointees awarded the rank of Distinguished Executive 35 percent of annual basic pay (currently, a lump-sum payment of $20,000). (Sec. 643) Raises the fiscal year limit on the aggregate amount of performance awards for SES career appointees made by an agency. (Sec. 644) Requires the President to provide for alternative annual adjustments to Federal pay schedules where otherwise required adjustments are inappropriate because of a declared state of war or severe economic conditions (currently, because of national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare). Considers severe economic conditions to exist if, during the 12-month period ending two calendar quarters before the date the adjustment is scheduled to take effect, there occur two consecutive quarters of negative growth in the Gross Domestic Product. Makes conforming amendments to provisions regarding authority to make alternative levels of comparability payments. Provides for a 3.1 percent increase in rates of basic pay for Federal employees for FY 1999. (Sec. 646) Revises Federal provisions regarding international postal arrangements to make the U.S. Trade Representative responsible for the formulation and oversight of foreign policy related to international postal and delivery services. Prohibits the U.S. Trade Representative from negotiating any international agreement that would grant an undue or unreasonable preference to the Postal Service, a private service provider, or other person with respect to any class of mail or type of mail service. Authorizes the Postal Service to enter into commercial and operational contracts relating to international postal services but bars the Postal Service from entering into a contract with a foreign government agency if it would grant an undue or unreasonable preference to the Postal Service with respect to any class of mail or type of service.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 294 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1998
Commends the armed forces for their efforts, leadership, and success in providing equality of treatment and opportunity for their military and civilian personnel without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. Recognizes the Department of Defense's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the integration of the armed forces.
Bill· SS. 2198 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Taxpayers' Defense Act of 1998 - Amends Federal law provisions concerning discretionary congressional review of agency rules to set forth provisions mandating that a rule that establishes or increases a tax, however denominated, shall not take effect before the enactment of a bill the text of which has been submitted to each House of the Congress by the agency promulgating the rule in a report that contains the bill's text and an explanation of the bill. Exempts a rule promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code. Outlines introduction, referral, and consideration procedures for approval of the bill.
Bill· SS. 2194 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the President to suspend or terminate economic assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (including economic support fund assistance) or military assistance, grant military education and training, or peacekeeping assistance, or the extension of military credits or the making of guarantees under the Arms Export Control Act to any country that: (1) has delivered to, or received from, another country nuclear reprocessing equipment, materials, or technology; or (2) is a non- nuclear-weapon state which exports illegally from the United States any material, equipment, or technology which would contribute significantly to the ability of such country to manufacture a nuclear explosive device. Provides the President with discretionary authority to impose nuclear non-proliferation controls on a foreign country that transfers or uses nuclear explosive devices.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 104 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Commends the U.S. armed forces for its efforts, leadership, and success in providing equality of treatment and opportunity. Recognizes the commemoration by the Department of Defense on July 24, 1998, of the 50th anniversary of the integration of the armed forces.
Bill· HRH.R. 4096 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Taxpayer's Defense Act - Amends Federal law provisions concerning discretionary congressional review of agency rules to set forth provisions mandating that a rule that establishes or increases a tax, however denominated, shall not take effect before the enactment of a bill the text of which has been submitted to each House of the Congress by the agency promulgating the rule in a report that contains the bill's text and an explanation of the bill. Exempts a rule promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code. Outlines introduction, referral, and consideration procedures for approval of the bill.
Bill· HRH.R. 4100 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1998
Free Market Prison Industries Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions governing Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Directs that FPI: (1) be administered by a board of seven directors appointed by the President; (2) provide industries operated as a Limited Sales Project, Private Sector Project, or Prison Industry Enhancement Project, aimed at generating the greatest amount of prisoner contributions and providing employment for the greatest number possible of inmates who are eligible to work and in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, convicted by general courts martial and confined in an institution under Department of Defense jurisdiction, or confined in a District of Columbia penal or correctional institution; and (3) conduct its operations so that it realizes annual positive net revenues. Allows any such prison industry to offer for sale on the open market assembled or foreign-made goods. Exempts FPI from compliance with the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 or with the Federal Acquisition Regulations. (Sec. 3) Requires any prison industry not operated as a Private Sector Project or a Prison Industry Enhancement Project to be operated as a Limited Sales Project, which shall: (1) sell its products only to the Federal Government, State and local governmental entities, or outside the United States; (2) be operated directly by FPI; and (3) be located in a facility provided by the Bureau of Prisons. (Sec. 4) Requires each industry located at a facility activated by the Attorney General one year or more after this Act's enactment to be operated as a Private Sector Project, with an exception. Permits each industry located at a facility that was activated before that date to be operated as a Private Sector Project. Directs that such a Project: (1) sell its products generally on the open market; (2) be operated by a private person under a contract with FPI for the use of prison labor; and (3) be located in a facility operated by the Bureau of Prisons or a private person under a contract with the Attorney General, or elsewhere as may be determined by the Attorney General. Requires FPI: (1) to enter into a contract with a private person to operate the Private Sector Project on terms beneficial to FPI's mission, including provision for payment for the use of the services of the inmates working in that Project; (2) before entering into such contract, to prepare and make public a notice soliciting private persons to submit bids; and (3) when reviewing bids, to give preference to private persons who proposed to use the Project for operations that otherwise would be located abroad, with an exception. Allows each industry that is in operation one year after this Act's enactment and located at a facility activated before such date to be operated as a Prison Industry Enhancement Project, which shall: (1) sell its products generally on the open market; (2) be operated by FPI; and (3) be located in a facility operated by the Bureau of Prisons or a private person under a contract with the Attorney General. Requires FPI, not later than: (1) two years after this Act's enactment date, to operate not fewer than five industries existing on such date as Private Sector Projects or Prison Industry Enhancement Projects; and (2) three years after such date, to operate not fewer than 20 such industries as Private Sector Projects or Prison Industry Enhancement Projects. (Sec. 7) Rewrites provisions regarding the prohibition on sales of prisoner-made products. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to goods, wares, or merchandise manufactured or produced, or services provided, by inmates at an industry provided by FPI, or by a State, unless: (1) the industry is operated by a person other than the State; and (2) after September 30, 2008, the State does not have in effect any requirement that State departments and agencies purchase a portion of their requirements from products produced by any State prison industry. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to make an initial determination of those goods of which 95 percent or more of the amount sold in the United States are fabricated in a foreign place. (Sec. 9) Directs the Attorney General to develop and submit to the Congress a plan for restructuring FPI that provides for: (1) the phasing out of the use of Limited Sales Projects and of Prison Industry Enhancement Projects by September 30 of 2008 and 2013, respectively; and (2) the creation of a non-governmental entity to succeed Federal Prison Industries.
Bill· SS. 2192 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Makes technical amendments to the Trademark Act of 1946. Allows the refusal of a trademark, as well as a petition for cancellation of a trademark, on the ground that the mark comprises any matter that, as a whole, is functional. Subjects the registration of a trademark to the defense or defect that the mark is functional.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 477 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 4059 (military construction appropriations).
Bill· SS. 2185 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation of an unsafe handgun. Defines "unsafe handgun" as any semiautomatic pistol which does not have a magazine safety disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired once the magazine or clip is removed from the weapon and any handgun: (1) which the Secretary of the Treasury determines, when new, fires in any of five successive trials in which the handgun is dropped onto a solid slab of concrete from a height of one meter from each of several specified positions; (2) without a child resistant trigger mechanism reasonably designed to prevent a child who has attained age five from operating the weapon when it is ready to fire; and (3) sold without a mechanism reasonably designed, under rules determined by the Secretary, to prevent the discharge of the weapon by unauthorized users. Exempts the manufacture or importation by a licensed manufacturer or importer for use by a department or agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 102) Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study and report to the Congress on how handgun safety can be improved so as to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of firearms by children who have not attained age 18. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999. Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile. (Sec. 202) Increases the penalty for transferring a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon to a juvenile for use in a crime of violence. Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke the license of a dealer who willfully sells a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, 30 days after the Attorney General notifies licensees that the national instant criminal background check system is established, from transferring a firearm to any unlicensed person without verifying the identity of a purchaser known or reasonably believed to be under age 24 by examining two valid photograph identification documents. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations that establish minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to dealers who are issued a license, which shall include minimum standards for: (1) a place of business in which a dealer covered by the regulations conducts business or stores firearms; (2) windows, the front door, storage rooms, containers, alarms, and specified other items of a place of business; and (3) the storage and handling of the firearms contained in such place of business. Authorizes the Secretary to enter the place of business of a licensed dealer: (1) under specified conditions, where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, to examine records of the safety and security measures taken by the dealer to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (2) without such reasonable cause or warrant not more than once during any 12-month period to ensure compliance. Sets penalties for licensed dealers who knowingly fail to comply with any applicable regulation issued pursuant to this section. Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, that has been shipped or transported in or otherwise substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, on premises under the custody or control of a person who knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile is capable of gaining access to the firearm without the permission of a parent or legal guardian, if a juvenile obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or bodily injury or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in a school zone. Makes an exception if: (1) the juvenile obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; (2) the person uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (3) the person is a peace officer, member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, and the juvenile obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of official duties in that capacity; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises on which the firearm is kept. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a copy of such prohibition and penalties appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective firearm purchaser. Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants to State and local departments of health and law enforcement agencies for establishing and maintaining children's firearm-related injury surveillance systems; and (2) carry out this title through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who shall carry out this title through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Director). Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that such grants are used to establish systems for gathering information regarding fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries involving children who have not attained age 21; and (2) give priority to States and communities in which firearm- related injuries for children are a significant public health problem. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education or State educational agencies (if the amount appropriated to carry out this title exceeds $50 million) to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a formula for allocating appropriated funds to the States; (2) minimum allotments; (3) required assurances regarding the use of allocated funds; (4) priorities in awarding grants; (6) peer review of grant applications; (7) eligible grant recipients; (8) State and local applications, and reporting requirements; (9) authorized activities; and (10) requirements that funds received supplement, not supplant, funds that would otherwise be available from non-Federal sources and that persons hired by a local educational agency receiving a grant award not displace persons already employed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants pursuant to this title; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to provide for timely counseling and: (1) evaluations of any student who possesses, or threatens to bring or use, a weapon on school grounds; and (2) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of gun-related violence on school grounds. Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) endeavor to expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 cities or counties by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) select cities and counties for participation in YCGII in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; (3) utilize the information provided by YCGII to facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to persons under age 24; (4) share information derived from YCGII with State and local law enforcement agencies through on-line computer access as soon as such capability is available; and (5) award grants to States, cities, and counties for purposes of assisting in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. Authorizes such grants to be used to: (1) hire or assign additional personnel for the gathering, submission, and analysis of tracing data submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under YCGII; (2) hire additional law enforcement personnel to identify and arrest individuals illegally trafficking firearms; and (3) purchase additional equipment, including automatic data processing equipment and computer software and hardware, for the timely submission and analysis of tracing data.
Bill· SS. 2181 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Extends permanently (currently ends on October 27, 1999) the eligibility of certain former members of the Selected Reserve for veterans' housing loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4073 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation of an unsafe handgun. Defines "unsafe handgun" as any semiautomatic pistol which does not have a magazine safety disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired once the magazine or clip is removed from the weapon and any handgun: (1) which the Secretary of the Treasury determines, when new, fires in any of five successive trials in which the handgun is dropped onto a solid slab of concrete from a height of one meter from each of several specified positions; (2) without a child resistant trigger mechanism reasonably designed to prevent a child who has attained age five from operating the weapon when it is ready to fire; and (3) sold without a mechanism reasonably designed, under rules determined by the Secretary, to prevent the discharge of the weapon by unauthorized users. Exempts the manufacture or importation by a licensed manufacturer or importer for use by a department or agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 102) Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study and report to the Congress on how handgun safety can be improved so as to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of firearms by children who have not attained age 18. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999. Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile. (Sec. 202) Increases the penalty for transferring a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon to a juvenile for use in a crime of violence. Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke the license of a dealer who willfully sells a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, 30 days after the Attorney General notifies licensees that the national instant criminal background check system is established, from transferring a firearm to any unlicensed person without verifying the identity of a purchaser known or reasonably believed to be under age 24 by examining two valid photograph identification documents. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations that establish minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to dealers who are issued a license, which shall include minimum standards for: (1) a place of business in which a dealer covered by the regulations conducts business or stores firearms; (2) windows, the front door, storage rooms, containers, alarms, and specified other items of a place of business; and (3) the storage and handling of the firearms contained in such place of business. Authorizes the Secretary to enter the place of business of a licensed dealer: (1) under specified conditions, where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, to examine records of the safety and security measures taken by the dealer to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (2) without such reasonable cause or warrant not more than once during any 12-month period to ensure compliance. Sets penalties for licensed dealers who knowingly fail to comply with any applicable regulation issued pursuant to this section. Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, that has been shipped or transported in or otherwise substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, on premises under the custody or control of a person who knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile is capable of gaining access to the firearm without the permission of a parent or legal guardian, if a juvenile obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or bodily injury or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in a school zone. Makes an exception if: (1) the juvenile obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; (2) the person uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (3) the person is a peace officer, member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, and the juvenile obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of official duties in that capacity; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises on which the firearm is kept. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a copy of such prohibition and penalties appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective firearm purchaser. Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants to State and local departments of health and law enforcement agencies for establishing and maintaining children's firearm-related injury surveillance systems; and (2) carry out this title through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who shall carry out this title through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Director). Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that such grants are used to establish systems for gathering information regarding fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries involving children who have not attained age 21; and (2) give priority to States and communities in which firearm- related injuries for children are a significant public health problem. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education or State educational agencies (if the amount appropriated to carry out this title exceeds $50 million) to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a formula for allocating appropriated funds to the States; (2) minimum allotments; (3) required assurances regarding the use of allocated funds; (4) priorities in awarding grants; (6) peer review of grant applications; (7) eligible grant recipients; (8) State and local applications, and reporting requirements; (9) authorized activities; and (10) requirements that funds received supplement, not supplant, funds that would otherwise be available from non-Federal sources and that persons hired by a local educational agency receiving a grant award not displace persons already employed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants pursuant to this title; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to provide for timely counseling and: (1) evaluations of any student who possesses, or threatens to bring or use, a weapon on school grounds; and (2) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of gun-related violence on school grounds. Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) endeavor to expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 cities or counties by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) select cities and counties for participation in YCGII in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; (3) utilize the information provided by YCGII to facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to persons under age 24; (4) share information derived from YCGII with State and local law enforcement agencies through on-line computer access as soon as such capability is available; and (5) award grants to States, cities, and counties for purposes of assisting in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. Authorizes such grants to be used to: (1) hire or assign additional personnel for the gathering, submission, and analysis of tracing data submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under YCGII; (2) hire additional law enforcement personnel to identify and arrest individuals illegally trafficking firearms; and (3) purchase additional equipment, including automatic data processing equipment and computer software and hardware, for the timely submission and analysis of tracing data.
Bill· HRH.R. 4070 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Repeals a Federal provision which prohibits a veteran's disability or death from being considered to have resulted from a personal injury suffered or a disease contracted in the line of duty on the basis that it resulted from the use of tobacco products during the veteran's military, naval, or air service. Prohibits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget from making any estimate of changes in direct spending outlays under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) for any fiscal year resulting from the enactment of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 476 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Sets forth the rule (closed) for the consideration of H. Res. 463 (establishing the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military Commercial Concerns With the People's Republic of China).