Education

Assets for Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997

Assets for Independence Act - Provides for the establishment of demonstration projects designed for the stated purpose of determining: (1) the social, civic, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals and families with limited means an incentive to accumulate assets by saving a portion of their earned income in an individual development account; (2) the extent to which an asset-based policy that promotes saving for education, home ownership, and microenterprise development may be used to enable individuals and families with limited means to increase their economic self-sufficiency; and (3) the extent to which an asset-based policy stabilizes and improves families and the community in which they live. Authorizes not-for-profit organizations and qualified State or local government agencies to participate in the grant program. Requires each qualified not-for-profit organization receiving a grant to establish a Reserve Fund for deposit of private and public funds provided for the demonstration project, as well as proceeds from investments. Makes an individual eligible for assistance under a demonstration project if the individual is a member of a household that: (1) is eligible for assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) meets certain income and net worth tests. Authorizes appropriations. Disregards funds in an individual development account of a demonstration project participant for purposes of all means-tested Federal programs.

A resolution designating the week beginning September 21, 1997, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997

Designates the week beginning September 14, 1997, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.

To reduce Federal spending in several programs.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Defense Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts Title III: Entitlements Title I: Defense - Directs the Secretary of Defense to reduce: (1) by FY 2003 the Department of Defense (DOD) strategic nuclear force to include a maximum of 300 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles; and (2) DOD theater missile defense programs by terminating the Navy sea-based area theater missile defense system, the Army Medium Extended Air Defense System, the Air Force airborne laser for destruction of missiles system, and the Space and Missile Tracking System. (Sec. 102) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for the production of Trident II (D-5) missiles for the Navy. Requires the Secretary to retire eight Trident I submarines during FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 103) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for: (1) assistance to Israel for development of the Arrow missile; and (2) research, development, test, and evaluation or for procurement for the Marine Corps V-22 Osprey aircraft program. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to retire 20 Air Force KC-135E aircraft during each of FY 1998 through 2002. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to assign to a unit of the armed forces members who are: (1) in transit during a scheduled move from one military installation to another; and (2) undergoing military training other than basic training. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary to increase the surcharge on sale prices of goods and services sold in commissary stores so that commissary prices are increased by at least ten percent. (Sec. 108) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide that any sale of major defense equipment approved under such Act shall include an appropriate charge for costs incurred by the United States in the research, development, and production of such equipment. Provides an exception. Repeals a provision of such Act which allows for the recovery of certain administrative expenses when such expenses are neither salaries of U.S. armed forces nor represent unfunded estimated costs of civilian retirement and other benefits. Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to terminate U.S. participation in the International Space Station program. Authorizes appropriations for termination costs. (Sec. 202) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to require the interest rates on loans and advances under such Act to equal the coupon equivalent yield on Treasury obligations of comparable maturity at the most recent Treasury auction of such obligations. Provides for loan origination fees from borrowers of loans made under such Act. Eliminates references to existing interest rates under such Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to eliminate below-cost timber sales from National Forest System lands. (Sec. 204) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding the foreign market development cooperator program. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 regarding the Cochran Fellowship Program. (Sec. 206) Prohibits the NASA Administrator from obligating funds for the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program, High-Speed Research, or the National Aeronautics Facility. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 effective September 30, 1997. (Sec. 208) Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to prohibit the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act after September 30, 1997. Title III: Entitlements - Requires, for any arrangement for the sale of electric power entered into by a Federal Power Marketing Administration after October 1, 1997, that: (1) the rate for the sale of power be the market rate established by competitive bidding and no discount be provided to any purchaser; and (2) no entity be entitled to any preference or priority right to contract for or purchase such power. Makes certain provisions of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act regarding a residential power exchange program inapplicable to arrangements for the purchase or sale of electric power entered into after October 1, 1997. Prohibits Federal Power Marketing Administrations from entering into or renewing a power marketing contract for a term that exceeds five years. (Sec. 302) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding a market access program. (Sec. 303) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend and increase tobacco price support program marketing assessments on producers, purchasers, and importers. (Sec. 304) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the payment of in-school interest by certain student loan borrowers. (Sec. 305) Amends Federal veterans' provisions to increase from $2 to $5 the prescription drug copayment required from certain veterans. Extends such requirement through FY 2002.

To establish an education satellite loan guarantee program to facilitate the development of an integrated, national and global telecommunications system dedicated to instruction and used solely for communications among Federal, State, and local instructional institutions and agencies and instructional resource providers.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997

Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming (educational satellite loan guarantee program). Restricts such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; and (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies and other distance learning and instructional resource providers. Requires such a corporation, before a loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported its findings to the Secretary; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Limits the amount of guaranteed loans to acquire such a system and to operate and manage it for up to three years. Requires the lender to agree to assign to the United States, upon payment of such loan guarantee, its rights and interests in such communications satellite system or communications satellite system services. Authorizes appropriations.

Kid's Bank Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997

Kid's Bank Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include under the definition of an eligible lender a bank that: (1) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit foundation; (2) makes HEA student loans only to undergraduate students who are age 22 or younger; and (3) has a portfolio of such loans that is not more than $10 million.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Expansion, Protection, and Access Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Expansion, Protection, and Access Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to revise provisions regarding motorized portage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota. Provides that nothing shall prevent the operation of a motorized vehicle and associated equipment necessary to assist in the transport of a boat across Prairie Portage from the Moose Lake chain to Basswood Lake, and from Lake Vermilion to Trout Lake across the Trout Lake Portage. Prohibits such vehicles from exceeding the dimensions of a three-quarter ton pickup truck and requires them to be clean-emission and energy efficient. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate special use permits for tow boats in Basswood or South Farm Lakes. Increases the number of motorboat permits for September on Basswood Lake to take into account the removal of tow boats. Requires the costs of operating motorized vehicles to be borne by a concessionaire without government subsidies. Makes provisions regarding motorized portage ineffective if there is no operation of such vehicles for a significant part of the ice-free season for three consecutive years. Adds lands to the Wilderness. Prohibits the use of motorboats on Canoe Lake in Cook County. Requires the Secretary to make funds available annually to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for activities such as campsite restoration, trail and campsite maintenance, law enforcement, management plan monitoring, and user education. Makes a specified executive order regarding an airspace reservation applicable to lands added to the Wilderness under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

United States-People's Republic of China National Security and Freedom Protection Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Security Title II: Human Rights Title III: Trade Title IV: Review of Policy United States-People's Republic of China National Security and Freedom Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: National Security - Sets forth the findings of Congress about: (1) the threat to U.S. global interests from the weapons proliferation practices of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including sale of C-802 cruise missiles to Iran; (2) the U.S. national security interest in Taiwan; and (3) the subsidization of PLA commercial activities by the People's Republic of China (PRC). (Sec. 102) Prohibits commercial activities in the United States by the PLA or any other Communist Chinese military company (CCMC). Directs the Secretary of Defense to compile and publish in the Federal Register a list of Communist Chinese military operating directly or indirectly in the United States or its territories and possessions. Grants the President authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to ban such activities. Directs the President to ban: (1) the importation of any product produced, manufactured, or grown by the PLA or by a CCMC; and (2) the sale of any debt on the U.S. bond market which benefits the PLA or a CCMC. (Sec. 103) Requires annual reports to the Congress: (1) jointly by the Director of Central Intelligence and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on PRC intelligence activities directed against or affecting U.S. interests; and (2) by the Secretary of Defense on PLA military modernization and on PLA or other CCMC commercial activities. (Sec. 104) Amends the Taiwan Relations Act to declare that its provisions on making U.S. defense articles and services available to Taiwan shall supersede the Joint Communique of the United States and China of August 17, 1982. Directs the Secretary of Defense to study jointly with appropriate representatives of the Government of Taiwan, and report to specified congressional committees on, the architecture requirements for the establishment and operation of a theater ballistic missile defense system for Taiwan, including the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, and Matsu. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, if requested by the Government of Taiwan, and in accordance with the results of such study, should sell to Taiwan appropriate defense articles, defense services, or design and construction services for the purpose of establishing, deploying, and operating such a defensive theater ballistic missile defense system. Declares that it is in the U.S. national interest that Taiwan be included in any effort at ballistic missile defense cooperation, networking, or interoperability among East Asian nations. (Sec. 105) Urges the President to enforce the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 with respect to the acquisition by Iran of C-802 model cruise missiles. Title II: Human Rights - Sets forth the findings of Congress on: (1) human rights in the PRC, particularly the treatment of pro-democracy and human rights activists; (2) coercive family planning practices, especially forced abortion and forced sterilization; (3) religious persecution in the PRC; (4) slave labor and "re-education camps" in the PRC; and (5) the need for international broadcasting into the PRC. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for international broadcasting to China by Radio Free Asia and Voice of America. Requires the President to report to the Congress on a plan to achieve their continuous broadcasting to the PRC in multiple major dialects and languages. (Sec. 203) Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the President should make freedom of religion one of the major objectives of U.S. foreign policy with respect to the PRC. Urges the Department of State: (1) to raise in every relevant bilateral and multilateral forum the issue of individuals imprisoned, detained, confined, or otherwise harassed by the Chinese Government on religious grounds; and (2) in its communications with the Chinese Government name specific individuals of concern and request a complete and timely response from the Chinese Government regarding their whereabouts and condition, the charges against them, and the sentence imposed. Declares that the goal of such communications should be the expeditious release of all religious prisoners in China and Tibet and the end of the Chinese Government's policy and practice of harassing and repressing religious believers. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of State, the U.S. Information Agency, or the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide travel expenses and per diem for the participation in conferences, exchanges, programs, and activities of a PRC national directly involved in or responsible for repressive religious policies and practices. Requires each Federal agency to certify to specified congressional committees that it did not pay, directly or through a grantee or contractor, for such travel expenses or per diem. Makes ineligible for a visa, and excludes from admission into the United States, any PRC national directly involved in or responsible for repressive religious policies and practices. (Sec. 204) Declares that it is U.S. policy to condemn those officials of the Chinese Communist Party, the Government of the PRC, and other persons involved in the enforcement of forced abortions, by preventing such persons from entering or remaining in the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of State from issuing a visa, and the Attorney General from admitting into the United States, any PRC national who the Secretary finds, based on credible information, has been involved in the establishment or enforcement of population control policies resulting in a woman's being forced to undergo an abortion against her free choice, or in a man's or woman's being forced to undergo sterilization against his or her free choice. Allows the President to waive this prohibition in order to carry on the normal course of foreign policy. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations for monitoring by the U.S. Customs Service and the Department of State of the exportation by the PRC to the United States of products which may be made with slave labor. Requires the Commissioner of Customs and the Secretary of State each to report annually to the Congress on the manufacturing and exportation of products made with slave labor in the PRC. Declares the sense of Congress that, since the PRC has substantially frustrated the purposes of the 1992 Memorandum of Understanding with the United States on Prison Labor, the President should immediately commence negotiations to replace the current Memorandum with one providing for effective monitoring of forced labor in the PRC, without restrictions on which prison labor camps international monitors may visit. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations to support U.S. Embassy personnel in Beijing, as well as American consulates in other specified Chinese cities, to monitor political repression in the PRC and the use of the Laogai system of forced labor and re-education as tools of political repression. Title III: Trade - Declares the findings of Congress with respect to U.S. interests and Taiwan's and the PRC's admission into the World Trade Organization (WTO). (Sec. 302) Declares that it is the policy of Congress that the United States should aggressively support the PRC's accession to the WTO under commercially viable terms. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Taiwan should be admitted to the WTO as a separate customs territory without making such admission conditional on the previous or simultaneous admission of the PRC, whether as a developing or a developed nation; and (2) it should be U.S. policy to support such unconditional admission. Title IV: Review of Policy - Directs the Chairmen and Ranking Members of specified congressional committees to review this Act at the President's request or upon any of the following conditions' being met: (1) the PRC's entry into the WTO; (2) its full implementation and compliance with bilateral and international nonproliferation agreements and standards; (3) its active and effective combatting of all forms of religious persecution; (4) its reevaluation of its official view of the Tiananmen Square Massacre of June 4, 1989, consistent with the findings of this Act; and (5) publication of a defense white paper providing a comprehensive description and transparency of the PLA's modernization program roles and missions.

Marshall S. Smith, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Education, vice Madeleine Kunin.

United States · United States Senate · 28 July 1997

Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 2264) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997

Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 2264 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies appropriations).

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Nation must place greater emphasis on helping young Americans to develop habits of good character that are essential to their own well-being and to that of our communities.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997

Expresses the sense of the Congress that it: (1) supports and encourages character building initiatives in schools across the Nation; and (2) urges colleges and universities to affirm that the development of character is one of the primary goals of higher education.

Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Improvement Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Grants Title II: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Tax Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Grants - Directs the Secretaries of Education and Labor, using funds made available from the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund, to make grants to eligible agencies and organizations for carrying out education and workforce activities described by this title. Requires grants provided to local educational agencies or organizations with experience in carrying out such activities to be used for: (1) providing professional development for teachers and principals; (2) developing programs to provide business experience to teachers participating in vocational or technology training; (3) constructing, renovating, or improving educational facilities for workforce training programs; (4) developing partnerships between businesses and vocational education or training providers to carry out student internships; (5) providing youth and adult workforce training with remedial help; (6) establishing model benchmarks to be used in education and workforce training curricula; (7) providing for evaluations of other education and workforce training activities; (8) assisting in mentoring and parental involvement programs and career path records for students; (9) establishing and assessing voluntary skill standards for workforce training participants; (10) assessing the need for, and improving, educational technology in the metropolitan region; and (11) providing resources to extend a school year or day. Sets forth provisions regarding distribution of funds and maintenance of fiscal effort with respect to such activities. (Sec. 103) Establishes the: (1) Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Partnership in the Departments of Labor and Education; and (2) Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Board within the Partnership. Requires the Board to provide advice to the Secretaries on applications and grants and report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on Partnership activities. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretaries to accept voluntary and uncompensated services in furtherance of this title. Permits the Partnership to accept monetary contributions to defray expenses. Title II: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Tax - Amends the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 to define "gross income," in the case of nonresidents of the District, as income derived from: (1) salaries or compensation for personal services performed within the District, including Federal employee compensation; (2) certain trade or business conducted in the District, including sales or dealings in District property; and (3) rent on property located in the District. Imposes an income tax on nonresidents at a rate equal to one-third of the rate applied to residents. Provides for deductions and personal exemptions with respect to such tax. Bars the District Council from: (1) imposing any additional tax on the personal income of nonresidents unless the same proportion of tax is imposed on the personal income of residents; and (2) providing deductions or personal exemptions to residents which are not also available to nonresidents. Allocates the revenues received from income tax on nonresidents as follows: (1) one-third to the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority for funding the repair and modernization of District public schools; and (2) two-thirds to the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund. Sets forth a formula for the phasing-in of the nonresident income tax. (Sec. 202) Repeals provisions of the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 regarding the unincorporated business tax. Provides that unincorporated businesses as such shall not be subject to tax. Requires individuals carrying on business as unincorporated businesses to be liable in their individual capacity, for personal income tax as residents or nonresidents, with respect to their distributive share of the net income of the business derived from sources within the District. Sets forth provisions regarding allowable excess deductions with respect to such businesses. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements for tax withholding by employers of nonresidents and revises provisions regarding declarations of estimated tax. (Sec. 204) Allows a credit against income tax imposed under this title for residents subject to income tax of another State. Disallows such credit if the other State allows a credit for income tax paid to the District. (Sec. 206) Grants States and territories the right to sue in the District's Superior Court to recover any tax due when the reciprocal right is accorded to the District by the State or territory. Authorizes the Corporation Counsel to bring suit in the name of the District to collect taxes. (Sec. 207) Establishes the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretaries to obligate sums from the Fund to make grants under title I of this Act.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Labor Title II: Department of Health and Human Services Title III: Department of Education Title IV: Related Agencies Title V: General Provisions Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Labor for: (1) training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration for salaries and expenses and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (8) the Employment Standards Administration; (9) certain special benefits; (10) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (12) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (13) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (14) departmental management; and (15) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) Federal interest subsidies for medical facilities; (3) health education assistance loans; (4) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (5) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (6) the National Institutes of Health, including amounts for the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, the Office of the Director, and buildings and facilities; (7) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (8) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers; (9) the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (10) the Health Care Financing Administration for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (11) the Administration for Children and Families for family support payments to States; (12) low income home energy assistance; (13) refugee and entrant assistance; (14) the child care and development block grant; (15) the social services block grant; (16) children and families services programs; (17) family preservation and support; (18) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (19) the Administration on Aging; (20) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (21) the Office of Inspector General; (22) the Office for Civil Rights; and (23) policy research. Rescinds FY 1998 funds for a sample study of child welfare. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the relocation of the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center in Carville, Louisiana. Sets forth administrative provisions with respect to relocation of patients and separation of employees. (Sec. 212) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being made available under title X (population research and voluntary family planning) of the Public Health Service Act unless the applicant for the award certifies to the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and provides counseling to minors on resisting attempts to coerce minors into engaging in sexual activities. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Education for: (1) education reform; (2) education for the disadvantaged; (3) impact aid; (4) school improvement activities; (5) literacy; (6) Indian education; (7) bilingual and immigrant education; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) student financial assistance; (13) the Federal family education loan program account; (14) higher education; (15) Howard University; (16) college housing and academic facilities loans program; (17) the historically black college and university capital financing program account; (18) education research, statistics, and improvement; (19) libraries; (20) departmental management; (21) the Office for Civil Rights; and (22) the Office of the Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 301) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being used to: (1) transport teachers or students in order to overcome racial imbalance in any school or to carry out a racial desegregation plan; or (2) prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. (Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary of Education, from funds appropriated under the Fund for the Improvement of Education, to make an award to the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on certain items related to the Clinton Administration's proposed national tests in fourth grade reading and eighth grade math. Prohibits the Department of Education from administering any final version of such tests until such report is completed. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Council on Disability; (8) National Education Goals Panel; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the social security trust funds, special benefits for disabled coal miners, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (16) U.S. Institute of Peace. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act. (Sec. 506) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for an abortion except when made known to the Federal entity to which funds are appropriated that such procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother or that the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo is destroyed or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 512) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for activities to promote the legalization of a controlled substance unless there is significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage to the use of such substance or that federally-sponsored trials are being conducted to determine such advantage. (Sec. 514) Amends the Social Security Act to increase fees required from States for Federal administration of State supplementary payments under the SSI program. Provides for the deposit of a portion of such fees into a special fund and authorizes appropriations from the fund for administrative expenses of the SSI program. (Sec. 515) Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to extend certain voluntary separation incentive payments to Federal employees who separate before December 31, 1997 (currently, September 30, 1997).

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, and Air Force and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at formerly used defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid programs; and (6) former Soviet Union threat reduction. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for procurement by the armed forces and reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Working Capital Funds; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) payment to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Fund; and (4) national security scholarships, fellowships, and grants (using funds derived from the National Security Education Trust Fund). Title VIII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8008) Authorizes appropriated procurement funds to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. (Sec. 8010) Prohibits during FY 1998 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8018) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8029) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8031) Directs the Secretary to reduce by $55 million the total amounts appropriated in titles II through IV to reflect savings from the DOD use of defense federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Reduces by $86.3 million the total amounts appropriated in title II to reflect savings from the decreased use of non-FFRDC consulting services. (Sec. 8032) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY 1998. (Sec. 8045) Prohibits the use of funds for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification. (Sec. 8050) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements or to hire additional personnel for such agencies, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program; (3) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated; and (4) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1997, level. (Sec. 8055) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8071) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees on all costs incurred by DOD during the preceding quarter in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) resolutions. (Sec. 8072) Prohibits the use of FY 1997 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8079) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense committees a report identifying any activity for which the FY 1999 budget request was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for that activity for FY 1998. (Sec. 8080) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless certain savings are realized by DOD as a result of such restructuring. Requires a related report from the Comptroller General. (Sec. 8082) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to permit the use of equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project on a space-available, reimbursable basis. (Sec. 8093) Reduces by specified amounts the total amount appropriated in this Act to reflect savings due to: (1) excess inventory; (2) shared cleanup costs; and (3) the repeal of provisions requiring certain defense contractor guarantees with respect to major weapon systems. (Sec. 8098) Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees: (1) an aviation safety plan of navigational safety upgrades for all DOD aircraft, along with funding requirements; and (2) a report on alternatives for current theater combat simulations. (Sec. 8101) Requires each annual Federal budget beginning with FY 1999 to include budget activity groups which separately identify all DOD costs incurred to support NATO expansion. (Sec. 8102) Prohibits DOD funds for any fiscal year from being obligated for the deployment of U.S. troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina after: (1) June 30, 1998; or (2) such later date as specifically prescribed by law. Provides exceptions. Prohibits any such funds from being used for the conduct or support of law enforcement activities in such areas, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the political and military conditions in such countries.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Labor Title II: Department of Health and Human Services Title III: Department of Education Title IV: Related Agencies Title V: General Provisions Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related agencies. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Labor for: (1) training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) Federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) State unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and other trust funds; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration for salaries and expenses and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (8) the Employment Standards Administration; (9) certain special benefits; (10) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (12) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (13) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (14) departmental management; and (15) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) Federal interest subsidies for medical facilities; (3) health education assistance loans; (4) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (5) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (6) the National Institutes of Health, including amounts for the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, the Office of the Director, and buildings and facilities; (7) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (8) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers; (9) the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (10) the Health Care Financing Administration for grants to States for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, program management, and the Health Maintenance Organization Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund; (11) the Administration for Children and Families for family support payments to States; (12) low income home energy assistance; (13) refugee and entrant assistance; (14) the child care and development block grant; (15) the social services block grant; (16) children and families services programs; (17) family preservation and support; (18) payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance; (19) the Administration on Aging; (20) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (21) the Office of Inspector General; (22) the Office for Civil Rights; and (23) policy research. Rescinds FY 1998 funds for a sample study of child welfare. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Education for: (1) education reform; (2) education for the disadvantaged; (3) impact aid; (4) school improvement activities; (5) Indian education; (6) bilingual and immigrant education; (7) special education; (8) rehabilitation services and disability research; (9) special institutions for persons with disabilities; (10) vocational and adult education; (11) student financial assistance; (12) the Federal family education loan program account; (13) higher education; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically black college and university capital financing program account; (17) education research, statistics, and improvement; (18) a child literacy initiative; (19) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (20) departmental management; (21) the Office for Civil Rights; and (22) the Office of the Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 301) Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being used to: (1) transport teachers or students in order to overcome racial imbalance in any school or to carry out a racial desegregation plan; or (2) prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Council on Disability; (8) National Education Goals Panel; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, Federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; (15) Social Security Administration for payments to the social security trust funds, special benefits for disabled coal miners, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; and (16) U.S. Institute of Peace. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this Act. (Sec. 506) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for an abortion except when made known to the Federal entity to which funds are appropriated that such procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother or that the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo is destroyed or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 512) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for activities to promote the legalization of a controlled substance unless there is significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage to the use of such substance or that federally-sponsored trials are being conducted to determine such advantage. (Sec. 514) Amends the Social Security Act to increase fees required from States for Federal administration of State supplementary payments under the SSI program. Provides for the deposit of a portion of such fees into a special fund and authorizes appropriations from the fund for administrative expenses of the SSI program. (Sec. 515) Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to extend certain voluntary separation incentive payments to Federal employees who separate before December 31, 1997 (currently, September 30, 1997). (Sec. 516) Cancels a specified amount of budgetary resources available to agencies funded in this Act for salaries and expenses during FY 1998, to be allocated by the Office of Management and Budget. Makes this provision inapplicable to the Food and Drug Administration and the Indian Health Service.

To authorize appropriations for carrying out the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 for fiscal years 1998 and 1999, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997

Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 to: (1) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to carry out the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior for such responsibilities as may be assigned to the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under such Act, with specified funds earmarked for the Global Seismic Network and for carrying out a competitive, peer-reviewed program under which FEMA, in close coordination with and as a complement to related activities of the USGS, awards grants to, or enters into cooperative agreements with, State and local governments and persons or entities from the academic community and the private sector. Earmarks funds for responsibilities under such Act for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF) for engineering research and geosciences research; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Requires the Director of USGS to: (1) conduct and report to the Congress on a program to develop a prototype real-time seismic warning system; and (2) provide for an assessment of and report to the Congress on regional seismic monitoring networks in the United States. Authorizes the Director of NSF to use funds made available under such Act to develop and make available to schools and local educational agencies for use by schools, at a minimal cost, earth science teaching materials that are designed to meet the needs of elementary and secondary school teachers and students. Requires the Director to conduct and report to the Congress on a project to improve the seismic hazard assessment of seismic zones. Requires the Director of FEMA to report to the Congress on the need for additional Federal disaster-response training capabilities that are applicable to earthquake response. Requires NSF, FEMA, USGS, and NIST to jointly develop a comprehensive plan for earthquake engineering research to effectively use existing testing facilities and laboratories, upgrade facilities and equipment as needed, and integrate new, innovative testing approaches to the research infrastructure in a systematic manner.

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to state as the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. Adds a requirement that, in administering the System, the Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that the System's mission and the purposes of each refuge are carried out, except that if a conflict exists between the purposes of a refuge and the System mission, it shall be resolved in a manner that first protects the purposes of the refuge. Recognizes and supports wildlife-dependent recreation (recreation which involves hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or environmental education and interpretation) within the System. Requires the Secretary to monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative arrangements with State fish and wildlife agencies for the management of programs on a refuge. Prohibits the Secretary from initiating or permitting a new refuge use or expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use, unless the Secretary determines that such use is a compatible use which is not inconsistent with public safety. Establishes compatibility standards and procedures, including those for wildlife-dependent recreational uses. Requires the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing the process for determining a compatible use. States that the compatibility determination provisions of the Act shall not apply to overflights above a refuge or to activities authorized, funded, or conducted by a Federal agency having primary jurisdiction over a refuge. Directs the Secretary to propose comprehensive conservation plans for each refuge in the System except for lands in Alaska (which are governed by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act). Requires maximum 15-year cycles of plan revision. Sets forth matters to be considered in plan development, including fish and wildlife distribution and migration patterns, plant populations, archaeological and cultural values, habitat problems, and opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreation. Authorizes the Secretary to temporarily suspend any refuge activity when necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or any fish or wildlife population.

Education Land Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997

Education Land Grant Act - Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to provide for the disposal of national forest lands (currently, only public lands) to a State, territory, county, municipality, or other State, territorial, or Federal instrumentality or political subdivision, including to a local education agency (LEA) for an elementary or secondary school, including a public charter school. Makes such Act inapplicable to lands in: (1) the National Park System; (2) the National Wildlife Refuge System; (3) the National Wilderness Preservation System; (4) the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; (5) the National Trails System; (6) any Bureau of Land Management area of critical environmental concern; and (7) any national recreation area. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of an application from a duly qualified LEA that is seeking conveyance of land for use for a school, to: (1) notify the applicant of such receipt before the end of the ten-day period beginning on the date of receipt; and (2) before the end of the 60-day period beginning on such date, determine whether or not to convey such land and to notify the applicant of that determination, or report to the Congress and the applicant the reasons that determination has not been made.

Teaching Excellence for All Children Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Parental Rights Title II: Qualified Teachers Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support Title VI: General Provisions Teaching Excellence for All Children Act of 1997 - Title I: Parental Rights - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require any public elementary or secondary school receiving ESEA funds to make available to the parents of each student information regarding the qualifications of each of the student's teachers, both generally and with regard to the content area or areas in which each teacher provides instruction. Title II: Qualified Teachers - Requires each State, in order to be eligible to receive funds under ESEA, to meet specified conditions for ensuring a qualified teacher in every classroom. Title III: Federal Funds Used in the Preparation of Teachers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish certain minimum teacher training standards. Title IV: Incentives for Increasing the Supply of Qualified Teachers - Amends HEA to provide student loan forgiveness for teaching, including cancellation of guaranteed loans and of direct loans in return for full-time teaching for one or more years in a public elementary or secondary school, subject to specified requirements, including demonstrated teaching and subject matter knowledge. Title V: Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support - Amends HEA to establish a grants program for beginning teacher recruitment and support. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such competitive grants to Beginning Teacher Recruitment and Support (BTRS) partnerships to recruit, train, and support qualified entry-level teachers. Defines BTRS partnerships as consisting of: (1) a local educational agency (LEA), an LEA subunit, or a consortium of LEAs; and (2) one or more nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, that meet certain criteria. Title VI: General Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private or religious school that does not receive Federal funds or does not participate in Federal programs or services under ESEA; or (2) affect home schools.

National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization Title II: General Provisions National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1997 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Sets forth long-term goals and core strategies. Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1998 and 1999. Title II: General Provisions - Directs NSF to submit to the Congress an annual upgrade and maintenance plan for national research facilities. (Sec. 202) Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, and the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act. (Sec. 203) Directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with other relevant agencies the Director deems appropriate, to prepare a certain report analyzing the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to universities in comparison with Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to other entities, such as industry, government laboratories, research hospitals, and non-profit institutions. Requires that such report be transmitted to the Congress no later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 204) Subjects NSF temporary employees to the same financial disclosure requirements as apply to permanent employees. (Sec. 205) Prohibits the use of any funds authorized under this Act from being used for any lobbying activity, except that the prohibition shall not prevent officers or employees of the Federal Government or of its departments or agencies, from communicating to: (1) Members of Congress on the request of any Member; or (2) to the Congress, through the appropriate procedures, requests for legislation or appropriations which the officers or employees deem necessary for the efficient conduct of the Federal Government. (Sec. 206) Requires that if any funds authorized by this Act are subject to a reprogramming action that requires notice to be provided to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, notice of such action shall concurrently be provided to the House Committee on Science and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Directs the NSF Director to provide notice not later than 15 days before any major reorganization of any NSF program, project, or activity. (Sec. 207) Directs the NSF Director to: (1) donate surplus computers and other research equipment to elementary and secondary schools to enhance the science and mathematics programs of such schools; and (2) report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the donations made.

James P. Grant World Summit for Children Implementation Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997

James P. Grant World Summit for Children Implementation Act of 1997 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that specified amounts should be appropriated for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program); and (2) programs under the Head Start Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for contributions to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for the Child Survival Fund. Earmarks funds for activities that have a direct measurable impact on reducing rates of child death and disease. Expresses the sense of the Congress that authority should be granted to the President to exercise specified debt forgiveness authority for least developed countries that are pursuing economic policy reforms to promote long-term development. Earmarks development assistance funds for FY 1998 and 1999 for the Vitamin A Deficiency Program. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) iodine and iron deficiency prevention programs; (2) prevention and control programs related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries; and (3) population assistance programs. Earmarks development and economic assistance funds for FY 1998 and 1999 for programs in support of basic education. Expresses the sense of the Congress that specified amounts should be appropriated for FY 1998 and 1999 for migration and refugee assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999 for the prevention of the global spread of tuberculosis. Requires the President to call upon other governments to provide their share of resources required to achieve the World Summit for Children goals by the year 2000.

CIDCARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions Creating Improved Delivery of Child Care: Affordable, Reliable, and Educational Act - CIDCARE Act - Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the amount of the dependent care tax credit. Defines "accredited child care center," "child care credentialing or accreditation entity," and "credentialed child care professional." Makes the credit refundable for taxpayers eligible for the earned income credit. Requires an employer to make advance payments (with wage withholding payments) of dependent care amounts. (Sec. 102) Increases the dollar limits on the exclusion from employee gross income of employer payments for dependent care assistance. Includes in the definition of "dependent care assistance" payments to the employee from amounts contributed to the employee's account during the pregnancy paid within one year after contribution and while the employee, the employee's spouse, or one of their parents stays at home to care for a qualifying individual. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish and maintain a dependent care assistance program for employees. (Sec. 103) Amends the Social Security Act to require States to have laws requiring that child support orders enforced under certain provisions include an amount for child care services. Title II: Supply of Quality Child Care - Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business credit for 50 percent (with a dollar limit) of qualified child care expenses, including the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or expansion of property, operating costs, services contracts, and accreditation costs. Terminates the credit after 1999. (Sec. 202) Applies provisions relating to corporate charitable contributions of scientific property used for research to include contributions to: (1) accredited or certified child care centers or their support entities; (2) educational organizations; (3) certain governmental units; and (4) certain scientific research organizations. Allows the donor to repair and refurbish the property. (Sec. 203) Excludes the deduction for the accreditation and credentialing expenses for child care providers from the two-percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. (Sec. 204) Allows for the care of a dependent in a home office without loss of the home office deduction. Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program - Establishes a program of competitive grants to States to improve child care quality. Requires recipient States to: (1) establish a subsidy for certified child care providers; (2) establish a grant program to assist small businesses in operating child care programs; and (3) carry out one or more of seven specified activities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care - Requires technical assistance and the collection and dissemination of information concerning the importance of high quality child care. Mandates competitive grants to certain child care credentialing or accreditation entities, with the grants used to refine and evaluate the entities' procedures. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 222) Mandates a grant to an eligible organization to develop and operate a technology-based child care training infrastructure in order to facilitate accreditation, credentialing, and information dissemination. Regulates grantee fund use. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 223) Requires that grantee to establish and operate a child care training revolving fund to make loans to enable the purchase of equipment used to disseminate training through the infrastructure. Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs - Mandates regulations: (1) requiring any child care center in an executive, legislative, or judicial facility to comply with State and local licensing requirements; and (2) specifying accreditation standards and requiring any such center to comply. Provides for enforcement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 232) Requires the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Labor to ensure that any child care made available under any Federal financial assistance carried out by those agencies be provided by an accredited child care center or a credentialed child care professional. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to impose similar requirements on child care services made available under certain provisions. (Sec. 233) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the establishment of accredited child care centers in activities permitted to be assisted under community development provisions. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow loan repayments or cancellation for individuals employed providing child care services who have a certificate or degree in early childhood education or development. (Sec. 242) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require that each State case registry record include the custodial status of any child covered by the order involved. Requires that the Secretary of the Treasury have access to: (1) the National Directory of New Hires to verify information that is required on a tax return (currently, to verify a claim regarding employment in a tax return); and (2) the Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders to administer Internal Revenue Code provisions granting tax benefits based on support and residence provided dependent children. Limits the minimum past due support to which offset procedures may be applied to not more than $150. Sets the withholding threshold at $150 (currently, $500).

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

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, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 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. Prohibits the obligation of funds provided under previous legislation for a replacement hospital at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and makes such funds available to implement capital facility recommendations contained in a report regarding veterans' health care needs in northern California. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. 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) management and administration; (17) the Office of Inspector General; and (18) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Sets forth provisions regarding the Capital Grants - Capital Loans Preservation Account and makes certain excess amounts recaptured from interest reduction payment contracts available for properties eligible for assistance under the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 or the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987. Rescinds specified amounts for: (1) the Supportive Housing Demonstration Program; (2) the Shelter Plus Care program; and (3) rental housing assistance. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 201) Extends certain provisions regarding contributions for low-income housing projects and the demolition, disposition, or conversion to home ownership of public housing. Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 to extend provisions regarding the streamlining of Section 8 tenant-based assistance. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend provisions regarding Section 8 rent adjustments. Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend provisions regarding delays in the reissuance of Section 8 vouchers and certificates. (Sec. 210) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD to make partial guaranteed mortgage loan payments for health care facilities. (Sec. 211) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend the Secretary of HUD's authority to enter into certain risk-sharing agreements to determine Federal credit enhancements for loans for affordable multifamily housing. Increases the number of units to which those agreements may apply in FY 1998. (Sec. 213) Incorporates the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (title II of S. 947, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as passed by the Senate) into this Act by reference. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (4) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (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. Makes the Working Capital Fund available to EPA for maintenance and operation of administrative services without fiscal year limitation. 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 (FEMA) 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. Requires the Director of FEMA to promulgate a methodology for collection of fees applicable to persons subject to FEMA's radiological emergency preparedness regulations. Permits collection of such fees only during FY 1998. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 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 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. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 415) Expresses the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 417) Requires amounts necessary for FY 1998 pay raises for programs funded by this Act to be within levels appropriated. (Sec. 419) Authorizes certain corporations and agencies of HUD to make commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as necessary to carry out provisions under the Government Corporation Control Act. Allows any collections by such corporations and agencies to be used for new loan or mortgage purchase commitments to the extent provided under this Act, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 421) Makes funds to carry out the termination of the Office of Consumer Affairs available from those appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services for FY 1998.

Kid's Bank Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

Kid's Bank Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include under the definition of an eligible lender a bank that: (1) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit foundation; (2) makes HEA student loans only to undergraduate students who are age 22 or younger; and (3) has a portfolio of such loans that is not more than $10 million.

CIDCARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions Creating Improved Delivery of Child Care: Affordable, Reliable, and Educational Act - CIDCARE Act - Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the amount of the dependent care tax credit. Defines "accredited child care center," "child care credentialing or accreditation entity," and "credentialed child care professional." Makes the credit refundable for taxpayers eligible for the earned income credit. Requires an employer to make advance payments (with wage withholding payments) of dependent care amounts. (Sec. 102) Increases the dollar limits on the exclusion from employee gross income of employer payments for dependent care assistance. Includes in the definition of "dependent care assistance" payments to the employee from amounts contributed to the employee's account during the pregnancy paid within one year after contribution and while the employee, the employee's spouse, or one of their parents stays at home to care for a qualifying individual. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish and maintain a dependent care assistance program for employees. (Sec. 103) Amends the Social Security Act to require States to have laws requiring that child support orders enforced under certain provisions include an amount for child care services. Title II: Supply of Quality Child Care - Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business credit for 50 percent (with a dollar limit) of qualified child care expenses, including the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or expansion of property, operating costs, services contracts, and accreditation costs. Terminates the credit after 1999. (Sec. 202) Applies provisions relating to corporate charitable contributions of scientific property used for research to include contributions to: (1) accredited or certified child care centers or their support entities; (2) educational organizations; (3) certain governmental units; and (4) certain scientific research organizations. Allows the donor to repair and refurbish the property. (Sec. 203) Excludes the deduction for the accreditation and credentialing expenses for child care providers from the two-percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. (Sec. 204) Allows for the care of a dependent in a home office without loss of the home office deduction. Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program - Establishes a program of competitive grants to States to improve child care quality. Requires recipient States to: (1) establish a subsidy for certified child care providers; (2) establish a grant program to assist small businesses in operating child care programs; and (3) carry out one or more of seven specified activities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care - Requires technical assistance and the collection and dissemination of information concerning the importance of high quality child care. Mandates competitive grants to certain child care credentialing or accreditation entities, with the grants used to refine and evaluate the entities' procedures. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 222) Mandates a grant to an eligible organization to develop and operate a technology-based child care training infrastructure in order to facilitate accreditation, credentialing, and information dissemination. Regulates grantee fund use. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 223) Requires that grantee to establish and operate a child care training revolving fund to make loans to enable the purchase of equipment used to disseminate training through the infrastructure. Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs - Mandates regulations: (1) requiring any child care center in an executive, legislative, or judicial facility to comply with State and local licensing requirements; and (2) specifying accreditation standards and requiring any such center to comply. Provides for enforcement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 232) Requires the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Labor to ensure that any child care made available under any Federal financial assistance carried out by those agencies be provided by an accredited child care center or a credentialed child care professional. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to impose similar requirements on child care services made available under certain provisions. (Sec. 233) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the establishment of accredited child care centers in activities permitted to be assisted under community development provisions. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow loan repayments or cancellation for individuals employed providing child care services who have a certificate or degree in early childhood education or development. (Sec. 242) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require that each State case registry record include the custodial status of any child covered by the order involved. Requires that the Secretary of the Treasury have access to: (1) the National Directory of New Hires to verify information that is required on a tax return (currently, to verify a claim regarding employment in a tax return); and (2) the Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders to administer Internal Revenue Code provisions granting tax benefits based on support and residence provided dependent children. Limits the minimum past due support to which offset procedures may be applied to not more than $150. Sets the withholding threshold at $150 (currently, $500).

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agricultural Programs Title II: Conservation Programs Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs Title IV: Domestic Food Programs Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration Title VII: General Provisions Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the following Department of Agriculture programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) executive operations (Chief Economist and National Appeals Division); (3) Office of Budget and Program Analysis; (4) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; (5) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (6) Chief Financial Officer; (7) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (8) Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments; (9) hazardous waste management; (10) departmental administration; (11) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; (12) Office of Communications; (13) Office of the Inspector General; (14) Office of the General Counsel; (15) Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; (16) Economic Research Service; (17) National Agricultural Statistics Service; (18) Agricultural Research Service; (19) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (20) Native American Institutions Endowment Fund;(21) extension activities; (22) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (23) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (24) buildings and facilities; (25) Agricultural Marketing Service; (26) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; (27) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (28) Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; (29) Farm Service Agency; (30) Risk Management Agency; (31) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and (32) Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Title II: Conservation Programs - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; and (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service. Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development; (2) Rural Housing Service; (3) Rural Business-Cooperative Service; and (4) Rural Utilities Service. Title IV: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; (2) child nutrition programs; (3) special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC); (4) food stamp program; and (5) commodity assistance program. Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs - Appropriates funds for the Foreign Agricultural Service and General Sales Manager. Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation; (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (4) Farm Credit Administration. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Quality Child Care Loan Forgiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

Quality Child Care Loan Forgiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program of student loan forgiveness for individuals who earn a degree in early childhood education and obtain full-time employment in the early child care profession. Requires cancellation of 15 percent of a student loan for each complete year of full-time employment in a child care facility by such a child care provider or educator. Authorizes appropriations.

USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Program Accountability Title II: Program Equity Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 1997 - Title I: Program Accountability - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); and (2) demographically representative of local producers. States that: (1) civil service laws shall apply to all persons performing functions for any county, area, or local committee; and (2) the county executive director of such committee, or other person selected by the Secretary, shall have sole responsibility for making local agricultural loan determinations, subject to State-level approval. (Sec. 102) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary (at the Secretary's discretion) county and area office employees to Federal civil service status. Makes conforming amendments the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and other Federal law. Title II: Program Equity - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit agricultural operating loans to be made to delinquent borrowers under specified circumstances. (Sec. 202) Appropriates funds for lease-back or buy-back opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers. (Sec. 203) Treats debt write-downs as non-income for tax purposes. (Sec. 204) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit housing loan denial to an applicant who has been able to live in a financially independent manner for a reasonable time. (Sec. 205) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) establish a set-aside for socially disadvantaged agricultural producers. (Sec. 206) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Current law provides for non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such grants.) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to study whether such institutions' funding is equitable. (Sec. 208) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations (currently permanently authorized) for: (1) Indian reservation extension education programs; and (2) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Title III: Funding of Farm Ownership and Operating Loans - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans. (Current law provides for a non-permanent authorization of appropriations for such loans.)

Successful Reading Research and Instruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997

Successful Reading Research and Instruction Act - Directs the Secretary of Education and the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) establish a National Panel on Early Reading Research and Effective Reading Instruction; and (2) report to the Congress on the panel's findings and recommendations.

Protection of Student Athletes Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997

Protection of Student Athletes Act of 1997 - Prohibits athlete agents from initiating contact to solicit representation of student athletes who are subject to the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics, or the National Junior College Athletic Association. Requires suspension of any agent, upon conviction for such an offense for the first time, from representing any student athlete who attends the college or university in which the student athlete who was the subject of agent-initiated contact is enrolled. Requires suspension of any agent, upon conviction of any subsequent offense, from representing any student athlete, and makes that agent guilty of a Class C felony and subject to a fine under specified Federal law. Establishes requirements for contracts between athlete agents and student athletes, including the specific wording of a warning to student-athletes about risks of loss of eligibility and other disciplinary actions.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1853) to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997

Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 1853 (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act revisions).

Arts and Humanities Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 Title II: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act Arts and Humanities Amendments of 1997 - Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 to revise and reauthorize provisions for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). (Sec. 101) Prohibits the use of grants awarded under such Act for lobbying or providing general membership services for groups. Establishes a single Office of the Inspector General for both the NEA and the NEH. Requires the NEA and NEH Chairpersons to jointly conduct, or contract for, a study, and report to the appropriate committees of Congress, on the feasibility of establishing a true endowment for the NEA and the NEH to provide supplemental funding to support their efforts. Requires examination of innovative methods through which a true endowment may be funded, including private fund raising, an extension of a copyright term, recapture of funds from past grants that have proven profitable, or any other innovative methods the Chairpersons determine appropriate. Provides for NEA and NEH solicitation, acceptance, and investment of donations, bequests, and devises. Permits use of a certain amount of the proceeds for reception and representation expenses. Limits administrative expenditures by NEA and NEH for annual funding under $150 million and for funding over that amount. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the NEA and the NEH through FY 2002. Provides for a program of NEA partnership grants to States and local and regional groups for 50 percent (with certain discretionary increases) of the costs of establishing local arts activities, with emphasis on arts education and projects that reach rural and urban underserved communities. Provides for a program of NEA national significance grants to groups, including regional groups, of demonstrated and substantial artistic and cultural importance, for projects, productions, and workshops to increase the access of all the people to the best of U.S. arts and culture (with a 25 percent Federal match, or 16.67 percent in the case of groups with certain larger annual budgets, and with certain discretionary increases of such match). Gives priority to projects, productions, and workshops that increase public access, including by touring, by regional or national dissemination, or by geographic dispersion. Provides for a program of NEA direct grants to groups and individuals that are broadly representative of the U.S. cultural heritage and broadly geographically representative, for projects, productions, and workshops of high artistic excellence and merit (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Gives priority to those that will be disseminated widely after completion. Authorizes the NEA Chairperson to make grants to States, arts agencies, or other local or regional groups to promote access to the arts through support of specified activities for education, for expansion and advancement of the arts, and for assisting developing arts organizations in underserved communities (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Revises requirements for advisory panels which review and make recommendations on grant applications. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the Arts. Sets forth limitations on NEA grants. Prohibits subgrants, except by State or regional groups, to any other organization or individual to conduct activities independent of the direct grant recipient. Revises NEA administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived net program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Continues provisions for the National Medal of Arts. Provides for NEH partnership grants to support programs of humanities councils at the State and local levels (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Provides for NEH national grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies or entities for specified activities relating to education and the public humanities that have a national audience and significance (with a 50 percent Federal match, or 25 percent in the case of development of new sources of long-term support). Provides for NEH research and scholarship grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies and entities (with a 50 percent Federal match). Provides for review panels. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the Humanities. Revises limitations on NEH grants. Revises NEH administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived net program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Continues provisions for the Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities Award. Eliminates authority for the Charles Frankel Prize. Authorizes the President to award a National Humanities Medal to individuals or groups. Repeals authorization for a grant program to support artistic and cultural programs in the Nation's Capital. (Sec. 102) Makes conforming amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title II: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to re-establish the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities as an independent Federal agency. (Sec. 201) Makes eligible for loss or damage indemnity agreement coverage parts of an exhibition that originates either in the United States or outside the United States and that is touring the United States (thus extending coverage to domestic as well as foreign exhibitions). Revises Council functions to eliminate: (1) specified current advise and consult duties; (2) the mandate to plan and coordinate participation in major and historic national events; and (3) the mandate for studies and reports on the state of the arts and humanities, particularly their economic needs and problems.

Wheat and Barley Protection Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1997

Wheat and Barley Protection Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to land grant colleges and universities for research into wheat and barley diseases caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi. Authorizes appropriations.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agricultural Programs Title II: Conservation Programs Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs Title IV: Domestic Food Programs Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration Title VII: General Provisions Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the following Department of Agriculture programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) executive operations (Chief Economist, National Appeals Division, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, and Office of the Chief Financial Officer); (3) Chief Financial Officer; (4) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (5) Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments; (6) hazardous waste management; (7) departmental administration; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; (9) Office of Communications; (10) Office of the Inspector General; (11) Office of the General Counsel; (12) Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; (13) Economic Research Service; (14) National Agricultural Statistics Service; (15) Agricultural Research Service; (16) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service/ (17) Native American Institutions Endowment Fund; (18) extension activities; (19) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (20) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (21) Agricultural Marketing Service; (22) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; (23) Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety; (24) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (25) Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; (26) Farm Service Agency; (27) Risk Management Agency; (28) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and (29) Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Title II: Conservation Programs - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; and (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service. Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development; (2) Rural Housing Service; (3) Rural Business-Cooperative Service; (4) Rural Utilities Service; and (5) Rural Utilities Assistance Program. Title IV: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; (2) child nutrition programs; (3) special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC); (4) food stamp program; and (5) commodity assistance program. Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs - Appropriates funds for the Foreign Agricultural Service and General Sales Manager. Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation; (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (4) Farm Credit Administration. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs, including basic education programs; (3) specified development assistance (allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation); (4) private and voluntary organizations; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) debt restructuring; (7) micro and small enterprise development programs; (8) guaranteed loans for the urban and environmental credit program; (9) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (10) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (11) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (earmarking amounts for Israel and Egypt); (12) the International Fund for Ireland; (13) economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States (earmarking amounts for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with a prohibition on funds for new housing construction or repair or reconstruction of existing housing in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless directly related to U.S. troop efforts to promote peace there); (14) assistance for the new independent states of the former Soviet Union (subject to specified conditions); (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; (17) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (18) international narcotics control; (19) migration and refugee assistance; (20) a targeted program for refugee resettlement assistance; (21) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (22) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism and related programs and activities. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations; and (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government. Prohibits funds to: (1) Russia unless the President certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that it has terminated arrangements to provide Iran with technology to develop a nuclear program; (2) the Government of Ukraine if the President reports to the Committee on Appropriations that it is engaged in military cooperation with Libya; and (3) the Government of Azerbaijan until the President reports to the Congress that it has ceased all blockades against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) international military education and training (earmarking amounts for Indonesia and Guatemala, with a bar on such assistance to the School of the Americas unless certain conditions are met); (2) foreign military financing and direct loans (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey); and (3) international peacekeeping operations (subject to notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations). Prohibits foreign military financing for: (1) any non-NATO country participating in the Partnership for Peace Program except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations; and (2) Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the U.S. contribution to the: (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) Inter-American Development Bank; (4) Asian Development Bank; (5) Asian Development Fund; (6) African Development Fund; (7) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (8) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for international programs and organizations. Sets certain restrictions on international organization funding, including prohibiting the use of funds made available to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO); (2) the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); or (3) the United Nations development group or any similar organization. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including no more than: (1) 15 percent of such appropriations to be obligated during the last month of availability; and (2) specified maximums for official residence expenses, entertainment expenses, and representation allowances for AID, and for entertainment and representation allowances for the Inter-American Foundation and the Trade and Development Agency. Limits the use of funds for entertainment expenses of the Peace Corps, or under the Foreign Military Financing Program. (Sec. 502) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) bilateral funding of international financial institutions; (2) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology (except for nuclear safety purposes); (3) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria; (4) assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree; (5) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without prior presidential consultation with Congress; (6) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for Nicaragua and Liberia, and narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru); and (7) assistance (except in certain circumstances) for production of any commodity for export by a foreign country, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets when the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative, and if the assistance will injure U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 516) Prohibits the use of international organization funds for Libya, Iran, or certain Communist countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it is U.S. policy that appropriations for ESF funds allocated to Israel shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization. (Sec. 518A) Sets forth certain limitations on the authorization of funds for population planning activities or other population assistance. (Sec. 519) Requires the President to report to the Committees on Appropriations on annual arms sales proposals covering major weapons under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 522) Makes funds available to AID for family planning, health, child survival, and AIDS research and control in developing countries. (Sec. 523) Bars funding for indirect assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to the U.S. national security interest. (Sec. 524) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend the President's waiver authority with respect to reciprocal leasing through FY 1998. (Sec. 525) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 527) Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes a waiver by the President for national security and humanitarian reasons, requiring notification to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 528) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles (instead of government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 528A) Requires all AID contracts and subcontracts to include a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a fair opportunity to bid for insurance when insurance is necessary or appropriate. (Sec. 529) Prohibits U.S. sale of Stinger missiles in the Persian Gulf region, with certain exceptions. (Sec. 530) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are AID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges. (Sec. 531) Directs the Administrator of AID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities. (Sec. 532) Prohibits payments to any international financial institution while the U.S. Executive Director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for a specified position under the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 533) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq unless the President certifies to the Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the U.S. national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. (Sec. 535) Extends the authority to obligate funds to close the Special Defense Acquisition Fund. (Sec. 536) Requires notification to the Committees on Appropriations of each country that has been approved for cash flow financing for the procurement of defense articles in excess of $100 million. (Sec. 537) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Requires an agency to report to the Committees on Appropriations whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited. (Sec. 538) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for establishing or developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country. (Sec. 539) Declares that no sanction, prohibition, or restriction against Serbia or Montenegro shall cease to be effective, unless: (1) the President submits to the Congress a specified certification with respect to human rights and progress toward self-determination in Kosova; and (2) certain requirements are met. (Sec. 540) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Cambodia, and for victims of war, displaced children, displaced Burmese, humanitarian assistance for Romania, and humanitarian assistance for the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosova, may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support: (1) tropical forestry and energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; and (2) biodiversity conservation activities. Authorizes AID to employ personal services contractors to administer programs for the West Bank and Gaza. (Sec. 541) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) immediate public renunciation by Arab League countries of the boycott of Israel (reinstated in 1997) and of American firms having commercial ties with Israel; and (2) steps the President should take to encourage such renunciation. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in other regions. Allows such use of ESF funds (including for anti-narcotics activities) for Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 543) Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 544) Authorizes the reprogramming of earmarked appropriations for other programs within the same account, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 546) Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act. Makes specified funds available to private and voluntary organizations to deal with world hunger problems abroad. (Sec. 547) States that assistance under this Act should make full use of American resources, including commodities, products, and services, to the maximum extent possible. (Sec. 548) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any U.N. member. (Sec. 550) Prohibits the provision of funds to a private voluntary organization that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of AID. (Sec. 551) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country that the Secretary of State has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines that the furnishing of such assistance is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 552) Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equal to 110 percent of the total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 553) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 555) Permits the President to provide up to a specified amount of commodities and services to the UN War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 556) Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearing of land mines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 557) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 558) Prohibits the obligation of certain funds appropriated for Informational Program activities to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; (2) food (other than food provided at a military installation) not provided in conjunction with Informational Program trips where students do not stay at a military installation; or (3) entertainment expenses for recreational activities. (Sec. 559) Limits the amount of certain foreign assistance funds to Latin America and the Caribbean region. (Sec. 560) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. Requires Federal agency heads, in providing financial assistance to or entering into any contract with any entity using funds made available in this Act, to notify such entity of this intention. (Sec. 561) Prohibits the use of North American Development Bank funds for purposes other than those set out in the binational agreement. (Sec. 562) Authorizes appropriations, without fiscal year limitation, for the U.S. contribution to the eleventh replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association. (Sec. 563) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act. Permits exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 564) Authorizes the President to engage in certain debt buybacks or sales. Authorizes sale, reduction, or cancellation of certain loans to foreign governments, upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser that plans to use such loans only for the purposes of engaging in debt-for-equity swaps, debt-for-development swaps, or debt-for-nature swaps. Limits such authority to funds appropriated by this Act under the heading of debt restructuring. (Sec. 565) Requires the President to determine and certify to the Congress that the Guatemalan military is cooperating with efforts to implement a peace settlement and resolve human rights abuses which elements of the Guatemalan military forces are alleged to have committed, ordered, or attempted to thwart the investigation of, as a condition for: (1) availability of any funds provided in this Act for the Guatemalan military forces; and (2) the lifting of restrictions on Guatemala under the heading Foreign Military Financing Program. Makes such condition inapplicable to funds made available to implement a cease-fire or peace agreement. Subjects any such funds to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 566) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to Nazi Germany, the former Yugoslavia, and Rwanda. (Sec. 567) Prohibits provision to the Government of Haiti of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act until the President reports to Congress that such Government: (1) is conducting thorough investigations of extrajudicial and political killings that have taken place there since February 12, 1996; and (2) has completed privatization of, or placed under long-term private management contract, at least three major public enterprises. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to humanitarian, law enforcement, antinarcotics, or electoral assistance. Authorizes the President to waive such conditions on a semiannual basis upon determination and certification to the appropriate congressional committees that it is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 568) Requires a specified annual report of the Secretary of State containing the voting record of each foreign member country of the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of each country's overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to it in FY 1997. (Sec. 569) Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary contribution to the UN, including the UN Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the UN is not engaged in any effort to implement or impose any taxation on U.S. persons in order to raise revenue for itself or any of its specialized agencies. (Sec. 570) Directs the Secretary to report to the Committee on Appropriations on the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Sec. 571) Limits the amount of ESF assistance to Turkey.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1997

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, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 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, such funds. 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) management and administration; (17) the Office of Inspector General; and (18) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Rescinds specified amounts for: (1) annual contributions for assisted housing; (2) the Supportive Housing Demonstration Program; (3) the Shelter Plus Care program; and (4) rental housing assistance. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 201) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend certain provisions regarding delays in the reissuance of Section 8 housing vouchers and certificates through FY 1998. (Sec. 202) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend specified provisions regarding Section 8 rent adjustments through FY 1998. (Sec. 205) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend certain provisions regarding minimum rents in public and assisted housing. (Sec. 206) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide for allocations for affordable housing to local jurisdictions that receive initial formula allocations of less than $500,000. (Currently, only jurisdictions that receive more than such amount are granted an allocation.) Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Department of the Treasury's community development financial institutions program; (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (4) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (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. Makes the Working Capital Fund available to EPA for maintenance and operation of administrative services without fiscal year limitation. 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 (FEMA) 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. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act to extend a certain ceiling on obligations issued under the national flood insurance program through FY 1998. Requires the Director of FEMA to promulgate a methodology for collection of fees applicable to persons subject to FEMA's radiological emergency preparedness regulations. Permits collection of such fees only during FY 1998. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 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 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. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 415) Expresses the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 417) Requires amounts necessary for FY 1998 pay raises for programs funded by this Act to be within levels appropriated. (Sec. 419) Authorizes certain corporations and agencies of HUD to make commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as necessary to carry out provisions under the Government Corporation Control Act. Allows any collections by such corporations and agencies to be used for new loan or mortgage purchase commitments to the extent provided under this Act, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 421) Makes funds to carry out the termination of the Office of Consumer Affairs available from those appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services for FY 1998.

Cultural Education Enhancement Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1997

Cultural Education Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 (NFAHA) to repeal, replace, and rename it the American Heritage Administration Act of 1997. Establishes in the executive branch the American Heritage Administration (AHA). Eliminates the following entities under the current NFAHA: the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Council on the Arts, the National Council on the Humanities, the National Capital arts and cultural affairs grants programs, and the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Provides for appointment of an AHA Director by the President, with Senate advice and consent. Requires the AHA Director to establish and implement programs of: (1) direct grants (using recommendations of peer review advisory councils) to nonprofit groups for projects, productions, and workshops in the fields of arts education and humanities education; and (2) grants to eligible applicant States for use on projects and productions approved by State agencies for specified uses relating to the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage. Specifies additional conditions to: (1) financial assistance to support the arts; (2) all financial assistance under this Act; and (3) division and allotment of appropriated funds. Provides for compliance, enforcement, and evaluation activities. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth conforming amendments to various Federal laws. Transfers all NEA and NEH property to AHA. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to transfer the affairs of NEA and NEH, as well as those of the National Council on the Arts, the National Council on the Humanities, and the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities, to AHA.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies (including a transfer of funds), the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) overseas contingency operations (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at former defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; (6) nuclear threat reduction programs with respect to republics of the former Soviet Union; and (7) quality of life enhancements, defense. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for procurement by the armed forces and its reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for research, development, test and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the defense working capital funds; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) expenses and activities of the Office of the Inspector General in carrying out the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) expenses of the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) authorized payments to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Trust 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. 8009) Authorizes procurement funds appropriated under this Act to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for the Apache Longbow radar, T-45 aircraft, and AV-8B aircraft. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1998 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8020) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) 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. 8035) Authorizes DOD to incur up to $350 million in obligations for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8036) Earmarks funds from this Act for the Civil Air Patrol. (Sec. 8037) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act to establish a new DOD federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). Limits the Federal compensation to be paid to DOD FFRDC members or consultants. Prohibits the use of FY 1998 DOD FFRDC funds for new building construction, cost-sharing payments for projects funded by Government grants, or absorption of cost overruns. Limits the staff years of technical effort that may be funded for DOD FFRDCs from FY 1998 funds. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning such staff year allocations. (Sec. 8042) Reduces by $300 million the total amounts appropriated in titles I through IV of this Act to reflect savings from the DOD use of advisory and assistance services. (Sec. 8047) Directs the President to include within each fiscal year budget the amounts requested for administrative activities of DOD, the military departments, and the defense agencies. (Sec. 8053) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification; (2) to transport chemical munitions to the Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization (with an exception and an authorized wartime waiver by the President); (3) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (4) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; and (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996, level. (Sec. 8056) Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities. (Sec. 8063) Authorizes DOD to lease real and personal property at the Adak Naval Air Facility, Alaska. (Sec. 8064) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8076) Appropriates funds to DOD for transfer to the Coast Guard. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees setting forth all costs incurred by DOD in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 8079) Prohibits FY 1997 DOD funds from being obligated or expended to transfer to another nation or international organization defense articles or services for use in any UN peacekeeping or peace enforcement operation, or for any other international peacekeeping, peace enforcement, or humanitarian assistance operation, unless specified congressional committees are given 15 days' advance notice. (Sec. 8080) Directs the Secretary, to the extent authorized by law, to issue loan guarantees in support of U.S. defense exports not otherwise provided for, with a contingent liability limit of $15 billion. Requires quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on such loan guarantees. (Sec. 8085) Authorizes the use of DOD O&M funds in support of U.S. missions and with eligible organizations and activities outside of DOD. (Sec. 8087) Authorizes a specified amount for Air Force aircraft procurement from a prior-year defense appropriations Act to remain available for expenditure until the end of FY 2003. (Sec. 8089) Directs the Secretary, upon the enactment of this Act, to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8090) Prohibits DOD funds from being used to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless: (1) certain DOD cost savings are achieved as a result of such restructuring; and (2) a related report required under prior law is submitted to the Congress. (Sec. 8091) Restricts the purchase of security locks used to protect critical national security information or other classified material. (Sec. 8093) 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. 8096) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to exchange or sell one Army C-20 aircraft and apply the proceeds to the acquisition of one C-37 aircraft. (Sec. 8097) Earmarks funds from this Act to assist a pilot project that will facilitate the transfer of commercial cruise ship shipbuilding technology and expertise to U.S. shipbuilding yards, utilize the experience and expertise of existing U.S.-flag cruise ship operators, and enable the operation of one U.S.-flag foreign-built cruise ship and two newly-constructed U.S.-flag cruise ships.

Federal Accountability and Institutional Reform in Education Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1997

Federal Accountability and Institutional Reform in Education Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise requirements for student loan cohort default management. Requires guaranty agreements, with regard to due diligence in insured loan collection efforts, to require proof that the institution and the State licensing board were contacted. Requires guaranty agreements to prohibit reimbursement to a guaranty agency upon a default claim unless the agency demonstrates (currently, certifies) diligent attempts, including direct contact with the institution and the State licensing board, have been made. (Sec. 3) Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing or permitting any eligible lender, servicer, or guaranty agency (or its affiliates) which previously filed a claim for reimbursement on a loan to retain any proceeds from subsequent collection of a defaulted loan to the extent that such funds, when added to the amount of prior reimbursement, exceed 100 percent of the original principal of the loan. Revises provisions relating to notice to the Secretary, payment of loss, notice to institutions of credit bureau information, and cohort default rate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress that lenders, servicers and guaranty agencies have demonstrated their compliance with servicing and due diligence requirements; and (2) provide information on the successful practices of low-default lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies to other financial, servicing, and guaranty institutions participating in HEA student aid programs, to encourage duplication of successful servicing and collection programs. Requires uniform application to all eligible institutions of certain mitigating circumstances which allow an institution to continue in the student loan insurance program despite a high default rate for its three most recent fiscal years. Limits such circumstances to the following criteria: (1) at least 50 percent of the students enrolled in eligible programs qualify for a Pell grant; (2) an institution's student completion rate is 60 percent or greater; and (3) the initial job placement rate of program graduates is 60 percent or greater. (Sec. 4) Provides for: (1) judicial review of any final determination of the Secretary concerning eligibility for, or the terms of participation in, any student loan or grant program; as well as (2) injunctive relief from such determination. (Sec. 5) Requires an institution, at its request, to have access to a complete copy of loan servicing and collection records when appealing, on the basis of alleged improper loan servicing, a loss of eligibility for Federal student loan programs. (Sec. 6) Provides for standard (ten-year), extended (30-year), graduated (30-year), and income-sensitive (25-year) repayment plans for insured, guaranteed, consolidated, and direct loans. Directs the Secretary to discharge a borrower's liability by repaying the holder of a loan subject to an income-sensitive repayment plan the amount of remaining unpaid principal and interest after the borrower has completed 25 years of repayment in accordance with such plan. (Sec. 7) Declares that certain types of student loans shall not be considered in default for any purpose under this paragraph if the borrower is making regularly scheduled payments towards the repayment of the borrower's loan obligation in the amount required by the borrower's repayment plan, even if those payments are not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on a monthly or quarterly basis (negative amortization waiver). (Sec. 8) Revises certain requirements for interest rates for consolidation loans under the Federal Family Education Loan program. Provides for consolidation of new student loans for which no interest subsidy may be paid along with Federal Stafford loans on which the Secretary shall continue making such interest subsidies.

I. Miley Gonzalez, of New Mexico, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics, vice Karl N. Stauber.

United States · United States Senate · 9 July 1997

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that teachers receive technology training.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1997

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reserve for training teachers and librarians in using technology at least 20 percent of certain funds for local programs for school technology resources.

Adult Basic Education and Literacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act Title II: Effective Date; Transition Title III: Repeals of Other Acts Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act - Adult Basic Education and Literacy Act - Amends the Adult Education Act to revise and rename it the Adult Basic Education and Literacy Act. Authorizes appropriations for national leadership activities and for State grants for adult education and literacy, including technical assistance in developing performance goals and uniform national performance data. Sets forth authority and priorities for Adult Education and Literacy programs, including: (1) State grants, leadership activities, administration, and plans; (2) State awarding of subgrants and contracts to eligible applicants; (3) performance goals and indicators; (4) evaluation, improvement, and accountability reports; and (5) allotments and reallotment of funds. Provides for national leadership and evaluation activities. Authorizes use of reserved funds for specified purposes, including research and development, demonstration programs, information dissemination, assessments, support for State and local capacity building, data collection, professional development, and technical assistance for distance learning and use of technology in the classroom. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make awards for national excellence to States for specified types of program achievements. Revises provisions for the National Institute for Literacy. Sets forth conditions for waivers of certain program requirements. Title II: Effective Date; Transition - Sets forth effective date and transition provisions. Title III: Repeals of Other Acts - Repeals: (1) the National Literacy Act of 1991; and (2) specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for grants to States for workplace and community training for incarcerated youth offenders.

A bill to assist States and secondary and postsecondary schools to develop, implement, and improve career preparation education so that every student has an opportunity to acquire academic and technical knowledge and skills needed for postsecondary education, further learning, and a wide range of opportunities in high-skill, high-wage careers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Title II: Effective Dates; Transition Title III: Amendments to Other Acts Career Preparation Education Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to: (1) rename it the Carl D. Perkins Career Preparation Education Act (the Act); (2) revise it; and (3) extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. (Sec. 101) Provides that, under the Act, career preparation education programs, services, and activities are those that: (1) support the development, implementation, or improvement of State School-to-Work systems, as set forth in title I of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; or (2) otherwise prepare students for employment and further learning in technical fields. Replaces the current title I, Vocational Education Assistance to the States, with a new title I, Preparing Students for Careers. Sets forth a new title I, part A, Career Preparation Education. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States (which will make subgrants to localities) for career preparation, programs, services, and activities. Sets forth requirements for such career preparation education programs and priorities, State leadership activities, State plans, local activities, local applications, performance goals and indicators, evaluation, improvement, and accountability, allotments, and within-State allocation and distribution of funds. Revises, under a new title I part B, program elements for Tech-Prep Education (currently under title III part E). Revises requirements for State grants for tech-prep education programs, eliminating discretionary Federal grants for such programs. Sets forth requirements for State leadership activities and plans, local activities and consortia applications, program evaluation, and allotment and distribution of funds. Replaces the current title II, Basic Grants for Vocational Education, with a new title II, National Support for State and Local Reforms (which revises some of the current title IV, National Programs). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make awards for excellence to States; (2) carry on certain national research, development, dissemination, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities; (3) support professional development activities for educators; and (4) establish one of more national centers in the areas of applied research and development and of dissemination and training. Directs the Secretary to carry out certain activities related to: (1) national assessment; and (2) data systems. Continues the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Provides for reservation of funds for career preparation education for Indians and Native Hawaiians. Replaces the current title III, Special Programs, with a title III, General Provisions (currently title V). (Eliminates all such special programs, except Tech-Prep Education which is transferred to title I, part B.) Title II: Effective Dates; Transition - Sets forth effective date and transition provisions. Title III: Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the following Acts with respect to references to the Act and to the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994: the Job Training Partnership Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, the Equity in Educational Land-Grant States Act of 1994, the Nontraditional Employment for Women Act, and the Training Technology Transfer Act of 1988.

Dutch John Federal Property Disposition and Assistance Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997

Dutch John Federal Property Disposition and Assistance Act of 1997 - Provides for the transfer or disposal of certain Federal properties at Dutch John, Utah. Transfers lands designated for disposal from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (BLM), and, if appropriate, the Postal Service. Removes such lands from inclusion in the Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands acquired for the Central Utah Project and developed for wildlife mitigation to the Secretary. Incorporates such lands into the Ashley or Uinta National Forests. Directs the Secretary to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands to the Postal Service. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct appraisals to determine the fair market value of properties designated for disposal. Conveys specified infrastructure facilities, land, and public schools to Daggett County, and certain facilities of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the Division, without consideration. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of disposed residential properties. Bases priority in purchasing on seniority of reclamation lease or residency in Dutch John. Limits households to one residential lot. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of unoccupied lots, special use lands, and church land. Transfers all water rights to the Dutch John municipal water system to the County, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to consider issuance of a special use permit affording Flaming Gorge Reservoir public shoreline access and use within the vicinity of Dutch John in conjunction with commercial visitor facilities provided under such a permit. Directs the Secretary, before transfer or disposal of any land that contains cultural resources and may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, to prepare a memorandum of agreement, for review and approval by the Utah Office of Historical Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, that contains a strategy for protecting or mitigating adverse effects on cultural resources. Conveys such land to the County upon completion of actions required under the agreement. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide training and transitional operating assistance to County personnel designated as successors to operators of conveyed infrastructure facilities. Provides for annual payments to the County, for up to 15 years, for purposes of defraying administrative transition costs. Makes available a limited amount of electric power and energy from the Colorado River Storage Project for the Dutch John community. Authorizes appropriations.

Telephone Slamming Prevention and Internet Connection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997

Telephone Slamming Prevention and Internet Connection Act - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1937 to increase maximum forfeiture penalties for common carriers who willfully or repeatedly fail to comply with prohibitions on changing a subscriber's telephone exchange or toll service selections. Makes such penalties payable to the administrator of the universal service support program for use only in providing such support for schools, libraries, and health care providers. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) require telecommunications carriers to report regularly on each incident of which such carriers have knowledge or have received a complaint of a change in a subscriber's selection of a telephone exchange or toll service without the subscriber's authorization; and (2) make bona fide efforts to enter into agreements with State commissions concerning reciprocal reporting of such incidents.

Safer Schools Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1997

Safer Schools Act of 1997 - Amends the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 to require States, as a condition for receipt of Federal funds, to have in effect a law or regulation providing that evidence that a student brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the local educational agencies, that is obtained as a result of a search or seizure conducted on school premises, shall not be excluded in any school disciplinary proceeding on the ground that the search or seizure was in violation of the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to close the United States Army School of the Americas.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1997

Directs the Secretary of the Army to close the military education and training facility known as the United States Army School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. Repeals current statutory authority for the School.

Public Safety Officers Memorial Scholarship Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1997

Public Safety Officers Memorial Scholarship Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award scholarships to surviving spouses and dependent children of State or local public safety officers who are killed in performance of their official duties. Provides that such scholarships may be for public or private kindergarten, or elementary or secondary school, or for an institution of higher education.

Technology for Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Educational Technology Training for New Teachers Title II: Educational Technology Training for In-Service Teachers Technology for Teachers Act - Title I: Educational Technology Training for New Teachers - Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for technical assistance and evaluation, and for grants or cooperative agreements to a limited number of national model projects that involve collaborations among organizations in several States. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary to make planning or implementation grants, on a competitive basis, to State educational agencies (SEAs) for new teacher training in educational technology. Provides for direct grants to schools of education in a State if that State's SEA does not receive a grant. (Sec. 103) Requires SEAs to award grants to schools of education for new teacher training in educational technology. (Sec. 104) Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications and review criteria for Federal grants to SEAs; (2) SEA grants to schools of education for new teacher training in educational technology; and (3) schools of education grant applications to SEAs, including review criteria. (Sec. 107) Requires maintenance of effort by SEAs and schools of education and supplementation rather than supplanting of other public funds. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to carry out the program authorized by this title through the Office of Educational Technology in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education. (Sec. 109) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Educational Technology Training for In-Service Teachers - Authorizes the Secretary to make planning or implementation grants, on a competitive basis, to State educational agencies (SEAs) for in-service teacher training in educational technology. Provides for direct grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) in a State if that State's SEA does not receive a grant. (Sec. 202) Requires SEAs to award grants to LEAs for in-service teacher training in educational technology. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications and review criteria for Federal grants to SEAs; (2) SEA grants to LEAs for in-service teacher training in educational technology; and (3) schools of education LEA grant applications to SEAs, including review criteria. (Sec. 206) Requires maintenance of effort by SEAs and LEAs and supplementation rather than supplanting of other public funds. (Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to carry out the program authorized by this title through the Office of Educational Technology in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education. Provides for program participation of private school teachers. (Sec. 208) Authorizes appropriations.

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) direct and guaranteed loans and administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for specified development assistance; (3) population planning assistance; (4) specified projects aimed at reunification of Cyprus; (5) democracy and humanitarian activities in Burma; (6) political reform and election activities in Cambodia; (7) the Guatemala Clarification Commission; (8) international disaster assistance; (9) debt restructuring; (10) micro and small enterprise development programs; (11) the urban and environmental credit program account; (12) private and voluntary organizations that receive 20 percent or more of their funding from non-Federal sources; (13) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (14) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (15) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (earmarking amounts for Israel and Jordan); (16) economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (17) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union, including funds for U.S. contribution to the Trans-Caucasus Enterprise Fund (but no funds to Russia unless the President certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that it has terminated arrangements to provide Iran with technology to develop a nuclear program); (18) the Peace Corps (but no funds for abortions); (19) international narcotics control (earmarking amounts for Law Enforcement Training and Demand Reduction); (20) migration and refugee assistance (earmarking amounts for refugees from the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and other refugees resettling in Israel); (21) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (22) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs and activities. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations; and (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government. Prohibits the availability of funds for economic revitalization programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina if the President certifies to a specified congressional committee that they have not complied with certain conditions under the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia). Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) international military education and training assistance (but none to Guatemala); (2) foreign military financing and direct loans (earmarking amounts for Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania); and (3) international peacekeeping operations (subject to obligation only through the notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations). Prohibits foreign military financing for Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the U.S. contribution to the: (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) Inter-American Development Bank; (4) Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (5) Asian Development Bank; (6) Asian Development Fund; (7) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (8) North American Development Bank; and (9) International Monetary Fund. Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for international programs and organizations. Sets certain restrictions on international organization funding, including prohibiting the use of funds made available to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Prohibits the use of funds for the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Title V: General Provisions - Specifies uses and limits on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 501) Amends the Support for East European Democracy Act to revise limitations on the compensation of Enterprise Fund board members, officers, and employees to prohibit any payments: (1) to board members other than for services as board members; or (2) to any firm, association, or entity in which a board member serves as partner, director, officer, or employee. (Sec. 502) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) bilateral funding of international financial institutions; (2) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology (except for nuclear safety purposes); (3) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria; (4) assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree; (5) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without presidential consultation with Congress; (6) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for Nicaragua and narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru); and (7) assistance for certain commodities likely to be in surplus on world markets if it will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 516) Prohibits the availability of international organization funds for Libya, Iran, or certain Communist countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it is U.S. policy that appropriations for ESF funds allocated to Israel shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations as methods of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, or provide any financial incentive to undergo sterilization. (Sec. 519) Declares that nongovernmental and multilateral organizations shall not be subjected to requirements more restrictive than requirements for foreign governments in determining eligibility for population planning assistance. (Sec. 520) Requires the President to report to the Committees on Appropriations on annual arms sales proposals covering major weapons under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 521) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala (except for development assistance), Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 523) Makes funds available to AID for family planning, health, child survival, and basic education and AIDS research and control in developing countries. (Sec. 524) Bars funding for indirect assistance to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to U.S. national security interests. (Sec. 525) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend the President's waiver authority with respect to reciprocal leasing through FY 1998. (Sec. 526) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 528) Prohibits bilateral assistance funds to any country which the President determines grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism or otherwise supports such activities. Authorizes a waiver by the President for national security and humanitarian reasons, requiring notification to the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 529) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles (instead of government-to-government sale) to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 530) Requires all AID contracts and subcontracts to include a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a fair opportunity to bid when insurance is necessary or appropriate. (Sec. 531) Prohibits U.S. sale of Stinger missiles in the Persian Gulf region, with certain exceptions. (Sec. 532) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are AID grantees or contractors to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for-nature exchanges. (Sec. 535) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iraq, unless the President certifies to the Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. (Sec. 537) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act. (Sec. 538) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to induce a business to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for establishing or developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in the recipient country. (Sec. 539) Declares that no sanction, prohibition, or restriction against Serbia or Montenegro shall cease to be effective, unless: (1) the President certifies to the Congress there is substantial progress toward self-determination in Kosova and substantial improvement in the human rights situation there; and (2) certain requirements are met. (Sec. 540) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Afghanistan, Lebanon, and for victims of war, displaced children, displaced Burmese, humanitarian assistance for Romania, and humanitarian assistance for the peoples of Kosova, may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support: (1) tropical forestry and energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; and (2) biodiversity conservation activities. Authorizes AID to employ personal services contractors to administer programs for the West Bank and Gaza. (Sec. 541) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) immediate public renunciation by Arab League countries of the boycott of Israel and American firms having commercial ties with Israel; and (2) steps the President should take to encourage such renunciation. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in other regions. Allows such use of ESF funds (including for anti-narcotics activities) for Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. (Sec. 543) Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act (except those relating to international terrorism or human rights violations) shall not be construed to restrict assistance: (1) in support of certain programs of nongovernmental organizations; or (2) under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 547) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any UN member. (Sec. 550) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country determined to have a terrorist government, unless it is in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 552) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 554) Permits the President to provide a specified amount of commodities and services to the UN War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 555) Authorizes disposal on a grant basis in foreign countries of demining equipment used in support of the clearing of land mines and unexploded for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 556) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 558) Declares that, to the greatest extent practicable, assistance provided or used for purchases should use American equipment, services, commodities, and products. (Sec. 559) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act. Permits exercise of such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 560) Authorizes the President to engage in certain debt buybacks or sales. Authorizes sale, reduction, or cancellation of certain loans to foreign governments, upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser that plans to use such loans only for the purposes of engaging in debt-for-equity swaps, debt-for-development swaps, or debt-for-nature swaps. Limits such authority to funds appropriated by this Act under the heading of debt restructuring. (Sec. 561) Allows specified funds to be made available for assistance for Liberia. (Sec. 562) Requires the President to certify to the Congress that the Guatemalan military is cooperating with efforts to implement a peace settlement and resolve human rights abuses which elements of the Guatemalan military forces are alleged to have committed, ordered, or attempted to thwart the investigation of, as a condition for: (1) availability of any funds provided in this Act for the Guatemalan military forces; and (2) the lifting of restrictions on Guatemala under the headings International Military Education and Training and Foreign Military Financing Program. Exempts from such condition any funds made available to implement a cease-fire or peace agreement. (Sec. 563) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to Rwanda. (Sec. 564) Prohibits provision to the Government of Haiti of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act (except humanitarian, development, or electoral assistance) until the President reports to Congress that such Government is: (1) conducting thorough investigations of extrajudicial and political killings; and (2) cooperating with U.S. authorities in such investigations. Provides for a U.S. national interest waiver of this requirement. (Sec. 565) Requires a specified annual report of the Secretary of State containing the voting record of each foreign member country of the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of each country's overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to it in FY 1996. (Sec. 566) Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to the Committees on Appropriations on labor practices in Burma. (Sec. 567) Makes the Government of Haiti eligible to purchase U.S. defense articles and services for the civilian-led Haitian National Police and Coast Guard. (Sec. 568) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of the World Bank and the International Development Association to encourage such institutions to: (1) provide public information on procurement opportunities available to U.S. suppliers, especially small businesses; and (2) consult with local communities as part of the normal lending process on the potential impact of loans, and expand participation of affected peoples and nongovernmental organizations in decisions on the selection, design and implementation of policies and projects. (Sec. 569) Prohibits the use of funds to the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State believes they have committed gross violations of human rights, unless the Secretary reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such country is taking steps to bring the responsible persons to justice. (Sec. 570) Provides for economic sanctions against the Government of Cambodia unless it takes steps to: (1) end political violence; (2) establish an independent election commission; (3) protect the rights of voters and candidates by establishing electoral laws and procedures guaranteeing freedom of speech and assembly; and (4) eliminate official corruption and collaboration with narcotics smugglers. (Sec. 571) Requires that any agreement between the United States and the Government of Indonesia for the sale of lethal weapons shall state that such items will not be used in East Timor. (Sec. 573) Provides for bilateral and multilateral assistance sanctions against countries harboring war criminals indicted with respect to the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 574) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 1998 the authorization for admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution owing to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes September 30, 1998, the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status.

Quiet Communities Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997

Quiet Communities Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of airport noise, examining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) selection of noise measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and abatement program effectiveness; and (2) submit such study to the Congress and the FAA. Authorizes appropriations.