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Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 97 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1998
Condemns: (1) the continued human rights violations by all parties and factions in Afghanistan; (2) targeted discrimination against women and girls; and (3) the use of rape or other forms of systematic gender discrimination by any party or faction in Afghanistan as an instrument of war. Calls on all Afghan parties to: (1) respect international norms and standards of human rights; (2) end gender-based discrimination and deprivation of women's human rights; and (3) ensure the effective participation of women in civil, political, and social life throughout the country, the right of women and girls to an education without discrimination, respect for the right of women to physical security, that those responsible for physical attacks on women are brought to justice, respect for freedom of movement of women, and effective access for women to health care and equal access to health facilities. Supports the work of nongovernmental organizations advocating respect for human rights in Afghanistan and an improvement in the status of women and their access to humanitarian and development assistance and programs. Calls on the international community to provide adequate humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and Afghan refugees in neighboring countries pending their voluntary repatriation. Requests all Afghan parties to lift the restrictions imposed on international aid and to cease any action which may prevent or impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi as special envoy of the United Nations Secretary General for Afghanistan. Encourages U.N. efforts to produce a durable peace in Afghanistan consistent with the goal of a broad-based national government respectful of human rights. Calls on all warring parties and factions to participate with Ambassador Brahimi in an intra-Afghan dialogue regarding the peace process. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should: (1) work with the U.N. High Commissioner of Refugees to guarantee the safety of, and provide development assistance for, Afghan women's groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan, to increase support for refugee programs in Pakistan providing assistance to Afghan women and children, and to explore options for the resettlement in western countries of Afghan women who fear for their safety or their families' safety; (2) establish an Afghanistan Women's Initiative based on the Bosnian Women's Initiative and the Rwandan Women's Initiative; (3) make a policy determination that recognition of any government in Afghanistan by the U.S. depends on the human rights policies toward women, that the U.S. should not recognize any government which systematically maltreats women, and that any nonemergency economic or development assistance will be based on respect for human rights; (4) call for the creation of a commission to establish an international record of the criminal culpability of any individual or party in Afghanistan employing rape or other crime against humanity considered a grave breach of the Geneva Convention as an instrument of war; and (5) call for the creation by the UN of an ad hoc international criminal tribunal for the purposes of indicting, prosecuting, and imprisoning any individual responsible for crimes against humanity in Afghanistan. Requires submission of a report by the Secretary to the Congress regarding actions that have been taken to implement this resolution.
Bill· SS. 2081 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
National Defense Science and Technology Investment Act of 1998 - States that, for each year from FY 2000 until 2008, it shall be an objective of the Secretary of: (1) Defense to increase the Defense Science and Technology Program (DSTP) budget by not less than two percent over inflation over the year before; and (2) Energy to increase the budget for nonproliferation science and technology activities by not less than two percent over inflation over the year before. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to expend funds from Department of Defense (DOD) 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 accounts in supporting any individual DSTP project or program. Directs the Secretary to attempt to leverage commercial research, technology, products, and processes for the benefit of DOD. Allows funds made available to the DSTP to be used only to benefit DOD. Includes as key DSTP objectives: (1) the sustainment of research capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to DOD; (2) the education and training of the next generation of scientists and engineers in disciplines relevant to future defense systems; and (3) the continued support of the Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and research programs at historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions.
Bill· HRH.R. 3876 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
Class-Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1998 - Establishes a grants program to help States and local educational agencies recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers over a seven-year period in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Makes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2008 for such program. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) allocations to States; (2) grant applications; (3) within-State allocations; (4) State-level activities; (5) uses of funds; (6) cost-sharing; (7) carryover of funds; (8) accountability; (9) participation of private school teachers; (10) evaluation; and (11) waivers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3880 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Head Start Programs Title II: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs Title III: Community Services Block Grant Title IV: Effective Dates; Application of Amendments Human Services Amendments of 1998 - Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for programs under the Head Start Act, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, and the Community Services Block Grant Act. Title I: Head Start Programs - Amends the Head Start Act to revise the definition of family literacy services. (Sec. 102) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified amounts for: (1) transition coordination with schools; and (2) research, demonstrations, evaluation activities, and longitudinal studies. (Sec. 103) Revises requirements relating to: (1) allotment of funds, and limitations on assistance; (2) designation of Head Start agencies; (3) amendments to quality standards, and monitoring of Head Start agencies and programs; and (4) powers and functions of Head Start agencies. (Sec. 107) Limits to not more than 25 percent of total program enrollment the participation in Head Start programs of children who do not meet low-income criteria. (Sec. 108) Includes very young children with disabilities and their families in Head Start programs for families with infants and toddlers. Requires entities receiving such program assistance to ensure formal linkages with certain agencies under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and providers of early intervention services for very young children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (Sec. 109) Doubles the annual amount authorized to be expended by the Secretary for the Head Start Fellowships program. (Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the use and effects of certain quality improvement funds under the Head Start Act. Title II: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs - Amends the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 202) Makes technical amendments to definitions and State allotment requirements. (Sec. 204) Revises certain requirements relating to State use of funds to emphasize assistance to those low-income households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. Title III: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 302) Revises definitions and requirements relating to applications, withholding, the discretionary authority of the Secretary, the community food and nutrition program, and an annual report. (Sec. 307) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. Title IV: Effective Dates; Application of Amendments - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3868 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use Title II: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products Title III: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use Title IV: Smoke-Free Environments Title V: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives Title VI: International Tobacco Control Title VII: Tobacco Accountability Board Title VIII: Payments to States Subtitle A: Resolution of State Actions Subtitle B: State Grants Title IX: Definitions Bipartisan NO Tobacco for Kids Act of 1998 - Title I: Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use - Requires that the funds raised by this title be used to reduce the public debt, except as provided in titles V and VIII. (Sec. 102) Requires each tobacco manufacturer (defining manufacturer, for this Act, to include importers) to make initial ($10 billion allocated by the manufacturer's share of units manufactured or imported) and annual (50 cents per unit manufactured or imported) payments. Excludes exports. (Sec. 103) Provides for injunctions and civil monetary penalties for failure to comply with regulations under this title. Title II: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to add nicotine in tobacco products to the definition of "drug" and add tobacco products to the definition of "device." (Sec. 203) Declares a tobacco product misbranded if it does not comply with section 205 requirements. Amends restricted device provisions to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the Secretary determines that there cannot otherwise be reasonable assurances of safety and effectiveness, to require tobacco advertising and promotion restrictions. Prohibits State and local requirements of warnings on labels and in advertising if this Act requires a warning. (Sec. 204) Requires that all provisions of specified existing tobacco regulations be considered lawful and lawfully promulgated under the FDCA. (Sec. 205) Deems, for tobacco products, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates regulations, conforming to specified provisions of the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general on June 20, 1997: (1) restricting tobacco marketing, advertising, and access (but prohibits restrictions on marketing or advertising that would violate the First Amendment to the Constitution); (2) requiring warnings on cigarette and smokeless tobacco labeling and advertisements; and (3) regarding tobacco product ingredients. Makes it unlawful to advertise tobacco on any electronic medium subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. Prohibits considering the Secretary of Health and Human Services' failure to approve or disapprove an ingredient's safety within the review period to be approval. Prohibits a manufacturer from stating or implying in labeling or advertising that a product has a reduced health risk unless the Secretary has so determined. Prohibits a State from receiving a grant under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act unless the State has put into law a tobacco control program conforming to the model State program established by the Secretary. Mandates establishment of that model program, including in its requirements State retail licensure, a prohibition of tobacco purchase for resale or distribution to individuals under 18, compliance inspection conduct and frequency, State performance objectives, and violations penalties. Requires, if a State fails to implement a conforming program or fails to achieve the performance objectives, that the Secretary withhold up to 20 percent of the grant to the State under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act. Mandates a Federal retail licensing program for retailers on Federal property, retailers in a State without an effective program conforming to the model program, and others as specified by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to order a State-licensed retailer in violation of this Act to suspend or cease tobacco sales. Treats Indian tribes and tribal organizations as a State regarding retailers operating on Indian reservations. (Sec. 206) Adds violation of any FDCA tobacco requirement to the list of FDCA prohibited acts. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose tobacco information to the public if the Secretary determines it appropriate to protect public health. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Title III: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use - Mandates an annual survey regarding the percentage of children using each manufacturer's tobacco product. (Sec. 302) Requires each manufacturer to have a performance objective of reducing its child tobacco use by specified percentages. Requires, if the reductions are not met, price increases and, for subsequent consecutive year failures, sales by carton minimum and packaging in black on a white background. (Sec. 306) Makes failure to comply with this title's requirements an FDCA prohibited act. (Sec. 307) Requires that the annual survey determine the use level for children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Mandates, if use is increasing (or not decreasing at a proportionate rate) among children of a racial or ethnic background, recommendations to the Congress regarding reducing the level for those children. Title IV: Smoke-Free Environments - Requires the responsible entity for each public facility (any building in which activities substantially affecting interstate commerce occur, subject to exceptions for locations such as residential buildings, on-sale alcoholic beverage establishments, and prisons) to implement a smoke-free environment policy meeting specified requirements. Allows smoking areas meeting certain requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes an action to enforce this title (by injunction or civil monetary penalty) by any aggrieved person, State or local governmental agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing the award of litigation costs (including attorney's and expert fees) to any prevailing party. Authorizes the court to order that the civil penalties be used for projects furthering this title. Prohibits compensatory and punitive damages. (Sec 403) Authorizes the Administrator to extend the smoke-free policy requirement to certain otherwise-exempt facilities if the Administrator determines that the extension is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 405) Declares that this title does not preempt or affect any other Federal, State, or local law providing protection from environmental tobacco health hazards. Title V: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives - Requires that funds be made available (from annual manufacturer payments under section 102) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, without fiscal year limitation, for: (1) a national public awareness campaign to discourage tobacco use; (2) the implementation of FDCA tobacco provisions, title III of this Act, and Tobacco Accountability Board provisions of this Act; (3) tobacco use cessation programs (mandating grants); (4) research on nicotine addiction, cessation, and prevention; and (5) tobacco surveillance and epidemiology research. Requires that certain programs under this title: (1) take into account the needs of minority populations; and (2) be age, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for those populations. Title VI: International Tobacco Control - Mandates regulations to prohibit domestic concerns from directly or indirectly: (1) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country without warning labels appropriate to protect public health; or (2) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country to children or advertising or promoting it in a way that appeals to children. Adds violations to the list of FDCA prohibited acts. (Sec. 602) Prohibits any U.S. officer, employee, department, or agency from: (1) promoting tobacco export or foreign sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, or use; or (2) subject to exception, seeking the removal or reduction of foreign restrictions on tobacco importation, exportation, sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, tariffs, or taxes. (Sec. 603) Establishes in the Treasury the International Tobacco Control Trust Fund, to be funded by payments under section 605. Provides for the use of Fund amounts for: (1) the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco; (2) grants and other assistance to foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international organizations for foreign tobacco control; and (3) enforcement of any requirement regarding foreign tobacco sale, distribution, or promotion. (Sec. 604) Establishes the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco (ACT) as a private, nonprofit corporation, requiring it to assist foreign organizations to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including through public awareness campaigns and youth-oriented and community-based programs. (Sec. 605) Requires each domestic concern that manufactures tobacco in a foreign country (or controls a person who does so) to annually pay to the Fund a specified amount per unit manufactured. (Sec. 606) Mandates regulations to reduce tobacco smuggling in interstate and foreign commerce. (Sec. 607) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government should support implementation of the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control through all available resources. Title VII: Tobacco Accountability Board - Establishes the Tobacco Accountability Board as an independent board. Requires each tobacco manufacturer to submit to the Board all documents in the manufacturer's possession: (1) relating to tobacco health effects (including addiction), the manipulation of nicotine, or tobacco sale or marketing to children; or (2) produced or ordered to be produced in a named civil action. Requires the Board to make the documents available to the public. Exempts trade secrets from public disclosure unless the Board determines that disclosure is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 703) Requires the Board to investigate all matters relating to tobacco and public health and report to the Congress annually. (Sec. 705) Empowers the Board to bring an action to enjoin a failure to comply with this title or to impose a civil monetary penalty. (Sec 707) Prohibits discrimination against an individual as a reprisal for disclosing information regarding a violation of tobacco-related law. Applies to whistleblowers existing provisions of Federal law allowing whistleblowers to receive a portion of any false claims amounts recovered. Title VIII: Payments to States - Subtitle A: Resolution of State Actions - Allows a State to elect to receive payments under section 802 instead of seeking recovery from manufacturers for health care costs attributable to tobacco use. Prohibits a State that so elects from seeking recovery from manufacturers, except for actions after enactment of this Act or for criminal prosecutions. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to any State so electing the amount the State would have received under the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general. Requires a State to pass payments through to local governments in proportion to the local government's tobacco use health care costs. Makes a State that fails to pass through payments ineligible for this section's future payments. (Sec. 803) Exempts a manufacturer from the portion of the section 102 payments that will be provided to States under this title if the manufacturer: (1) resolved tobacco-related civil actions with more than 25 States before 1998; (2) provided to all other States the opportunity to enter into substantially similar settlements; and (3) manufactures less than three percent of all cigarettes manufactured or imported in the United States. Subtitle B: State Grants - Requires that funds be made available annually from amounts paid under section 102, without fiscal year limitation, for grants to States with approved child-oriented or community-based programs to discourage tobacco use. (Sec. 812) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment to States for a specified percentage of the State's Medicaid expenditures for tobacco use cessation programs. Title IX: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for this Act.
Law· HRH.R. 3874 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
WIC Reauthorization Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act to reauthorize and revise requirements for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC program). Establishes additional WIC program application requirements, involving physical presence, income documentation, and verification. Authorizes the Secretary to provide bulk quantities of WIC program nutrition education materials to State agencies administering the Commodity Supplemental Food Program under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 at no cost to that program. Extends through FY 2003: (1) the authorization of appropriations for the WIC program and for the WIC farmers market nutrition program; and (2) requirements to use certain WIC funds for allocations to State agencies for costs of nutrition services and administration, and for program infrastructure and information, projects of regional or national significance, and breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Revises WIC program requirements relating to: (1) purchase of breast pumps; (2) nutrition services and administration level of per participant expenditure; (3) State plans to reduce average food costs per participant and increase program participation; (4) infant formula procurement; (5) consideration of price levels of retail stores for program participation; (6) spend-forward authority; (7) matching funds requirement and ranking criteria for farmers market nutrition program State plans; and (8) disqualification of certain vendors convicted of trafficking or illegal sales. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Economic Research Service, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the effects of State cost containment practices for the selection of vendors and approved food items (other than infant formula) on certain aspects of the WIC program. Allows amounts collected from penalties from vendors and recipients relating to fraud and abuse violations under the WIC program to be used for nutrition services and administration and food benefits only for the one-year period after they are received. Sets a $25,000 maximum amount on a fine for embezzlement, willful misapplication, stealing, obtaining by fraud, or trafficking in food instruments of funds, assets, or property that are of a value of $100 or more under the WIC program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3865 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title III: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1998 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 100 renewal communities, of which at least 20 percent shall be in rural areas. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with neighborhood organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Treats renewal communities as labor surplus areas for all Federal law purposes. Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to 25 percent of qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 205) Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. Title III: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (Sec. 302) Amends the Public Health Service Act to make religious organizations eligible to administer specified substance prevention and abuse programs. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 303) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3867 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Subtitle A (sic): Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund Subtitle B: Agricultural Market Transition Assistance Subtitle C: Farmer and Worker Transition Assistance Subtitle D: Immunity Long-Term Economic Assistance for Farmers Act or the LEAF Act - Subtitle A (sic): Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund to be used for: (1) payments for lost tobacco quota revenue; (2) industry payments for Department of Agriculture tobacco-related costs; (3) tobacco community development grants; (4) tobacco worker transition assistance; and (5) education opportunity grants. (Sec. 1012) Sets forth tobacco manufacturer and importer Fund assessment provisions. Subtitle B: Tobacco Market Transition Assistance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to: (1) eligible tobacco quota holders, lessees, and tenants for lost tobacco quota resulting from decreased domestic tobacco production; (2) reimburse the Department for tobacco program-related costs; and (3) States for tobacco community economic development grants. (Sec. 1024) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to replace flue-cured marketing quotas with a system of production permits for quota holders who are active principal producers. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the tobacco producer, purchaser, or importer marketing assessment. Subtitle C: Farmer and Worker Transition Assistance - Sets forth group eligibility requirements under the tobacco worker transition program. Authorizes through a certain date the use of specified Fund amounts for such program. (Sec. 1032) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize through a certain date a higher education farmer opportunity grant program for qualifying tobacco farm families. Subtitle D: Immunity - Grants tobacco producers, growers associations, or warehouse owners and employees immunity from any action resulting from a tobacco product manufacturer's, distributor's, or retailer's noncompliance with the National Tobacco Policy and Youth Smoking Reduction Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3881 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
Teacher Investment and Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the Lifetime Learning Credit for the continuing education tuition expenses of a secondary teacher if such expenses are incurred for attending courses directly relevant to the subject matter taught by the teacher.
Bill· SS. 2077 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strategic Planning Title II: Reserve Component Leadership Title III: Use of the Reserve Components for Emergencies Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction Title IV: Strengthened Reforms for Army National Guard Combat Readiness Title V: Pay, Allowances, Retirement, and Other Monetary Benefits Title VI: Other Benefits Title VII: Other Matters National Guard and Reserve Components Equity Act of 1998 - Title I: Strategic Planning - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) a report on the Army reserve component force structure; (2) a master plan for modernization of the National Guard and other reserve components; and (3) a master plan for meeting the military construction requirements of the National Guard and reserve components. Requires the maintaining of current end strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve through the end of FY 2000. Title II: Reserve Component Leadership - Directs the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to identify for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) any matter that directly concerns the National Guard, domestic security, or public safety. Requires the Chief to meet with the JCS when such matters are considered. Includes the Chief as a member of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council of the Department of Defense (DOD). Makes the Chief the principal advisor to the President, the Secretary, and the heads of the military departments on matters of domestic security or public safety. (Sec. 202) Provides authorized grades of the Chief and the chiefs of the reserve components. Excludes such positions from active-duty general and flag officer end strength limitations. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to require that, whenever a person is appointed as a State adjutant general of the National Guard, the board that is to consider the appointee for Federal recognition be convened within 60 days after such appointment. Makes the DOD Inspector General responsible for investigations relating to such appointments. (Sec. 204) Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on the promotions of, and extensions of Federal recognition to, officers of the National Guard to determine the timeliness and fairness of the processing of such actions. Title III: Use of the Reserve Components for Emergencies Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include within its authorized assistance an emergency involving a weapon of mass destruction. Authorizes the use of National Guard or reserve personnel to provide an immediate response to incidents involving a use or threatened use of such a weapon. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse a State for expenses incurred by its National Guard in emergency preparedness programs for responding to emergencies involving such weapons. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to order into active duty a reserve unit or member to respond to emergencies involving such weapons, with limitations. Authorizes the use of reserve personnel currently on active duty, or reserve personnel serving on full-time National Guard duty, for such purposes. Excludes personnel so used from various end strength limitations. Title IV: Strengthened Reforms for Army National Guard Combat Readiness - Amends the Army National Guard Combat Readiness Reform Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of the Army to ensure that sufficient training positions and funds are available to meet military education requirements of Army National Guard noncommissioned officers without it being necessary for such officers to be absent from unit annual training in order to meet such requirements. (Sec. 402) Requires the inclusion of professional development training within Army National Guard combat units. Requires all such training to be implemented at the platoon level. Requires the Secretary of the Army to ensure the adequacy of funding for such programs. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary of the Army to use combat simulators and simulations to fully support the complete integration of Army National Guard and active units, as well as to train both units. Title V: Pay, Allowances, Retirement, and Other Monetary Benefits - Requires reserve personnel serving on active duty more than 100 miles from their primary residence to be paid a basic allowance for housing. (Sec. 502) Entitles military personnel to hazardous duty or imminent danger pay for any month in which such personnel are entitled to any basic pay, without regard to the number of days of duty performed for the month. (Sec. 503) Authorizes reserve personnel to make allotments from pay for the support of relatives. (Sec. 504) Authorizes early retirement due to physical disability for Selected Reserve personnel who: (1) have completed at least 15, and less than 20, years of retirement-creditable service; and (2) no longer meet Selected Reserve qualifications solely because of such disability. Title VI: Other Benefits - Repeals a Federal provision which terminates Selected Reserve eligibility for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill on the earlier of ten years after an individual first becomes entitled to such benefits or the date such person is separated from such service. Makes such termination date the date which is ten years after such service. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to carry out and report to the Congress on a demonstration program to test the efficacy of permitting unlimited use of commissary stores by current and former reserve members who are eligible for limited commissary store use. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary to allow members of the Selected Reserve and their dependents to receive transportation on DOD aircraft on a space-available basis to the same extent as active-duty personnel and their dependents. Allows such transportation for the dependent only when accompanying such Reserve member. (Sec. 604) Repeals an October 27, 1999, expiration date on the availability of veterans' housing loans for certain Selected Reserve personnel who have completed more than six years of retirement-creditable military service. Title VII: Other Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a Ready Reserve-National Guard employee tax credit of 50 percent of the actual compensation paid to such employees in a taxable year, to a maximum of $2,000 per year. Makes such credit part of the general business credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 3855 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period beginning during FY 1999 or 2000 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 429 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Designates majority party membership on the following House Committees: (1) Education and the Workforce; (2) Government Reform and Oversight; (3) International Relations; (4) Judiciary; and (5) National Security.
Bill· SS. 2070 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998
Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to make grants to one or more nonprofit educational organizations that are established to research, display, interpret, and collect artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad. Sets forth the terms of the grant agreement. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2066 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide funds to States for purposes of conducting education and outreach activities relating to the health effects on children of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Directs the Administrator to use certain funds made available under this Act to: (1) establish a national education and outreach campaign relating to the effects on individuals of exposure to tobacco smoke and ways to minimize such exposure; and (2) carry out research, and provide for peer review studies, related to exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Requires the Administrator to use amounts available from any trust fund established as part of a national settlement on tobacco litigation to carry out such activities. Sunsets such activities 25 years after this Act's enactment date. Applies a specified executive order for the protection of Federal employees and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke in executive branch workplaces to all facilities owned, rented, or leased by all branches of the Federal Government, including independent agencies, and in all outdoor areas under executive, judicial, or legislative branch control. Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit smoking in an aircraft (currently, in the passenger cabin or lavatory) on all scheduled airline flight segments in interstate or intrastate air transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all domestic and foreign air carriers to prohibit smoking on any scheduled airline flight within the United States or between a place in the United States and a place outside of it. Applies such smoking prohibitions, with respect to foreign air carriers, only to passenger cabins and lavatories.
Law· HRH.R. 3830 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998
Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of 1998 - Ratifies the "Agreement to Exchange Utah School Trust Lands Between the State of Utah and the United States of America" and sets forth the obligations and commitments of the United States, Utah, and Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration as a matter of Federal law. Repeals Federal law providing for the exchange of Federal lands in Utah in exchange for State lands and providing additional lands within Utah for the Goshute Indian Reservation, with the exception of provisions regarding: (1) payment to Utah of a portion of a royalty payment received by the United States for certain mining and mineral interests in Utah; (2) the limit on such payment; and (3) payment in lieu of taxes for certain entitlement lands in Utah. Requires a $50 million payment to Utah upon completion of all conveyances described in the Agreement.
Bill· HRH.R. 3840 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998
Advanced Manufacturing Fellowship Act of 1998 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education, by competitively selected contract, to establish an Advanced Manufacturing Fellowship program. Requires any small business manufacturing enterprise that obtains an advanced manufacturing fellowship program to: (1) provide 80 percent of the cost of the salary and related benefits of the fellowship recipient; and (2) submit a yearly evaluation of the value and benefits obtained from program participation. Requires fellowships to cover 20 percent of the costs of salary and related benefits of recipients, not to exceed the salary and related benefits available to similar individuals in similar employment, for one year of employment with a small business manufacturing enterprise. Prescribes a competitive procedure for selection of fellowship recipients. Limits to 20 the maximum number of such fellowships which may be awarded for employment in any single State. Directs the contractor to provide for an appropriate public ceremony or ceremonies for, or other means of publicizing, the announcement of fellowship awards. Makes individuals eligible for such fellowships if they are U.S. citizens who: (1) have received a masters or doctorate degree within the five years preceding the award in a science or engineering field of study; and (2) are or will be employed by a small business manufacturing enterprise. Makes an enterprise eligible if it: (1) has not more than 1,000 employees; and (2) is engaged in the manufacture of a product, or in the active development of a product that the enterprise will manufacture. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2058 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title XXXI (sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense nuclear waste disposal; and (5) defense environmental management privatization initiatives. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3129) Directs the Secretary, during FY 1999, to empower each DOE field office manager with the authority to transfer defense environmental management funds from a program or project under such office's jurisdiction to another program or project in order to address a risk to health, safety, or the environment or to assure the most efficient use of such funds at that field office. Limits such transfers to a total of $5 million per fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress within 30 days after any such transfer. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, FY 1999 DOE funds from being obligated or expended to conduct any activities: (1) associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship; or (2) relating to ballistic or theater missile defense. (Sec. 3133) Prohibits any person from constructing or operating a facility under contract with DOE for fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for use in a commercial nuclear reactor without first obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 3134) Directs the Secretary to continue operations and maintain a high state of readiness at the F- and H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site and to provide technical staff to operate and maintain such facilities. (Sec. 3135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize DOE federally funded research and development centers to participate in merit-based technology research and development programs. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for payment to the educational foundation chartered to enhance educational activities in the public schools in the vicinity of Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 setting forth policy under the stockpile stewardship program. (Sec. 3142) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase compensation levels for scientific, engineering, and technical personnel responsible for safety at DOE nuclear facilities. (Sec. 3143) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Office of Management and Budget should, beginning with FY 2000, transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action program from the defense 050 budget function to a non-defense discretionary budget function. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1999, to obligate up to $83 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses, including the disposal of hazardous materials that are environmentally sensitive. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1999, with specified funding limits. (Sec. 3503) Requires Commission funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles, with a per vehicle cost limit of $23,000. (Sec. 3504) Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. (Sec. 3505) Authorizes the Commission to seek and accept donations to carry out Commission promotional activities. (Sec. 3506) Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into one or more agreements under which the United States furnishes administrative services relating to Commission pension, disability, and medical benefits, as well as workmen's compensation, after December 31, 1999, and establishes appropriate procedures for providing advance funding for such services. (Sec. 3507) Repeals on December 30, 1999, current Federal provisions concerning rights of and benefits accruing to Commission employees at the Canal. (Sec. 3508) Repeals a Federal provision establishing a Commission central examining office. (Sec. 3509) Revises provisions concerning Commission liability for vessel accidents to require claimants to be covered by one or more insurance policies totaling at least $1 million against the injuries claimed. Limits Commission liability to amounts in excess of any insurance amounts recovered. (Sec. 3510) Makes a Commission employee eligible, upon request, for appointment on a noncompetitive basis to vacant positions in the competitive civil service within: (1) an area determined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management as being within a reasonable commuting distance of the employee's residence; or (2) any Standard Federal Region designated by such employee. Outlines eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a notice of separation by reason of a reduction in force. (Sec. 3511) Provides compensation levels for members of the Commission's Board of Contract Appeals.
Bill· SS. 2060 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for procurement by the armed forces of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) defense-wide procurements; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Longbow Hellfire missile, with a contract term of five years. (Sec 112) Provides required conditions prior to the award of a multiyear procurement contract for the production of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles to more than one contractor under the previous national defense authorization Act. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized for a certain armored tank modernization kit until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on armored system modernization. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the procurement of reactive armor tiles until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) submits to the defense and appropriations committees a study of the present and future Army and Marine Corps operational requirements for such tiles. (Sec. 115) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to add certain advisory commission travel cost information to a required report on the chemical demilitarization program. (Sec. 116) Amends the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 the authority to carry out the armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the advance procurement and construction of components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized to be excluded from certain cost limitations under the Seawolf submarine program. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, with a contract term of five years. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Earmarks funds for certain follow-on options under the joint surveillance target attack radar system. Prohibits the availability of such funds until 30 days after the Secretary reports to the Congress on fund use. (Sec. 132) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the replacement of engines on aircraft of the Department of Defense (DOD) that are derived from Boeing 707 aircraft until the Secretary has submitted a certain analysis required under the prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 133) Prohibits the obligation of any funds available for the F-22 aircraft program for advance procurement for the six Lot II F-22 aircraft until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a certification of the completion of a specified amount of flight testing for such aircraft. Requires a related flight test certification from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense and appropriations committees on the C-130J aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds for basic research and applied research projects. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits more than $233 million from being obligated for the Crusader self-propelled artillery system program until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on an assessment of such system. (Sec. 212) Earmarks funds for RDT&E and acquisition of technologies for the transition from the CVN-77 aircraft carrier program to the CV(X) aircraft carrier program and for enhancements to the latter program. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to terminate the Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle program. Earmarks funds formerly set aside for such program for the procurement of three Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. Requires specified prior testing of the latter vehicles. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to assess and report to the Congress on the technical obstacles and operational shortcomings expected for the Airborne Laser program. Earmarks program funds, with a limitation on such funds until after the report is received. (Sec. 215) Designates as a national security priority the development of an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS). Directs the Secretary to develop a GPS in accordance with certain congressionally-mandated priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that future-year defense program funding provide sufficient funds for GPS development, and that the Secretary of Transportation should provide sufficient funding to support additional civil frequencies for the GPS and other GPS civil enhancements. Requires the Secretary to submit a GPS plan to the Congress. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to delay until the end of FY 2005 a limitation on the procurement of systems not GPS-equipped. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for an enhanced GPS. (Sec. 216) Amends Federal provisions concerning the DOD manufacturing technology program to require the sharing by DOD and non-federal sources of costs for projects carried out under such program if any of the project results are likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application. Revises related cost-sharing requirements. Requires information concerning project cost-sharing to be included in a required five-year plan for such program. (Sec. 217) Extends permanently (currently expires on September 30, 2002) the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facility installations. Terminates a related reporting requirement. (Sec. 218) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to extend through FY 2001 the authority of the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency to carry out certain prototype projects. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Urges the United States to seek to foster a climate of cooperation with Russia on matters relating to missile defense, especially in such areas as early warning. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1999 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for increasing training and related operations in support of the Special Operations Command's counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counterterrorism activities. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a pilot program using existing technology to determine the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD to analyze and identify such fuels and their possible theft and misuse. Earmarks O&M funds for the pilot program. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to carry out a pilot program to demonstrate the use of landing fees as a source of funding for the O&M of airfields of such department. Authorizes the imposition of landing fees at military airfields under the program through FY 2000. Allows fee proceeds to be used for landing field O&M. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for the transportation into U.S. customs territory of polychlorinated biphenyls generated by or under the control of DOD for purposes of their disposal, treatment, or storage in such customs territory. Outlines transportation and disposal requirements and limitations. (Sec. 323) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow Navy submersible ships to discharge non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to $15,000 from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 as payment for stipulated civil penalties assessed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) against McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments to Canada in each of FY 1999 through 2008 as part of a negotiated settlement for the environmental cleanup of formerly used defense sites there. Provides funding for such payments from amounts authorized for DOD defense-wide O&M. (Sec. 327) Directs the President to notify the Congress before entering into negotiations for the ex-gratia settlement of foreign claims against the United States for environmental cleanup of former DOD installations in a foreign country. Requires such fund use to be specifically authorized by law, treaty, or international agreement. (Sec. 328) Requires activities under the Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation Program to include cooperative activities on environmental matters in the Arctic region with the military departments and agencies of other countries, including the Russian Federation. Earmarks O&M funds for such Program. Prohibits funding obligation until 45 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a Program plan. Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities - Earmarks specified O&M funds for certain support of the drug interdiction efforts of the United States Southern Command in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean areas. (Sec. 332) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2004 the program authority for DOD support of certain counter-drug activities. Requires the Secretary, at least 21 days before obligating funds for the modification of a DOD facility for counter-drug purposes, to notify the defense and appropriations committees of such project and its estimated total cost. (Sec. 333) Prohibits any DOD funds authorized under this Act from being used to expand the Southwest border fence until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on the extent to which such fence has reduced the illegal transportation of narcotics and other drugs into the United States. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to administer DOD working capital funds during FY 1999 so as to ensure that the total amount of cash balances in such funds on September 30, 1999, exceeds the total amount of such balances on September 30, 1998, by $1.3 billion. Outlines actions to be taken by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to achieve such increase. Authorizes the waiver of such requirement to meet a contingency operation or an operation commenced before October 1, 1998, and continuing during FY 1999. Requires a semiannual report from the Under Secretary to the defense committees on the administration of the balance increase. (Sec. 342) Requires amounts charged for depreciation of capital assets to be credited to a separate capital asset subaccount established within a working-capital fund. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for separate accounting, reporting, and auditing of funds and activities managed through working-capital funds. Allows charges for goods and services provided through such funds to include amounts for depreciation of capital assets. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) establish billing procedures to ensure that balances in working-capital funds do not exceed requirements; and (2) submit to the Congress detailed annual reports of working-capital fund account and subaccount receipts and disbursements, as well as a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Repeals the authority to manage working-capital accounts and subaccounts through the Defense Business Operations Fund. Revises the authority of a working-capital fund to retain recovered costs of property disposals. (Sec. 344) Directs the Secretary of each military department to develop and submit to the Congress an implementation schedule for the best commercial inventory practices within such department for the acquisition and distribution of secondary supply items. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) each Secretary has complied with such requirement; and (2) best commercial inventory practices are being implemented in the Defense Logistics Agency. (Sec. 345) Earmarks FY 1999 Navy O&M funds for the increased use of smart cards (multitechnology automated reader cards) issued throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to take certain steps to increase the issuance of such cards throughout such service branches. Limits procurement funds for the Joint Uniformed Services Identification card until such Secretary has made certain certifications with respect to the issuance of smart cards. Requires such Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan for equipping all naval operational units with smart card technology. (Sec. 346) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Defense should initiate public-private competitions for DOD functions involving not fewer than a number of employees equivalent to 30,000 full-time employees for each of FY 1999 through 2004. Increases to 50 (currently 20) or fewer the number of DOD employees that may be affected in the conversion of a DOD function to contractor performance for which certain congressional notification and reporting requirements may be waived. (Sec. 347) Adds a competitive source selection process to required conditions for providing financial assistance for the support of additional duties assigned to the Army National Guard. (Sec. 348) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 to repeal a prohibition on the joint military-civilian use of the Robert Gray Army Airfield at Fort Hood, Texas. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 402) Increases from six to seven the number of officer positions within the Joint Staff that may be excluded from annual general and flag officer limitations. Extends through FY 2002 the authority for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to designate up to 12 general and flag officer joint duty positions for exclusion from general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 404) Repeals the requirement that minimum end strengths be sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingency operations. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for reserve military technicians (dual status). (Sec. 414) Excludes certain temporary active-duty general and flag officers from the annual general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain reserve officers and enlisted personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 416) Consolidates the end strength authorizations for active-status Naval Reserve flag officers of the Navy Medical Department Staff Corps. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of the military department concerned convene boards to review the cases of officers determined to have failed to establish that they be retained on active duty. (Sec. 502) Provides a permanent exception to the requirement for retirement for years of service for certain Navy and Marine Corps officers designated for limited duty assignments. (Sec. 503) Denies entitlement to involuntary separation pay for an officer discharged for failure to be selected for promotion when the officer requested not to be so selected. Requires the appropriate selection board to submit to the Secretary concerned the name of any officer making such request. (Sec. 504) Increases from three to four years the authorized term of appointment for the Chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that such longer term is justified. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Provides for the crediting for retirement purposes of service in the higher position for a reserve officer who, after being found qualified for Federal recognition in a higher grade by an appropriate personnel board, serves in a position for which that grade is the minimum authorized grade. (Sec. 512) Allows a reserve officer who, after successfully serving on active duty in a grade above colonel or captain (Navy) for at least six months, is involuntarily transferred from active status, to be credited with satisfactory service in such position for retirement purposes. (Sec. 513) Provides eligibility for consideration for promotion for certain Army and Air Force reserve brigadier generals. (Sec. 514) Provides for the composition of selective early retirement boards for Naval Reserve rear admirals and Marine Corps Reserve major generals. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the President to order members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve mobilization category into active duty to respond to an emergency involving the use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorizes the use of active-duty members of the National Guard for such purpose. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Extends through FY 2003 certain force reduction transition management and benefits authorities, including early retirement and voluntary separation incentive programs and certain time-in-grade requirements. (Sec. 523) Continues eligibility for the voluntary separation incentive program after the involuntary loss of membership in the Ready or Standby Reserve. (Sec. 524) Revises current limitations on the authority of the Secretaries concerned to set rates and waive requirements for reimbursement of expenses incurred for foreign student instruction at U.S. military service academies. (Sec. 525) Repeals a current limitation on the civilian employment of enlisted personnel when such employment interferes with the customary or regular employment of local civilians. (Sec. 527) Prohibits any DOD official from implementing any change of policy regarding the separation or integration of military personnel on the basis of gender that is within the responsibilities of the Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Issues before the termination of such Commission. (Sec. 528) Provides transitional compensation authority for abused dependent children of military personnel when such children reside with the spouse or former spouse of a member convicted of dependent abuse. (Sec. 529) Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year pilot program to assess whether the armed forces could better meet recruiting requirements by treating GED recipients as having graduated from high school for purposes of enlistment eligibility. Limits to 1,250 annually the number of individuals authorized to be so considered. (Sec. 530) Waives time limitations for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for certain service during World War II or Korea. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1999 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 3.1 percent, effective January 1, 1999. (Sec. 602) Increases to $600 the monthly pay for cadets and midshipmen at the service academies. (Sec. 603) Allows a member entitled to the transportation of baggage and household effects due to a change of station to, as an alternative, reimbursement or payment of a monetary allowance in advance of a move arranged by such member. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Superintendent of a service academy to order a cadet or midshipman suspended from duty at such academy to be placed on involuntary leave without pay. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through December 31, 1999, specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals a provision which allows only ten percent of selective reenlistment bonuses paid in a fiscal year to exceed $20,000. (Sec. 616) Increases to $6,000 the maximum authorized Army enlistment bonus. (Sec. 617) Includes within the defense educational loan repayment program a person enrolled in a program of education leading to professional qualifications. Increases the educational loan amounts authorized to be repaid under such program to a maximum of $20,000 per year and $50,000 total per individual. (Sec. 618) Increases to $950 the monthly amount of basic educational assistance authorized to be paid to military personnel possessing critically short skills or specialties. (Sec. 619) Provides that the entitlement of an individual to basic educational assistance benefits shall not be affected by the receipt of an enlistment bonus. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay for or provide transportation to a member as part of a program of rest and recuperation in connection with contingency operations or unusual conditions at a duty station. (Sec. 622) Authorizes payment for the temporary storage of baggage of military dependent students not taken on an annual trip to an overseas duty station of such student's sponsor. (Sec. 623) Authorizes commercial travel under Federal supply schedules for the travel of a member of the reserves to or from the location of inactive duty training. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Considers, beginning on October 1, 2003, coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to be paid in full when a member's pay has been reduced for such coverage for 30 years or when the member has attained 70 years of age. (Sec. 632) Provides an effective date for the court-ordered election of a spouse's or former spouse's coverage under the SBP. (Sec. 633) Provides for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains of medically retired members who die during hospitalization that began while such members were on active duty. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Excludes the Panama Canal from the definition of a U.S. territory or possession for purposes of military pay and allowance provisions. (Sec. 642) Provides Federal employees' compensation coverage for the period during which student members attend training or a practice cruise. (Sec. 643) Amends the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary, or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy, to provide financial assistance to sponsors of dependents in overseas areas where defense dependent schools are not reasonably available. Title VII: Health Care - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to provide for an inflation-indexed premium under the defense dependents' dental program. (Sec. 702) Extends through June 30, 1999, the authority for the use of personal services contracts for the provision of health care at military entrance processing stations and at other locations which are outside of military medical treatment facility areas. (Sec. 703) Provides for the automatic enrollment under TRICARE Prime (a DOD managed health care program) for each dependent of a member in grade E4 or below who is entitled to CHAMPUS medical and dental care and resides in the catchment area of a facility offering TRICARE Prime. Provides for automatic renewal of enrollments and premium payment options under such coverage. Requires such coverage to take effect no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 704) Provides limited continued CHAMPUS coverage, with regard to health care provided between October 1, 1998, and July 1, 1999, for persons unaware of the loss of such coverage due to their recent eligibility for Medicare. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to ensure that the advanced systems developed for recording military personnel data and information include the capability to record organ and tissue donation elections. Outlines responsibilities of the military department secretaries and the Surgeon General with respect to the collection of such information. (Sec. 706) Commends and encourages continuation of the cooperative efforts of DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the delivery of medical care. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly conduct: (1) a survey of their respective medical care beneficiary populations to identify the expectations of, requirements for, and behavior patterns of such beneficiaries with respect to medical care; and (2) a review of impediments to cooperation in the delivery of medical care. Requires the Secretary of Defense to review and report semiannually to the congressional defense and veterans' affairs committees (committees) on the TRICARE program to identify opportunities for increased program participation by the VA. Directs the Federal Pharmaceutical Steering Committee to: (1) undertake a comprehensive examination of existing pharmaceutical benefits and programs for beneficiaries of Federal medical care programs; (2) review the existing methods for contracting for and distributing medical supplies and services; and (3) report examination results to the committees. Directs the Secretaries to submit to the committees a report on the status of DOD and VA efforts to standardize physical examinations administered to determine or rate disabilities. Specifies deadlines for required reports. (Sec. 707) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct three demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing health care under CHAMPUS to current and former military personnel and their dependents or dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty for more than 30 days, and who: (1) are 65 years old or older; (2) are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) are enrolled in the Medicare supplemental medical insurance program; and (4) reside in an area of a demonstration project. Requires the Secretary under one such project to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Prohibits eligible individuals from being required to satisfy any FEHB eligibility criteria as a condition of enrollment. Provides for participation management under the FEHB enrollment program. Requires the Secretary, under another project, to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the TRICARE program, with an enrollment fee. Requires the Secretary, under the third project, to permit eligible individuals to participate in the mail order pharmacy benefit under the TRICARE program, with appropriate premiums, deductibles, or copayments. Requires an independent evaluation of each project. Directs the Comptroller General to review such evaluations and report review results to the defense committees. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to procure articles containing para-aramid fibers and yarns manufactured in any foreign country which: (1) is a party to a defense memorandum of understanding; or (2) permits U.S. firms that manufacture such fibers and yarns to compete with foreign firms in that country. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of an agency to enter into a contract for travel-related services that provides for the contractor to furnish services for both official and non-official travel. Makes such provision inapplicable to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service under the Navy. (Sec. 803) Prohibits the head of a defense agency from entering into a contract for a price exceeding fair market cost in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which DOD attains its contracting goal for participation by small disadvantaged businesses and certain minority institutions. (Sec. 804) Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to allocate available technical assistance funds equally among Defense Contract Administration Services regions. (Sec. 805) Defense Commercial Pricing Management Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to clarify the procedures and methods used to determine the reasonableness of prices of items which are exempt from DOD requirements for the submission of certified cost or pricing data. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures: (1) to ensure that a single item manager or contracting officer is responsible for negotiating and entering into all contracts for the procurement of such items from a single contractor; and (2) that provide for the collection and analysis of information on price trends for categories of such items. Requires a defense agency head or military department Secretary to address any unreasonable escalation in prices paid for such items. Requires reports concerning such procedures from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (Under Secretary) to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary to revise certain procurement regulations to cover all purchases of goods and services by DOD under contracts entered into or administered by another Federal agency. (Sec. 807) Requires the Under Secretary to prescribe policies and requirements for educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure. (Sec. 808) Repeals the requirement that the Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development be located within the Office of the Under Secretary. (Sec. 809) Continues eligibility for membership in the defense acquisition corps for persons serving in a position below GS-13 due to a reduction in force, the closure or realignment of a military installation, or any reason other than for cause. (Sec. 810) Authorizes the Secretary to designate ten acquisition programs of the military departments as pilot programs on program manager responsibility for product support. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Reduces from ten to nine the number of Assistant Secretary of Defense positions. Renames the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Information Superiority, with specified duties. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the Secretary to include within the National Defense University any educational institution that the Secretary considers appropriate and so designates. (Sec. 904) Provides for specified percentage reductions in the number of Federal employees and military personnel on the headquarters staffs of various DOD organizations. Allows for the waiver of the prohibition on the management of personnel by end strengths in order to achieve such reductions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to implement such reductions. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to conduct in each year in which a President is inaugurated a comprehensive examination of the defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plan, and related matters with a view toward determining and expressing the U.S. defense strategy, establishing a revised defense plan for the ensuing ten years, and another for the ensuing 20 years. Directs the Secretary, immediately preceding an inaugural year, to establish a nonpartisan, independent panel to be known as the National Defense Panel to: (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of the above strategies, structures, and plans; and (2) recommend a ten- and 20- year defense strategy after such assessment. (Sec. 906) Directs the Secretary to analyze the structures and processes of DOD for the management of its laboratories and test and evaluation centers and to develop a plan for improving such management. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to such committees a plan and schedule for implementing a cost-based management information system for such laboratories and test centers. (Sec. 907) Directs the Secretary of each military department to administer all of its Fisher houses as nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Provides, with respect to such instrumentality, for: (1) a system of governance; (2) the establishment of a central fund as a funding source; and (3) the acceptance of contributions and the imposition of fees for use of such houses. Requires an annual report from each Secretary on Fisher house operations. Provides transitional funding. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1999 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY 1999 for incremental costs of military operations in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorizes the transfer of O&M funds for such purpose. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1998 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act. (Sec. 1004) Makes funds authorized under titles II and III available for Partnership for Peace information management systems. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Requires: (1) the U.S.S. Iowa to be listed and maintained on the Naval Vessel Register; and (2) the U.S.S. New Jersey to be stricken from such Register. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into one or more long-term charters for three specified vessels to support the rescue, escort, and towing of submarines. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified vessels to foreign countries on a grant basis under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and on a sale or lease basis under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Requires as a condition of such transfers that any vessel repair or refurbishment needed prior to such transfers be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions and the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. (Sec. 1022) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an analysis of a biennial financial management improvement plan currently required to be submitted by the Secretary. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of the feasibility and advisability of selecting on a competitive basis the source or sources for performing DOD finance and accounting services from among private sector sources, the DOD Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the military departments, and other Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to perform market research in connection with the study. (Sec. 1024) Prohibits any DFAS operating location from being closed within six months after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a strategic plan for improving the financial management operations at each location. (Sec. 1025) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the inventory and control of DOD military equipment as of the end of FY 1998, addressing each military department separately. Directs the Inspector General to review the report and submit comments to such committees. (Sec. 1026) Directs the Secretary and the Director of Central Intelligence to jointly submit to the defense committees a report on the plans of DOD and the intelligence community for ensuring the continuity of performance of essential operations that are at risk of failure due to computer systems and other information and support systems that are not year 2000 compliant. (Sec. 1027) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the defense committees on battleship readiness for meeting military requirements for naval surface fire support. (Sec. 1028) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the roles of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff in the investigation of DOD aviation accidents. (Sec. 1029) Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a plan for guiding and expanding distance learning initiatives within DOD. (Sec. 1030) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on U.S. military involvement in major contingency operations and major ongoing operations since the end of the Persian Gulf War, including involvement in the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to provide a foreign country or any of its instrumentalities with assistance for destroying, removing, or obtaining from such country: (1) weapons of mass destruction; or (2) materials, equipment, or technology for the delivery or development of such weapons. Requires a certification from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees at least 15 days in advance that such materials, equipment, or technology meet specified requirements. Waives the certification requirement when compliance would compromise U.S. national security objectives. Requires annual reports concerning such activities. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 certain counterproliferation authorities for support of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq. (Sec. 1043) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend through FY 1999 a limitation concerning the retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery systems. (Sec. 1044) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the feasibility of initiating discussions concerning the possibility of direct-line communications between the commanders in chief of the U.S. Strategic and Space Commands and the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. (Sec. 1045) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on DOD policies and doctrines on chemical warfare defense. Requires the Secretary to modify such policies and doctrines in order to provide adequate protection of military personnel from low-level exposure to a chemical warfare agent. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a plan to establish a research program for determining the effects of chronic and low-dose exposures to such agents. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the accounting treatment of the advanced payment of military personnel. (Sec. 1047) Defines a financial institution, for purposes of the reimbursement of military and civilian DOD personnel for Federal errors in direct deposits of pay, as a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union chartered by the U.S. Government or a State. (Sec. 1048) Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program on alternative notice procedures concerning the withholding or garnishment of pay of military personnel for the payment of child support or alimony under provisions of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 1049) Provides a limitation on the cost of services provided to the Defense Commissary Agency (DCA) to provide for the efficient management and operation of the commissary system. (Sec. 1050) Authorizes the Secretary to impose a charge for the collection of dishonored checks presented at commissary stores. (Sec. 1051) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe in regulations DCA authority to meet its telecommunications requirements by obtaining services and related items under the FTS-2001 contract through a frame relay system procured for the DCA. (Sec. 1052) Authorizes service academy superintendents to accept a research grant that is awarded on a competitive basis for a research project carried out by a professor or instructor at such academy for a scientific, literary, or educational purpose. (Sec. 1053) Empowers inspectors general of the military departments with responsibilities concerning military personnel whistleblower protections. (Currently, such responsibilities exist solely under the DOD Inspector General.) Provides simplified whistleblower reporting and notice requirements. Repeals a requirement for a post-investigation interview. (Sec. 1054) Provides for the crediting of amounts recovered from claims against third parties for loss or damage to personal property of military personnel shipped or stored at Government expense. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a dependent of a member of the armed forces to enroll in an elementary or secondary education program on a military installation within the United States while the member is assigned away from such jurisdiction on a remote or unaccompanied assignment under permanent change of station orders. Allows an enrollment to be extended for more than five years if the dependent is still eligible, space is available, and adequate arrangements are made for reimbursement of the Secretary for the costs of the educational services provided. (Sec. 1056) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to charge a fee for providing historical information to the public from the United States Army or Air Force Military History Institutes and the United States Naval or Marine Corps Historical Centers. (Sec. 1057) Requires the inspector general of an armed force to inspect the Armed Forces Retirement Home at least every three years. (Currently, the DOD Inspector General conducts such inspections at least every six years.) Requires the duty of such inspection to alternate among such inspectors general, and requires each inspection to be followed by a report to the Retirement Home Board, the Secretary, and the Congress. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts, all U.S. rights and interest to one surplus F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Requires the Foundation to alter such aircraft so that it no longer has any combat capability. (Sec. 1059) Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to state that a presidential signature shall constitute approval of vessel war risk insurance requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 1060) Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating March 1, 1999, as "United States Navy Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day." (Sec. 1061) Revises provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to: (1) redesignate the Korean Conflict as the Korean War, for purposes of a program commemorating such War; and (2) provide a limitation on expenditures under the program. (Sec. 1062) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning the costs to DOD associated with frequency spectrum allocations. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require any person on whose behalf a Federal entity incurs costs from the relocation of Federal frequencies to compensate the Federal entity in advance for such costs. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to conduct a program under which qualified spouses of military personnel are given a hiring preference for DOD child care positions. (Sec. 1103) Extends through FY 2003 the authority for the DOD voluntary separation incentive pay program. (Sec. 1104) Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide voluntary early retirement authority for DOD civilian employees who either complete 25 years of service or, after becoming 50 years of age, complete 20 years of service. Outlines voluntary separation requirements, including that: (1) such employee has not received a notice of separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance; and (2) DOD or the military department involved is undergoing a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of functions. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes the Secretary, during the five-year period commencing on the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out a program of experimental use of special personnel management authority (the hiring of up to 20 individuals from outside the civil service and armed forces) to facilitate the recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for research and development projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Limits the period of appointment (four years) and the amount of compensation to be paid to such employees. Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation - Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting the initiative of the Secretary and the JCS Chairman to designate a commander of a combatant command to have the mission for joint warfighting experimentation, the development and validation of new joint warfighting concepts and capabilities, and related DOD strategy for transforming U.S. armed forces to meet future national security threats. Request such commander to have sufficient freedom of action, authority, and resources to establish and conduct the joint warfighting experimentation process. Requests: (1) continued intraservice and multiservice warfighting experimentation, and related experimentation by the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and (2) congressional review of the initial and annual reports on joint warfighting experimentation to determine the adequacy of the scope and pace of U.S. military forces to meet future national security challenges. (Sec. 1203) Requires an initial and annual reports from the appointed commander to the Secretary on the implementation of such experimentation. Directs the Secretary to submit such reports to the chairmen of the defense committees.
Bill· SS. 2057 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for procurement by the armed forces of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) defense-wide procurements; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Longbow Hellfire missile, with a contract term of five years. (Sec 112) Provides required conditions prior to the award of a multiyear procurement contract for the production of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles to more than one contractor under the previous national defense authorization Act. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized for a certain armored tank modernization kit until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on armored system modernization. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the procurement of reactive armor tiles until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) submits to the defense and appropriations committees a study of the present and future Army and Marine Corps operational requirements for such tiles. (Sec. 115) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to add certain advisory commission travel cost information to a required report on the chemical demilitarization program. (Sec. 116) Amends the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 the authority to carry out the armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the advance procurement and construction of components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized to be excluded from certain cost limitations under the Seawolf submarine program. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, with a contract term of five years. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Earmarks funds for certain follow-on options under the joint surveillance target attack radar system. Prohibits the availability of such funds until 30 days after the Secretary reports to the Congress on fund use. (Sec. 132) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the replacement of engines on aircraft of the Department of Defense (DOD) that are derived from Boeing 707 aircraft until the Secretary has submitted a certain analysis required under the prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 133) Prohibits the obligation of any funds available for the F-22 aircraft program for advance procurement for the six Lot II F-22 aircraft until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a certification of the completion of a specified amount of flight testing for such aircraft. Requires a related flight test certification from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense and appropriations committees on the C-130J aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds for basic research and applied research projects. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits more than $233 million from being obligated for the Crusader self-propelled artillery system program until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on an assessment of such system. (Sec. 212) Earmarks funds for RDT&E and acquisition of technologies for the transition from the CVN-77 aircraft carrier program to the CV(X) aircraft carrier program and for enhancements to the latter program. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to terminate the Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle program. Earmarks funds formerly set aside for such program for the procurement of three Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. Requires specified prior testing of the latter vehicles. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to assess and report to the Congress on the technical obstacles and operational shortcomings expected for the Airborne Laser program. Earmarks program funds, with a limitation on such funds until after the report is received. (Sec. 215) Designates as a national security priority the development of an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS). Directs the Secretary to develop a GPS in accordance with certain congressionally-mandated priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that future-year defense program funding provide sufficient funds for GPS development, and that the Secretary of Transportation should provide sufficient funding to support additional civil frequencies for the GPS and other GPS civil enhancements. Requires the Secretary to submit a GPS plan to the Congress. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to delay until the end of FY 2005 a limitation on the procurement of systems not GPS-equipped. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for an enhanced GPS. (Sec. 216) Amends Federal provisions concerning the DOD manufacturing technology program to require the sharing by DOD and non-federal sources of costs for projects carried out under such program if any of the project results are likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application. Revises related cost-sharing requirements. Requires information concerning project cost-sharing to be included in a required five-year plan for such program. (Sec. 217) Extends permanently (currently expires on September 30, 2002) the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facility installations. Terminates a related reporting requirement. (Sec. 218) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to extend through FY 2001 the authority of the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency to carry out certain prototype projects. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Urges the United States to seek to foster a climate of cooperation with Russia on matters relating to missile defense, especially in such areas as early warning. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1999 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for increasing training and related operations in support of the Special Operations Command's counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counterterrorism activities. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a pilot program using existing technology to determine the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD to analyze and identify such fuels and their possible theft and misuse. Earmarks O&M funds for the pilot program. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to carry out a pilot program to demonstrate the use of landing fees as a source of funding for the O&M of airfields of such department. Authorizes the imposition of landing fees at military airfields under the program through FY 2000. Allows fee proceeds to be used for landing field O&M. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for the transportation into U.S. customs territory of polychlorinated biphenyls generated by or under the control of DOD for purposes of their disposal, treatment, or storage in such customs territory. Outlines transportation and disposal requirements and limitations. (Sec. 323) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow Navy submersible ships to discharge non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to $15,000 from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 as payment for stipulated civil penalties assessed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) against McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments to Canada in each of FY 1999 through 2008 as part of a negotiated settlement for the environmental cleanup of formerly used defense sites there. Provides funding for such payments from amounts authorized for DOD defense-wide O&M. (Sec. 327) Directs the President to notify the Congress before entering into negotiations for the ex-gratia settlement of foreign claims against the United States for environmental cleanup of former DOD installations in a foreign country. Requires such fund use to be specifically authorized by law, treaty, or international agreement. (Sec. 328) Requires activities under the Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation Program to include cooperative activities on environmental matters in the Arctic region with the military departments and agencies of other countries, including the Russian Federation. Earmarks O&M funds for such Program. Prohibits funding obligation until 45 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a Program plan. Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities - Earmarks specified O&M funds for certain support of the drug interdiction efforts of the United States Southern Command in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean areas. (Sec. 332) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2004 the program authority for DOD support of certain counter-drug activities. Requires the Secretary, at least 21 days before obligating funds for the modification of a DOD facility for counter-drug purposes, to notify the defense and appropriations committees of such project and its estimated total cost. (Sec. 333) Prohibits any DOD funds authorized under this Act from being used to expand the Southwest border fence until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on the extent to which such fence has reduced the illegal transportation of narcotics and other drugs into the United States. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to administer DOD working capital funds during FY 1999 so as to ensure that the total amount of cash balances in such funds on September 30, 1999, exceeds the total amount of such balances on September 30, 1998, by $1.3 billion. Outlines actions to be taken by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to achieve such increase. Authorizes the waiver of such requirement to meet a contingency operation or an operation commenced before October 1, 1998, and continuing during FY 1999. Requires a semiannual report from the Under Secretary to the defense committees on the administration of the balance increase. (Sec. 342) Requires amounts charged for depreciation of capital assets to be credited to a separate capital asset subaccount established within a working-capital fund. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for separate accounting, reporting, and auditing of funds and activities managed through working-capital funds. Allows charges for goods and services provided through such funds to include amounts for depreciation of capital assets. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) establish billing procedures to ensure that balances in working-capital funds do not exceed requirements; and (2) submit to the Congress detailed annual reports of working-capital fund account and subaccount receipts and disbursements, as well as a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Repeals the authority to manage working-capital accounts and subaccounts through the Defense Business Operations Fund. Revises the authority of a working-capital fund to retain recovered costs of property disposals. (Sec. 344) Directs the Secretary of each military department to develop and submit to the Congress an implementation schedule for the best commercial inventory practices within such department for the acquisition and distribution of secondary supply items. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) each Secretary has complied with such requirement; and (2) best commercial inventory practices are being implemented in the Defense Logistics Agency. (Sec. 345) Earmarks FY 1999 Navy O&M funds for the increased use of smart cards (multitechnology automated reader cards) issued throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to take certain steps to increase the issuance of such cards throughout such service branches. Limits procurement funds for the Joint Uniformed Services Identification card until such Secretary has made certain certifications with respect to the issuance of smart cards. Requires such Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan for equipping all naval operational units with smart card technology. (Sec. 346) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Defense should initiate public-private competitions for DOD functions involving not fewer than a number of employees equivalent to 30,000 full-time employees for each of FY 1999 through 2004. Increases to 50 (currently 20) or fewer the number of DOD employees that may be affected in the conversion of a DOD function to contractor performance for which certain congressional notification and reporting requirements may be waived. (Sec. 347) Adds a competitive source selection process to required conditions for providing financial assistance for the support of additional duties assigned to the Army National Guard. (Sec. 348) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 to repeal a prohibition on the joint military-civilian use of the Robert Gray Army Airfield at Fort Hood, Texas. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 402) Increases from six to seven the number of officer positions within the Joint Staff that may be excluded from annual general and flag officer limitations. Extends through FY 2002 the authority for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to designate up to 12 general and flag officer joint duty positions for exclusion from general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 404) Repeals the requirement that minimum end strengths be sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingency operations. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for reserve military technicians (dual status). (Sec. 414) Excludes certain temporary active-duty general and flag officers from the annual general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain reserve officers and enlisted personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 416) Consolidates the end strength authorizations for active-status Naval Reserve flag officers of the Navy Medical Department Staff Corps. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of the military department concerned convene boards to review the cases of officers determined to have failed to establish that they be retained on active duty. (Sec. 502) Provides a permanent exception to the requirement for retirement for years of service for certain Navy and Marine Corps officers designated for limited duty assignments. (Sec. 503) Denies entitlement to involuntary separation pay for an officer discharged for failure to be selected for promotion when the officer requested not to be so selected. Requires the appropriate selection board to submit to the Secretary concerned the name of any officer making such request. (Sec. 504) Increases from three to four years the authorized term of appointment for the Chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that such longer term is justified. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Provides for the crediting for retirement purposes of service in the higher position for a reserve officer who, after being found qualified for Federal recognition in a higher grade by an appropriate personnel board, serves in a position for which that grade is the minimum authorized grade. (Sec. 512) Allows a reserve officer who, after successfully serving on active duty in a grade above colonel or captain (Navy) for at least six months, is involuntarily transferred from active status, to be credited with satisfactory service in such position for retirement purposes. (Sec. 513) Provides eligibility for consideration for promotion for certain Army and Air Force reserve brigadier generals. (Sec. 514) Provides for the composition of selective early retirement boards for Naval Reserve rear admirals and Marine Corps Reserve major generals. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the President to order members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve mobilization category into active duty to respond to an emergency involving the use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorizes the use of active-duty members of the National Guard for such purpose. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Extends through FY 2003 certain force reduction transition management and benefits authorities, including early retirement and voluntary separation incentive programs and certain time-in-grade requirements. (Sec. 523) Continues eligibility for the voluntary separation incentive program after the involuntary loss of membership in the Ready or Standby Reserve. (Sec. 524) Revises current limitations on the authority of the Secretaries concerned to set rates and waive requirements for reimbursement of expenses incurred for foreign student instruction at U.S. military service academies. (Sec. 525) Repeals a current limitation on the civilian employment of enlisted personnel when such employment interferes with the customary or regular employment of local civilians. (Sec. 527) Prohibits any DOD official from implementing any change of policy regarding the separation or integration of military personnel on the basis of gender that is within the responsibilities of the Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Issues before the termination of such Commission. (Sec. 528) Provides transitional compensation authority for abused dependent children of military personnel when such children reside with the spouse or former spouse of a member convicted of dependent abuse. (Sec. 529) Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year pilot program to assess whether the armed forces could better meet recruiting requirements by treating GED recipients as having graduated from high school for purposes of enlistment eligibility. Limits to 1,250 annually the number of individuals authorized to be so considered. (Sec. 530) Waives time limitations for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for certain service during World War II or Korea. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1999 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 3.1 percent, effective January 1, 1999. (Sec. 602) Increases to $600 the monthly pay for cadets and midshipmen at the service academies. (Sec. 603) Allows a member entitled to the transportation of baggage and household effects due to a change of station to, as an alternative, reimbursement or payment of a monetary allowance in advance of a move arranged by such member. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Superintendent of a service academy to order a cadet or midshipman suspended from duty at such academy to be placed on involuntary leave without pay. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through December 31, 1999, specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals a provision which allows only ten percent of selective reenlistment bonuses paid in a fiscal year to exceed $20,000. (Sec. 616) Increases to $6,000 the maximum authorized Army enlistment bonus. (Sec. 617) Includes within the defense educational loan repayment program a person enrolled in a program of education leading to professional qualifications. Increases the educational loan amounts authorized to be repaid under such program to a maximum of $20,000 per year and $50,000 total per individual. (Sec. 618) Increases to $950 the monthly amount of basic educational assistance authorized to be paid to military personnel possessing critically short skills or specialties. (Sec. 619) Provides that the entitlement of an individual to basic educational assistance benefits shall not be affected by the receipt of an enlistment bonus. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay for or provide transportation to a member as part of a program of rest and recuperation in connection with contingency operations or unusual conditions at a duty station. (Sec. 622) Authorizes payment for the temporary storage of baggage of military dependent students not taken on an annual trip to an overseas duty station of such student's sponsor. (Sec. 623) Authorizes commercial travel under Federal supply schedules for the travel of a member of the reserves to or from the location of inactive duty training. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Considers, beginning on October 1, 2003, coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to be paid in full when a member's pay has been reduced for such coverage for 30 years or when the member has attained 70 years of age. (Sec. 632) Provides an effective date for the court-ordered election of a spouse's or former spouse's coverage under the SBP. (Sec. 633) Provides for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains of medically retired members who die during hospitalization that began while such members were on active duty. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Excludes the Panama Canal from the definition of a U.S. territory or possession for purposes of military pay and allowance provisions. (Sec. 642) Provides Federal employees' compensation coverage for the period during which student members attend training or a practice cruise. (Sec. 643) Amends the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary, or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy, to provide financial assistance to sponsors of dependents in overseas areas where defense dependent schools are not reasonably available. Title VII: Health Care - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to provide for an inflation-indexed premium under the defense dependents' dental program. (Sec. 702) Extends through June 30, 1999, the authority for the use of personal services contracts for the provision of health care at military entrance processing stations and at other locations which are outside of military medical treatment facility areas. (Sec. 703) Provides for the automatic enrollment under TRICARE Prime (a DOD managed health care program) for each dependent of a member in grade E4 or below who is entitled to CHAMPUS medical and dental care and resides in the catchment area of a facility offering TRICARE Prime. Provides for automatic renewal of enrollments and premium payment options under such coverage. Requires such coverage to take effect no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 704) Provides limited continued CHAMPUS coverage, with regard to health care provided between October 1, 1998, and July 1, 1999, for persons unaware of the loss of such coverage due to their recent eligibility for Medicare. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to ensure that the advanced systems developed for recording military personnel data and information include the capability to record organ and tissue donation elections. Outlines responsibilities of the military department secretaries and the Surgeon General with respect to the collection of such information. (Sec. 706) Commends and encourages continuation of the cooperative efforts of DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the delivery of medical care. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly conduct: (1) a survey of their respective medical care beneficiary populations to identify the expectations of, requirements for, and behavior patterns of such beneficiaries with respect to medical care; and (2) a review of impediments to cooperation in the delivery of medical care. Requires the Secretary of Defense to review and report semiannually to the congressional defense and veterans' affairs committees (committees) on the TRICARE program to identify opportunities for increased program participation by the VA. Directs the Federal Pharmaceutical Steering Committee to: (1) undertake a comprehensive examination of existing pharmaceutical benefits and programs for beneficiaries of Federal medical care programs; (2) review the existing methods for contracting for and distributing medical supplies and services; and (3) report examination results to the committees. Directs the Secretaries to submit to the committees a report on the status of DOD and VA efforts to standardize physical examinations administered to determine or rate disabilities. Specifies deadlines for required reports. (Sec. 707) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct three demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing health care under CHAMPUS to current and former military personnel and their dependents or dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty for more than 30 days, and who: (1) are 65 years old or older; (2) are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) are enrolled in the Medicare supplemental medical insurance program; and (4) reside in an area of a demonstration project. Requires the Secretary under one such project to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Prohibits eligible individuals from being required to satisfy any FEHB eligibility criteria as a condition of enrollment. Provides for participation management under the FEHB enrollment program. Requires the Secretary, under another project, to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the TRICARE program, with an enrollment fee. Requires the Secretary, under the third project, to permit eligible individuals to participate in the mail order pharmacy benefit under the TRICARE program, with appropriate premiums, deductibles, or copayments. Requires an independent evaluation of each project. Directs the Comptroller General to review such evaluations and report review results to the defense committees. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to procure articles containing para-aramid fibers and yarns manufactured in any foreign country which: (1) is a party to a defense memorandum of understanding; or (2) permits U.S. firms that manufacture such fibers and yarns to compete with foreign firms in that country. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of an agency to enter into a contract for travel-related services that provides for the contractor to furnish services for both official and non-official travel. Makes such provision inapplicable to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service under the Navy. (Sec. 803) Prohibits the head of a defense agency from entering into a contract for a price exceeding fair market cost in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which DOD attains its contracting goal for participation by small disadvantaged businesses and certain minority institutions. (Sec. 804) Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to allocate available technical assistance funds equally among Defense Contract Administration Services regions. (Sec. 805) Defense Commercial Pricing Management Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to clarify the procedures and methods used to determine the reasonableness of prices of items which are exempt from DOD requirements for the submission of certified cost or pricing data. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures: (1) to ensure that a single item manager or contracting officer is responsible for negotiating and entering into all contracts for the procurement of such items from a single contractor; and (2) that provide for the collection and analysis of information on price trends for categories of such items. Requires a defense agency head or military department Secretary to address any unreasonable escalation in prices paid for such items. Requires reports concerning such procedures from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (Under Secretary) to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary to revise certain procurement regulations to cover all purchases of goods and services by DOD under contracts entered into or administered by another Federal agency. (Sec. 807) Requires the Under Secretary to prescribe policies and requirements for educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure. (Sec. 808) Repeals the requirement that the Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development be located within the Office of the Under Secretary. (Sec. 809) Continues eligibility for membership in the defense acquisition corps for persons serving in a position below GS-13 due to a reduction in force, the closure or realignment of a military installation, or any reason other than for cause. (Sec. 810) Authorizes the Secretary to designate ten acquisition programs of the military departments as pilot programs on program manager responsibility for product support. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Reduces from ten to nine the number of Assistant Secretary of Defense positions. Renames the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Information Superiority, with specified duties. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the Secretary to include within the National Defense University any educational institution that the Secretary considers appropriate and so designates. (Sec. 904) Provides for specified percentage reductions in the number of Federal employees and military personnel on the headquarters staffs of various DOD organizations. Allows for the waiver of the prohibition on the management of personnel by end strengths in order to achieve such reductions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to implement such reductions. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to conduct in each year in which a President is inaugurated a comprehensive examination of the defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plan, and related matters with a view toward determining and expressing the U.S. defense strategy, establishing a revised defense plan for the ensuing ten years, and another for the ensuing 20 years. Directs the Secretary, immediately preceding an inaugural year, to establish a nonpartisan, independent panel to be known as the National Defense Panel to: (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of the above strategies, structures, and plans; and (2) recommend a ten- and 20- year defense strategy after such assessment. (Sec. 906) Directs the Secretary to analyze the structures and processes of DOD for the management of its laboratories and test and evaluation centers and to develop a plan for improving such management. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to such committees a plan and schedule for implementing a cost-based management information system for such laboratories and test centers. (Sec. 907) Directs the Secretary of each military department to administer all of its Fisher houses as nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Provides, with respect to such instrumentality, for: (1) a system of governance; (2) the establishment of a central fund as a funding source; and (3) the acceptance of contributions and the imposition of fees for use of such houses. Requires an annual report from each Secretary on Fisher house operations. Provides transitional funding. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1999 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY 1999 for incremental costs of military operations in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorizes the transfer of O&M funds for such purpose. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1998 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act. (Sec. 1004) Makes funds authorized under titles II and III available for Partnership for Peace information management systems. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Requires: (1) the U.S.S. Iowa to be listed and maintained on the Naval Vessel Register; and (2) the U.S.S. New Jersey to be stricken from such Register. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into one or more long-term charters for three specified vessels to support the rescue, escort, and towing of submarines. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified vessels to foreign countries on a grant basis under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and on a sale or lease basis under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Requires as a condition of such transfers that any vessel repair or refurbishment needed prior to such transfers be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions and the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. (Sec. 1022) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an analysis of a biennial financial management improvement plan currently required to be submitted by the Secretary. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of the feasibility and advisability of selecting on a competitive basis the source or sources for performing DOD finance and accounting services from among private sector sources, the DOD Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the military departments, and other Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to perform market research in connection with the study. (Sec. 1024) Prohibits any DFAS operating location from being closed within six months after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a strategic plan for improving the financial management operations at each location. (Sec. 1025) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the inventory and control of DOD military equipment as of the end of FY 1998, addressing each military department separately. Directs the Inspector General to review the report and submit comments to such committees. (Sec. 1026) Directs the Secretary and the Director of Central Intelligence to jointly submit to the defense committees a report on the plans of DOD and the intelligence community for ensuring the continuity of performance of essential operations that are at risk of failure due to computer systems and other information and support systems that are not year 2000 compliant. (Sec. 1027) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the defense committees on battleship readiness for meeting military requirements for naval surface fire support. (Sec. 1028) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the roles of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff in the investigation of DOD aviation accidents. (Sec. 1029) Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a plan for guiding and expanding distance learning initiatives within DOD. (Sec. 1030) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on U.S. military involvement in major contingency operations and major ongoing operations since the end of the Persian Gulf War, including involvement in the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to provide a foreign country or any of its instrumentalities with assistance for destroying, removing, or obtaining from such country: (1) weapons of mass destruction; or (2) materials, equipment, or technology for the delivery or development of such weapons. Requires a certification from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees at least 15 days in advance that such materials, equipment, or technology meet specified requirements. Waives the certification requirement when compliance would compromise U.S. national security objectives. Requires annual reports concerning such activities. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 certain counterproliferation authorities for support of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq. (Sec. 1043) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend through FY 1999 a limitation concerning the retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery systems. (Sec. 1044) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the feasibility of initiating discussions concerning the possibility of direct-line communications between the commanders in chief of the U.S. Strategic and Space Commands and the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. (Sec. 1045) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on DOD policies and doctrines on chemical warfare defense. Requires the Secretary to modify such policies and doctrines in order to provide adequate protection of military personnel from low-level exposure to a chemical warfare agent. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a plan to establish a research program for determining the effects of chronic and low-dose exposures to such agents. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the accounting treatment of the advanced payment of military personnel. (Sec. 1047) Defines a financial institution, for purposes of the reimbursement of military and civilian DOD personnel for Federal errors in direct deposits of pay, as a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union chartered by the U.S. Government or a State. (Sec. 1048) Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program on alternative notice procedures concerning the withholding or garnishment of pay of military personnel for the payment of child support or alimony under provisions of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 1049) Provides a limitation on the cost of services provided to the Defense Commissary Agency (DCA) to provide for the efficient management and operation of the commissary system. (Sec. 1050) Authorizes the Secretary to impose a charge for the collection of dishonored checks presented at commissary stores. (Sec. 1051) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe in regulations DCA authority to meet its telecommunications requirements by obtaining services and related items under the FTS-2001 contract through a frame relay system procured for the DCA. (Sec. 1052) Authorizes service academy superintendents to accept a research grant that is awarded on a competitive basis for a research project carried out by a professor or instructor at such academy for a scientific, literary, or educational purpose. (Sec. 1053) Empowers inspectors general of the military departments with responsibilities concerning military personnel whistleblower protections. (Currently, such responsibilities exist solely under the DOD Inspector General.) Provides simplified whistleblower reporting and notice requirements. Repeals a requirement for a post-investigation interview. (Sec. 1054) Provides for the crediting of amounts recovered from claims against third parties for loss or damage to personal property of military personnel shipped or stored at Government expense. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a dependent of a member of the armed forces to enroll in an elementary or secondary education program on a military installation within the United States while the member is assigned away from such jurisdiction on a remote or unaccompanied assignment under permanent change of station orders. Allows an enrollment to be extended for more than five years if the dependent is still eligible, space is available, and adequate arrangements are made for reimbursement of the Secretary for the costs of the educational services provided. (Sec. 1056) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to charge a fee for providing historical information to the public from the United States Army or Air Force Military History Institutes and the United States Naval or Marine Corps Historical Centers. (Sec. 1057) Requires the inspector general of an armed force to inspect the Armed Forces Retirement Home at least every three years. (Currently, the DOD Inspector General conducts such inspections at least every six years.) Requires the duty of such inspection to alternate among such inspectors general, and requires each inspection to be followed by a report to the Retirement Home Board, the Secretary, and the Congress. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts, all U.S. rights and interest to one surplus F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Requires the Foundation to alter such aircraft so that it no longer has any combat capability. (Sec. 1059) Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to state that a presidential signature shall constitute approval of vessel war risk insurance requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 1060) Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating March 1, 1999, as "United States Navy Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day." (Sec. 1061) Revises provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to: (1) redesignate the Korean Conflict as the Korean War, for purposes of a program commemorating such War; and (2) provide a limitation on expenditures under the program. (Sec. 1062) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning the costs to DOD associated with frequency spectrum allocations. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require any person on whose behalf a Federal entity incurs costs from the relocation of Federal frequencies to compensate the Federal entity in advance for such costs. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to conduct a program under which qualified spouses of military personnel are given a hiring preference for DOD child care positions. (Sec. 1103) Extends through FY 2003 the authority for the DOD voluntary separation incentive pay program. (Sec. 1104) Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide voluntary early retirement authority for DOD civilian employees who either complete 25 years of service or, after becoming 50 years of age, complete 20 years of service. Outlines voluntary separation requirements, including that: (1) such employee has not received a notice of separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance; and (2) DOD or the military department involved is undergoing a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of functions. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes the Secretary, during the five-year period commencing on the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out a program of experimental use of special personnel management authority (the hiring of up to 20 individuals from outside the civil service and armed forces) to facilitate the recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for research and development projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Limits the period of appointment (four years) and the amount of compensation to be paid to such employees. Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation - Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting the initiative of the Secretary and the JCS Chairman to designate a commander of a combatant command to have the mission for joint warfighting experimentation, the development and validation of new joint warfighting concepts and capabilities, and related DOD strategy for transforming U.S. armed forces to meet future national security threats. Request such commander to have sufficient freedom of action, authority, and resources to establish and conduct the joint warfighting experimentation process. Requests: (1) continued intraservice and multiservice warfighting experimentation, and related experimentation by the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and (2) congressional review of the initial and annual reports on joint warfighting experimentation to determine the adequacy of the scope and pace of U.S. military forces to meet future national security challenges. (Sec. 1203) Requires an initial and annual reports from the appointed commander to the Secrretary on the implementation of such experimentation. Directs the Secretary to submit such reports to the chairmen of the defense committees. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized for a military construction project at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under Title XXI. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in a specified amount. (Sec. 2403) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing projects of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2405) Increases amounts authorized under prior military construction authorization Acts for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for Army Reserve military construction. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2001, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing appropriations for military construction for FY 2002, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Revises Federal provisions concerning authorized architectural and engineering services and construction design to: (1) allow such services and design without regard to whether the military construction projects themselves are authorized by law; and (2) increase from $300,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended for such services before congressional notification is required. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to lease up to 500 family housing units in Italy and up to 800 family housing units in Korea. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended by the Secretary concerned for a real property lease, acquisition, or transfer before congressional notification is required. Provides an exception to real property transaction reporting requirements in declarations of war, national emergency, major disaster, the use of riot militia, or a contingency operation. Requires such notification within 30 days after any such event. (Sec. 2813) Waives applicability of Federal property disposal regulations under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 with respect to leases entered into at military installations being closed or realigned under the base closure laws. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary, as a condition of a lease, license, or other grant of access entered into with another Federal agency for military department property, to require such agency to remove any improvements and to restore such land to its condition before such use. Provides for cost reimbursement in lieu of such removal or restoration. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant in Charlestown, Indiana; (2) Bridgton, Maine, the Army Reserve Center there; and (3) Hamilton County, Tennessee, the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Army to release all interests in the former Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation in Portland, Maine, the Naval Reserve Readiness Center in Portland; and (3) Air Force to convey to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the Lake Charles Air Force Station. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to purchase from its developer the entire 366-unit military family housing project at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, if determined to be in the best economic interests of the Air Force. (Sec. 2832) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to carry out beach replenishment in and around San Diego, California. Provides funding and cost limitations. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress 30 days in advance of any such action. Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal - Juniper Butte Range Land Withdrawal Act - Withdraws the Juniper Butte Range, Idaho, from all forms of appropriation under the public land, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws. Reserves such land to the Air Force for a high hazard training area, dropping training ordnance, electronic warfare and tactical maneuvering and air support, and other defense-related purposes. Modifies airspace restrictions over such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to compensate individuals engaged in ranching operations for disruption to and loss of grazing on such lands and associated areas. Requires appropriate support from the Bureau of Land Management in the payment of such compensation. Allows for continued grazing until such compensation is paid. Requires such Secretary to provide to the public a map and legal description of the lands reserved. (Sec. 2906) Requires such Secretary to manage the reserved lands and to close such lands to public access in appropriate circumstances. Authorizes such Secretary to enter into leases with the State of Idaho in support of the Range and its operations. Directs such Secretary to suppress brush and range fires caused by Air Force operations. Requires such Secretary to develop an integrated natural resources management plan for the natural resources of withdrawn lands, requiring the Secretaries of the Air Force and the Interior and the governor of Idaho to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the development of the plan. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to maintain roads and manage withdrawn and acquired mineral resources within the area of the range lands. Outlines water rights. (Sec. 2913) Terminates the withdrawal and reservation 25 years after the enactment of this Act, with relinquishment before such date under appropriate circumstances. Requires such Secretary, at least five years before such termination date, to notify the Congress and the Secretary of the Interior as to whether the Air Force has a continuing military need for such lands after the termination date. Outlines provisions concerning the environmental remediation of such lands and authorized delegation of authority by each of the Secretaries. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Air Force should ensure that Air Force budgetary planning makes available sufficient funding to assure Air Force participation in cooperative efforts developed by the Secretary and the State of Idaho to monitor the impact of military activities on natural, cultural, and other resources and values of the withdrawn lands. (Sec. 2917) Authorizes appropriations. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense nuclear waste disposal; and (5) defense environmental management privatization initiatives. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3129) Directs the Secretary, during FY 1999, to empower each DOE field office manager with the authority to transfer defense environmental management funds from a program or project under such office's jurisdiction to another program or project in order to address a risk to health, safety, or the environment or to assure the most efficient use of such funds at that field office. Limits such transfers to a total of $5 million per fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress within 30 days after any such transfer. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, FY 1999 DOE funds from being obligated or expended to conduct any activities: (1) associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship; or (2) relating to ballistic or theater missile defense. (Sec. 3133) Prohibits any person from constructing or operating a facility under contract with DOE for fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for use in a commercial nuclear reactor without first obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 3134) Directs the Secretary to continue operations and maintain a high state of readiness at the F- and H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site and to provide technical staff to operate and maintain such facilities. (Sec. 3135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize DOE federally funded research and development centers to participate in merit-based technology research and development programs. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for payment to the educational foundation chartered to enhance educational activities in the public schools in the vicinity of Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 setting forth policy under the stockpile stewardship program. (Sec. 3142) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase compensation levels for scientific, engineering, and technical personnel responsible for safety at DOE nuclear facilities. (Sec. 3143) Expresses the sense of the Senate that OMB should, beginning with FY 2000, transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action program from the defense 050 budget function to a non-defense discretionary budget function. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1999, to obligate up to $83 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses, including the disposal of hazardous materials that are environmentally sensitive. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1999, with specified funding limits. (Sec. 3503) Requires Commission funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles, with a per vehicle cost limit of $23,000. (Sec. 3504) Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. (Sec. 3505) Authorizes the Commission to seek and accept donations to carry out Commission promotional activities. (Sec. 3506) Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into one or more agreements under which the United States furnishes administrative services relating to Commission pension, disability, and medical benefits, as well as workmen's compensation, after December 31, 1999, and establishes appropriate procedures for providing advance funding for such services. (Sec. 3507) Repeals on December 30, 1999, current Federal provisions concerning rights of and benefits accruing to Commission employees at the Canal. (Sec. 3508) Repeals a Federal provision establishing a Commission central examining office. (Sec. 3509) Revises provisions concerning Commission liability for vessel accidents to require claimants to be covered by one or more insurance policies totaling at least $1 million against the injuries claimed. Limits Commission liability to amounts in excess of any insurance amounts recovered. (Sec. 3510) Makes a Commission employee eligible, upon request, for appointment on a noncompetitive basis to vacant positions in the competitive civil service within: (1) an area determined by the OPM Director as being within a reasonable commuting distance of the employee's residence; or (2) any Standard Federal Region designated by such employee. Outlines eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a notice of separation by reason of a reduction in force. (Sec. 3511) Provides compensation levels for members of the Commission's Board of Contract Appeals.
Bill· SS. 2056 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1998
Health Care Worker Protection Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and Federal veterans benefits law to make it a condition of participation, except in specified circumstances, that hospitals use only designated hollow-bore needle devices that minimize the risk of needlestick injury to health care workers when furnishing services to individuals under the Medicare program and to individuals in veterans hospitals. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to designate classes of hollow-bore needle devices that minimize the risk of needlestick injury, in consultation with an advisory council the Commissioner shall establish for such purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for such education and training in the use of such designated devices as the Secretary determines appropriate. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2044 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Education Opportunity Zones Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants for specified activities to local educational agencies (LEAs), or LEA consortia, that: (1) have high concentrations of children from low-income families; (2) have a record of achieving high educational outcomes, in at least some of their schools; (3) are implementing standards-based systemic reform strategies to pursue further reforms and raise the academic achievement of all their students; and (4) are keeping their schools safe and drug-free. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) grant applications; (2) grantee selection criteria; (3) grant amount, duration, and continuation; (4) authorized activities; (5) grantee LEA school eligibility for, and planning and implementation of, schoolwide programs under certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (6) participation of private school students and teachers; (7) evaluation; and (8) reservation of certain funds for national activities. Directs the President to designate the school district served by each LEA selected by the Secretary to receive a grant under this title as an Education Opportunity Zone. Authorizes the President to instruct Federal agencies to provide grant recipients under this title with technical and other assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2052 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency Title V: Disclosure of Information to Congress Title VI: Foreign Intelligence and International Terrorism Investigations Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) National Reconnaissance Office; and (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1999, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1999 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires notification of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees whenever such authority is exercised. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1999. Authorizes full-time personnel for the Community Management Staff of the DCI as of September 30, 1999, as well as any additional amounts specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such Staff. Earmarks Account Funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to extend through January 6, 2000, the authority of the President to stay the application of certain sanctions against a foreign country, organization, or person upon a determination of an adverse effect of such sanction on the conduct of ongoing intelligence activities. (Sec. 304) Extends through December 31, 2000, the authority of the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to engage in commercial activities as security for authorized intelligence collection activities. (Sec. 305) Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to: (1) authorize the Secretary to award fellowships and grants for the conduct of counterproliferation studies; and (2) replace the Director of the U.S. Information Agency with the Secretary of Energy on the membership of the National Security Education Board. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Voluntary Separation Pay Act to extend through FY 2001 the separation pay program for the voluntary separation of CIA employees. (Sec. 402) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to include as an additional duty of the CIA Inspector General the review of the impact of legislation on the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in programs and operations administered or financed by the CIA. Title V: Disclosure of Information to Congress - Directs the President to inform employees of the various intelligence agencies, as well as employees of contractors carrying out activities under classified contracts with such agencies, that: (1) the disclosure to members of a congressional oversight committee of information relating to a possible violation of law, a false statement to Congress, gross mismanagement or waste of funds, the flagrant abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety is not prohibited by law or contrary to public policy; (2) such committee members are presumed to have a need to know and be authorized to receive such information; and (3) such committee members may receive such information only in their capacity as members of such committees. Requires a report from the President to the Congress on actions taken under this title. Title VI: Foreign Intelligence and International Terrorism Investigations - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to authorize the Attorney General (AG) or other designated Federal attorney to apply for an order or the extension of an order authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or trap and trace device (device) for any investigation to gather foreign intelligence or international terrorism information (information) which is being conducted by the FBI under guidelines approved by Executive order. Outlines application requirements. Limits to 90 days the authorized period for the use of such device, with an extension of an additional 90 days in appropriate circumstances. Authorizes the AG to approve the installation of such a device on an emergency basis to gather such information if: (1) a judge is informed of the AG's decision to do so; and (2) an application is made to such judge within 48 hours after the installation. Prohibits any information from being utilized if the application is denied. Authorizes the AG to allow the use of such a device to acquire such information for a period not to exceed 15 days following a declaration of war by the Congress. Requires notification to the person involved that information so obtained is to be used or disclosed. Allows such person to move to suppress such evidence, and requires the motion to be heard before the use of such information. Provides for in camera and ex parte hearings when the national security is or may be involved. Prohibits the use of information so obtained when a motion to suppress is granted or a court determines that the use of such a device was not lawfully authorized or conducted. Requires the AG, on a semiannual basis, to fully inform the intelligence and judiciary committees concerning the use of such devices and related information. (Sec. 602) Authorizes the FBI Director to apply for an order authorizing a common carrier, public accommodation facility, physical storage facility, or vehicle rental facility to release records for an investigation to gather foreign intelligence or international terrorism information being conducted by the FBI under Executive order. Outlines application requirements. Requires the AG, on a semiannual basis, to fully inform the intelligence and judiciary committees concerning the use of all such records and related information.
Bill· SS. 2046 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Charitable Choice Expansion Act of 1998 - Requires the Federal Government, or a State or local government receiving Federal funds, when authorized to use a nongovernmental organization to provide assistance to beneficiaries under a program, to consider religious organizations on the same basis as other nongovernmental organizations to provide such assistance, so long as the program is implemented in a manner consistent with the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. Excepts from such requirement activities carried out under: (1) Federal programs providing education to children eligible to attend elementary or secondary schools (except for activities to assist students in obtaining the recognized equivalents of secondary school diplomas); (2) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (3) the Head Start Act; and (4) the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Declares that a religious organization that provides assistance under such a program shall retain its independence from Federal, State, and local governments and shall not be required to alter its form of internal governance or remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires the appropriate governmental entity, if a beneficiary or applicant for assistance under such a program has an objection to the religious character of the organization providing the assistance, to provide such assistance through an alternative organization. Requires the governmental entity to ensure that notice is provided to beneficiaries and applicants of the right to make such objection. Prohibits a religious organization from discriminating against a beneficiary or applicant in rendering assistance based on religion or religious belief. Requires any religious organization providing assistance under such a program to segregate government funds provided under such program into a separate account. Subjects only such funds to audit by the government. Authorizes civil actions by parties alleging that their rights under this Act have been violated by the Federal Government or by a State or local government. Prohibits any funds provided through a grant or contract to a religious organization to provide assistance under any such program from being expended for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization.
Bill· SS. 2042 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Safe Highways Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a program to improve commercial motor vehicle safety in the vicinity of the borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico. Authorizes the expenditure of funds for: (1) the employment by the Department of Transportation or a border State of additional personnel to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety laws; (2) the training of personnel to enforce such laws; (3) the development of databases and communication systems to improve commercial motor vehicle safety; and (4) education and outreach initiatives. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) criteria for selecting activities and projects for funding; (2) the Federal share of funding for such activities; and (3) maintenance of effort requirements with respect to State expenditures for the employment of such personnel. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2049 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period between FY 1998 and 2003 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.
Bill· HRH.R. 3813 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Education Opportunity Zones Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants for specified activities to local educational agencies (LEAs), or LEA consortia, that: (1) have high concentrations of children from low-income families; (2) have a record of achieving high educational outcomes, in at least some of their schools; (3) are implementing standards-based systemic reform strategies to pursue further reforms and raise the academic achievement of all their students; and (4) are keeping their schools safe and drug-free. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) grant applications; (2) grantee selection criteria; (3) grant amount, duration, and continuation; (4) authorized activities; (5) grantee LEA school eligibility for, and planning and implementation of, schoolwide programs under certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (6) participation of private school students and teachers; (7) evaluation; and (8) reservation of certain funds for national activities. Directs the President to designate the school district served by each LEA selected by the Secretary to receive a grant under this title as an Education Opportunity Zone. Authorizes the President to instruct Federal agencies to provide grant recipients under this title with technical and other assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2037 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: WIPO Treaties Implementation Title II: Internet Copyright Infringement Liability Title III: Computer Maintenance or Repair Title IV: Ephemeral Recordings; Distance Education; Exemption for Libraries and Archives Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998 - Title I: WIPO Treaties Implementation - WIPO Copyright and Performances and Phonograms Treaties Implementation Act of 1998 - Amends Federal copyright law to grant copyright protection to: (1) sound recordings that were first fixed in a treaty party (a country or intergovernmental organization other than the United States that is a party to specified international copyright and other agreements); and (2) pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works incorporated in a building or other structure or an architectural work embodied in a building located in the United States or a treaty party. Treats works published in the United States or a treaty party within 30 days after publication in a foreign nation that is not a treaty party as first published in the United States or a treaty party for purposes of conferring protection. Provides that no works other than sound recordings shall be eligible for protection solely by virtue of U.S. adherence to the Geneva Phonograms Convention or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty. Revises the definition of "eligible country," for purposes of provisions regarding copyright in restored works, to include nations other than the United States that: (1) become World Trade Organization member countries after the date of enactment of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act; (2) are or become nations adhering to the Berne Convention; (3) adhere to the WIPO Copyright or Performances and Phonograms Treaties; or (4) become subject to a certain presidential proclamation of copyright restoration after such enactment date. Includes sound recordings in the definition of "restored work" if the source country for the work is an eligible country solely by its adherence to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. (Sec. 103) Prohibits: (1) circumvention of technological protection measures that control access to protected works; or (2) manufacturing or trafficking in technology designed to circumvent measures that control access to, or protect rights of copyright owners in, such works. Provides exemptions to such prohibition for: (1) nonprofit libraries, archives, or educational institutions which gain access to a commercially exploited copyrighted work solely to make a good faith determination of whether to acquire such work, subject to certain conditions; (2) law enforcement and intelligence activities; and (3) purposes of achieving interoperability of computer programs. Bars the provision or distribution of false copyright management information with the intent to induce or conceal infringement. Defines "copyright management information" as certain information, including title and name of author and copyright owner conveyed in connection with copies or phonorecords of a work or performances or displays, including in digital form. Provides exemptions to such prohibition for: (1) law enforcement and intelligence activities; and (2) certain analog and digital transmissions by radio or television stations or cable systems. Establishes civil remedies for violations regarding the circumvention of technological protection measures and copyright management information. Prescribes criminal penalties for willful violations committed for commercial advantage or private financial gain. Makes criminal penalties inapplicable to nonprofit libraries, archives, and educational institutions. Imposes a statute of limitations on criminal proceedings. (Sec. 105) Makes certain provisions of this title effective upon the entry into force of the WIPO Copyright and Performances and Phonograms Treaties. Title II: Internet Copyright Infringement Liability - Internet Copyright Infringement Liability Clarification Act of 1998 - Establishes limited liability for online copyright infringement for: (1) entities offering the transmission, routing, or providing of connections for digital online communications between points specified by a user of material of the user's choosing, without modification of the material; and (2) providers of online services or network access. Describes specific circumstances that provide for limited liability, including cases in which material is stored on service provider systems or networks or where users are linked to an online location containing infringing materials or activity by using information location tools. Makes liability limitations applicable only if a service provider has designated an agent to receive notifications of claimed infringement by making contact information available through its service and to the Copyright Office. Sets forth requirements for such notifications. Makes liable for damages persons who knowingly misrepresent that material or activity is infringing or that it was removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification. Absolves service providers of liability with respect to claims based on good faith disabling of access to, or removal of, material or activity claimed to be infringing regardless of whether the material or activity is ultimately determined to be infringing. Sets forth additional conditions to be met by service providers with respect to such activities that involve service subscribers. Makes liability limitations applicable only if a service provider: (1) implements and informs subscribers of a policy for terminating subscribers who are repeat infringers; and (2) accommodates and does not interfere with certain standard technical measures used by copyright owners to identify or protect copyrighted works. Describes conditions under which a court may grant injunctive relief with respect to service providers. (Sec. 204) Directs the Register of Copyrights (Register) to report to the Congress recommendations regarding the liability of nonprofit educational institutions for copyright infringement committed with the use of computer systems for which such institutions are service providers. Title III: Computer Maintenance or Repair - Provides that it is not a copyright infringement for the owner or lessee of a machine to make or authorize the making of a copy of a computer program solely by activation of a machine that lawfully contains an authorized copy of the program for purposes only of maintenance or repair of that machine, provided: (1) such new copy is used in no other manner and is destroyed immediately after the maintenance or repair is completed; and (2) any program or part thereof that is not necessary for machine activation is not accessed or used other than to make such new copy by activation of the machine. Title IV: Ephemeral Recordings; Distance Education; Exemption for Libraries and Archives - Expands certain limitations on exclusive rights with respect to ephemeral recordings to authorize licensed radio or television stations to make one copy or phonorecord of a broadcast of a performance of a sound recording in a digital format on a nonsubscription basis. (Sec. 402) Directs the Register to submit to the Congress recommendations on how to promote distance education through digital technologies while maintaining a balance between the rights of copyright owners and the needs of users. (Sec. 403) Expands certain rights of libraries and archives to reproduce and distribute copies or phonorecords to authorize three copies or phonorecords (currently, one) to be reproduced or distributed for preservation, security, or replacement purposes. Prohibits copies or phonorecords reproduced in digital format from being distributed otherwise, or available to the public outside library or archive premises, in such format. Considers a format to be obsolete if the machine or device necessary to render perceptible a work stored in such format is no longer manufactured or reasonably available in the commercial marketplace.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 223 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998
Honors the Prince William Sound Community College for providing Alaskans with over 20 years of continuous service and higher education opportunities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3802 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998
International Military Training Accountability Act - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the sale, lease, loan, or grant of defense services and training to any foreign country that is prohibited from receiving international military education and training (IMET). Permits a foreign country eligible to receive only expanded IMET to receive defense services and training if it: (1) promotes dialogue between civilians and military officers of the armed forces on the proper role of such forces in a democratic society; or (2) provides for training of civilian officials and military officers on military justice and international human rights standards.
Bill· SS. 2031 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Home Health Integrity Preservation Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to home health agencies. (Sec. 2) Revises surety bond requirements to: (1) reduce the amount of the bond from a minimum $50,000 to a flat $25,000; and (2) specify that it is a surety bond against fraudulent or abusive activities. (Sec. 3) Revises a home health agency's conditions of participation to require that it have: (1) sufficient knowledge of reimbursement requirements, coverage criteria and claims procedures, and the civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance; (2) managing employees with sufficient prior education or work experience in health care delivery; (3) a fraud and abuse compliance program; and (4) a practice of making the most recent compliance survey available to beneficiaries or their representatives. Requires a home health agency to notify its fiscal intermediary and the State licensing or certifying entity that the agency: (1) is providing a category of skilled service that it was not providing at the time of its most recent standard survey; (2) is operating a new branch office that was not in operation at the time of its most recent survey; and (3) is involved in a new joint venture with other health care providers or other business entities. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the comprehensive training of State and Federal surveyors in matters relating to requirements for reimbursement and coverage of services. (Sec. 5) Requires home visits conducted as part of a home health agency's standard survey to evaluate whether individuals are homebound for purposes of qualifying for home health benefits. Requires a standard survey to include: (1) an assessment of whether the agency is in compliance with all conditions of participation and other specified requirements; (2) an assessment that the agency's managing employees have attested in writing to having sufficient knowledge of the requirements for reimbursement, coverage criteria and claims procedures, and the civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance; and (3) a review of the services provided by agency subcontractors to ensure that they are being provided in a manner consistent with requirements. Requires a survey, after the first two annual surveys, at any time the agency notifies the Secretary of a new category of skilled service it is providing, or of a new branch office. Requires occasional surveys of randomly selected agencies. Requires any agreement with a fiscal intermediary to require that it review the overall business structure of a home health agency submitting a reimbursement claim, including any related organizations of the agency. (Sec. 6) Prohibits the Secretary from entering into an agreement for the first time with a home health agency unless the agency has: (1) been in operation for at least 60 calendar days; and (2) had at least ten patients during that period of prior operation. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to establish various specified standards and procedures to improve the quality of home health services. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to establish within the HHS Office of the Inspector General a home health integrity task force charged with investigating fraud in the provision of home health services. (Sec. 10) Amends SSA title XI to provide that certain Medicare actions against debtors shall not be subject to a stay of bankruptcy proceedings. Makes certain Medicare debt nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Declares that the repayment of certain Medicare debts shall be considered final and not avoidable transfers under the Federal bankruptcy code. Amends SSA title XVIII to make Medicare rules applicable to bankruptcy proceedings of a Medicare service provider. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on all matters relating to the appropriate home health services to be provided under the Medicare program to individuals with chronic conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 3793 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Animal Waste Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Research Service, to: (1) establish an animal waste research program; (2) authorize grants to universities and other entities for field testing of disposal methods and technologies; and (3) provide a special grant for field trial studies to the Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2025 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1998
Food Research, Education, Safety, and Health Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to States for consumer education food safety programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out consumer education initiatives on food irradiation, especially ground beef and poultry; and (2) study the cost and feasibility of fruit and vegetable irradiation, and of new irradiation technologies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Establishes a Food Safety Council which shall: (1) establish priorities for Federal food safety and related illness prevention activities, including necessary Federal agency updates; and (2) report annually to the appropriate committees. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to academic, governmental, and private entities for research to reduce the threat of food-borne pathogens. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to reduce the threat of food-borne pathogens. Obligates Department of Agriculture funds for such purpose. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detection of food-borne pathogens through equipment acquisition and new employment positions for scientists. Authorizes appropriations for National Institutes of Health research on treatment of food-borne illnesses. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to establish a Food Safety Research Information Office in the National Agricultural Library. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to conduct pathogen risk assessments with respect to food animals, fruits and vegetables, and home food safety practices. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations for the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to decrease imported food health risks through equipment acquisition and new employment positions for microbiologists and inspectors.
Bill· HRH.R. 3775 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to require each physician under the jurisdiction of a military department to possess a current unrestricted license for his or her medical specialty before providing health care within such department. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a system for ensuring that each such physician completes applicable Continuing Medical Education requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 3768 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998
Education Childcare Partnership Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that local education agencies (LEAs) that carry out qualified school-based child care programs should seek to: (1) become accredited child care centers; and (2) hire credentialed child care professionals. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a program of grants to States for school-based child care. Sets forth grant application and allotment requirements. Reserves a portion of program funds for Indian tribes. Requires recipient States to: (1) provide such grant funds to LEAs for specified uses; (2) ensure that such funds are expended in coordination with State- established programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; and (3) use such funds to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local funds provided for programs that serve the health and developmental needs of children. Makes appropriations for such grants for FY 1999 through 2002.
Bill· HRH.R. 3759 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to post, and distribute to prospective and enrolled students, information describing their procedures for receiving and responding to complaints concerning sexual harassment. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) establish a forum, clearinghouse, or other method for such institutions to exchange information on their programs for disseminating such information, educating students and staffs concerning sexual harassment prevention, and providing services or assistance to victims of sexual assaults; and (2) report to the Congress on the information exchange method established.
Bill· HRH.R. 3755 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that all colleges and universities in the United States should adopt rigorous educational merchandise licensing codes of conduct, including specified elements, to assure that university and college licensed merchandise is not made by sweatshop and exploited adult or child labor either domestically or abroad.
Bill· SS. 1996 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
REAL Life Educational Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs), except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 4) Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. (Sec. 5) Allows LEAS that establish parental choice programs to apply for education flexibility waivers of certain statutory or regulatory requirements. Requires approval of such waivers by the Secretary of Education or the SEA, as applicable. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving requirements for: (1) civil rights protections and discrimination prohibitions; (2) services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) fiscal accountability measures; (4) equitable participation of private school students and teachers; and (5) parental involvement in program activities and services. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.
Bill· SS. 1995 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title III: Additional Provisions REAL Life Economic Empowerment Act of 1998 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 50 renewal communities. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with neighborhood organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Treats renewal communities as labor surplus areas for all Federal law purposes. Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to 25 qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 205) Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. Title III: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (Sec. 302) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3742 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
Helping Empower Low-Income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1998 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs), except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 4) Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. (Sec. 5) Allows LEAS that establish parental choice programs to apply for education flexibility waivers of certain statutory or regulatory requirements. Requires approval of such waivers by the Secretary of Education or the SEA, as applicable. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving requirements for: (1) civil rights protections and discrimination prohibitions; (2) services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) fiscal accountability measures; (4) equitable participation of private school students and teachers; and (5) parental involvement in program activities and services. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 411 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
Sets forth the rule (modified open) for the consideration of H.R. 6 (higher education programs).
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 261 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998
Recognizes the importance of rivers and streams to the Nation and supports activities to promote public education about river and stream preservation.
Bill· HRH.R. 3733 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1998
Applied Engineering and Technology Center Investment Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make grants to organizations that provide postsecondary education in applied engineering and technology for equipment and capital improvements needed to ensure that such education is provided using state-of-the-art instructional equipment and facilities. Permits amounts made available through such grants to be used in support of applied engineering and technology programs for specified purposes, including: (1) the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific laboratory equipment, including computer hardware and software, for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes; (2) construction, maintenance, and renovation in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities; (3) acquisition of library books, periodicals, microfilm, databases, software, and other educational materials; (4) funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management; (5) joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries; and (6) establishing community outreach programs which will encourage elementary and secondary students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary applied engineering and technology education. Prohibits an organization from receiving any grant unless that organization submits an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the Director may require. States that each grant application shall: (1) provide that the payments will be used for the purposes set forth under this Act; and (2) provide for making an annual report to the Director and for conducting (subject to a stated exception), at least once every two years, a financial and compliance audit of the organization regarding any funds obtained by it under this Act which covers the period since the most recent audit. Requires the Director to: (1) approve any application which meets the above requirements; and (2) not disapprove any application submitted under this Act, or any modification thereof, without first affording the applicant reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Requires any grant application to describe measurable goals for the organization's financial management and applied engineering and technology academic programs and include a plan of how the applicant intends to achieve those goals.
Bill· HRH.R. 3720 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
English for the Children Act - Repeals the Bilingual Education Act (BEA). Terminates the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs in the Department of Education. Repeals specified provisions of the Department of Education Organization Act relating to such Office. Directs the Secretary of Education, at the end of a specified transition period, to deposit in the Treasury any funds that have not been awarded or obligated for BEA grants. Requires completion of the most recent school year that commences after enactment of this Act before a BEA program is terminated. Authorizes the Secretary, during the one year period after such enactment, to assist local educational agencies in the transition of children enrolled in BEA programs to special alternative instructional programs that do not make use of the student's native language. Declares that this Act shall not: (1) preempt any State law; or (2) be construed as requiring that a State or local educational agency develop, implement, provide, or maintain a program of bilingual education. Voids any consent decree with either the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Department of Education that requires a State, locality, or local educational agency to develop, implement, provide, or maintain any form of bilingual education.
Bill· HRH.R. 3727 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 3721 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Title II: Independent and Coordinated Expenditures Title III: Disclosure Title IV: Personal Wealth Option Title V: Miscellaneous Title VI: Severability; Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations Campaign Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to "soft money" to: (1) prohibit a national committee of a political party, including a national congressional campaign committee of political party, and any officers or agents of such party committees, and specified related entities, from soliciting, receiving, or directing to another person a contribution, donation, or transfer of funds, or spend any funds not subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of FECA; (2) require State, district, or local committees of political parties (including specified related entities) to make expenditures and disbursements for Federal election activities (with exceptions) from funds subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of FECA; (3) require national, State, district, or local committees and specified related entities to make amounts spent for fund raising costs of Federal election activities from funds subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of FECA; (4) prohibit national, State, district, or local committees (including national congressional campaign committees and specified related entities) from soliciting funds for, or making or directing donations to, tax-exempt organizations or organizations that have submitted applications for tax-exemption status; and (5) prohibit candidates, incumbents, or their agents from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, or spending funds for Federal election activities on behalf of such candidates, incumbents, agents or any other persons (with exceptions), unless the funds are subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of FECA. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any person from making contributions to a State committee in any year that exceed, in the aggregate, $10,000. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit from $25,000 to $30,000. (Sec. 103) Requires: (1) national committees, national congressional campaign committees, and subordinate committees of either, to report all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period; (2) State, district, and local committees to report all receipts and disbursements made for specified Federal election activities; and (3) political committees having receipts or disbursements from persons in excess of $200 for any year, to separately itemize their reporting for such persons. Title II: Independent and Coordinated Expenditures - Redefines the term "independent expenditure" to mean an expenditure by a person for: (1) a communication that is express advocacy; and (2) that is not provided in coordination with a candidate or a candidate's agent, or a person who is coordinating with a candidate or a candidate's agent. Defines the term "express advocacy." Redefines the term "expenditure" to include: (1) a payment for a communication that is express advocacy; and (2) a payment made by a person for a communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate, is provided in coordination with the candidate, the candidate's agent, or the candidate's political party, and is for the purpose of influencing a Federal election (regardless of whether the communication is express advocacy). (Sec. 202) Prohibits the Commission, if the Commission determines that there is probable cause to believe that a person has made a knowing and willful violation involving the reporting of an independent expenditure, from entering into a conciliation agreement. Permits the Commission, when it makes such a determination, to institute a civil action for relief. (Sec. 203) Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures made by persons (including political committees) aggregating: (1) $1,000 or more; and (2) $10,000 or more. Requires additional reports to be filed each time such independent expenditures are made. Requires such reports to: (1) be filed with the Commission; and (2) and contain the information required for a person who receives any disbursement in excess of $200 in connection with an independent expenditure, including the name of each candidate to whom an expenditure is intended to support or oppose. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a committee of a political party, on or after the date on which the political party nominates a candidate, from making both coordinated expenditures and independent expenditures to the candidate during the election cycle. Requires a committee of a political party, before making a coordinated expenditure to a candidate, to file with the Commission a certification that the committee has not and shall not make any independent expenditure to the candidate during the same election cycle. Prohibits a committee of a political party that submits a certification with respect to a candidate from, during an election cycle, transferring any funds to, assigning authority to make coordinated expenditures to, or receiving a transfer of funds from, a political committee of the party that has made or intends to make an independent expenditure to the candidate. (Sec. 205) Redefines the term "contribution" to include anything of value provided by a person in coordination with a candidate for the purpose of influencing a Federal election in which such candidate seeks nomination or election to Federal office, regardless of whether the value being provided is a communication that is express advocacy. Defines the term "provided in coordination with a candidate." Considers a thing of value provided in coordination with a candidate as a contribution to the candidate and, in the case of a limitation on expenditures, as an expenditure by the candidate. Redefines the term "contribution or expenditure," with respect to contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations, and labor organizations, to include a contribution or expenditure as defined under this Act. Title III: Disclosure - Replaces provisions permitting the filing of reports electronically with provisions requiring the Commission to: (1) promulgate a regulation for the filing of reports using computers and facsimile machines; (2) make electronically filed reports accessible to the public on the Internet within 24 hours after such reports are received by the Commission; and (3) provide methods (other than requiring a signature on the document being filed) for verifying reports covered by the regulation. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the deposit (except in escrow accounts) or negotiation of contributions from a person making aggregate contributions in excess of $200 during a year by a candidate's authorized committee unless the required contributor information is complete. (Sec. 303) Permits the Commission to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary compliance with FECA. Extends, from 6 to 12 months, the period during which campaign audits may be begun. (Sec. 304) Revises reporting requirements for the identification of contributors (other than political committees) to: (1) lower the $200 threshold for the reporting of contributor identification to $50; and (2) require that the identification of persons who make contributions of at least $50 but not more than $200 during a year need include only their names and addresses. (Sec. 305) Revises requirements for the use of candidates' names. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a person from soliciting contributions by falsely representing himself or herself to be a candidate or a representative of a candidate, a political committee, or a political party. (Sec. 307) Requires filing of a certain statement with the Commission by persons, other than political committees and religious and apostolic organizations, that make aggregate disbursements in excess of $50,000 during a year for specified Federal election activities: (1) on a monthly basis; or (2) within 24 hours, in the case of disbursements made within 20 days of an election. Exempts from such filing requirements: (1) a candidate or a candidate's authorized committees; and (2) independent expenditures. (Sec. 308) Revises provisions concerning the publication and distribution of any print, broadcast, or general political advertising. Title IV: Personal Wealth Option - Directs the Commission to issue a certification that a House of Representatives candidate is an eligible primary or general election candidate if the candidate files with the Commission a declaration that the candidate and the candidate's authorized committees will not (in the case of a primary candidate) or did not (in the case of a general election candidate) exceed a personal funds expenditure limit of $50,000. Directs the Commission, if the limit is exceeded to: (1) revoke the certification; and (2) require the candidate and the candidate's authorized committees to pay a penalty to the Commission. Prohibits coordinated expenditures if a candidate is not an eligible House candidate. Title V: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of the individual involved, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect from or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment which will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment which will be used for political activities in which the labor organization is engaged. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time. Requires each entity collecting from or assessing amounts from an individual with an authorization in effect to provide the individual with a statement that the individual may at any time revoke the authorization. Requires corporations, prior to the beginning of any 12-month period, as determined by the corporation, to provide each of its shareholders with a notice containing: (1) the proposed aggregate amount for disbursements for political activities for the period; (2) the individual's applicable percentage and pro rata amounts for the period; and (3) a form that the individual may complete and return to the corporation or organization indicating the individual's objection to the disbursement of amounts for political activities during the period. Makes it unlawful for a corporation to make disbursements for political activities during the 12-month period in an amount greater than: (1) the proposed aggregate amount for such disbursements for the period as specified in the notice; reduced by (2) the sum of the applicable pro rata amounts for such period of all shareholders who return the form to the corporation prior to the beginning of the period. (Sec. 502) Revises provisions concerning the permitted and prohibited uses of contributed amounts by candidates and incumbents for certain purposes. (Sec. 503) Revises Federal law concerning permitted time frames for mailing franked mail to prohibit any mass mailing as franked mail during any year in which there will be an election for a seat held by a Member during the period between January 1 of the election year and the date of the general election, unless the Member will not be a candidate for reelection. (Sec. 504) Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition on fund raising on Federal property. Prohibits an officer or employee of the Federal Government, including the President, Vice-President, and Members of the Congress, from soliciting a donation of money or other thing of value for a political committee or candidate for Federal, State, or local office, from any person while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an officer or employee of the United States. Imposes on violators a monetary penalty, imprisonment, or both. Excepts from the prohibition contributions received by the staff of the Executive Office of the President. (Sec. 505) Amends FECA to double the penalties for knowing and willful violations of FECA, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Permits in the inclusion of conciliation agreements for such violations, equitable remedies or penalties, including disgorgement of funds to the Treasury or community service requirements (including requirements to participate in public education programs). Sets forth requirements for the late filing of FECA reports, including requiring the establishment of mandatory monetary penalties. (Sec. 506) Revises the ban on contributions by foreign nationals by making it unlawful for: (1) foreign nationals to make donations in connection with Federal, State, or local elections to political committees or candidates for Federal office, or contributions or donations to committees of political parties; or (2) persons to solicit, accept, or receive such contributions or donations from foreign nationals. (Sec. 507) Prohibits minors from making contributions to candidates or contributions or donations to committees of political parties. (Sec. 508) Permits the Commission to: (1) order expedited proceedings for certain complaints; and (2) refer, at any time, to the Attorney General a possible violation of FECA, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Title VI: Severability; Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations - Permits an appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court of any final judgment, decree, or order issued by a court ruling on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act and provides for the severability of any provision held to be unconstitutional.
Bill· SS. 1962 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1998
Education Modernization Fund Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make low-interest, long-term loans to States for constructing and modernizing elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary of Education to determine a formula for allocating such loans to eligible States, taking into consideration the needs of States with significant increases in school student populations. Establishes the Education Modernization Fund (EMF) in the Treasury to provide funds for such loans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) transfer to the EMF a specified amount from the Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund; and (2) invest, in a specified manner, the portion of the EMF that is not required to meet current withdrawals. Directs the Secretary of Education to deposit in the EMF all amounts received by incident to such loan operations, including all collections of principal and interest.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 89 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1998
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.
Bill· SS. 1928 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
Consumer Pay Telephone Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to express the sense of the Congress that: (1) public interest pay telephones should be available and maintained in locations where there would not otherwise likely be a pay telephone; and (2) such telephones should be fairly and equitably supported. Directs each State agency that receives amounts representing unrefunded change from the use of public pay telephones to use such amounts to promote or support the installation, maintenance, and use of public interest pay telephones, including specially designed payphones for the disabled and the provision of payphone service in remote locations, nursing homes, emergency homeless shelters, hospitals, facilities that assist the disabled, schools, and other appropriate locations. Requires a payphone service provider to provide an individual using such payphone the amount of change which exceeds the actual cost of the call, applying such requirement to any local telephone call which exceeds ten cents. Authorizes such provider, in lieu of providing such change, to transfer all excess amounts collected to the appropriate State agency or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote and support public interest pay telephones. Directs the FCC to: (1) prescribe regulations to carry out such requirements; and (2) report to the Congress on the availability of technologies or systems that permit persons who do not have exact change to use pay telephones for local calls without being overcharged. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study and report to the Congress on the competitiveness of the intrastate pay telephone market. Authorizes the FCC, after such study, to: (1) limit the rates for local pay telephone calls; (2) allow the States to establish such rates on a cost basis; (3) limit commissions that providers pay to persons who lease space to such providers for pay telephones; or (4) prohibit providers from entering into exclusive lease contracts which cover multiple locations.
Bill· SS. 1921 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual's Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Health Care Personal Information Nondisclosure Act of 1998 - Health Care PIN Act - Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect, copy, and request amendment of the information (or, if amendment is refused, to append the individual's disagreement statement). (The list of specified parties varies from provision to provision throughout this Act. The list includes, in various provisions, such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health researchers, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, and their agents.) Requires specified parties to post or provide notice of confidentiality practices. Mandates development of model notices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to maintain safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Requires specified parties to maintain a disclosure record. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure within such a party. (Sec. 202) Requires: (1) a single authorization form for each individual for disclosure in connection with treatment, payment, and health care operations; and (2) a separate authorization for other purposes, including for disclosure with intent to sell, transfer, or use protected health information for commercial advantage. Mandates disclosure to coroners and medical examiners. Requires development of model authorizations for circumstances other than treatment, payment and health care operations. (Sec. 204) Allows and regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin (or another person identified by the information subject); (2) of directory information; (3) regarding a deceased individual; (4) in emergencies; (5) for oversight, public health, or health research; (6) in civil, judicial, and administrative procedures; and (7) for law enforcement. Sets forth the rights of minors. (Sec. 211) Mandates reporting, by code number rather than patient name, of adverse experiences regarding human drugs and licensed biological products. (Sec. 212) Allows disclosure, if an individual pays for health care using a debit or credit card or other electronic means, of only such information as is necessary for the processing of the payment transaction or the billing or collection of amounts. (Sec. 213) Mandates standards for disclosing, authorizing, and authenticating protected health information in electronic form. (Sec. 214) Regulates the exercise of an information subject's rights by that individual's representatives, including after death. (Sec. 215) Declares that: (1) Federal and State law enforcement officers shall not be personally liable for violations of this Act absent intentional conduct for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm; and (2) specified parties who make a disclosure permitted by this Act shall not be liable under common law. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers of such parties are found guilty of criminal acts under this Act, have civil penalties imposed under subtitle B, or make false statements or obstruct justice regarding illegal disclosure. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 314) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Preempts, subject to exceptions, any State law directly relating to matters covered by this Act. Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act. Provides for the application of this Act to the Departments of Defense, Transportation (regarding the Coast Guard), and Veterans Affairs. Mandates a report by the General Accounting Office on research issues regarding protected health information.
Bill· SS. 1896 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment, Administration, and Jurisdiction Title II: Management Provisions Title III: Transfer Provisions Title IV: Funding Land Between the Lakes Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Establishment, Administration, and Jurisdiction - Establishes, after a specified transfer under this Act, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee as a unit of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to manage the Area for multiple uses, including public recreation, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, plant and animal diversity, hunting and fishing, and environmental education. (Sec. 102) Provides for: (1) civil and criminal jurisdiction with respect to the Area; and (2) payments to States and counties in lieu of taxes, including payments by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). (Sec. 104) Considers all Area paved roads as forest highways. Title II: Management Provisions - Directs the Secretary, as soon as practicable after the transfer, to prepare a land and resource management plan (plan) for the Area in conformity with the National Forest Management Act of 1976, allowing the existing TVA management plan to provide interim management direction. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Land Between the Lakes Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the Board after the plan has been implemented. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary to charge reasonable fees for admission to and use of designated sites and activities within the Area, with receipts to be deposited into the Land Between the Lakes Management Fund and used for Area management expenses. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary to issue a special use authorization to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) for USFS management of facilities and land agreed on by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the charge of reasonable fees upon lands administered by USFS. Subordinates USFS fish and wildlife activities to overall Area management. (Sec. 207) Designates the North-South Trail in the Area as a national recreation trail under the National Trails System Act. (Sec. 208) Directs the Secretary to conduct an inventory of and ensure access to all Area cemeteries for visitation and maintenance. (Sec. 209) Withdraws Area lands from operation under the Federal mining and mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of mineral materials for Area development and maintenance. Directs the Secretary to permit hunting and fishing within the Area, with exceptions for reasons of public safety, administration, or public use and enjoyment. (Sec. 210) Makes the TVA and the Army Corps of Engineers responsible for all Area dams, impoundments, and other water facilities. (Sec. 211) Establishes the Land Between the Lakes Trust Fund for: (1) public education, grants, and internships relating to Area recreation, conservation, and multiple use land management; and (2) regional promotion in the Area. Directs the TVA to deposit $1 million annually into the Fund for each of five fiscal years beginning after the enactment of this Act. Title III: Transfer Provisions - Transfers administrative jurisdiction over the Area from the TVA to the Secretary, effective on October 1 of the first year for which the Congress does not appropriate to the TVA at least $6 million for the Area. Calls for the transfer to be completed in an efficient and cost-effective manner, with due consideration to minimum disruption of the personal lives of TVA and Forest Service employees and others affected by such transfer. Directs the Secretary and the TVA to enter into a memorandum of agreement implementing the transfer. Provides the Secretary with access to all TVA Area management records. (Sec. 305) Directs the TVA to: (1) provide the Secretary with an inventory of all Area property and facilities; and (2) use existing funds and current TVA Area personnel (eligible employees) to facilitate the transfer of necessary property and facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to declare as excess any personal property that cannot be efficiently managed and maintained either by the Forest Service or by lease or permit. (Sec. 306) Requires transfer compliance with all applicable environmental laws, under specified procedures. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to the transfer, to hire appropriate personnel and retain eligible employees. Directs the TVA to notify all eligible employees of openings in other TVA units before notifying other individuals of such openings. Requires the Secretary and the heads of the Office of Personnel Management and the Tennessee Valley Authority Retirement System to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the transition of all eligible employees with respect to compensation made available through such System. Provides other employee transition provisions. Title IV: Funding - Makes current TVA funds for Area administration available to the Secretary, and makes funds currently available to the Secretary of the Interior available to the USFS for their Area administration. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior for Area administration and activities.