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Law· SS. 858 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
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: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 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; (8) Drug Enforcement Administration; (9) National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); and (10) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1998, 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 1998 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the Senate and House Intelligence Committees (intelligence committees). (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1998. Authorizes appropriations for such Account for classified purposes. Authorizes Account personnel levels. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1998. 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 which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the head of any element of the intelligence community (IC) to detail employees to serve in any position in the Intelligence Community Assignment Program. (Sec. 304) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to extend through January 6, 2001, the authority of the President to stay the imposition of an economic, cultural, diplomatic, or other sanction or other action when the President determines and reports to the Congress that to impose such sanction without delay would seriously risk the compromise of an intelligence source or method or an ongoing criminal investigation. (Sec. 305) Requires the administrative location of the Office of the DCI to be within the CIA. (Sec. 306) Directs the President to inform employees of the executive branch and employees of contractors carrying out activities under classified contracts that the disclosure to the appropriate congressional committees or Members of Congress of classified information concerning an alleged violation of law, false statement to the Congress, or gross mismanagement, waste, abuse of authority, or danger to public health or safety is not prohibited by law or contrary to public policy. Requires a report on actions taken. (Sec. 307) Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest to provide information regarding the murder or kidnapping abroad of U.S. citizens to the victims or their families. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for promptly providing such information. (Sec. 308) Requires the DCI to: (1) carry out a survey of current standards for the spelling of foreign names and places among IC elements; and (2) report survey results to the intelligence committees. Requires the DCI to issue guidelines for the uniform spelling of such names and places and the uniform use of geographic coordinates for such places. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the CIA to enter into multiyear leases for up to 15 years, with exceptions concerning the availability of appropriations to cover rental payments under such leases. (Sec. 402) Empowers the CIA Inspector General (IG) with subpoena authority for the production of information, documents, and other data necessary for the performance of IG duties. Requires an annual report from the IG to the intelligence committees on the exercise of such authority. Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities - Authorize the President of the Joint Military Intelligence College (currently, the Commandant of the Defense Intelligence School) to confer the degree of master of science in strategic intelligence (current law) and the degree of bachelor of science in intelligence upon graduates fulfilling such requirements. (Sec. 502) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend through FY 1999 the authority for the expenditure of funds for infrastructure and quality of life improvements to the Menwith Hall and Bad Aibling Army Stations. (Sec. 503) Prohibits, with injunctive power, the unauthorized use of the NRO's name, initials, or seal.
Bill· SS. 851 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31,1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. (Sec. 5005) Establishes the Commission on Section 2477 of the Revised Statutes to recommend changes to law to provide for expeditious resolutions of all outstanding claims of a right-of-way across Federal lands established pursuant to such section of the Revised Statutes. Sets forth provisions regarding approval and congressional consideration of such recommendations. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VII: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform.
Bill· SS. 862 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
Medicare Equity and Choice Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formulae for payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and competitive medical plans (CMPs). Provides for a metropolitan based system under which: (1) all portions of each metropolitan statistical area in a State are treated as a single Medicare payment area; and (2) all areas in that State that do not fall within a metropolitan statistical area are treated as a single Medicare payment area. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the annual per capita rate of payment for each individual (not, as currently, each class of individuals) enrolled with an HMO or CMP by adjusting the capitation rate, after any annual differential adjustment to reflect differences in applicable beneficiary risk factors, for: (1) individuals who are enrolled with an eligible organization that has entered into a risk-sharing contract and who are enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) only; and (2) in 1999 and any succeeding year, such risk factors as health status, diagnoses, and other appropriate factors so as to ensure actuarial equivalence. Requires the Secretary to establish a separate rate of payment to an eligible organization with respect to any individual determined to have end-stage renal disease and enrolled with the organization. Prescribes a general formula for the adjusted capitation rate of a Medicare payment area based on an area-specific adjusted capitation rate and an input-price-adjusted national adjusted capitation rate. Specifies area-specific and national percentages for contract years 1998 through 2001 and after. Requires the Secretary, upon written request of the Chief Executive Officer of a State for a contract year, to adjust the system under which Medicare payment areas in the State are otherwise determined to a system which: (1) has a single statewide Medicare payment area; (2) is a metropolitan based system; or (3) consolidates into a single Medicare payment area noncontiguous counties (or equivalent areas) within the State. Provides for making additional payments to certain institutions on the basis of need, especially, for certain savings, to institutions which train physicians who within two years after such training practice in health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in every applicable area for the purpose of establishing competitive pricing for eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts under Medicare. Repeals the (50-50) requirement that each eligible organization with which the Secretary contracts have an enrolled membership at least one-half of which consists of individuals who are not entitled to Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Directs the Secretary to study, and report annually to the Congress on, the implementation and effects of this Act on the Medicare program. Requires the Physician Payment Review Commission to comment on such annual report in its own annual report to the Congress.
Bill· SS. 860 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
Rural Health Care Protection and Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to reauthorize and extend the Rural Health Care Transition Grant Program, as well as to authorize the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to adjust program grants to hospitals, or terminate them, if the Administrator determines that the hospital is using grant funds inappropriately. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formulae for payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans for the stated purpose of improving fairness of payments to such entities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the annual per capita rate of payment for each payment area by adjusting the annual capitation rate for: (1) individuals (not, as currently, a class of individuals) who are enrolled with an eligible organization that has entered into a risk-sharing contract and who are enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) only; and (2) such risk factors as age, disability status, gender, institutional status, end-stage renal disease, and other appropriate factors so as to ensure actuarial equivalence. Requires the Secretary to establish a separate rate of payment to an eligible organization with respect to any individual determined to have end-stage renal disease and enrolled with the organization. Prescribes a general formula for the annual capitation rate of a payment area based on an area-specific capitation rate and an input-price-adjusted national capitation rate. Specifies area-specific and national percentages for contract years 1998 through 2001 and after. Requires the Secretary to increase or decrease payments to service providers, physicians, and other health care professionals under the Medicare fee-for-service program in each payment area to reflect, to the greatest extent possible, the proportionate increase or decrease (as applicable) in payments to eligible organizations under Medicare in payment areas by reason of this Act in order to ensure that payments to such health care professionals are made on a fair and equitable basis. Prohibits the total amount expended under Medicare from being increased or decreased by reason of such requirement. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the methodology to be used in determining the increase or decrease in such payments. Requires the Secretary to take necessary steps to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that eligible organizations use any increase in Medicare payments by reason of this Act to increase the provision of health care services to Medicare beneficiaries or to improve health care services infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 853 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Multifamily Restructuring Subtitle A: Housing Provisions Subtitle B: Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Attributable to FHA Portfolio Restructuring Title II: Housing Enforcement Subtitle A: Single Family and Multifamily Housing Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing Subtitle C: FHA Single Family Housing Title III: Exemption of HUD and USDA Multifamily Loan Foreclosures and Related Actions from the Bankruptcy Stay Title IV: FHA Multifamily Housing Consolidation and Reform Subtitle A: FHA Multifamily Housing Subtitle B: Extensions of Existing Authority and Other Provisions Title V: Rehabilitation Grants Housing 2020: Multifamily Management Reform Act - Title I: Multifamily Restructuring - Housing Opportunity Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Housing Provisions - Directs the Secretary (Secretary) of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program of multifamily housing debt restructuring and subsidy reduction that takes into account the goals of: (1) maintaining existing affordable and safe housing; (2) minimizing adverse effects on tenants and neighborhoods; (3) supporting fair housing strategies; and (4) encouraging ownership and property management. Authorizes the Secretary (or specified designee) to take the following actions to make qualifying multifamily projects financially viable at market rates: (1) pay mortgage claims; (2) remove or modify project restrictions; (3) purchase reinsurance or otherwise transfer insurance interests; (4) take actions to induce owner or lender participation; (5)restructure mortgages; and (6) make insurance payments. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the renewal of section 8 contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) tenant-based assistance to certain assisted and very-low-income families affected by such restructuring; and (2) project-based assistance in areas with tight housing markets or with high concentrations of elderly or disabled families. Prohibits owner discrimination with respect to section 8 certificate or voucher holders. Directs the Secretary to facilitate the sale of multifamily projects to tenant and nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 111) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to authorize renewal of expiring section 8 contracts in excess of certain fair market standards at specified rental levels. (Sec. 112) Provides for the reuse and rescission of recaptured budget authority resulting from project restructuring. Subtitle B: Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Attributable to FHA Multifamily Restructuring - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize specified tax payment extensions on debt reduction or gain from a sale attributable to section 8 housing restructuring. Title II: Housing Enforcement - Housing Enforcement Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary to issue implementing regulations. Subtitle A: Single Family and Multifamily Housing - Amends the National Housing Act (Act) to exempt the Mortgage Review Board from certain bankruptcy stay provisions. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Board to immediately suspend a mortgage under specified conditions. (Sec. 212) Extends (and increases) equity skimming penalties to 1- to-4 family residences. (Sec. 213) Amends Federal criminal law to include equity skimming as a money laundering offense. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to recover mortgage insurance claims against a person convicted of equity skimming. (Sec. 215) Expands the scope of penalties for mortgagees, lenders, and other Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program participants. Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing - Amends the Act to extend certain multifamily mortgagor civil penalties (and the scope of such penalties) to general partners of a partnership mortgagor, or officers or directors of corporate mortgagors. (Sec. 221) Establishes civil money penalties for specified section 8 violations by owners or other liable parties. (Sec. 222) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend the double damages remedy for recovery of assets to specified insured mortgage agreements under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. (Sec. 223) Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the 1994 termination date for HUD access to certain State employment information. (Sec. 224) Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit renewal or extension of certain expiring section 8 contracts unless the owner agrees to comply with any additional HUD conditions. Subtitle C: FHA Single Family Housing - Amends the Act to terminate mortgagee origination approval authority. Title III: Exemption of HUD and USDA Multifamily Loan Foreclosures and Related Actions from the Bankruptcy Stay - Amends Federal law to exempt HUD or Department of Agriculture appointment of receivership or loan foreclosures and related actions from the bankruptcy stay. Title IV: FHA Multifamily Housing Consolidation and Reform - FHA Multifamily Housing Reform Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: FHA Multifamily Housing - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary (or approved mortgagee) to insure first or second mortgages and engage in related credit enhancement for certain multifamily housing projects and health care facilities. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified participating mortgage entities and housing finance agencies in order to provide projects and facilities with first mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) mortgage insurance and reinsurance; (2) risk apportionment and risk-sharing alternatives; (3) reimbursement capacity; (4) underwriting standards; and (5) non-Federal participation. (Sec. 406) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) premiums and fees; (2) contracts; (3) default and contract claims; (4) prepayment charges; (5)environmental review; (6) lead-based paint poisoning prevention; (7) subsidy layering; (8) labor standards; and (9) disclosure of records. Subtitle B: Extensions of Existing Authority and Other Provisions - Amends the Act to extend authorities for: (1) mortgage auctions; and (2) transfer of certain excess receipts to the flexible subsidy program. (Sec. 422) Authorizes the Secretary to regulate rents, sales, charges, and operations with respect to certain multifamily housing projects in order to provide reasonable rentals and a reasonable rate of return. (Sec. 423) Includes health care facilities within the partial payment of claims authority. (Sec. 424) Amends the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide environmental protection under the supportive housing for the elderly program and the supportive housing for persons with disabilities program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 425) Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to assign regulatory agreements in connection with the sale of HUD mortgages. Title V: Rehabilitation Grants - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to make rehabilitation grants to owners of formerly insured or assisted qualifying projects.
Law· SS. 830 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving Patient Access Title II: Increasing Access to Expertise and Resources Title III: Improving Collaboration and Communication Title IV: Improving Certainty and Clarity of Rules Title V: Improving Accountability Title VI: Increasing Resources by Setting Priorities Title VII: Fees Relating to Drugs Title VIII: Miscellaneous Food and Drug Administration Modernization and Accountability Act of 1997 - Title I: Improving Patient Access - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mission statement. (Sec. 102) Authorizes any person, through a licensed practitioner, to request, and any manufacturer or distributor to provide, an investigational drug, biological product, or device for the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of a serious condition (or any other condition designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) if specified requirements are met. (Sec. 103) Modifies effectiveness exception requirements for devices relating to conditions that affect fewer than 4,000 individuals in the United States. Title II: Increasing Access to Expertise and Resources - Mandates programs and policies that foster collaboration between the FDA, the National Institutes of Health, and other science-based Federal agencies. (Sec. 202) Declares the sense of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee concerning international regulatory harmonization regarding drugs, biological products, devices, foods, food additives, color additives, and good manufacturing practices. (Sec. 203) Authorizes a contract with any organization or individual with relevant expertise to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on part or all of any application or submission regarding approval of a biological product. Mandates use of that authority when such a contract will improve a review's timeliness or quality. (Sec. 204) Mandates accreditation of non-governmental entities to review and make recommendations regarding submissions under provisions relating to reports preceding the introduction of devices into interstate commerce. (Sec. 205) Authorizes recognition of all or part of a performance standard established by a nationally or internationally recognized standard development organization for which a person may submit a conformity declaration. Title III: Improving Collaboration and Communication - Directs the Secretary: (1) on request of a person intending to submit a premarket approval application, to meet with the person to determine the type of scientific evidence of effectiveness that will be necessary; and (2) to meet with a premarket approval applicant to discuss the application's review status and, prior to that meeting, to notify the applicant in writing of application deficiencies. Title IV: Improving Certainty and Clarity of Rules - Mandates (after evaluation of the Good Guidance Practices document published in the Federal Register) promulgation as a regulation of FDA policies and procedures for the development, issuance, and use of guidance documents. (Sec. 402) Allows a person who submits an application or submission to submit a request regarding: (1) classification of the article as a drug, biological product, or device; or (2) the FDA component that will regulate the article. (Sec. 403) Allows, six years after application approval, use by the Secretary of application information in approving devices, determining whether product development protocols have been completed, establishing a performance standard or special control, and classifying devices. (Sec. 404) Requires, in determining premarket approval and substantial equivalence, reliance on the proposed labeling's use conditions. (Sec. 405) Defines "day" for provisions relating to review of any application or submission. (Sec. 406) Sets review time limits regarding initial classification and premarket approval. (Sec. 407) Prohibits withholding initial classification because of a failure to comply with any FDCA provision unrelated to a substantial equivalence decision, including a failure to comply with good manufacturing practice requirements. (Sec. 408) Mandates a regulation specifying the general principles considered in determining whether a specific intended device use is not reasonably included in a general use of the device for purposes of a substantial equivalence determination. (Sec. 409) Declares that device effectiveness is to be determined by well-controlled investigations, including one or more clinical investigations (currently, including clinical investigations). Allows the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that only one investigation is required for new drug approval, to require supporting scientific evidence obtained prior to or after the investigation. (Sec. 410) Repeals provisions prohibiting using, on any drug or device label, any suggestion of approval under FDCA new drug, premarket approval, or investigational use exemption provisions. Title V: Improving Accountability - Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) a plan bringing the Secretary into compliance with each of the Secretary's obligations under the FDCA and other statutes; and (2) an annual report on the Secretary's performance under the plan. Title VI: Increasing Resources by Setting Priorities - Mandates modification of specified Federal Regulations regarding the procedures and conditions under which a device may be granted an exemption from certain FDCA requirements. Requires the regulation to permit developmental device changes without requiring additional application approval in specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary (for premarket approval) to accept and review information from investigations conducted under the authority of regulations required by investigational exemption provisions. Requires a supplemental application for a change that affects a device's safety or effectiveness, subject to exception. Regulates review of supplemental applications. (Sec. 602) Declares that no action by the Secretary under the FDCA shall be subject to an environmental assessment or impact statement or other environmental consideration, subject to exception. (Sec. 603) Mandates publication of a list of each type of class II device that does not require a report prior to introduction into interstate commerce. Exempts those types from the reporting requirement. Provides for petitioning for exemption of a type. (Sec. 604) Modifies requirements regarding: (1) reporting prior to introduction into interstate commerce; and (2) initial classification and reclassification of certain devices. (Sec. 606) Empowers any patient receiving a device subject to tracking to refuse to release (or refuse permission to release) identifying information for tracking purposes. Mandates publication of a list identifying each type of device subject to tracking. Deems any device not identified exempt from mandatory tracking. (Sec. 607) Modifies postmarket surveillance requirements. (Sec. 608) Removes: (1) references to distributors in provisions relating to recordkeeping and reporting; and (2) a requirement that each manufacturer, importer, and distributor submit an annual certification. (Sec. 609) Mandates approval of a new drug application based on information from a small facility. (Sec. 610) Sets forth requirements regarding radiopharmaceuticals designed for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and conditions. (Sec. 611) Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise requirements regarding: (1) introducing biological products into interstate commerce, including related license approval and labeling requirements; and (2) inspection of biological product facilities. (Sec. 612) Amends the FDCA to allow approval of a supplement to an approved application for an additional use of a drug based on literature, clinical experience, or scientific evidence. (Sec. 613) Requires that a health care economic statement included in labeling or advertising provided to a formulary committee, managed care organization, or similar entity with responsibility for drug selection be competent and reliable. Makes any such statement subject solely to this section. (Sec. 614) Directs the Secretary to facilitate development and expedite approval of new drugs and biological products intended for serious conditions and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for those conditions. Terms such products "fast track drugs." Sets forth designation requirements and procedures. (Sec. 615) Regulates changes in the manufacture of a new drug or biological product. (Sec. 616) Mandates guidance that describes when abbreviated study reports in lieu of full reports may be submitted with a new drug application for certain types of studies. (Sec. 617) Deems a food contact substance (a substance used as a component of materials used in manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food, but not intended to have any technical effect in the food) unsafe and the food adulterated unless: (1) there is (and the substance is in conformity with) a regulation prescribing the conditions under which the substance may be safely used; or (2) the manufacturer has notified the Secretary of the identity and intended use of the substance and the manufacturer's or supplier's determination that the substance is safe under a specified standard. (Sec. 618) Allows a health claim to be made regarding the relationship of a food to a disease or health-related condition if: (1) an authoritative scientific body of the U.S. Government with official responsibility for public health protection or research directly relating to human nutrition or the National Academy of Sciences has published statements, conclusions, or recommendations in effect recognizing that relationship; and (2) the manufacturer or distributor has notified the Secretary of the claim. (Sec. 619) Allows for additional deferred effective dates for the approval of certain new drug applications to allow for additional pediatric information developed by further studies. Mandates development, publication, and annual updating of a list of approved drugs for which additional pediatric information may produce health benefits in the pediatric population. Title VII: Fees Relating to Drugs - Prescription Drug Users Fee Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends provisions concerning fees relating to drugs to revise and add various definitions. (Sec. 704) Makes the fee (currently, 50 percent of the fee) for human drug applications or supplements due on submission. Mandates a refund of 75 (currently, 50) percent if the application or supplement is refused for filing. Exempts from the fee: (1) an application for a drug for a rare condition (orphan drug) or a supplement proposing a new indication for a rare condition; and (2) certain applications or supplements including an indication for use in pediatric populations. Allows fee refund if an application or supplement is withdrawn. Modifies requirements regarding: (1) the annual prescription drug establishment fee; (2) the prescription drug product fee; (3) fee amounts; (4) fee adjustments; (5) fee waiver or reduction; (6) assessment of fees; and (7) crediting and availability of fees (including authorizing appropriations). (Sec. 707) Terminates, on a specified date, the effectiveness of the amendments made by this title. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Requires (currently, allows) a foreign establishment that manufactures, processes, etc., a drug or device to register with the Secretary. Authorizes cooperative agreements with foreign countries to ensure that means are available to determine whether drugs or devices from such an establishment shall be refused admission to the United States on the grounds specified in existing provisions. (Sec. 802) Replaces the requirement that prescription-only drugs bear the label phrase "Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription" with a minimum requirement of a label designation "Rx only." Removes provisions requiring that certain substances be labeled "Warning--May be habit forming." (Sec. 803) Requires that any person seeking to export an imported article under provisions relating to the disposition of goods after a decree of condemnation establish that the article was intended for export at the time the article entered commerce. (Sec. 804) Authorizes, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, the conduct and support of research training in regulatory scientific programs by predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists and physicians, including the use of fellowships. Authorizes the support of fellowships through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. (Sec. 805) Deems a device that is, or purports to be, subject to a performance standard or special control: (1) adulterated unless it conforms to the standard or special control; or (2) misbranded unless it bears labeling as prescribed in the standard or special control. (Sec. 806) Empowers the Secretary to require the submission of samples and component samples of a device: (1) in connection with a recall; and (2) if the device may have caused or contributed to a serious injury. (Sec. 807) Modifies the FDCA definition of "interstate commerce" to include any article or class of articles that directly or indirectly affects interstate commerce. Provides for the condemnation of any adulterated or misbranded device, food, drug, or cosmetic (currently, any adulterated or misbranded device). Presumes the existence of a connection with interstate commerce in any action to enforce FDCA requirements regarding a device, food, drug, or cosmetic (currently, regarding a device).
Bill· SS. 848 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Rural Telemedicine Demonstration Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) expand the Medicare telemedicine demonstration project program to include the Alaska Telemedicine Project and the Montana Healthcare Telecommunications Alliance; and (2) report annually to the Congress on the project's effectiveness, along with any appropriate legislative recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 834 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
DES Research and Education Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and permanently extend the following programs regarding the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES): (1) the research and training program; and (2) the new national program of education. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the heads of the appropriate agencies of the Public Health Service, to carry out a national program for the education of health professionals and the public with respect to DES, from amounts appropriated for carrying out the research and training program. Requires such national program to use methodologies developed through the education demonstration program carried out under the Act. Directs the Secretary to consult closely with representatives of nonprofit private entities that represent individuals who have been exposed to DES and that have expertise in community-based information campaigns for the public and for health care providers. Requires the implementation of the national program to begin during FY 1998.
Bill· HRH.R. 1807 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan (and a health insurer providing coverage under a group plan) from imposing an aggregate dollar lifetime limit less than specified amounts. Exempts plans offered to or maintained for employees of employers with fewer than 20 employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1815 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individuals' 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: Civil Sanctions Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1997 - Defines "health information trustee" (HIT) to mean a person or entity that creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, or transmits protected health information (PHI) and any employee, agent, or contractor of such a person. Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires a HIT to permit an individual who is the subject of PHI to inspect and copy the information, subject to cost reimbursement and exceptions. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires a HIT to maintain: (1) administrative, technical, and physical confidentiality and accuracy safeguards; and (2) a record of any PHI disclosure not related to treatment. Prohibits HIT retaliation for actions under this Act. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits disclosures except: (1) as allowed under this title; (2) as compatible with the purposes for which the information was obtained or for the specific purpose for which an individual authorized disclosure; and (3) in the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the disclosure's purpose. (Sec. 202) Regulates disclosure authorizations, the disclosure of nonidentifiable information, and the creation of coded information. (Sec. 205) Specifies the criteria for disclosure: (1) to an individual's next of kin; (2) regarding directory information to any person; (3) in emergencies placing the information subject or another individual at serious risk; (4) to a health oversight agency; (5) to an accrediting body; (6) by a health care provider to a public health authority; (7) by a HIT to a health researcher; (8) by specified entities in connection with certain judicial and administrative proceedings; (9) by specified entities pursuant to a subpoena; and (10) by specified entities regarding subpoenas and warrants. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions - Imposes a civil penalty for material failure to comply with this Act. Provides, if the violations have occurred with such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, for a higher civil penalty or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or any other federally funded health care programs. (Sec. 302) Allows an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for preliminary and equitable relief, actual or liquidated damages, and punitive damages. Allows assessment of attorney's fees. Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions - Provides for criminal fines, imprisonment, or exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, or any other Federally funded health care program (or some combination of those penalties) for violations of this Act or this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides for: (1) the promulgation of regulations (and establishment of a related advisory group); and (2) the relationship of this Act to other laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 1796 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect To Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform.
Bill· HRH.R. 1788 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
DES Education and Research Amendments of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and permanently extend the following programs regarding the drug diethylstilbestrol (commonly known as DES): (1) the research program; and (2) the new national program of education. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the heads of the appropriate agencies of the Public Health Service, to carry out a national program for the education of health professionals and the public with respect to DES, from amounts appropriated for carrying out the research and training program. Requires such program, to the extent appropriate, to use methodologies developed through the education demonstration program carried out under the Act. Directs the Secretary, in developing and carrying out the national program, to consult closely with representatives of nonprofit private entities that represent individuals who have been exposed to DES and that have expertise in community-based information campaigns for the public and for health care providers. Requires the implementation of the national program to begin during FY 1998.
Bill· HRH.R. 1782 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1997
Medical Use of Marijuana Act - Moves marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Declares that, in a State in which marijuana may be prescribed or recommended by a physician for medical use, no provision of the Controlled Substances Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) shall restrict: (1) the prescription or recommendation of marijuana by a physician for medical use; (2) an individual from obtaining and using marijuana from a prescription or recommendation by a physician for medical use by that individual; (3) a pharmacy from obtaining and holding marijuana for that use; or (4) an entity established by a State from producing and distributing marijuana for that purpose. Requires the National Institute of Drug Abuse to make marijuana available for an investigational new drug study under specified provisions of the FDCA.
Bill· SS. 828 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
NO Tobacco for Kids Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct annual surveys to determine the number of children who used each manufacturer's tobacco products. Requires each such manufacturer to make specified annual reductions in child tobacco use and provides penalties based upon total consumer use for failure to meet such requirements (with reductions for near compliance). Sets forth performance standards for new manufacturers. Directs that specified amounts of fiscal year penalties shall go to a Tobacco Enforcement and Education Fund in the Treasury, with any excess to go to the Treasury. Sets forth judicial review provisions.
Bill· SS. 826 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Smoke-Free Environment Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the responsible entity for each public facility to prohibit smoking in the facility and on facility property in the immediate vicinity of the facility entrance. Allows designated smoking areas if: (1) the area is ventilated in accordance with certain specifications; (2) nonsmoking individuals do not have to enter the area for any purpose; and (3) children under 15 are prohibited from entering. Allows an action to enforce this Act by any aggrieved person, any State or local government agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Allows injunctions and civil monetary penalties, but prohibits the award of damages of any kind. Defines "public facility" as any building regularly entered by ten or more individuals at least one day per week, except for any building or portion thereof regularly used for residential purposes. Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit smoking in an aircraft in scheduled interstate, intrastate, or foreign flights.
Bill· HRH.R. 1766 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project under which covered members and beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be eligible to enroll in health benefits plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Requires the demonstration project to be conducted in two geographic areas and to last at least two, but not more than three, contract years. Provides for: (1) management of participation in the project; (2) Government contributions for beneficiary coverage under the FEHB program; and (3) reporting requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 1770 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Accountability of Service Providers Part A: Sanction Authority Part B: Provider Enrollment Process Title II: Provider Reimbursement and Related Matters Part A: Coverage and Payment Limits Part B: Bankruptcy Provisions Title III: Medicare Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Services Title IV: Medicare Rural Health Clinics Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, Abuse, and Waste Prevention Amendments of 1997 - Title I: Accountability of Service Providers - Part A: Sanction Authority - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from the Medicare program an entity controlled by a family member or household member of a sanctioned individual. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary to impose civil monetary penalties (fines) for kickback violations, and for persons that contract with individuals excluded from participation in a Federal health care program, as well as for services ordered or prescribed by an excluded individual or entity. (Sec. 105) Amends SSA title XI to subject to fines false certification of eligibility to receive partial hospitalization and hospice services. (Sec. 106) Extends subpoena and injunction authority to enforcement of the exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participation in Medicare and State health care programs. (Sec. 107) Repeals the requirement that kickbacks and other specified acts involving Federal health care programs be willful as well as knowing to be subject to criminal penalties (thus allowing criminal penalties for knowing violations, even if not willful). (Sec. 108) Repeals the exception for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, thus subjecting it to criminal penalties for kickbacks and other specified acts involving Federal health care programs. (Sec. 109) Amends SSA title XVIII to modify the application of fines requirements to nonparticipating physicians for excess charges with respect to Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollees. (Sec. 110) Makes physicians working at or on-call at specialty hospitals liable for certain fines for failure to comply with Medicare requirements concerning examination, treatment, or transfer of emergency patients and women in labor. (Sec. 111) Amends SSA title XI to expand the application of criminal penalty authority for kickbacks to all health care benefit programs. Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) to seek to impose civil penalties and treble damages on any person for certain criminal acts with respect to a Federal health care program; and (2) to petition a U.S. district court for an injunction prohibiting any person from engaging in such criminal acts. Part B: Provider Enrollment Process - Amends SSA title XI to condition provider payment under the Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and Maternal and Child Health Services (SSA title V) programs on the disclosure to the Secretary of certain applicable employer identification numbers and social security numbers, including those of individuals with an ownership or control interest in the provider. Requires verification of such information, and correction if necessary, by the Social Security Administration. (Sec. 122) Amends SSA title XVIII to authorize the Secretary to: (1) establish a procedure for enrollment and periodic reenrollment of individuals or entities that are not providers under a service provider agreement but that furnish health care items or services under Medicare; and (2) impose fees for initiation and renewal of provider agreements and for enrollment and periodic reenrollment of other individuals and entities furnishing health care items or services under Medicare. (Sec. 123) Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to authorize the Secretary or a State to refuse to enter into Medicare or Medicaid agreements with individuals or entities convicted of felonies. (Sec. 124) Amends SSA title XI to: (1) direct the Secretary to require individuals and entities to furnish social security and employer identification numbers as a condition to receiving standard health care identifiers; and (2) authorize the Secretary to impose fees for such identifiers. Title II: Provider Reimbursement and Related Matters - Part A: Coverage and Payment Limits - Amends title XVIII to: (1) deny Medicare home health benefits for the mere drawing of blood from a homebound individual, without the need for other skilled nursing services; (2) require monthly (rather than a one-time) certification of a hospice Medicare patient as terminally ill after the patient has received hospice services for over six months; (3) base Medicare payment of hospice care furnished in an individual's home only on the geographic location at which the service is performed; (4) deny coverage of hospice care for an individual not diagnosed as terminally ill; and (5) revise the formula for determining, with respect to the reasonable cost of services, the value of a service provider's capital asset at the time of change of ownership, to set such value at the asset's historical cost, less depreciation allowed, to the owner of record on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 206) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to repeal the moratorium on a specified policy regarding the bad debts of hospitals. Part B: Bankruptcy Provisions - Amends part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to provide that Medicare- and Medicaid-related actions are not stayed by bankruptcy proceedings, and Medicare- and Medicaid-related debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of Medicare standards and procedures in bankruptcy proceedings. Title III: Medicare Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Services - Amends SSA title XVIII, with respect to partial hospitalization services, to: (1) disallow such services in an individual's home or in an inpatient or residential setting; and (2) prescribe additional requirements for community mental health centers. (Sec. 303) Amends SSA title XVIII to authorize the Secretary to establish a prospective payment system for partial hospitalization services provided by a community mental health center. Limits Medicare beneficiary coinsurance to 20 percent of the new payment basis. Title IV: Medicare Rural Health Clinics - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) extend the current per-visit payment limits applicable to rural health clinics to provider-based clinics (other than clinics based in small rural hospitals with less than 50 beds); (2) require clinics to have a quality assurance and performance improvement program as specified by the Secretary; (3) limit to rural health clinics in the Federal program the Secretary's authority to waive the requirement that a clinic employ a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife or require their services at least 50 percent of the time; (4) revise shortage area requirements; (5) lower Medicare beneficiary coinsurance for rural health clinic services; and (6) direct the Secretary to establish a prospective payment system for rural health clinic services, with beneficiary coinsurance limited to 20 percent of the new payment basis.
Bill· HRH.R. 1773 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that any program to make prescription pharmaceuticals available by mail to covered beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) does not exclude covered beneficiaries who are also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1772 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
NO Tobacco for Kids Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct annual surveys to determine the number of children who used each manufacturer's tobacco products. Requires each such manufacturer to make specified annual reductions in child tobacco use and provides penalties based upon total consumer use for failure to meet such requirements (with reductions for near compliance). Sets forth performance standards for new manufacturers. Directs that specified amounts of fiscal year penalties shall go to a Tobacco Enforcement and Education Fund in the Treasury, with any excess to go to the Treasury. Sets forth judicial review provisions.
Bill· HRH.R. 1764 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the imposition of Medicaid home liens and Medicaid estate recovery for long-term care services in the case of an individual who has received benefits under a qualified long-term care insurance policy for at least three years during the five-year period ending on the date of provision of such services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the inclusion in an employee's gross income of employer-provided coverage (through a flexible spending or similar arrangement (FSA)) of qualified long-term care services; (2) allow the carryover of amounts in excess of the maximum amount of reimbursement under an FSA; and (3) exclude from gross income the reimbursement of long-term care insurance premiums by FSAs (as well as the reimbursement of health insurance premiums during unemployment).
Bill· HRH.R. 1762 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Medicare Coverage of Infectious Diseases Therapy Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of antimicrobials administered to patients parenterally. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish practice guidelines for the appropriate use of such antimicrobials.
Bill· HRH.R. 1769 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Reduction In Medicare Overpayment Costs Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for the imposition of administrative fees for the failure of a Medicare provider to refund to the Secretary of Health and Human Services any amount by which prospective payment to the provider has exceeded actual costs by 30 percent or more (overpayment collection); and (2) require automated prepayment screening by fiscal intermediaries and carriers of a select portion of Medicare diagnoses that the Health Care Financing Administration has determined frequently result in overpayment under the program.
Bill· HRH.R. 1761 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protecting Program Integrity Title II: Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Title III: Technical Clarifications and Corrections Title IV: Coordination of Benefits Medicare Antifraud Act of 1997 - Title I: Protecting Program Integrity - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from issuing or renewing the provider number of a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier unless the supplier provides information on ownership or control interests and a surety bond of at least $50,000; (2) require home health agencies to provide such a surety bond; and (3) authorize application of such disclosure and surety bond requirements to suppliers of ambulance services and clinics that furnish medical and other health services (other than physicians' services) under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XI to condition provider payment under the Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and Maternal and Child Health Services (SSA title V) programs on the disclosure to the Secretary of certain applicable employer identification and social security numbers, including those of individuals with an ownership or control interest in the provider. Requires verification of such information, and correction if necessary, by the Social Security Administration. (Sec. 103) Requires non-physician practitioners to provide diagnostic codes for furnished items or services. Requires both physicians and non-physician practitioners to provide diagnostic information to another entity when ordering from it certain items or services if the Secretary requires such entity to provide such information in order to be paid. (Sec. 104) Replaces the reasonable charge methodology for the payment of Medicare benefits with a methodology that uses fee schedules developed by the Secretary. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to describe by regulation the factors to be used in determining the cases or particular items in which application of special DME payment rules results in inherently unreasonable amounts. Applies such regulations to payment for surgical dressings. (Sec. 106) Amends SSA title XI to authorize the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare program an entity controlled by a family or household member of a sanctioned individual. (Sec. 107) Amends SSA title XVIII to make Medicare carriers, States, and fiscal intermediaries liable to the Secretary for any payment of claims submitted by excluded providers after the Secretary notifies the organization or agency of such exclusion. (Sec. 108) Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX (Medicaid) to authorize the Secretary or a State to refuse to enter into Medicare or Medicaid agreements with individuals or entities convicted of felonies. (Sec. 109) Amends part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to provide that Medicare- and Medicaid-related actions are not stayed by bankruptcy proceedings, and Medicare- and Medicaid-related debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of Medicare standards and procedures in bankruptcy proceedings. (Sec. 110) Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to: (1) authorize the availability of National Practitioner Data Bank information to the Inspectors General of the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), of Defense, and of Labor, of the Office of Personnel Management, and of the Railroad Retirement Board; and (2) exempt the HHS Inspector General from fees for such information. (Sec. 111) Amends SSA title XIX to extend the authority of State Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate and prosecute: (1) fraud in other Federal health care programs, upon the approval of the relevant Federal agency; and (2) patient abuse in non-Medicaid board and care facilities. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to take certain steps jointly to ensure that the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is fully reimbursed for any expenditures (unrelated to Medicare administration) made from its account, in excess of enforcement collections, to combat health care waste, fraud, and abuse. (Sec. 113) Amends SSA title XVIII to change from biennial to annual the General Accounting Office report on the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund's Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account. (Sec. 114) Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any legislation that diverts savings achieved through Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse enforcement activities for purposes other than improving the solvency of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Title II: Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Amends SSA title XI to permit the Secretary to impose civil monetary penalties for kickback violations, and for persons that contract with individuals excluded from participation in a Federal health care program, as well as for services ordered or prescribed by an excluded individual or entity. Title III: Technical Clarifications and Corrections - Makes technical amendments to SSA title XI. Title IV: Coordination of Benefits - Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal the termination dates of, thus extending permanently, certain Medicare secondary payer provisions with respect to the working disabled, individuals with end-stage renal disease, and the IRS-SSA-HCFA data match. (Sec. 402) Makes technical changes concerning minimum sizes of group health plans. (Sec. 403) Requires group health plans to provide the Secretary, and employers and employee organizations to provide plan administrators, certain information pertaining to employers, employees, and employee family members with current or former employment status. (Sec. 404) Makes certain technical revisions to time and filing limitations, the liability of third party administrators, and requirements for reimbursement for Medicare secondary payer payments.
Bill· HRH.R. 1771 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Smoke-Free Environment Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the responsible entity for each public facility to prohibit smoking in the facility and on facility property in the immediate vicinity of the facility entrance. Allows designated smoking areas if: (1) the area is ventilated in accordance with certain specifications; (2) nonsmoking individuals do not have to enter the area for any purpose; and (3) children under 15 are prohibited from entering. Allows an action to enforce this Act by any aggrieved person, any State or local government agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Allows injunctions and civil monetary penalties, but prohibits the award of damages of any kind. Defines "public facility" as any building regularly entered by ten or more individuals at least one day per week, except for any building or portion thereof regularly used for residential purposes. Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit smoking in an aircraft in scheduled interstate, intrastate, or foreign flights.
Bill· HRH.R. 1755 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch Chapter 8: Subcommittee on the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Technical Amendments with Respect to Education Title VI: General Provisions - This Act Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act of 1997- Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to conduct an analysis and submit recommendations to the congressional defense committees as to the future roles of the military services with respect to the National Missile Defense Program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform. Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 201) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in an appropriations Act for FY 1997 by the Department of Commerce to make irreversible plans for the use of sampling or any other statistical method in taking the 2000 decennial census for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress. (Sec. 203) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 204) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; and (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 301) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 303) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Energy for energy supply, research and development activities and for construction, rehabilitation, and O&M for the Western Area Power Administration. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain earmarks under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine is not: (1) making progress toward economic reform and the elimination of corruption; (2) permitting American firms and individuals to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) assisting American firms and individuals in their efforts to enforce commercial contracts and resist extortion and other corrupt demands. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 501) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 503) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 504) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Energy for clean coal technology and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 601) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 602) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 603) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 604) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 605) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 701) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 702) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Subcommittee of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 803) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 804) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and Highway Trust Fund contract authority. Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 901) Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 902) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 903) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. (Sec. 904) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. Rescinds specified funds available for GSA presidential transition expenses. Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 1001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 1002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 1005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Rescinds specified funds made available for HUD assisted housing programs and for NASA. Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 3003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 3004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 3005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 50002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 50003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 50004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 50005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VI: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 60002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements.
Bill· SS. 817 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1997
Rural Health Care Protection Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to a hospital which has ever been classified as a rural referral center, to prohibit denial of a request for its reclassification on the basis of any comparison between its average hourly wage and the average hourly wages of hospitals in the area in which it is located. Declares that any hospital classified as a rural referral center by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY 1991 shall be so classified for FY 1998 and each subsequent fiscal year. Permits hospital geographic reclassification for purposes of disproportionate share payment adjustments. Permits rebasing of Medicare payment for sole community hospitals using FY 1994 and 1995 costs.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 94 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1997
Commends the American Medical Association on its 150th anniversary.
Bill· SS. 794 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Services for Children of Substance Abusers Reauthorization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the Director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (currently, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services administration) make grants for: (1) services for children and families of substance abusers; (2) identification of such children and families; and (3) education and training of providers of such services. Adds alcohol and drug evaluation, treatment, and prevention to the services to be provided to children (replacing provisions mandating preventive counseling services). Allows services to be delivered to families through an entity that meets State licensure or certification requirements for that service. Mandates aggressive outreach to family members with substance abuse problems. Modifies requirements regarding: (1) mandated services for substance abusers; (2) grant eligibility; and (3) information submitted by grant applicants. Removes provisions mandating: (1) coordination with the State lead agency and the State Interagency Coordinating Council under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (2) peer review as part of the grant awarding process. Authorizes grants for the training of personnel who provide services to vulnerable children and families to assist the professionals in recognizing drug and alcohol problems and to enhance their skills in identifying and obtaining substance abuse prevention and treatment resources. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 780 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that each year of training in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry that is required in order to obtain a certificate of added qualification in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry be deemed to be a year of obligated service. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the year of obligated service described, to pay up to $20,000 on behalf of the individual for loans described under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Limits the number of fellowship years in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry that are deemed to be a year of obligated service, to not exceed 400 in any calendar year.
Bill· SS. 793 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Substance Abuse Treatment for Adolescents Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum percentage or amount of funds appropriated under provisions relating to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment be used for adolescent specific substance abuse treatment programs, including the provision of services and the conduct of evaluations and research on the effects of the services.
Bill· SS. 789 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Medicare Beneficiary Information Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements that eligible organizations provide enrollees with an explanation of their rights. Requires inclusion in such explanation of a copy of the most recent report comparing the organizations that Medicare beneficiaries are eligible to enroll with. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such comparative reports according to prescribed criteria in an understandable standardized format. Applies the same new requirements to Medicare select policies. Directs the Secretary to establish a clearinghouse and, if appropriate, a toll-free telephone hotline to provide for dissemination of such comparative reports.
Bill· SS. 795 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Health Plan Quality Council Title II: Coverage of Federal Health Care Programs Title III: Certification of Federal Health Plan Contracts Title IV: Federal Health Plan Contract Performance Title V: Expansion of Health Care Quality Activities Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Federal Health Care Quality, Consumer Information and Protection Act - Title I: Federal Health Plan Quality Council - Establishes as an independent council the Federal Health Plan Quality Council to: (1) oversee and ensure the effective evaluation of health care programs financed under Federal Government authority; (2) endorse and direct Federal participation in regional health care accountability initiatives; and (3) advise the President and the Congress on the protection and quality of the health of Federal health plan contract participants and beneficiaries. (Sec. 102) Requires that the Council be composed of at least nine members. (Sec. 104) Establishes the Quality Advisory Institute to advise the Council concerning licensing and certification criteria and comparative measurement methods under this Act. (Sec. 106) Sets forth Council duties, including: (1) licensing certifying entities; (2) certifying Federal health plan contracts; (3) selecting from existing comparative health care measures to guide consumer choice and improve care delivery; and (4) contracting with an independent entity for the conduct of certification and quality measurement audits. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Coverage of Federal Health Care Programs - Requires the administrator of each of the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act), Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act), TRICARE (under provisions of Federal law relating to the armed forces), and a veterans health care program under provisions of Federal law relating to veterans' benefits to ensure that: (1) coverage under those Programs is provided only through contracts certified under title III of this Act; and (2) information on each Program is collected, available, and disseminated in accordance with title IV of this Act. (Sec. 202) Requires the Council to establish: (1) a program under which payments are made to various Federal health plan contracts to reward the contracts for meeting or exceeding quality targets; and (2) broad categories of quality targets and performance measures. Requires that the Programs withhold a specified percentage from payments to eligible organizations and disburse such amounts in accordance with a specified formula relating to quality targets and performance measures (amending Medicare and Medicaid provisions accordingly). Title III: Certification of Federal Health Plan Contracts - Requires that an entity be certified under this title in order to contract with the Government to enroll individuals for health coverage. (Sec. 302) Mandates procedures to certify such contracts. (Sec. 303) Requires the Council to establish minimum criteria to be used by licensed certifying entities in contract certification, including: (1) implementing a total quality improvement plan; (2) compiling and annually providing to the certifying entity documentation regarding the credentials of the hospitals and providers reimbursed under the contract; and (3) implementing a program to provide participants and beneficiaries with access to information enabling comparison with other plans. (Sec. 304) Mandates grievance and appeals procedures. Title IV: Federal Health Plan Contract Performance - Requires the Council to develop or select measures to be used by individuals to compare the overall quality of Federal health plan contracts. Requires contracting entities to compile and submit specified process and outcomes data. Title V: Expansion of Health Care Quality Activities - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to take specified actions regarding health care quality assessment and comparability. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
Bill· SS. 779 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Medicare Physician Workforce Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the rules for determining the number of full-time equivalent residents in an approved medical residency training program for purposes of determining payments for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs to provide that a resident enrolled in a fellowship in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry within an approved medical residency training program be counted twice for the period such resident is enrolled in such fellowship (thereby doubling GME payments made to teaching hospitals for geriatric fellows as an incentive for such hospitals to promote and recruit such fellows). Caps the double payment to be provided for an approved medical residency training program to a maximum of 400 fellows per year. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and conduct a limited number of demonstration projects to increase the number of certified geriatricians who are appropriately trained to provide items and services to beneficiaries under the Medicare program in a range of patient settings. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress on such projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1710 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Medical Device Regulatory Modernization Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mission and to mandate annual FDA and Comptroller General reports to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, when there is a scientific controversy between a regulated person and the Secretary, to establish a procedure under which the regulated person may request a review of the disputed subject matter. (Sec. 4) Revises or imposes requirements regarding: (1) investigational device exemptions; (2) premarket approval requirements (mandating a device review priority); (3) humanitarian device exceptions; (4) safety and effectiveness performance standards (allowing recognition of self-certifiable consensus standards); (5) effectiveness determinations (as used in classifying devices); (6) reliance on postmarket controls to expedite classification; (7) substantial equivalence; (8) labeling (as affecting premarket approval); (9) supplemental applications; (10) promotional material representations; (11) premarket notification; (12) initial classification; (13) classification panels; and (14) premarket approval application review (allowing review by accredited persons). (Sec. 12) Mandates accreditation of persons to review and initially classify devices. (Sec. 13) Mandates publication of a list of types of class III devices that are not subject to regulation under specified provisions and for which the Secretary has determined that premarket approval is unnecessary, requiring each to be regulated as class III subject to general and appropriate special controls. (Sec. 14) Modifies requirements regarding: (1) device tracking; (2) postmarket surveillance; and (3) good manufacturing practice regulations (including foreign harmonization) and inspections (including adding references to accredited entities and post-inspection procedural requirements). (Sec. 17) Removes distributors from recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Removes reporting requirements regarding certain certification and removals and corrections. Mandates new user reporting regulations limiting user reporting to a user subset to create a representative profile of user reports. (Sec. 18) Prohibits subjecting a person to penalties if the person acted in good faith and had no reason to believe the acts violated the law. (Sec. 19) Mandates an information system to track the status of each submission requesting FDA action. (Sec. 20) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the FDCA from requiring the preparation of an environmental assessment or impact statement. (Sec. 22) Regulates communications to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of related investigations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1738 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a special Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) enrollment period and Medigap enrollment period and a waiver of the Medicare part B late enrollment penalty for certain military retirees and dependents who live within a certain distance of a military hospital which provided inpatient hospital services that either closed or discontinued the provision of such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 1726 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Healthy Future Title II: Caring for Families Title III: Family Safety Title IV: Economic Security Title V: Educating Our Children Title VI: Budgeting Provisions Children's National Security Act - Title I: Healthy Future - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow State plans to provide for making Medicaid assistance available to low-income children. (Sec. 102) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to provide guaranteed availability of individual health insurance coverage to uninsured children. (Sec. 103) Authorizes additional appropriations for diabetes-related research by the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (Sec. 104) Amends PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for the bone marrow program. Requires the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry to increase the representation in the pool of potential donors of children of mixed ancestry. (Sec. 105) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, PHSA, SSA title XVIII (Medicare), and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information in group health insurance plans, individual market health insurance policies, and Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies. Prohibits such plans or their issuers from requiring participants, beneficiaries, or applicants to disclose genetic information. Requires participant, beneficiary, or applicant authorization before such plans or insurers may disclose such genetic information. Makes violators of such prohibitions and requirements liable for compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages. (Sec. 106) Amends PHSA to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), to carry out, through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, a public information and education program on eating disorders, including toll-free telephone information and referral services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 107) Amends SSA to set forth a special rule for Medicare reimbursement for primary care combined residency programs, including obstetrics and gynecology. (Sec. 108) Amends SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation to exempt families headed by an adult nonparental relative caregiver from certain welfare assistance work requirements and time limits. Requires work participation rates to be determined without regard to such families. Prohibits States from imposing work requirements or time limits on such families, and reduces a State's grant if it violates such prohibitions. Entitles eligible States to grants for assistance to adult nonparental caregivers. Makes appropriations for such grants. Title II: Caring for Families - Directs the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and of HHS to carry out a program of grants to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing assistance to private nonprofit organizations for development of intergenerational foster care housing and for providing foster care services in such housing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Amends the IRC with respect to the child care tax credit to increase the amount of employment-related expenses taken into account and the amount at which phase-down of percentage begins. Offsets the cost of such changes by eliminating the following tax provisions regarding foreign sales corporations: (1) an exclusion for certain exempt foreign trade income; and (2) a deduction for dividends received from certain foreign corporations. (Sec. 203) Requires an employer to provide an employee who is a parent of an adopted child or a foster child with the same leave the employer provides (in addition to leave required by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993) an employee who is on parental leave for the birth of a child. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to require States to have certain standby guardianship laws and procedures as a condition of eligibility for Federal funds for foster care and adoption assistance. (Sec. 205) Amends SSA title IV part E to require States to: (1) administer qualifying examinations to all State employees with new authority to make decisions regarding child welfare services; and (2) establish certain procedures to expedite the permanent placement of foster children. Provides for placement of foster children in permanent kinship care arrangements. Gives States an option, for adoption assistance payment purposes, to deem kinship placement as adoption. Provides for consideration of the kinship placement option at the dispositional hearing. Makes Federal funds for foster care and adoption assistance available only to States that require State agencies to give preference to adoption applications of a foster parent or caretaker relative of the child. (Sec. 206) Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY 1997 through 2002 for: (1) child care for low-income working families; and (2) child care supply shortages. Requires States and the Secretary of HHS to report on access to child-care by low-income working families. Title III: Family Safety - Directs the Attorney General, as part of the prevention of date rape, to: (1) reschedule Gamma y-hydroxybutyrate in schedule I and Ketamine in schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act; (2) establish nationwide programs and disseminate materials to provide young people in high school and college with education about the use of controlled substances in the furtherance of rape and sexual assault; and (3) assist law enforcement personnel in the prevention of abuse of controlled substances for such purpose. (Sec. 302) Amends ERISA and the IRC to allow the creation or assignment of rights to employee pension benefits, under a qualified child abuse order, if this is necessary to satisfy a judgment against an employee benefit plan participant or beneficiary for physically, sexually, or emotionally abusing a child. (Sec. 303) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to protection from sexual predators. Amends Federal criminal law relating to punishment of sexual predators. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to condition State eligibility for certain grants on a State's having in effect laws which allow the court to impose a sentence of life in prison without parole on a criminal defendant convicted of a State offense for specified types of sexually predatory conduct. Requires the National Institute of justice to study and report to the Congress and the President on persistent sexual predators. (Sec. 304) Establishes requirements relating to child safety locks for firearms. Sets forth prohibitions, and civil penalties, against: (1) the manufacture of handguns as well as the transfer of firearms without locking devices attached; (2) and (2) the transfer of firearms by licensees without notice and warning. Includes loss of a Federal dealer's license among civil penalties for such violations. Sets forth criminal penalties for an adult's leaving a firearm and ammunition with an unsupervised minor. Directs the National Institute of Justice and the Consumer Product Safety Commission each to study, and report to the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury on, the feasibility of developing minimum quality standards for locking devices for firearms. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control to study and report on the results. Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General and the Secretary of HHS for public service announcements and counter advertisements designed to educate the public on the proper storage of firearms. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations which prescribe minimum quality standards for locking devices. (Sec. 305) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of the funds authorized for Federal aid highway programs for FY 2001, and ten percent of such amounts for subsequent fiscal years, from any State that has not enacted and is not enforcing: (1) a law that considers as intoxicated an individual with an alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent or greater while operating a motor vehicle; and (2) a law that provides, for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, revocation of driver's license for at least six months for a first conviction, revocation for at least one year for a second conviction, and permanent revocation for a third or subsequent conviction. (Sec. 307) Amends Federal criminal law to define firearm locking device. Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun (with law enforcement and government exceptions) without a locking device or a specified related warning. Sets forth civil (in addition to any administrative) penalties for related violations, including suspension or loss of license. Title IV: Economic Security - Amends the IRC to provide for a refundable credit for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment. Increases the amount of a taxpayer's employment-related expenses taken into account and the amount at which phase-down of percentage begins. (Sec. 401) Allows an employer-provided child care credit for businesses. Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for child care services for low-income working families. Authorizes appropriations for child care supply shortages, and requires States to use such funds in certain areas for specified types of activities. Requires States and the Secretary of HHS to report on access to child- care by low-income working families. (Sec. 402) Amends the IRC to allow an individual an income tax credit equal to the unpaid child support such individual is entitled to receive for the taxable year. Requires the taxpayer to identify each individual required to pay support. Increases by the amount of such credit the tax of the individual failing to make required support payments. Prohibits treating any such increase in tax as a tax for purposes of determining a credit or the minimum tax. Title V: Educating Our Children - Establishes a program to provide Federal interest subsidies, or similar assistance, to States and localities to help them bring all public school facilities up to an acceptable construction standard and build the additional public schools needed in the next decade. (Sec. 503) Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Education to carry out this title. (Sec. 504) Reserves specified funds for Indian school construction by the Secretary of the Interior and for grants to outlying areas. (Sec. 511) Sets forth requirements for formula grants to States and for direct grants to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 531) Sets forth general requirements relating to technical employees, wage rates, non-liability of the Federal Government, and consultation with Secretary of the Treasury. Title VI: Budgeting Provisions - Provides for: (1) an increase in budget functions for domestic programs resulting from this Act; and (2) offsetting reductions in the defense budget function.
Bill· HRH.R. 1737 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Access to Women's Health Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish standards requiring that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide adequate access to services provided by obstetrician-gynecologists.
Bill· HRH.R. 1727 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Better Pharmaceuticals for Children Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for additional deferred effective dates for the approval of certain new drug applications to allow for additional pediatric information developed by further studies. Mandates development, publication, and annual updating of a list of approved drugs for which additional pediatric information may produce health benefits in the pediatric population.
Bill· HRH.R. 1715 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging Establishment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging in the National Institutes of Health; and (2) the National Biomedical Imaging Program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1749 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Managed Care Plan Accountability Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to accountability for violations of requirements for managed care group health plans, especially failure to provide health benefits due to improper cost-driven delivery policy decisions. Imposes joint and several liability for actual (including compensatory and consequential) damages, and, in the court's discretion, for punitive damages, on a group health plan, or a plan health insurance issuer, for failure to provide a benefit in accordance with plan terms, insofar as such failure occurs pursuant to a clinically or medically inappropriate decision or determination resulting from application of any cost containment technique, related utilization review, or any other medical care delivery policy decision which restricts the ability of medical care providers to use their full discretion for treatment of patients. Provides for an action for damages in either a State or Federal court. Requires managed care group health plans to provide for full indemnification of medical care providers bound by plan restrictions for any liability incurred for such a failure if it is the direct result of a plan restriction on medical communications. Amends the IRC to establish an excise tax for such cost-driven violations of plan terms.
Bill· HRH.R. 1711 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Small Business Remediation Act of 1997- Requires the maximum level of remediation of dry cleaning solvents in soil, surface water, groundwater, and other environmental media that a Federal, State, local agency, or court may require of a person engaged in dry cleaning, or of the owner of land or a facility in which such a person is conducting dry cleaning, to be one-tenth the equivalent exposure of the workplace standard for such solvents established by the Secretary of Labor under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Requires: (1) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to publish in the Federal Register its computation, based on realistic scientific assumptions, of equivalent exposure by ingestion, inhalation, and absorption indices for the general public, for environmental media in nonoccupational circumstances; and (2) the equivalent exposure to be calculated from the workplace standard for dry cleaning solvents which assures that no employee will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity even if such employee has regular exposure for the employee's entire working lifetime. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall: (1) preempt or otherwise prevent a Federal, State, or local government or private party from remediating environmental media to a lower level than the maximum level of remediation at its own cost and expense; or (2) alter or affect the Federal drinking water standards under the Public Health Service Act.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 90 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Levels and Amounts Title II: Reconciliation Instructions Title III: Sense of Congress Provisions Establishes the congressional budget for the Government for FY 1998 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY 1999 through 2002. Title I: Levels and Amounts - Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 1998 through 2002, for: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) the public debt; (6) direct loan obligations; and (7) primary loan guarantee commitments. Sets forth levels of new budget authority, budget outlays, new direct loan obligations, and new primary loan guarantee commitments for FY 1998 through 2002 for specified major functional categories. Title II: Reconciliation Instructions - Establishes a deadline for the submission of specified House committee recommendations on changes in laws that provide direct spending to the House Budget Committee. Requires the House Budget Committee to report a reconciliation bill carrying out such recommendations without substantive revision to the House. Establishes outlay limits, for FY 1998 through 2002, for the following House committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Banking and Financial Services; (3) Commerce; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Government Reform and Oversight; (6) Transportation and Infrastructure; (7) Veterans' Affairs; and (8) Ways and Means. Sets forth, for FY 1998 through 2002: (1) deficit reduction targets for the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee; and (2) amounts by which revenues shall be decreased and increased, respectively, by the House Ways and Means Committee. Deems the House Committees on Commerce and Ways and Means to be in noncompliance with reconciliation instructions pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 if such committees provide a children's health initiative that would increase the deficit by more than specified amounts for FY 1998 through 2002. Title III: Sense of Congress Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) legislation to provide middle-income tax relief, small business tax incentives and relief, and extensions to the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund; (2) offsets of tax cuts by revenue increases; (3) sufficient funding to insure all uninsured children in America through health care grants and expansion of Medicaid and for domestic discretionary funding for priority areas; (4) increased Medicaid coverage for low-income adults, seniors, and uninsured children; (5) increased annual limits on Pell Grants; (6) support for the President's school construction initiative; (7) increased funding for educational opportunities, crime intervention and prevention, and domestic violence programs; (8) transportation improvement funding; (9) sufficient funding for specified programs to meet the needs of infants and toddlers; (10) funding for the National Institutes of Health and veterans' cost-of-living allowances and housing benefits; (11) full funding for Federal research and development programs; (12) increased housing assistance; and (13) priorities in spending on defense readiness and personnel as opposed to expansions of large weapons systems.
Bill· SS. 776 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1997
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an increase in update for FY 1998 and 1999 for certain hospitals with a high proportion of Medicare patients.
Bill· HRH.R. 1692 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1997
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for coverage under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of extended care services for individuals with a condition classifiable within a select diagnosis-related group (DRG). (Waives the three-day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services for such DRGs.) Requires the Secretary to select at least five DRGs beginning in FY 1998, and additional qualified groups for subsequent fiscal years. Provides for recovery of excessive expenditures by: (1) reductions in payable amounts for post-hospital extended care services in the following fiscal year; and (2) rescission of the selection of any DRG.
Bill· SS. 766 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 1679 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that certain permitted field studies, large-scale testing and evaluation, and demonstrations of the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Diseases and Blood Resources Program include: (1) the development and dissemination of a core content for a model State cardiac arrest training program for inclusion in emergency medical services educational curricula and training programs addressing lifesaving interventions; and (2) related matters. Establishes as an independent executive branch agency the Commission on Cardiac Arrest Survival. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1673 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for an increase in update for FY 1998 and 1999 for certain hospitals with a high proportion of Medicare patients.
Bill· HRH.R. 1682 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 jointly) of gain on the sale of a principal residence if owned and used as the principal residence for periods aggregating at least two years during the five-year period prior to sale or exchange. Sets forth special rules relating to: (1) jointly held property; (2) a deceased spouse; (3) a cooperative housing tenant-stockholder; (4) partial principal residence use; (5) determination of marital status; (6) acquisition after involuntary conversion; and (6) periods of out-of-residence health care.
Bill· HRH.R. 1628 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Medicare Cancer Clinical Trial Coverage Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project which provides for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of routine patient care costs for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who are enrolled in an approved clinical trial program, while still applying the beneficiary cost sharing provisions of such program to project participants. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact on Medicare of covering such costs as well as the cost of extending routine patient care coverage to Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis other than cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 1631 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Military Health Care Choice Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law concerning Government organizations and employees to direct the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the appropriate Secretaries, to take such steps as may be necessary in order to make benefits under the health benefits program for Federal employees available to military retirees, military dependents, and others, in accordance with this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) elections of coverage available; (2) benefits; (3) charges; and (4) contributions. Limits the total number of elections that may be in effect at any time during the first three contract years.