Postal service

8 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, being taken to reform the postal service; and if he will make a statement on the implications of any such change for rural services, post offices and jobs. [21689/96]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 1996

8 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, being taken to reform the postal service; and if he will make a statement on the implications of any such change for rural services, post offices and jobs. [21689/96]

Amount of the usage fee to be paid by Deutsche Postbank AG for the counter service of Deutsche Post AG (G-SIG: 13054079)

Germany · German Bundestag · 4 October 1996

Save Our Savings Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cap Entitlements and Other Mandatory Spending Title II: Enforcement Provisions Save Our Savings Act of 1996 - Title I: Cap Entitlements and Other Mandatory Spending - Sets forth a timetable for completion of certain budget actions by the President and by the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). (Sec. 103) Applies direct spending caps to all entitlement authority, except for undistributed offsetting receipts and net interest outlays. Sets forth a table of such caps for specified categories of entitlements and other mandatory spending. (Sec. 104) Requires determinations of such direct spending caps (as well as any breaches of such caps and actions necessary to remedy such breaches) to be based on certain economic assumptions for specified future fiscal years, subject to periodic reestimation based on changed economic conditions or changes in eligible population. (Sec. 105) Provides for automatic adjustments to the caps for entitlements and other mandatory spending. Allows the direct spending caps to be revised in a specified manner, only by recorded vote. Title II: Enforcement Provisions - Provides for enforcement of the direct spending caps on categories of spending established under title I of this Act. Applies specified enforcement rules and procedures for any fiscal year in which direct spending exceeds the applicable direct spending cap. (Sec. 202) Directs OMB to: (1) compile a statement of actual direct spending for a fiscal year, following the end of that year, identifying such spending by categories of entitlements and other mandatory spending; and (2) under specified conditions, issue a report to the President and the Congress, estimating necessary spending reductions. Sets forth a timetable for specified budget actions by the President and by OMB and CBO. (Sec. 203) Subjects all direct spending (except matters specifically exempted under this title) to caps on total direct spending outlays for each fiscal year. Establishes separate caps, consistent with the cap on total outlays, for: (1) any entitlement program named in the table in title I; (2) such other program or groups of programs for which additional caps are established in subsequent legislation; and (3) the remainder of direct spending programs. Prohibits the total of the separate caps from title I, plus any additional separate caps subsequently established, from exceeding the cap for total direct spending, as appropriately adjusted. Sets forth: (1) general rules triggering sequestration to reduce spending for programs subject to direct spending caps; (2) special rules for programs with certain characteristics; and (3) rules for insurance programs, loan programs, and State grant program formulas. Requires a within session sequester under certain conditions. (Sec. 204) Exempts from sequestration specified programs and activities, in terms of their budget accounts, activities within accounts, or income. Authorizes the President to exempt any military personnel account from sequestration or provide for a lower uniform percentage reduction than would otherwise apply, if the Congress is notified of the manner in which such authority will be exercised on or before the initial snapshot date for the budget year. (Sec. 205) Sets forth special rules for sequestration orders for: (1) the child support enforcement program under the Social Security Act; (2) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (3) the earned income tax credit; (4) regular and extended unemployment compensation; (5) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (6) the Federal Housing (Finance) Board; (7) Federal personnel pay; (8) the Medicare program under the Social Security Act; (9) the Postal Service Fund; (10) the Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; and (11) programs which provide a businesslike service in exchange for a fee. (Sec. 206) Directs CBO and OMB to report to the President and the Congress the budget baselines for the budget year and at least the subsequent nine fiscal years. Requires submission of the CBO report on or before January 15. Requires the OMB report to accompany the President's budget. Specifies requirements for the budget baseline.

Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A Title I: Omnibus Appropriations Title I(sic): Department of Justice Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Title III: The Judiciary Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies Title V: Related Agencies Title VI: General Provisions Title VII: Rescissions Title VIII: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental and Rescission Title IX: Supplemental Appropriations Title I(sic): Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Title IX: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for Anti-Terrorism, Counter- Terrorism, and Security Enhancement Activities Title I(sic): Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Title VI: NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 Title VII: Middle East Development Bank Title I(sic): Department of the Interior Title II: Related Agencies Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Emergency Appropriations Title I(sic): Department of Labor Title II: Department of Health and Human Services Title III: Department of Education Title IV: Related Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Reorganization and Privatization of Sallie Mae and Connie Lee Title VII: Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 Title I(sic): Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: General Provisions Title I(sic): Additional Investment Funds for the Thrift Savings Plan Title II: Thrift Savings Accounts Liquidity Title VII: Counter-Terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement Title VIII: Federal Financial Management Improvement Title II(sic): Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Subtitle A: Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending Process Subtitle B: Streamlining Government Regulation Subtitle C: Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and Credit Availability Subtitle D: Consumer Credit Subtitle E: Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Subtitle G: Deposit Insurance Funds Title III: Spectrum Allocation Provisions Title IV: Adjustment of Paygo Balances Title V: Additional Appropriations Division B: Oregon Resources Conservation Act of 1996 Title I(sic): Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area Title II: Upper Klamath Basin Title III: Deschutes Basin Title IV: Mount Hood Corridor Title V: Coquille Tribal Forest Title VI: Bull Run Watershed Protection Title VII: Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions Title VIII: Umpqua River Land Exchange Study Division C: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 Title I(sic): Improvements to Border Control, Facilitation of Legal Entry, and Interior Enforcement Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at the Border Subtitle B: Facilitation of Legal Entry Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Criminal Alien Provisions Subtitle C: Revision of Grounds for Exclusion and Deportation Subtitle D: Changes in Removal of Alien Terrorist Provisions Subtitle E: Transportation of Aliens Subtitle F: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Subtitle A: Pilot Programs for Employment Eligibility Confirmation Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Employer Sanctions Subtitle C: Unfair Immigration-Related Employment Practices Title V: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Aliens for Public Assistance and Benefits Subtitle B: Public Charge Exclusion Subtitle C: Affidavits of Support Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle E: Housing Assistance Subtitle F: General Provisions Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Refugees, Parole, and Asylum Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Visa Processing and Consular Efficiency Subtitle D: Other Provisions Subtitle E: Technical Corrections Division D: Small Business Programs Improvement Act Title I(sic): Amendments to Small Business Act Title II: Amendments to Small Business Investment Act Division E Title I(sic): California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 - Division A - Title I: Omnibus Appropriations - Makes appropriations for programs, projects, and activities provided for in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, as if it had been enacted into law as the regular appropriations Act. Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Justice. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds to pay for an abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the use of funds to require any person to perform, or facilitate the performance of, any abortion. (Sec. 109) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise: (1) quarterly bankruptcy fees; and (2) the formulae for the deposit of portions of such fees in the United States Trustee System Fund. (Sec. 110) Amends specified Federal law to establish in the Treasury the Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund, which shall be available to the Attorney General to make specified payments to telecommunications carriers, equipment manufacturers, and providers of telecommunications support services. (Sec. 111) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Drug Enforcement Administration, together with other appropriate Federal agencies, should take necessary action to end the illegal importation into the United States of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), a drug frequently distributed with the intent to facilitate sexual assault and rape. (Sec. 112) Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize the use of specified funds to make supplemental grants to U.S. Attorneys Offices to provide assistance to victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to facilitate their observation or participation at related trial proceedings, and to pay other related expenses. (Sec. 113) Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress on vapor detection devices, computed tomography, nuclear quadropole resonance, thermal neutron analysis, pulsed fast-neutron analysis, and other new technologies for preventing and solving acts of terrorism involving explosive devices. Requires the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the tagging of smokeless and black powder by any viable detection and identification technology. (Sec. 114) Amends the Federal judicial code to allow the forfeiture portion of an award payment to be paid for out of the permanent indefinite appropriation of the Asset Forfeiture Fund. (Sec. 115) Allows the Attorney General to reimburse employees paid under any Department of Justice appropriation account for additional Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred as a result of extended temporary duty status when traveling on behalf of the United States to investigate, prosecute, or litigate a criminal or civil matter, or for other similar special circumstances. (Sec. 116) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the Attorney General to accept gifts of personal property for aiding or facilitating Department work. (Sec. 117) Authorizes the Attorney General during FY 1997 to transfer certain forfeited properties to State and local governments, or their designated contractor or transferee, for public health, safety, and welfare purposes. (Sec. 118) Permits the Independent Counsel to extend by successive six-month periods the travel status of an employee and the appropriate reimbursement of travel expenses. Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986 to restore the public safety exemption (thus allowing police and fire departments to use maximum hiring and mandatory retirement ages). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to study and report to the Congress on performance tests for law enforcement officers and firefighters. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for the use of physical and mental fitness tests for such individuals; (2) issue regulations identifying valid, nondiscriminatory job performance tests for use by employers of such individuals; and (3) propose advisory standards for wellness programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 120) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to provide that evidence of a defendant's prior sexual assaults is admissible in all Federal sex offense trials commenced after the Act's effective date. Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define child pornography to mean any visual depiction, including photograph, film, videotape or computer image, produced by any means including electronically by computer, of sexually explicit conduct if: (1) its production involved the use of a minor engaging in such conduct; (2) it appears to depict a minor engaging in such conduct; (3) it has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in such conduct; or (4) it is promoted or advertised as depicting a minor engaging in such conduct. Increases criminal penalties for child sexual exploitation. Amends the Privacy Protection Act to permits searches and seizures where the offense involves child pornography, the sexual exploitation of children, or the sale or purchase of children. Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish special penalties for aggravated sexual abuse of persons under age 12 and of persons between ages 12 and 16, where State lines have been crossed. Prescribes life imprisonment for certain repeat offenders. Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Commerce and related agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the International Trade Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. Rescinds specified amounts of unobligated balances for: (1) construction of research facilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and (2) operations, research, and facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (Sec. 206) Provides for transfer of appropriations to successor organizations in the event the Department of Commerce is dismantled or reorganized. (Sec. 208) Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated under this or any other Act henceforth to develop new fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations which create new individual fishing quota, individual transferable quota, or new individual transferable effort allocation programs, or to implement any such plans, amendments, or regulations approved by a Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary of Commerce after January 4, 1995, until offsetting fees to pay for administrative costs are expressly authorized under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes such restriction inapplicable to the North Pacific halibut and sablefish, South Atlantic wreckfish, or the Mid-Atlantic surfclam and ocean (including mahogany) quahog individual quota programs. (Sec. 210) Establishes the Bureau of the Census Working Capital Fund to cover costs of maintenance and operation of services and projects that the Director of the Census Bureau determines may be performed more advantageously when centralized. (Sec. 211) Renames the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for activities of the Judiciary, including: (1) the Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) Courts of Appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) Judicial Retirement Funds; and (8) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to the use of such funds. (Sec. 305) Extends the Judiciary Automation Fund and related authorities through FY 1998. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the use of funds available to the Judiciary for certain costs related to the appointment of Special Masters before April 26, 1996. (Sec. 307) Designates a specified U.S. courthouse in Medford, Oregon, as the James A. Redden Federal Courthouse. Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies - Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for the Department of State and related agencies, programs, and trust funds (including the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the U.S. Information Agency). Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to the use of such funds. Provides specified funds for: (1) broadcasting to Cuba; (2) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, in Hawaii; and (3) the North-South Center, in Florida. (Sec. 406) Denies availability of funds under this Act to support the activities of the Standing Consultative Commission (SCC) unless the President reports to the Congress a detailed analysis of: (1) whether the Memorandum of Understanding on Succession and the Agreed Statement regarding Demarcation agreed to by the SCC on June 24, 1996, represent substantive changes to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972; and (2) whether these agreements will require the advice and consent of the Senate. (Sec. 407) Amends Federal law to permit the Secretary of State to authorize State officials or the U.S. Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for passport applications. Title V: Related Agencies - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for: (1) the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation; (2) the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) the Commission on Civil Rights; (4) the Commission on Immigration Reform; (5) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (7) the Federal Communications Commission; (8) the Federal Maritime Commission; (9) the Federal Trade Commission; (10) the Legal Services Corporation; (11) the Marine Mammal Commission; (12) the National Bankruptcy Review Commission; (13) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (14) the Small Business Administration; (15) the Gambling Impact Study Commission; (16) the Ounce of Prevention Council and Grant Program; and (17) the State Justice Institute. Continues certain requirements and restrictions with respect to use of funds by the Legal Services Corporation. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations and prohibitions on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 606) Prohibits the use of funds for the construction, repair, overhaul, conversion, or modernization of vessels for the NOAA in shipyards located outside of the United States. (Sec. 607) Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. Declares ineligible to receive any Federal contract or subcontract made with funds under this Act any person finally determined by a court or Federal agency to have intentionally affixed a false "Made in America" label to any product sold in or shipped to the United States that is no made in the United States. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission covering harassment based on religion, when it is made known that such guidelines do not differ from certain proposed guidelines. (Sec. 609) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act, unless certain conditions are met, to pay for costs incurred for: (1) opening or operating any U.S. diplomatic or consular post in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that was not operating on July 11, 1995; (2) expanding any such post that was in operation on such date; or (3) increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts above the level existing on such date. Allows the use of such funds for such purposes only if the President certifies that the Vietnamese Government is fully cooperating with the United States in specified activities relating to the investigation and recovery of missing U.S. military personnel, including: (1) resolution of discrepancy cases, live-sightings, and field activities; (2) recovery and repatriation of American remains; (3) provision of documents on POW-MIAs; and (4) implementation of trilateral investigations with Laos. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any United Nations peacekeeping mission involving U.S. forces under the command or control of a foreign national, if the President's military advisors have not recommended that such involvement is in the U.S. national security interest, and the President has not submitted such a recommendation to the Congress. (Sec. 611) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to provide specified amenities or personal comforts in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 614) Prohibits funds under this Act for the Federal Bureau of Prisons from being used to distribute or make available to a prisoner any commercially published information or material that is sexually explicit or features nudity. (Sec. 615) Limits the amount of State and local law enforcement assistance funds which may be provided to any entity under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 if that entity does not provide a certain level of health insurance benefits to its employed public safety officers who retire or are separated from service due to injury suffered in the line of duty while responding to an emergency situation or a hot pursuit. (Sec. 616) Amends Federal patent law to shield a medical practitioner or related health care entity from liability for patent infringement even though such practitioner's performance of a medical activity constitutes a patent infringement. Denies this exemption from liability to the activities of any person (or employee or agent), regardless of tax-exempt status, who is engaged in the commercial development, manufacture, sale, importation, or distribution of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or the provision of pharmacy or clinical laboratory services (other than those provided in a physician's office), if such activities: (1) are directly related to such commercial development, and so forth; and (2) are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, or the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act. (Sec. 617) Amends the Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1980 to repeal the mandate that Department of Justice organizations notify congressional committees before reprogramming funds or taking certain other administrative actions. (Sec. 618) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide a guarantee or commitment to guarantee, under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, for shipyard infrastructure development and modernization and for vessels integral to the reactivation and modernization of an eligible shipyard that receives such a guarantee. Title VII: Rescissions - Rescinds specified amounts from unobligated balances under the following headings for the Department of Justice: (1) general administration, working capital fund; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service, Immigration Emergency Fund. Title VIII: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental and Rescission - Provides for specified additional funds for FY 1997, and rescissions of similar unobligated amounts for FY 1996, for the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System salaries and expenses. Title IX: Supplemental Appropriations - Appropriates additional amounts for emergency expenses resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense and other natural disasters: (1) to the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs (infrastructure expenses); and (2) to the Small Business Administration, Disaster Loans Program Account. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic): Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies (including a transfer of funds), the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) overseas contingency operations (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at former defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; (6) nuclear threat reduction programs with respect to republics of the former Soviet Union; and (7) quality of life enhancements, defense. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for procurement by the armed forces and its reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF); and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) expenses and activities of the Office of the Inspector General in carrying out the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) expenses of the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) authorized payments to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Trust Fund; and (4) national security scholarships, fellowships, and grants (using funds derived from the National Security Education Trust Fund). Title VIII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8009) Authorizes procurement funds appropriated under this Act to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Javelin missiles, Arleigh Burke class destroyers, the Army Tactical Missile System, and certain machine guns, rifles, and automatic weapons. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1997 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8020) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8035) Authorizes DOD to incur up to $350 million in obligations for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8036) Earmarks funds from this Act for the Civil Air Patrol. (Sec. 8037) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to establish a new DOD federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). Limits: (1) compensation payments made to FFRDC officers and employees; and (2) the total FY 1997 number of technical effort staff years which may be funded for DOD FFRDCs. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense and appropriations committees concerning such staff years. Reduces by a specified amount the total amounts appropriated under titles II through IV of this Act to reflect savings from the decreased use of non-FFRDC consulting services by DOD. Requires a report on the allocation of such funding reductions. (Sec. 8044) Authorizes the payment of voluntary separation incentive payments to military personnel. (Sec. 8048) Authorizes funds available for defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities to be used for the Young Marines program. (Sec. 8055) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification; (2) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (3) for the design, development, acquisition, or operation of more than 47 Titan IV expendable launch vehicles; (4) for assistance to or programs in the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996 level; and (6) to transport chemical munitions to the Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization (with an exception and an authorized wartime waiver by the President). (Sec. 8059) Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities. (Sec. 8065) Earmarks $40 million from the funds authorized for chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense, to conduct a pilot program to identify and demonstrate not less than two alternatives to the current incineration process for demilitarized chemical munitions (requiring an evaluation and annual report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to such program). (Sec. 8068) Authorizes DOD to enter into interim leasing arrangements for the Adak Naval Air Facility. (Sec. 8070) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8087) Appropriates funds to DOD for transfer to the Coast Guard. (Sec. 8088) Reduces by $150 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from reduced carryover of activities funded through the DBOF. (Sec. 8091) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees setting forth all costs incurred by DOD in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 8092) Prohibits the use of FY 1996 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. (Sec. 8093) Directs the Secretary, to the extent authorized by law, to issue loan guarantees in support of U.S. defense exports not otherwise provided for, with a contingent liability limit of $15 billion. Requires quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on such loan guarantees. (Sec. 8094) Prohibits the use of DOD funds for a financial contribution to the UN for the cost of a UN peacekeeping activity or for the payment for any U.S. arrearage to the UN. (Sec. 8096) Reduces Air Force O&M funds to reflect a reduction in the pass through to the Air Force business areas of the DBOF. (Sec. 8103) Authorizes specified amounts for Air Force B-2 aircraft procurement from prior-year defense appropriations Acts to remain available for expenditure until the end of FY 2002. (Sec. 8105) Directs the Secretary, upon the enactment of this Act, to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8106) Requires, no later than June 30, 1997, that DOD disbursements in excess of $3 million be matched to a particular obligation before the disbursement is made. (Sec. 8108) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a detailed report identifying any activity for which the FY 1998 budget was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for such activity for FY 1997. (Sec. 8111) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the deep-strike tradeoff study announced by the President to study tradeoffs between bombers, aircraft, and missiles capable of striking targets in an enemy's rear area; and (2) establish an ad hoc review committee to aid in such study. (Sec. 8112) Makes certain prior-year Air Force missile procurement funds available, until paid, for the payment of satellite on-orbit incentive fees. (Sec. 8113) Directs the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to carry out a joint study assessing future tactical aircraft requirements across service jurisdictions. (Sec. 8115) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless the savings resulting for DOD will exceed the costs charged. Requires a report from the DOD Inspector General concerning such costs. (Sec. 8116) Restricts the purchase of security locks used to protect critical national security information or other classified material. (Sec. 8117) Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996, which prohibits the use of Navy funds to develop or procure an emergency generator set for the New Attack Submarine unless such equipment is powered by a diesel engine manufactured in the United States by a U.S. entity. (Sec. 8118) Directs the Secretary to ensure that DOD contractors who are required to submit annual reports to the Secretary of Labor concerning the hiring of qualified special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era under DOD contracts are aware of, and in compliance with, such reporting requirements. Requires a joint report from such Secretaries to the Congress concerning reporting compliance. (Sec. 8120) Prohibits, during FY 1997, any advance billing for services provided or work performed by DBOF activities of the Navy in excess of $1 billion. Authorizes additional charges to increase revenues to the DBOF. Provides additional transfer authority to reimburse costs paid through the DBOF. (Sec. 8121) Authorizes the Secretary to waive reimbursement of certain educational costs of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies for military officers and civilian officials of foreign nations if the Secretary determines that their attendance is in the national security interest. (Sec. 8122) Earmarks specified Air Force funds appropriated under this Act for a facility at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to provide care and rehabilitative services to disabled children who are military dependents. Provides grant authority (with conditions) for the construction of such a facility. (Sec. 8123) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to reduce the number of special operations units of the National Guard. (Sec. 8124) Requires the Secretary of the Army to ensure that solicitations for Army contracts include specific goals for subcontracts with small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses. (Sec. 8125) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to submit a joint report to specified congressional committees concerning the benefits, allowances, services, and other assistance provided to any civilian Federal employee or private citizen (or family of such employee or citizen) who is injured or killed while traveling on an aircraft owned, leased, chartered, or operated by the Federal Government. (Sec. 8126) Requires a report from: (1) the Deputy Secretary of Defense concerning DOD procurements of propellant raw materials; (2) the Secretary of the Air Force on a cost-benefit analysis of consolidating the ground station infrastructure of the Air Force that supports polar orbiting satellites; and (3) the Secretary on the establishment of a demonstration program under which covered beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services who are also entitled to benefits under part A of the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) and who do not have access to TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) would be permitted to enroll in a health benefits program offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. (Sec. 8128) Appropriates funds for defense against weapons of mass destruction. (Sec. 8130) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to repeal specified provisions: (1) authorizing appropriations for the defense dual-use technology program; and (2) providing funding requirements and transfer authority with respect to such program. (Sec. 8132) Directs the Secretary to complete a cost-benefits analysis on the establishment of a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office. (Sec. 8133) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to permit the use of equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project by any person or entity on a space-available, reimbursable basis. (Sec. 8134) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to implement cost-effective agreements for required heating facility modernization in the Kaiserslautern Military Community in the Federal Republic of Germany. (Sec. 8135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to rename the Michael O'Callaghan Military Hospital as the Michael O'Callaghan Federal Hospital. (Sec. 8136) Reduces by specified amounts the appropriations made under this Act for various defense R&D accounts. Requires a report on such funding reductions. (Sec. 8137) Appropriates funds to DOD, allocated among various accounts, for antiterrorism, counter-terrorism, and security enhancement programs, designating each such amount as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Cancels an equal amount of funds appropriated in titles I through VII of this Act, requiring the cancelled amount to be allocated on a pro-rata basis among each budget activity. Title IX: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for Anti-Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, and Security Enhancement Activities - Appropriates funds for Army and Air Force military personnel, O&M, and procurement, designating each such amount as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. (Sec. 9001) Rescinds specified funds in various DOD accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 9002) Requires funds appropriated by this title for programs and activities of the Central Intelligence Agency to remain available until September 30, 1997. Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic) : Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) Export-Import Bank subsidies; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) expenses of the President under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs; (3) AID for specified development assistance (including transfers of funds) allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation; (4) assistance to Vietnam to reform its trade regime; (5) AID's Office of Population and the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute; (6) specified projects aimed at reunification of Cyprus; (7) democracy and humanitarian activities in Burma; (8) private and voluntary organizations; (9) international disaster assistance; (10) debt restructuring; (11) micro and small enterprise development programs; (12) guaranteed loans under the worldwide housing guarantees program; (13) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (14) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (15) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (but not for Zaire); (16) the International Fund for Ireland; (17) economic assistance for Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (18) the Peace Corps (but with a ban on fund use for abortions); and (19) the Department of State for international narcotics control, migration and refugee assistance, and nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and related programs and activities. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) international military education and training (with a ban on such assistance to Zaire and Guatemala); and (2) foreign military financing and direct loans and grants (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, and for the participation of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in the Partnership for Peace Program). Prohibits foreign military financing for: (1) any non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country participating in the Partnership for Peace Program except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations; and (2) Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the U.S. contribution to the: (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) International Finance Corporation; (4) Inter-American Development Bank; (5) Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (6) Asian Development Bank; (7) Asian Development Fund; (8) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (9) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for international programs and organizations, with restrictions, including a ban on the use of funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations identical or very similar to restrictions enacted in the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 (P.L. 104-107), notably with respect to: (1) countries supporting the Arab boycott of Israel, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Montenegro, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Serbia, terrorist countries or countries supporting terrorism or giving sanctuary to war criminals; and (2) financial incentives to induce a business to relocate outside the United States or assistance to develop certain kinds of export processing zones in foreign countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it continues to be U.S. policy that funds allocated to Israel from the ESF shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations (including to lobby for or against abortions). (Sec. 518A) Prohibits funds for population planning programs from being expended prior to July 1, 1997. Permits such funds to be made available March 1, 1997, if the President finds, and the Congress approves by a joint resolution, that the limitation has a negative impact on the population planning programs. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Guatemala (except for development assistance), the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Sudan, or Zaire, except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 533A) States that direct costs associated with meeting a foreign customer's additional or unique requirements will continue to be allowable under contracts for sales of defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act, with loadings applicable to such costs permitted at the same rates applicable to procurement of like items purchased by the Department of Defense for its own use. (Sec. 539) Authorizes the President, subject to notification of the congressional appropriations committees, to direct the transfer of defense articles to the Bosnia and Herzegovina governments, without reimbursement, if he certifies to the Congress that the transfer would assist that nation in self-defense and promote the security and stability of the region. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 561) Declares the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds available in this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency head to notify any entity using assistance or contract funds under this Act of this declaration. (Sec. 564) Authorizes the President (similarly to authority under P.L. 104-107) to: (1) reduce certain debts owed the United States by eligible countries; and (2) sell, reduce, or cancel certain loans under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in order to facilitate debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps, or debt buybacks. (Sec. 566) Authorizes the availability of funds for assistance for Liberia. (Sec. 567) Waives certain restrictions and authorizes the availability of funds for the Guatemalan military forces only if the President certifies to the Congress that the Guatemalan military is cooperating fully with efforts to resolve human rights abuses and to negotiate a peace settlement. (Sec. 570) Imposes certain economic sanctions against Burma until the President certifies to the Congress that Burma has made progress in improving human rights and implementing democracy. (Sec. 571) Requires that a certain additional report on U.S. Hong Kong policy scheduled for 1997 include detailed information on the status and implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. (Sec. 573) Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committees on Appropriations on U.S. Government actions to resolve the conflict in Chechnya. (Sec. 578) Requires the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress (in some instances optionally in classified form) on the cooperation of foreign countries in: (1) the apprehension, conviction, and punishment of individuals responsible for acts of international terrorism against U.S citizens or interests; and (2) the prevention of further such acts against U.S. citizens in the respective foreign countries. (Sec. 579) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution to vote against any loan or other use of the institution's funds, other than to address basic human needs, for the government of any country with a known history of female genital mutilation which has not made the practice illegal or taken steps to implement educational programs to prevent it. (Sec. 580) Requires the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress on voting practices at the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of individual countries' overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to such country in FY 1996. (Sec. 581) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to pay any voluntary U.S. contribution to the UN unless the President certifies to the Congress that the UN is not making any effort to impose any taxation on any U.S. persons. (Sec. 582) Declares that the Government of Haiti shall be eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act for the civilian-led Haitian National Police and Coast Guard. (Sec. 584) Declares that, for purposes of eligibility for the Orderly Departure Program for nationals of Vietnam, certain Vietnamese aliens shall be considered refugees of special humanitarian concern, and shall be admitted to the United States for resettlement. (Sec. 585) Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committee on Appropriations about certain military activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Sec. 587) Withholds specified funds from Mexico until the President reports to the Congress that Mexico is taking action to reduce the flow of illegal drugs to the United States as well as enforce its laws against narcotic trafficking and money-laundering. (Sec. 589) Makes officials or employees of a foreign state designated a state sponsor of terrorism liable to U.S. nationals for personal injury or death caused by acts of terrorism. Title VI: NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - Declares it is the policy of the United States to: (1) assist the transition to full membership in NATO of emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe; and (2) work to construct a political and security relationship between an enlarged NATO and the Russian Federation. (Sec. 604) Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to promote security in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine: (1) the United States should support the full and active participation of these countries in activities that will qualify them for NATO membership; (2) the U.S. Government should press the European Union to admit as soon as possible any country qualifying for membership; and (3) the United States and NATO should support military and peacekeeping initiatives between and among such countries, NATO countries, and Russia. (Sec. 605) Expresses the sense of the Congress that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania should not be disadvantaged in seeking membership into NATO. (Sec. 606) Designates Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia as eligible to receive certain assistance for transition to full membership in NATO. Requires the President to designate as eligible for such assistance other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe that meet specified criteria. (Sec. 607) Authorizes appropriations for NATO enlargement assistance. (Sec. 608) Authorizes the availability of certain funds for the Regional Airspace Initiative and the Partnership for Peace Information Management System. (Sec. 609) Declares that the transfer of excess defense articles to countries intending to participate in NATO (including countries of NATO's southern flank) shall be given priority, to the maximum extent feasible, over the delivery of such articles to other countries, except certain countries specified under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1995. (Sec. 610) Declares that the Congress endorses U.S. efforts to modernize the defense capability of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and any other countries the President designates under the NATO Participation Act of 1994, by exploring options for the sale or lease to such countries of weapons systems compatible with those used by NATO members, including air defense systems, advanced fighter aircraft, and telecommunications infrastructure. (Sec. 611) Amends the NATO Participation Act of 1994 to establish a presidential and congressional procedure for termination of eligibility for assistance for Partnership for Peace countries which: (1) no longer meet certain eligibility criteria; (2) are hostile to the NATO alliance; or (3) pose a national security threat to the United States. Title VII: Middle East Development Bank - Bank for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and North Africa Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the Bank for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and North Africa, including subscription to up to a specified number of shares of stock in such Bank. Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic) : Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for the FY 1997 operation of the Department of the Interior. Sets forth uses and prohibitions on the use of funds under this title. Names the Bureau of Land Management's Visitor Center in Rand, Oregon, the William B. Smullin Visitor Center. Prohibits the National Park Service from spending any funds under this Act for activities in direct response to the United Nations Biodiversity Initiative in the United States. Authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to transfer NPS funds to State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations to carry out NPS programs. Provides certain funds for closure of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, including payments for workers' compensation and unemployment compensation for former Bureau employees. (Sec. 113) Establishes in the Treasury a franchise fund pilot for capitalizing and operating central administrative services. (Sec. 114) Amends the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act (Public Law 102-495) to allow the State of Washington, upon appropriation of a specified amount for the Federal Government to acquire the Elwha and Glines dams, and upon submission to the Congress by the State of a binding agreement to remove them within a reasonable period of time, to purchase such dams from the Federal Government for $2. Repeals such Act upon purchase of the dams by the State. (Sec. 115) Extends, for one year, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission (Massachusetts and Rhode Island). (Sec. 116) Designates and ratifies assignment to the University of Utah as successor to, and beneficiary of, all the existing assets, revenues, funds and rights granted to the State of Utah under the Miners Hospital Grant and the School of Mines Grant. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept relinquishment of all remaining and unconveyed entitlement for quantity grants owed the State of Utah for the Miners Hospital Grant and any unconveyed entitlement that may remain for the University of Utah School of Mines Grant. (Sec. 117) Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to increase from 20 to 50 the number of new tribes per year which the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Office of Self-Governance, may select from an applicant pool to participate in self-governance. (Sec. 118) Allows the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to carry out specified revenue-generating activities, including charging museum admission fees, if such revenue is covered into a designated special fund. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to transfer: (1) to Lander County, Nevada, title to the former BLM administrative site and associated buildings in Battle Mountain, Nevada; and (2) to the State of Nevada, title to the surplus BLM District Office building in Winnemucca, Nevada. (Sec. 120) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer a certain Grumman Goose aircraft to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage, Alaska. (Sec. 121) Amends the Mesquite Lands Act of 1988 to require the City of Mesquite, Nevada, to notify the Secretary of the Interior, within a specified period, as to which of specified public lands it wishes to purchase. Father Aull Site Transfer Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey without consideration certain land near Silver City, New Mexico, to Saint Vincent DePaul Parish. (Sec. 124) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use BLM appropriations to enter into cooperative agreements, directly or indirectly through State, local, or tribal governments, with willing private landowners for restoration and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and other biotic resources on public or private land, or both, that benefit these resources on public lands within the watershed. (Sec. 125) Designates the visitor center at Channel Islands National Park, California, the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service, including additional amounts for emergency rehabilitation, forest fire presuppression due to emergencies, and wildfire suppression activities. Prohibits the use of funds to implement any reorganization or "reinvention" of the Forest Service, without the consent of the congressional appropriations committees, other than the relocation of a specified regional office from San Francisco to excess military property at Mare Island, Vallejo, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the congressional appropriations committees on the status and disposition of all salvage timber sales started under the emergency salvage timber sale program mandated by the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Additional Disaster Assistance, for Anti-terrorism Initiatives, for Assistance in the Recovery from the Tragedy that Occurred at Oklahoma City, and Rescissions Act, 1995 and subsequently withdrawn or delayed and completed under different authorities as a consequence of the Secretary's July 2, 1996 directive on the implementation of the mandate. Names the Pacific Northwest Research Station Silviculture Laboratory in Bend, Oregon, the Robert W. Chandler Building. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for fossil energy research and development, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the SPR Petroleum Account, and other activities. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for clean coal technology, making them available for any ongoing DOE project. Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell a specified dollar amount of oil during FY 1997 from the SPR and deposit the proceeds in an SPR Operating Fund. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service for services and facilities. Appropriates funds for FY 1997 to: (1) the Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for Indian Education; (2) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation; (3) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (4) the Smithsonian Institution; (5) the National Gallery of Art; (6) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (7) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Makes FY 1997 appropriations for: (1) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (2) the Institute of Museum Services; (3) the Commission of Fine Arts; (4) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (5) the National Capital Planning Commission; (6) the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission; and (7) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Sets forth uses and prohibitions on funds under this title. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth uses and limitations of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 307) Requires expenditures under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving Federal assistance should purchase only American-made equipment and products. Prohibits Federal contracts with persons found to have falsely labeled a product with a "Made in America" inscription. (Sec. 312) Permits the use of funds from this Act for the AmeriCorps program, subject to availability of funds under the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies FY 1997 appropriations bill, and only if the relevant agencies follow appropriate reprogramming guidelines. (Sec. 316) Places limitations on the type of grant awards that can be made by the National Endowment for the Arts. (Sec. 317) Prohibits the use of funds for any rules or regulations under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to assert jurisdiction, management, or control over any waters (other than non- navigable waters on Federal lands), non-Federal lands, or lands selected by, but not conveyed to, Alaska under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 or the Alaska Statehood Act of 1959, or an Alaska Native Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (Sec. 318) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to review or modify sourcing areas previously approved under specified provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 or to enforce or implement specified Federal regulations. Prohibits adoption of policies that would restrain domestic transportation or processing of timber from private lands or impose additional accountability requirements on any timber. (Sec. 319) Extends through FY 1999 the authority to collect recreation fees under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, and through FY 2002 the availability in accounts of the fees collected. (Sec. 320) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any activity in connection with a scenic shoreline drive in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan. (Sec. 321) Transfers specified land, including the Bend Silviculture Lab, to the Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon. (Sec. 322) Prohibits the use of any funds for activities of the Office of Forestry and Economic Assistance, or any successor office. (Sec. 323) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) accept title to specified land in Prince Georges County, Maryland, adjacent to Oxon Cove Park, on condition that it has not become contaminated with hazardous substances; and (2) in exchange, convey to the Corrections Corporation of America specified land located in Oxon Cove Park in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain National Forest lands (including a wastewater treatment facility) in Chelan County, Washington, for certain lands owned by Public Utility District Number 1 of Chelan County, Washington. (Sec. 325) Snoqualmie National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify the boundary of the Snoqualmie National Forest to include specified adjacent lands in Washington State. (Sec. 326) Sugarbush Land Exchange Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conveyance to Sugarbush Resort Holdings, Inc., of certain land in the Green Mountain National Forest, in exchange for cash or other land which shall become part of such National Forest. (Sec. 327) Amends the North Carolina Wilderness Act of 1984 to remove 100 acres from the Snowbird Wilderness Study Area. (Sec. 328) Renames the Columbia Wilderness the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. (Sec. 329) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior during FY 1997 to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts under the "Jobs in the Woods" component of the President's Forest Plan for the Pacific Northwest to individuals and entities in historically timber-dependent areas of Washington, Oregon, and northern California that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands. (Sec. 330) Amends the Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act to declare that, for purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, settlement lands shall not be treated as Indian lands. Title IV: Emergency Appropriations - Makes additional appropriations for specified functions and activities of the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. Makes emergency appropriations in additional amounts to: (1) the Department of Agriculture, for the Forest Service; (2) the Smithsonian Institution; (3) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (4) the National Gallery of Art; and (5) U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies, programs, and various trust funds, within the Department of Labor. Prescribes uses and limitations on funds under this title. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in certain circumstances, to waive specified requirements under the Job Training Partnership Act in order to assist States in improving State workforce development systems. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Prescribes limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this title. (Sec. 212) Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, with the assistance of the Agency for Health Care Policy Research, to report to the appropriate congressional committees a review of research on treatment of end-stage emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by specified surgical procedures, and recommend as to the appropriateness of Medicare coverage of such conditions and procedures. (Sec. 213) Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to increase the maximum allowable State grant allotment. (Sec. 214) Names the new clinical research center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research and Patient Care Center. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Education, subject to certain requirements for and limitations of their use. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to transport teachers or students in order to: (1) overcome racial imbalance in any school or school system; or (2) carry out a racial desegregation plan. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the use of funds to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. (Sec. 304) Limits the amount of funds which may be used for specified student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Prohibits the Secretary of Education from using HEA funds for subsequent fiscal years for administrative expenses of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. (Sec. 307) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to additional assistance for heavily impacted local educational agencies (LEAs) to allow LEAs to participate in the determination of maximum impact aid payments. (Sec. 308) Amends HEA to change from June 30-June 30 to August 30- August 30 the reporting year for certain annual reports to the Secretary of Education concerning athletically related student aid. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the following agencies or programs: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service (for domestic volunteer service programs); (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Council on Disability; (8) National Education Goals Panel; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Social Security Administration, for various trust funds and programs; (15) Railroad Retirement Board; and (16) United States Institute of Peace. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements and limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines that such programs are effective in preventing the spread of HIV and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs. (Sec. 506) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the use of funds to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother or where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 510) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for the expenses of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) task force. (Sec. 511) Prohibits use of funds in this Act to enforce specified requirements under HEA with respect to any lender that has a guaranteed student loan portfolio less than $5 million. (Sec. 512) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo or embryos for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under certain Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for promotion of legalization of controlled substances, except with respect to certain therapeutic uses. (Sec. 514) Denies funds to any covered educational entity that has a policy prohibiting, or effectively preventing, ROTC access to campus or Federal military recruiting on campus. (Sec. 519) Permanently cancels a specified amount of the budgetary resources available to agencies (except the Food and Drug Administration and the Indian Health Service) under this Act for salaries and expenses, such cancelled amount to be allocated by the Office of Management and Budget. (Sec. 520) Provides for voluntary separation incentives for employees of the Railroad Retirement Board and its Office of Inspector General. Title VI: Reorganization and Privatization of Sallie Mae and Connie Lee - Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996 - Amends the HEA to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. (Sec. 603) Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association (Connie Lee) and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. (Sec. 604) Amends HEA to prohibit Sallie Mae, or any successor entity functioning as a secondary market for student loans, from engaging in certain discriminatory practices against borrowers. Title VII: Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 - Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 - Amends the Museum Services Act to revise and rename it as the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA). (Sec. 702) Establishes within the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), consisting of an Office of Museum Services (OMS) and an Office of Library Services (OLS), along with the current National Museum Services Board, relocated in OMS. Provides for an IMLS Director and Deputy Directors for OMS and OLS. Library Services and Technology Act - Provides for library services and technology under MLSA, with an emphasis on library services and technology, access, and literacy programs for underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for grants to States for information access through technology and information empowerment through special services. Directs the Secretary to transfer such funds to the Director to carry out such library services and technology programs. Sets forth basic program requirements, including a 50 percent Federal share and State five-year plans. Sets forth requirements and authorized activities for library programs of grants to States for: (1) information access through technology; and (2) information empowerment through special services (including special services for children in poverty who are served by libraries). Sets forth administrative requirements for such library grants programs, including State evaluation of assisted activities, State advisory councils, Federal grants for library services for Indian tribes, and a program of national leadership and evaluation activities. Continues to authorize: (1) grants to museums to increase and improve museum services through specified types of activities; and (2) contracts and cooperative agreements with appropriate entities for projects to strengthen museum services. Requires the Director to assess the collaborative possibilities museums can engage in to serve the public more broadly and effectively. Authorizes the Director to make an annual National Award for Museum Service to outstanding museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act to make the Commission responsible for advising the IMLS Director on general library services policies. Includes the IMLS Director as an ex officio, nonvoting member of such Commission. Requires that nonprofessional members have special competence in or knowledge of (currently, interest in) society's need for library and information services. Requires that at least one of the nonprofessional members be knowledgeable about the library and information service and science needs of the elderly. (Sec. 704) Transfers functions from the Institute of Museum Services (IMS) to the IMLS. (Sec. 708) Repeals the Library Services and Construction Act. Repeals specified provisions of: (1) HEA, relating to academic libraries and information services; (2) the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, relating to library resources; (3) the Education Amendments of 1974; and (4) the Technology for Education Act of 1994. Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1997. (Sec. 118) Amends the Federal criminal code, with respect to licensing and related gun show sales requirements for firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers, to declare that nothing in such requirements shall be construed to diminish the right of a licensee to conduct "curios or relics" firearms transfers and business away from its business premises with another licensee without regard to whether the place where the business is conducted is located in the State specified on the license of either licensee. Title II: Postal Service - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1997. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration; (5) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (6) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (7) the National Archives and Records Administration; (8) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (9) the Office of Government Ethics; (10) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Counsel; and (13) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. (Sec. 407) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to establish, acquire space for, and equip flexiplace work telecommuting centers, and charge fees, for use by employees of Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector. (Sec. 408) Directs the Administrator to acquire certain land in Portland, Oregon, for construction of a proposed Law Enforcement Center on the site. (Sec. 409) Amends specified Federal law to mandate conveyance of certain real property at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant to the City of Middleton, Iowa. Repeals the requirement that the City pay fair market value for such property. Requires the Secretary of the Army to permit the City to use existing water and sewer lines and systems at the Plant for a three-year period after conveyance. (Sec. 410) Directs the Administrator to convey, without compensation, to the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development certain real property in Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 411) Declares that certain land in Denver, Colorado, shall not be subject to condemnation by any Federal agency or instrumentality without the owner's consent. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) specified Government contributions, with respect to retired Federal employees, as payments for annuitants, employee health benefits and life insurance; and (2) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 503) Amends Federal law to repeal the mandate for presidentially appointed superintendents and assayers at U.S. mints, and for a presidentially appointed engraver at the Philadelphia mint. (Sec. 512) Requires entities receiving funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 518) Phohibits Act funds from being available to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefits program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 521) Considers personal service contractors employed by the Department of the Treasury outside the United States to be Federal employees for purposes of Federal employee health and life insurance. (Sec. 523) Amends Federal law to allow for the minting of 24 karat gold coins and platinum coins. (Sec. 526) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay up to $500,000 to reimburse former employees of the White House Travel Office, terminated on May 19, 1993, for attorney fees and related costs (except those incurred with respect to any congressional hearing or investigation). (Sec. 527) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by the Executive Office of the President to request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation any official background investigation report on any individual without the individual's express written consent. (Sec. 528) Closes to the public a specified alley in Washington, D.C., on which the Federal Government is constructing a facility. Grants the Administrator of General Services administrative jurisdiction over, and title on behalf of the United States to, the alley, facility, and related property. (Sec. 529) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary, beginning January 1, 1999, to mint and issue commemorative coins in no more than two commemorative coin programs per calendar year. Specifies mintage levels and conditions on payment of surcharges to recipient organizations. Requires quarterly financial reports to the Congress on commemorative coin programs. Sets a fixed four-year term for members of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and provides for election of a Chairperson. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by all Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 624) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for certain types of employee training, including those containing elements: (1) inducing high emotional or psychological stress; (2) associated with religious, quasi-religious, or "new age" belief systems; (3) offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle; or (4) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) other than that necessary for specified purposes. (Sec. 627) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 (title IV of the Government Management Reform Act of 1994, P.L. 103-356) to extend through FY 2001 the franchise fund pilot program. (Sec. 632) Designates a certain U.S. courthouse under construction in Portland, Oregon, as the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse. (Sec. 633) Amends Federal civil service law for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to mandate survivor annuity resumption, as well as resumption of Federal employees health benefits, upon divorce for a disabled child whose annuity and Federal health benefits had terminated because of marriage. (Sec. 634) Amends CSRS and FERS to allow a Federal employee involuntarily terminated due to a reduction in force or transfer of function to apply unused annual leave to remain on the agency's rolls after the would-be separation date if, and only to the extent that, such additional time in pay status will enable the employee to meet minimum age and service requirements for title to an immediate annuity, or to qualify to carry health benefits coverage into retirement. (Sec. 635) Amends the Federal criminal code to specify that certain post-employment restrictions for senior officials do not apply to Federal officers and employees whose basic rate of compensation is below level 5 of the Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 636) Provides for Federal agency reimbursement to Federal law enforcement officers and Federal supervisors or management officials of up to half the costs they incur for professional liability insurance. Applies such reimbursement authority to the legislative branch, including any office or committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as well as to the executive branch. (Sec. 638) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for FY 1997, to use certain funds made available to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation Resolution Fund to reimburse the Department of Justice for litigation expenses incurred in defense of claims against the United States arising from the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 and its implementation. (Sec. 639) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize all Federal agencies to receive and use funds resulting from the sale of Federal records disposed of pursuant to a record schedule (the Federal Register) which are subsequently recovered through recycling or waste prevention programs. (Sec. 640) Authorizes Federal agency heads to use the private sector to review and analyze the contracting out, outsourcing or privatization of business and administrative functions and related issues subject to the Information Technology Management Act (title LI of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1996). (Sec. 641) Amends the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to authorize appropriations for their FY 1998 through 2002 activities under such Act to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel. (Sec. 643) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 with respect to co-chairs, the meeting quorum, donations to, and travel allowances of the National Commission on Restructuring the Internal Revenue Service. (Sec. 644) Amends Federal law to increase from $10,000 to $30,000 the annual salary of each Governor on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. (Sec. 645) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to the Congress estimates of the total annual costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs, together with: (1) an analysis of the impact of Federal rules on the private sector as well as on Federal, State, and local governments; (2) cost-benefit estimates for each rule likely to have a gross annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more in increased costs; and (3) recommendations to reform or eliminate any Federal regulatory program or program element that is inefficient, ineffective, or not a sound use of national resources. (Sec. 646) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 to extend the authority of the OMB Director with respect to simplification of the management reporting process. (Sec. 647) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer to the University of Miami, without charge, title to the real property and improvements that constitute the Perrine Primate Center. (Sec. 648) Amends the Federal criminal code to upgrade counterfeiting offenses from a class C to a class B felony, thus increasing penalties. Prescribes criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments (including fictitious obligations) purporting to be those of State or local governments or of private organizations. (Sec. 649) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by a Federal agency to provide a Federal employee's home address to any labor organization without the employee's consent or a court order. (Sec. 650) Requires the Inspector General of each Federal agency to audit and report on the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime by employees. Directs OPM to issue revised guidelines to limit or, in specified circumstances, prohibit the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime. (Sec. 651) Authorizes a Federal agency head to pay up to $10,000 in a death gratuity to the personal representative of a civilian employee whose death resulted from an injury sustained on the job on or after August 2, 1990. (Sec. 653) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to : (1) establish scientific certification standards for explosives detection canines; (2) provide for certification of explosives detection canines employed by Federal agencies; and (3) establish a program for the training of canines for explosives detection at U.S. airports. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 654) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national repository of information on incidents involving arson and the suspected criminal use of explosives. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 655) Amends Federal law to allow a trustee of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation to serve past expiration of his or her term until a successor is chosen. (Sec. 656) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to transfer directly to Indian tribes in North and South Dakota portable housing units at the Grand Forks Air Force base in North Dakota which the Department of Defense has declared excess. (Sec. 657) Amends the Federal criminal code to limit to firearms that have moved in or otherwise affect interstate or foreign commerce the existing prohibition against the possession or discharge of firearms in a school zone. (Sec. 658) Amends Federal criminal law to make it unlawful to sell firearms to anyone who has been convicted in any court of any crime involving domestic violence, if the individual has been represented by counsel or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel. Makes it unlawful for such persons to engage in the trafficking of firearms. (Sec. 659) Title I (sic): Additional Investment Funds for the Thrift Savings Plan - Thrift Savings Investment Funds Act of 1996 - Amends Federal civil service law to add two new funds, the International Stock Index Investment Fund and the Small Capitalization Stock Index Fund, to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) under the Federal Employees' Retirement System. Title II: Thrift Savings Account Liquidity - Thrift Savings Plan Act of 1996 - Increases withdrawal options for TSP participants upon separation from employment. Eliminates the purpose requirements for taking a TSP loan. Requires an employee or member, before a loan is issued, to be given appropriate information in writing about the cost of the loan relative to other sources of financing, as well as the lifetime cost of the loan, including the difference in interest rates between the funds offered by the Thrift Savings Fund, and any other effect of such loan on the employee's or member's final account balance before a loan is issued. Permits a TSP participant, before separation, to make a one-time withdrawal from the account upon: (1) attaining age 59 and one-half; or (2) financial hardship. Revises provisions concerning notification of an employee's or member's spouse upon making or changing a withdrawal election. Eliminates the definition of basic pay with respect to the TSP. (Sec. 660) Authorizes interagency financing to carry out the purposes of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission. (Sec. 661) Designates a specified U.S. courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Courthouse. (Sec. 662) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and Federal law to establish an Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Postal Service. Requires the Inspector General and the Chief Postal Inspector to prepare five-year strategic plans for submission with annual budgets. (Sec. 663) Directs the heads of certain Federal agencies to submit to specified congressional committees their respective strategic plans for making voluntary separation incentive ("buyout") payments, meeting specified requirements, to eligible employees. Requires reduction of an agency's total number of funded employee positions by the number of employees separating and receiving such payments. (Sec. 664) Continues the existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) pilot program. Provides that selection and designation of financial agents for such program, program design, and related matters shall not be subject to judicial review. (Sec. 665) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to select associations as financial agents by any process the Secretary deems appropriate. Allows the reasonable duties of such agents to include provision of EBT services, including State-administered benefits with the consent of the States. Title VII: Counter-Terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement - Makes additional appropriations for counter-terrorism and drug law enforcement to: (1) specified Offices of the Department of the Treasury, including Office of Inspector General, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Customs Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Secret Service; (2) the Office of Personnel Management; and (3) certain Federal drug control programs. Title VIII: Federal Financial Management Improvement - Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 - Requires each Federal agency to implement and maintain financial management systems that comply with Federal requirements, Federal accounting standards, and the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger at the transaction level. Requires: (1) audit compliance reporting; (2) compliance implementation determination by the agency Head; and (3) if there is noncompliance with the standards, a remediation plan to bring the agency into compliance within three years. (Sec. 808) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to entitle Division D (Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1996) and Division E (Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996), together, the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. Title II (sic): Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction - Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending Process - Sets a deadline by which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must take action under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to simplify and provide a single format for credit transaction disclosures. (Sec. 2102) Amends TILA to authorize the Board to exempt those transactions from TILA disclosure requirements which the Board determines: (1) are not necessary to effectuate its purposes; or (2) do not provide a measurable benefit in the form of useful information or consumer protection. Requires the Board to publish its rationale for exemption at the time a proposed exemption is published for comment. Includes among factors for Board consideration: (1) whether the loan in question is secured by the consumer's principal residence; and (2) whether the goal of consumer protection would be undermined by such an exemption. (Sec. 2103) Amends RESPA to repeal requirements that: (1) a federally related mortgage lender disclose to a mortgage loan applicant the servicing of mortgages the lender has assigned, sold, or transferred during the most recent three calendar years; and (2) a lender that does not service federally related loans similarly disclose any intention to assign, sell, or transfer such servicing. Repeals the mandate for model disclosure statements. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that the exemption from RESPA regulations for credit transactions for primarily business, commercial, or agricultural purposes shall be the same as the exemption for such transactions under TILA. Redesignates "controlled" business arrangements as "affiliated" business arrangements. Declares that the proscription against kickbacks and unearned fees shall not be construed as prohibiting an affiliated business arrangement so long as certain disclosures are made by telephone or electronic media. Extends from one year to three-years the statute of limitations for claims arising from violations of requirements for servicing mortgages and escrow accounts. Delays until July 31, 1997 the effective date of final Federal regulations governing employer-employee payments for referral activities. (Sec. 2104) Amends TILA to exempt from its disclosure requirements any credit transactions involving consumers with an annual earned income of more than $200,000 or having net assets in excess of $1 million at the time of the transaction, upon submission of a handwritten waiver, signed and dated by such consumer. (Sec. 2105) Grants creditors the option to set forth alternative disclosures regarding conditions which could trigger increases or decreases in payment and interest rates for variable interest rate residential mortgage transactions. (Sec. 2106) Modifies TILA restitution guidelines for violations to authorize specified Federal regulatory agencies to order partial adjustments or payments over an extended period in order to avoid causing the creditor to become legally undercapitalized. (Sec. 2107) Amends TILA to restrict certain limitations on creditor liability with respect to consumer credit transactions to closed end consumer credit transactions secured by real property or a dwelling under the Act. Establishes September 30, 1995 as the effective date for such limitations. Subtitle B: Streamlining Government Regulation - Chapter 1: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Requirements and Procedures - Permits an insured depository institution to participate in optional conversion transactions between members of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund without prior approval of the responsible agency (but still requires approval). Eliminates the requirement for approval of such a merger under the Oakar Amendment as well as the Bank Merger Act. (Sec. 2203) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to remove from its regulatory purview a bank holding company subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA). Revises the definition of "savings and loan holding company" to exclude a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction. Provides that acquisition of a savings association by a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction obviates approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Amends the BHCA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to solicit the views of the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision with respect to its examination and enforcement role over bank holding companies. (Sec. 2204) Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the requirement that the aggregate minimum capital of a national banking association and all its branches be no less than the aggregate minimum capital that would be required if each branch were a separately chartered national bank. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Revised Statutes and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to exclude from the definition of "branch" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus exempting those entities from the approval requirements and geographic restrictions of such Acts). (Sec. 2206) Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to permit well-capitalized and well-managed banks to invest amounts equal to 150 percent (currently, only 100 percent) of capital and surplus in bank premises without prior approval. (Sec. 2207) Amends BHCA to repeal the presumption that shares transferred by a bank holding company to a transferee under its control (divestitures) remain under the holding company's control (thus subject to specified approval requirements). (Sec. 2208) States that prior notice and approval is not required (but written notice to the Federal Reserve Board within ten days after commencing such an activity is required) for a proposal by a well-capitalized, well-managed bank holding company to engage in any activity or acquire the shares or assets of any company (other than an insured depository institution) if it meets specified financial and managerial criteria. (Sec. 2209) Amends FDIA to repeal the requirement that the appropriate Federal banking agency be notified prior to the appointment or addition of a new director or senior executive officer if the affected insured depository institution or depository institution holding company: (1) has been chartered less than two years; or (2) has undergone a change in control within the preceding two years. Retains the prior notice requirement for troubled insured depository institutions or depository institution holding companies only if the agency determines that prior notice is appropriate. Extends from 30 days up to 90 days the period during which, following notice, the agency may disapprove board of directors or senior executive officer appointments by such institutions or companies. (Sec. 2210) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to revise the prohibition on dual service of management officials to raise the asset-size thresholds of the depository institutions or depository holding companies to which the prohibition applies. Authorizes Federal banking regulatory agencies to adjust such thresholds for inflation. Repeals the 20-year exemption from the dual service prohibition for certain grandfathered directors and management officials (thus permitting them to continue their dual service permanently). Repeals the requirement that each appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency: (1) review according to prescribed criteria the petition of a management official to serve in more than one position (interlocking directorate); and (2) determine whether continuation of such dual service produces an anti-competitive effect. Authorizes the appropriate regulatory agencies to prescribe regulations permitting dual service by a management official that would otherwise be prohibited if such service would not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition. Repeals the criteria governing regulatory approval of management interlocks. (Sec. 2211) Amends FRA to exempt from its proscription against preferential terms in credit extensions to executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders (insider lending) any credit extension: (1) made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank; and (2) that does not give preference to any officer, director, or principal shareholder of the member bank, or to any related interest of such person, over other employees of the member bank. Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to waive the proscription against such preferential terms for certain executive officers and directors of a subsidiary that controls the member bank if the subsidiary's assets do not exceed ten percent of the consolidated assets of a company that controls the member bank and such subsidiary (and is not controlled by any other company). (Sec. 2212) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to repay the Secretary of the Treasury the unpaid portion of its startup funding by the end of FY 1998. (Sec. 2213) Amends the FDIA to exempt from branch closure notice requirements automated teller machines and relocated or consolidated bank branches, if: (1) the relocation or consolidation occurs within the same neighborhood and does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served; or (2) a branch is closed in connection with emergency acquisitions or any Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assistance. (Sec. 2214) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Reserve Board to avoid unnecessary duplication of foreign bank examinations. Provides that: (1) each Federal and State branch or agency of a foreign bank shall be subject to on-site examination by the appropriate regulator as frequently as would its U.S. counterpart (instead of annually, as at present); and (2) the cost of such examination shall be assessed against its owner to the same extent that fees are collected by the Federal Reserve Board for examination of any State member bank. Authorizes the Board to approve an application by a foreign bank even if the authorities in the home country have not yet established a comprehensive regulation on a consolidated basis, as long as they are actively working to establish one. Instructs the Board to consider, when acting on a foreign bank application, whether the foreign bank has adopted and implemented procedures to combat money laundering. Directs the Board to take final action on any application within 180 days after its receipt. Authorizes the Board to terminate a foreign bank office in the United States if it finds that the authorities in the home country are not making demonstrable progress in establishing arrangements for comprehensive consolidated supervision. (Sec. 2215) Amends the BHCA to authorize the Board to approve extensions beyond the current five-year deadline for a bank holding company to dispose of foreclosed assets, under certain conditions, up to an aggregate of five more years. (Sec. 2216) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 and the Home Owners Loan Act to extend the authority of the Board, and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, respectively, to grant exceptions to certain antitying prohibitions. (Sec. 2217) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to act within a 60- day period (which may be extended for an additional 30 days) upon receipt of the application of an insured State bank (or subsidiary) to engage as principal in activity impermissible for a national bank. Chapter 2: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens - Amends FDIA to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on the meaning of "small depository institution" which Federal banking agencies may in their discretion determine for examination on an 18-month cycle. (Sec. 2222) Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council, and each Federal banking agency represented on it, to review and report to the Congress on Federal banking regulations at least every ten years to identify unnecessary regulatory requirements imposed upon insured depository institutions. Requires the Council or the pertinent banking agency to eliminate unnecessary regulations to the extent appropriate. (Sec. 2223) Amends Federal monetary law to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to require each insured depository institution to identify certain non-bank financial institution customers. (Sec. 2224) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to repeal the mandate that insured depository institutions include information on small businesses and small farm lending in their annual reports of condition. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 and the International Lending Supervision Act of 1983 to repeal annual reporting requirements for specified Federal financial institution regulatory agencies, including certain reports on changes to improve the international lending operations of banking institutions. (Sec. 2225) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to prescribe a Consumer Price Index adjustment schedule applicable to certain small-sized institutions exempt from the Act's disclosure requirements. Declares that a depository institution shall be deemed to have satisfied the public availability requirements for its mortgage loan transactions if its branch offices provide notice of the availability of such information from the home office upon request. (Sec. 2226) Amends FDIA guidelines governing a change in control of insured depository institutions to repeal mandatory reporting by financial institutions (or affiliates) of any loans secured by 25 percent or more of any class of shares of an insured depository institution (stock loans). Retains such mandatory reporting for foreign banks and their affiliates. (Sec. 2227) Requires the Federal Reserve Board to study and report to the Congress on the extent of small business lending by all creditors. Chapter 3: Regulatory Micromanagement Relief - Amends the Revised Statutes to allow the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the residency requirement for national banking association directors. Repeals the Comptroller's authority to waive citizenship requirements for a minority of the directors of a foreign bank subsidiary or affiliate. (Sec. 2242) Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to require each Federal banking agency to review and eliminate regulations which require insured depository institutions and credit unions to produce unnecessary internal written policies. (Sec. 2243) Amends FDIA to mandate: (1) that one of the presidentially appointed directors serving on the FDIC Board have State bank supervisory experience; (2) that each appropriate Federal banking agency take action necessary to ensure that depository institution examiners consult and reach agreement on examination activities and resultant recommendations; (3) such agencies consider appointing an examiner-in-charge to ensure such consultation; and (4) the Federal banking agencies jointly implement a system for determining which one of the Federal banking agencies or State bank supervisors (currently, Federal banking agencies only) shall be the lead agency responsible for managing the requisite unified examination schedule. Subtitle C: Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and Credit Availability - Amends FDIA guidelines for improved accountability in financial management to: (1) repeal the use of an independent public accountant to detect and report violations of law by an insured depository institution or depository institution holding company; and (2) authorize a Federal banking agency to permit an independent audit committee to be composed of a majority of outside directors independent of institution management (currently the entire committee must be composed of such outside directors) if it determines that an insured depository institution has encountered hardships in retaining competent directors on such committee. (Sec. 2302) Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to set forth incentives for self-testing and self-correcting by lenders subject to such Acts. Prescribes conditions under which: (1) an enforcing agency is prohibited from acquiring or using reports generated by any creditor-conducted review of lending operations to determine compliance with such Acts; and (2) such self-test results may be used by an adversary party. (Sec. 2303) Permits a Federal savings association to make credit card loans or education loans without being subject to a percentage-of-assets limitation. Raises from ten percent to 20 percent the percentage-of-assets limitations ceiling placed upon commercial and agricultural loans offered by an association. Restricts loan amounts exceeding ten percent of an association's total assets to loans made to small businesses. Repeals the five-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon education loans offered by an association. Expands the scope of "qualified thrift lender" to include a domestic building and loan association. Permits a savings association that qualifies as a qualified thrift lender to operate a branch outside the State in which it has its home office. Redefines "qualified thrift investment" to cover, as assets includible without limit, educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. Removes the ten-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon certain personal, family, household or education loans other than educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. (Sec. 2304) Amends BHCA to repeal the seven percent growth cap restrictions placed upon banks controlled by certain bank holding companies not statutorily treated as bank holding companies. Excludes from BHCA jurisdiction any limited purpose institution that accepts collateral for extensions of credit by holding deposits under $100,000. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to revise the prohibition against failure to disclose clearly in all communications with a consumer that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt. (Sec. 2306) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase from $10,000 to $20,000 the ceiling on credit union loans which may be made to a director or member of a supervisory or credit committee without first being approved by the board of directors. (Sec. 2307) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase from ten percent to 25 percent the amount of capital and surplus that a national bank may invest in the stock of Edge Act subsidiaries and certain financial service corporations held by a member bank's non- U.S. branches, as long as the investment of an additional amount over ten percent would not be unsafe or unsound. Subtitle D: Consumer Credit - Chapter 1: Credit Reporting Reform - Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to cite additional permissible purposes for which a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report, including: (1) for employment purposes; and (2) for credit or insurance transactions that are not initiated by the consumer. Mandates consumer consent as a prerequisite to furnishing medical information contained in a consumer report. (Sec. 2406) Revises exceptions to the prohibition against the reporting of certain obsolete information by a consumer reporting agency. Raises the minimum dollar threshold amounts permitting release of such information: (1) from $50,000 to $150,000 in the case of a credit transaction; (2) from $50,000 to $150,000 the policy amount in the case of life insurance underwriting; and (3) from $20,000 to $75,000 the amount of salary of an individual in the case of an employment-related credit report. Provides that the seven- year reporting period applicable to accounts placed for collection begins no later than 180 days after the beginning of the delinquency immediately preceding the collection activity. Mandates disclosure in a consumer report of: (1) the particular chapter under which a bankruptcy case arises; (2) withdrawal of a bankruptcy case prior to final judgment; (3) voluntary closure by a consumer of a credit account; (4) information disputed by the consumer. (Sec. 2407) Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from prohibiting disclosure by a user to the consumer of report contents if the user has taken adverse action against the consumer based on such report. Prescribes guidelines for procurement of a consumer report for resale. (Sec. 2408) States that nothing requires a consumer reporting agency to disclose to a consumer any credit scores, risk scores, and other predictors relating to her or him. Provides for mandatory disclosure to a consumer of additional kinds of information, including a summary of consumer rights. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to take action to assure that consumer standardization and comprehensibility are achieved. Prohibits consumer lawsuits for defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence against a consumer reporting agency based on information disclosed by a credit report user to or for a consumer against whom the user has taken adverse action based on the report. (Sec. 2409) Revises procedural and disclosure guidelines governing: (1) disputed information in a consumer's file, including free mandatory reinvestigation by the reporting agency; (2) users of information in a consumer report taking adverse actions, or making written credit or insurance solicitations based upon such report (including any direct marketing transaction that is not initiated by the consumer); and (3) adverse action based on information obtained from third parties other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 2412) Revises civil liability guidelines to set forth liquidated damages for willful and negligent noncompliance, and to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party for pleadings filed in bad faith. (Sec. 2413) Specifies the responsibilities of persons who furnish information to a consumer reporting agency, including the obligation to provide accurate, updated information and notices of information disputed by consumers. (Sec. 2414) Revises disclosure guidelines governing investigative consumer reports to require: (1) certification that the consumer has been notified; and (2) confirmation of any adverse information obtained from personal sources. (Sec. 2415) Increases criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses, and for unauthorized disclosures. (Sec. 2416) Revises administrative enforcement guidelines to authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to commence a civil action to recover a civil penalty in Federal district court in the event of a knowing violation constituting a pattern or practice of FCRA violations. Limits such penalty to $2500. Precludes: (1) the FTC from promulgating trade regulation rules with respect to the FCRA; and (2) specified Federal regulatory agencies from conducting an examination of a bank, savings association or credit union regarding FCRA compliance except in response to a complaint alleging noncompliance. (Sec. 2417) Authorizes the States to bring a court action for FCRA violations. (Sec. 2418) Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to issue interpretations of the FCRA with respect to certain financial institutions and holding companies. (Sec. 2419) Identifies specified FCRA provisions that preempt State law. (Sec. 2422) Requires the Federal Reserve Board to: (1) study and report to the Congress on whether organizations not presently subject to the FCRA as consumer reporting agencies are nevertheless engaged in the business of making sensitive consumer identification information available to the general public; (2) determine whether such activities create undue potential for fraud and risk of loss to depository institutions; and (3) determine whether legislative changes are necessary to address such risks. Chapter 2: Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to revise title IV to read as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. (Sec. 2451) Prohibits: (1) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement, or to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; (2) other fraud or deception; and (3) a credit repair organization (CRO) from charging or receiving valuable consideration for any service before such service is fully performed. Specifies a statement which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations. Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three business days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this title. Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this title. Voids any contract not in compliance with this title. Provides for civil liability for failing to comply with this title, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this title under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) by the FTC. Makes: (1) a violation of this title an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this title. Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for actions to enforce liability under this title. (Sec. 2452) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) individuals should be judged for credit worthiness based upon their own credit worthiness and not that of their zip code or residential neighborhood; and (2) the FTC should report to certain congressional committees regarding the impact of residential location upon corporate lenders' consideration of an application for unsecured credit. Subtitle E: Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection - Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to declare that the liability of a fiduciary for the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance in connection with a vessel or facility held in fiduciary capacity shall not exceed the assets held in fiduciary capacity, unless: (1) a person is liable independently of the person's ownership of a vessel or facility as a fiduciary or actions taken in a fiduciary capacity; or (2) the fiduciary negligently causes or contributes to the release or threatened release. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous - Directs the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and report to the Congress whether the Electronic Fund Transfer Act could be applied to electronic stored value products without adversely impacting their cost, development, and operation. (Sec. 2602) Amends FDIA to treat as administrative expenses of a receiver or conservator for an insured depository institution any final and unappealable judgment for monetary damages entered against such receiver or conservator for breach of a post-appointment agreement executed or approved by such receiver or conservator. (Sec. 2603) Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) increase the penalty for certain counterfeiting violations; and (2) establish criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments purporting to be those of the States, political subdivisions, and of private organizations. (Sec. 2604) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to repeal: (1) civil liability for violations of such Act; and (2) the definition of an on-premises display in a depository institution. Redefines "depository institution" to exclude certain nonautomated credit unions (thus exempting them from such Act). (Sec. 2605) Amends TILA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to: (1) promulgate regulations to update and clarify requirements and definitions applicable to lease disclosures and contracts; (2) publish model disclosure forms to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements; and (3) consider, when establishing such model forms, the use of automated equipment by lessors. Amends the guidelines governing requisite disclosures in consumer lease advertisements. Shields the owner or employee of an advertising medium from liability relating to such disclosures. (Sec. 2606) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the regulatory practices of the National Credit Union Administration Board with respect to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund; (2) the potential effects of the administration of that Fund by an entity other than the National Credit Union Administration; and (3) the investment practices and financial status of the ten largest corporate credit unions. (Sec. 2607) Directs each Federal banking agency to report to the Congress on its actions regarding inconsistent or duplicative accounting and reporting requirements (differences between regulatory accounting principles and generally accepted accounting principles) affecting certain reports filed by insured depository institutions. (Sec. 2608) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) to instruct the Federal Reserve Board to include in its annual report to the Congress a description of any discernible trend in the cost and availability of certain retail banking services in the nation as a whole, in each of the 50 States and in each consolidated metropolitan statistical area or primary metropolitan statistical area. (Sec. 2609) Amends the Federal monetary code to continue the ban on gold clauses in contracts prior to 1977 unless all parties to a pre-1977 contract specifically agree to include such clause in the new agreement. (Sec. 2610) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exclude a qualified family partnership from the meaning of "company" under such Act. (Sec. 2611) Expresses the sense of the Congress that financial institutions and Federal bank regulators should work cooperatively with farmers and ranchers in drought-affected communities to allow financial obligations to be met without imposing undue burdens. (Sec. 2613) Renames the Bank Service Corporation Act as the Bank Service Company Act. Defines a "bank service company" as: (1) any corporation organized to perform certain services, and whose capital stock is totally owned by one or more insured banks; and (2) any limited liability company organized to perform certain services, whose members are all insured banks (thus authorizing bank service companies to organize as limited liability companies). (Sec. 2614) Amends the FDIA to exclude from the definition of "deposit" (and thus from the jurisdiction of the Act) any depository institution liability arising under an annuity contract whose income is tax deferred under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 2615) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to prohibit an insured credit union from being sponsored by, or accepting financial support from, any Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) whose customers include members of such credit union. Excludes from the meaning of financial support any forms of financial assistance generally provided by a GSE in its ordinary course of business. Amends the FDIA to prohibit a depository institution from being an affiliate of, sponsored by, or accepting financial support from any GSE. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) members of a depository institution in a Federal Home Loan Bank; and (2) financial assistance authorized by statute. Subtitle G: Deposit Insurance Funds - Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 - Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a special assessment on the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF)-assessable deposits of each insured depository institution at a rate that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines will cause the SAIF to achieve the designated reserve ratio on the first business day of the first month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Allows the Board to exempt weak institutions from such assessment, but requires exemption for certain newly chartered and other defined institutions, which shall pay semiannual assessments at certain former rates during calendar years 1996 through 1998, with a special rate provision for calendar 1999. (Sec. 2702) Authorizes certain institutions facing hardship as a result of the special assessment to elect to pay it in two assessments, plus a third supplemental special assessment, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes adjustments of the special assessment for Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) member banks and certain savings associations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the 20 percent reductions to the adjusted attributable deposit amount for certain BIF members and to the special assessment for certain converted savings associations. (Sec. 2703) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) and the FDIA to revise the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (rather than SAIF members only). Repeals specified limits on the amount that may be assessed. Declares that assessments imposed upon insured depository institutions with respect to any BIF-assessable deposit shall be assessed at one fifth of the rate of the assessments imposed on insured depository institutions with respect to any SAIF-assessable deposit. (Sec. 2704) Declares that the SAIF and the BIF shall be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund, which shall have a Special Reserve for any excess of the SAIF reserve ratio over the designated reserve ratio. Makes conforming amendments to specified banking statutes. (Sec. 2705) Amends the FDIA to establish a SAIF Special Reserve if the SAIF reserve exceeds the designated reserve ratio on January 1, 1999. (Sec. 2706) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the refund of assessed payments in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. (Sec. 2707) States that the assessment rate for a SAIF member may not be less than the assessment rate for a BIF member posing a comparable risk to the deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 2708) Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 2709) Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress all issues relevant to the development of a common charter for all insured depository institutions and the abolition of separate and distinct charters between banks and savings associations. (Sec. 2711) Allows as an income tax deductible business expenses any FDIC special assessment paid upon depository institution deposits in order to achieve the designated SAIF reserve ratio. States that the net operating loss deduction rules governing specified liability loss shall not apply to such tax deduction. Title III: Spectrum Allocation Provisions - Requires the Federal Communications Commission: (1) to reallocate, by competitive bidding, the use of frequencies at 2305-2320 megahertz and 2345-2360 megahertz to wireless services that are consistent with international agreements concerning spectrum allocation; and (2) in making the bands of frequencies available, to seek to promote the most efficient use of the spectrum and to take into account the needs of public safety radio services. Title IV: Adjustment of Paygo Balances - Requires the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), for FY 1997, to change to zero the balances of direct spending and receipts legislation, as computed under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings), if such balance for the fiscal year is not an increase in the deficit. Title V: Additional Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service (for waterway and watershed repairs resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense); and (3) Farm Service Agency (for emergency expenses resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense). Chapter 2 - Authorizes the District of Columbia Financial and Management Assistance Authority (the Authority) to contract with a private entity or entities to carry out public school facility repair programs in the District of Columbia. Transfers a certain amount to the Authority for such purposes, to be derived according to specified transfers and reallocations. Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide program management services to assist short-term management of D.C. public school repairs and capital improvements. (Sec. 5202) Waives certain congressional review requirements, under the District of Columbia Self-Governing and Governmental Reorganization Act, in the case of a specified D.C. General Obligation Bond Act, if it is enacted by the D.C. Council. (Sec. 5203) Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 (FRMAA) with respect to calculation of the review period for D.C. Council Acts, penalties for certain prohibited acts, and waiver of certain privacy requirements with respect to obtaining official data. Authorizes the Authority to review D.C. government rulemaking. Requires deposit of all D.C. government borrowed funds with the Authority during a control year. Grants the Authority additional power to issue general orders. (Sec. 5204) Prohibits D.C. government funding for terminated employees or contractors, with specified exceptions for services already provided. (Sec. 5205) Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 (SRA) with respect to the D.C. public charter school petition contents and filing and approval processes. Directs the D.C. government to give preference in leasing or purchasing public school facilities to public charter schools. Provides for charter renewal or revocation. Revises provisions relating to public charter schools and school board membership. (Sec. 5206) Amends FRMAA to provide for disposition of certain school property and use of proceeds from such disposition. Amends the Board of Education Real Property Disposal Act of 1990 to direct the Authority to administer the Board of Education Real Property Maintenance and Improvement Fund until an agency or authority is established within the D.C. government to administer a public schools facilities revitalization plan pursuant to SRA. Chapter 3 - Makes additional emergency amounts available to the Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) for emergency expenses (relating to energy and water development) resulting from Hurricane Fran and other natural disasters in 1996. (Sec. 5301) Prohibits the availability to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) of funds in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997 if the TVA is imposing a performance deposit in connection with residential shoreline alteration permits. Chapter 4 - Rescinds specified amounts for: (1) House of Representatives allowances and expenses for Government contributions to certain funds for employees' life insurance, retirement, Social Security, Medicare, health benefits, and worker's and unemployment compensation; and (2) Capitol Police salaries. Provides additional amounts to: (1) the Capitol Police Board, for design and installation of security systems for the Capitol buildings and grounds; and (2) the Architect of the Capitol, for architectural and engineering services related to design and installation of such systems. (Sec. 5401) Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend the duration of: (1) requirements for financial operations of the Congressional Award program; and (2) the Congressional Award Board. (Sec. 5402) Designates the Founders Hall instructional area in the House of Representatives Page School as Bill Emerson Hall. Chapter 5 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations (together with specified rescissions) to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (2) the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Disaster Relief program under the Highway Trust Fund's Federal-Aid Highways; (3) the Federal Railroad Administration for Northeast Corridor improvement, direct loan financing for the Alameda Corridor Project, and grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (4) the Research and Special Programs Administration, for vulnerability and threat assessments of the Nation's transportation system; and (5) the National Transportation Safety Board, for wreckage recovery reimbursements and other costs related to the TWA 800 accident investigation, and other emergency funds for accident investigations. (Sec. 5501) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to establish at individual airports consortia of government and aviation industry representatives to advise on aviation security and safety. (Sec. 5502) Permits the use of Federal Highway Administration emergency relief funds to halt erosion and stabilize a bank protecting a scenic highway or byway, if necessary to protect the highway from imminent failure and if less expensive than highway relocation. (Sec. 5504) Requires conveyance of specified property in Traverse City, Michigan, to the Traverse City Area Public School District. (Sec. 5505) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey in three parcels the land on which the U.S. Coast Guard Whitefish Point Light Station is situated to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Michigan Audubon Society, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 5506) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, to convey: (1) Saint Helena Island Light Station (in MacKinac County, Moran Township, Michigan) to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association; and (2) Presque Isle Light Station to Presque Isle Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan, subject to certain conditions. Chapter 6 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations to: (1) the Department of the Treasury, for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency, for science and technology, environmental programs and management, and State and tribal assistance grants; (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for the National Flood Insurance Fund, and for Federal, State, and local preparedness to mitigate and respond to the consequences of terrorism; (4) the Department of Health and Human Services, for the Office of Consumer Affairs; and (5) the National Aeronautics and Space administration, for science, aeronautics, and technology. Chapter 7 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations for the following purposes relating to international security assistance: (1) under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, nonproliferation, anti- terrorism, demining, and related programs, and peacekeeping operations; and (2) under the Arms Export Control Act, the foreign military financing program. Chapter 8 - Reserves specified amounts under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 (DDAA) for the Corps Surface-to-Air Missile (CORPS SAM) program. (Sec. 5802) Establishes in the Treasury a Support for International Sporting Competitions, Defense, account. (Sec. 5803) Appropriates amounts in addition to those under DDAA for the Dual-Use Applications Program. Division B: Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Title I(sic) : Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area - Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 - Provides that on the determination of the Secretary of Agriculture that certain parcels of land have been donated to the United States without encumbrances and that a binding agreement between the Secretary and owners of specified interests for the disposition of such interests to the Government has been executed: (1) certain land in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon shall be designated as the Opal Creek Wilderness (OCW); (2) the part of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness located within the Forest shall be incorporated into the OCW; and (3) the Secretary shall establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area within the Forest. Requires lands or interests conveyed to the United States to become part of the OCW or the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area as appropriate. (Sec. 105) Requires, with respect to such Area, the Secretary to: (1) prepare a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan which shall become part of the land and resource management plan for the Forest; (2) permit recreation activities at no less than the levels in existence upon enactment of this Act; (3) prepare a transportation plan to maintain reasonable motorized and other access to recreation sites and facilities, including access by persons with disabilities (otherwise prohibits motorized vehicles in the Area); (4) permit hunting and fishing, with limitations; (5) prohibit the cutting or selling of trees, with specified exceptions; and (6) review and revise the inventory of cultural and historic resources on the public land in the Area. Withdraws Area lands from operations under the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws. Specifies exceptions applicable with respect to the Bornite Project. Places restrictions on new water impoundments in the Area. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory council for the Area and to consult with the Council and seek the views of private groups, individuals, the public, other government agencies, and nonprofit organizations regarding the Area. (Sec. 107) Provides for the acquisition of lands within the Area. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any necessary environmental response actions within the Area. (Sec. 108) Provides for an equal-value land exchange between the Rosboro Lumber Company and the Government. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 109) Amends the Wild and Scenic Recreation Rivers Act to designate Elkhorn Creek as a wild and scenic river. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary, upon completion of a management plan and receipt of an economic development projects plan developed by the State of Oregon, to provide $15 million to Oregon to be used to make grants and loans for such projects that benefit the local communities in the vicinity of the Area. Requires the State to report annually on the use of such funds. Title II: Upper Klamath Basin - Directs the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, through the Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office, to propose ecological restoration projects, economic development and stability projects, and projects designed to reduce the impacts of drought conditions to be undertaken in the Upper Klamath Basin in Oregon based on a consensus of the Working Group membership. Requires the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Requires the Secretary to formulate a cooperative agreement among the Working Group, the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force, the Trinity River Restoration Task Force, and the Klamath River Basin Compact Commission to ensure that projects proposed and funded through the Group are consistent with other basin-wide fish and wildlife restoration and conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Deschutes Basin - Directs the Deschutes River Basin Working Group to propose ecological restoration projects on Federal and non-Federal lands and waters to be undertaken in the Deschutes River Basin based on a consensus of the Working Group membership, provided that such projects, when involving Federal land or funds, shall be proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in the Department of the Interior and other Federal agencies with affected land or funds. Requires BOR to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Mount Hood Corridor - Provides for an equal-value land exchange between Longview Fibre Company and the Secretary of the Interior. Requires: (1) all lands managed by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in the Mount Hood Corridor which can be seen from U.S. Highway 26 to be managed primarily for the protection or enhancement of scenic qualities; and (2) management prescriptions for other resource values associated with these lands to be planned and conducted for purposes other than timber harvest, so as not to impair scenic qualities in the Corridor. Allows timber cutting in the Corridor after a resource-damaging catastrophic event only for specified management objectives. Requires Forest Service Road 2503 to remain closed, except for limited uses, to protect resources and to prevent illegal dumping and vandalism in the Corridor. Exempts this title from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for one year. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coquille Tribal Forest - Amends the Coquille Restoration Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, two years after enactment of this title, to take approximately 5,400 acres in Coos County, Oregon, into trust for the Coquille Tribe. Designates such lands as the Coquille Forest. Provides for management of such lands by BLM in the interim two years. Directs the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs to initiate development of a forest management plan and the Secretary to assist in the transition of forest management operations to the Assistant Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) manage the Forest, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, under applicable State and Federal forestry and environmental protection laws, subject to critical habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act and to the standards and guidelines of Federal forest plans on adjacent or nearby Federal lands, and in accordance with the laws pertaining to the management of Indian Trust lands; and (2) distribute revenues in accordance with existing Federal law. Subjects unprocessed logs harvested from the Forest to the same Federal statutory restrictions on exportation to foreign nations that apply to unprocessed logs harvested from Federal lands. Requires all sales of timber from land subject to this title to be advertised, offered, and awarded according to competitive bidding practices, with sales being awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Allows the Secretary, upon a satisfactory showing of management competence, to enter into a binding Indian self-determination agreement with the Tribe which provides for it to carry out all or a portion of the forest management for the Forest. Conditions the agreement on the: (1) Tribe entering into a binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Oregon relating to the establishment and management of the Forest; and (2) Secretary's authority to rescind the agreement without encumbrances. Requires the Forest to remain open to public access for purposes of hunting, fishing, recreation, and transportation, except when closed by Federal or State law or when the Tribe and the State of Oregon agree in writing that access restrictions are necessary or appropriate to prevent harm to natural resources, cultural resources, or environmental quality. Vests jurisdiction in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon over actions: (1) against the Secretary arising out of claims that this title has been violated; and (2) between Oregon and the Tribe arising out of claims of breach of the MOA. Prohibits suits against the Secretary for claims that the MOA has been violated. Limits remedies available under this title to equitable relief and excludes damages. Specifies exclusive regulatory civil jurisdiction vested in the State of Oregon. Title VI: Bull Run Watershed Protection - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit timber cutting within the hydrographic boundary of the Bull Run River Drainage, including certain lands within the unit and located below the headworks of Portland, Oregon's water storage and delivery project, except for the: (1) protection or enhancement of water quality in the area; (2) protection, enhancement, or maintenance of water quantity available from the area; (3) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of municipal water supply facilities; or (4) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of facilities for the transmission of energy through and over the unit or previously authorized hydroelectric projects associated with such facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a salvage sale in the Area. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to specified congressional committees on that part of the Little Sandy Watershed that is within the Bull Run Management Unit (study area) to determine: (1) the impact of management activities within the study area on the quality of drinking water provided to the Portland metropolitan area; (2) the identity and location of certain ecological features within the study area; and (3) the location and extent of any significant cultural or other values within the study area. Prohibits the Secretary from advertising, offering, or awarding any timber sale within the study area for a two-year period after the enactment of this title. (Sec. 606) Provides that lands within the Bull Run Management Unit but not contained within the Bull Run River Drainage shall continue to be managed in accordance with existing Federal law. Title VII: Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions - Designates as wilderness: (1) certain lands within the boundaries of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; and (2) all other federally owned rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographic miles off the Oregon coast and above mean high tide and also within the Refuge boundaries under the administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or presently under the jurisdiction of BLM. Makes permanent Public Land Order 6287 which withdrew certain rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographical miles off the coast of Oregon and above mean high tide as an addition to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Title VIII: Umpqua River Land Exchange Study - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to: (1) consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the Umpqua Land Exchange Project (ULEP), affected units and agencies of State and local government, and, as appropriate, the World Forestry Center and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to assist ULEP's ongoing efforts in studying and analyzing land exchange opportunities in the Umpqua River basin and to provide assistance and information to such entities; and (2) report thereon to specified congressional committees. Lists priority matters for specific study by the Secretaries, including identifying: (1) areas where consolidation of land ownership could promote long term species protection; (2) areas where land exchanges might be utilized to better satisfy sustainable timber harvest goals; and (3) options to insure that post-exchange revenues will approximate pre-exchange revenues. (Sec. 803) Authorizes appropriations. Division C: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 - Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 - Title I(sic): Improvements to Border Control, Facilitation of Legal Entry, and Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at the Border - Directs the Attorney General to increase the number of Border Patrol agents through FY 2001. Authorizes the increase of Border Patrol support personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for barrier and road improvements at U.S. border areas of high illegal entry, including San Diego, California. Authorizes appropriations for San Diego area improvements. (Sec. 103) Provides for: (1) improved border equipment and technology; and (2) biometric identifiers to be included in border crossing identification cards. (Sec. 105) Establishes civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. (Sec. 106) Provides for a review of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) hiring and training standards. (Sec. 107) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate the Attorney General's border strategy. (Sec. 108) Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for high speed flights from immigration checkpoints. (Sec. 109) Provides for: (1) a joint study of automated data collection at points of entry; and (2) development of an automated (alien) entry-exit control system. (Sec. 111) Directs the Attorney General to submit a final plan for the realignment of interior Border Patrol positions to front-line border positions. (Sec. 112) Authorizes additional appropriations for the INS IDENT program for fingerprinting of apprehended aliens. Subtitle B: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the number of land border inspectors for FY 1997 and 1998. (Sec. 122) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to: (1) extend (and enlarge) through FY 2000 land border inspection projects (including commuter lanes); and (2) authorize automated land border entry pilot projects. (Sec. 123) Provides for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports serving as departure points for high numbers of inadmissible aliens; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent documentation detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. (Sec. 125) Authorizes the Attorney General to permit foreign officer at U.S. preclearance facilities. Bases their authority and immunity upon reciprocity with U.S. immigration officers. Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement - Authorizes appropriations to increase the number of INS investigators and support personnel assigned to investigate: (1) visa overstayers; and (2) employer violations and alien smuggling. (Sec. 133) Amends the Act to authorize the Attorney General to accept State services to carry out immigration enforcement activities. (Sec. 134) Requires at least ten full-time INS agents per State. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize INS wiretaps for alien smuggling or document fraud investigations; (2) include alien document and smuggling offenses; and (3) include such offenses within the parameters of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute (RICO) if done for financial gain. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to revise and increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 204) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys by at least 25, and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. (Sec. 205) Authorizes and provides for INS undercover operations. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses, including false citizenship claims and unlawful voting. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal and penalty provisions, including: (1) inadmissibility of previously removed unlawful aliens; (2) inspection and expedited removal (including a required General Accounting Office study); (3) alien apprehension and detention; (4) removal procedures; (5) judicial review; and (6) penalties relating to removal. Sets forth transition provisions. Subtitle B: Criminal Alien Provisions - Amends the Act to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." (Sec. 323) Authorizes special registration of aliens on criminal probation or parole. (Sec. 324) Extends criminal liability for illegal reentry to an alien who has departed the United States while under an outstanding order of exclusion or deportation. (Sec. 326) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to: (1) direct INS to operate a criminal alien identification system, including fingerprint identification; and (2) increase and extend authorization of appropriations through FY 2001 for the criminal alien tracking center. (Sec. 328) Amends the Act to permit the use of State criminal alien assistance program funds for State, local, and municipal alien incarceration costs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be more expeditiously distributed. (Sec. 329) Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct a six-month demonstration project for identification of illegal aliens in local prisons, including the detailing of an INS specialist to Anaheim, California, and Ventura County, California. (Sec. 330) Provides for: (1) the President to negotiate or renegotiate bilateral (alien) prisoner transfer treaties, including provision of compensation; and (2) training of foreign law enforcement personnel. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to conduct a prisoner transfer treaties study. (Sec. 332) Directs the Attorney General to submit an annual report on criminal aliens. (Sec. 333) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to: (1) review and promulgate sentencing guidelines with respect to a person conspiring with or assisting an alien to commit an offense under the Controlled Substance Import and Export Act; and (2) promulgate sentencing guidelines for increased penalties for failure to depart, illegal reentry, and passport and visa fraud. Subtitle C: Revision of Grounds for Exclusion and Deportation - Amends the Act to require (with exceptions) proof of specified health vaccinations for aliens seeking admission as immigrants or for adjustment of status. (Sec. 342) Makes "incitement of terrorist activity" a basis for exclusion. (Sec. 343) Establishes certification requirements for aliens seeking U.S. health care employment (other than physicians). (Sec. 344) Provides for exclusion and deportation of aliens who have falsely claimed U.S. citizenship. (Sec. 345) Authorizes a waiver of exclusion or deportation for civil document fraud under specified family-related circumstances. (Sec. 346) Makes an alien inadmissible for five years for student visa violations. (Sec. 347) Amends Federal criminal law to provide for exclusion and deportation of an alien who has illegally voted. (Sec. 348) Amends the Act with respect to waivers of inadmissibility for: (1) immigrants convicted of crimes; and (2) family hardship. (Sec. 350) Establishes grounds for exclusion and deportation for offenses of domestic violence, stalking, crimes against children, and violation of protection orders. (Sec. 352) Provides for exclusion of former U.S. citizens who renounced citizenship in order to avoid U.S. taxation. Subtitle D: Changes in Removal of Alien Terrorist Provisions - Amends the Act to revise alien terrorist special removal procedures, including establishment of a panel of special attorneys with access to classified information. (Sec. 355) Revises terrorist related provisions regarding: (1) exclusion for membership; (2) judicial review of terrorist organization designation; and (3) voluntary departure. Subtitle E: Transportation of Aliens - Amends the Act with regard to vessel, aircraft, and railway transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle F: Additional Provisions - Amends the Act to set forth immigration judge (special inquiry officer) compensation provisions. (Sec. 372) Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate immigration enforcement to State and local officials during circumstances of mass alien arrivals. (Sec. 373) Authorizes payments and cooperative agreements for services, facilities, and equipment with respect to aliens detained by INS in non-Federal institutions. (Sec. 374) Extends the scope of judicial deportation. (Sec. 376) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Detention Account. (Sec. 377) Limits court jurisdiction on legalization litigation. (Sec. 380) Establishes: (1) civil penalties for failure to depart; and (2) the Immigration Enforcement Account in the Treasury. (Sec. 383) Amends the Immigration Act of 1990 to exclude aliens who have committed certain crimes from the family unity program. (Sec. 384) Prohibits (with exceptions) an adverse determination of an alien's admissibility or deportability to be made based solely upon information furnished by a spouse or parent who has battered such alien or his or her child. Establishes penalties for use or disclosure of such information. (Sec. 385) Authorizes additional appropriations to the Attorney General for removal of inadmissible or deportable aliens. (Sec. 386) Provides for an increase in INS detention facilities. Requires the Attorney General to report on alien detention space, including an estimate of the number of released deportable or excludable aliens. (Sec. 387) Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense to establish one or more pilot programs to use closed military bases as detention centers for excludable or deportable aliens. (Sec. 388) Directs the Attorney General to report on the interior repatriation program. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Subtitle A: Pilot Programs for Employment Eligibility Confirmation - Directs the Attorney General to conduct: (1) three employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs and a pilot program confirmation system; and (2) a citizen attestation pilot program. Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Employer Sanctions - Reduces specified document requirements in the employer sanctions program. (Sec. 413) Requires reports regarding: (1) additional authority or resources needed for employer sanction enforcement; and (2) earnings of aliens not authorized to work. (Sec. 415) Authorizes the Attorney General to require aliens to provide their social security numbers. (Sec. 416) Grants certain immigration officers witness and document subpoena authority. Subtitle C: Unfair Immigration - Related Employment Practices - Amends the Act to provide that certain employee document requests by an employer shall only be considered as unfair immigration related employment practices if made for discriminatory purposes. Title V: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Aliens for Public Assistance and Benefits - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make certain battered aliens eligible for public benefits. (Sec. 502) Authorizes States to conduct pilot programs of denying driver's licenses to illegal aliens. (Sec. 503) Amends the Social Security Act to make illegal aliens ineligible for social security benefits. (Sec. 504) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to direct the Attorney General to establish procedures for requiring proof of citizenship for Federal public benefits. (Sec. 505) Makes illegal aliens ineligible for in-state tuition rates at institutions of higher learning. (Sec. 506) Directs: (1) the Comptroller General to report on illegal alien receipt of postsecondary Federal student financial assistance; and (2) the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Social Security to report on the computer matching program. (Sec. 507) Amends the Social Security Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the transfer of information for INS verification. (Sec. 508) States that nonprofit charitable organizations shall not be required to verify applicant eligibility. (Sec. 509) Directs the Comptroller General to report on the extent to which means-tested public benefits are being paid to ineligible aliens on behalf of eligible persons. Subtitle B: Public Charge Exclusion - Amends the Act to expand the public charge grounds for exclusion. Subtitle C: Affidavits of Support - Amends the Act, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, to revise sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Exempts indigents and battered spouses and children from sponsor attribution of income provisions. (Sec. 553) Authorizes States and their subdivisions to limit (but not more so than Federal limits) the public assistance eligibility of aliens or classes of aliens. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal criminal law to increase penalties for forging or counterfeiting a Federal agency or department seal to facilitate alien benefit fraud. (Sec. 563) Sets forth State and local emergency medical reimbursement provisions. (Sec. 564) Directs the Attorney General to establish a three-year pilot program to permit aliens to post certain public charge bonds. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Housing Assistance - Use of Assisted Housing by Aliens Act of 1996 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 with respect to: (1) prorating public housing assistance based upon family member eligibility; (2) prohibiting assistance prior to establishment and verification of eligibility; and (3) prohibiting sanctions against entities that make erroneous eligibility determinations. Subtitle F: General Provisions - States that this title and its amendments shall be effective upon enactment of this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Refugees, Parole, and Asylum - Amends the Act to include in the definition of "refugee" a person who has been subject to a coercive population control program (including abortion or sterilization). Provides for a specified number of such entrants annually. (Sec. 602) Makes parole authority useable on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. (Sec. 603) Includes long-term parolees in world-wide levels of family-sponsored immigrants. (Sec. 604) Revises asylum provisions. (Sec. 605) Directs the Attorney General, subject to appropriation availability, to increase the number of asylum officers. (Sec. 606) Repeals the Cuban Adjustment Act, effective upon a presidential determination of a democratically elected government in Cuba. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act - Amends the Act, as amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to increase the number of "witness cooperation" visas. (Sec. 622) Amends the Immigration and Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend, through June 1, 2002, the foreign country residence waiver for international medical graduates. Sets forth restrictions for federally requested waivers. (Sec. 623) Revises legalization and special agricultural worker confidentiality provisions to permit specified disclosures. (Sec. 624) States that a labor certification and petition for certain professional athletes shall remain valid for same-sport team changes. (Sec. 625) Prohibits foreign student status for an alien in a public elementary school or a publicly funded adult education program. Prohibits such status at a public secondary school unless the period in question does not exceed 12 months and the alien has reimbursed the appropriate school agency. Prohibits transfer from a private educational program to such public programs unless the required provisions are met. (Sec. 626) Authorizes the Attorney General to use appropriated funds to transport for burial the remains of INS officers or Border Patrol agents killed in the line of duty. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Visa Processing and Consular Efficiency - Amends the Act to: (1) extend immigrant visa validity to six months; and (2) authorize nonimmigrant visa reciprocity for refugees and permanent residents. (Sec. 632) Eliminates "consular shopping" for visa overstayers. (Sec. 635) Extends the visa waiver program through FY 1997. Sets forth duration and termination provisions based upon a participating country's (nationals) disqualification rate. (Sec. 636) Authorizes a diversity immigrant lottery fee. (Sec. 637) Grants FY 1997 priority eligibility to certain FY 1995 diversity program aliens. Subtitle D: Other Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to collect specified foreign student information from certain institutions of higher education and visitor exchange programs. Expands the program to all countries' nationals after a specified time. (Sec. 642) Prohibits restrictions on INS-governmental communications. (Sec. 644) Directs INS to make information (including legal consequences) available to aliens regarding female genital mutilation. Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for such acts performed on persons under 18 years old, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 646) Provides for status adjustment to permanent resident of specified Polish and Hungarian parolees. (Sec. 647) Makes specified funds available in FY 1997 through 2001 for naturalization demonstration projects. (Sec. 649) Amends Federal law to provide for Federal vessel movement controls in instances of anticipated or actual mass migration of aliens to the United States. (Sec. 650) Directs the Attorney General to report on the practices of entities that administer certain English and civics tests. (Sec. 651) Designates a specified United States Customs Administrative Building in El Paso, Texas, as the "Timothy C. McCaghren Customs Administrative Building." (Sec. 652) Requires: (1) the Attorney General to report on the mail order bride business; and (2) such businesses to disseminate immigration-related information to recruits. Imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. (Sec. 653) Directs the Comptroller General to report on the effectiveness of the H-2A nonimmigrant worker program. (Sec. 654) Directs the Commissioner of the United States Customs Service to report on allegations of commercial harassment by Canadian customs agents along the United States - New Brunswick border. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning the discriminatory application of the New Brunswick Provincial Sales Tax on goods purchased in the United States by New Brunswick residents. (Sec. 656) States that Federal agencies shall only accept birth certificates and drivers licenses for identification purposes that meet specified standards (as of specified dates). Provides grants to assist States to: (1) meet such Federal standards; and (2) match birth and death records. (Sec. 657) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to develop a prototype of a counterfeit-proof social security card. (Sec. 658) Authorizes the Attorney General to transfer equipment and memorabilia to the Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library Foundation in Texas. (Sec. 660) Amends Federal law to authorize INS to use National Guard personnel and equipment to transport certain criminal aliens. Subtitle E: Technical Corrections - Makes technical amendments to: (1) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994; (2) the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994; (3) the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (4) the Immigration Act of 1990; (5) the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990; and (6) the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. Division D: Small Business Programs Improvement Act - Small Business Programs Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I(sic): Amendments to Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a loan risk management database capable of providing timely and accurate information for identifying loan underwriting, collections, recovery, and liquidation problems. Outlines information to be maintained in such database. Provides deadlines for database operational capability. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator to permit lenders participating in the Certified Lenders Program to liquidate loans guaranteed by the SBA pursuant to a liquidation plan approved by the Administrator. Prohibits more than ten percent of the total small business loans guaranteed by the SBA in a fiscal year from being awarded as part of an SBA pilot program commenced on or after October 1, 1996. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the low documentation loan program for loans of $100,000 or less only through lenders with significant experience making small business loans. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations defining the experience necessary for lenders. Prohibits, beginning on March 31, 1997, the sale of the unguaranteed portion of any SBA loan until the promulgation of a final regulation which: (1) applies uniformly to both depository institutions and other lenders; and (2) sets forth sale terms and conditions. Provides for appropriate interest payments for banks or other institutions making a claim for payment on the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan. Directs the Administrator to: (1) submit to the Senate and House Small Business Committees (small business committees) a detailed plan for consolidating in one or more centralized centers the performance of the various loan servicing functions with respect to SBA-guaranteed loans; and (2) commence a standard review program for the Preferred Lender program. Requires the Administrator to conduct, through a private contractor, a comprehensive assessment of the performance of SBA small business loan programs, addressing specified matters, including default rates. Provides contract funding. Requires a report concerning such assessment: (1) from the contractor to the Administrator; and (2) from the Administrator to the small business committees. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator to conduct a demonstration program under which a sample of SBA private sector disaster loans are evaluated to determine the costs and benefits of having the SBA's portfolio of disaster loans serviced under contract rather than directly by SBA employees. Requires: (1) the demonstration program to commence no later than October 1, 1997; and (2) the Administrator to submit interim and final reports to the small business committees on program results. Includes commercial fishery failures or fishery resource disasters within the parameters of the disaster loan program. (Sec. 105) Revises the technical assistance grant and spending limitation requirements under the Microloan Demonstration Program (a program providing grants to women, low-income, and other underprivileged and minority businesses) to authorize the Administrator to award grant funds to a State in excess of 125 percent of the authorized per-State amount when the Administrator determines that a portion of the appropriated microloan funds are unlikely to be awarded during a fiscal year. (Sec. 106) Amends the Small Business Development Center Program to: (1) provide that the Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers shall be responsible for the management and administration of such program and shall not be subject to the approval or concurrence of SBA officials; (2) replace references to the Deputy Associate Administrator of the Small Business Development Center program and the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance with references to the Associate Administrator; and (3) prohibit the SBA, after FY 2000, from renewing or extending any cooperative agreement with a center that has not been approved under a certification program. Provides for a waiver of such prohibition by the Associate Administrator when the center is making a good faith effort to obtain certification. (Sec. 107) Repeals the authority of the SBA to hold seminars to make small businesses aware of opportunities under the small business development center program. (Sec. 108) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to: (1) extend such Program through FY 2000; (2) repeal a provision which prohibits the SBA from adjusting the numerical size standards for the designated industry groups participating in the Program; (3) revise the establishment and termination dates of a simplified data collection system under such Program; and (4) extend reporting requirements under the Program to conform with the Program's extension. (Sec. 109) Repeals on September 29, 1996, a provision of the Small Business Guaranteed Credit Enhancement Act of 1993 which was to repeal, on September 30, 1996, provisions of such Act relating to the authority of the SBA to impose secondary marketing fees and to reduce loan guarantee percentages. (Sec. 110) Extends through FY 1997 the pilot Small Business Technology Transfer Program. (Sec. 111) Provides the SBA level of participation for loans made on a deferred basis under the Export Working Capital Program. Title II: Amendments to Small Business Investment Act - Amends provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 relating to the development company debenture program to require that not less than 50 percent of the total cost of plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion projects under such program be derived from State or local governments, banks or other financial institutions, foundations or other nonprofit institutions, or the small business concern receiving assistance through a body authorized under the program. Provides specified requirements with respect to the funding derived from a participating small business concern. Increases the loan guarantee fee authorized to be collected by the SBA for development company debentures. Authorizes the SBA to: (1) impose a one-time participation fee on all participating institutions named above other than a small business concern; and (2) collect annually from each development company a specified percentage of the outstanding balance of any guaranteed debenture authorized by the SBA after September 30, 1996. (Sec. 203) Provides required actions upon default of a debenture guaranteed by the SBA, including purchase or acceleration of the debenture and prepayment penalties. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator to carry out a loan liquidation pilot program under which certain development companies authorized to make loans and issue debentures under the Act are selected by the Administrator to carry out loan liquidations. Directs participating development companies, as part of the pilot program, to perform all liquidation and foreclosure functions for SBA-guaranteed loans, subject to a loan liquidation plan approved in advance by the Administrator. Outlines SBA authority under the pilot program. Requires a report from the Administrator to the small business committees on the pilot program. (Sec. 205) Amends a provision of the Act relating to the registration of certificates representing ownership of a portion of one or more SBA-guaranteed small business loans to state that nothing shall prohibit the utilization of a book entry or other electronic form of registration for such certificates. Authorizes the Administrator to use the book-entry system of the Federal Reserve System. Provides identical book-entry authority (without reference to the use of the Federal Reserve System) for certificates sold under the small business investment company program and the development company program. (Sec. 206) Directs the SBA to act promptly upon an application from a surety to participate in the Preferred Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Authorizes the SBA to reduce the allotment of bond guarantee authority or terminate the participation of a surety in the Program. (Sec. 207) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the subsidy models prepared by the Office of Management and Budget relative to SBA loan programs tend to overestimate and overemphasize potential and historical losses under such programs. Mandates an independent study to more accurately reflect the budgetary implications of such programs. (Sec. 208) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that an investment in a small business by a venture capital firm, investment company, employee welfare or pension plan, or tax- exempt organization shall be disregarded in the determination of the size of the small business under the Act. Includes as a small business investment company (SBIC) a limited liability company organized and operated in accordance with a State statute approved by the SBA. Requires each SBIC license applicant to apply to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide a status report to such applicant within 90 days and to act on such application within a reasonable time. Specifies matters to be considered. Provides application approval procedures for certain applicants with private capital of not less than $3 million. Repeals a provision authorizing the organization and chartering of SBICs formed to provide financing to socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Increases the private capital requirement of SBICs to: (1) $5 million; or (2) $10 million for applicants seeking authority to issue participating securities to be purchased or guaranteed by the SBA (with an exception in special circumstances and for good cause). Requires the Administrator to determine the adequacy of the private capital of each licensee. Authorizes the Administrator to approve leverage for licensees: (1) with private capital of not less than $2.5 million; (2) that certify that at least 50 percent of its available financing will be provided to smaller enterprises; and (3) when such action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss for the Government. Directs the Administrator to ensure that the management of each licensee licensed after the enactment of this Act is sufficiently diversified from, and unaffiliated with, licensee ownership. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prohibit a licensee having outstanding leverage (debentures or securities guaranteed by the SBA) from incurring third party debt that creates or contributes to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Government; and (2) permit such licensees to incur third party debt only on established terms and conditions. Directs the Administrator: (1) to require each licensee, as a condition of approval of an application for leverage, to certify that not less than 20 percent of its financing will be provided to smaller enterprises; and (2) before approving such applications, to determine to what extent the applicant's private capital has been impaired. Provides, with respect to SBIC debentures or securities purchased and guaranteed by the SBA, for: (1) a revised equity investment requirement; (2) a leverage fee; and (3) calculation of the appropriate subsidy rate. Allows qualified private sector entities to assist the Investment Division of the SBA in the examination of SBICs. Requires each SBIC licensee to submit semiannual evaluations of its loans and investments, except that licensees with no outstanding leverage shall submit such valuations annually. Requires the licensee to notify the Administrator quarterly of any material adverse changes in its loans, investments, or operations. Provides independent certification and audit requirements for SBICs. Requires valuation criteria to be established or approved by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to submit to the small business committees a detailed plan to expedite the orderly liquidation of all licensee assets held in liquidation, including those held in receivership or trust by the SBA. Authorizes the Administrator, with respect to deferred participation loans, to allow participating lending institutions to take actions relating to loan servicing on behalf of the Administrator. Increases to $300 million the amount of guarantees of debentures the Administrator is authorized to make for SBIC programs in FY 1997. Division E: Title I(sic): California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for the initial Federal share of the cost of developing and implementing: (1) a specified portion of an ecosystem protection plan for the San Francisco Bay Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed (Bay-Delta) in California; and (2) the ecosystem restoration elements of the long-term California-Federal Bay-Delta Program. Requires funds authorized to be appropriated to agencies that are currently or that subsequently become Program participants to be in addition to the baseline funding levels established in this Act for currently authorized projects and programs under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act and other currently authorized Federal programs for the purpose of Bay-Delta ecosystem protection and restoration. Authorizes agencies and departments that are or that become participants in the Program to undertake the activities and programs for which Federal cost sharing is provided by this Act. Requires the United States to immediately initiate coordinated consultations and negotiations with California to expeditiously execute a specified cost-sharing agreement signed by its Governor on July 11, 1996. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, as part of the President's FY 1998 Budget, an interagency budget crosscut that displays Federal spending for FY 1993 through 1998 on ecosystem restoration and other purposes in the Bay-Delta Region, separately showing funding provided previously or requested under pre-existing authorities and new authorities granted by this Act.

Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Omnibus Appropriations Title I (sic): Department of Justice Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Title III: The Judiciary Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies Title V: Related Agencies Title VI: General Provisions Title VII: Rescissions Title VIII: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplementals and Rescissions Title I (sic): Department of the Interior Title II: Related Agencies Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Emergency Appropriations Title I (sic): Department of Labor Title II: Department of Health and Human Services Title III: Department of Education Title IV: Related Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Commission on Retirement Income Policy Title I (sic): Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions (This Act) Title VI: General Provisions (Departments, Agencies, and Corporations) Title I (sic): Additional Investment Funds for the Thrift Savings Plan Title II: Thrift Savings Accounts Liquidity Title VII (sic): Counter-Terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement Title II (sic): Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 Title I (sic): Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area Title II: Upper Klamath Basin Title III: Deschutes Basin Title IV: Mount Hood Corridor Title V: Coquille Tribal Forest Title VI: Bull Run Watershed Protection Title VII: Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions Title VIII: Umpqua River Land Exchange Study Title III (sic): Local Empowerment and Flexibility Pilot Act of 1996 Title I (sic): Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending Process Title II: Streamlining Government Regulation Subtitle A: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Requirements and Procedures Subtitle B: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens Subtitle C: Regulatory Micromanagement Title III: Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and Credit Availability Title IV: Consumer Credit Subtitle A: Credit Reporting Reform Subtitle B: Credit Repair Organizations Title V: Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Deposit Insurance Funds Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 - Division 1 - Title I: Omnibus Appropriations - Makes FY 1997 appropriations in amounts necessary for programs, projects or activities provided for in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, as if it had been enacted into law as the regular appropriations Act. Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Justice. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds to pay for an abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the use of funds to require any person to perform, or facilitate the performance of, any abortion. (Sec. 109) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise: (1) quarterly bankruptcy fees; and (2) the formulae for the deposit of portions of such fees in the United States Trustee System Fund. (Sec. 110) Amends specified Federal law to establish in the Treasury the Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund, which shall be available to the Attorney General to make specified payments to telecommunications carriers, equipment manufacturers, and providers of telecommunications support services. (Sec. 111) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Drug Enforcement Administration, together with other appropriate Federal agencies, should take necessary action to end the illegal importation into the United States of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), a drug frequently distributed with the intent to facilitate sexual assault and rape. (Sec. 112) Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize use of specified funds to make supplemental grants to U.S. Attorneys Offices to provide assistance to victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to facilitate their observation or participation at related trial proceedings, and to pay other related expenses. (Sec. 113) Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 with respect to the Secretary of the Treasury's mandated study of taggants marking, rendering inert, and licensing of explosive materials. Repeals: (1) the exclusion of black or smokeless powder from such study; and (2) the requirement for congressional review of such study and congressional hearings on the Secretary's recommendations. Shortens, from 270 to 90 days, the period before proposed regulations for the addition of tracer elements to explosive materials become effective (unless modified or disapproved by an Act of Congress). (Sec. 114) Revises standards for Federal criminal law enforcement applications to judges for multipoint wiretaps and procedures for interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications. Authorizes approval of such wiretaps where there is an adequate showing of intent to thwart interception or actions and conduct that would have that effect. (Sec. 115) Amends Federal criminal law to authorize interceptions of communications in cases of certain terrorism related offenses. Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Commerce and related agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the International Trade Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. Rescinds specified amounts of unobligated balances for: (1) construction of research facilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and (2) operations, research, and facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (Sec. 206) Provides for transfer of appropriations to successor organizations in the event the Department of Commerce is dismantled or reorganized. (Sec. 208) Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated under this or any other Act henceforth to develop new fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations which create new individual fishing quota, individual transferable quota, or new individual transferable effort allocation programs, or to implement any such plans, amendments, or regulations approved by a Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary of Commerce after January 4, 1995, until offsetting fees to pay for administrative costs are expressly authorized under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes such restriction inapplicable to the North Pacific halibut and sablefish, South Atlantic wreckfish, or the Mid-Atlantic surfclam and ocean (including mahogany) quahog individual quota programs. (Sec. 210) Establishes the Bureau of the Census Working Capital Fund to cover costs of maintenance and operation of services and projects that the Director of the Census Bureau determines may be performed more advantageously when centralized. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for activities of the Judiciary, including: (1) the Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) Courts of Appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) Judicial Retirement Funds; and (8) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. (Sec. 305) Extends the Judiciary Automation Fund and related authorities through FY 1998. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the use of funds available to the Judiciary for certain costs related to the appointment of Special Masters before April 26, 1996. (Sec. 307) Establishes a Commission on Structural Alternatives for the Federal Courts of Appeals, which shall report its recommendations to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies - Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for the Department of State and related agencies, programs, and trust funds (including the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the U.S. Information Agency). Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. Provides specified funds for: (1) broadcasting to Cuba; (2) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, in Hawaii; and (3) the North-South Center, in Florida. Title V: Related Agencies - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for: (1) the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation; (2) the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) the Commission on Civil Rights; (4) the Commission on Immigration Reform; (5) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (7) the Federal Communications Commission; (8) the Federal Maritime Commission; (9) the Federal Trade Commission; (10) the Legal Services Corporation; (11) the Marine Mammal Commission; (12) National Bankruptcy Review Commission; (13) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (14) the Small Business Administration; (15) the Gambling Impact Study Commission; (16) the Japan-United States Friendship Commission; (17) the State Justice Institute; and (18) the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. Continues certain requirements and restrictions with respect to use of funds by the Legal Services Corporation. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations and prohibitions on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 606) Prohibits the use of funds for the construction, repair, overhaul, conversion, or modernization of vessels for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in shipyards located outside of the United States. (Sec. 607) Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. Declares ineligible to receive any Federal contract or subcontract made with funds under this Act any person finally determined by a court or Federal agency to have intentionally affixed a false "Made in America" label to any product sold in or shipped to the United States that is not made in the United States. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission covering harassment based on religion, when it is made known that such guidelines do not differ from certain proposed guidelines. (Sec. 609) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act, unless certain conditions are met, to pay for costs incurred for: (1) opening or operating any U.S. diplomatic or consular post in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that was not operating on July 11, 1995; (2) expanding any such post that was in operation on such date; or (3) increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts above the level existing on such date. Allows the use of such funds for such purposes only if the President certifies that the Vietnamese Government is fully cooperating with the United States in specified activities relating to the investigation and recovery of missing U.S. military personnel, including: (1) resolution of discrepancy cases, live-sightings, and field activities; (2) recovery and repatriation of American remains; (3) provision of documents on POW-MIAs; and (4) implementation of trilateral investigations with Laos. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the use of funds in this Act for any United Nations peacekeeping mission involving U.S. forces under the command or control of a foreign national, if the President's military advisors have not recommended that such involvement is in the U.S. national security interest, and the President has not submitted such a recommendation to the Congress. (Sec. 611) Prohibits the use of funds in this Act to provide specified amenities or personal comforts in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 614) Prohibits funds in this Act for the Federal Bureau of Prisons from being used to distribute or make available to a prisoner any commercially published information or material that is sexually explicit or features nudity. (Sec. 615) Limits the amount of State and local law enforcement assistance funds which may be provided to any entity under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 if that entity does not provide a certain level of health insurance benefits to its employed public safety officers who retire or are separated from service due to injury suffered in the line of duty while responding to an emergency situation or a hot pursuit. (Sec. 616) Amends Federal patent law to shield a medical practitioner or related health care entity from liability for patent infringement even though such practitioner's performance of a medical activity constitutes a patent infringement. Denies this exemption from liability to the activities of any person (or employee or agent), regardless of tax-exempt status, who is engaged in the commercial development, manufacture, sale, importation, or distribution of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or the provision of pharmacy or clinical laboratory services (other than those provided in a physician's office), if such activities: (1) are directly related to such commercial development, and so forth; and (2) are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, or the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act. (Sec. 617) Amends the Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1980 to repeal the mandate that Department of Justice organizations notify congressional committees before reprogramming funds or taking certain other administrative actions. (Sec. 618) Prohibits any Federal agency from using funds to pay administrative expenses or compensation of any Federal officer or employee to deny certain qualified applications for permits to import U.S. origin "curios or relics" firearms, parts, or ammunition. (Sec. 619) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide a guarantee or commitment to guarantee, under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, for shipyard infrastructure development and modernization and for vessels integral to the reactivation and modernization of an eligible shipyard that receives such a guarantee. Title VII: Rescissions - Rescinds specified amounts from unobligated balances under the following headings for the Department of Justice: (1) general administration, working capital fund; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service, Immigration Emergency Fund. Title VIII: Fiscal Year 1996 Supplementals and Rescissions - Provides for specified additional funds for FY 1997, and rescissions of similar unobligated amounts for FY 1996, for the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System salaries and expenses. Makes appropriations for programs, projects, or activities provided for in the following bills, as if they had been enacted into law: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 (H.R. 3610), as passed by the Senate on July 18, 1996; (2) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (H.R. 3540), as passed by the Senate on July 26, 1996; and (3) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, as provided in the Act that follows. Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for the FY 1997 operation of the Department of the Interior, setting forth uses and prohibitions on the use of funds under this title. Names the Bureau of Land Management's Visitor Center in Rand, Oregon, the William B. Smullin Visitor Center. Prohibits the National Park Service from spending any funds under this Act for activities in direct response to the United Nations Biodiversity Initiative in the United States. Authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to transfer NPS funds to State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations to carry out NPS programs. Provides certain funds for closure of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, including payments for workers compensation and unemployment compensation for former Bureau employees. (Sec. 114) Establishes in the Treasury a franchise fund pilot for capitalizing and operating central administrative services. (Sec. 115) Amends the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act (Public Law 102-495) to allow the State of Washington, upon appropriation of a specified amount for the Federal Government to acquire the Elwha and Glines dams, and upon submission to Congress by the State of a binding agreement to remove them within a reasonable period of time, to purchase such dams from the Federal Government for $2. Repeals such Act upon purchase of the dams by the State. (Sec. 116) Extends, for one year, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission (Massachusetts and Rhode Island). (Sec. 117) Designates and ratifies assignment to the University of Utah as successor to, and beneficiary of, all the existing assets, revenues, funds and rights granted to the State of Utah under the Miners Hospital Grant and the School of Mines Grant. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept relinquishment of all remaining and unconveyed entitlement for quantity grants owed the State of Utah for the Miners Hospital Grant and any unconveyed entitlement that may remain for the University of Utah School of Mines Grant. (Sec. 118) Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to increase from 20 to 50 the number of new tribes per year which the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Office of Self-Governance, may select from an applicant pool to participate in self-governance. (Sec. 119) Allows the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to carry out specified revenue-generating activities, including charging museum admission fees, if such revenue is covered into a designated special fund. (Sec. 120) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to transfer: (1) to Lander County, Nevada, title to the former BLM administrative site and associated buildings in Battle Mountain, Nevada; and (2) to the State of Nevada, title to the surplus BLM District Office building in Winnemucca, Nevada. (Sec. 121) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer a certain Grumman Goose aircraft to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage, Alaska. (Sec. 122) Amends the Mesquite Lands Act of 1988 to require the City of Mesquite, Nevada, to notify the Secretary of the Interior, within a specified period, as to which of specified public lands it wishes to purchase. Father Aull Site Transfer Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey without consideration certain land near Silver City, New Mexico, to Saint Vincent DePaul Parish. (Sec. 125) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use BLM appropriations to enter into cooperative agreements, directly or indirectly through State, local, or tribal governments, with willing private landowners for restoration and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and other biotic resources on public or private land or both that benefit these resources on public lands within the watershed. (Sec. 126) Designates the visitor center at Channel Islands National Park, California, the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service, including additional amounts for emergency rehabilitation, forest fire presuppression due to emergencies, and wildfire suppression activities. Prohibits the use of funds to implement any reorganization or "reinvention" of the Forest Service, without the consent of the congressional appropriations committees, other than the relocation of a specified regional office from San Francisco to excess military property at Mare Island, Vallejo, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the congressional appropriations committees on the status and disposition of all salvage timber sales started under the emergency salvage timber sale program mandated by the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Additional Disaster Assistance, for Anti-terrorism Initiatives, for Assistance in the Recovery from the Tragedy that Occurred at Oklahoma City, and Rescissions Act, 1995 and subsequently withdrawn or delayed and completed under different authorities as a consequence of the Secretary's July 2, 1996 directive on the implementation of the mandate. Names the Pacific Northwest Research Station Silviculture Laboratory in Bend, Oregon, the Robert W. Chandler Building. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for fossil energy research and development, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the SPR Petroleum Account, and other activities. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for clean coal technology, making them available for any ongoing DOE project. Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell a specified dollar amount of oil in FY 1997 from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and deposit the proceeds in an SPR Operating Fund. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service for services and facilities. Appropriates funds for FY 1997 to: (1) the Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for Indian Education; (2) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation; (3) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (4) the Smithsonian Institution; (5) the National Gallery of Art; (6) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (7) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Makes FY 1997 appropriations for: (1) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (2) the Institute of Museum Services; (3) the Commission of Fine Arts; (4) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (5) the National Capital Planning Commission; (6) the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission; and (7) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Sets forth uses and prohibitions on funds under this title. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth uses and limitations of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 307) Requires expenditures under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving Federal assistance should purchase only American-made equipment and products. Prohibits Federal contracts with persons found to have falsely labeled a product with a "Made in America" inscription. (Sec. 312) Permits the use of funds from this Act for the AmeriCorps program, subject to availability of funds under the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies FY 1997 appropriations bill, and only if the relevant agencies follow appropriate reprogramming guidelines. (Sec. 316) Places limitations on the type of grant awards that can be made by the National Endowment for the Arts. (Sec. 317) Prohibits the use of funds for any rules or regulations under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to assert jurisdiction, management, or control over any waters (other than non-navigable waters on Federal lands), non-Federal lands, or lands selected by, but not conveyed to, Alaska under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 or the Alaska Statehood Act of 1959, or an Alaska Native Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (Sec. 318) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to review or modify sourcing areas previously approved under specified provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 or to enforce or implement specified Federal regulations. Prohibits adoption of policies that would restrain domestic transportation or processing of timber from private lands or impose additional accountability requirements on any timber. (Sec. 319) Extends through FY 1999 the authority to collect recreation fees under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, and through FY 2002 the availability in accounts of the fees collected. (Sec. 320) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any activity in connection with a scenic shoreline drive in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan. (Sec. 321) Prohibits the Bureau of Indian Affairs from using funds under this Act to transfer any land into trust under the Indian Reorganization Act or any other Federal statute that does not explicitly denominate and identify a specific tribe or specific property, except where there is a binding agreement, between the tribe that will have jurisdiction over such land and the appropriate State and local officials, for the collection and payment of: (1) State and local sales and excise taxes, including any special tax on motor fuel, tobacco, or alcohol, on retail items sold to a non-member of the tribe by any retail establishment on such land; or (2) an agreed upon payment in lieu of such taxes. (Sec. 322) Transfers specified land, including the Bend Silviculture Lab, to the Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon. (Sec. 323) Prohibits the use of any funds for activities of the Office of Forestry and Economic Assistance, or any successor office. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) accept title to specified land in Prince Georges County, Maryland, adjacent to Oxon Cove Park, on condition that it has not become contaminated with hazardous substances; and (2) in exchange, convey to the Corrections Corporation of America specified land located in Oxon Cove Park in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 325) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain National Forest lands (including a wastewater treatment facility) in Chelan County, Washington, for certain lands owned by Public Utility District Number 1 of Chelan County, Washington. Snoqualmie National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify the boundary of the Snoqualmie National Forest to include specified adjacent lands in Washington State. Sugarbush Land Exchange Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conveyance to Sugarbush Resort Holdings, Inc., of certain land in the Green Mountain National Forest, in exchange for cash or other land, proceeds from the sale of which shall become part of such National Forest. (Sec. 328) Amends the North Carolina Wilderness Act of 1984 to remove 100 acres from the Snowbird Wilderness Study Area. (Sec. 329) Renames the Columbia Wilderness the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. (Sec. 330) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior for FY 1997 to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts as part of the "Jobs in the Woods" component of the President's Forest Plan for the Pacific Northwest to individuals and entities in historically timber-dependent areas of Washington, Oregon, and northern California that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands. (Sec. 331) Amends the Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act to declare that, for purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, settlement lands shall not be treated as Indian lands. (Sec. 332) Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior during FY 1997 from expending any funds to develop, promulgate, implement, or enforce any regulation or procedure providing for the establishment of class III gaming (as defined under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) in the absence of a tribal-State compact. Title IV: Emergency Appropriations - Makes additional appropriations for specified functions and activities of the Department of Agriculture and of the Department of the Interior. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies, programs, and various trust funds, within the Department of Labor. Prescribes uses and limitations on the use of funds under this title. (Sec. 105) Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt inmates from minimum wage and overtime requirements. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Prescribes limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this title. (Sec. 213) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the relocation of the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center (located in Louisiana) and its patients, in accordance with specified requirements. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to such Center. (Sec. 216) Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, with the assistance of the Agency for Health Care Policy Research, to report to the appropriate congressional committees a review of research on treatment of end-stage emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by specified surgical procedures, and recommend as to the appropriateness of Medicare coverage of such conditions and procedures. (Sec. 217) Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to increase the maximum allowable State grant allotment. (Sec. 218) Names the new clinical research center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research and Patient Care Center. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Education, subject to certain requirements for and limitations of their use. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to transport teachers or students in order to: (1) overcome racial imbalance in any school or school system; or (2) carry out a racial desegregation plan. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the use of funds to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in the public schools. (Sec. 304) Limits the amount of funds which may be used for specified student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Prohibits the Secretary of Education from using HEA funds for subsequent fiscal years for administrative expenses of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. (Sec. 307) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to additional assistance for heavily impacted local educational agencies (LEAs) to allow LEAs to participate in the determination of maximum impact aid payments. (Sec. 308) Amends HEA with respect to the Quality Assurance Program to require experimental sites authorized by the Secretary of Education to test alternative data verification. (Sec. 309) Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to provide for use of State allotments to award subgrants to LEAs to support the use of computers and computer-related technology, the use of technology-enhanced curricula and instruction, the purchase of computers, or computer-related technology. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the following agencies or programs: (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service (for domestic volunteer service programs); (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Council on Disability; (8) National Education Goals Panel; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Social Security Administration, for various trust funds and programs; (15) Railroad Retirement Board; and (16) United States Institute of Peace. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements and limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug unless the Surgeon General Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines that such programs are effective in preventing the spread of HIV and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs. (Sec. 506) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the use of funds to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother or where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 510) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for the expenses of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) task force. (Sec. 511) Prohibits use of funds in this Act to enforce specified requirements under HEA with respect to any lender that has a guaranteed student loan portfolio less than $5 million. (Sec. 512) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for: (1) the creation of a human embryo or embryos for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under certain Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the National Labor Relations Board from using funds in this Act to assert jurisdiction over any labor dispute which does not involve any class or category of employer over which the Board would assert jurisdiction under the standards prevailing on August 1, 1959, with each financial threshold amount adjusted for inflation in a specified manner. (Sec. 524) Permanently cancels a specified amount of the budgetary resources available to agencies (except the Food and Drug Administration and the Indian Health Service) in this Act for salaries and expenses, such cancelled amount to be allocated by the Office of Management and Budget. (Sec. 525) Provides for voluntary separation incentives for employees of the Railroad Retirement Board and its Office of Inspector General. Title VI: Commission on Retirement Income Policy - Commission on Retirement Income Policy Act of 1996 - Establishes the Commission on Retirement Income Policy to study and report to the President and Congress on: (1) trends in retirement savings in the United States; (2) existing Federal incentives and programs to encourage and protect such savings; and (3) new Federal incentives and programs needed for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic): Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1997. (Sec. 118) Amends the Federal criminal code, with respect to licensing and related gun show sales requirements for firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers, to declare that nothing in such requirements shall be construed to diminish the right of a licensee to conduct "curios or relics" firearms transfers and business away from its business premises with another licensee without regard to whether the place where the business is conducted is located in the State specified on the license of either licensee. Title II: Postal Service - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1997. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration; (5) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (6) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (7) the National Archives and Records Administration; (8) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (9) the Office of Government Ethics; (10) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Counsel; and (13) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. (Sec. 407) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to establish, acquire space for, and equip flexiplace work telecommuting centers, and charge fees, for use by employees of Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector. (Sec. 408) Directs the Administrator of General Services to acquire certain land in Portland, Oregon, for construction of a proposed Law Enforcement Center on the site. (Sec. 409) Amends specified Federal law to mandate conveyance of certain real property at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant to the City of Middleton, Iowa. Repeals the requirement that the City pay fair market value for such property. Requires the Secretary of the Army to permit the City to use existing water and sewer lines and sewage system at the Plant for a three-year period after conveyance. (Sec. 410) Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey, without compensation, to the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development certain real property in Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 411) Declares that certain land in Denver, Colorado, shall not be subject to condemnation by any Federal agency or instrumentality without the owner's consent. Makes appropriations for FY 1997, also, for: (1) specified Government contributions, with respect to retired Federal employees, as payments for annuitants, employee health benefits and life insurance; and (2) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Title V: General Provisions (This Act) - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 503) Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that each mint have a superintendent and an assayer, and the Philadelphia mint have an engraver, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (Sec. 512) Requires entities appropriated funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the availability of funds under this Act to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefit program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 521) Considers Personal Service Contractors (PSC) employed by the Department of the Treasury outside the United States to be Federal employees for purposes of Federal employee health and life insurance. (Sec. 523) Amends Federal law to allow for the minting of 24 karat gold coins and of platinum coins. (Sec. 525) Directs the heads of the Internal Revenue Service, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and of the U.S. Customs Service to submit to specified congressional committees their respective strategic plans for making voluntary separation incentive ("buyout") payments, meeting specified requirements, to eligible employees. Requires reduction of an agency's total number of funded employee positions by the number of employees separating and receiving such payments. (Sec. 526) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay up to $500,000 to reimburse former employees of the White House Travel Office, terminated on May 19, 1993, for attorney fees and related costs (except those incurred with respect to any Congressional hearing or investigation). (Sec. 527) Prohibits use of funds in this Act by the Executive Office of the President to request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) any official background investigation report on any individual without the individual's express written consent. (Sec. 528) Closes to the public a specified alley in Washington, D.C., on which the Federal Government is constructing a facility. Grants the Administrator of General Services administrative jurisdiction over, and title on behalf of the United States to, the alley, facility, and related property. (Sec. 529) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary, beginning January 1, 1999, to mint and issue commemorative coins in no more than two commemorative coin programs per calendar year. Specifies mintage levels and conditions on payment of surcharges to recipient organizations. Requires quarterly financial reports to the Congress on commemorative coin programs. Sets a fixed four-year term for members of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and provides for election of a Chairperson. Title VI: General Provisions (Departments, Agencies, and Corporations) - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by all Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 624) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for certain types of employee training, including those containing elements: (1) inducing high emotional or psychological stress; (2) associated with religious, quasi-religious, or "new age" belief systems; (3) offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle; or (4) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) other than that necessary for specified purposes. (Sec. 627) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 (title IV of the Government Management Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-356) to extend through FY 2001 the franchise fund pilot program. (Sec. 632) Designates a specified U.S. Courthouse under construction in Portland, Oregon, as the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse. (Sec. 633) Amends Federal civil service law for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to mandate survivor annuity resumption, as well as resumption of Federal employees health benefits, upon divorce for a disabled child whose annuity and Federal health benefits had terminated because of marriage. (Sec. 634) Amends Federal civil service law for CSRS and FERS to allow a Federal employee involuntarily terminated due to a reduction in force or transfer of function to apply unused annual leave to remain on the agency's rolls after the would-be separation date if, and only to the extent that, such additional time in pay status will enable the employee to meet minimum age and service requirements for title to an immediate annuity, or to qualify to carry health benefits coverage into retirement. (Sec. 635) Amends the Federal criminal code to specify that certain post-employment restrictions for senior officials do not apply to Federal officers and employees whose basic rate of compensation is below level 5 of the Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 636) Provides for Federal agency reimbursement to Federal law enforcement officers and Federal supervisors or management officials for up to half the costs they incur for professional liability insurance. Applies such reimbursement authority to the Legislative Branch, including any office or committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as well as to the Executive Branch. (Sec. 639) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize all Federal agencies to receive and use funds resulting from the sale of Federal records disposed of pursuant to a record schedule (the Federal Register) which are subsequently recovered through recycling or waste prevention programs. (Sec. 640) Authorizes Federal agency heads to use private sector to review and analyze the contracting out, outsourcing or privatization of business and administrative functions and related issues subject to the Information Technology Management Act (title LI of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1996). (Sec. 641) Amends the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to authorize appropriations for their FY 1998 through 2002 activities under such Act to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel. (Sec. 643) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 with respect to co-chairs, the meeting quorum, donations to, and travel allowances of the National Commission on Restructuring the Internal Revenue Service. (Sec. 644) Amends Federal law to increase from $10,000 to $30,000 the annual salary of each Governor on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. (Sec. 645) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to the Congress estimates of the total annual costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs, together with: (1) an analysis of the impact of Federal rules on the private sector as well as on Federal, State, and local governments; (2) cost-benefit estimates for each rule likely to have a gross annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more in increased costs; and (3) recommendations to reform or eliminate any Federal regulatory program or program element that is inefficient, ineffective, or not a sound use of national resources. (Sec. 646) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 to extend the authority of the OMB Director with respect to simplification of the management reporting process. (Sec. 647) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer to the University of Miami, without charge, title to the real property and improvements that constitute the Perrine Primate Center. (Sec. 648) Amends the Federal criminal code to upgrade counterfeiting offenses from a class C to a class B felony, thus increasing penalties. Prescribes criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments (including fictitious obligations) purporting to be those of State or local governments or of private organizations. (Sec. 649) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by a Federal agency to provide a Federal employee's home address to any labor organization without the employee's consent or a court order. (Sec. 650) Requires the Inspector General of each Federal agency to audit and report on the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime by employees. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue revised guidelines to limit or, in specified circumstances, prohibit the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime. (Sec. 651) Authorizes a Federal agency head to pay up to $10,000 in a death gratuity to the personal representative of a civilian employee whose death resulted from an injury sustained on the job on or after August 2, 1990. (Sec. 653) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to : (1) establish scientific certification standards for explosives detection canines; (2) provide for certification of explosives detection canines employed by Federal agencies; and (3) establish a program for the training of canines for explosives detection at U.S. airports. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 654) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national repository of information on incidents involving arson and the suspected criminal use of explosives. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 655) Amends Federal law to allow a Trustee of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation to serve past expiration of his or her term until a successor is chosen. (Sec. 656) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to transfer directly to Indian tribes in North and South Dakota portable housing units at the Grand Forks Air Force base in North Dakota which the Department of Defense has declared excess. (Sec. 657) Amends the Federal criminal code to limit to firearms that have moved in or otherwise affect interstate or foreign commerce the existing prohibition against the possession or discharge of firearms in a school zone. (Sec. 658) Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to sell firearms to anyone who has been convicted in any court of any crime involving domestic violence, if the individual has been represented by counsel or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel. Makes it unlawful for such persons to engage in the trafficking of firearms. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations providing for the effective receipt and secure storage of firearms relinquished by such persons. (Sec. 659) Title I (sic): Additional Investment Funds for the Thrift Saving Plan - Thrift Savings Investment Funds Act of 1996 - Amends Federal civil service law to add two new funds, the International Stock Index Investment Fund and the Small Capitalization Stock Index Fund, to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) under the Federal Employees Retirement System. Title II: Thrift Savings Accounts Liquidity - Thrift Savings Plan Act of 1996 - Increases withdrawal options for TSP participants upon separation from employment. Eliminates the purpose requirements for taking a TSP loan. Requires an employee or member, before a loan is issued, to be given appropriate information in writing about the cost of the loan relative to other sources of financing, as well as the lifetime cost of the loan, including the difference in interest rates between the funds offered by the Thrift Savings Fund, and any other effect of such loan on the employee's or member's final account balance before a loan is issued. Permits a TSP participant, before separation, to make a one-time withdrawal from the account upon: (1) attaining age 59 and one-half; or (2) financial hardship. Revises provisions concerning notification of an employee's or Member's spouse upon making or changing a withdrawal election. Eliminates the definition of basic pay with respect to the TSP. (Sec. 660) Authorizes interagency financing to carry out the purposes of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission. (Sec. 661) Designates the U.S. courthouse to be constructed at a specified site in Omaha, Nebraska, the Roman L. Hruska United States Courthouse. Title VII (sic): Counter-terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement - Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 (sic) - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and to the President for: (1) the Office of Foreign Assets Control; (2) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (3) the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) Federal drug control programs. Makes additional FY 1996 appropriations to the Department of Defense for programs, projects, and activities relating to force protection, anti-terrorism, and security enhancement activities. Makes additional FY 1996 appropriations for programs, projects, and activities relating to emergency supplemental costs arising from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense and other disasters to: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Commerce; (3) the Small Business Administration; (4) the Department of Defense-Civil, Department of the Army; (5) the Department of Health and Human Services; (6) the Department of Transportation; and (7) the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations for specified programs, projects, and activities to: (1) the Department of Energy; (2) the Department of Transportation; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; and (4) the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (for education facilities). Makes specified rescissions in the Department of Transportation. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish at individual airports consortia of government and aviation industry representatives (which, however, shall not be considered Federal advisory bodies) to provide advice on aviation safety and security. (Sec. 106) Specifies funds for direct loans to the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority to continue the Alameda Corridor Project. (Sec. 107) Makes additional funds available to the Secretary of Transportation for grants for Amtrak operating losses and related expenses and for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Program. (Sec. 108) Permits the use of FY 1996 and 1997 Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief funds to halt erosion caused by an emergency ocean condition to a bank protecting a scenic highway or byway, and stabilize the bank, if such action is necessary to protect the highway from imminent failure and is less expensive than highway relocation. (Sec. 109) Establishes in the Treasury an account, "Support for International Sporting Competitions and other Special Activities, Defense,"" for logistical and security support for international sporting competitions and other special events of national and international significance. (Sec. 110) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to make effective as of the date of enactment of such Act the designation of the Chief of Naval Research at a minimum rank of rear admiral (upper half). Title II (sic): Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Title I (sic): Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area - Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 - Provides that on the determination of the Secretary of Agriculture that certain parcels of land have been donated to the United States without encumbrances and that a binding agreement between the Secretary and owners of specified interests for the disposition of such interests to the Government has been executed: (1) certain land in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon shall be designated as the Opal Creek Wilderness (OCW); (2) the part of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness located within the Forest shall be incorporated into the OCW; and (3) the Secretary shall establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area within the Forest. Requires lands or interests conveyed to the United States to become part of the OCW or the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, as appropriate. (Sec. 105) Requires, with respect to such Area, the Secretary to: (1) prepare a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan which shall become part of the land and resource management plan for the Forest; (2) permit recreation activities at no less than the levels in existence upon enactment of this Act; (3) prepare a transportation plan to maintain reasonable motorized and other access to recreation sites and facilities, including access by persons with disabilities (otherwise prohibits motorized vehicles in the Area); (4) permit hunting and fishing, with limitations; (5) prohibit the cutting or selling of trees, with specified exceptions; and (6) review and revise the inventory of cultural and historic resources on the public land in the Area. Withdraws Area lands from operations under the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws. Specifies exceptions applicable with respect to the Bornite Project. Places restrictions on new water impoundments in the Area. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory council for the Area and to consult with the Council and seek the views of private groups, individuals, the public, other government agencies, and nonprofit organizations regarding the Area. (Sec. 107) Provides for the acquisition of lands within the Area. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any necessary environmental response actions within the Area. (Sec. 108) Provides for an equal-value land exchange between the Rosboro Lumber Company and the Government. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 109) Amends the Wild and Scenic Recreation Rivers Act to designate Elkhorn Creek as a wild and scenic river. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary, upon completion of a management plan and receipt of an economic development projects plan developed by the State of Oregon, to provide $15 million to Oregon to make grants and loans for such projects that benefit the local communities in the vicinity of the Area. Requires the State to report annually on the use of such funds. Title II: Upper Klamath Basin - Directs the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, through the Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office, to propose ecological restoration projects, economic development and stability projects, and projects designed to reduce the impacts of drought conditions to be undertaken in the Upper Klamath Basin in Oregon based on a consensus of the Working Group membership. Requires the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Requires the Secretary to formulate a cooperative agreement among the Working Group, the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force, the Trinity River Restoration Task Force, and the Klamath River Basin Compact Commission to ensure that projects proposed and funded through the Group are consistent with other basin-wide fish and wildlife restoration and conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Deschutes Basin - Directs the Deschutes River Basin Working Group to propose ecological restoration projects on Federal and non-Federal lands and waters to be undertaken in the Deschutes River Basin based on a consensus of the Working Group membership, provided that such projects, when involving Federal land or funds, shall be proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in the Department of the Interior and other Federal agencies with affected land or funds. Requires BOR to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Mount Hood Corridor - Provides for an equal-value land exchange between Longview Fibre Company and the Secretary of the Interior. Requires: (1) all lands managed by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in the Mount Hood Corridor which can be seen from U.S. Highway 26 to be managed primarily for the protection or enhancement of scenic qualities; and (2) management prescriptions for other resource values associated with these lands to be planned and conducted for purposes other than timber harvest, so as not to impair scenic qualities in the Corridor. Allows timber cutting in the Corridor after a resource-damaging catastrophic event only for specified management objectives. Requires Forest Service Road 2503 to remain closed, except for limited uses, to protect resources and to prevent illegal dumping and vandalism in the Corridor. Exempts this title from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for one year. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coquille Tribal Forest - Amends the Coquille Restoration Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, two years after enactment of this title, to take approximately 5,400 acres in Coos County, Oregon, into trust for the Coquille Tribe. Designates such lands as the Coquille Forest. Provides for management of such lands by BLM in the interim two years. Directs: (1) the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs to initiate development of a forest management plan; and (2) Secretary toassist in the transition of forest management operations to the Assistant Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) manage the Forest, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, under applicable State and Federal forestry and environmental protection laws, subject to critical habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act and to the standards and guidelines of Federal forest plans on adjacent or nearby Federal lands, and in accordance with laws pertaining to the management of Indian Trust lands; and (2) distribute revenues in accordance with existing Federal law. Subjects unprocessed logs harvested from the Forest to the same Federal statutory restrictions on export to foreign nations that apply to unprocessed logs harvested from Federal lands. Requires all sales of timber from land subject to this title to be advertised, offered, and awarded according to competitive bidding practices, with sales being awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Allows the Secretary, upon a satisfactory showing of management competence, to enter into a binding Indian self-determination agreement with the Tribe which provides for the Tribe to carry out all or a portion of the forest management for the Forest. Conditions the agreement on the: (1) Tribe entering into a binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Oregon relating to the establishment and management of the Forest; and (2) Secretary's authority to rescind the agreement without encumbrances. Requires the Forest to remain open to public access for purposes of hunting, fishing, recreation, and transportation, except when closed by Federal or State law or when the Tribe and the State of Oregon agree in writing that restrictions on access are necessary or appropriate to prevent harm to natural resources, cultural resources, or environmental quality. Vests jurisdiction in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon over actions: (1) against the Secretary arising out of claims that this title has been violated; and (2) between Oregon and the Tribe arising out of claims of breach of the MOA. Prohibits suits against the Secretary for claims that the MOA has been violated. Limits remedies available under this title to equitable relief and excludes damages. Specifies exclusive regulatory civil jurisdiction vested in the States of Oregon. Title VI: Bull Run Watershed Protection - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit timber cutting within the hydrographic boundary of the Bull Run River Drainage, including certain lands within the unit and located below the headworks of Portland, Oregon's water storage and delivery project, except for the: (1) protection or enhancement of water quality in the area; (2) protection, enhancement, or maintenance of water quantity available from the area; (3) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of municipal water supply facilities; or (4) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of facilities for the transmission of energy through and over the unit or previously authorized hydroelectric projects associated with such facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a salvage sale in the Area. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to specified congressional committees on that part of the Little Sandy Watershed that is within the Bull Run Management Unit (study area) to determine: (1) the impact of management activities within the study area on the quality of drinking water provided to the Portland metropolitan area; (2) the identity and location of certain ecological features within the study area; and (3) the location and extent of any significant cultural or other values within the study area. Prohibits the Secretary from advertising, offering, or awarding any timber sale within the study area for a two-year period after the enactment of this title. (Sec. 606) Provides that lands within the Bull Run Management Unit but not contained within the Bull Run River Drainage shall continue to be managed in accordance with existing Federal law. Title VII: Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions - Designates as wilderness: (1) certain lands within the boundaries of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; and (2) all other federally owned rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographic miles off the Oregon coast and above mean high tide and also within the Refuge boundaries under the administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or presently under the jurisdiction of BLM. Makes permanent Public land Order 6287 which withdrew certain rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographical miles off the coast of Oregon and above mean high tide as an addition to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Title VIII: Umpqua River Land Exchange Study - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to: (1) consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the Umpqua Land Exchange Project (ULEP), affected units of State and local agencies, and, as appropriate, the World Forestry Center and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to assist ULEP's ongoing efforts in studying and analyzing land exchange opportunities in the Umpqua River basin and to provide assistance and information to such entities; and (2) report thereon to specified congressional committees. Lists priority matters for specific study by the Secretaries, including identifying: (1) areas where consolidation of land ownership could promote long-term species protection; (2) areas where land exchanges might be utilized to better satisfy sustainable timber harvest goals; and (3) options to insure that post-exchange revenues will approximate pre-exchange revenues. (Sec. 803) Authorizes appropriations. Title III (sic): Local Empowerment and Flexibility Pilot Act of 1996 - Local Empowerment and Flexibility Pilot Act of 1996 - Lists the purposes of this Act, including to: (1) improve the delivery of services to the public; (2) promote State, local, and tribal governments and private, nonprofit organizations to identify goals to improve their communities and the lives of their citizens; and (3) enable eligible applicants to adapt programs of Federal financial assistance to the particular needs of their communities by integrating programs and program funds across existing similar Federal financial assistance programs. (Sec. 305) Creates a Community Empowerment Board composed of specified Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads. Requires the Board, among other things, to: (1) select six States to participate; and (2) receive, review, and approve or disapprove flexibility plans. Defines a "flexibility plan" as a comprehensive plan for the coordination and administration by an eligible applicant of financial assistance provided by the Federal Government under two or more eligible Federal financial assistance programs that includes funds from Federal, State, local, or tribal government or private sources to address the service needs of a community. Requires that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with the Board, coordinate and assist in creating: (1) a uniform Federal financial assistance application; (2) a release form to facilitate the sharing of information across Federal financial assistance programs; and (3) a system wherein an organization or consortium of organizations may use one proposal to apply for assistance. (Sec. 306) Authorizes an applicant to apply to the Board for approval of a flexibility plan which must meet specified requirements, including that the application be submitted to, and contain all comments on the proposed plan made by, each affected State and local government. Provides for the submission of an application to the Board without such comments if, within 60 days of submission of the plan to an affected government, such government has failed to act on or endorse the application. (Sec. 307) Sets forth the following limitations: (1) authorizes the Board to approve no more than 30 plans; and (2) allows State applicants to submit only three approved plans. Prohibits the Board from approving any plan that includes funds under a Federal financial assistance program to support tuition vouchers for children attending private schools or otherwise pay their cost of attending such schools. Authorizes affected Federal agencies to waive any requirement under a Federal financial assistance program if the waiver is: (1) necessary to implement a plan; (2) not disapproved by the Board; and (3) necessary to effectively achieve the purposes of this Act by adhering to conditions for approval of a flexibility plan, and review and approval of flexibility plans and waiver requests. (Sec. 309) Requires an approved applicant to monitor the effectiveness of its plan and report on it to the Board. Mandates a final report to the Board. Requires the: (1) Board to report to the President and the Congress on the Federal laws or regulations most frequently waived, with the President reviewing the report and identifying those statutory and regulatory requirements that the President determines should be amended or repealed; and (2) OMB Director to report on its progress in achieving certain functions outlined under this Act requiring coordination and assistance with Federal agencies. Requires the General Accounting Office to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of Federal financial assistance programs included in flexibility plans approved pursuant to this Act; (2) establish and maintain a program for the ongoing collection of data and analysis of each such program included in an approved flexibility plan; and (3) submit a report to the Congress and the President. Mandates a specified report by the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to the Congress and the President. Repeals this Act on January 1, 2005. Requires all Federal agencies to develop a consistent policy that stipulates that the date of the U.S. postmark shall be deemed to be the date of delivery for any Federal contract, grant, assistance application, or other document which is required to be filed by a certain date and is delivered late by U.S. mail. Division 2: Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction - Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 - Title I (sic): Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending Process - Sets a deadline by which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must take action under Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to simplify and provide a single format for credit transaction disclosures. (Sec. 102) Amends RESPA to transfer from HUD to the Board all rulemaking authority under such Act except with respect to the prohibitions against referrals, kickbacks, and unearned fees, and against direct purchases of title insurance. (Sec. 103) Amends TILA to authorize the Board to exempt those transactions from TILA disclosure requirements which the Board determines: (1) are not necessary to effectuate its purposes; or (2) do not provide a measurable benefit in the form of useful information or consumer protection. Includes among factors for Board consideration: (1) whether the loan in question is secured by the consumer's principal residence; and (2) whether the goal of consumer protection would be undermined by such an exemption. (Sec. 104) Amends RESPA to repeal requirements that: (1) a federally related mortgage lender disclose to a mortgage loan applicant the servicing of mortgages the lender has assigned, sold, or transferred during the most recent three calendar years; and (2) a lender that does not service federally related loans similarly disclose any intention to assign, sell, or transfer such servicing. Repeals the mandate for model disclosure statements. Declares that the proscription against kickbacks and unearned fees shall not be construed as prohibiting payment by a depository institution or mortgage bank to its own employee for a referral to an affiliate for a loan product, if the employee does not hold himself or herself out as anything but an employee of that institution. Requires the Board to ensure that the exemption from RESPA regulations for credit transactions for primarily business, commercial, or agricultural purposes shall be the same as the exemption for such transactions under TILA. (Sec. 105) Declares that the proscription against kickbacks and unearned fees shall not be construed as prohibiting a payment made to a person or affinity group relating to an endorsement of the products or services of a settlement service provider if the at the time of the first written communication with the consumer it is clearly disclosed that payment was made or may be made or other thing of value may accrue to the affinity group for the endorsement. (Sec. 106) Amends TILA to exempt from its disclosure requirements any credit transactions involving consumers with an annual earned income of more than $200,000 or having net assets in excess of $1 million at the time of the transaction, upon submission of a handwritten waiver, signed and dated by such consumer. (Sec. 107) Grants creditors the option to set forth alternative disclosures regarding conditions which could trigger increases or decreases in payment and interest rates for variable interest rate residential mortgage transactions. (Sec. 109) Amends the Truth in Lending Act to restrict certain limitations on creditor liability with respect to closed end consumer credit transactions secured by real property or a dwelling under the Act. Title II: Streamlining Government Regulation - Subtitle A: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Requirements and Procedures - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to set forth conditions under which prior approval is not required for any merger, consolidation, asset acquisition, or liabilities assumption involving only insured depository institution subsidiaries of the same depository institution holding company. (Sec. 202) Permits an insured depository institution to participate in optional conversion transactions between members of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund without prior approval of the responsible agency (but still requires approval). Eliminates the requirement for approval of such a merger under the Oakar Amendment as well as the Bank Merger Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to remove from its regulatory purview a bank holding company subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA). Revises the definition of "savings and loan holding company" to exclude a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction. Provides that acquisition of a savings association by a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction obviates approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Amends BHCA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to solicit the views of the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision with respect to its examination and enforcement role over bank holding companies. (Sec. 204) Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the requirement that the aggregate minimum capital of a national banking association and all its branches be no less than the aggregate minimum capital that would be required if each branch were a separately chartered national bank. (Sec. 205) Amends the Revised Statutes and FDIA to exclude from the definition of "branch" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus exempting those entities from the approval requirements and geographic restrictions of such Acts). (Sec. 206) Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to permit well-capitalized and well-managed banks to invest amounts equal to 150 percent (currently, only 100 percent) of capital and surplus in bank premises without prior approval. (Sec. 207) Amends BHCA to repeal the presumption that shares transferred by a bank holding company to a transferee under its control (divestitures) remain under the holding company's control (thus subject to specified approval requirements). (Sec. 208) States that prior notice and approval is not required (but written notice to the Federal Reserve Board within ten days after commencing such an activity is required) for a proposal by a well-capitalized, well-managed bank holding company to engage in any activity or acquire the shares or assets of any company (other than an insured depository institution) if it meets specified financial and managerial criteria. (Sec. 209) Amends FDIA to repeal the requirement that the appropriate Federal banking agency be notified prior to the appointment or addition of a new director or senior executive officer if the affected insured depository institution or depository institution holding company: (1) has been chartered less than two years; or (2) has undergone a change in control within the preceding two years. Retains the prior notice requirement for troubled insured depository institutions or depository institution holding companies only if the agency determines that prior notice is appropriate. Extends from 30 days up to 90 days the period during which, following notice, the agency may disapprove board of directors or senior executive officer appointments by such institutions or companies. (Sec. 210) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to revise the prohibition on dual service of management officials to raise the asset-size thresholds of the depository institutions or depository holding companies to which the prohibition applies. Authorizes Federal banking regulatory agencies to adjust such thresholds for inflation. Repeals the 20-year exemption from the dual service prohibition for certain grandfathered directors and management officials (thus permitting them to continue their dual service permanently). Repeals the requirement that each appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency: (1) review according to prescribed criteria the petition of a management official to serve in more than one position (interlocking directorate); and (2) determine whether continuation of such dual service produces an anti-competitive effect. Authorizes the appropriate regulatory agencies to prescribe rules and regulations permitting dual service by a management official that would otherwise be prohibited if such service would not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition. Repeals the criteria governing regulatory approval of management interlocks. (Sec. 211) Amends FRA to exempt from its proscription against preferential terms in credit extensions to executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders (insider lending) any credit extension: (1) made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank; and (2) that does not give preference to any officer, director, or principal shareholder of the member bank, or to any related interest of such person, over other employees of the member bank. Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to waive the proscription against such preferential terms for certain executive officers and directors of a subsidiary that controls the member bank if the subsidiary's assets do not exceed ten percent of the consolidated assets of a company that controls the member bank and such subsidiary (and is not controlled by any other company). (Sec. 212) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to repay the Secretary of the Treasury the unpaid portion of its startup funding by the end of FY 1998. (Sec. 213) Amends the FDIA to exempt from branch closure notice requirements automated teller machines and relocated or consolidated bank branches, if: (1) the relocation or consolidation occurs within the same neighborhood and does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served; or (2) a branch is closed in connection with emergency acquisitions or any Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assistance. (Sec. 214) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Reserve Board to avoid unnecessary duplication of foreign bank examinations. Provides that: (1) each Federal and State branch or agency of a foreign bank shall be subject to on-site examination by the appropriate regulator as frequently as would its U.S. counterpart (instead of annually, as at present); and (2) the cost of such examination shall be assessed against its owner to the same extent that fees are collected by the Federal Reserve Board for examination of any State member bank. Authorizes the Board to approve an application by a foreign bank even if the authorities in the home country have not yet established a comprehensive regulation on a consolidated basis, as long as they are actively working to establish one. Instructs the Board to consider, when acting on a foreign bank application, whether the foreign bank has adopted and implemented procedures to combat money laundering. Directs the Board to take final action on any application within 180 days after its receipt. Authorizes the Board to terminate a foreign bank office in the United States if it finds that the authorities in the home country are not making demonstrable progress in establishing arrangements for comprehensive consolidated supervision. (Sec. 215) Amends the BHCA to authorize the Board to approve extensions beyond the current five-year deadline for a bank holding company to dispose of foreclosed assets, under certain conditions, up to an aggregate of five more years. (Sec. 216) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 and the Home Owners Loan Act to extend the authority of the Board, and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, respectively, to grant exceptions to certain antitying prohibitions. (Sec. 217) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to act within a 60- day period (which may be extended for an additional 30 days) upon receipt of the application of an insured State bank (or subsidiary) to engage as principal in activity impermissible for a national bank. Subtitle B: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens - Amends FDIA to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on the meaning of "small depository institution" which Federal banking agencies may in their discretion determine for examination on an 18-month cycle. (Sec. 222) Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council, and each Federal banking agency represented on it, to review and report to the Congress on Federal banking regulations at least every ten years to identify unnecessary regulatory requirements imposed upon insured depository institutions. Requires the Council or the pertinent banking agency to eliminate unnecessary regulations to the extent appropriate. (Sec. 223) Amends Federal monetary law to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to require each insured depository institution to identify certain non-bank financial institution customers. (Sec. 224) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to repeal the mandate that insured depository institutions include information on small businesses and small farm lending in their annual reports of condition. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) and the International Lending Supervision Act of 1983 to repeal annual reporting requirements for specified Federal financial institution regulatory agencies, including certain reports on changes to improve the international lending operations of banking institutions. (Sec. 225) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to increase from $10 million to $50 million the maximum asset-size of institutions exempt from its requirements. Declares that a depository institution shall be deemed to have satisfied the public availability requirements for its mortgage loan transactions if its branch offices provide notice of the availability of such information from the home office upon request. (Sec. 226) Amends FDIA guidelines governing a change in control of insured depository institutions to repeal mandatory reporting by financial institutions (or affiliates) of any loans secured by 25 percent or more of any class of shares of an insured depository institution (stock loans). Retains such mandatory reporting for foreign banks and their affiliates. (Sec. 227) Requires the Federal Reserve Board to study and report to the Congress on the extent of small business lending by all creditors. Subtitle C: Regulatory Micromanagement - Amends the Revised Statutes to allow the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the residency requirement for national banking association directors. Repeals the Comptroller's authority to waive citizenship requirements for a minority of the directors of a foreign bank subsidiary or affiliate. (Sec. 242) Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to require each Federal banking agency to review and eliminate regulations which require insured depository institutions and credit unions to produce unnecessary internal written policies. (Sec. 243) Amends FDIA to mandate: (1) that one of the presidentially appointed directors serving on the FDIC Board have State bank supervisory experience; (2) that each appropriate Federal banking agency take action necessary to ensure that depository institution examiners consult and reach agreement on examination activities and resultant recommendations; and (3) consider appointing an examiner-in-charge to ensure such consultation. Title III: Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and Credit Availability - Amends FDIA guidelines for improved accountability in financial management to: (1) eliminate the use of an independent public accountant to detect and report violations of law by an insured depository institution or depository institution holding company; and (2) authorize a Federal banking agency to permit an independent audit committee to be composed of a majority of outside directors independent of institution management (currently the entire committee must be composed of such outside directors) if it determines that an insured depository institution has encountered hardships in retaining competent directors on such committee. (Sec. 302) Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to set forth incentives for self-testing and self- correcting by lenders subject to such Acts. Prescribes conditions under which: (1) an enforcing agency is prohibited from acquiring or using reports generated by any creditor-conducted review of lending operations to determine compliance with such Acts; and (2) such self-test results may be used by an adversary party. (Sec. 303) Permits a Federal savings association to make credit card loans or education loans without being subject to a percentage-of-assets limitation. Raises from ten percent to 20 percent the percentage-of-assets limitations ceiling placed upon commercial and agricultural loans offered by an association. Restricts loan amounts exceeding ten percent of an association's total assets to loans made to small businesses. Repeals the five-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon education loans offered by an association. Expands the scope of "qualified thrift lender" to include a domestic building and loan association. Permits a savings association that qualifies as a qualified thrift lender to operate a branch outside the State in which it has its home office. Redefines "qualified thrift investment" to cover, as assets includible without limit, educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. Removes the ten-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon certain personal, family, household or education loans other than educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. (Sec. 304) Amends BHCA to repeal the seven percent growth cap restrictions placed upon banks controlled by certain bank holding companies not statutorily treated as bank holding companies. Excludes from BHCA jurisdiction any limited purpose institution that accepts collateral for extensions of credit by holding deposits under $100,000. (Sec. 305) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to revise the prohibition against failure to disclose clearly in all communications with a consumer that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt. (Sec. 306) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase from $10,000 to $20,000 the ceiling on credit union loans which may be made to a director or member of a supervisory or credit committee without first being approved by the board of directors. (Sec. 307) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase from ten percent to 20 percent the amount of capital and surplus that a national bank may invest in the stock of Edge Act subsidiaries and certain financial service corporations held by a member bank's non- U.S. branches, as long as the investment of an additional amount over ten percent would not be unsafe or unsound. Title IV: Consumer Credit - Subtitle A: Credit Reporting Reform - Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to cite additional permissible purposes for which a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report, including: (1) for employment purposes; (2) for credit or insurance transactions that are not initiated by the consumer; and (3) for direct marketing transactions that are not initiated by the consumer. Mandates consumer consent as a prerequisite to furnishing medical information contained in a consumer report. (Sec. 406) Revises exceptions to the prohibition against the reporting of certain obsolete information by a consumer reporting agency. Raises the minimum dollar threshold amounts permitting release of such information: (1) from $50,000 to $150,000 in the case of a credit transaction; (2) from $50,000 to $150,000 the policy amount in the case of life insurance underwriting; and (3) from $20,000 to $75,000 the amount of salary of an individual in the case of an employment-related credit report. Provides that the seven-year reporting period applicable to accounts placed for collection begins no later than 180 days after the beginning of the delinquency immediately preceding the collection activity. Mandates disclosure in a consumer report of: (1) the particular chapter under which a bankruptcy case arises; (2) withdrawal of a bankruptcy case prior to final judgment; (3) voluntary closure by a consumer of a credit account; (4) information disputed by the consumer. (Sec. 407) Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from prohibiting disclosure to the consumer by a credit report user of the contents of a credit report if the user has taken adverse action against the consumer based on such report. Prescribes guidelines for procurement of a consumer report for resale. (Sec. 408) States that nothing requires a consumer reporting agency to disclose to a consumer any credit scores, risk scores, and other predictors relating to her or him. Provides for mandatory disclosure to a consumer of additional kinds of information, including a summary of consumer rights. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to take action to assure that consumer standardization and comprehensibility are achieved. Prohibits consumer lawsuits for defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence against a consumer reporting agency based on information disclosed by a credit report user to or for a consumer against whom the user has taken adverse action based on the report. (Sec. 409) Revises procedural and disclosure guidelines governing: (1) disputed information in a consumer's file, including free mandatory reinvestigation by the reporting agency; (2) users of information in a consumer report taking adverse actions, or making written credit or insurance solicitations based upon such report (including any direct marketing transaction that is not initiated by the consumer); and (3) adverse action based on information obtained from third parties other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 412) Revises civil liability guidelines to set forth liquidated damages for willful and negligent noncompliance, and to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party for pleadings filed in bad faith. (Sec. 413) Specifies the responsibilities of persons who furnish information to a consumer reporting agency, including the obligation to provide accurate, updated information and notices of information disputed by consumers. (Sec. 414) Revises disclosure guidelines governing investigative consumer reports to require: (1) certification that the consumer has been notified; and (2) confirmation of any adverse information obtained from personal sources. (Sec. 415) Increases criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses, and for unauthorized disclosures. (Sec. 416) Revises administrative enforcement guidelines to authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to commence a civil action to recover a civil penalty in Federal district court in the event of a knowing violation constituting a pattern or practice of FCRA violations. Limits such penalty to $2500 per violation. Prohibits: (1) the FTC from promulgating trade regulation rules with respect to the FCRA; and (2) specified Federal regulatory agencies from conducting an examination of a bank, savings association or credit union regarding FCRA compliance except in response to a complaint alleging noncompliance. (Sec. 417) Authorizes the States to bring a court action for FCRA violations. (Sec. 418) Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to issue interpretations of the FCRA with respect to certain financial institutions and holding companies. (Sec. 419) Identifies specified FCRA provisions that preempt State law. Subtitle B: Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that specified provisions of that Act may be cited as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. (Sec. 451) Prohibits: (1) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement, or to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; (2) other fraud or deception; and (3) a credit repair organization (CRO) from charging or receiving valuable consideration for any service before such service is fully performed. Specifies a statement which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations. Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three business days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this subtitle. Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this subtitle. Voids any contract not in compliance with this subtitle. Provides for civil liability for failing to comply with this subtitle, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this subtitle under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) by the FTC. Makes: (1) a violation of this subtitle an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this subtitle. Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for actions to enforce liability under this subtitle. (Sec. 452) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) individuals should be judged for credit worthiness based upon their own credit worthiness and not that of their zip code or residential neighborhood; and (2) the FTC should report to certain congressional committees on the impact of residential location upon corporate lenders' consideration of an application for unsecured credit. Title V: Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection - Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1996- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to declare that the liability of a fiduciary for the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance in connection with a vessel or facility held in fiduciary capacity shall not exceed the assets held in fiduciary capacity, unless: (1) a person is liable independently of the person's ownership of a vessel or facility as a fiduciary or actions taken in a fiduciary capacity; or (2) the fiduciary negligently causes or contributes to the release or threatened release. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Directs the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and report to the Congress whether the Electronic Fund Transfer Act could be applied to electronic stored value products without adversely impacting their cost, development, and operation. (Sec. 602) Amends FDIA to treat as administrative expenses of a receiver or conservator for an insured depository institution any final and unappealable judgment for monetary damages entered against such receiver or conservator for breach of a post-appointment agreement executed or approved by such receiver or conservator. (Sec. 603) Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) increase the penalty for certain counterfeiting violations; and (2) establish criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments purporting to be those of the States, political subdivisions, and of private organizations. (Sec. 604) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to repeal: (1) civil liability for violations of such Act; and (2) the definition of an on-premises display in a depository institution. Redefines "depository institution" to exclude certain nonautomated credit unions (thus exempting them from such Act). (Sec. 605) Amends TILA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to: (1) promulgate regulations to update and clarify requirements and definitions applicable to lease disclosures and contracts; (2) publish model disclosure forms to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements; and (3) consider, when establishing such model forms, the use of automated equipment by lessors. Amends the guidelines governing requisite disclosures in consumer lease advertisements. Shields the owner or employee of an advertising medium from liability relating to such disclosures. (Sec. 606) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the regulatory practices of the National Credit Union Administration Board with respect to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund; (2) the potential effects of the administration of that Fund by an entity other than the National Credit Union Administration; and (3) the investment practices and financial status of the ten largest corporate credit unions. (Sec. 607) Directs each Federal banking agency to report to the Congress on its actions regarding inconsistent or duplicative accounting and reporting requirements (differences between regulatory accounting principles and generally accepted accounting principles) affecting certain reports filed by insured depository institutions. (Sec. 608) Amends FIRREA to instruct the Federal Reserve Board to include in its annual report to the Congress a description of any discernible trend in the cost and availability of certain retail banking services in the nation as a whole, in each of the 50 States and in each consolidated metropolitan statistical area or primary metropolitan statistical area. (Sec. 609) Amends the Federal monetary code to continue the ban on gold clauses in contracts prior to 1977 unless all parties to a pre-1977 contract specifically agree to include such clause in the new agreement. (Sec. 610) Amends the BHCA to exclude a qualified family partnership from the meaning of "company" under such Act. (Sec. 611) Expresses the sense of the Congress that financial institutions and Federal bank regulators should work cooperatively with farmers and ranchers in drought-affected communities to allow financial obligations to be met without imposing undue burdens. Title VII: Deposit Insurance Funds - Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 - Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a special assessment on the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF)-assessable deposits of each insured depository institution at a rate that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines will cause the SAIF to achieve the designated reserve ratio on the first business day of the first month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Allows the Board to exempt weak institutions from such assessment, but requires exemption for certain newly chartered and other defined institutions, which shall pay semiannual assessments at certain former rates during calendar years 1996 through 1998, with a special rate provision for calendar 1999. (Sec. 702) Authorizes certain institutions facing hardship as a result of the special assessment to elect to pay it in two assessments, plus a third supplemental special assessment, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes adjustments of the special assessment for Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) member banks and certain savings associations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the 20 percent reductions to the adjusted attributable deposit amount for certain BIF members and to the special assessment for certain converted savings associations. (Sec. 703) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to revise the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (rather than SAIF members only). Repeals specified limits on the amount that may be assessed. Declares that assessments imposed upon insured depository institutions with respect to any BIF-assessable deposit shall be assessed at 1\5 of the rate of the assessments imposed on insured depository institutions with respect to any SAIF-assessable deposit. (Sec. 704) Declares that the SAIF and the BIF shall be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund, which shall have a Special Reserve for any excess of the SAIF reserve ratio over the designated reserve ratio. Makes conforming amendments to specified banking statutes. (Sec. 705) Amends the FDIA to establish a SAIF Special Reserve if the SAIF reserve exceeds the designated reserve ratio on January 1, 1999. (Sec. 706) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the refund of assessed payments in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. (Sec. 707) States that the assessment rate for a SAIF member may not be less than the assessment rate for a BIF member posing a comparable risk to the deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 708) Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 709) Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on all issues relevant to the development of a common charter for all insured depository institutions and the abolition of separate and distinct charters between banks and savings associations.

Boat Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Boat Protection Act of 1996 - Sets forth copyright provisions regarding the protection of vessel hull designs. Defines: (1) "plug" as a device or model used to make a mold for the purpose of exact duplication, regardless of whether the device or model has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; (2) "mold" as a matrix or form in which a substance for material is used, regardless of whether the matrix or form has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; and (3) "commercially exploit" for purposes of this Act as the sale or offer for sale of a plug or mold after it is fixed in a vessel hull or otherwise distributed to the public for profit vessel hulls. Extends protection to an original plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull, if: (1) the owner of the plug or mold is a national or domiciliary of the United States or of a foreign nation which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date on which the plug or mold is first commercially exploited; (2) the plug or mold is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the plug or mold comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign nationals, domiciliaries, or sovereign authorities. Vests exclusive rights in such plugs or molds in the owner who may transfer (in whole or in part) or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the protection term for plugs or molds at ten years from the date of first commercial exploitation. Grants the owner of a plug or mold the exclusive rights to: (1) reproduce the plug or mold; (2) import or distribute a vessel hull in which it is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Provides that it is not an infringement of the owner's exclusive rights: (1) to reproduce a plug or mold for purposes of teaching, analyzing, or evaluating concepts, techniques, design, or organization of components in it; or (2) to sell or otherwise dispose of a vessel hull lawfully made under this Act (without the authority of the owner of the plug or mold). Limits the liability of an innocent purchaser of an infringing vessel hull. Permits the owner of a plug or mold to place on it a specified notice of protection, which is not a condition of protection but shall constitute prima facie evidence of notice of protection. Entitles the owner of a plug or mold whose protection has been infringed to institute a civil action. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import a vessel hull in which the plug or mold is embodied. Permits the impoundment and seizure of vessel hulls imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, the award of an infringer's profits to the owner, impoundment orders, and the award of statutory damages instead of actual damages or profits in an amount not to exceed $250,000, under specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations.

To provide for a reduced rate of postage for certain mailings that, under Federal or State law, are required to be made by local governments.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a discount presort first-class postage rate for specified local governmental mailings that are mandated by Federal or State law, such as property tax statements, summonses, and jury-duty pay, but for which no Federal or State funds are provided to local governments to defray the associated administrative costs.

Save Our Savings Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cap Entitlements and Other Mandatory Spending Title II: Enforcement Provisions Save Our Savings Act of 1996 - ( Title I: Cap Entitlements and Other Mandatory Spending ) - Sets forth a timetable for completion of certain budget actions by the President and by the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). (Sec. 102) Applies direct spending caps to all entitlement authority, except for undistributed offsetting receipts and net interest outlays. Sets forth a table of such caps for specified categories of entitlements and other mandatory spending. (Sec. 103) Requires determinations of such direct spending caps (as well as any breaches of such caps and actions necessary to remedy such breaches) to be based on certain economic assumptions for specified future fiscal years, subject to periodic reestimation based on changed economic conditions or changes in eligible population. (Sec. 104) Provides for automatic adjustments to the caps for entitlements and other mandatory spending. Allows the direct spending caps to be revised in a specified manner, only by recorded vote. Title II: Enforcement Provisions - Directs OMB to: (1) compile a statement of actual direct spending for a fiscal year, following the end of that year, identifying such spending by categories of entitlements and other mandatory spending; and (2) under specified conditions, issue a report to the President and the Congress, estimating necessary spending reductions. Sets forth a timetable for specified budget actions by the President and by OMB and CBO. (Sec. 202) Provides for enforcement of the direct spending caps on categories of spending established under title I of this Act. Applies specified enforcement rules and procedures for any fiscal year in which direct spending exceeds the applicable direct spending cap. (Sec. 203) Subjects all direct spending (except matters specifically exempted under this title) to caps on total direct spending outlays for each fiscal year. Establishes separate caps, consistent with the cap on total outlays, for: (1) any entitlement program named in the table in title I; (2) such other program or groups of programs for which additional caps are established in subsequent legislation; and (3) the remainder of direct spending programs. Prohibits the total of the separate caps from title I, plus any additional separate caps subsequently established, from exceeding the cap for total direct spending, as appropriately adjusted. Sets forth: (1) general rules triggering sequestration to reduce spending for programs subject to direct spending caps; (2) special rules for programs with certain characteristics; and (3) rules for insurance programs, loan programs, and State grant program formulas. Requires a within session sequester under certain conditions. (Sec. 204) Exempts from sequestration specified programs and activities, in terms of their budget accounts, activities within accounts, or income. Authorizes the President to exempt any military personnel account from sequestration or provide for a lower uniform percentage reduction that would otherwise apply, if the Congress is notified of the manner in which such authority will be exercised on or before the initial snapshot date for the budget year. (Sec. 205) Sets forth special rules for sequestration orders for: (1) the child support enforcement program under the Social Security Act; (2) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (3) the earned income tax credit; (4) regular and extended unemployment compensation; (5) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (6) the Federal Housing (Finance) Board; (7) Federal personnel pay; (8) the Medicare program under the Social Security Act; (9) the Postal Service Fund; (10) the Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; and (11) programs which provide a businesslike service in exchange for a fee. (Sec. 206) Directs CBO and OMB to report to the President and the Congress the budget baselines for the budget year and at least the subsequent nine fiscal years. Requires submission of the CBO report on or before January 15. Requires the OMB report to accompany the President's budget. Specifies requirements for the budget baseline.

Boat Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1996

Boat Protection Act of 1996 - Sets forth copyright provisions regarding the protection of vessel hull designs. Defines: (1) "plug" as a device or model used to make a mold for the purpose of exact duplication, regardless of whether the device or model has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; (2) "mold" as a matrix or form in which a substance for material is used, regardless of whether the matrix or form has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; and (3) "commercially exploit" for purposes of this Act as the sale or offer for sale of a plug or mold after it is fixed in a vessel hull or otherwise distributed to the public for profit vessel hulls. Extends protection to an original plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull, if: (1) the owner of the plug or mold is a national or domiciliary of the United States or of a foreign nation which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date on which the plug or mold is registered or first commercially exploited, whichever occurs first; (2) the plug or mold is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the plug or mold comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign nationals, domiciliaries, or sovereign authorities. Vests exclusive rights in such plugs or molds in the owner who may transfer (in whole or in part) or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the protection term for plugs or molds at ten years from date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Grants the owner of a plug or mold the exclusive rights to: (1) reproduce the plug or mold; (2) import or distribute a vessel hull in which it is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Provides that it is not an infringement of the owner's exclusive rights: (1) to reproduce a plug or mold for purposes of teaching, analyzing, or evaluating concepts, techniques, design, or organization of components in it; or (2) to sell or otherwise dispose of a vessel hull lawfully made under this Act (without the authority of the owner of the plug or mold). Limits the liability of an innocent purchaser of an infringing vessel hull. Terminates protection of plugs or molds for which an application for registration of a claim of protection is not made within two years of first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative responsibilities of the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of a plug or mold to place on it a specified notice of protection, which is not a condition of protection but shall constitute prima facie evidence of notice of protection. Entitles the owner of a plug or mold whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such plug or mold has been refused to institute a civil action. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import a vessel hull in which the plug or mold is embodied. Permits the impoundment and seizure of vessel hulls imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, the award of an infringer's profits to the owner, impoundment orders, and the award of statutory damages instead of actual damages or profits in an amount not to exceed $250,000, under specified conditions. Makes copyright protection available to any plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull that was first commercially exploited between January 1, 1996, and January 1, 1997, if such claim is registered before January 1, 1998.

To provide that a person may use private express for the private carriage of certain letters and packets without being penalized by the Postal Service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service or the Attorney General from fining or otherwise penalizing any person who transmits by private express or other unlawful means, delivers to any agent thereof, or deposits at any appointed place any letter or packet. Amends the Federal criminal code to conform with this Act. Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from authorizing any officer or employee to make searches of mail matter transported in violation of law in any store or office of a customer of a common carrier or transportation company.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of Paul Robeson.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Paul Robeson.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate internal drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Sets civil penalties for businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

Postal Service Due Process Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1996

Postal Service Due Process Act - Directs a U.S. district court to enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction directing the detention of a defendant's incoming mail by the postmaster pending conclusion of statutory proceedings concerning the defendant's use of the mail through false representation or lotteries to obtain or distribute money, or for obtaining real or personal property, only upon application therefor by the Postal Service and upon a showing that: (1) the Postal Service is likely to prevail in such proceedings; (2) the public would suffer irreparable harm if the application were not granted; (3) no adequate remedy at law exists; and (4) the harm that would be caused to the public by not granting the application exceeds the harm that would be caused to the defendant by granting it.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate internal drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Sets civil penalties for businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate international drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Imposes civil penalties upon businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3756) making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3756 (Department of the Treasury, U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies appropriations).

Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996

Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail that is one cent higher than the regular rate as an alternative that patrons may use voluntarily to contribute to funding for breast-cancer research. Authorizes the Service to design and sell special stamps. Requires the Service to pay amounts attributable (additional revenues minus costs) to the one-cent differential to the National Institutes of Health to be used for such research and related activities.

Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions (This Act) Title VI: General Provisions (Departments, Agencies, and Corporations) Title VII: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1996 Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1997. (Sec. 116) Revises the formula for reserves in the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, beginning FY 1998. (Sec. 118) Directs the Department to establish a priority placement program for eligible employees separated or scheduled to be separated from service due to a reduction in force. Prohibits the filling of vacant Department positions from outside the agency if qualified eligible employees within the same commuting area are available. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a job placement and counseling service program. Requires any contract under the Internal Revenue Service's Tax System Modernization program to require the contractor, in hiring employees to perform the contract, to obtain referrals of eligible employees from the priority placement or job placement programs. Title II: Postal Service - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1997. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration; (5) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (6) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (7) the National Archives and Records Administration; (8) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (9) the Office of Government Ethics; (10) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Counsel; and (13) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. (Sec. 404) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1989 (Public Law 100-440) to repeal the mandate for an annual average of at least 1,000 full-time equivalent positions for Federal Protective Officers. (Sec. 406) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to establish, acquire space for, and equip flexiplace work telecommuting centers, and charge fees, for use by employees of Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector. Makes appropriations for FY 1997, also, for: (1) an OPM revolving fund; (2) specified Government contributions, with respect to retired Federal employees, as payments for annuitants, employee health benefits and life insurance; and (3) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Title V: General Provisions (This Act) - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 512) Requires entities appropriated funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 518) Prohibits Act funds being available to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefit program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 521) Considers Personal Service Contractors (PSC) employed by the Department of the Treasury outside the United States to be Federal employees for purposes of Federal employee health and life insurance. (Sec. 522) Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that: (1) each U.S. mint have a presidentially appointed superintendent and assayer; and (2) the Philadelphia mint have a presidentially appointed engraver. (Sec. 523) Amends Federal law to allow for the minting of 24 karat gold coins and of platinum coins. (Sec. 525) Directs the heads of the Internal Revenue Service, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and of the U.S. Customs Service to submit to specified congressional committees their respective strategic plans for making voluntary separation incentive ("buyout") payments, meeting specified requirements, to eligible employees. Requires reduction of an agency's total number of funded employee positions by the number of employees separating and receiving such payments. (Sec. 526) Exempts the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, through FY 1999, from laws governing procurement and public contracts. (Sec. 527) Authorizes the U.S. Mint to establish a demonstration project to test alternative management systems. Changes the service of the Director of the Mint from a five-year term to a six-year renewable contract, at specified compensation. (Sec. 528) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay up to $500,000 to reimburse former employees of the White House Travel Office terminated on May 19, 1993, for attorney's fees and related costs. (Sec. 529) Prohibits use of funds in this Act by the Executive Office of the President to request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) any official background investigation report on any individual without the individual's express written consent. Title VI: General Provisions (Departments, Agencies, and Corporations) - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by all Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 624) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for certain types of employee training, including those containing elements: (1) inducing high emotional or psychological stress; (2) associated with religious, quasi-religious, or "new age" belief systems; (3) offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle; or (4) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) other than that necessary for specified purposes. (Sec. 627) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 (title IV of the Government Management Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-356) to extend through FY 2001 the franchise fund pilot program. (Sec. 632) Amends the Federal criminal code to permit a Government officer or employee, without compensation, to represent before the Government any cooperative, voluntary, professional, recreational, or similar organization or group not operated for profit, if specified circumstances pertain. (Sec. 633) Amends Federal civil service law for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to mandate survivor annuity resumption upon divorce for a disabled child whose annuity had terminated because of marriage. (Sec. 634) Amends Federal civil service law for CSRS and FERS to require that Federal employees involuntarily terminated due to a reduction in force be given credit for unused annual leave in order to meet minimum age and service requirements for title to an immediate annuity. (Sec. 635) Amends the Federal criminal code to specify that certain post-employment restrictions for senior officials do not apply to Federal officers and employees whose basic rate of compensation is below level 5 of the Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 636) Provides for Federal agency reimbursement to Federal law enforcement officers and Federal supervisors or management officials for up to half the costs they incur for professional liability insurance. Title VII: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1996 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1996 to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in a specified amount for salaries and expenses in connection with investigations or arson at religious institutions. Rescinds the same amount from certain funds appropriated to the Internal Revenue Service in the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 for information systems under the heading of Tax Systems Modernization.

Postal Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Organization Title II: General Authority Title III: Presidential Postal Employee-Management Commission Title IV: Finance Title V: Budget and Appropriations Process Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services Title VII: Provisions Relating to the Transportation, Carriage, or Delivery of Mail Title VIII: Direct Appeal of Decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board Title IX: Law Enforcement Subtitle A: Amendments to Title 39, United States Code Subtitle B: Other Provisions Title X: New System Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services Postal Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Organization - Amends Federal law regarding the United States Postal Service to redesignate: (1) Governors and the Board of Governors as Directors and the Board of Directors; and (2) the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General as the Chief and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Service. (Sec. 103) Sets the salary of Directors at $30,000 a year. (Currently, Governors are paid $10,000 a year.) (Sec. 104) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish an Office of Inspector General within the Service. Requires: (1) the first Inspector General of the Service to prepare a strategic plan addressing staffing requirements, general goals and objectives for major Office functions and operations and how such goals and objectives are to be achieved; and (2) the Chief Postal Inspector to prepare a similar strategic plan regarding the Office of Inspector General. Directs that each plan be included with the annual budget. Sets forth provisions regarding compensation and benefits. Title II: General Authority - Authorizes the Service to employ guards for all buildings and areas owned or occupied by, or under the charge and control of, the Service. Specifies that such guards shall have, with respect to such property, the powers of special police officers. Authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take specified actions with respect to such property. (Sec. 202) Treats the date of postmark as the date of appeal in connection with the closing or consolidation of post offices. Title III: Presidential Postal Employee-Management Commission - Revises postal provisions to replace provisions regarding the Postal Service Advisory Council with those establishing a Presidential Postal Employee-Management Commission, which shall study and make recommendations on how employee-management relations within the Service might be improved. Sets forth administrative and reporting requirements. Title IV: Finance - Modifies postal provisions regarding sums in the Postal Service Fund to authorize the Service to provide: (1) that amounts which would otherwise be deposited in the Fund be directly deposited in a Federal Reserve bank or a depository for public funds selected by the Service (current law requires the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury); and (2) for transfers of funds between or among Federal Reserve banks, depositories for public funds, and the Fund. Directs the Service to: (1) prepare a master plan for the exercise of its authority with respect to the Fund; and (2) submit such plan and any revision to the President, the Secretary, and each House of Congress at least 30 days before the proposed implementation date. (Sec. 402) Modifies postal provisions to authorize: (1) the Service, upon determining that moneys in the Fund are in excess of current needs, to invest such amounts as it considers appropriate in obligations of, or guaranteed by, the Government; and (2) the Secretary to purchase Service obligations in such sums as the Secretary and the Service may agree. (Sec. 403) Specifies that obligations issued by the Service shall not be eligible for purchase by, commitment to purchase by, or sale or issuance to, the Federal Financing Bank. (Sec. 404) Repeals provisions regarding the Secretary's preemption of borrowing by the Service. Title V: Budget and Appropriations Process - Repeals postal provisions regarding transitional appropriations. Specifies that liabilities of the former Post Office Department to the Employees' Compensation Fund shall remain liabilities of the Service payable out of the Fund. (Sec. 502) Amends the Postal Reorganization Act to require the Service, regarding anyone receiving benefits as a former Post Office Department officer or employee, to have the same authorities and responsibilities as it has with respect to a Service officer or employee receiving such benefits. (Sec. 503) Repeals authorizations of appropriations to the Service for public service costs, revenue forgone, and certain compensatory appropriations. (Sec. 504) Modifies postal provisions to replace references to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service with references to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services - Specifies that, upon termination of an agency relationship between an addressee and a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) (i.e., a private business that acts as the mail receiving agent for specific clients): (1) the addressee, or the CMRA if so authorized, may file a change-of-address order with the Service regarding such addressee; (2) a change-of-address order so filed shall, to the extent practicable, be given full force and effect; and (3) any mail for the addressee that is delivered to the CMRA after the filing of an appropriate order shall, if marked for forwarding and remailed by the CMRA, be forwarded by the Service in the same manner, and subject to the same terms and conditions, as mail forwarded directly by the Service to the addressee. (Sec. 602) Defines "institution of higher education," for purposes of reduced postage rates, to include a nonprofit organization that coordinates a network of college-level courses that is sponsored primarily by nonprofit educational institutions for an older adult constituency. (Sec. 603) Authorizes: (1) any Commissioner of the Postal Rate Commission, administrative law judge appointed by the Commission, and employee of the Commission so designated to administer oaths, examine witnesses, take depositions, and receive evidence; (2) the Chairman of the Commission and any administrative law judge to issue subpoenas and order the taking of depositions and responses to written interrogatories, subject to specified requirements; and (3) the U.S. district court for the district in which the person to whom the subpoena is addressed resides or is served, in the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena, upon application of the Commission, to issue an order requiring such person to appear at any designated place to testify or produce evidence, with failure to obey punishable by the court as contempt. Sets forth provisions regarding safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of information furnished by the Service to the Commission. (Sec. 604) Permits the Service to offer volume discounts, subject to specified requirements. Directs the Service to conduct a demonstration project to determine the feasibility and desirability of affording volume discounts to mailers on a negotiated basis. Title VII: Provisions Relating to Transportation, Carriage, or Delivery of Mail - Repeals postal provisions regarding: (1) transportation of mail by surface carrier; and (2) restrictions on the length of contracts for mail transportation. (Sec. 702) Modifies postal provisions to: (1) expand the contracting authority of the Service; and (2) allow a letter to be carried out of the mails when the amount paid for private carriage of the letter is at least two dollars. (Sec. 704) Directs the Service to: (1) develop a plan for the conduct of a demonstration project to determine the feasibility and desirability of allowing non-postage bearing matter to be deposited in private letter boxes; and (2) commence implementation of such plan within 18 months. Sets forth provisions regarding procedures, factors to be taken into account in selecting areas for inclusion in the project, written determinations, and evaluation. Title VIII: Direct Appeal of Decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board - Authorizes the Chief Executive Officer, with respect to any employee of or applicant for employment with the Service, to obtain review of any final order or decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board by filing a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upon determining that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board's decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive as applied to the Service, subject to specified requirements. Specifies that the granting of the petition shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals. Title IX: Law Enforcement - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title 39, United States Code - Makes Federal assault statutes applicable to postal contract employees. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the court, upon finding that a sexually oriented advertisement has been mailed in violation of postal provisions, to assess a civil penalty. Specifies that each piece of mail sent in violation of such provisions constitutes a separate violation, and any penalty assessed shall be paid to the Service for deposit into the Fund. Repeals a prohibition of pandering advertisements. (Sec. 903) Provides for the deposit in the Fund of amounts(including proceeds from the sale of forfeited items) from any civil forfeiture conducted by the Service and from any forfeiture resulting from an investigation in which the Service has primary responsibility, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 904) Sets civil penalties for prohibited mailing and deficient packaging of hazardous matter. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) stalking Federal and postal officers and employees; and (2) mailing controlled substances, unless in accordance with rules and regulations authorized by the Service. (Sec. 913) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend its sentencing guidelines to: (1) enhance penalties for stealing or destroying a quantity of undelivered U.S. mail; and (2) establish that the intended loss in a theft of an access device shall be based on the greater of the credit line of such device or the actual unauthorized charges. (Sec. 914) Modifies the Federal criminal code to: (1) set penalties for breaking into a post office box or postal products vending machine and for receiving, possessing, concealing, or disposing of any mail matter, money, or other U.S. property in violation of post office larceny provisions; (2) increase penalties for assaulting with intent to rob persons having lawful custody of mail, money, or other U.S. property (provides for the death penalty under specified circumstances); and (3) prohibit attempting to use or sell forged or counterfeited postage stamps or meter stamps, stamped envelopes, or postal cards, dies, plates, or engraving, and attempting to loan, use, pledge, hypothecate, or convert to personal use postal funds. Title X: New System Relating to Postal Rates, Classes, and Services - Requires the Service to request the Commission to submit a recommended decision on appropriate changes in rates of postage and fees for postal services. Sets forth requirements regarding establishment of baseline rates and fees. Requires that: (1) the maximum rate allowable for a noncompetitive product in any year be computed by multiplying the change in the Gross Domestic Product Chain-Type Price Index, adjusted by the adjustment factor, for such year, by the maximum rate allowable for such product in the preceding year; (2) the Directors establish rates for products in the noncompetitive and competitive categories of mail in accordance with specified procedures. Authorizes the Service to conduct market tests of experimental products, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) adjustment factors, appellate review of Commission procedures, transfers of products from the noncompetitive category, and applicability of the antitrust laws to the Service; (2) reporting and auditing requirements; (3) confidentiality and identification of protected information; and (4) use of profits by the Service. (Sec. 1002) Modifies postal provisions regarding authority to fix rates and classes, including repealing provisions regarding revenues, total estimate costs, and rates and fees. Provides for the continued applicability of current provisions for computing alternative rate limitations for noncompetitive products. Revises provisions regarding recommended decisions of the Commission, action of the Governors, temporary rates, rate and service complaints, and mail classification. Bars the reclassification of a product from the competitive to the noncompetitive category of mail.

Postal Service Core Business Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1996

Postal Service Core Business Act of 1996 - Prohibits the Postal Service from making available to the public any commercial nonpostal service except to the extent that such service was made available nationwide by the Postal Service to the public (whether under the Domestic Mail Manual or otherwise) as of January 1, 1994.

Millennium Society Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Coins Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1996 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Society to allow contributors and suppliers of goods and services to use the Society's trade name, trademarks, symbols, insignia, emblems, seals, descriptive or designating marks, and slogans in advertising under specified conditions. Subjects to a civil action by the Society for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the Society's consent, uses its trademark, symbol, insignia, emblem, seal, descriptive or designating mark, or slogan: (1) for the purposes of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; (3) or to promote any theatrical exhibition, performance, or competition. Exempts persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act. Allows the individuals to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the events of the second millennium and the advent of the third. (Sec. 204) Provides for the issuance of such coins beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on January 1, 2001. (Sec. 207) Requires all surcharges received from coin sales to be promptly paid to the Society, under specified conditions, to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Millennium Scholars Program. Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the U.S. Postal Service to cooperate with the Secretary and the Society in the: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.

Mail Fraud Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996

Mail Fraud Prevention Act - Prohibits the Postal Service from accepting a change-of-address order unless appropriate photographic evidence of the addressee's identity is presented at the time of submission. Requires regulations to carry out this Act to: (1) include provisions under which this Act may be waived in the case of persons who are homebound (requires alternative measures to be implemented to carry out this Act with respect to such persons); and (2) provide for such other exclusions or modifications as the Postal Service considers appropriate, consistent with this Act's purpose and considerations of practicability.

Millennium Society Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Coins Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1996 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Society to allow contributors and suppliers of goods and services to use the Society's trade name, trademarks, symbols, insignia, emblems, seals, descriptive or designating marks, and slogans in advertising under specified conditions. Subjects to a civil action by the Society for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the Society's consent, uses its trademark, symbol, insignia, emblem, seal, descriptive or designating mark, or slogan: (1) for the purposes of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; (3) or to promote any theatrical exhibition, performance, or competition. Exempts persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act. Allows the individuals to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the events of the second millennium and the advent of the third. (Sec. 204) Provides for the issuance of such coins beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on January 1, 2001. (Sec. 207) Requires all surcharges received from coin sales to be promptly paid to the Society, under specified conditions, to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Millennium Scholars Program. Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the U.S. Postal Service to cooperate with the Secretary and the Society in the: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.

Moorhead-Schroeder Patent Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Patent and Trademark Office Government Corporation Subtitle A: United States Patent and Trademark Office Subtitle B: Effective Date; Technical Amendments Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Early Publication of Patent Applications Title III: Prior Domestic Commercial Use Title IV: Inventor Protection Title V: Patent Reexamination Reform Title VI: Miscellaneous Patent Provisions Inventor Rights Protection and Patent Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Patent and Trademark Office Government Corporation - Patent and Trademark Office Government Corporation Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: United States Patent and Trademark Office - Reestablishes the Patent and Trademark Office as a wholly owned Government corporation under the policy guidance of the Secretary of Commerce, except as otherwise provided in this title. Requires the Office to maintain an office in the District of Columbia metropolitan area. Makes the Office responsible, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, for authorizing the transfer of not to exceed $100,000 in any year to the State Department to make special payments to international intergovernmental organizations for studies and programs for advancing international cooperation concerning patents, trademarks, and related matters. Authorizes the Office to retain and use all of its revenues and receipts, subject to the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1980. (Sec. 113) Vests management of the Office in the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks who shall be appointed by the President for a five-year term. Directs the Commissioner to designate a Deputy Commissioner for Patents, a Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and an Inspector General. Exempts the Office from any administratively or statutorily imposed limitation on positions or personnel. Provides that Office employees shall not be subject to provisions governing Federal employees, except for provisions governing: (1) employment of relatives (restrictions); (2) withholding pay; (3) employment limitations; and (4) labor-management relations (under specified conditions). (Sec. 114) Requires the Office to have a Management Advisory Board to review and report annually to the President and specified congressional committees on the Office's policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees and to advise the Commissioner. (Sec. 115) Repeals provisions subjecting the Commissioner's performance (including regulations governing agents and Attorneys representing the Office) to the direction or approval of the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 116) Revises the composition of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to include the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for Patents, the Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and appointed members. (Sec. 117) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revised membership of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences; (2) suits by, and against, the Office; (3) annual report disclosure of the purposes for which receipts were spent; (4) the Commissioner's discretion to designate attorneys who are officers or employees of the Office to conduct hearings relating to suspension or exclusion from practice of certain individuals; (5) receipts, expenditures, and borrowing authority of the Office; (6) annual audit and congressional reporting requirements; and (7) the transfer to the Office of Department of Commerce functions, powers, duties, funds, and property related to the authority and functions which are vested in the Office by this title. Subtitle B: Effective Date; Technical Amendments - Makes this title effective four months after its enactment. (Sec. 132) Makes technical and conforming amendments. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes existing appropriations and funds for the performance of functions, programs, and activities terminated pursuant to this title available for their duration for necessary expenses in connection with such actions. Title II: Early Publication of Patent Applications - Patent Application Publication Act of 1996 - Requires each patent application, except applications for design patents and provisional applications, to be published as soon as possible after 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought, except for an application that is no longer pending or one subject to a secrecy order. Permits earlier publication at the applicant's request. Prohibits disclosure of information concerning published applications except as determined by the Commissioner. Prohibits, upon request by certain independent inventors at the time of filing, the publication of rejected applications, with specified exceptions, until three months after the Commissioner notifies the applicant. Requires the applicant to certify that no application was or will be filed for the invention in a foreign country. Directs the Commissioner to establish appropriate procedures to ensure that this title does not create new opportunities for pre-issuance or pre-grant opposition that did not exist before its adoption. (Sec. 203) Entitles a patent application to claim the benefit of an earlier filing date in a foreign country if a claim, identifying the original foreign application by specifying its application number, country, and the day, month, and year of its filing, is filed in the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) at any such time during the pendency of the application as is required by the Commissioner. Allows the Commissioner to: (1) consider the failure of the applicant to file a timely claim for priority as a waiver of any such claim; (2) require the payment of a surcharge as a condition of accepting an untimely claim during such pendency; and (3) require a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification, and drawings upon which it is based, a translation if not in the English language, and such other information as necessary. Authorizes the Commissioner to determine the time period within which an amendment containing the specific reference to an earlier filed application shall be submitted. (Sec. 204) Specifies that a patent shall include the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from any person who, during the period beginning on the date of publication of the application or, in the case of an international application designating the United States, the date of its international publication until issue of the patent: (1) makes, uses, or sells in the United States the invention as claimed in the published application or imports such an invention into the United States, or if the invention as claimed in the published application is a process, uses or sells in or imports into the United States products made by that process as claimed in such application; and (2) had actual notice of the published patent application and, where the right arising under this paragraph is based upon an international application designating the United States that is published in a language other than English, a translation of such application into the English language. Makes the right to obtain a reasonable royalty unavailable unless the invention claimed in the patent is substantially identical to that claimed in the published application. Makes the right to obtain a reasonable royalty available only in an action brought within six years after the patent is issued. Specifies the commencement date of the period for obtaining a royalty based upon the publication under the treaty of an international application designating the United States. (Sec. 205) Revises Federal patent law to provide that a person shall not be entitled to a patent if the invention was described in a published patent application by another filed in the United States, or in a published international application, before the invention thereof by the applicant. Prohibits the issuance of a patent if an international application designating the United States was published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty of 1970 in the English language by another before the invention by the patent applicant. (Sec. 206) Directs the Commissioner to recover the cost of early publication by adjusting the filing, issue, and maintenance fees by charging a separate publication fee, or by any combination of such fees. (Sec. 208) Provides for the extension of the term of a patent the issue which is delayed due to an unusual administrative delay by the PTO. Limits to ten years the total duration of extensions which result from administrative or judicial review, an unusual administrative delay by PTO, or from both instances. Reduces the extension period equal to the time in which the applicant failed to engage in reasonable efforts (current law provides a reduction for lack of due diligence) to conclude processing of the application. Prohibits the extension of a patent the term of which has been disclaimed beyond the expiration date of the disclaimer. (Sec. 209) Requires the Commissioner to prescribe regulations to provide for the further limited reexamination of a patent application. Allows the Commissioner to establish appropriate fees for such activity and to provide a 50 percent reduction on the fees for small qualified entities. Title III: Prior Domestic Commercial Use - Prior Domestic Commercial Use Act of 1996 - Amends Federal patent law to create a defense to patent infringement with respect to any subject matter that would otherwise infringe one or more claims in the patent being asserted, if a person had, acting in good faith, commercially use the subject matter before the effective filing date of such patent. Specifies that the sale or other disposition of the subject matter of a patent by a person entitled to assert the defense shall exhaust the patent owner's rights to the extent they would have been exhausted had such disposition been made by the patent owner. Subjects the defense to specified limitations and qualifications, including that the defense asserted is not a general license under all claims of the patent at issue, but extends only to the subject matter claimed in the patent, and that a person may not assert such a defense unless the subject matter on which the defense is based had been commercially used or reduced to practice more than one year prior to the effective date of the filing of the patent by the person asserting the defense. Specifies other limitations regarding: (1) the burden of proof (on the person asserting the defense); (2) abandonment of use; (3) who may assert the defense (it is a personal defense); (4) unsuccessful assertion of the defense (directs the court to find the case exceptional for purposes of awarding attorney's fees); and (5) invalidity of a patent (a patent shall not be deemed invalid solely because a defense is established under this title). Title IV: Inventor Protection - Inventor Protection Act of 1996 - Requires that every contract for invention development services be in writing and that a copy of the signed written contract be given to the customer at the time the customer enters into the contract. Directs the invention developer to: (1) state in the contract whether the usual business practice is either to seek more than one contract in connection with an invention or to seek to perform services in one or more phases; and (2) supply to the customer a copy of the written document including the usual business terms of contracts and the approximate amount of the usual fees for services provided. Allows a customer to terminate the contract by sending a written letter to the invention developer stating the individual's intent to cancel. (Requires the letter to be deposited with the U.S. Postal Service on or before five business days after the execution date of the contract, whichever is later.) Calls for the invention developer or a third party representing the invention developer to deem delivery of a promissory note, check, bill of exchange, or negotiable instrument of any kind as payment on the date received. Prescribes language and information that must be included in a cover notice on every such contract. Requires the developer to deliver at quarterly intervals a written report for every contract which shall include: (1) a description of the services performed and those yet to be performed; and (2) the name and address of each entity to whom the subject matter has been disclosed. Mandates that each contract include: (1) the terms and conditions of payment and contract termination rights; (2) a statement that the customer may avoid entering into the contract by not making a payment to the developer; (3) a concise description of the specific acts or services the developer undertakes; (4) a statement as to whether the developer undertakes to construct, sell, or distribute one or more prototypes, models, or devices embodying the invention; (5) the name and place of business of the developer and any entity that may perform any of the services; (6) a statement of the developer's representation of estimated or projected customer earnings and the data upon which such representation is based; (7) the name and address of the custodian of all records and correspondence relating to the contract; and (8) a statement setting forth a schedule for performance of services. Renders any such contract voidable if it: (1) does not comply with applicable provisions; (2) is entered into in reliance upon any material false, fraudulent, or misleading information, representation, notice, or advertisement; (3) is made by an unenrolled invention developer; or (4) provides for any act involved in filing for and obtaining utility, design, or plant patent protection unless the developer offers to perform or performs such act through a registered patent attorney or agent. Deems any waiver by the customer of any provision of this chapter contrary to public policy, void, and unenforceable. Permits any customer who is injured by a developer's violation of this chapter or by any false or fraudulent statement, representation, or omission of material fact by a developer to recover in a civil action against the developer, in addition to reasonable costs and attorney's fees, the greater of $5,000 or the amount of actual damages sustained to the customer. Makes an act by invention developers who knowingly provide any false or misleading statement, representation, or omission of material fact to a customer or who fail to make all the disclosures required under this chapter a misdemeanor subject to a $10,000 fine for each offense. Title V: Patent Reexamination Reform - Patent Reexamination Reform Act of 1996 - Amends Federal patent law to expand reexamination request authority to authorize the filing of such requests by any person on the basis of patent specification requirements except for the best mode requirement. (Current law permits reexamination requests only on the basis of prior art.) Establishes procedures for reexamination proceedings based upon third-party (persons who are not the patent owner) requests. Requires documents filed in such proceedings, other than the request, to be served on all parties. Grants third-party requesters one opportunity to file written comments not less than one month after the date of service of the patent owner's response to any PTO action on the merits of reexamination. Grants third-party requesters the right to appeal final reexamination decisions on the same basis such right is available to patent owners. Estops a third-party requester who files a notice of appeal or who participates as a party to an appeal from later asserting the invalidity of any claim determined to be patentable on appeal on any ground which was or could have been raised during reexamination. Bars patent owners and third-party requesters, once an order for reexamination has been issued, from filing a subsequent reexamination request until a reexamination certificate is published. Prohibits a party, once a final decision has been entered in a civil action that the party has not sustained the burden of proving the invalidity of a patent claim, from requesting reexamination on issues that were or could have been raised in the civil action. Requires the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to review adverse decisions of examiners in reexamination proceedings and authorizes appeals to the Board by patent owners and third-party requesters with respect to reexamination decisions. Permits appeals of Board decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Title VI: Miscellaneous Patent Provisions - Revises provisions regarding abandonment of provisional applications to allow, notwithstanding the absence of a claim, a provisional application to be treated as a patent application, under specified conditions. (Sec. 602) Grants, under specified conditions, benefits of an earlier filing date to an invention patent application filed in this country that has previously and regularly been filed for the same invention in a foreign country which affords similar privileges in the case of applications filed in a foreign WTO member country. Grants applications for plant breeder's rights filed in such country or in a foreign UPOV Contracting Party the right of priority as a patent application, subject to the same conditions and requirements. Allows a patent to be issued for a tuber propagated plant. Provides that, in the case of a plant patent, the grant to the patentee shall have the right to exclude others from offering the reproduced plant or any of its parts for sale throughout, or importing the plant so reproduced into, the United States.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued in recognition of the services rendered by this Nation's volunteer firefighters.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1996

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster General that a postage stamp be issued to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Volunteer Fire Service.

Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996

Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail that is one cent higher than the regular rate as an alternative that patrons may use voluntarily to contribute to funding for breast-cancer research. Authorizes the Service to design and sell special stamps. Requires the Service to pay amounts attributable (additional revenues minus costs) to the one-cent differential to the National Institutes of Health as mutually agreed.

External company employment by Deutsche Post AG (G-SIG: 13011582)

Germany · German Bundestag · 29 April 1996

Pilot test for the delivery of valuable letters by other companies on behalf of the post office, impact on jobs at Deutsche Post AG

Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1997

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996

Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1997 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and administration of the Panama Canal for FY 1997. Makes funds available for the purchase, and transportation to Panama, of passenger motor vehicles. Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (the Act) to: (1) remove certain definitions and recommendations for legislation; (2) abolish the Office of the Ombudsman within the Commission; (3) revise provisions concerning the appointment, compensation, and duties of Commission employees; (4) make inapplicable to non-U.S.-citizen Commission employees certain Federal compensation, health, and retirement benefits; and (5) revise the travel and transportation expenses authorized for Commission employees. Directs the Commission (currently, the President and Federal agency heads, respectively) to establish a Panama Canal Employment System and Commission employment standards. Repeals provisions: (1) concerning the interim application of the Canal Zone Merit System and the authority for additional pay to employees recruited and retained for employment in the Canal Zone; (2) authorizing the purchase of artificial limbs and other appliances for Commission employees injured before September 7, 1916; (3) authorizing employee leave for jury or witness duty or services; (4) providing for the deposit of remaining Canal Zone Government funds; (5) requiring the Comptroller General to take into consideration, during Commission audits, certain conversion problems of the accounting system of the Panama Canal Company; (6) authorizing the Commission to adjust Canal Zone toll charges; (7) authorizing the President and the Commission to prescribe regulations concerning the operation and protection of the Panama Canal Zone; (8) applicable during a prior transition period; (9) authorizing appropriations for the disinterment, transportation, and reinterment in the United States of the remains of former Commission employees; and (10) providing for the compensation level of U.S. military personnel serving in a Commission position. Establishes a Central Examining Office to implement provisions relating to Commission employee recruitment, examination, and qualification standards. Provides for the applicability to the Commission of specified Federal laws. Revises provisions concerning: (1) the administration of disability benefits to former Commission employees; and (2) the establishment of, and deposit of funds into, the Panama Canal Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Commission to make direct purchase of printing and related services and to provide air transportation for Commission officials and employees. Requires: (1) the Commission to take possession and administer the funds of the Canal Zone postal service; and (2) Commission investigation of accident claims to include a hearing by the Commission's Board of Local Inspectors. Authorizes the Commission (currently, the President) to prescribe regulations governing the operation of the Canal and the navigation of adjacent waters.

Balanced Budget Act of 1995 for Economic Growth and Fairness

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Banking, Housing, and Related Provisions Title II: Spectrum Allocation Provisions Title III: Medicaid Title IV: Medicare Title V: Welfare Reform Title VI: Federal Retirement Provisions Title VII: Veterans and Related Provisions Title VIII: Assets Sales, User Fees, and other Mandatory Provisions Title IX: Revenues Title X: Budget Enforcement Balanced Budget Act of 1995 for Economic Growth and Fairness - Title I: Banking, Housing, and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Institutions - Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a special assessment on the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF)-assessable deposits of each insured depository institution at a rate applicable to all such institutions that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines will cause the SAIF to achieve the designated reserve ratio on the first business day of January 1996. Allows the Board to exempt weak institutions from such assessment. Mandates exemption from such assessment for certain newly chartered and other specified institutions, but requires such institutions to pay semiannual assessments at certain former rates during calendar years 1996 through 1999. (Sec. 2011) (sic) Authorizes certain institutions facing hardship as a result of the special assessment to elect to pay it in two assessments, plus a third supplemental special assessment, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes adjustments of the special assessment for Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) member banks and certain savings associations. (Sec. 2012) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to revise the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) instead of SAIF members only. Repeals specified limits on the amount that may be assessed. (Sec. 2013) Declares that the SAIF and the BIF shall be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund, which shall have a Special Reserve for any excess of the SAIF reserve ratio over the designated reserve ratio. Makes conforming amendments to FHLBA and FDIA. (Sec. 2015) Prescribes procedural guidelines with respect to the refund of assessed payments in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. (Sec. 2016) Amends the FDIA to declare that assessment rates for SAIF members may not be less than assessment rates for BIF members. (Sec. 2017) Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 2018) Terminates as of December 31, 1995, the authority of the Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board to establish positions for and pay compensation and benefits to officers and employees, except for 18 individuals to carry out Board functions through May 1, 1996. Subtitle B: Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to section 8 low-income housing rental increases (including considerations of operating costs, certificate program participation, and same-family occupancy). (Sec. 2052) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize: (1) insurance benefits to mortgagees for foreclosure avoidance activities; and (2) mortgagor assistance activities (mortgage payments or mortgage assignment to the Secretary of Housing and Human Development). Title II: Communications and Spectrum Allocation Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to state that certain competitive bidding requirements shall not apply to licenses or construction permits issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): (1) that, as the result of the FCC carrying out specified obligations, are not mutually exclusive; (2) for public safety radio services, including Government uses that protect the safety of life, health, and property and that are not made commercially available to the public; or (3) for initial licenses or construction permits for new terrestrial broadcast digital television (TV) services assigned by the FCC to existing terrestrial broadcast licensees to replace their current TV licenses, unless specified conditions are met. Prohibits the FCC from assigning initial licenses or construction permits to terrestrial commercial TV broadcast licensees to replace their existing broadcast licenses before November 15, 1996, except as provided pursuant to this Act. Extends through FY 2002 the authority of the FCC to grant such licenses or permits. (Sec. 3001) (sic) Requires the FCC to complete all actions necessary to permit the assignment, by September 30, 2002, by competitive bidding of licenses for the use of bands of frequencies that: (1) individually span not less than 25 megahertz (mhz.), unless a combination of smaller bands can reasonably be expected to product greater receipts; (2) in the aggregate span not less than 100 mhz.; (3) are located below three gigahertz (ghz.); and (4) as of this Act's enactment date have not been designated by FCC regulation for assignment, identified by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (NTIAO), or reserved for Government use pursuant to the Act. Directs the FCC to conduct competitive bidding for not less than one-half of such aggregate spectrum by September 30, 2000. Requires the FCC, in making available bands of frequencies for competitive bidding, to: (1) promote the most efficient use of the spectrum; (2) take into account the cost to incumbent licensees of relocating existing uses to other bands of frequencies or other means of communication and the needs of public safety radio services; (3) comply with the requirements of international agreements concerning spectrum allocations; and (4) take into account the costs to satellite service providers that could result from multiple auctions of like spectrum internationally for global satellite systems. Directs the FCC to notify the Secretary if the FCC: (1) is unable to provide for the effective relocation of incumbent licensees to frequencies available for assignment; and (2) has identified bands of frequencies that are suitable for the relocation of such licensees and that are allocated for Government use but that could be reallocated pursuant to the NTIAO Act. Amends the NTIAO Act to require the Secretary, upon receiving a notice from the FCC pursuant to this Act, to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report recommending for reallocation for use other than by Government stations of bands of frequencies that are suitable for the uses identified in the FCC's notice. Authorizes any Federal entity which operates a Government station to accept payment in advance or in-kind reimbursement of costs, or a combination thereof, from any person to defray entirely the expenses of relocating the Federal entity's operations from one or more radio spectrum frequencies to other frequencies. Directs that any such payment be deposited in the account of such Federal entity in the Treasury. Authorizes any person seeking to relocate a Government station that has been assigned a frequency within a band allocated for mixed Federal and non-Federal use to submit a petition for such relocation to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Directs NTIA to limit or terminate the Government station's operating license when certain requirements are met. Specifies that if, within one year after the relocation, the Government station demonstrates to the FCC that the new facilities or spectrum are not comparable to those from which the Government station was relocated, the person seeking such relocation must take reasonable steps to remedy any defects or pay the Federal entity for the costs of returning the Government station to the spectrum from which such station was relocated. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal action to expedite spectrum transfer; (2) identification and reallocation of auctionable frequencies; and (3) allocation and assignment of frequencies identified in the second reallocation report. (Sec. 3002) Prohibits any analog TV license from being renewed for a period that extends beyond the earlier of December 31, 2005, or one year after the FCC finds, based on annual surveys, that at least 95 percent of households in the United States have the capability to receive and display TV signals, other than TV signals transmitted pursuant to an analog TV license. Requires that, following such date, only advanced TV licenses be issued. Requires the Department of Commerce, for each calendar year from 1998 to 2005, to conduct a survey to estimate the percentage of U.S. households that have the capability to receive and display TV signals other than those transmitted pursuant to an analog TV license. Directs that licensees for new services be selected by competitive bidding. Requires the FCC to: (1) ensure that, as analog TV licenses expire, spectrum previously used for the broadcast of analog TV is reclaimed and organized in such manner as to maximize the deployment of new and existing services; and (2) complete the competitive bidding procedure by March 1, 2002. Requires the FCC to establish procedures to ensure that, within the year prior to the reversion date, the advanced TV licensees provide each requesting household without the capability to receive and display TV signals other than those transmitted pursuant to an analog TV license with the capability to receive and display advanced TV service. Mandates that each advanced TV service licensee provide, each day for the duration of its license, at least one non-subscription TV service that meets or exceeds minimum technical and other standards established by the FCC, as well as any other regulations pursuant to the Act and the Children's TV Act of 1990. Directs the FCC: (1) in setting such minimum technical standards, to ensure that picture and audio quality are at least as good as provided to recipients under current FCC rules for National Television Systems Committee signals and to adopt other requirements to assure the quality of the signal used to provide advanced TV services; and (2) revoke the license of any advanced TV licensee who fails to meet this condition of the license. Requires the FCC to promulgate regulations to assure the dissemination of converter boxes or devices necessary to ensure access to digital TV to all households that desire such access at a reasonable cost. Title III: Medicaid - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for the following purposes. (Sec. 201) (sic) Sets a prescribed limit on the total amount of payments in grant awards to a State under Medicaid for FY 1997 through 2002 for each separate group of listed Medicaid beneficiaries in the State based on the total net matchable Medicaid expenditures for the State for the fiscal year, with certain exceptions for States providing medical assistance pursuant to an approved waiver and for certain Medicare cost-sharing, information system, Indian health and other specified expenditures. Declares that such limitation shall not be construed as applying to payments for the purchase and delivery of qualified pediatric vaccines. Details enforcement-related provisions for assuring actual payments to States consistent with such limitation. Provides for application of enhanced matching under State payment provisions for development of certain information reporting systems. Title IV: Medicare Savings - Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part A to outline various specified changes related to the Hospital Insurance program under it that are designed to achieve Medicare savings through such measures involving, among other things: (1) adjustments for estimated case mix increase when recalibrating diagnosis-related group (DRG) prospective payment system (PPS) rates for inpatient hospital services; (2) temporary additional reduction in PPS capital and hospital-specific rates; (3) reductions in adjustments for disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) and indirect medical education (IME); (4) elimination of DSH and IME payments attributable to outlier payments; (5) reductions to capital payments for PPS-exempt hospitals; (6) basing updates to per diem cost limits effective for FY 1996 for skilled nursing facilities on limits for FY 1993, with payment for such facilities made on an interim prospective basis until FY 1999 when a full PPS is to be implemented; (7) salary equivalency guidelines for various specified therapy services; (8) removal of graduate medical education (GME), IME, and DSH payments from the calculation of the adjusted average per capita cost; (9) additional payments to hospitals for managed care enrollees; (10) rebasing the target amount and eliminating the volume adjustment for sole community hospitals; (11) expanding the essential access community hospitals (EACH) program (renamed the rural primary care hospital program) to all States with an end to new EACH designations, a limitation on length of inpatient stays, and certain payment-related changes; and (12) changes in the treatment of certain transfer cases. (Sec. 11105) (sic) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Commission on Medical Education and Workforce Priorities to develop and recommend to the HHS Secretary specific policies concerning health centers and the health care workforce. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 11118) Outlines various specified changes in certain provisions related to Medicare's Supplementary Medical Insurance program under SSA title XVIII part B that are designed to achieve Medicare savings and provide for coverage of additional benefits through such measures involving, among other things: (1) limited program coverage of respite services (the temporary care provided to individuals for the purpose of ensuring periodic time-off for co-resident primary informal caregivers); (2) new updates for physician services; (3) incentives to control high volume for in-hospital physicians' services; (4) reduced payment increases for ambulatory surgical center services for FY 1996 through 2002; (5) reductions in monthly payment amounts for oxygen and oxygen equipment; (6) payment limits for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and competitive medical plans (CMPs); and (7) program coverage of annual screening mammography for women over age 49, and of colorectal screening. (Sec. 11128) Waives cost-sharing for mammography. (Sec. 11131) Establishes set payment amounts for certain vaccines and ties annual increases in them to increases in the yearly update for physicians' services for the particular year involved. Eliminates coinsurance and deductible for hepatitis B vaccine. (Sec. 11141) Directs the HHS Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with centers of excellence for cataract surgery, coronary artery by-pass surgery, and such other services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, with payment for such services to be made on the basis of specified negotiated or all-inclusive rates. Requires the amount of payment made by the HHS Secretary to the center for covered services to be less than the aggregate amount of payments that would have otherwise been made to it had not such process been in effect. Requires that a portion of such savings be rebated to each individual to whom such services are furnished. (Sec. 11142) Restructures payment policy for home health services, among other things: (1) temporarily basing updates to per visit cost limits on pre-July 1, 1994 levels; (2) providing interim reduced cost limits for FY 1997 through 1999; (3) directing the HHS Secretary, for cost reporting periods beginning on or after FY 2000, to provide for payments for the services in accordance with a PPS which pays home health agencies on a per episode basis; (4) basing payment on the location where they are furnished; and (5) establishing a post-hospital home health benefit under Medicare part A while transferring other home health services to Medicare part B. (Sec. 11148) Provides for permanent extension of certain secondary payer provisions under Medicare, including those for the working disabled. (Sec. 11161) Modifies Medicare part B premium provisions, directing the HHS Secretary, during each September, to determine and promulgate a monthly premium rate for the succeeding calendar year equal to 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for that succeeding calendar year. Subtitle B: Expanded Medicare Choice - Gives Medicare a managed care component under a new part C (Managed Care Organizations) under which every individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A and enrolled under Medicare part B (or enrolled under part B only) shall be eligible to enroll with any eligible organization contracting with the HHS Secretary to serve the geographic area in which the individual resides. Extends to such individuals a broader choice of managed care coverage through qualified HMOs, CMPs, preferred provider organizations, or provider sponsored organizations (PSOs). Delineates the types of benefits offered by each managed care organization or plan, requiring certain minimum services, with supplemental benefits subject to the Secretary's approval and provided at the enrollees' option. Outlines other program particulars regarding internal quality assurance, payment for services, and sanctions for noncompliance with program requirements. (Sec. 11203) Directs the HHS Secretary to develop standards for fiscal soundness and requirements against the risk of insolvency for PSOs that have entered into contracts under Medicare part C. (Sec. 11204) Provides for the applicability of Medicare rates to enrollees who use an out-of-plan provider of services. (Sec. 11205) Directs the HHS Secretary to provide for regulations requiring the collection, analysis, and reporting of data that will permit measurement of outcomes and other indices of the quality of managed care plans under contract with the Secretary. (Sec. 11206) Allows the HHS Secretary to waive certain HMO- and CMP-related requirements under Medicare with regard to certain described experiments and demonstration projects under provisions for economy while maintaining or improving quality in health services (competitive pricing demonstrations). Requires the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress specific recommendations for a new payment methodology for eligible organizations, with contracts under Medicare part C to be based on the results of such demonstrations. (Sec. 11207) Eliminates the health care prepayment plan option for entities eligible to participate under Medicare part C. (Sec. 11208) Provides various specified changes under the Medicare supplemental policy (Medigap) program, including uniform enrollment periods and community-rated premiums. (Sec. 11209) Directs the HHS Secretary to develop a standard package of benefits (in addition to those already covered under Medicare) that may be offered by eligible organizations under Medicare part C. Requires the HHS Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to examine the standard benefit packages for Medigap policies and recommend any restructuring needed in order to facilitate to the maximum extent feasible comparison across such policies and benefits offered by eligible organizations. Requires the HHS Secretary, after taking into account any such recommendations, to restructure such packages as needed. Provides during FY 1996 through 2000 for Medicaid payments to certain States with large populations of illegal immigrants to pay health care providers for services to such populations. (Sec. 11303) Revises Medicaid provisions regarding a State's erroneous excess payments for medical assistance, replacing references to such payments with references to erroneous enrollments, among other changes. (Sec. 11311) Gives States the option of making medical assistance under Medicaid available to certain groups of individuals who would otherwise be ineligible for such assistance. Provides for the disregard of such additional enrollees in calculating the Federal payment limit. (Sec. 11312) Places restrictions on certain authority under SSA title XI for new Medicaid eligibility expansion demonstrations. (Sec. 11313) Provides for an upper income limit on "less restrictive" eligibility methodologies. (Sec. 11321) Includes the provision of Medicaid items and services through a primary care case management system as a State Medicaid plan option. (Sec. 11322) Allows States to require Medicaid-eligible individuals to enroll with an HMO or a primary care case manager provided certain guidelines are followed. (Sec. 11323) Eliminates certain Medicaid restrictions on risk contracts. (Sec. 11324) Provides six-month guaranteed eligibility for all individuals enrolled in Medicaid managed care. (Sec. 11325) Requires State Medicaid plan requirements to ensure quality of and access to care under managed care plans. (Sec. 11331) Provides for home- and community-based services as a State option under Medicaid without need for a waiver. (Sec. 11332) Repeals Medicaid provisions for the enrollment of individuals under group health plans. Gives States the option of purchasing health insurance, or paying the costs of health insurance, for enrollees in providing medical assistance under the Medicaid program. (Sec. 11333) Modifies provisions for an extension of eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid that concern the State "wrap-around" option, in which a State may pay a family's expenses for premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and similar costs for health insurance or other health coverage offered by an employer of the caretaker relative or by an employer of the absent parent of a dependent child. Provides that, in the case of such coverage offered by an employer of the caretaker relative, the State may limit the amount of any deductible or copayment for any health care item or service to the applicable portion of the amount the State would pay if such item or service had been furnished by a provider participating in the program under the State Medicaid plan. Eliminates the premium limit under provisions allowing a State to impose a premium for a family for additional extended coverage. Makes reporting requirements under provisions concerning an additional six-month extension optional. Gives States the option to terminate the benefits under such extension for a failure to report pursuant to such requirements. (Sec. 11341) Requires with respect to State Medicaid plans a public process for determining the rates of payment for nursing facility services and services of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Requires the HHS Secretary to study and report to the Congress with regard to such rate setting and other specified matters. (Sec. 11343) Repeals Medicaid provisions for assuring certain payment levels for obstetrical and pediatric services. (Sec. 11351) Modifies Medicaid mechanized claims processing and information retrieval system requirements. (Sec. 11352) Eliminates certain personnel requirements under State Medicaid plan administrative provisions. (Sec. 11353) Repeals requirements under such provisions for cooperative arrangements with State health and vocational rehabilitation services agencies. (Sec. 11355) Requires appropriate State review of mentally ill or mentally retarded nursing facility residents under Medicaid upon a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. (Sec. 11356) Modifies certain provisions for approving nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs. (Sec. 11357) Allows a State to submit to the HHS Secretary for approval a single State plan to carry out: (1) the long-term care grant program established by subtitle E (sic); (2) the program of health insurance for the temporarily unemployed established by subtitle G (sic); and (3) the Medicaid program. (Sec. 11358) Requires State Medicaid plans to provide for a public process for developing State plan amendments. Subtitle D (sic): Fraud and Abuse - Federal Health Care Payment Integrity Act of 1995 - Amends SSA title XI civil monetary penalty provisions, with changes: (1) extending the applicability of such provisions to any Federal health care program; (2) outlining additional instances in which the HHS Secretary may impose civil money penalties, including for offering inducements to individuals enrolled under Federal health programs; and (3) modifying the amounts of various penalties and assessments. (Sec. 11403) Modifies provisions for the exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participation in Medicare and State health care programs, establishing certain minimum periods of exclusion for certain individuals and entities subject to permissive exclusion from Medicare and State health care programs, among other changes. (Sec. 11404) Amends Federal criminal laws to cover illegal remuneration with respect to health care benefit programs. (Sec. 11405) Repeals the prerequisite that a health care practitioner or person be determined "unwilling or unable" to comply substantially with a corrective action plan before sanctions may be imposed (thus permitting the HHS Secretary to exclude such practitioner or person from eligibility to provide services for failure to comply with a corrective action plan, regardless of circumstances). (Sec. 11406) Directs the HHS Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners by government agencies and Federal health care programs. Provides that the information in the program database shall be available to Federal and State government agencies, health plans, and the public pursuant to procedures that the HHS Secretary shall provide, with certain fees allowed for disclosure. (Sec. 11407) Expands the various authorities of State Medicaid fraud control units, including to allow them to investigate and prosecute patient abuse in non-Medicaid board and care facilities. (Sec. 11408) Provides for the recovery of Medicare overpayments from bankrupt providers. (Sec. 11409) Authorizes the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for the revocation of licenses of unqualified providers. (Sec. 11410) Amends Federal criminal laws to provide for the authorization of interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications in connection with health care fraud. (Sec. 11421) Establishes under SSA title XI the new Medicare Anti-Fraud and Abuse Program to provide funding out of the Medicare trust funds for the activities of the HHS Inspector General related to preventing and detecting fraud and abuse in the programs under SSA title XVIII and determining the accuracy and appropriateness of expenditures under such programs. (Sec. 11422) Establishes the Medicare beneficiary integrity system for the review of the activities of service providers, audits, and education of service providers and others with respect to payment issues under Medicare. (Sec. 11423) Establishes the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account for covering the costs of activities designed to prevent and detect health care fraud and abuse and to promote economy and efficiency in Federal health care programs. (Sec. 11431) Makes various specified criminal law amendments covering matters relating to health care fraud through allowing fines or imprisonment for health care fraud violations, property forfeitures for certain Federal health care offenses, and certain sanctions for false statements relating to health care matters. Authorizes investigative demand procedures under certain conditions. (Sec. 11441) Provides for certain technical changes for coordinating Medicare benefits with those under primary plans, addressing such matters as when to file a claim and associated time limitations as well as claims between parties other than the United States. Revises Medicare secondary payer provisions concerning actions by the United States for double damages to condition such damages upon the entity's failure to demonstrate that it did not know, and could not have known, of its obligation to pay with respect to an item or service under a primary plan. (Sec. 11445) Repeals the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 11446) Mandates the provision by group health plans of certain information to HHS with respect to covered individuals entitled to Medicare benefits. Outlines similar requirements with respect to employers and employee organizations. (Sec. 11447) Makes certain technical changes under Medicare concerning minimum sizes of group health plans. (Sec. 11451) Provides for increased flexibility in contracting for Medicare claims processing by, among other means: (1) allowing carriers to include entities that are not insurance companies; (2) repealing cost reimbursement requirements; and (3) permitting initial contracts to be entered into without regard to any competition requirements. (Sec. 11461) Replaces the reasonable charge methodology under Medicare part B with fee schedules. (Sec. 11462) Provides, under Medicare part B, for the application of: (1) inherent reasonableness to surgical dressings; and (2) the competitive acquisition process to certain items and services, including laboratory services. (Sec. 11465) Makes certain changes in payments for clinical laboratory tests under Medicare part B. (Sec. 11471) Amends SSA title XI to authorize the HHS Secretary to require disclosing Medicare part A and B providers to provide the Secretary with their taxpayer identification numbers and other information for verification by the Secretary of the Treasury. (Sec. 11472) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the use of a wage index for an area in which home health services are furnished. Allows an individual to purchase or rent from a supplier an item of upgraded durable medical equipment for which payment would be made if the item was a standard one. Title V: Welfare Reform - Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program under SSA title IV part A with the Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) program for the purpose of providing assistance to families with needy children and assisting parents of such children to obtain and retain private sector work to the extent possible, and public sector or volunteer work if necessary, through the Work First Employment Block Grant (WORK FIRST) program established below. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9101) Sets forth the elements for State TEA plans to be approved by the HHS Secretary, and effective in all political subdivisions in the State, including limits on the length of time for cash assistance, with specified exceptions for teen parents and individuals exempt from certain work requirements under this title because of illness or other specified reasons. Includes among such elements requirements for the State to: (1) assess the skills, prior work experience, and employability of each applicant for, or recipient of, TEA assistance who is age 18 or without a high school education and is not attending secondary school; (2) develop an individual responsibility plan (IRP) setting forth their job search, work, and educational obligations (including, at State option, appropriate substance abuse treatment) in order to receive the full amount of program assistance, with assistance denied after the third act of noncompliance with the plan; (3) place recipients of TEA assistance who have not become employed in the private sector within one year after signing an IRP in the first available slot in the State WORK FIRST program with certain exceptions for recipients who are ill, incapacitated, or of advanced age or who are enrolled in school or in educational or training programs that will lead to private sector employment; (4) require all applicants for, and recipients of, TEA assistance to cooperate in the establishment and enforcement of paternity and child support obligations; and (5) promote family preservation and stability. Denies TEA assistance for: (1) ten years to a person found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain assistance in two or more States; and (2) fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. Provides for the exchange of certain State TEA plan information with law enforcement agencies for the purpose of locating or apprehending such individuals. Outlines State TEA plan administrative elements, including requirements for a quality assurance system making use of a data collection and reporting system to promote accountability, continuous improvement, and integrity in State TEA and WORK FIRST programs. (Sec. 9201) Extends the applicability of Medicare eligibility for medical assistance to families that cease to be eligible for aid under SSA title IV part A after FY 2002. (Sec. 9202) Requires the applicable State agency to provide notice of the availability of the earned income tax credit to applicants and former recipients of TEA assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid. (Sec. 9203) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to require inclusion on the W-4 form of a notice of availability of earned income tax and dependent care tax credit. (Sec. 9204) Provides for advance payment of the earned income tax credit through certain State demonstration programs under which participating residents shall receive advance earned income payments from a responsible State agency pursuant to a State Advance Payment Program in lieu of receiving earned income advance amounts from an employer. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9205) Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to make various specified changes, including provisions to: (1) reauthorize the child care and development block grant program through FY 2002; (2) give priority in the use of funds under such program to families with an individual receiving TEA assistance while participating in education-, job-, or work-related programs under such program, and to families no longer qualifying for other child care because their TEA assistance was terminated because of increased income from employment; (3) authorize separate appropriations of Federal matching funds for child care services for eligible children out of which the State will be entitled to payments under a grant determined according to a specified formula; (4) decrease certain set-asides for improving the quality of child care and increasing the availability of early childhood development and before- and after-school care services, while repealing other related set-asides for conducting or expanding such services; and (5) direct the Secretary to establish a child care quality improvement incentive initiative to make funds available to States which have enhanced child care quality standards and licensing procedures or have progressed in implementing innovative teacher training programs. Eliminates State dependent care grants under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Repeals the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. (Sec. 9206) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include as gross income Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits received by taxpayers under SSA title XVI, and make such benefits reportable. Provides that SSI benefits will not be taken into account for purposes of the earned income tax credit, and that adjusted gross income shall be determined without regard to any amount includable in gross income solely by reason of this paragraph. (Sec. 9207) Makes the dependent care credit refundable and phases it out for certain higher income taxpayers. Subtitle C: Work First (sic) - Replaces the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) under SSA title IV part F with the WORK FIRST program (the Work First Employment Block Grant program) under which States have the option of providing a wide variety of time-limited work-related assistance, pursuant to an approved State plan, to TEA recipients through certain minimum hours of participation in any of various specified program components ranging from microenterprise initiatives to separate workfare and job placement voucher programs established by the State under new SSA title IV parts G and H (but not both), with the goal of enabling the participant to find and hold a full-time unsubsidized position, preferably in the private sector, in a cost-effective fashion. (Sec. 9301) Outlines in detail WORK FIRST program components, including community service and subsidized private sector job initiatives under the workfare program for helping participants move into the private labor market, and job placement voucher programs' funding of subsidized temporary jobs out of the funds that would otherwise be used to provide individuals with TEA assistance or food stamps. Requires participating States to achieve certain outlined participation rates over a specified fiscal year period through 2003 and later. Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should target individuals who have not attained age 25 for participation in the WORK FIRST program in order to break the cycle of welfare dependency. Subtitle D: Family Responsibility and Improved Child Support Enforcement - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) with regard to eligibility and other matters concerning part D program clients, and includes among the changes made the following. (Sec. 9401) Requires each State to have in effect laws requiring procedures under which every child support order established or modified in the State on or after October 1, 1998, is recorded in a single centralized automated case registry established pursuant to this subtitle for the collection from income withholding, and prompt disbursement (including interstate collection and disbursement), of amounts payable as support under orders in all cases being enforced by the State unless the parties to the order opt out of such payment arrangement. Provides for such system to be coordinated with the automated data system established above. (Sec. 9402) Establishes procedures governing the distribution of child support payments where the family is, and is not, on TEA assistance, with certain alternative distributions provided for. (Sec. 9403) Adds State child and spousal support plan requirements for due process rights and privacy safeguards for affected parties in child support and paternity establishment cases. (Sec. 9411) Amends SSA title IV part D with regard to program administration and funding, and includes among the changes made: (1) an increased Federal matching rate for the total amounts expended by the State per quarter for operation of its part D plan; (2) new performance-based incentive adjustments to such rate as well as new penalties in the form of reduced State payments for, among other reasons, States failing to achieve the paternity establishment percentage or the appropriate level of overall performance in child support enforcement; (3) new Federal and State reviews and audits of State child support and paternity establishment program accomplishments with respect to applicable performance indicators; (4) the establishment of procedures to be followed by States for collecting and reporting information required to be provided under SSA title IV part D as well as uniform definitions to be applied in following such procedures; and (5) requirements for appropriate State agencies to have in operation a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system for use in program management. (Sec. 9416) Requires the HHS Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the staffing of each State child support enforcement program to examine staffing practices used by the States. (Sec. 9417) Provides certain funding for secretarial assistance to State child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 9421) Makes various specified changes under SSA title IV part D with regard to locate and case tracking through the newly provided for central case registry, including exchanges of data with an expanded Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) (containing among other things a directory of information supplied by employers on newly hired individuals) and State agencies administering TEA and Medicaid programs. (Sec. 9423) Revises income withholding, providing that all child support orders issued (or modified) before October 1, 1996, which are not otherwise subject to withholding, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. (Sec. 9425) Provides for an expanded FPLS, including an automated Data Bank of Child Support Orders and an automated Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 9426) Adds State law requirements for procedures requiring the recording of social security numbers of both parents on marriage licenses and divorce decrees and on birth records and child support and paternity orders. (Sec. 9431) Requires State adoption, with certain modifications and additions, of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August, 1992, for use in the State on and after January 1, 1997. (Sec. 9432) Modifies the Federal judicial code with respect to full faith and credit for child support orders, among other changes specifying rules for courts to follow if one or more child support orders have been issued in the State (or another State) with regard to an obligor and a child in determining which order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement. (Sec. 9433) Adds State law requirements for expedited procedures for ordering genetic testing, entering default orders, and other specified purposes connected with paternity establishment and the establishment or modification of support obligations. (Sec. 9441) Expresses the sense of the Congress that social services should be provided in hospitals to women who have become pregnant as a result of rape or incest. (Sec. 9442) Makes various specified changes with regard to paternity establishment, making it a requirement under the State plan for outreach activities aimed at voluntary paternity establishment, and providing for an increased base matching rate for payments to the States, among other changes. Modifies the cooperation requirement and good cause exception. (Sec. 9451) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to develop a national child support guideline for congressional consideration that is based on a study of various guideline models. (Sec. 9452) Restructures procedures for the review and adjustment of child support orders. (Sec. 9461) Makes a variety of changes under SSA title IV part D for the enforcement (including international enforcement) of child support orders, including: (1) elimination of disparities in the treatment of assigned and non-assigned arrearages under SSA title IV part D provisions for the collection of past-due support from Federal tax refunds; (2) certain actions by the State, such as the placement of liens on motor vehicle titles of individuals owing arrears of child support, voiding of fraudulent transfers by individuals to avoid payment to a child support creditor, and withholding or suspension of driver's and professional and occupational licenses of individuals owing overdue child support, in order to ensure compliance with support orders; (3) an extended statute of limitations for collection of support arrearages as well as the imposition of charges for such arrearages; (4) action by the Department of State denying or otherwise restricting passports for individuals with an arrearage of child support in excess of $5,000; (5) treatment by the State of international child support cases as interstate cases; and (6) making grandparents liable for the financial support of the children of their minor children. Revises and consolidates the authorities under SSA title IV part D for collecting support from Federal employees, and outlines the framework for a centralized personnel locator service for the Department of Defense for enforcement of the child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 9468) Revises procedures for State reporting of support arrearages to credit bureaus. (Sec. 9472) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956; and (2) the States should develop programs, such as the State of Wisconsin's Children's First Program, designed to work with noncustodial parents who are unable to meet their child support obligations. (Sec. 9481) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of "medical child support order" an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 9491) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) give the applicable State administrative agencies the option of requiring the cooperation of custodial and non-custodial parents with child support agencies in establishing paternity or providing support, except for certain good cause reasons, before they can participate in the food stamp program; and (2) provide States with a similar option with regard to individual family members delinquent in making any monthly child support payment. Subtitle E: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability - Gives States the option of denying TEA assistance to families having additional children (other than as a result of rape or incest) while being a recipient of such aid or during the six month period ending with the date the family applied for such aid. (Sec. 9502) Requires State TEA plans to require any unmarried individual under age 18 who is pregnant or has a needy child in his or her care to reside in an adult-supervised living arrangement in order to receive TEA assistance (such aid to be provided to the parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative on behalf of such individual and child) unless the State agency determines that the individual's current living arrangement is appropriate for an individual with no parent or legal guardian of his or her own who is living and whose whereabouts are known. (Sec. 9503) Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to require the Secretaries of Education and of HHS and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish the National Clearinghouse on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs to serve as a national information and data clearinghouse and as a training, technical assistance, and material development source for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. (Sec. 9504) Requires completion of high school or other educational training for teen parents required under the TEA program to participate in the WORK FIRST program. Gives the States the option of providing additional incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 9505) Denies Federal housing benefits to minor heads of household who bear children out-of-wedlock until they attain age 18 unless: (1) after the birth of the child the individual marries the child's biological father, or, if the biological parent has legal custody of the child, an individual who legally adopts the child; (2) the individual is a biological and custodial parent of another child who was not born out-of-wedlock; (3) eligibility for such Federal housing assistance is based in whole or in part on any disability or handicap of a member of the household; or (4) the State deems it necessary. (Sec. 9506) Gives States the option to deny TEA assistance to minor parents, while still preserving each family member's Medicaid eligibility, and allowing the State to provide the family with vouchers, in amounts not exceeding the value of any such reduction in assistance, that may be used only to pay for goods and services suitable for the care of the child and the costs of the adult-supervised supportive living arrangement in which the parent and child live. Subtitle F: SSI Reform - Revises the eligibility rules for children, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations: (1) modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders by eliminating references to maladaptive behavior in the domain of personal-behavioral function; and (2) discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is receiving SSI benefits based on a disability as of the date of the enactment of this Act, and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of this subtitle. (Sec. 9602) Provides that at least every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, if the Commissioner chooses, which is unlikely to improve). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, of the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that, if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to eligible individuals and their spouses. (Sec. 9604) Amends SSA title XVI to provide for the denial of SSI benefits for drug addicts and alcoholics whose alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor towards the individual's disability. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide funding to the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to expand the availability of drug treatment and for expenditure on the medication development project to improve drug abuse and drug treatment research. (Sec. 9605) Denies SSI benefits for: (1) ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; and (2) fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. Provides for the exchange of certain SSI information with law enforcement agencies for locating or apprehending recipients who are fugitive felons or probation and parole violators. Subtitle D (sic): Supplemental Security Income - Provides that if the Commissioner determines that an individual, age 18 or older, is eligible to receive SSI benefits as a result of a disability, the Commissioner shall, at the time of the determination, either exempt the individual from an eligibility review or establish a schedule for reviewing the individual's continuing eligibility in accordance with specified guidelines. (Sec. 9607) Allows the Commissioner to revise such a determination and schedule a review if he or she obtains credible evidence that an individual may no longer be eligible for benefits or the Commissioner determines that a review is necessary to maintain the integrity of the SSI program. Provides that such reviews may be conducted by the applicable State agency or the Commissioner, whichever is appropriate. Subtitle H (sic): Treatment of Aliens - Extends the period of sponsor attribution of income and resources (to an alien) under the statewide TEA, SSI, and food stamp programs through the date (if any) of such alien's citizenship. Sets forth exceptions based upon age, military or veteran status, family status, domestic violence, or taxpayer status. (Permits Medicaid eligibility.) Amends the Social Security Act to set forth TEA rules regarding income and resource attribution. (Sec. 9802) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth rules for sponsor affidavits of support. (Sec. 9803) Extends affidavit of support requirements to family-related and diversity immigrants. (Sec. 6102) (sic) Amends the Social Security Act to extend (and reduce from current levels) appropriations for State block grants for social services. (Sec. 120011) The Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1997 to treat children who are at least 18 years old and are themselves parents living with their children or married and living with their spouse as part of an existing household rather than as a separate household. (Sec. 12012) (sic) Revises thrifty food plan provisions. (Sec. 12013) Reduces the age for excluding student earnings from food stamp program (program) household income determinations. Includes energy assistance payments in household income determinations. (Sec. 12015) Revises and extends on a declining scale standard deduction provisions. (Sec. 12016) Authorizes States to make standard utility allowances mandatory. (Sec. 12017) Eliminates the October 1, 1996, specified auto asset increase. (Sec. 12018) Authorizes States to require cooperation with child support enforcement agencies as a prerequisite for program participation. (Sec. 12020) Eliminates the minimum allotment annual adjustment provision. (Sec. 12022) Prohibits allotment increases based upon household income reductions resulting from public assistance program penalties. (Sec. 12023) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than specified methods under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 12024) Expands claims collection methods. (Sec. 12031) Amends the National School Lunch Act to revise day care reimbursement provisions, including sponsor payments. (Sec. 12032) Revises reimbursement rate adjustment provisions for: (1) commodities; (2) special assistance funds; (3) the summer food service program; (4) family or group day care sponsors; (5) the special milk program; and (6) the breakfast program. (Sec. 12033) Amends the Child Nutrition Act to eliminate start-up and expansion grants. (Sec. 12034) Authorizes appropriations through FY 2002 for nutrition education and training. (Current authorization is permanent.) (Sec. 12035) Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the minimum amount of commodity assistance. Title X (sic): Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution - Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to establish a program certification period of up to 24 months for households whose adult members are elderly or disabled. (Sec. 1012) (sic) Expands the definition of "coupon". (Sec. 1016) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 1023) Increases penalties for certain program violations. (Sec. 1024) Disqualifies permanently an individual convicted of specified coupon violations. (Sec. 1027) Revises employment and training provisions. Extends funding authorizations. (Sec. 1030) Disqualifies a fleeing felon from program participation. (Sec. 1034) Directs (with a waiver for unusual difficulties) States to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 1035) Eliminates the minimum allotment annual adjustment provision. (Sec. 1037) Authorizes an optional combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 1038) Prohibits allotment increases based upon household income reductions resulting from means-tested public assistance program penalties. (Sec. 1039) Authorizes benefits for households residing in drug or alcohol treatment centers. (Sec. 1046) Authorizes program information to be shared with law enforcement agencies under specified circumstances. (Sec. 1047) Revises expedited coupon service provisions. (Sec. 1048) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 1049) Permits States to use income, eligibility, and immigration status verification systems other than a specified method under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 1059) Extends pilot program authority. Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the commodity distribution and commodity supplemental food programs, including cheese and nonfat dry milk provisions. (Sec. 1073) Amends the Charitable Assistance and Food Bank Act of 1987 to repeal the food bank demonstration project. (Sec. 1074) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to eliminate provisions regarding: (1) soup kitchens and other emergency food aid; (2) food processing and distribution; and (3) food bank demonstration projects. Title VI (sic): Federal Retirement and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Civil Service and Postal Service Provisions - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to extend the delay in cost-of-living adjustments in Federal employee retirement benefits through FY 2002. (Sec. 6002) Revises Federal civil service law with respect to the Civil Service (CSRS) and Federal Employees (FERS) Retirement Systems regarding deductions, contributions, and deposits, increasing agency contributions under CSRS during calendar years 1996 through 2002, and providing for a phased-in increase under both systems of the amounts of individual deductions, deposits, and withholdings until 2003 when, in certain cases, the percentage of basic pay subject to such withholding reverts back to the current 1995 rate. (Sec. 6003) Makes additional retirement-related changes under both systems with regard to Members of Congress and congressional employees and their years of service for purposes of computing an annuity. (Sec. 6004) Provides under CSRS for treatment similar to that of congressional service with respect to accrual rates relating to certain Federal judges and other judicial personnel. (Sec. 6005) Amends Federal postal law to repeal the authorization of transitional appropriations for the U.S. Postal Service and make certain other changes to provide that liabilities formerly paid pursuant to such repealed authorization remain payable by the Postal Service. (Sec. 13103) (sic) Requires each Federal executive agency, the receipts and disbursements of which are not generally included in the totals of the Federal budget submitted by the President, to prepay the Government contributions which are or will be required in connection with providing health-benefits coverage for annuitants of such agency. Title VII: Veterans and Related Provisions - Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Extension of Temporary Authorities - Extends through FY 2002: (1) the requirement that non-service disabled veterans having incomes above a specified level make copayments in exchange for hospital and medical care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department, for purposes of this title); (2) the authority for collection of a $2 copayment from veterans earning above a minimum income level for prescription medication furnished for outpatient treatment of a nonservice-connected condition; (3) certain Department authority for veterans' medical care cost recovery; (4) the authority under Federal veterans' benefits provisions and the Internal Revenue Code to verify a veteran's income for purposes of eligibility for needs-based benefits; (5) a pension payment limitation of $90 monthly to Medicaid-eligible veterans and surviving spouses who have no dependents and who are in Medicaid-participating nursing homes; (6) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge and collect a home loan fee for housing loans guaranteed by the Department; (7) the procedures applicable upon the default of such guaranteed loans; and (8) the authority of the Secretary to issue and guarantee the timely payment of certificates evidencing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans made in connection with the sale of defaulted properties. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary, as of December 1, 1995, to round down to the next lower whole dollar any cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation rates. Prohibits any such rates from being increased during FY 1997 through 2002 by a percentage which is more than the percentage increase for benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 10023) (sic) Revises the Government's liability standard for injuries or death resulting from Department treatment to allow compensation to be awarded for the additional disability in the same manner as if the disability or death were service-connected. Provides proximate cause requirements. Makes such revision effective for claims received by the Secretary on or after October 1, 1995. (Sec. 10024) Prohibits the withholding of any payments normally made to a veteran or their survivor because of any liability to the Secretary arising out of any loan made to, or insured or guaranteed on account of, such veteran unless the Secretary provides written notice through certified mail of the authority to waive the payment of the indebtedness. Outlines procedures to be followed when the Secretary does not waive the entire amount of such indebtedness. Subtitle C: Educational Benefits - Provides that the cost-of-living adjustments in the rates of veterans' educational assistance payments through FY 2002 shall be 50 percent of the amount by which such payments would have been increased otherwise. Title VIII: Asset Sales; User Fees and Other Mandatory Programs - Subtitle A: United States Enrichment Corporation - USEC Privatization Act - Directs the Board of Directors of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) to transfer USEC ownership to a private corporation established under this Act. Mandates the inclusion of sale proceeds in the budget baseline required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), and its inclusion as an offset to direct spending. (Sec. 3005) (sic) Requires USEC directors to establish a private for-profit corporation under the laws of a State for the purpose of receiving the assets and obligations of USEC at privatization and continuing USEC business operations following privatization. (Sec. 3007) Directs USEC to transfer the lease of gaseous diffusion plants and related property at Paducah, Kentucky, and Piketon, Ohio, to the private corporation concurrent with such privatization. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) from leasing to the private corporation facilities necessary for the production of highly enriched uranium. (Sec. 3008) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) transfer of contracts to the private corporation, including the right to purchase power from the Secretary under previous power purchase contracts for the gaseous diffusion plants; (2) retention by the United States of pre-privatization liabilities; (3) pension, post-retirement health benefit, and collective bargaining agreement protections for contractor employees at the two gaseous diffusion plants; and (4) retention of Federal retirement and health benefits by former Federal employees. (Sec. 3011) Prohibits USEC directors, officers, or employees from acquiring any securities (or rights to acquire any securities) of the private corporation on terms more favorable than those offered to the general public in specified circumstances. (Sec. 3012) Requires the U.S. Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement to transfer to the Secretary without charge title to an amount of uranium hexafluoride (based on a tails assay of 0.30 U235) equivalent to the natural uranium component of low-enriched uranium derived from at least 18 metric tons of highly enriched uranium purchased from the Russian Executive Agent under such Agreement. Deems such uranium hexafluoride to be of Russian origin. Requires the Secretary to sell, and receive payment for, the transferred uranium hexafluoride for: (1) overfeeding in the operations of enrichment facilities in the United States; (2) end use outside the United States; or (3) consumption by end users in the United States during calendar year 2001, according to a specified schedule beginning in 1998. Requires the U.S. Executive Agent, upon request of the Russian Executive Agent, to deliver concurrently to such Agent, an amount of uranium hexafluoride equivalent to the natural uranium component of such low-enriched uranium. Provides for auction of such uranium hexafluoride, or U308 (in the event that the conversion component of such hexafluoride has previously been sold), if the Russian Executive Agent does not exercise its right to agree to take delivery of the natural uranium component of any low-enriched uranium within 90 days after delivery of such low-enriched uranium to the U.S. Executive Agent. Grants the Secretary of Commerce responsibility for administration and enforcement of the limitations set forth in this section. Exempts from certain provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 highly enriched uranium and low-enriched uranium derived from highly enriched uranium (including the natural uranium component and any uranium products delivered pursuant to enrichment contracts affected by such imports), if the President determines that a waiver with respect to the importation of such uranium, which is derived from highly enriched uranium extracted from nuclear weapons dismantled in the Russian Federation and purchased from the Russian Federation under a government-to-government agreement, is in the U.S. national security interest. Requires the Secretary of Energy to transfer to USEC without charge up to 50 metric tons of enriched uranium and up to 7,000 metric tons of natural uranium from the Department of Energy (DOE) stockpile. Prohibits USEC from delivering for commercial end use in the United States: (1) any of such uranium before January 1, 1998; (2) more than ten percent of such uranium or more than 4 million pounds, whichever is less, in any calendar year after 1997; or (3) more than 800,000 separative work units contained in low-enriched uranium transferred in any calendar year. Authorizes the Secretary to sell, from time to time, natural and low-enriched uranium from the DOE stockpile, subject to specified conditions. Permits DOE transfer or sale of enriched uranium to: (1) Federal agencies; (2) any person for national security purposes; or (3) any State or local agency or non-profit, charitable, or educational institution for use other than the commercial generation of electricity. (Sec. 3013) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall accept low-level radioactive waste (including depleted uranium if ultimately determined to be such waste) for disposal at the request and expense (by reimbursement) of the generator. (Sec. 3014) Grants USEC exclusive commercial rights to deploy and use any federally owned or controlled Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) patents, processes and technical information, upon completion of a royalty agreement with the Secretary. Instructs the President to transfer related AVLIS property (except those related to the gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, and uranium enrichment programs) to USEC upon its request. (Sec. 3017) Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) repeal the mandate and authority of USEC as of the privatization date; and (2) exclude from the definition of "production facility" the construction and operation of a uranium enrichment facility using AVLIS technology, and make such a facility eligible for one-step licensing. Prohibits issuance of any license or certificate of compliance to USEC or its successor if its issuance would, in the opinion of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), be inimical to: (1) the common defense and security of the United State; or (2) maintenance of a reliable and economical domestic source of enrichment services because of the nature and extent of USEC ownership, control or domination by a foreign corporation or government or any other relevant factors or circumstances. Provides for periodic application of USEC for NRC certification at least once every five years (instead of annually). Revises the purview of judicial review of NRC actions to include: (1) any final order establishing standards to govern DOE gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment facilities, including facilities leased to a corporation established under this Act; and (2) any final determination relating to whether such facilities comply with such standards. Provides for civil money penalties for violations of licensing or certification requirements. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Privatization - Naval Petroleum Reserves Privatization Act - Sets a deadline for the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to prepare, and submit for the President's approval, a plan for selling Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (NPR 1), and for selling or leasing the remaining Reserves out of Federal ownership in FY 2002. Directs the President to approve the plan with or without modifications by a specified date. (Sec. 4121) Delineates guidelines within which: (1) the Secretary shall finalize equity interests of the known oil and gas zones in NPR 1; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the State of California (to be credited by the State to the Supplemental Benefits Maintenance Account within the Teachers' Retirement Fund) seven percent of proceeds from the NPR 1 sale. Instructs the Secretary to exercise certain termination procedures so that specified contracts with Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc., and Chevron U.S.A, respectively, terminate not later than the closing date of the sale of such Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the purchaser of NPR 1 the incidental take permit regarding the reserve issued to the Secretary by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Sec. 4122) States that if the President so designates, the net proceeds from privatizing the Reserves shall be included in the budget baseline required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings), and counted as an offset to direct spending. (Sec. 4123) Reduces, upon sale of NPR 1, certain discretionary spending limits set forth in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (Sec. 4131) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior the functions vested in the Secretary of Energy with regard to Oil Shale Reserve Numbered 2 (located in Utah). (Sec. 4132) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to the President on the appropriateness of including the Green River area within the national wild and scenic rivers system. (Sec. 4133) States that nothing in this subtitle affects any interest in, or right or obligation respecting, the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. (Sec. 4151) Amends Federal law governing Naval Petroleum Reserves to revise jurisdictional, administrative, and product disposition guidelines in order to reflect the privatization of such Reserves under this Act. Repeals the requirement for the Secretary to obtain the President's approval before: (1) executing land purchases and condemnation proceedings; (2) entering into agreements with private interests; (3) changing the rate of prospecting and development. Eliminates the statutory guidelines governing the Secretary's authority to contract with private interests for exploration, prospecting and development of NPR 1. Restricts the amount of funds collected under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 that may be used to enhance production from the Reserves for FY 1996. Authorizes the Secretary to mine and remove oil shale or oil shale products from Oil Shale Reserves for national defense or research. (Sec. 5221) Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) conduct an asset management and disposition program that will result in specified receipts and savings by the end of FY 2000; and (2) draw down and sell 32 million barrels of oil contained in the Weeks Island (Louisiana) Strategic Petroleum Reserve Facility. (Sec. 5223) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to store petroleum product owned by a foreign government in underutilized Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities. Permits exportation of such product without license. Subtitle C: Natural Resources - Helium Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store, transport, and sell crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage facilities at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. (Sec. 5313) Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. (Sec. 5314) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to make crude helium sales in amounts necessary to carry out this Act with minimum market disruption. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. (Sec. 5315) Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a certain deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. (Sec. 5317) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Texas Plains Girl Scout Council for consideration of one dollar specified lands in Potter County, Texas, reserving easements to the United States for pipeline rights-of-way. (Sec. 5421) Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water Royalty Relief Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reduce or eliminate any royalty or net profit share set forth in existing leases for oil or gas resources in certain areas of deep water on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. (Sec. 5422) Declares that, with specified exceptions, no royalty payments shall be due on new production from any lease or unit located in specified water depths in the Western and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf until certain volumes of oil equivalent are produced. (Sec. 5423) Provides for new leases and lease sales on the basis of a cash bonus bid meeting certain criteria. (Sec. 5424) Suspends royalties for a seven-year period for new leases in specified water depths in the Gulf. Subjects sales of such leases to such cash bonus bidding system. Subtitle C (sic): GSA Property Sales - Instructs the Administrator of General Services (the Administrator) to sell: (1) all Federal interests in and to Governors Island, New York, granting rights of first refusal to the State and the City of New York, respectively; and (2) the air rights adjacent to the Washington Union Station. (Sec.6022) Directs Amtrak to convey specified air rights to the Administrator as a condition of future Federal financial assistance. Prohibits Amtrak from obligating Federal funds for failure to comply. Title V: Energy and Natural Resources Provisions - Subtitle A: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Charges - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from September 30, 1998, to September 30, 2002, the authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to assess and collect annual user fees and charges. Subtitle B: Department of Energy Assets - Amends specified Federal law to increase the annual charge to San Francisco and other municipalities or water districts granted water rights-of-way from the Hetch Hetchy Dam. Makes annual operation of Yosemite National Park (currently, the building and maintenance of roads and trails in Yosemite and other California national parks) the highest priority use of the proceeds from such charges, with the remainder of any funds to be used for operations of the other California national parks. (Sec. 5402) Prescribes guidelines under which the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) shall refinance a certain appropriated debt by determining with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) a new principal amount for such debt; (2) a new interest rate for such debt based on the Treasury rate for the old capital investment; and (3) a $100 million limit on prepayments of old capital investments before a certain date. (Sec. 5406) Prescribes guidelines for interest rates for new capital investments. (Sec. 5408) Amends the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act to credit specified amounts to the Administrator in certain fiscal years so long as the Administrator makes annual payments to the Tribes under a certain settlement agreement. (Sec. 5409) Directs the Administrator to offer to include provisions in future electric power service contracts that preclude further increases in the principal amount or interest rate obligations to the Government. (Sec. 5411) Alaska Power Administration Asset Sale and Termination Act - Sets forth definitions. (No further text provided in bill.) (Sec. 5451) Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (the Act) to revise admission guidelines, and increase special recreation use fees for the National Park System (NPS), and National Recreation Areas, respectively. Restricts lifetime admission permits to U.S. citizens, or persons permanently domiciled in the United States, who are permanently disabled (currently, blind or permanently disabled). Repeals the proscription against admission fees for the following NPS units: (1) U.S.S. Arizona Memorial; (2) Independence National Historical Park; (3) District of Columbia NPS units; (4) Arlington House-Robert E. Lee National Memorial; (5) San Juan National Historic Site; and (6) Canaveral National Seashore. Repeals the limitation imposed upon single-visit permit fees for the Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Revises guidelines governing recreation use fees. Removes the maximum statutory fine for violations. Revises guidelines governing covering of fees collected into a special NPS account. Revises commercial tour use fee guidelines to instruct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a commercial tour use fee in lieu of a per person admission fee imposed on each commercial tour vehicle. (Sec. 5452) Covers increased fees into special accounts for FY 1997 through 2005, specifying four percent annual increases thereafter. (Sec. 5453) Provides for allocation and use of receipts in each agency's special account. Subtitle F: National Defense Stockpile - Requires the President to dispose of all cobalt and specified materials listed in a certain National Defense Stockpile disposal schedule. (Sec. 9002) Amends the Act of August 5, 1909 to extend higher vessel tonnage duties through FY 2002. (Sec. 9003) Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess and collect fees applicable to persons subject to radiological emergency preparedness regulations. (Sec. 6011 (sic)) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend Patent and Trademark Office surcharges through FY 2002. (Sec. 11161) (sic) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY 2002 the mandatory disclosure of return information to governmental agencies administering certain veterans programs. Subtitle F (sic): Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to abate interest attributable to error by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) personnel to unreasonable error only. (Sec. 6105) Amends Federal civil service law to redefine Federal service in the armed forces or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect to the denial of unemployment insurance to individuals who voluntarily leave military service. Title IX: Limitations on Corporate Welfare and Other Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Expatriation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that if a U.S. citizen relinquishes citizenship, all property held by such citizen at the time immediately before relinquishment shall be treated as sold at such time for its fair market value and any gain or loss shall be subject to U.S. income tax. (Sec. 101) (sic) Permits an expatriate to elect to continue to be taxed as a United States citizen, in which case the provisions applicable to other expatriates will not apply. Excludes $600,000 in gain from taxation, except for allocable gain from interest in a beneficiary's qualified trust. Allows an expatriate to elect to have property made subject to tax in the same manner as if the individual were a U.S. citizen if the individual: (1) provides security for payment of tax; (2) consents to waiver of treaty rights that would preclude tax assessment or collection; and (3) complies with other requirements prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Conditions that the election shall apply to all of the expatriate's property and shall be irrevocable. Directs that if an election is made to defer tax: (1) no amount shall be required to be includible in gross income; and (2) the expatriate's tax for the taxable year in which such property is disposed of, shall be increased by the deferred tax amount, regardless of whether gain or loss is recognized in whole or in part. States that these provisions apply to: (1) any interest in property held on the expatriation date the gain from which would be includible in gross income if sold for fair market value on such date; and (2) any other interest to which special rules applicable to beneficiaries' interests in trust apply. Excepts certain interests in U.S. real property interests and retirement plans. Prescribes such special rules applicable to beneficiaries' interests in trust. Terminates, on the date on which property held by an individual is treated as sold under this Act, any deferral of recognition of income or gain and any extension of time for payment of tax. Imposes a tentative tax, immediately before the expatriation date, on income required to be included equal to the amount that would be imposed if the taxable year were a short taxable year ending on the expatriation date. Disallows the exclusion from gross income of the value of any property acquired as a gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance received from a covered expatriate after the expatriation date. (Sec. 102) Requires the filing of certain information by expatriates. Subtitle B: Corporate Reforms - Provides, with respect to a corporate shareholder's basis in stock reduced by the nontaxed portion of extraordinary dividends, that if the nontaxed portion of such dividend exceeds such basis, such excess shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock for the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received. (Sec. 202) Requires the organizer of a corporate tax shelter to register the shelter. Sets forth penalties for failure to file. (Sec. 203) Prohibits a deduction for interest paid on life insurance policies or annuities which cover a company officer or employee. (Sec. 205) Revises the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit for years beginning after December 31, 1995. Provides for a five-year phasedown with respect to such credit. (Sec. 206) Directs that personal property used predominately within the U.S. exchanged and held for productive use or investment not be treated like personal property used predominately outside the U.S. (Sec. 207) Repeals the transition rule for a financial corporation with respect to rules allocating interest to foreign source income. (Sec. 208) Treats the conversion of a large corporations into an S corporation as a complete liquidation. (Sec. 209) Modifies the number of taxable years to which the net operating loss deduction may be carried. (Sec. 210) Treats an appreciated financial position as sold for its fair market value on the date of its constructive sale (and any gain for the taxable year which includes such date) if there is a constructive sale of such a position. (Sec. 211) Modifies the rules for allocating interest expense to tax-exempt interest. Makes such rules applicable to corporations (currently, financial institutions). (Sec. 212) Reduces the 70 percent dividends reduction to 50 percent. (Sec. 213) Modifies the holding period applicable to the dividends received deduction. (Sec. 214) Treats certain nonqualified preferred stock as boot (not as stock or securities) for the purposes of property transfers to a corporation controlled by the transferor. (Sec. 215) Disallows the deduction for any interest paid or accrued on certain debt instruments of a corporation. (Sec. 216) Defers the interest deduction on convertible indebtedness of a corporation until the taxable year in which it is paid. Subtitle C: Foreign Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the requirements regarding information that must be reported regarding certain foreign trusts. (Sec. 302) Modifies the circumstances (with regard to foreign trusts having one or more U.S. beneficiaries) in which a transferor is treated as the owner. (Sec. 303) Replaces provisions setting forth a special rule applicable to foreign grantors with provisions declaring that provisions relating to treating grantors and others as substantial owners shall apply only when that application results in an amount being currently taken into account in computing the income of a U.S. citizen or resident or a domestic corporation. (Sec. 304) Requires a United States person to report information regarding foreign gifts or bequests when the gifts' aggregate value during a taxable year exceeds $10,000. (Sec. 305) Modifies requirements regarding the interest charge on accumulation distributions from foreign trusts. (Sec. 306) Changes the circumstances in which an estate or trust is included in the definition of "United States person." Modifies the definition of "foreign estate" and "foreign trust." Requires (for provisions relating to the imposition of a tax on transfers to avoid income tax) treating a trust which is not a foreign trust and which becomes a foreign trust as having transferred, immediately before becoming a foreign trust, all of its assets to a foreign trust. (Sec. 311) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the definition of "foreign personal holding company income" to include income from a notional principal contract entered into for the purposes of hedging certain transactions and income. (Sec. 312) Disallows the foreign tax credit to any country for foreign oil and gas extraction income and eliminates the deferral for all foreign oil and gas extraction income with respect to foreign base company oil related income. (Sec. 313) Limits the exclusion on foreign earned income of U.S. citizens or residents living abroad for any taxable year at the lowest tax rate. Subtitle D: Accounting Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the reserve method of accounting for determining deductions for bad debts by thrift institutions, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995. Repeals, with respect to thrift institutions to which such accounting method applied, provisions relating to: (1) the denial of a portion of certain tax credits to a thrift institution; (2) special rules regarding the foreclosure of property securing loans of a thrift institution; (3) the reduction in the dividends received deduction of a thrift institution; and (4) the ability of a thrift institution to use a net operating loss to offset its income from a residential interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit. Provides rules to implement the change in the method of accounting required by the repeal. (Sec. 401) Defines applicable excess reserves. Sets forth provisions for thrifts which become small banks. Provides for the suspension of recapture if the taxpayer meets the residential loan requirement. Defines the term residential loan requirement. Allows in cases where the taxpayer is not a large bank, for the purposes of determining the net amounts of adjustments, that only the excess of the reserve for bad debts as of the close of the last taxable year before the disqualification year over the balance of reserves shall be taken into account. Provides for the treatment of reserves for bad debts under the elective cut-off method. Prohibits the inclusion of a portion of reserve in gross income under the elective cut-off method. Provides for continued application of provisions respecting distributions to stockholders, but the amount of the reserve accounted for by the taxpayer shall be the balance of the amount of the applicable excess reserves. Provides for the treatment of the balance of the applicable excess reserves and the balance of reserves accounted for by a taxpayer as carryovers in certain corporate acquisitions. (Sec. 402) Revises provisions concerning the income forecast method of determining depreciation deductions. (Sec. 403) Repeals the lower-of-cost-or-market method of accounting for inventories. Subtitle E: Administrative Provisions - Repeals the credit for purchasers of diesel-powered automobiles and light trucks. (Sec. 502) Increases the amount of penalty for any failure to file information returns if less than 97 percent of the aggregate amount of items are reported correctly. Subtitle F: Casualty and Involuntary Conversion Provisions - Revises provisions concerning the involuntary conversion of property into either similar property or money. Subtitle G: Excise Tax on Amounts of Private Excess Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 25 percent tax (which shall be paid by the disqualified person) on any transaction from which an economic benefit is provided by a tax-exempt organization directly or indirectly to a disqualified person, if the value of the benefit provided exceeds the value of the consideration. Sets forth additional reporting requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations. Requires any solicitation of an organization that refers to itself as nonprofit, when it is not exempt from tax, to contain an express statement that it is not exempt from tax. Imposes a penalty for failure to disclose. Subtitle H: Extension of Certain Taxes - Extends: (1) the environmental tax until January 1, 1997; (2) the Hazardous Superfund Financing rate until October 1, 1996; (3) the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate until October 1, 2002; and (4) the Federal unemployment tax at the present rates through 2002 and 2003, respectively. Subtitle I: Provisions Relating to Individuals - Prohibits the nonrecognition of gain on the sale of a principal residence which is attributable to depreciation adjustments. (Sec. 852) Requires withholding from winnings of more than $5,000 from bingo or keno. (Sec. 853) Repeals the provision which provides for the exclusion from income of rent from the rental of a vacation home for less than 15 days. Subtitle J: Reform of the Earned Income Credit - Denies the earned income credit to individuals not authorized to be employed in the U.S. (Sec. 902) Modifies the definition of "disqualified income" to include capital gain net income for purposes of the denial of the earned income credit for individuals having excessive income. Title IX: Middle Class Bill of Rights - Middle Class Bill of Rights Tax Relief Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Middle Class Tax Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax credit of $300 per eligible child under the age of 13 years. Increases such credit to $500 per eligible child after December 31, 1998. Reduces such credit for incomes of $60,000 or more. Provides an inflation adjustment for such amounts beginning in 1999. (Sec. 2) (sic) Allows individuals a tax deduction for the qualified higher education expenses of the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents. Limits such deduction to $10,000 ($5,000 for years 1996, 1997, and 1998). Reduces such limitation for modified adjusted gross incomes of $70,000 or more ($100,000 for a joint return). Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Individual Retirement Plans - Increases the income limitations on retirement savings deductions and provides a cost-of-living adjustment after 1994 for such limitations. (Sec. 12) Provides a cost-of-living adjustment for deductible retirement amounts after 1995. (Sec. 13) Coordinates the limit on such deduction with the elective deferral limit under other pension provisions. (Sec. 21) Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five-year period. (Sec. 21) (sic) Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses (including qualified long-term care services), and assist certain unemployed individuals. (Sec. 22) Requires contributions to such plans to be held for at least five years prior to such distributions. Subtitle C: Increase in Deduction for Health Care Costs of Self-Employed Individuals - Increases the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals by specified applicable percentages for taxable years beginning in 1996. Title X (sic): Budget Enforcement - Specifies discretionary spending limits for new budget authority and outlays for FY 1996 through 2002. Limits the amount of funding available for the Internal Revenue Service compliance initiative in any fiscal year not to exceed $405 billion each for additional new budget authority and in outlays. (Sec. 10003) (sic) Continues the enforcement of the pay-as-you-go provisions. (Sec. 10004) Defines the term "fiscal dividend " to mean the amount by which the deficit target exceeds the actual deficit. Provides for the use of the fiscal dividend in the congressional budget process for the current fiscal year.

Health Care Fraud Prosecution Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996

Health Care Fraud Prosecution Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to defraud to obtain a health care payment; or (2) presenting a statement as part of, or in support of, a claim for health care payment, knowing that such statement contains false or misleading information concerning any material fact. Limits such penalties to a fine and ten years' imprisonment, unless the offender knowingly or recklessly caused: (1) serious bodily injury to, or endangered the life of, an individual (up to 20 years' imprisonment); or (2) caused the death of an individual (up to life imprisonment). Sets forth provisions regarding illegal remunerations. Permits: (1) persons injured by violations of such provisions to recover treble damages in a civil action; and (2) the court to award the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees. Makes provisions regarding injunctions against fraud and criminal forfeiture of fraud proceeds applicable to health care fraud. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay specified rewards for information leading to the prosecution and conviction of persons engaging in health care fraud, with exceptions. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) regional health care fraud task forces and a data base for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners; and (2) a national, toll-free health care fraud and abuse hotline. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997: (1) for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorneys, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to hire, equip, and train personnel in connection with the investigation and prosecution of health care fraud cases; and (2) to establish, operate, and administer health care task forces and the national health care fraud and abuse data base and hotline and to publicize the data base and hotline. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) make activity which, if engaged in by the U.S. Postal Service, would be a violation of mail fraud provisions, punishable to the same extent with respect to private or commercial interstate carriers (express company fraud); and (2) establish health care fraud and express company fraud as predicates to violations of prohibitions against the laundering of monetary instruments.