Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Subjects · United States

Taxation

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

501 records in US in 1998

All countriesUnited States · 53,051European Union · 5,204Ireland · 4,382Austria · 4,160United Kingdom · 3,280France · 2,309Germany · 1,779Netherlands · 865Belgium · 1Search this topic

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 3860 (105th)referred

Capital Gains Sunset Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

Capital Gains Sunset Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate taxes on capital gains after December 31, 2001.

Bill· HRH.R. 3855 (105th)referred

Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period beginning during FY 1999 or 2000 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.

Bill· HRH.R. 3852 (105th)referred

Let the Public Decide Campaign Finance Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Voluntary Expenditure Limitations and Public Financing for House of Representatives General Elections Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title III: Ban on Use of Soft Money By House Candidates Title IV: Independent Expenditures Title V: Limitations on Acceptance of Large Donor PAC Contributions in House of Representatives Primary Elections Title VI: Consideration of Constitutional Amendment Let the Public Decide Campaign Finance Reform Act - Title I: Voluntary Expenditure Limitations and Public Financing for House of Representatives General Elections - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to set forth specified expenditure limitations for certified House candidates in House of Representatives general elections. Defines a "certified House candidate" as one certified by the Federal Election Commission as meeting requirements for receiving public financing under this title. Sets forth certification requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Grassroots Good Citizenship Fund (Fund), which shall provide public funding for certified House candidates' expenditures. Authorizes certain additional amounts from State and national party committees. Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize taxpayers to designate specified overpayments and contributions for the Fund; and (2) increase corporate tax rates and use the amounts from such increase for the Fund. Title III: Ban on Use of Soft Money by House Candidates - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of non-regulated funds (soft money) by House candidates. Title IV: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to ban independent expenditures in House elections. Redefines "independent expenditure" to mean an expenditure for a communication, with exceptions, which: (1) is made during the 90-day period ending on the date of a general election for Federal office and which identifies a candidate for election for such office by name, image, or likeness; or (2) contains express advocacy and is made without the participation of, or consultation with, a candidate. (Sec. 402) Bars the use of funds not subject to FECA requirements (soft money) for expenditures made by: (1) an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office or a political party committee; (2) a person who has made contributions to a candidate where the expenditure is in support of the candidate or in opposition to another candidate for the same office during the election cycle; (3) a person or a political committee controlled by such person who is required to register as a lobbyist or foreign agent under Federal law; (4) a person who has communicated with a candidate regarding activities that influence the candidate's election to Federal office where the expenditure is in support of the candidate or in opposition to another candidate for the same office during the election cycle; and (5) a person authorized to raise or expend funds on behalf of the candidate or the candidate's authorized committees or who serves as an agent of such committees in an executive or policymaking position and who is, or has been, engaged in such activities in the same election cycle. Title V: Limitations on Acceptance of Large Donor PAC Contributions in House of Representatives Primary Elections - Amends FECA to set forth specified House limitations for acceptance of contributions from large donor multicandidate political committees by uncertified House candidates. Title VI: Consideration of Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the consideration of a specified constitutional amendment if any provision or amendment of this Act is found unconstitutional.

Bill· HRH.R. 3861 (105th)referred

Home Owners Military Equity Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

Home Owners Military Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, for purposes of determining the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence, that a member of the U.S. armed forces shall be treated as using such property as a principal residence while away from home on extended duty.

Bill· HRH.R. 3859 (105th)referred

Estate Tax Sunset Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

Estate Tax Sunset Act - Repeals Subtitle B (Estate and Gift Taxes) of the Internal Revenue Code. Makes such repeal effective to the estates of decedents dying, and gifts and generation-skipping transfers made, after December 31, 2001.

Bill· HRH.R. 3851 (105th)referred

Let the Public Decide Campaign Finance Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Expenditure Limitations and Public Financing for House of Representatives General Elections Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title III: Ban on Use of Soft Money by House Candidates Title IV: Independent Expenditures Title V: Provisions Relating to House of Representatives Primary Elections Title VI: Consideration of Constitutional Amendment Let the Public Decide Campaign Finance Reform Act - Title I: Expenditure Limitations and Public Financing for House of Representatives General Elections - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to set forth specified expenditure limitations for House of Representatives general elections. Establishes in the Treasury the Grassroots Good Citizenship Fund (Fund), which shall provide public funding for House candidates' expenditures. Authorizes certain additional amounts from State and national party committees. Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize taxpayers to designate specified overpayments and contributions for the Fund; and (2) increase corporate tax rates and use the amounts from such increase for the Fund. Title III: Ban on Use of Soft Money by House Candidates - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of non-regulated funds (soft money) by House candidates. Title IV: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to ban independent expenditures in House elections. Redefines "independent expenditure" to mean an expenditure for a communication, with exceptions, which: (1) is made during the 90-day period ending on the date of a general election for Federal office and which identifies a candidate for election for such office by name, image, or likeness; or (2) contains express advocacy and is made without the participation of, or consultation with, a candidate. (Sec. 402) Bars the use of funds not subject to FECA requirements (soft money) for expenditures made by: (1) an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office or a political party committee; (2) a person who has made contributions to a candidate where the expenditure is in support of the candidate or in opposition to another candidate for the same office during the election cycle; (3) a person or a political committee controlled by such person who is required to register as a lobbyist or foreign agent under Federal law; (4) a person who has communicated with a candidate regarding activities that influence the candidate's election to Federal office where the expenditure is in support of the candidate or in opposition to another candidate for the same office during the election cycle; and (5) a person authorized to raise or expend funds on behalf of the candidate or the candidate's authorized committees or who serves as an agent of such committees in an executive or policymaking position and who is, or has been, engaged in such activities in the same election cycle. Title V: Provisions Relating to House of Representatives Primary Elections - Amends FECA to set forth specified House limitations for: (1) expenditures for elections other than general elections; and (2) acceptance of contributions from large donor multicandidate political committees. Title VI: Consideration of Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the consideration of a specified constitutional amendment if any provision or amendment of this Act is found unconstitutional.

Bill· SS. 2063 (105th)referred

A bill to authorize activities under the Federal railroad safety laws for fiscal years 1999 through 2002, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hours of Service Title II: Monitoring of Railroad Radio Communications Title III: Rulemaking Authority Title IV: Protection of Employees and Witnesses Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1998 - Title I: Hours of Service - Amends Federal transportation law to subject managers, supervisors, officers, agents, or other employees of a railroad carrier or any employees of an independent contractor to such carrier to certain hours of duty limitation requirements for train employees. (Sec. 102) Revises hours of duty limitations for dually employed train employees where the railroad carrier has actual knowledge that the employee is dually employed and actual knowledge of the individual's schedule for the relevant time period. Defines "dually employed" as being at the same time in the employ of two or more railroad carriers, of two or more independent contractors to a railroad carrier, or of both a railroad carrier and one or more independent contractors to a railroad carrier. Prohibits dually employed train employees, if the railroad carrier has actual knowledge of their status, from remaining or going on duty: (1) unless they have had at least eight consecutive hours off duty during the prior 24 hours; or (2) until they have had at least ten consecutive hours off duty following 12 consecutive hours on duty. Includes time spent performing a service for a railroad carrier or independent contractor to a railroad carrier for purposes of determining time on duty. Prescribes mutual notification requirements for employees and employers. (Sec. 103) Applies the same eight hours off duty requirement to a dually employed signal employee, with the additional alternative of going off duty after a total of 12 hours on duty during a 24-hour period, or after the end of that 24-hour period, whichever occurs first. Includes time spent performing a service for a railroad carrier or independent contractor to a railroad carrier for purposes of determining time on duty. Prescribes mutual notification requirements for employees and employers. (Sec. 104) Sets the hours of duty limit for a dually employed dispatching service employee at: (1) a total of nine hours during a 24-hour period in a tower, office, station, or place at which at least two shifts are employed; or (2) a total of 12 hours during a 24-hour period in a tower, office, station, or place at which one shift is employed. Includes time spent performing a service for a railroad carrier or independent contractor to a railroad carrier for purposes of determining time on duty. Prescribes mutual notification requirements for employees and employers. (Sec. 106) Directs each Class I and Class II railroad carrier, each railroad carrier providing intercity rail passenger service, and each railroad carrier providing commuter passenger service to submit to the Secretary of Transportation a fatigue management plan designed to reduce the fatigue experienced by railroad employees and the likelihood of accidents and injuries caused by fatigue. Provides for the waiver of any hours of duty limitation requirements that would enhance the ability of the management plan in reducing fatigue and enhancing safety. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Secretary to encourage railroad carriers to use electronic means with respect to railroad safety recordkeeping requirements. Title II: Monitoring of Railroad Radio Communications - Authorizes officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary to monitor railroad radio communications for the purpose of conducting any rulemaking, accident investigations, and acquiring general information as to railroad operations as it relates to railroad safety. Prohibits the use of information obtained from such monitoring as evidence for the assessment or collection of civil penalties or for implementation of other enforcement activities; except that it may be used as background for further investigation which might lead to the discovery of other useful evidence. Title III: Rulemaking Authority - Revises railroad accident and incident reporting requirements to change to not less often than quarterly (currently, not later than 30 days after the end of each month) the frequency of railroad carrier reports to the Secretary on all accidents and incidents resulting in injury or death to an individual or damage to equipment or a roadbed arising from the carrier's operations during that period. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations addressing noise emissions from high-speed rail systems, including magnetic levitation systems, when operating at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. (Such regulations shall be in lieu of railroad-related noise regulations issued pursuant to the Noise Control Act of 1972 only for locomotives, cars, and consists of locomotive and cars when operating at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour.) Title IV: Protection of Employees and Witnesses - Revises railroad employee protection requirements to prohibit a railroad carrier from discharging or discriminating against an employee who has: (1) notified, or attempted to notify, the railroad carrier of a work-related personal injury or work-related illness of an employee; or (2) cooperated with a safety investigation by the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board. (Sec. 401) Prohibits a railroad carrier, under specified circumstances, from discharging or discriminating against an employee responsible for the inspection or repair of safety-related equipment, track, or structures for refusing to authorize the use of such equipment, track, or structures when the employee believes they are in a hazardous condition and that their use would endanger human life. Revises the time period in which the National Railroad Adjustment Board must resolve a discrimination charge that involves a discharge, suspension, or another action affecting pay. Reduces such time period from 180 days to 60 days after such claim is filed (but continues to allow a period of 180 days after a claim is filed if the discrimination does not involve discharge, suspension, or another action affecting pay). Requires employees found by the Board to have been discharged, suspended, or otherwise discriminated against to be made whole, including reinstatement, with an award of back pay, and with all benefits and accumulated seniority. Authorizes punitive damages sufficient to deter the railroad carrier from such conduct in the future. (Current law provides for the award of reasonable damages, including punitive damages, of not more than $20,000). (Sec. 402) Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly: (1) interfere with, obstruct, or hamper an investigation by the Secretary that involves an accident or incident that has caused serious personal injury to an individual or to railroad property; or (2) use intimidation or physical force against, or intentionally harass, a person with the intent to influence, hinder, or prevent such person from attending or testifying at a proceeding, or reporting to a Federal or State railroad safety inspector, with respect to an investigation. Sets forth penalties. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Expands the Secretary's emergency authority to order restrictions or prohibitions to include instances of unsafe conditions involving significant harm to the environment. (Sec. 502) Directs the Federal Transit Administrator to consult with the Federal Railroad Administrator concerning relevant safety issues when making a grant or loan to a commuter railroad to help eliminate or correct an unsafe condition that may cause a serious hazard of death or injury. (Sec. 503) Provides for adjustment of civil penalties for inflation with respect to railroad safety violations committed under Federal railroad safety law. (Sec. 504) Directs the Secretary to promote (currently, directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program for) the establishment of emergency notification systems utilizing toll-free telephone numbers that the public can use to convey to railroad carriers, either directly or through public safety personnel, information about malfunctions of automated warning devices or other safety problems at highway-rail grade crossings. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to encourage widespread use of such systems, to provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements, with emphasis on the public safety needs associated with operation of small railroads. (Sec. 505) Authorizes appropriations.

Law· HRH.R. 3830 (105th)enacted

Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of 1998 - Ratifies the "Agreement to Exchange Utah School Trust Lands Between the State of Utah and the United States of America" and sets forth the obligations and commitments of the United States, Utah, and Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration as a matter of Federal law. Repeals Federal law providing for the exchange of Federal lands in Utah in exchange for State lands and providing additional lands within Utah for the Goshute Indian Reservation, with the exception of provisions regarding: (1) payment to Utah of a portion of a royalty payment received by the United States for certain mining and mineral interests in Utah; (2) the limit on such payment; and (3) payment in lieu of taxes for certain entitlement lands in Utah. Requires a $50 million payment to Utah upon completion of all conveyances described in the Agreement.

Bill· HRH.R. 3828 (105th)open

Veterans Medicare Access Improvement Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Veterans Medicare Access Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program under which the former Secretary shall reimburse the latter Secretary out of the Medicare trust funds for Medicare health care services furnished to certain Medicare-eligible veterans whose closest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center is geographically remote or inaccessible. Authorizes the Secretaries to establish a demonstration project similar to such program for Medicare-eligible veterans whose closest VA medical center is not geographically remote or inaccessible. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to repeal the requirement for an implementation plan for veterans subvention. Prohibits payments from the Medicare trust funds for items or services furnished under the program or demonstration project established under this Act before the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines that: (1) certain legislation restricting entitlement to service-connected compensation for a tobacco-related disability has been enacted; and (2) the net amount of the reductions in expenditures achieved by reason of such legislation during the five fiscal year period beginning with FY 1999, that is available to offset the net aggregate increase in outlays (if any) under the Medicare program, is not less than the estimated net aggregate increase during such period.

Bill· HRH.R. 3849 (105th)open

Internet Tax Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Internet Tax Freedom Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any State commission from having regulatory authority or jurisdiction with respect to charges paid by subscribers for Internet access or online services (IAOs). Preserves FCC authority and the State commission's authority to: (1) implement the Telecommunications Act of 1996 or the amendments made by such Act; and (2) regulate common carriers that offer IAOs in conjunction with the provision of any telephone toll, telephone exchange, or exchange access services as such terms are defined in title I of the Act. (Sec. 3) Exempts IAOs providers from Federal regulatory fees. Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to determine whether any direct or indirect Federal regulatory fees, other than the fees identified under the Act, are imposed on IAOs providers, and if so, make recommendations to the Congress regarding whether such fees should be modified or eliminated. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with appropriate congressional committees, to examine: (1) barriers imposed in foreign markets on U.S. providers of property, goods, services, or information engaged in electronic commerce and on U.S. providers of telecommunications services; (2) how the imposition of such barriers will affect U.S. consumers, the competitiveness of U.S. citizens providing property, goods, service, or information in foreign markets, and the growth and maturing of the Internet; and (3) what measures the Government should pursue to foster, promote, and develop electronic commerce in the United States and in foreign markets. Directs: (1) the Secretary to report to the President on the results of the examination; and (2) the President to review the report and submit to appropriate congressional committees such policy recommendations as the President deems necessary or expedient. (Sec. 5) Prohibits, for three years after enactment of this Act, any State or political subdivision from imposing, assessing, collecting, or attempting to collect specified taxes on Internet access and services, with an exception for taxes imposed and actually enforced under State law before March 1, 1998. Provides that: (1) such exception shall be enforceable only if a State enacts a law to expressly impose such tax within one year from the date of enactment; and (2) failure of a State to act does not affect liabilities for taxes accrued and enforced prior to March 1, 1998, nor does it affect ongoing litigation relating to such assessments. Provides that this moratorium shall not apply with respect to the provision of IAOs that are offered for sale as part of a package of services that includes services other than IAOs, unless the service provider separately states that portion of the billing that applies to such services on the user's bill. (Sec. 6) Establishes the Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce to, among other things: (1) identify the taxes, fees, and charges imposed on electronic commerce within the United States that could impede the development of such commerce; and (2) propose both a uniform system of definitions of electronic commerce that may be subject to sales and use tax within each State, as well as a simplified system for such taxes. (Sec. 7) Directs the Commission, within two years of enactment, to transmit to the President and the Congress proposed legislation. Directs the President to then review such proposals and to submit to appropriate congressional committees such policy recommendations as the President deems necessary or expedient. (Sec. 8) Provides for the expedited congressional consideration of such legislative recommendations. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek bilateral and multilateral agreements through various international organizations to require that the provision of IAOs be free from undue and discriminatory regulation by foreign governments and that electronic commercial transactions between U.S. and foreign providers of property, goods, services, and information be free from undue and discriminatory regulation, international tariffs, and discriminatory taxation.

Bill· HRH.R. 3835 (105th)referred

Reinstatement of the Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Reinstatement of the Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the financial limitation on rehabilitation services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Provides that for outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient occupational therapy services, and outpatient speech-language pathology services covered under Medicare and furnished on or after January 1, 2000, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement a new payment methodology based on the classification of individuals by diagnostic category, functional status, and prior use of services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Requires that such payment methodology be designed so that, taking into account the increased expenditures resulting from this Act, it does not result in any increase or decrease in the expenditures under Medicare on a fiscal year basis.

Bill· HRH.R. 3832 (105th)referred

Save Social Security First Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Save Social Security First Act of 1998 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, at the end of each fiscal year for which the budget is in surplus, to transfer from the general fund of the Treasury an amount equal to such surplus to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Divides such amount between the funds in the same proportion as all other receipts of such funds in that year. Directs the Board of Trustees of such funds to promulgate guidelines to govern the investment of transferred amounts and to submit them to each House of the Congress. Requires such amounts to be invested in the same manner as other moneys in the funds if the Congress disapproves such guidelines by law. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require, if the budget for the current year or the fiscal year preceding such year was not in surplus, a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members voting for passage of any legislation that repeals, increases, or waives any discretionary spending limit set forth in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) or repeals or waives pay-as-you-go sequestration of such Act. Provides that any transfer of funds required by this Act shall not count as an outlay for purposes of pay-as-you-go requirements and exempts such transfers from sequestration under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3834 (105th)referred

Worker Meal Fairness Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Worker Meal Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the exclusion from an employee's income of meals furnished to such employee by an employer on the business premises of the employer only if more than one-half of the employees to whom such meals are furnished on such premises are furnished meals for the convenience of the employer.

Bill· HRH.R. 3841 (105th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income the value of certain real property tax reduction vouchers received by senior citizens who provide volunteer services under a State program.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1998

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, in the case of any individual who has attained the age of 65, the value of any real property tax reduction voucher. Defines such a voucher as a voucher which: (1) is received from a governmental unit in exchange for the performance, by such an individual, of volunteer services for the benefit of such governmental unit; and (2) may be used to satisfy such individual's real property tax liability to such governmental unit. Prohibits a deduction for any real property tax paid using such a voucher to the extent that the amount of such voucher is excluded from gross income.

Bill· SS. 2058 (105th)referred

Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 1999

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title XXXI (sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense nuclear waste disposal; and (5) defense environmental management privatization initiatives. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3129) Directs the Secretary, during FY 1999, to empower each DOE field office manager with the authority to transfer defense environmental management funds from a program or project under such office's jurisdiction to another program or project in order to address a risk to health, safety, or the environment or to assure the most efficient use of such funds at that field office. Limits such transfers to a total of $5 million per fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress within 30 days after any such transfer. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, FY 1999 DOE funds from being obligated or expended to conduct any activities: (1) associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship; or (2) relating to ballistic or theater missile defense. (Sec. 3133) Prohibits any person from constructing or operating a facility under contract with DOE for fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for use in a commercial nuclear reactor without first obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 3134) Directs the Secretary to continue operations and maintain a high state of readiness at the F- and H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site and to provide technical staff to operate and maintain such facilities. (Sec. 3135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize DOE federally funded research and development centers to participate in merit-based technology research and development programs. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for payment to the educational foundation chartered to enhance educational activities in the public schools in the vicinity of Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 setting forth policy under the stockpile stewardship program. (Sec. 3142) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase compensation levels for scientific, engineering, and technical personnel responsible for safety at DOE nuclear facilities. (Sec. 3143) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Office of Management and Budget should, beginning with FY 2000, transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action program from the defense 050 budget function to a non-defense discretionary budget function. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1999, to obligate up to $83 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses, including the disposal of hazardous materials that are environmentally sensitive. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1999, with specified funding limits. (Sec. 3503) Requires Commission funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles, with a per vehicle cost limit of $23,000. (Sec. 3504) Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. (Sec. 3505) Authorizes the Commission to seek and accept donations to carry out Commission promotional activities. (Sec. 3506) Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into one or more agreements under which the United States furnishes administrative services relating to Commission pension, disability, and medical benefits, as well as workmen's compensation, after December 31, 1999, and establishes appropriate procedures for providing advance funding for such services. (Sec. 3507) Repeals on December 30, 1999, current Federal provisions concerning rights of and benefits accruing to Commission employees at the Canal. (Sec. 3508) Repeals a Federal provision establishing a Commission central examining office. (Sec. 3509) Revises provisions concerning Commission liability for vessel accidents to require claimants to be covered by one or more insurance policies totaling at least $1 million against the injuries claimed. Limits Commission liability to amounts in excess of any insurance amounts recovered. (Sec. 3510) Makes a Commission employee eligible, upon request, for appointment on a noncompetitive basis to vacant positions in the competitive civil service within: (1) an area determined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management as being within a reasonable commuting distance of the employee's residence; or (2) any Standard Federal Region designated by such employee. Outlines eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a notice of separation by reason of a reduction in force. (Sec. 3511) Provides compensation levels for members of the Commission's Board of Contract Appeals.

Bill· SS. 2060 (105th)referred

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for procurement by the armed forces of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) defense-wide procurements; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Longbow Hellfire missile, with a contract term of five years. (Sec 112) Provides required conditions prior to the award of a multiyear procurement contract for the production of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles to more than one contractor under the previous national defense authorization Act. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized for a certain armored tank modernization kit until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on armored system modernization. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the procurement of reactive armor tiles until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) submits to the defense and appropriations committees a study of the present and future Army and Marine Corps operational requirements for such tiles. (Sec. 115) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to add certain advisory commission travel cost information to a required report on the chemical demilitarization program. (Sec. 116) Amends the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 the authority to carry out the armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the advance procurement and construction of components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized to be excluded from certain cost limitations under the Seawolf submarine program. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, with a contract term of five years. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Earmarks funds for certain follow-on options under the joint surveillance target attack radar system. Prohibits the availability of such funds until 30 days after the Secretary reports to the Congress on fund use. (Sec. 132) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the replacement of engines on aircraft of the Department of Defense (DOD) that are derived from Boeing 707 aircraft until the Secretary has submitted a certain analysis required under the prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 133) Prohibits the obligation of any funds available for the F-22 aircraft program for advance procurement for the six Lot II F-22 aircraft until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a certification of the completion of a specified amount of flight testing for such aircraft. Requires a related flight test certification from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense and appropriations committees on the C-130J aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds for basic research and applied research projects. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits more than $233 million from being obligated for the Crusader self-propelled artillery system program until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on an assessment of such system. (Sec. 212) Earmarks funds for RDT&E and acquisition of technologies for the transition from the CVN-77 aircraft carrier program to the CV(X) aircraft carrier program and for enhancements to the latter program. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to terminate the Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle program. Earmarks funds formerly set aside for such program for the procurement of three Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. Requires specified prior testing of the latter vehicles. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to assess and report to the Congress on the technical obstacles and operational shortcomings expected for the Airborne Laser program. Earmarks program funds, with a limitation on such funds until after the report is received. (Sec. 215) Designates as a national security priority the development of an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS). Directs the Secretary to develop a GPS in accordance with certain congressionally-mandated priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that future-year defense program funding provide sufficient funds for GPS development, and that the Secretary of Transportation should provide sufficient funding to support additional civil frequencies for the GPS and other GPS civil enhancements. Requires the Secretary to submit a GPS plan to the Congress. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to delay until the end of FY 2005 a limitation on the procurement of systems not GPS-equipped. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for an enhanced GPS. (Sec. 216) Amends Federal provisions concerning the DOD manufacturing technology program to require the sharing by DOD and non-federal sources of costs for projects carried out under such program if any of the project results are likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application. Revises related cost-sharing requirements. Requires information concerning project cost-sharing to be included in a required five-year plan for such program. (Sec. 217) Extends permanently (currently expires on September 30, 2002) the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facility installations. Terminates a related reporting requirement. (Sec. 218) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to extend through FY 2001 the authority of the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency to carry out certain prototype projects. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Urges the United States to seek to foster a climate of cooperation with Russia on matters relating to missile defense, especially in such areas as early warning. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1999 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for increasing training and related operations in support of the Special Operations Command's counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counterterrorism activities. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a pilot program using existing technology to determine the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD to analyze and identify such fuels and their possible theft and misuse. Earmarks O&M funds for the pilot program. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to carry out a pilot program to demonstrate the use of landing fees as a source of funding for the O&M of airfields of such department. Authorizes the imposition of landing fees at military airfields under the program through FY 2000. Allows fee proceeds to be used for landing field O&M. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for the transportation into U.S. customs territory of polychlorinated biphenyls generated by or under the control of DOD for purposes of their disposal, treatment, or storage in such customs territory. Outlines transportation and disposal requirements and limitations. (Sec. 323) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow Navy submersible ships to discharge non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to $15,000 from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 as payment for stipulated civil penalties assessed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) against McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments to Canada in each of FY 1999 through 2008 as part of a negotiated settlement for the environmental cleanup of formerly used defense sites there. Provides funding for such payments from amounts authorized for DOD defense-wide O&M. (Sec. 327) Directs the President to notify the Congress before entering into negotiations for the ex-gratia settlement of foreign claims against the United States for environmental cleanup of former DOD installations in a foreign country. Requires such fund use to be specifically authorized by law, treaty, or international agreement. (Sec. 328) Requires activities under the Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation Program to include cooperative activities on environmental matters in the Arctic region with the military departments and agencies of other countries, including the Russian Federation. Earmarks O&M funds for such Program. Prohibits funding obligation until 45 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a Program plan. Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities - Earmarks specified O&M funds for certain support of the drug interdiction efforts of the United States Southern Command in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean areas. (Sec. 332) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2004 the program authority for DOD support of certain counter-drug activities. Requires the Secretary, at least 21 days before obligating funds for the modification of a DOD facility for counter-drug purposes, to notify the defense and appropriations committees of such project and its estimated total cost. (Sec. 333) Prohibits any DOD funds authorized under this Act from being used to expand the Southwest border fence until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on the extent to which such fence has reduced the illegal transportation of narcotics and other drugs into the United States. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to administer DOD working capital funds during FY 1999 so as to ensure that the total amount of cash balances in such funds on September 30, 1999, exceeds the total amount of such balances on September 30, 1998, by $1.3 billion. Outlines actions to be taken by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to achieve such increase. Authorizes the waiver of such requirement to meet a contingency operation or an operation commenced before October 1, 1998, and continuing during FY 1999. Requires a semiannual report from the Under Secretary to the defense committees on the administration of the balance increase. (Sec. 342) Requires amounts charged for depreciation of capital assets to be credited to a separate capital asset subaccount established within a working-capital fund. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for separate accounting, reporting, and auditing of funds and activities managed through working-capital funds. Allows charges for goods and services provided through such funds to include amounts for depreciation of capital assets. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) establish billing procedures to ensure that balances in working-capital funds do not exceed requirements; and (2) submit to the Congress detailed annual reports of working-capital fund account and subaccount receipts and disbursements, as well as a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Repeals the authority to manage working-capital accounts and subaccounts through the Defense Business Operations Fund. Revises the authority of a working-capital fund to retain recovered costs of property disposals. (Sec. 344) Directs the Secretary of each military department to develop and submit to the Congress an implementation schedule for the best commercial inventory practices within such department for the acquisition and distribution of secondary supply items. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) each Secretary has complied with such requirement; and (2) best commercial inventory practices are being implemented in the Defense Logistics Agency. (Sec. 345) Earmarks FY 1999 Navy O&M funds for the increased use of smart cards (multitechnology automated reader cards) issued throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to take certain steps to increase the issuance of such cards throughout such service branches. Limits procurement funds for the Joint Uniformed Services Identification card until such Secretary has made certain certifications with respect to the issuance of smart cards. Requires such Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan for equipping all naval operational units with smart card technology. (Sec. 346) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Defense should initiate public-private competitions for DOD functions involving not fewer than a number of employees equivalent to 30,000 full-time employees for each of FY 1999 through 2004. Increases to 50 (currently 20) or fewer the number of DOD employees that may be affected in the conversion of a DOD function to contractor performance for which certain congressional notification and reporting requirements may be waived. (Sec. 347) Adds a competitive source selection process to required conditions for providing financial assistance for the support of additional duties assigned to the Army National Guard. (Sec. 348) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 to repeal a prohibition on the joint military-civilian use of the Robert Gray Army Airfield at Fort Hood, Texas. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 402) Increases from six to seven the number of officer positions within the Joint Staff that may be excluded from annual general and flag officer limitations. Extends through FY 2002 the authority for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to designate up to 12 general and flag officer joint duty positions for exclusion from general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 404) Repeals the requirement that minimum end strengths be sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingency operations. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for reserve military technicians (dual status). (Sec. 414) Excludes certain temporary active-duty general and flag officers from the annual general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain reserve officers and enlisted personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 416) Consolidates the end strength authorizations for active-status Naval Reserve flag officers of the Navy Medical Department Staff Corps. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of the military department concerned convene boards to review the cases of officers determined to have failed to establish that they be retained on active duty. (Sec. 502) Provides a permanent exception to the requirement for retirement for years of service for certain Navy and Marine Corps officers designated for limited duty assignments. (Sec. 503) Denies entitlement to involuntary separation pay for an officer discharged for failure to be selected for promotion when the officer requested not to be so selected. Requires the appropriate selection board to submit to the Secretary concerned the name of any officer making such request. (Sec. 504) Increases from three to four years the authorized term of appointment for the Chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that such longer term is justified. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Provides for the crediting for retirement purposes of service in the higher position for a reserve officer who, after being found qualified for Federal recognition in a higher grade by an appropriate personnel board, serves in a position for which that grade is the minimum authorized grade. (Sec. 512) Allows a reserve officer who, after successfully serving on active duty in a grade above colonel or captain (Navy) for at least six months, is involuntarily transferred from active status, to be credited with satisfactory service in such position for retirement purposes. (Sec. 513) Provides eligibility for consideration for promotion for certain Army and Air Force reserve brigadier generals. (Sec. 514) Provides for the composition of selective early retirement boards for Naval Reserve rear admirals and Marine Corps Reserve major generals. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the President to order members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve mobilization category into active duty to respond to an emergency involving the use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorizes the use of active-duty members of the National Guard for such purpose. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Extends through FY 2003 certain force reduction transition management and benefits authorities, including early retirement and voluntary separation incentive programs and certain time-in-grade requirements. (Sec. 523) Continues eligibility for the voluntary separation incentive program after the involuntary loss of membership in the Ready or Standby Reserve. (Sec. 524) Revises current limitations on the authority of the Secretaries concerned to set rates and waive requirements for reimbursement of expenses incurred for foreign student instruction at U.S. military service academies. (Sec. 525) Repeals a current limitation on the civilian employment of enlisted personnel when such employment interferes with the customary or regular employment of local civilians. (Sec. 527) Prohibits any DOD official from implementing any change of policy regarding the separation or integration of military personnel on the basis of gender that is within the responsibilities of the Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Issues before the termination of such Commission. (Sec. 528) Provides transitional compensation authority for abused dependent children of military personnel when such children reside with the spouse or former spouse of a member convicted of dependent abuse. (Sec. 529) Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year pilot program to assess whether the armed forces could better meet recruiting requirements by treating GED recipients as having graduated from high school for purposes of enlistment eligibility. Limits to 1,250 annually the number of individuals authorized to be so considered. (Sec. 530) Waives time limitations for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for certain service during World War II or Korea. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1999 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 3.1 percent, effective January 1, 1999. (Sec. 602) Increases to $600 the monthly pay for cadets and midshipmen at the service academies. (Sec. 603) Allows a member entitled to the transportation of baggage and household effects due to a change of station to, as an alternative, reimbursement or payment of a monetary allowance in advance of a move arranged by such member. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Superintendent of a service academy to order a cadet or midshipman suspended from duty at such academy to be placed on involuntary leave without pay. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through December 31, 1999, specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals a provision which allows only ten percent of selective reenlistment bonuses paid in a fiscal year to exceed $20,000. (Sec. 616) Increases to $6,000 the maximum authorized Army enlistment bonus. (Sec. 617) Includes within the defense educational loan repayment program a person enrolled in a program of education leading to professional qualifications. Increases the educational loan amounts authorized to be repaid under such program to a maximum of $20,000 per year and $50,000 total per individual. (Sec. 618) Increases to $950 the monthly amount of basic educational assistance authorized to be paid to military personnel possessing critically short skills or specialties. (Sec. 619) Provides that the entitlement of an individual to basic educational assistance benefits shall not be affected by the receipt of an enlistment bonus. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay for or provide transportation to a member as part of a program of rest and recuperation in connection with contingency operations or unusual conditions at a duty station. (Sec. 622) Authorizes payment for the temporary storage of baggage of military dependent students not taken on an annual trip to an overseas duty station of such student's sponsor. (Sec. 623) Authorizes commercial travel under Federal supply schedules for the travel of a member of the reserves to or from the location of inactive duty training. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Considers, beginning on October 1, 2003, coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to be paid in full when a member's pay has been reduced for such coverage for 30 years or when the member has attained 70 years of age. (Sec. 632) Provides an effective date for the court-ordered election of a spouse's or former spouse's coverage under the SBP. (Sec. 633) Provides for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains of medically retired members who die during hospitalization that began while such members were on active duty. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Excludes the Panama Canal from the definition of a U.S. territory or possession for purposes of military pay and allowance provisions. (Sec. 642) Provides Federal employees' compensation coverage for the period during which student members attend training or a practice cruise. (Sec. 643) Amends the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary, or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy, to provide financial assistance to sponsors of dependents in overseas areas where defense dependent schools are not reasonably available. Title VII: Health Care - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to provide for an inflation-indexed premium under the defense dependents' dental program. (Sec. 702) Extends through June 30, 1999, the authority for the use of personal services contracts for the provision of health care at military entrance processing stations and at other locations which are outside of military medical treatment facility areas. (Sec. 703) Provides for the automatic enrollment under TRICARE Prime (a DOD managed health care program) for each dependent of a member in grade E4 or below who is entitled to CHAMPUS medical and dental care and resides in the catchment area of a facility offering TRICARE Prime. Provides for automatic renewal of enrollments and premium payment options under such coverage. Requires such coverage to take effect no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 704) Provides limited continued CHAMPUS coverage, with regard to health care provided between October 1, 1998, and July 1, 1999, for persons unaware of the loss of such coverage due to their recent eligibility for Medicare. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to ensure that the advanced systems developed for recording military personnel data and information include the capability to record organ and tissue donation elections. Outlines responsibilities of the military department secretaries and the Surgeon General with respect to the collection of such information. (Sec. 706) Commends and encourages continuation of the cooperative efforts of DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the delivery of medical care. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly conduct: (1) a survey of their respective medical care beneficiary populations to identify the expectations of, requirements for, and behavior patterns of such beneficiaries with respect to medical care; and (2) a review of impediments to cooperation in the delivery of medical care. Requires the Secretary of Defense to review and report semiannually to the congressional defense and veterans' affairs committees (committees) on the TRICARE program to identify opportunities for increased program participation by the VA. Directs the Federal Pharmaceutical Steering Committee to: (1) undertake a comprehensive examination of existing pharmaceutical benefits and programs for beneficiaries of Federal medical care programs; (2) review the existing methods for contracting for and distributing medical supplies and services; and (3) report examination results to the committees. Directs the Secretaries to submit to the committees a report on the status of DOD and VA efforts to standardize physical examinations administered to determine or rate disabilities. Specifies deadlines for required reports. (Sec. 707) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct three demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing health care under CHAMPUS to current and former military personnel and their dependents or dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty for more than 30 days, and who: (1) are 65 years old or older; (2) are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) are enrolled in the Medicare supplemental medical insurance program; and (4) reside in an area of a demonstration project. Requires the Secretary under one such project to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Prohibits eligible individuals from being required to satisfy any FEHB eligibility criteria as a condition of enrollment. Provides for participation management under the FEHB enrollment program. Requires the Secretary, under another project, to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the TRICARE program, with an enrollment fee. Requires the Secretary, under the third project, to permit eligible individuals to participate in the mail order pharmacy benefit under the TRICARE program, with appropriate premiums, deductibles, or copayments. Requires an independent evaluation of each project. Directs the Comptroller General to review such evaluations and report review results to the defense committees. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to procure articles containing para-aramid fibers and yarns manufactured in any foreign country which: (1) is a party to a defense memorandum of understanding; or (2) permits U.S. firms that manufacture such fibers and yarns to compete with foreign firms in that country. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of an agency to enter into a contract for travel-related services that provides for the contractor to furnish services for both official and non-official travel. Makes such provision inapplicable to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service under the Navy. (Sec. 803) Prohibits the head of a defense agency from entering into a contract for a price exceeding fair market cost in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which DOD attains its contracting goal for participation by small disadvantaged businesses and certain minority institutions. (Sec. 804) Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to allocate available technical assistance funds equally among Defense Contract Administration Services regions. (Sec. 805) Defense Commercial Pricing Management Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to clarify the procedures and methods used to determine the reasonableness of prices of items which are exempt from DOD requirements for the submission of certified cost or pricing data. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures: (1) to ensure that a single item manager or contracting officer is responsible for negotiating and entering into all contracts for the procurement of such items from a single contractor; and (2) that provide for the collection and analysis of information on price trends for categories of such items. Requires a defense agency head or military department Secretary to address any unreasonable escalation in prices paid for such items. Requires reports concerning such procedures from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (Under Secretary) to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary to revise certain procurement regulations to cover all purchases of goods and services by DOD under contracts entered into or administered by another Federal agency. (Sec. 807) Requires the Under Secretary to prescribe policies and requirements for educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure. (Sec. 808) Repeals the requirement that the Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development be located within the Office of the Under Secretary. (Sec. 809) Continues eligibility for membership in the defense acquisition corps for persons serving in a position below GS-13 due to a reduction in force, the closure or realignment of a military installation, or any reason other than for cause. (Sec. 810) Authorizes the Secretary to designate ten acquisition programs of the military departments as pilot programs on program manager responsibility for product support. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Reduces from ten to nine the number of Assistant Secretary of Defense positions. Renames the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Information Superiority, with specified duties. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the Secretary to include within the National Defense University any educational institution that the Secretary considers appropriate and so designates. (Sec. 904) Provides for specified percentage reductions in the number of Federal employees and military personnel on the headquarters staffs of various DOD organizations. Allows for the waiver of the prohibition on the management of personnel by end strengths in order to achieve such reductions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to implement such reductions. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to conduct in each year in which a President is inaugurated a comprehensive examination of the defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plan, and related matters with a view toward determining and expressing the U.S. defense strategy, establishing a revised defense plan for the ensuing ten years, and another for the ensuing 20 years. Directs the Secretary, immediately preceding an inaugural year, to establish a nonpartisan, independent panel to be known as the National Defense Panel to: (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of the above strategies, structures, and plans; and (2) recommend a ten- and 20- year defense strategy after such assessment. (Sec. 906) Directs the Secretary to analyze the structures and processes of DOD for the management of its laboratories and test and evaluation centers and to develop a plan for improving such management. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to such committees a plan and schedule for implementing a cost-based management information system for such laboratories and test centers. (Sec. 907) Directs the Secretary of each military department to administer all of its Fisher houses as nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Provides, with respect to such instrumentality, for: (1) a system of governance; (2) the establishment of a central fund as a funding source; and (3) the acceptance of contributions and the imposition of fees for use of such houses. Requires an annual report from each Secretary on Fisher house operations. Provides transitional funding. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1999 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY 1999 for incremental costs of military operations in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorizes the transfer of O&M funds for such purpose. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1998 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act. (Sec. 1004) Makes funds authorized under titles II and III available for Partnership for Peace information management systems. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Requires: (1) the U.S.S. Iowa to be listed and maintained on the Naval Vessel Register; and (2) the U.S.S. New Jersey to be stricken from such Register. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into one or more long-term charters for three specified vessels to support the rescue, escort, and towing of submarines. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified vessels to foreign countries on a grant basis under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and on a sale or lease basis under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Requires as a condition of such transfers that any vessel repair or refurbishment needed prior to such transfers be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions and the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. (Sec. 1022) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an analysis of a biennial financial management improvement plan currently required to be submitted by the Secretary. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of the feasibility and advisability of selecting on a competitive basis the source or sources for performing DOD finance and accounting services from among private sector sources, the DOD Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the military departments, and other Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to perform market research in connection with the study. (Sec. 1024) Prohibits any DFAS operating location from being closed within six months after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a strategic plan for improving the financial management operations at each location. (Sec. 1025) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the inventory and control of DOD military equipment as of the end of FY 1998, addressing each military department separately. Directs the Inspector General to review the report and submit comments to such committees. (Sec. 1026) Directs the Secretary and the Director of Central Intelligence to jointly submit to the defense committees a report on the plans of DOD and the intelligence community for ensuring the continuity of performance of essential operations that are at risk of failure due to computer systems and other information and support systems that are not year 2000 compliant. (Sec. 1027) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the defense committees on battleship readiness for meeting military requirements for naval surface fire support. (Sec. 1028) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the roles of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff in the investigation of DOD aviation accidents. (Sec. 1029) Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a plan for guiding and expanding distance learning initiatives within DOD. (Sec. 1030) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on U.S. military involvement in major contingency operations and major ongoing operations since the end of the Persian Gulf War, including involvement in the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to provide a foreign country or any of its instrumentalities with assistance for destroying, removing, or obtaining from such country: (1) weapons of mass destruction; or (2) materials, equipment, or technology for the delivery or development of such weapons. Requires a certification from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees at least 15 days in advance that such materials, equipment, or technology meet specified requirements. Waives the certification requirement when compliance would compromise U.S. national security objectives. Requires annual reports concerning such activities. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 certain counterproliferation authorities for support of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq. (Sec. 1043) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend through FY 1999 a limitation concerning the retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery systems. (Sec. 1044) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the feasibility of initiating discussions concerning the possibility of direct-line communications between the commanders in chief of the U.S. Strategic and Space Commands and the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. (Sec. 1045) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on DOD policies and doctrines on chemical warfare defense. Requires the Secretary to modify such policies and doctrines in order to provide adequate protection of military personnel from low-level exposure to a chemical warfare agent. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a plan to establish a research program for determining the effects of chronic and low-dose exposures to such agents. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the accounting treatment of the advanced payment of military personnel. (Sec. 1047) Defines a financial institution, for purposes of the reimbursement of military and civilian DOD personnel for Federal errors in direct deposits of pay, as a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union chartered by the U.S. Government or a State. (Sec. 1048) Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program on alternative notice procedures concerning the withholding or garnishment of pay of military personnel for the payment of child support or alimony under provisions of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 1049) Provides a limitation on the cost of services provided to the Defense Commissary Agency (DCA) to provide for the efficient management and operation of the commissary system. (Sec. 1050) Authorizes the Secretary to impose a charge for the collection of dishonored checks presented at commissary stores. (Sec. 1051) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe in regulations DCA authority to meet its telecommunications requirements by obtaining services and related items under the FTS-2001 contract through a frame relay system procured for the DCA. (Sec. 1052) Authorizes service academy superintendents to accept a research grant that is awarded on a competitive basis for a research project carried out by a professor or instructor at such academy for a scientific, literary, or educational purpose. (Sec. 1053) Empowers inspectors general of the military departments with responsibilities concerning military personnel whistleblower protections. (Currently, such responsibilities exist solely under the DOD Inspector General.) Provides simplified whistleblower reporting and notice requirements. Repeals a requirement for a post-investigation interview. (Sec. 1054) Provides for the crediting of amounts recovered from claims against third parties for loss or damage to personal property of military personnel shipped or stored at Government expense. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a dependent of a member of the armed forces to enroll in an elementary or secondary education program on a military installation within the United States while the member is assigned away from such jurisdiction on a remote or unaccompanied assignment under permanent change of station orders. Allows an enrollment to be extended for more than five years if the dependent is still eligible, space is available, and adequate arrangements are made for reimbursement of the Secretary for the costs of the educational services provided. (Sec. 1056) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to charge a fee for providing historical information to the public from the United States Army or Air Force Military History Institutes and the United States Naval or Marine Corps Historical Centers. (Sec. 1057) Requires the inspector general of an armed force to inspect the Armed Forces Retirement Home at least every three years. (Currently, the DOD Inspector General conducts such inspections at least every six years.) Requires the duty of such inspection to alternate among such inspectors general, and requires each inspection to be followed by a report to the Retirement Home Board, the Secretary, and the Congress. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts, all U.S. rights and interest to one surplus F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Requires the Foundation to alter such aircraft so that it no longer has any combat capability. (Sec. 1059) Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to state that a presidential signature shall constitute approval of vessel war risk insurance requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 1060) Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating March 1, 1999, as "United States Navy Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day." (Sec. 1061) Revises provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to: (1) redesignate the Korean Conflict as the Korean War, for purposes of a program commemorating such War; and (2) provide a limitation on expenditures under the program. (Sec. 1062) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning the costs to DOD associated with frequency spectrum allocations. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require any person on whose behalf a Federal entity incurs costs from the relocation of Federal frequencies to compensate the Federal entity in advance for such costs. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to conduct a program under which qualified spouses of military personnel are given a hiring preference for DOD child care positions. (Sec. 1103) Extends through FY 2003 the authority for the DOD voluntary separation incentive pay program. (Sec. 1104) Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide voluntary early retirement authority for DOD civilian employees who either complete 25 years of service or, after becoming 50 years of age, complete 20 years of service. Outlines voluntary separation requirements, including that: (1) such employee has not received a notice of separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance; and (2) DOD or the military department involved is undergoing a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of functions. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes the Secretary, during the five-year period commencing on the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out a program of experimental use of special personnel management authority (the hiring of up to 20 individuals from outside the civil service and armed forces) to facilitate the recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for research and development projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Limits the period of appointment (four years) and the amount of compensation to be paid to such employees. Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation - Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting the initiative of the Secretary and the JCS Chairman to designate a commander of a combatant command to have the mission for joint warfighting experimentation, the development and validation of new joint warfighting concepts and capabilities, and related DOD strategy for transforming U.S. armed forces to meet future national security threats. Request such commander to have sufficient freedom of action, authority, and resources to establish and conduct the joint warfighting experimentation process. Requests: (1) continued intraservice and multiservice warfighting experimentation, and related experimentation by the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and (2) congressional review of the initial and annual reports on joint warfighting experimentation to determine the adequacy of the scope and pace of U.S. military forces to meet future national security challenges. (Sec. 1203) Requires an initial and annual reports from the appointed commander to the Secretary on the implementation of such experimentation. Directs the Secretary to submit such reports to the chairmen of the defense committees.

Bill· SS. 2057 (105th)referred

Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for procurement by the armed forces of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) defense-wide procurements; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Longbow Hellfire missile, with a contract term of five years. (Sec 112) Provides required conditions prior to the award of a multiyear procurement contract for the production of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles to more than one contractor under the previous national defense authorization Act. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized for a certain armored tank modernization kit until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on armored system modernization. (Sec. 114) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the procurement of reactive armor tiles until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) submits to the defense and appropriations committees a study of the present and future Army and Marine Corps operational requirements for such tiles. (Sec. 115) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to add certain advisory commission travel cost information to a required report on the chemical demilitarization program. (Sec. 116) Amends the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 the authority to carry out the armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the advance procurement and construction of components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized to be excluded from certain cost limitations under the Seawolf submarine program. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, beginning with the FY 1999 program year, to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, with a contract term of five years. Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Earmarks funds for certain follow-on options under the joint surveillance target attack radar system. Prohibits the availability of such funds until 30 days after the Secretary reports to the Congress on fund use. (Sec. 132) Prohibits the obligation of funds for the replacement of engines on aircraft of the Department of Defense (DOD) that are derived from Boeing 707 aircraft until the Secretary has submitted a certain analysis required under the prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 133) Prohibits the obligation of any funds available for the F-22 aircraft program for advance procurement for the six Lot II F-22 aircraft until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a certification of the completion of a specified amount of flight testing for such aircraft. Requires a related flight test certification from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense and appropriations committees on the C-130J aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds for basic research and applied research projects. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits more than $233 million from being obligated for the Crusader self-propelled artillery system program until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army reports to the defense and appropriations committees on an assessment of such system. (Sec. 212) Earmarks funds for RDT&E and acquisition of technologies for the transition from the CVN-77 aircraft carrier program to the CV(X) aircraft carrier program and for enhancements to the latter program. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to terminate the Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle program. Earmarks funds formerly set aside for such program for the procurement of three Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. Requires specified prior testing of the latter vehicles. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to assess and report to the Congress on the technical obstacles and operational shortcomings expected for the Airborne Laser program. Earmarks program funds, with a limitation on such funds until after the report is received. (Sec. 215) Designates as a national security priority the development of an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS). Directs the Secretary to develop a GPS in accordance with certain congressionally-mandated priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that future-year defense program funding provide sufficient funds for GPS development, and that the Secretary of Transportation should provide sufficient funding to support additional civil frequencies for the GPS and other GPS civil enhancements. Requires the Secretary to submit a GPS plan to the Congress. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to delay until the end of FY 2005 a limitation on the procurement of systems not GPS-equipped. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for an enhanced GPS. (Sec. 216) Amends Federal provisions concerning the DOD manufacturing technology program to require the sharing by DOD and non-federal sources of costs for projects carried out under such program if any of the project results are likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application. Revises related cost-sharing requirements. Requires information concerning project cost-sharing to be included in a required five-year plan for such program. (Sec. 217) Extends permanently (currently expires on September 30, 2002) the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facility installations. Terminates a related reporting requirement. (Sec. 218) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to extend through FY 2001 the authority of the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency to carry out certain prototype projects. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Urges the United States to seek to foster a climate of cooperation with Russia on matters relating to missile defense, especially in such areas as early warning. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1999 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for increasing training and related operations in support of the Special Operations Command's counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counterterrorism activities. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a pilot program using existing technology to determine the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD to analyze and identify such fuels and their possible theft and misuse. Earmarks O&M funds for the pilot program. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to carry out a pilot program to demonstrate the use of landing fees as a source of funding for the O&M of airfields of such department. Authorizes the imposition of landing fees at military airfields under the program through FY 2000. Allows fee proceeds to be used for landing field O&M. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for the transportation into U.S. customs territory of polychlorinated biphenyls generated by or under the control of DOD for purposes of their disposal, treatment, or storage in such customs territory. Outlines transportation and disposal requirements and limitations. (Sec. 323) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow Navy submersible ships to discharge non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy. (Sec. 324) Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to $15,000 from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 as payment for stipulated civil penalties assessed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) against McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments to Canada in each of FY 1999 through 2008 as part of a negotiated settlement for the environmental cleanup of formerly used defense sites there. Provides funding for such payments from amounts authorized for DOD defense-wide O&M. (Sec. 327) Directs the President to notify the Congress before entering into negotiations for the ex-gratia settlement of foreign claims against the United States for environmental cleanup of former DOD installations in a foreign country. Requires such fund use to be specifically authorized by law, treaty, or international agreement. (Sec. 328) Requires activities under the Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation Program to include cooperative activities on environmental matters in the Arctic region with the military departments and agencies of other countries, including the Russian Federation. Earmarks O&M funds for such Program. Prohibits funding obligation until 45 days after the Secretary submits to the defense and appropriations committees a Program plan. Subtitle D: Counter-Drug Activities - Earmarks specified O&M funds for certain support of the drug interdiction efforts of the United States Southern Command in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean areas. (Sec. 332) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2004 the program authority for DOD support of certain counter-drug activities. Requires the Secretary, at least 21 days before obligating funds for the modification of a DOD facility for counter-drug purposes, to notify the defense and appropriations committees of such project and its estimated total cost. (Sec. 333) Prohibits any DOD funds authorized under this Act from being used to expand the Southwest border fence until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on the extent to which such fence has reduced the illegal transportation of narcotics and other drugs into the United States. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to administer DOD working capital funds during FY 1999 so as to ensure that the total amount of cash balances in such funds on September 30, 1999, exceeds the total amount of such balances on September 30, 1998, by $1.3 billion. Outlines actions to be taken by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to achieve such increase. Authorizes the waiver of such requirement to meet a contingency operation or an operation commenced before October 1, 1998, and continuing during FY 1999. Requires a semiannual report from the Under Secretary to the defense committees on the administration of the balance increase. (Sec. 342) Requires amounts charged for depreciation of capital assets to be credited to a separate capital asset subaccount established within a working-capital fund. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to provide for separate accounting, reporting, and auditing of funds and activities managed through working-capital funds. Allows charges for goods and services provided through such funds to include amounts for depreciation of capital assets. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) establish billing procedures to ensure that balances in working-capital funds do not exceed requirements; and (2) submit to the Congress detailed annual reports of working-capital fund account and subaccount receipts and disbursements, as well as a proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Repeals the authority to manage working-capital accounts and subaccounts through the Defense Business Operations Fund. Revises the authority of a working-capital fund to retain recovered costs of property disposals. (Sec. 344) Directs the Secretary of each military department to develop and submit to the Congress an implementation schedule for the best commercial inventory practices within such department for the acquisition and distribution of secondary supply items. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) each Secretary has complied with such requirement; and (2) best commercial inventory practices are being implemented in the Defense Logistics Agency. (Sec. 345) Earmarks FY 1999 Navy O&M funds for the increased use of smart cards (multitechnology automated reader cards) issued throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to take certain steps to increase the issuance of such cards throughout such service branches. Limits procurement funds for the Joint Uniformed Services Identification card until such Secretary has made certain certifications with respect to the issuance of smart cards. Requires such Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan for equipping all naval operational units with smart card technology. (Sec. 346) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Defense should initiate public-private competitions for DOD functions involving not fewer than a number of employees equivalent to 30,000 full-time employees for each of FY 1999 through 2004. Increases to 50 (currently 20) or fewer the number of DOD employees that may be affected in the conversion of a DOD function to contractor performance for which certain congressional notification and reporting requirements may be waived. (Sec. 347) Adds a competitive source selection process to required conditions for providing financial assistance for the support of additional duties assigned to the Army National Guard. (Sec. 348) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 to repeal a prohibition on the joint military-civilian use of the Robert Gray Army Airfield at Fort Hood, Texas. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 402) Increases from six to seven the number of officer positions within the Joint Staff that may be excluded from annual general and flag officer limitations. Extends through FY 2002 the authority for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to designate up to 12 general and flag officer joint duty positions for exclusion from general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 404) Repeals the requirement that minimum end strengths be sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingency operations. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1999 for reserve military technicians (dual status). (Sec. 414) Excludes certain temporary active-duty general and flag officers from the annual general and flag officer limitations. (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain reserve officers and enlisted personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 416) Consolidates the end strength authorizations for active-status Naval Reserve flag officers of the Navy Medical Department Staff Corps. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of the military department concerned convene boards to review the cases of officers determined to have failed to establish that they be retained on active duty. (Sec. 502) Provides a permanent exception to the requirement for retirement for years of service for certain Navy and Marine Corps officers designated for limited duty assignments. (Sec. 503) Denies entitlement to involuntary separation pay for an officer discharged for failure to be selected for promotion when the officer requested not to be so selected. Requires the appropriate selection board to submit to the Secretary concerned the name of any officer making such request. (Sec. 504) Increases from three to four years the authorized term of appointment for the Chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that such longer term is justified. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Provides for the crediting for retirement purposes of service in the higher position for a reserve officer who, after being found qualified for Federal recognition in a higher grade by an appropriate personnel board, serves in a position for which that grade is the minimum authorized grade. (Sec. 512) Allows a reserve officer who, after successfully serving on active duty in a grade above colonel or captain (Navy) for at least six months, is involuntarily transferred from active status, to be credited with satisfactory service in such position for retirement purposes. (Sec. 513) Provides eligibility for consideration for promotion for certain Army and Air Force reserve brigadier generals. (Sec. 514) Provides for the composition of selective early retirement boards for Naval Reserve rear admirals and Marine Corps Reserve major generals. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the President to order members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve mobilization category into active duty to respond to an emergency involving the use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorizes the use of active-duty members of the National Guard for such purpose. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Extends through FY 2003 certain force reduction transition management and benefits authorities, including early retirement and voluntary separation incentive programs and certain time-in-grade requirements. (Sec. 523) Continues eligibility for the voluntary separation incentive program after the involuntary loss of membership in the Ready or Standby Reserve. (Sec. 524) Revises current limitations on the authority of the Secretaries concerned to set rates and waive requirements for reimbursement of expenses incurred for foreign student instruction at U.S. military service academies. (Sec. 525) Repeals a current limitation on the civilian employment of enlisted personnel when such employment interferes with the customary or regular employment of local civilians. (Sec. 527) Prohibits any DOD official from implementing any change of policy regarding the separation or integration of military personnel on the basis of gender that is within the responsibilities of the Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Issues before the termination of such Commission. (Sec. 528) Provides transitional compensation authority for abused dependent children of military personnel when such children reside with the spouse or former spouse of a member convicted of dependent abuse. (Sec. 529) Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year pilot program to assess whether the armed forces could better meet recruiting requirements by treating GED recipients as having graduated from high school for purposes of enlistment eligibility. Limits to 1,250 annually the number of individuals authorized to be so considered. (Sec. 530) Waives time limitations for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for certain service during World War II or Korea. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1999 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 3.1 percent, effective January 1, 1999. (Sec. 602) Increases to $600 the monthly pay for cadets and midshipmen at the service academies. (Sec. 603) Allows a member entitled to the transportation of baggage and household effects due to a change of station to, as an alternative, reimbursement or payment of a monetary allowance in advance of a move arranged by such member. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Superintendent of a service academy to order a cadet or midshipman suspended from duty at such academy to be placed on involuntary leave without pay. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through December 31, 1999, specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals a provision which allows only ten percent of selective reenlistment bonuses paid in a fiscal year to exceed $20,000. (Sec. 616) Increases to $6,000 the maximum authorized Army enlistment bonus. (Sec. 617) Includes within the defense educational loan repayment program a person enrolled in a program of education leading to professional qualifications. Increases the educational loan amounts authorized to be repaid under such program to a maximum of $20,000 per year and $50,000 total per individual. (Sec. 618) Increases to $950 the monthly amount of basic educational assistance authorized to be paid to military personnel possessing critically short skills or specialties. (Sec. 619) Provides that the entitlement of an individual to basic educational assistance benefits shall not be affected by the receipt of an enlistment bonus. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay for or provide transportation to a member as part of a program of rest and recuperation in connection with contingency operations or unusual conditions at a duty station. (Sec. 622) Authorizes payment for the temporary storage of baggage of military dependent students not taken on an annual trip to an overseas duty station of such student's sponsor. (Sec. 623) Authorizes commercial travel under Federal supply schedules for the travel of a member of the reserves to or from the location of inactive duty training. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Considers, beginning on October 1, 2003, coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to be paid in full when a member's pay has been reduced for such coverage for 30 years or when the member has attained 70 years of age. (Sec. 632) Provides an effective date for the court-ordered election of a spouse's or former spouse's coverage under the SBP. (Sec. 633) Provides for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains of medically retired members who die during hospitalization that began while such members were on active duty. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Excludes the Panama Canal from the definition of a U.S. territory or possession for purposes of military pay and allowance provisions. (Sec. 642) Provides Federal employees' compensation coverage for the period during which student members attend training or a practice cruise. (Sec. 643) Amends the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary, or the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy, to provide financial assistance to sponsors of dependents in overseas areas where defense dependent schools are not reasonably available. Title VII: Health Care - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to provide for an inflation-indexed premium under the defense dependents' dental program. (Sec. 702) Extends through June 30, 1999, the authority for the use of personal services contracts for the provision of health care at military entrance processing stations and at other locations which are outside of military medical treatment facility areas. (Sec. 703) Provides for the automatic enrollment under TRICARE Prime (a DOD managed health care program) for each dependent of a member in grade E4 or below who is entitled to CHAMPUS medical and dental care and resides in the catchment area of a facility offering TRICARE Prime. Provides for automatic renewal of enrollments and premium payment options under such coverage. Requires such coverage to take effect no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 704) Provides limited continued CHAMPUS coverage, with regard to health care provided between October 1, 1998, and July 1, 1999, for persons unaware of the loss of such coverage due to their recent eligibility for Medicare. (Sec. 705) Directs the Secretary to ensure that the advanced systems developed for recording military personnel data and information include the capability to record organ and tissue donation elections. Outlines responsibilities of the military department secretaries and the Surgeon General with respect to the collection of such information. (Sec. 706) Commends and encourages continuation of the cooperative efforts of DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the delivery of medical care. Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly conduct: (1) a survey of their respective medical care beneficiary populations to identify the expectations of, requirements for, and behavior patterns of such beneficiaries with respect to medical care; and (2) a review of impediments to cooperation in the delivery of medical care. Requires the Secretary of Defense to review and report semiannually to the congressional defense and veterans' affairs committees (committees) on the TRICARE program to identify opportunities for increased program participation by the VA. Directs the Federal Pharmaceutical Steering Committee to: (1) undertake a comprehensive examination of existing pharmaceutical benefits and programs for beneficiaries of Federal medical care programs; (2) review the existing methods for contracting for and distributing medical supplies and services; and (3) report examination results to the committees. Directs the Secretaries to submit to the committees a report on the status of DOD and VA efforts to standardize physical examinations administered to determine or rate disabilities. Specifies deadlines for required reports. (Sec. 707) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct three demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing health care under CHAMPUS to current and former military personnel and their dependents or dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty for more than 30 days, and who: (1) are 65 years old or older; (2) are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) are enrolled in the Medicare supplemental medical insurance program; and (4) reside in an area of a demonstration project. Requires the Secretary under one such project to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Prohibits eligible individuals from being required to satisfy any FEHB eligibility criteria as a condition of enrollment. Provides for participation management under the FEHB enrollment program. Requires the Secretary, under another project, to permit eligible individuals to enroll in the TRICARE program, with an enrollment fee. Requires the Secretary, under the third project, to permit eligible individuals to participate in the mail order pharmacy benefit under the TRICARE program, with appropriate premiums, deductibles, or copayments. Requires an independent evaluation of each project. Directs the Comptroller General to review such evaluations and report review results to the defense committees. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to procure articles containing para-aramid fibers and yarns manufactured in any foreign country which: (1) is a party to a defense memorandum of understanding; or (2) permits U.S. firms that manufacture such fibers and yarns to compete with foreign firms in that country. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of an agency to enter into a contract for travel-related services that provides for the contractor to furnish services for both official and non-official travel. Makes such provision inapplicable to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service under the Navy. (Sec. 803) Prohibits the head of a defense agency from entering into a contract for a price exceeding fair market cost in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which DOD attains its contracting goal for participation by small disadvantaged businesses and certain minority institutions. (Sec. 804) Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to allocate available technical assistance funds equally among Defense Contract Administration Services regions. (Sec. 805) Defense Commercial Pricing Management Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to clarify the procedures and methods used to determine the reasonableness of prices of items which are exempt from DOD requirements for the submission of certified cost or pricing data. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures: (1) to ensure that a single item manager or contracting officer is responsible for negotiating and entering into all contracts for the procurement of such items from a single contractor; and (2) that provide for the collection and analysis of information on price trends for categories of such items. Requires a defense agency head or military department Secretary to address any unreasonable escalation in prices paid for such items. Requires reports concerning such procedures from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (Under Secretary) to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 806) Directs the Secretary to revise certain procurement regulations to cover all purchases of goods and services by DOD under contracts entered into or administered by another Federal agency. (Sec. 807) Requires the Under Secretary to prescribe policies and requirements for educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure. (Sec. 808) Repeals the requirement that the Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development be located within the Office of the Under Secretary. (Sec. 809) Continues eligibility for membership in the defense acquisition corps for persons serving in a position below GS-13 due to a reduction in force, the closure or realignment of a military installation, or any reason other than for cause. (Sec. 810) Authorizes the Secretary to designate ten acquisition programs of the military departments as pilot programs on program manager responsibility for product support. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Reduces from ten to nine the number of Assistant Secretary of Defense positions. Renames the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Information Superiority, with specified duties. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the Secretary to include within the National Defense University any educational institution that the Secretary considers appropriate and so designates. (Sec. 904) Provides for specified percentage reductions in the number of Federal employees and military personnel on the headquarters staffs of various DOD organizations. Allows for the waiver of the prohibition on the management of personnel by end strengths in order to achieve such reductions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan to implement such reductions. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to conduct in each year in which a President is inaugurated a comprehensive examination of the defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plan, and related matters with a view toward determining and expressing the U.S. defense strategy, establishing a revised defense plan for the ensuing ten years, and another for the ensuing 20 years. Directs the Secretary, immediately preceding an inaugural year, to establish a nonpartisan, independent panel to be known as the National Defense Panel to: (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of the above strategies, structures, and plans; and (2) recommend a ten- and 20- year defense strategy after such assessment. (Sec. 906) Directs the Secretary to analyze the structures and processes of DOD for the management of its laboratories and test and evaluation centers and to develop a plan for improving such management. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to such committees a plan and schedule for implementing a cost-based management information system for such laboratories and test centers. (Sec. 907) Directs the Secretary of each military department to administer all of its Fisher houses as nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Provides, with respect to such instrumentality, for: (1) a system of governance; (2) the establishment of a central fund as a funding source; and (3) the acceptance of contributions and the imposition of fees for use of such houses. Requires an annual report from each Secretary on Fisher house operations. Provides transitional funding. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1999 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes appropriations for DOD for FY 1999 for incremental costs of military operations in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorizes the transfer of O&M funds for such purpose. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1998 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the 1998 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act. (Sec. 1004) Makes funds authorized under titles II and III available for Partnership for Peace information management systems. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Requires: (1) the U.S.S. Iowa to be listed and maintained on the Naval Vessel Register; and (2) the U.S.S. New Jersey to be stricken from such Register. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into one or more long-term charters for three specified vessels to support the rescue, escort, and towing of submarines. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified vessels to foreign countries on a grant basis under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and on a sale or lease basis under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Requires as a condition of such transfers that any vessel repair or refurbishment needed prior to such transfers be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions and the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. (Sec. 1022) Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an analysis of a biennial financial management improvement plan currently required to be submitted by the Secretary. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of the feasibility and advisability of selecting on a competitive basis the source or sources for performing DOD finance and accounting services from among private sector sources, the DOD Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the military departments, and other Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to perform market research in connection with the study. (Sec. 1024) Prohibits any DFAS operating location from being closed within six months after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a strategic plan for improving the financial management operations at each location. (Sec. 1025) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the inventory and control of DOD military equipment as of the end of FY 1998, addressing each military department separately. Directs the Inspector General to review the report and submit comments to such committees. (Sec. 1026) Directs the Secretary and the Director of Central Intelligence to jointly submit to the defense committees a report on the plans of DOD and the intelligence community for ensuring the continuity of performance of essential operations that are at risk of failure due to computer systems and other information and support systems that are not year 2000 compliant. (Sec. 1027) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the defense committees on battleship readiness for meeting military requirements for naval surface fire support. (Sec. 1028) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the roles of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff in the investigation of DOD aviation accidents. (Sec. 1029) Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a plan for guiding and expanding distance learning initiatives within DOD. (Sec. 1030) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on U.S. military involvement in major contingency operations and major ongoing operations since the end of the Persian Gulf War, including involvement in the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to provide a foreign country or any of its instrumentalities with assistance for destroying, removing, or obtaining from such country: (1) weapons of mass destruction; or (2) materials, equipment, or technology for the delivery or development of such weapons. Requires a certification from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees at least 15 days in advance that such materials, equipment, or technology meet specified requirements. Waives the certification requirement when compliance would compromise U.S. national security objectives. Requires annual reports concerning such activities. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1999 certain counterproliferation authorities for support of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq. (Sec. 1043) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to extend through FY 1999 a limitation concerning the retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery systems. (Sec. 1044) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the feasibility of initiating discussions concerning the possibility of direct-line communications between the commanders in chief of the U.S. Strategic and Space Commands and the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. (Sec. 1045) Directs the Secretary to review and report to the defense committees on DOD policies and doctrines on chemical warfare defense. Requires the Secretary to modify such policies and doctrines in order to provide adequate protection of military personnel from low-level exposure to a chemical warfare agent. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a plan to establish a research program for determining the effects of chronic and low-dose exposures to such agents. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the accounting treatment of the advanced payment of military personnel. (Sec. 1047) Defines a financial institution, for purposes of the reimbursement of military and civilian DOD personnel for Federal errors in direct deposits of pay, as a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union chartered by the U.S. Government or a State. (Sec. 1048) Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program on alternative notice procedures concerning the withholding or garnishment of pay of military personnel for the payment of child support or alimony under provisions of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 1049) Provides a limitation on the cost of services provided to the Defense Commissary Agency (DCA) to provide for the efficient management and operation of the commissary system. (Sec. 1050) Authorizes the Secretary to impose a charge for the collection of dishonored checks presented at commissary stores. (Sec. 1051) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe in regulations DCA authority to meet its telecommunications requirements by obtaining services and related items under the FTS-2001 contract through a frame relay system procured for the DCA. (Sec. 1052) Authorizes service academy superintendents to accept a research grant that is awarded on a competitive basis for a research project carried out by a professor or instructor at such academy for a scientific, literary, or educational purpose. (Sec. 1053) Empowers inspectors general of the military departments with responsibilities concerning military personnel whistleblower protections. (Currently, such responsibilities exist solely under the DOD Inspector General.) Provides simplified whistleblower reporting and notice requirements. Repeals a requirement for a post-investigation interview. (Sec. 1054) Provides for the crediting of amounts recovered from claims against third parties for loss or damage to personal property of military personnel shipped or stored at Government expense. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a dependent of a member of the armed forces to enroll in an elementary or secondary education program on a military installation within the United States while the member is assigned away from such jurisdiction on a remote or unaccompanied assignment under permanent change of station orders. Allows an enrollment to be extended for more than five years if the dependent is still eligible, space is available, and adequate arrangements are made for reimbursement of the Secretary for the costs of the educational services provided. (Sec. 1056) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to charge a fee for providing historical information to the public from the United States Army or Air Force Military History Institutes and the United States Naval or Marine Corps Historical Centers. (Sec. 1057) Requires the inspector general of an armed force to inspect the Armed Forces Retirement Home at least every three years. (Currently, the DOD Inspector General conducts such inspections at least every six years.) Requires the duty of such inspection to alternate among such inspectors general, and requires each inspection to be followed by a report to the Retirement Home Board, the Secretary, and the Congress. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Collings Foundation in Stow, Massachusetts, all U.S. rights and interest to one surplus F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Requires the Foundation to alter such aircraft so that it no longer has any combat capability. (Sec. 1059) Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to state that a presidential signature shall constitute approval of vessel war risk insurance requested by the Secretary. (Sec. 1060) Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating March 1, 1999, as "United States Navy Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day." (Sec. 1061) Revises provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to: (1) redesignate the Korean Conflict as the Korean War, for purposes of a program commemorating such War; and (2) provide a limitation on expenditures under the program. (Sec. 1062) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning the costs to DOD associated with frequency spectrum allocations. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require any person on whose behalf a Federal entity incurs costs from the relocation of Federal frequencies to compensate the Federal entity in advance for such costs. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary to conduct a program under which qualified spouses of military personnel are given a hiring preference for DOD child care positions. (Sec. 1103) Extends through FY 2003 the authority for the DOD voluntary separation incentive pay program. (Sec. 1104) Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide voluntary early retirement authority for DOD civilian employees who either complete 25 years of service or, after becoming 50 years of age, complete 20 years of service. Outlines voluntary separation requirements, including that: (1) such employee has not received a notice of separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance; and (2) DOD or the military department involved is undergoing a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of functions. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes the Secretary, during the five-year period commencing on the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out a program of experimental use of special personnel management authority (the hiring of up to 20 individuals from outside the civil service and armed forces) to facilitate the recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for research and development projects administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Limits the period of appointment (four years) and the amount of compensation to be paid to such employees. Title XII: Joint Warfighting Experimentation - Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting the initiative of the Secretary and the JCS Chairman to designate a commander of a combatant command to have the mission for joint warfighting experimentation, the development and validation of new joint warfighting concepts and capabilities, and related DOD strategy for transforming U.S. armed forces to meet future national security threats. Request such commander to have sufficient freedom of action, authority, and resources to establish and conduct the joint warfighting experimentation process. Requests: (1) continued intraservice and multiservice warfighting experimentation, and related experimentation by the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and (2) congressional review of the initial and annual reports on joint warfighting experimentation to determine the adequacy of the scope and pace of U.S. military forces to meet future national security challenges. (Sec. 1203) Requires an initial and annual reports from the appointed commander to the Secrretary on the implementation of such experimentation. Directs the Secretary to submit such reports to the chairmen of the defense committees. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized for a military construction project at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under Title XXI. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in a specified amount. (Sec. 2403) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing projects of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2405) Increases amounts authorized under prior military construction authorization Acts for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for Army Reserve military construction. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2001, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing appropriations for military construction for FY 2002, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Revises Federal provisions concerning authorized architectural and engineering services and construction design to: (1) allow such services and design without regard to whether the military construction projects themselves are authorized by law; and (2) increase from $300,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended for such services before congressional notification is required. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to lease up to 500 family housing units in Italy and up to 800 family housing units in Korea. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended by the Secretary concerned for a real property lease, acquisition, or transfer before congressional notification is required. Provides an exception to real property transaction reporting requirements in declarations of war, national emergency, major disaster, the use of riot militia, or a contingency operation. Requires such notification within 30 days after any such event. (Sec. 2813) Waives applicability of Federal property disposal regulations under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 with respect to leases entered into at military installations being closed or realigned under the base closure laws. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary, as a condition of a lease, license, or other grant of access entered into with another Federal agency for military department property, to require such agency to remove any improvements and to restore such land to its condition before such use. Provides for cost reimbursement in lieu of such removal or restoration. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant in Charlestown, Indiana; (2) Bridgton, Maine, the Army Reserve Center there; and (3) Hamilton County, Tennessee, the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Army to release all interests in the former Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation in Portland, Maine, the Naval Reserve Readiness Center in Portland; and (3) Air Force to convey to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the Lake Charles Air Force Station. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to purchase from its developer the entire 366-unit military family housing project at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, if determined to be in the best economic interests of the Air Force. (Sec. 2832) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to carry out beach replenishment in and around San Diego, California. Provides funding and cost limitations. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress 30 days in advance of any such action. Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal - Juniper Butte Range Land Withdrawal Act - Withdraws the Juniper Butte Range, Idaho, from all forms of appropriation under the public land, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws. Reserves such land to the Air Force for a high hazard training area, dropping training ordnance, electronic warfare and tactical maneuvering and air support, and other defense-related purposes. Modifies airspace restrictions over such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to compensate individuals engaged in ranching operations for disruption to and loss of grazing on such lands and associated areas. Requires appropriate support from the Bureau of Land Management in the payment of such compensation. Allows for continued grazing until such compensation is paid. Requires such Secretary to provide to the public a map and legal description of the lands reserved. (Sec. 2906) Requires such Secretary to manage the reserved lands and to close such lands to public access in appropriate circumstances. Authorizes such Secretary to enter into leases with the State of Idaho in support of the Range and its operations. Directs such Secretary to suppress brush and range fires caused by Air Force operations. Requires such Secretary to develop an integrated natural resources management plan for the natural resources of withdrawn lands, requiring the Secretaries of the Air Force and the Interior and the governor of Idaho to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the development of the plan. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to maintain roads and manage withdrawn and acquired mineral resources within the area of the range lands. Outlines water rights. (Sec. 2913) Terminates the withdrawal and reservation 25 years after the enactment of this Act, with relinquishment before such date under appropriate circumstances. Requires such Secretary, at least five years before such termination date, to notify the Congress and the Secretary of the Interior as to whether the Air Force has a continuing military need for such lands after the termination date. Outlines provisions concerning the environmental remediation of such lands and authorized delegation of authority by each of the Secretaries. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Air Force should ensure that Air Force budgetary planning makes available sufficient funding to assure Air Force participation in cooperative efforts developed by the Secretary and the State of Idaho to monitor the impact of military activities on natural, cultural, and other resources and values of the withdrawn lands. (Sec. 2917) Authorizes appropriations. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense nuclear waste disposal; and (5) defense environmental management privatization initiatives. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3129) Directs the Secretary, during FY 1999, to empower each DOE field office manager with the authority to transfer defense environmental management funds from a program or project under such office's jurisdiction to another program or project in order to address a risk to health, safety, or the environment or to assure the most efficient use of such funds at that field office. Limits such transfers to a total of $5 million per fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress within 30 days after any such transfer. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, FY 1999 DOE funds from being obligated or expended to conduct any activities: (1) associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship; or (2) relating to ballistic or theater missile defense. (Sec. 3133) Prohibits any person from constructing or operating a facility under contract with DOE for fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for use in a commercial nuclear reactor without first obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 3134) Directs the Secretary to continue operations and maintain a high state of readiness at the F- and H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site and to provide technical staff to operate and maintain such facilities. (Sec. 3135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize DOE federally funded research and development centers to participate in merit-based technology research and development programs. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for payment to the educational foundation chartered to enhance educational activities in the public schools in the vicinity of Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 setting forth policy under the stockpile stewardship program. (Sec. 3142) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase compensation levels for scientific, engineering, and technical personnel responsible for safety at DOE nuclear facilities. (Sec. 3143) Expresses the sense of the Senate that OMB should, beginning with FY 2000, transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action program from the defense 050 budget function to a non-defense discretionary budget function. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1999, to obligate up to $83 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses, including the disposal of hazardous materials that are environmentally sensitive. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1999, with specified funding limits. (Sec. 3503) Requires Commission funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles, with a per vehicle cost limit of $23,000. (Sec. 3504) Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. (Sec. 3505) Authorizes the Commission to seek and accept donations to carry out Commission promotional activities. (Sec. 3506) Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into one or more agreements under which the United States furnishes administrative services relating to Commission pension, disability, and medical benefits, as well as workmen's compensation, after December 31, 1999, and establishes appropriate procedures for providing advance funding for such services. (Sec. 3507) Repeals on December 30, 1999, current Federal provisions concerning rights of and benefits accruing to Commission employees at the Canal. (Sec. 3508) Repeals a Federal provision establishing a Commission central examining office. (Sec. 3509) Revises provisions concerning Commission liability for vessel accidents to require claimants to be covered by one or more insurance policies totaling at least $1 million against the injuries claimed. Limits Commission liability to amounts in excess of any insurance amounts recovered. (Sec. 3510) Makes a Commission employee eligible, upon request, for appointment on a noncompetitive basis to vacant positions in the competitive civil service within: (1) an area determined by the OPM Director as being within a reasonable commuting distance of the employee's residence; or (2) any Standard Federal Region designated by such employee. Outlines eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a notice of separation by reason of a reduction in force. (Sec. 3511) Provides compensation levels for members of the Commission's Board of Contract Appeals.

Bill· SS. 2059 (105th)referred

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to increase the amount authorized for a military construction project at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under Title XXI. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in a specified amount. (Sec. 2403) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1998 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing projects of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2405) Increases amounts authorized under prior military construction authorization Acts for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1998 for Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 to reduce the authorization of appropriations for Army Reserve military construction. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2001, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing appropriations for military construction for FY 2002, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Revises Federal provisions concerning authorized architectural and engineering services and construction design to: (1) allow such services and design without regard to whether the military construction projects themselves are authorized by law; and (2) increase from $300,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended for such services before congressional notification is required. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to lease up to 500 family housing units in Italy and up to 800 family housing units in Korea. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the amount authorized to be expended by the Secretary of the military department concerned for a real property lease, acquisition, or transfer before congressional notification is required. Provides an exception to real property transaction reporting requirements in declarations of war, national emergency, major disaster, the use of riot militia, or a contingency operation. Requires such notification within 30 days after any such event. (Sec. 2813) Waives applicability of Federal property disposal regulations under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 with respect to leases entered into at military installations being closed or realigned under the base closure laws. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary, as a condition of a lease, license, or other grant of access entered into with another Federal agency for military department property, to require such agency to remove any improvements and to restore such land to its condition before such use. Provides for cost reimbursement in lieu of such removal or restoration. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant in Charlestown, Indiana; (2) Bridgton, Maine, the Army Reserve Center there; and (3) Hamilton County, Tennessee, the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Army to release all interests in the former Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation in Portland, Maine, the Naval Reserve Readiness Center in Portland; and (3) Air Force to convey to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the Lake Charles Air Force Station. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to purchase from its developer the entire 366-unit military family housing project at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, if determined to be in the best economic interests of the Air Force. (Sec. 2832) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to carry out beach replenishment in and around San Diego, California. Provides funding and cost limitations. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress 30 days in advance of any such action. Title XXIX: Juniper Butte Range Lands Withdrawal - Juniper Butte Range Land Withdrawal Act - Withdraws the Juniper Butte Range, Idaho, from all forms of appropriation under the public land, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws. Reserves such land to the Air Force for a high hazard training area, dropping training ordnance, electronic warfare and tactical maneuvering and air support, and other defense-related purposes. Modifies airspace restrictions over such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to compensate individuals engaged in ranching operations for disruption to and loss of grazing on such lands and associated areas. Requires appropriate support from the Bureau of Land Management in the payment of such compensation. Allows for continued grazing until such compensation is paid. Requires such Secretary to provide to the public a map and legal description of the lands reserved. (Sec. 2906) Requires such Secretary to manage the reserved lands and to close such lands to public access in appropriate circumstances. Authorizes such Secretary to enter into leases with the State of Idaho in support of the Range and its operations. Directs such Secretary to suppress brush and range fires caused by Air Force operations. Requires such Secretary to develop an integrated natural resources management plan for the natural resources of withdrawn lands, requiring the Secretaries of the Air Force and the Interior and the governor of Idaho to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the development of the plan. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to maintain roads and manage withdrawn and acquired mineral resources within the area of the range lands. Outlines water rights. (Sec. 2913) Terminates the withdrawal and reservation 25 years after the enactment of this Act, with relinquishment before such date under appropriate circumstances. Requires such Secretary, at least five years before such termination date, to notify the Congress and the Secretary of the Interior as to whether the Air Force has a continuing military need for such lands after the termination date. Outlines provisions concerning the environmental remediation of such lands and authorized delegation of authority by each of the Secretaries. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Air Force should ensure that Air Force budgetary planning makes available sufficient funding to assure Air Force participation in cooperative efforts developed by the Secretary and the State of Idaho to monitor the impact of military activities on natural, cultural, and other resources and values of the withdrawn lands. (Sec. 2917) Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 2052 (105th)open

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency Title V: Disclosure of Information to Congress Title VI: Foreign Intelligence and International Terrorism Investigations Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) National Reconnaissance Office; and (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1999, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1999 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires notification of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees whenever such authority is exercised. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1999. Authorizes full-time personnel for the Community Management Staff of the DCI as of September 30, 1999, as well as any additional amounts specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or any member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such Staff. Earmarks Account Funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to extend through January 6, 2000, the authority of the President to stay the application of certain sanctions against a foreign country, organization, or person upon a determination of an adverse effect of such sanction on the conduct of ongoing intelligence activities. (Sec. 304) Extends through December 31, 2000, the authority of the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to engage in commercial activities as security for authorized intelligence collection activities. (Sec. 305) Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to: (1) authorize the Secretary to award fellowships and grants for the conduct of counterproliferation studies; and (2) replace the Director of the U.S. Information Agency with the Secretary of Energy on the membership of the National Security Education Board. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Voluntary Separation Pay Act to extend through FY 2001 the separation pay program for the voluntary separation of CIA employees. (Sec. 402) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to include as an additional duty of the CIA Inspector General the review of the impact of legislation on the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in programs and operations administered or financed by the CIA. Title V: Disclosure of Information to Congress - Directs the President to inform employees of the various intelligence agencies, as well as employees of contractors carrying out activities under classified contracts with such agencies, that: (1) the disclosure to members of a congressional oversight committee of information relating to a possible violation of law, a false statement to Congress, gross mismanagement or waste of funds, the flagrant abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety is not prohibited by law or contrary to public policy; (2) such committee members are presumed to have a need to know and be authorized to receive such information; and (3) such committee members may receive such information only in their capacity as members of such committees. Requires a report from the President to the Congress on actions taken under this title. Title VI: Foreign Intelligence and International Terrorism Investigations - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to authorize the Attorney General (AG) or other designated Federal attorney to apply for an order or the extension of an order authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or trap and trace device (device) for any investigation to gather foreign intelligence or international terrorism information (information) which is being conducted by the FBI under guidelines approved by Executive order. Outlines application requirements. Limits to 90 days the authorized period for the use of such device, with an extension of an additional 90 days in appropriate circumstances. Authorizes the AG to approve the installation of such a device on an emergency basis to gather such information if: (1) a judge is informed of the AG's decision to do so; and (2) an application is made to such judge within 48 hours after the installation. Prohibits any information from being utilized if the application is denied. Authorizes the AG to allow the use of such a device to acquire such information for a period not to exceed 15 days following a declaration of war by the Congress. Requires notification to the person involved that information so obtained is to be used or disclosed. Allows such person to move to suppress such evidence, and requires the motion to be heard before the use of such information. Provides for in camera and ex parte hearings when the national security is or may be involved. Prohibits the use of information so obtained when a motion to suppress is granted or a court determines that the use of such a device was not lawfully authorized or conducted. Requires the AG, on a semiannual basis, to fully inform the intelligence and judiciary committees concerning the use of such devices and related information. (Sec. 602) Authorizes the FBI Director to apply for an order authorizing a common carrier, public accommodation facility, physical storage facility, or vehicle rental facility to release records for an investigation to gather foreign intelligence or international terrorism information being conducted by the FBI under Executive order. Outlines application requirements. Requires the AG, on a semiannual basis, to fully inform the intelligence and judiciary committees concerning the use of all such records and related information.

Bill· SS. 2049 (105th)referred

Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period between FY 1998 and 2003 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.

Bill· SS. 2047 (105th)referred

A bill to suspend temporarily the duty on the personal effects of participants in, and certain other individuals associated with, the 1999 International Special Olympics, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer, the 2001 International Special Olympics, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment, through January 1, 2003, to the personal effects of, and other equipment imported and used by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in the 1999 International Special Olympics, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer, the 2001 International Special Olympics, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games. Declares that such articles shall be: (1) free of applicable taxes and fees; but (2) not exempt from routine customs inspections.

Bill· HRH.R. 3809 (105th)open

Drug Free Borders Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for United States Customs Service Title II: Overtime and Premium Pay of Officers of the United States Customs Service; Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Overtime Pay and Premium Pay of Officers of the United States Customs Service Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions Drug Free Borders Act of 1998 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for United States Customs Service - Amends the Customs Procedural Reform and Simplification Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for FY 1999 and 2000 for the United States Customs Service for: (1) noncommercial and commercial operations; and (2) the air interdiction program. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to submit to specified congressional committees a projected budget for the succeeding fiscal year (out-year). (Sec. 102) Earmarks amounts for: (1) the acquisition and deployment of narcotics detection equipment (including maintenance and support of such equipment, training of personnel, and new technologies) along the United States-Mexico border, the United States-Canada border, and Florida and the Gulf Coast seaports; and (2) additional inspectors, canine enforcement officers, special agents, and enhanced investigative resources during peak hours along such borders. Requires the Commissioner of Customs, as part of the annual program activity performance plan set forth in the Customs Service budget, to establish performance goals, performance indicators, and comply with certain other requirements with respect to such border activities. Title II: Overtime and Premium Pay of Officers of the United States Customs Service; Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Overtime Pay and Premium Pay of Officers of the United States Customs Service - Amends Federal customs law to increase the maximum aggregate overtime pay that a customs officer may be paid in any fiscal year from $25,000 to $30,000. Permits the Commissioner to waive such limitation in individual cases in order to prevent excessive costs or to meet emergency requirements. Authorizes the Commissioner to pay any customs officer for one work assignment that would result in overtime pay exceeding $30,000, in addition to any overtime pay that may be received under a waiver, upon certification to specified congressional committees that the Customs Service has in operation a system daily providing accurate and reliable data on overtime and premium pay for customs officers. (Sec. 202) Prohibits payment of overtime and premium pay to any customs officer unless such officer has actually performed work during the time corresponding to such pay. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the night work differential to change shift times: (1) from 3 p.m.-to-midnight to 6 p.m.-to-midnight; (2) from 11 p.m.-to-8 a.m. to midnight-to-6 a.m.; and (3) to repeal certain pay requirements for the current half-past-7 p.m.-to- half-past-3 a.m. shift (thus abolishing such shift). (Sec. 204) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to use any savings from payment of overtime and premium pay for additional overtime enforcement activities. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in order to ensure the integrity of the Customs Service, to transfer: (1) up to five percent of the customs officers employed at the beginning of each fiscal year to new duty stations on a permanent basis; and (2) any customs officers to temporary duty assignments for not more than 90 days. Earmarks amounts to carry out such transfers. (Sec. 212) Expresses the sense of the Congress that collective bargaining agreements should not have any adverse impact on the ability of the Customs Service to interdict contraband, including controlled substances. Requires the Commissioner to meet with the recognized bargaining representative of Customs Service employees to eliminate any contract provision causing such an adverse impact. Authorizes the Customs Service to implement its last offer immediately if after 90 days of negotiations the parties fail to reach an agreement, without resulting in an unfair labor practice or imposition of any status quo ante remedy against the Service. Allows either party to pursue the impasse to the Federal Service Impasses Panel for ultimate resolution.

Bill· HRH.R. 3817 (105th)referred

Professional Sports Franchise Relocation Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Professional Sports Franchise Relocation Act of 1998 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to issue or enforce rules, or to enter into or carry out agreements, to permit or restrict the relocation of any member team of such league. (Sec. 4) Requires any person seeking to change a team's home territory to submit to the appropriate professional sports league, within 210 days before the commencement of the season in which it proposes to play in a new location, a request for approval of the proposed change. Specifies request requirements, including that each request: (1) be made available to the news media and be published in one or more general circulation newspapers in the team's home territory; and (2) contain the proposed location, the reasons for the change, and the intended effective date. Requires each league to establish rules and procedures for approving or disapproving requests that shall be made available upon request to any interested party. Includes among the criteria each league shall consider: (1) fan loyalty ; (2) the extent to which the team received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of such support; (3) the adequacy of the stadium or arena of the member team and the willingness of the stadium or arena authority or local government to remedy any deficiencies; and (4) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team. Requires the league: (1) in determining whether to approve or disapprove a proposed request, to conduct and keep a written record of a hearing at which interested parties shall be afforded an opportunity to submit written testimony and exhibits; and (2) within five days after making its decision, to provide to each interested party and the news media a notice of the decision, including a detailed description of associated requirements and procedures. (Sec. 5) Permits league compliance to be reviewed in a civil action commenced by an interested party. Authorizes commencement of a civil action, within 21 days after the league provides notice of its decision, in any U.S. judicial district, excluding any judicial district: (1) established in the State that contains the team's home territory with respect to which such action is commenced or the proposed team location; or (2) that includes a geographical area that is less than 75 miles from any part of such home territory. Directs the court, if the plaintiff prevails, to enjoin the league: (1) to vacate its decision; and (2) not to approve or disapprove such request until the league complies with this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3816 (105th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the deduction for contributions to medical savings accounts, and the deduction for health insurance costs, to employees of small employers that do not offer any group health plan to their employees.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit limited deductions, to employees of small employers not offering any group health plan, for: (1) contributions to medical savings accounts; and (2) health insurance costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3819 (105th)referred

Technical Workers Fairness Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Technical Workers Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends the Revenue Act of 1978, as amended by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, with respect to the standards that a taxpayer must apply to treat certain individuals as not being employees for employment tax purposes. Repeals the exception to such standards for an individual who, pursuant to an arrangement between the taxpayer and another person, provides services for such other person as an engineer, designer, drafter, computer programmer, systems analyst, or other similarly skilled worker (technical worker) engaged in a similar line of work. (Thus, restores the standards used for determining whether technical workers are not employees as in effect before the Tax Reform Act of 1986.)

Bill· HRH.R. 3815 (105th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a medical innovation tax credit for clinical testing research expenses attributable to academic medical centers and other qualified hospital research organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified medical innovation expenses for clinical testing research expenses attributable to academic medical centers and other qualified hospital research organizations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3804 (105th)referred

To require that any amounts appropriated in a fiscal year for the House of Representatives for members' representational allowances which remain unexpended after all payments are made under such allowances for the fiscal year shall be used to repay amounts borrowed from the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance programs under title II of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998

Requires deposit in the social security trust funds of any amounts appropriated in a fiscal year for the House of Representatives for any Member's representational allowance which remains unexpended after all payments are made under such allowance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the appropriate allocation of such appropriations to restore the long-term solvency of the trust funds.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 420 (105th)passed

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3694) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1999 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1998

Sets forth the rule (modified open) for the consideration of H.R. 3694 (intelligence authorization).

Bill· SS. 2031 (105th)open

Home Health Integrity Preservation Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998

Home Health Integrity Preservation Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to home health agencies. (Sec. 2) Revises surety bond requirements to: (1) reduce the amount of the bond from a minimum $50,000 to a flat $25,000; and (2) specify that it is a surety bond against fraudulent or abusive activities. (Sec. 3) Revises a home health agency's conditions of participation to require that it have: (1) sufficient knowledge of reimbursement requirements, coverage criteria and claims procedures, and the civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance; (2) managing employees with sufficient prior education or work experience in health care delivery; (3) a fraud and abuse compliance program; and (4) a practice of making the most recent compliance survey available to beneficiaries or their representatives. Requires a home health agency to notify its fiscal intermediary and the State licensing or certifying entity that the agency: (1) is providing a category of skilled service that it was not providing at the time of its most recent standard survey; (2) is operating a new branch office that was not in operation at the time of its most recent survey; and (3) is involved in a new joint venture with other health care providers or other business entities. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the comprehensive training of State and Federal surveyors in matters relating to requirements for reimbursement and coverage of services. (Sec. 5) Requires home visits conducted as part of a home health agency's standard survey to evaluate whether individuals are homebound for purposes of qualifying for home health benefits. Requires a standard survey to include: (1) an assessment of whether the agency is in compliance with all conditions of participation and other specified requirements; (2) an assessment that the agency's managing employees have attested in writing to having sufficient knowledge of the requirements for reimbursement, coverage criteria and claims procedures, and the civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance; and (3) a review of the services provided by agency subcontractors to ensure that they are being provided in a manner consistent with requirements. Requires a survey, after the first two annual surveys, at any time the agency notifies the Secretary of a new category of skilled service it is providing, or of a new branch office. Requires occasional surveys of randomly selected agencies. Requires any agreement with a fiscal intermediary to require that it review the overall business structure of a home health agency submitting a reimbursement claim, including any related organizations of the agency. (Sec. 6) Prohibits the Secretary from entering into an agreement for the first time with a home health agency unless the agency has: (1) been in operation for at least 60 calendar days; and (2) had at least ten patients during that period of prior operation. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to establish various specified standards and procedures to improve the quality of home health services. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to establish within the HHS Office of the Inspector General a home health integrity task force charged with investigating fraud in the provision of home health services. (Sec. 10) Amends SSA title XI to provide that certain Medicare actions against debtors shall not be subject to a stay of bankruptcy proceedings. Makes certain Medicare debt nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Declares that the repayment of certain Medicare debts shall be considered final and not avoidable transfers under the Federal bankruptcy code. Amends SSA title XVIII to make Medicare rules applicable to bankruptcy proceedings of a Medicare service provider. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on all matters relating to the appropriate home health services to be provided under the Medicare program to individuals with chronic conditions.

Bill· HRH.R. 3788 (105th)referred

Retirement Security for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Expanding Coverage Title II: Enhancing Fairness for Women and Children Title III: Increasing Portability for Participants Title IV: Strengthening Pension Security and Enforcement Title V: Reducing Regulatory Burdens Retirement Security for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) with respect to pensions. Title I: Expanding Coverage - Restores the amounts of certain limitations formerly in effect under the Code for: (1) defined benefit plans; (2) defined contribution plans; (3) qualified trusts; (4) elective deferrals; (5) deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations; (6) simple retirement accounts; and (7) cost-of-living adjustments. (Sec. 102) Amends the Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise requirements relating to plan loans for subchapter S owners, partners, and sole proprietors. (Sec. 103) Allows employers to elect salary reduction only arrangements under Code requirements for simple plans. (Sec. 104) Revises specified top-heavy rules. Repeals family aggregation rules. Revises the definition of key employee. Provides that, at the election of the employer, any employee elective contribution to a plan shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining: (1) whether a plan is a top-heavy plan (or whether any aggregation group which includes such plan is a top-heavy group); or (2) compensation. Requires that employer matching contributions be taken into account for purposes of minimum contribution requirements. Revises requirements for qualifications. Provides for distributions during the last year before a determination date is taken into account. Excludes from the definition of top-heavy plan: (1) cash or deferred arrangements using alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements; and (2) defined contribution plans using alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements. Provides that elective deferrals will not be taken into account for purposes of a special rule where the maximum contribution is less than three percent. (Sec. 105) Provides that qualified staffing firms are to be considered employers for purposes of: (1) specified employment taxes; and (2) providing employee benefits. Provides for coverage of leased employees in employment benefit plans by: (1) applying to leased employees certain requirements concerning cash or deferred arrangements, matching contributions, and employee contributions; and (2) setting forth special rules for the leasing organization's plan. Revises safe harbor plan requirements. (Sec. 106) Provides that elective deferrals shall not be taken into account for purposes of limits on certain plan contributions. (Sec. 107) Amends ERISA to provide for a phase-in of an additional premium for new plans to pay to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). (Sec. 108) Repeals specified coordination requirements under the Code for deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Title II: Enhancing Fairness for Women and Children - Allows additional salary reduction catch-up contributions for those approaching retirement under Code requirements relating to: (1) elective deferrals; (2) simple retirement accounts; and (3) deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 202) Sets forth requirements relating to equitable treatment for contributions of employees to defined contribution plans. Requires that certain contributions by church plans are not to be treated as exceeding a specified limit. (Sec. 203) Provides for faster vesting of certain employer matching contributions under the Code and ERISA. (Sec. 204) Amends Federal civil service law to revise requirements for deferred annuities for surviving spouses of Federal employees under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). (Sec. 205) Revises minimum distribution rules under the Code. Revises requirements for actuarial adjustment of benefit under a defined benefit plan. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) simplify and finalize the regulations relating to minimum distribution requirements; and (2) modify such regulations to reflect increases in life expectancy, and revise required distribution methods so that, under reasonable assumptions, the amount of the required minimum distribution does not decrease over a participant's life expectancy. Provides that, during the first year that such revised regulations are in effect, required distributions for future years may be redetermined, with the opportunity to choose a new designated beneficiary and to elect a new method of calculating life expectancy. Excludes specified amounts from minimum distribution requirements. Repeals a rule relating to distributions begun before death occurs. (Sec. 206) Revises requirements relating to tax treatment of division of section 457 plan benefits upon divorce. Title III: Increasing Portability for Participants - Permits rollovers from and to various types of plans under the Code. (Sec. 302) Permits individual retirement plan (IRA) rollovers only if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 303) Permits rollover of after-tax contributions in an exempt trust under specified conditions. Sets forth a hardship exception to the 60-day rule. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for treatment of forms of distribution available under transferor and transferee plans, under both the Code and ERISA. (Sec. 305) Revises restrictions on distributions, including the same desk exception. Repeals business sale requirements. (Sec. 306) Authorizes trustee-to-trustee transfers to purchase permissive service credit with respect to governmental defined benefit plans. Title IV: Strengthening Pension Security and Enforcement - Amends the Code and ERISA to revise the percentage of current liability funding limit. Revises maximum contribution deduction rules and applies them to all defined benefit plan under the Code. (Sec. 402) Amends ERISA to revise requirements relating to missing participants. Direct the PBGC to prescribe rules relating to missing participants for multiemployer plans covered by the PBGC that terminate. Allows the administrator of a plan not otherwise subject to such PBGC regulation to elect to transfer a missing participant's benefits to the PBGC upon termination of the plan, under specified conditions. (Sec. 403) Amends ERISA to revise requirements for periodic pension benefits statements. (Sec. 404) Amends ERISA to make discretionary the imposition and amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility. Revises requirements for the applicable recovery amount and related rules. (Sec. 405) Amends the Code to allow an employer, in determining the amount of nondeductible contributions for any taxable year, to elect not to take into account any contributions to a defined benefit plan except to the extent that they exceed the full-funding limitation. Title V: Reducing Regulatory Burdens - Amends the Code to provide intermediate sanctions for inadvertent failures. Provides for protection from disqualification upon timely correction or payment of fine under requirements for: (1) qualified pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans; (2) qualified cash or deferred arrangements (section 401(k) plans); and (3) annuity contracts. Provides that, under requirements relating to taxability of the beneficiary of a nonexempt trust, income inclusion for disqualification is not applicable to nonhighly compensated employees. (Sec. 502) Repeals a multiple use test. Directs the Secretary prescribe regulations permitting appropriate aggregation of plans and contributions. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to provide by regulation that a plan shall be deemed to satisfy specified requirements of the Code if it satisfies a certain facts and circumstances test, under specified conditions. (Sec. 504) Revises line of business rules to: (1) repeal a gateway test; and (2) provide a line of business exception. Directs the Secretary to modify regulations relating to special rules for separate lines of business under the Code to: (1) simplify the administrability of the rules for both the Secretary and plans; and (2) permit employees to be allocated among lines of business based on all the facts and circumstances. (Sec. 505) Grants the Secretary discretion in applying a specified coverage test to a plan. (Sec. 506) Amends the Code and ERISA to provide for an annual inflation adjustment to increase the retirement plan cash-out amount. (Sec. 507) Directs the Secretary to delete a specified rule under regulations relating to the cash-out rule. (Sec. 508) Amends the Code and ERISA to revise requirements relating to timing of plan valuations. (Sec. 509) Makes inapplicable to certain mirror plans specified Code requirements relating to deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 510) Amends ERISA rules for substantial owners relating to plan terminations to revise: (1) the phase-in of the guarantee; and (2) the allocation of assets. (Sec. 511) Amends Code requirements for applicable dividends to allow dividends of employee stock ownership plans to be reinvested without loss of dividend deduction. (Sec. 512) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the regulations regarding the exclusion allowance to render void the requirement that contributions to a defined benefit pension plan be treated as previously excluded amounts. (Sec. 513) Provides for a special limitation rule for multiemployer plans as well as governmental plans. (Sec. 514) Eliminates partial termination rules for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 515) Revises the notice and consent period regarding distributions. Directs the Secretary to modify certain regulations under the Code to provide that the description of a participant's right, if any, to defer receipt of a distribution shall also describe the consequences of failing to defer such receipt. (Sec. 516) Sets forth conforming amendments relating to election to receive taxable cash compensation in lieu of nontaxable parking benefits. (Sec. 517) Extends to international organizations the moratorium on application of certain nondiscrimination rules applicable to State and local plans. (Sec. 518) Directs the Secretary to modify certain regulations with respect to certain plan participation by employees of tax-exempt entities under the Code. (Sec. 519) Provides for permissive aggregation of collective bargaining units in specified circumstances relating to plan participation under the Code. (Sec. 520) Repeals a transition rule relating to certain highly compensated employees under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. (Sec. 521) Prescribes requirements for plan amendments or annuity contract amendments under the Code and ERISA.

Bill· SS. 2027 (105th)referred

A bill to clarify the fair tax treatment of meals provided hotel and restaurant employees in non-discriminatory employee cafeterias.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1998

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, in the case of a hotel or restaurant employee, gross income does not include the value of meals furnished to the employee by the employer in a non-discriminatory employee cafeteria located on the employer's business premises immediately before, immediately after, or during work shifts.

Bill· SS. 2018 (105th)referred

Reemployment Tax Credit Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Reemployment Tax Credit Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Act to extend the employer work opportunity tax credit to include qualified dislocated workers.

Bill· HRH.R. 3785 (105th)referred

To amend the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Director of the International Monetary Fund to present to the Fund's Executive Board a proposal to amend the Fund's bylaws to eliminate the Fund's policy of providing de facto tax-free salaries to certain Fund employees.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to present to the IMF's Executive Board, and work for the adoption of, a proposal to amend the IMF's bylaws to disallow it from issuing a tax allowance to the Governors, the Executive Directors, their alternates, the Managing Director, or any other IMF employee.

Bill· HRH.R. 3776 (105th)referred

Federal Employee Right to Know Payroll Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Federal Employee Right to Know Payroll Act - Requires each Federal agency, after December 31, 1998, to include on each paycheck to an employee, information on: (1) the total amount of excise tax imposed with respect to the employee, during the period covered by the paycheck, on the agency for Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (FICA tax) and for Hospital Insurance (Medicare tax); and (2) the agency's estimated total payroll allocation for the employee for the period.

Bill· HRH.R. 3774 (105th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that housing assistance provided under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 shall be treated for purposes of the low-income housing credit in the same manner as comparable assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disregard certain Native American housing assistance in determining whether a building is federally subsidized for low-income housing credit purposes.

Bill· HRH.R. 3777 (105th)referred

Right-To-Know National Payroll Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998

Right-To-Know National Payroll Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that W-2 forms show the employer's share of taxes for old age, survivors, and disability insurance and for employee hospital insurance, as well as the total amount of such taxes for the employee.

Bill· SS. 2008 (105th)referred

Internal Revenue Service Random Audit Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998

Internal Revenue Service Random Audit Prohibition Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to Internal Revenue Service audit authority, to: (1) require an examination notice to identify the purpose and basis for such examination; and (2) prohibit random audits and provide civil damages for their knowing performance.

Bill· SS. 2004 (105th)referred

Disaster Victim Tax Extension Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998

Disaster Victim Tax Extension Act of 1998 - Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act to provide for abatement of interest on taxpayer underpayments in presidentially declared disaster areas if a filing and payment extension is granted.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 266 (105th)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to buy goods and services made domestically and not deviate from the domestic source and manufacturing restrictions on procurements as established by law.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1998

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should: (1) continue to apply the domestic source restrictions established under the National Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1993; and (2) demonstrate greater fiscal responsibility in all other areas before proposing to make any exceptions to such procurement restrictions.

Bill· SS. 1994 (105th)referred

REAL Life Community Renewal Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assistance to States in Providing Charity Tax Credits Title II: Budget Offset Title III: Bankruptcy Protections for Charitable Donations Title IV: Tort Reforms Relating to Charitable Contributions REAL Life Community Renewal Act of 1998 - Title I: Assistance to States in Providing Charity Tax Credits - Authorizes States to use certain Federal grant funds for qualifying State charity tax credits. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study the effects of such credit, including the types of recipient organizations and the services they provide to the poor. Title II: Budget Offset - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the earned income credit for individuals without children. Title III: Bankruptcy Protections for Charitable Donations - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to exclude certain charitable contribution transfers from being deemed fraudulent transfers. Title IV: Tort Reforms Relating to Charitable Contributions - Exempts a business entity, under specified circumstances and with exceptions, from civil liability for injury or death resulting from: (1) the use by a nonprofit organization of donated equipment, facilities, or loan of aircraft or motor vehicles; and (2) business facility tours. Authorizes a State to make such non-liability provisions inapplicable in an action in which all parties are its citizens.

Bill· SS. 1996 (105th)referred

REAL Life Educational Opportunity Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

REAL Life Educational Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs), except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 4) Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. (Sec. 5) Allows LEAS that establish parental choice programs to apply for education flexibility waivers of certain statutory or regulatory requirements. Requires approval of such waivers by the Secretary of Education or the SEA, as applicable. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving requirements for: (1) civil rights protections and discrimination prohibitions; (2) services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) fiscal accountability measures; (4) equitable participation of private school students and teachers; and (5) parental involvement in program activities and services. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.

Bill· SS. 1999 (105th)referred

Marriage Tax Penalty Elimination Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

Marriage Tax Penalty Elimination Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise standard deduction amounts and individual income tax rate bracket amounts, including providing that amounts for married filing jointly categories shall be twice that of amounts for single filers.

Bill· SS. 1995 (105th)referred

REAL Life Economic Empowerment Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Title III: Additional Provisions REAL Life Economic Empowerment Act of 1998 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate (upon local or State nomination) up to 50 renewal communities. Requires for nomination purposes that: (1) the area be experiencing high rates of poverty and unemployment and general distress; and (2) State and local governments enter into written contracts with neighborhood organizations to promote specified economic growth and employment activities. Treats renewal communities as labor surplus areas for all Federal law purposes. Title II: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income capital gains on the sale or exchange of a qualified community asset (stock, business property, or partnership interest) held for more than five years. Allows a specified deduction for amounts paid into a family development account on behalf of an individual or another qualified individual who is a renewal community resident. Excludes from gross income account distributions used for qualified family development expenses (postsecondary education, first-home purchase, business capitalization, medical, and rollovers). Provides a penalty (with exceptions) in addition to inclusion as gross income for nonqualifying distributions. Provides for designation of up to 25 qualifying renewal communities as matching demonstration areas eligible to receive family development account matching contributions. Authorizes: (1) designation of earned income tax credit payments for family development account deposit; (2) a commercial building revitalization tax credit; (3) increased first year expensing for renewal community businesses; (4) extension of environmental remediation cost expensing and the work opportunity credit for renewal communities; and (5) similar tax treatment of renewal communities and enterprise zones for specified youth residence requirements. (Sec. 205) Makes conforming amendments to provisions respecting: (1) tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions; (2) trust and annuity information; (3) tax exemption applications; and (4) the commercial revitalization credit. Title III: Additional Provisions - Provides for local government transfer of unoccupied and substandard Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily and single family housing in renewal communities, with subsequent disposition priority to be given to community development corporations. (Sec. 302) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that a financial institution's investments in community development organizations located in renewal communities may be considered in evaluations under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3734 (105th)open

Marriage Tax Penalty Elimination Act of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

Marriage Tax Penalty Elimination Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise standard deduction amounts and individual income tax rate bracket amounts, including providing that amounts for married filing jointly categories shall be twice that of amounts for single filers.

Bill· HRH.R. 3742 (105th)referred

Helping Empower Low-Income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1998

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1998

Helping Empower Low-Income Parents (HELP) Scholarships Amendments of 1998 - Amends title VI (Innovative Education Program Strategies) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow any State that has enacted or will enact a law establishing a voluntary public and private school parental choice scholarship program in compliance with specified ESEA requirements to reserve an additional 15 percent from its annual title IV allotment for use exclusively for such parental choice programs. Requires State educational agencies (SEAs), except in the case of such programs, to distribute 90 percent (currently 85 percent) of title VI funds to local educational agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 4) Includes such parental choice programs among State and local uses of title VI funds. Requires such parental choice programs to be located in an area that has the greatest numbers or percentages of children: (1) living in areas with a high concentration of low-income families; (2) from low-income families; or (3) living in sparsely populated areas. Requires such programs to ensure that program participation is limited to families whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the poverty line. (Sec. 5) Allows LEAS that establish parental choice programs to apply for education flexibility waivers of certain statutory or regulatory requirements. Requires approval of such waivers by the Secretary of Education or the SEA, as applicable. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving requirements for: (1) civil rights protections and discrimination prohibitions; (2) services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) fiscal accountability measures; (4) equitable participation of private school students and teachers; and (5) parental involvement in program activities and services. (Sec. 6) Directs the Comptroller General to make contracts for annual evaluation of each parental choice program. Requires the Secretary of Education to reserve certain funds for such evaluations. Provides that title VI funds to establish a parental choice program shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not be considered as assistance to any school that chooses to participate in such program. Prohibits the Secretary from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over curricula, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any school that chooses to participate in a parental choice program.

PreviousPage 10 of 11Next