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Bill· SS. 281 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
United States Olympic Checkoff Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish the United States Olympic Trust Fund; (2) permit an individual to designate one dollar of any tax overpayment for such Fund; (3) permit an individual to make cash contributions to such Fund; and (4) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts in the Fund, less administrative expenses, to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Bill· HRH.R. 644 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the taxes excluded from a requirement to transfer taxes to the Highway Trust Fund. Increases the rate of transfer to the Mass Transit Account. Requires transfer to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund of aviation fuel taxes (currently, aviation fuel taxes to the extent attributable to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund financing rate).
Bill· HRH.R. 628 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 50 percent to 100 percent the deduction for business meal and entertainment expenses. Repeals the limitation on the deduction of travel expenses of a spouse, dependent, or others accompanying the taxpayer on business.
Bill· HRH.R. 637 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Federal Open Space Acquisition and Preservation Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against estate taxes for certain transfers of real property to Federal agencies for conservation purposes. Disallows a deduction under estate tax provisions for a transfer for which such credit has been taken.
Bill· HRH.R. 631 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to place the burden of proving the accuracy of determinations forming a basis for certain deficiencies on the Secretary of the Treasury.
Bill· SS. 272 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit, in the case of defense contractors, for defense conversion employee retraining expenses.
Bill· SS. 274 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Northern Border States Council Act - Establishes the Northern Border States-Canada Trade Council. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including: (1) advising the President, the Congress, the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and other appropriate Federal and State officials with respect to the administration of U.S.-Canada trade policies, taxation of trade in goods and services, and customs and immigration matters; (2) monitoring trade issues and disputes that involve one of the Council-member States and either the Canadian Government or one of Canada's provinces; and (3) making recommendations with respect to such disputes. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 264 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Medicare Whistleblower Act of 1997 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare beneficiaries to submit a written request to program providers for an itemized bill of items and services received from them. Permits such beneficiaries to further request a review of such a bill for any billing irregularities by the appropriate fiscal intermediary or carrier under contract to administer Medicare benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require such entities to take all appropriate measures to recover amounts inappropriately paid because of such irregularities. Subjects providers submitting fraudulent billings to a certain civil money penalty in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law. Provides for antifraud incentive payments (out of collected penalties) to Medicare beneficiaries who request itemized billings later found to contain irregularities of a negligent or fraudulent nature.
Bill· SS. 273 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make dislocated employees eligible for the targeted jobs credit. Defines a dislocated employee as an individual: (1) who was employed on a military installation; and (2) whose job was terminated as a result of the closing or realignment of such installation under a defense base closure law or a reduction in force at such installation.
Bill· SS. 279 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Airport and Airway Trust Fund Tax Reinstatement Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the Airport and Airway Trust Fund excise taxes. Extends authority to transfer revenue to such Fund.
Bill· SS. 275 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Highway Infrastructure Privatization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of a qualified highway infrastructure project bond as an exempt facility bond. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to select no more than 15 highway infrastructure projects as pilot projects eligible for tax-exempt financing.
Bill· SS. 267 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Reduction In Medicare Overpayment Costs Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for the imposition of administrative fees for the failure of a Medicare provider to refund to the Secretary of Health and Human Services any amount by which prospective payment to the provider has exceeded actual costs by 30 percent or more (overpayment collection); and (2) require automated prepayment screening by fiscal intermediaries and carriers of a select portion of Medicare diagnoses that the Health Care Financing Administration has determined frequently result in overpayment under the program.
Bill· HRH.R. 600 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle A: Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle B: Limitations on Contributions to House of Representatives Candidates Subtitle C: Related Provisions Subtitle D: Tax on Excess Political Expenditures of Certain Congressional Campaign Funds Title II: Independent Expenditures Title III: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees Title IV: Contributions Title V: Reporting Requirements Title VI: Broadcast Rates and Campaign Advertising Title VII: Miscellaneous Title VIII: Effective Dates; Authorizations American Political Reform Act - Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Subtitle A: Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the amount of aggregate expenditures an eligible House of Representatives candidate may make in an election cycle, runoff election, special election, and closely contested primary. Excludes from the limitation cases involving: (1) certain non-participating opponents; and (2) certain independent expenditures made during the election cycle against an eligible House candidate. Prohibits an eligible House candidate from making contributions or loans from personal funds to the candidate's own campaign totaling more than $50,000 and conditions that such contributions may not qualify for certification for voter benefits. Exempts an eligible House candidate from the preceding limitation if any other general election candidate for that office: (1) makes personal contributions to the candidate's own campaign totaling more than $50,000; or (2) with respect to any contribution or loan used for certain exempted costs. Requires that any contribution or loan to a candidate's campaign by a member of the candidate's immediate family shall be treated as made by the candidate. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the campaign accounts of five percent of the eligible House candidates after each general election. Provides for civil penalties for low, medium, and large amounts of excess expenditures with respect to an election cycle, runoff election, and special election. Authorizes the Commission to assess a specified civil penalty against a candidate determined to have misused benefits and limits the notification period to no more than three years after an election. Prohibits the receipt of benefits unless such candidate certifies to the Commission that any television commercials of the candidate contain closed captioning. Subtitle B: Limitations on Contributions to House of Representatives Candidates - Limits the aggregate amount of contributions a House candidate may accept from multicandidate political committees with respect to an election for Federal office or to an election cycle (not including a runoff election). Requires that any political committee which is established or financed or maintained or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder shall be deemed to be the candidate's or Federal officeholder's authorized committee. (Sec. 122) Places limitations on contributions from political committees (PACs) and individual large donors to candidates for the office of Representative in, or Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to the Congress with respect to an election cycle, contested primaries, and runoff elections. Subtitle C: Related Provisions - Revises certain requirements of reporting by a House candidate, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner with respect to certain excess contributions of personal funds and certain expenditures. Requires: (1) a candidate to report to the Commission that the threshold has been reached no later than 48 hours after reaching the threshold; and (2) the Commission to transmit a copy to each other candidate for election to the same office within 48 hours of receipt. (Sec. 132) Provides for registration as an eligible House candidate. Subtitle D: Tax on Excess Political Expenditures of Certain Congressional Campaign Funds - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on excess political expenditures of any applicable campaign fund for any election cycle. Title II: Independent Expenditures - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to redefine the term "independent expenditures." (Sec. 202) Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures, including for a reservation of broadcast time. Title III: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees - Revises certain contribution and expenditure exception definitions with respect to contributions and expenditures made by a political party committee in connection with activities conducted solely by volunteers. (Sec. 302) Limits the amount of contributions and expenditures made by an individual or a multicandidate political committee in any calendar year to a State Party Grassroots Fund or any other State political committee. Sets forth an overall limit on individual contributions made during any election cycle. Applies the limitation on expenditures to presidential committee transfers to the candidate's national political party for distribution to State Party Grassroots Funds. Authorizes the Commission to require reporting of the transfers, conduct an examination and audit of any such transfer, and require the return of the transferred amounts to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund if not used for the appropriate purpose. (Sec. 303) Increases the amount that multicandidate political committees may contribute to national political party committees. (Sec. 304) Sets forth provisions regarding amounts received by any political committee as a commission or royalty on: (1) the sale of goods or services; or (2) the issuance of credit cards from a corporation, including a State-chartered or national bank. (Sec. 305) Prohibits a national political party committee and the congressional campaign committees of a political party from soliciting or accepting soft money contributions or transfers. Limits disbursements a State political party committee may make from its State Party Grassroots Fund. Prohibits certain transfers of funds by a State political party committee from its State Grassroots Fund. Adds definitions respecting contributions and expenditure exceptions. Requires the applicable congressional campaign committee of a political party to make certain expenditures authorized by a State or national committee in connection with a general election campaign for candidates for Federal office unless the State or national committee allocates all or a portion of such expenditures to either or both of such committees. Allows a national or State committee to match independent expenditures made on the opponent's behalf during the campaign. (Sec. 306) Limits the fund raising activities of Federal candidates and office holders and certain political committees. Prohibits an individual who is a candidate for, or holds, Federal office during any period, from soliciting contributions to or on behalf of any tax-exempt organization under specified circumstances. (Sec. 307) Sets forth requirements of reporting by political committees. Provides that exclusion of any gift, subscription, loan, etc. shall not apply for the purposes of any requirement to report contributions and requires that exempt contributions aggregating in excess of $200 (and disbursements therefrom) be reported. Authorizes the Commission to allow a State political party committee to file with the Commission a report under State law if the Commission determines such reports contain substantially the same information. Title IV: Contributions - Sets forth restrictions on the bundling of contributions. (Sec. 403) Prohibits a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from accepting a cash contribution from any one person aggregating more than $100. (Sec. 404) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting any contribution from a State or local committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee of such committee, if such contribution when aggregated exceeds the contribution limit. (Sec. 406) Revises the definition of "contribution" to provide for a limited exclusion of any advance voluntarily made by a campaign worker on behalf of the candidate's authorized committee. (Sec. 407) Makes amendments with respect to payments made by corporations or labor organizations for candidate debates, voter guides, or voting records directed to the general public. (Sec. 408) Prohibits a foreign national from directly or indirectly participating in any individual's election-related activities. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Changes certain reporting from a calendar year basis to an election cycle basis. (Sec. 502) Requires that a political committee report expenditures made by a candidate or the candidate's authorized committees for personal and consulting services by certain individuals other than employees and prescribes that such individuals maintain records of such services and report the information to the political committee. (Sec. 505) Revises the date for filing quarterly reports. Authorizes the treasurer of a political committee to file monthly reports. Requires filing of monthly reports if at any time during the election year a committee receives contributions or makes disbursements in excess of $100,000 ($10,000 in the case of a multicandidate political committee). Modifies requirements concerning best efforts by the treasurer of a political committee to obtain, maintain, and report contributor information. (Sec. 506) Permits the candidate's principal campaign committee to register on the date of its designation. (Sec. 507) Revises reporting requirements with respect to certain communications made by corporations and labor organizations. Title VI: Broadcast Rates and Campaign Advertising - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise provisions relating to broadcast rates and preemption of the use of a broadcast station by a legally qualified candidate. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) broadcast and cable independent expenditure communications made by any individual against an eligible House of Representatives candidate; (2) a licensee that endorses a candidate for Federal office in an editorial; and (3) revocation of a license for failure to permit access to a broadcasting station or cable system under the same terms, conditions, and business practices as apply to its most favored advertiser. (Sec. 603) Amends Federal law to extend eligibility for nonprofit third-class bulk rates of postage to a qualified campaign committee. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise requirements respecting the prohibition of political committees that supports or has supported more than one candidate from being designated as an authorized committee. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office or any individual holding Federal office from establishing leadership committees. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Commission to appear on its own behalf in any action relating to the exercise of its statutory duties in any court as either a party or as amicus curiae. (Sec. 703) Prohibits solicitation or acceptance of campaign contributions by House Members in the Halls of the House of Representatives, rooms leading thereto, or the cloakrooms. Title VIII: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) effective date; (2) severability; and (3) Supreme Court review of constitutional issues.
Bill· HRH.R. 588 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
National Discovery Trails Act of 1997 - Amends the National Trails System Act (the Act) to provide for the establishment, as components of the National Trails System, of national discovery trails which shall be extended, continuous interstate trails located so as to provide for outdoor recreation and travel and to connect representative examples of America's trails and communities. Prohibits a trail from being considered feasible and desirable for designation as a national discovery trail unless it: (1) links to one or more areas within the boundaries of a metropolitan area and joins with other trails, tying the National Trails System to significant recreation and resources areas; (2) is supported by a competent trailwide nonprofit organization and has extensive local and trailwide support by the public, user groups, and affected State and local governments; and (3) extends and passes through more than one State and, at a minimum, is a continuous, walkable route. Requires the appropriate Secretary for each national discovery trail to administer the trail in cooperation with a competent trailwide nonprofit organization. Designates as a national discovery trail the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail which shall extend from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, traveling northern and southern routes from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. Requires the administering Federal agency, within three complete fiscal years after designation of a national discovery trail, to enter into arrangements with a competent trailwide nonprofit organization to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development, and use of the trail.
Bill· HRH.R. 621 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Parity for Treatment of Mental Illness Title II: Medicare Mental Health Improvement National Mental Health Parity Act of 1997 - Title I: Parity for Treatment of Mental Illness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on the applicable issuer a tax equal to 25 percent of a health plan's premiums received during the calendar year if the plan imposes limitations or financial requirements on the coverage of benefits provided with respect to any of specified psychiatric conditions (described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), while similar limitations or requirements are not imposed on coverage of benefits with respect to other conditions. Provides similar obligations and sanctions with respect to group health plan parity for treatment of mental illness. Title II: Medicare Mental Health Improvement - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restructure the mental health benefit, including: (1) coverage under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) of inpatient hospital services furnished primarily for the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness or substance abuse for up to 60 days during a year, as well as coverage of intensive residential services furnished to an individual for up to 120 days during a year; (2) lower co-payments for certain outpatient mental health and substance abuse services; (3) waiver of co-payment for case management services furnished to a seriously mentally ill adult, a seriously emotionally disturbed child, or an adult or child with serious substance abuse disorder; (4) case management services for an unlimited duration for such individuals; (5) provision of items and services furnished under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for the treatment of mental illness or emotional disturbances according to standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (6) a new category of intensive community-based services covering, among other services, current partial hospitalization services as well as psychiatric rehabilitation services, in-home services, and day treatment for substance abuse for individuals of any age and for other mental health services for individuals under age 19; (7) mandatory authorization under State law or certification by an appropriate accreditation entity (approved by the State in consultation with the Secretary) for intensive community-based services programs (whether facility-based or freestanding); and (8) supervision of individualized treatment programs by non-physician mental health professionals to the extent permitted under State law.
Bill· HRH.R. 620 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the conducting of certain games of chance shall not be treated as an unrelated trade or business for purposes of the tax imposed on tax-exempt organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 615 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the additional tax on early distribution from retirement plans distributions to individuals during periods of unemployment.
Bill· HRH.R. 605 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that qualified school bus contractors and drivers shall not be treated as employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 599 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Corporate Welfare Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to determining the foreign tax credit, to replace the formula for reducing the amount of oil and gas extraction taxes taken into account. Disallows as creditable amounts: (1) any taxes paid or accrued to a foreign country with respect to foreign oil and gas income (including extraction income) which are not imposed under the country's generally applicable income tax law; and (2) any other taxes on such income to the extent that the country's law is structured or operates so that the tax amount imposed will generally be materially greater, over a reasonable period, than the amount generally imposed on other income. Separates such income, for purposes of certain limitations on the application of the credit, into foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income. Removes the deferral, for purposes of taxation of controlled foreign corporations, of tax on extraction income or income from consumption in the foreign country. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury's authority, in allocating income, deductions, credits, and allowances among taxpayers owned or controlled by the same interests, shall not be limited by any restriction on the ability of the entities to transfer or receive money or property. Revises provisions concerning the exclusion of foreign earned income by U.S. citizens living abroad. Treats the gain or loss of a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation that is a ten-percent shareholder in a domestic corporation upon disposition of such a corporation's stock as if the taxpayer were engaged during the taxable year in a trade or business within the United States and such gain or loss attributable to a permanent U.S. trade or business establishment. Imposes a 26-percent minimum tax on nonresident alien individuals. Provides for the withholding of tax on such dispositions, except in the case of stock which is not regularly traded. Excepts such gain from the branch profits tax imposed on foreign corporations. Requires notice to the Secretary upon distributions by a U.S. person to a foreign person in redemption of stock or complete liquidation of a subsidiary. Removes the exemption of ten-percent shareholders from the tax on interest of nonresident alien individuals received from portfolio debt investments. Redefines portfolio interest as only interest paid on obligations issued by governmental entities. Provides special rules for determining the source of income from the sale of inventory property.
Bill· HRH.R. 593 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require: (1) a sequestration of FY 1998 appropriations (including any under a continuing resolution) equivalent to five percent of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) FY 1998 baseline; and (2) the President to issue an order, by a specified date, to fully implement the sequestration. Prohibits any reduction in benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, Federal retirement benefits for members of the uniformed services or Federal officers or employees, and payments for net interest on the national debt.
Bill· HRH.R. 587 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the credit for alcohol used as fuel; (2) tax fuel alcohol to the same extent as gasoline and diesel fuel; and (3) repeal specified incentives for alcohol fuels.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 44 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the United States from ever contracting any public debt except in the cases and manners provided in this article. Exempts the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from any limitation imposed by this Article. Allows the United States to borrow money to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the United States in time of war, if the money raised is applied exclusively to the object for which the loan was authorized or to the repayment of such debt. Allows the United States to contract public debt to acquire, construct, develop, extend, enlarge, or improve land, waters, property, highways, railways, buildings, equipment, or facilities for public purposes or to make funds available for veterans' housing loans, if the President determines and the Congress concurs by a majority vote that to prevent an unacceptable reduction in economic growth that would raise unemployment or diminish family income, it is essential for the United States to provide for such needed capital investments by contracting public debt. Allows the United States to contract public debt to fund or refund the whole or any part of indebtedness incurred before this Article takes effect. Requires this article to take effect beginning with the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 45 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Federal outlays of operating funds from exceeding receipts to such funds for any fiscal year plus any operating fund balances carried over from previous fiscal years. Waives such prohibition: (1) when a declaration of war is in effect; (2) when the United States by law is engaged in military conflict; or (3) if economic growth has been or will be negative for two consecutive quarters. Requires the President to propose a budget in accordance with this Act. Declares that total receipts exclude those derived from net borrowing. Declares that total outlays shall exclude those for repayment of debt principal and for capital investments in physical infrastructure that provide long-term economic returns, but shall include an annual debt servicing charge. Provides that the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund shall not be counted as receipts or outlays. Requires this article to take effect beginning with the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 39 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Amends rule XI (rules of procedures for committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to repeal provisions which require the written statement of proposed testimony required to be submitted by a witness appearing before a committee in a nongovernmental capacity to include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of the amount and source of any Federal grant or contract received during the current fiscal year or either of the two previous fiscal years by such witness or by an entity represented by the witness.
Bill· SS. 261 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a special timetable for any first session that begins in any year immediately following a leap year and during which the term of a President begins (except one who starts a second successive term). (Sec. 2) Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions relating to the reconciliation process. (Sec. 4) Sets forth revised pay-as-you-go provisions for the Senate. (Sec. 5) Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. (Sec. 6) Requires all Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government to be enacted for a biennium and to specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in that period. (Sec. 7) Amends CBA to provide that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period of less than two fiscal years, unless the program, project, or activity for which the funds are to be spent is of less than two years duration; and (2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or revenue bill or joint resolution (but not including an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill) until Congress completes action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills. Provides that, in the Senate, such point of order shall not apply to: (1) any measure that is privileged for consideration pursuant to a rule or statute; or (2) any matter considered in Executive Session. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General, during the second session of each Congress, to give priority to requests from Congress for audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities. (Sec. 9) Makes appropriations for the second year of a biennium necessary to continue, at the first year rate of operations, projects and activities funded by any regular appropriation Act that provides funding only for the first year of a biennium. (Sec. 10) Changes to a biennial basis specified requirements for certain Government strategic and performance plans, performance reports in budget submissions, and program performance reports. Requires congressional committee reviews of such plans and reports. (Sec. 11) Provides that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate in any odd-numbered year to consider any regular bill providing new budget authority under the jurisdiction of all of the subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations for a period other than each of the fiscal years of the biennium. (Sec. 12) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to specified congressional committees on the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a two-year budget process based on the two-year period.
Bill· HRH.R. 553 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Education Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude qualified scholarships and fellowships from income; (2) allow the deduction of interest on qualified educational loans; and (3) permit distributions from individual retirement accounts to be used for qualified educational expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 534 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Transition to Work Act of 1997 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to establish a demonstration Transition to Work Program (TWP) as a demonstration project in appropriate localities to determine the best practicable means of providing certain eligible individuals entitled to disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) (social security disability benefits) prompt access to vocational rehabilitation services in order to move them to work. Requires each certified participating vocational rehabilitation service provider (which may be public or private) to develop a transition to work plan jointly with an individual (and subject to his or her approval), taking into account an employment evaluation. Includes in TWP the Ticket for Work Opportunity (TWO) Program under which the Commissioner issues a TWO to an eligible disabled individual to present to a provider for payment for the services rendered which result in a successful return to work. Outlines provider certification requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable tax credit (adjusted for inflation and subject to eventual phaseout) for a specified percentage of earned income to an eligible disabled individual whose social security disability entitlement has ceased because of ability to engage in substantial gainful employment; and (2) provide for advance payment of such disabled worker credit by the individual's employer. Amends SSA titles II and XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) provide for an additional two years of Medicare continuation coverage after an individual first leaves the social security disability roll to return to work; and (2) provide that afterwards (Medicare would now continue for a total of six years after the individual first began to work) such individuals who retained employment and made over $15,000 per year would be allowed to buy-in to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) based on a capped, income-related premium, with those earning less than $15,000 per year continuing to get Medicare part A coverage free.
Bill· HRH.R. 515 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Reform Title II: Natural Resources Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims Subtitle C: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources Subtitle D: National Park Concessions Corporate Welfare Elimination Act of 1997 - Title I: Tax Reform - Termination of Energy and Natural Resource Tax Subsidies Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal or terminate the following: (1) the expensing of intangible drilling and development costs and of mining exploration and development costs; (2) the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (3) the percentage depletion deduction for mines, oil and gas wells, other natural deposits, and timber; (4) tax benefits for alcohol fuels; (5) the enhanced oil recovery credit; (6) the credit and deduction for electric vehicles, clean-fuel vehicles, and certain refueling property; (7) the deduction for tertiary injectants; (8) the rehabilitation credit for non-historic structures (reduces such credit for certified historic structures); (9) the provisions concerning the treatment of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Organizations; (10) the small life insurance company deduction; (11) the alternative tax on small property and casualty insurance companies; (12) provisions permitting farming businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (13) the deduction for soil and water conservation expenditures; (14) the deduction for expenditures by farmers for fertilizer, etc.; (15) certain exceptions permitting farm businesses to use the cash method of accounting; (16) the exclusion for the cancellation of qualified farm indebtedness; (17) the exclusion for certain cost-sharing payments; (18) the reforestation credit; (19) the rapid amortization of reforestation expenditures; (20) the exclusion of certain income of citizens or residents living abroad; (21) the exclusion for income of foreign sales corporations; (22) the deferral of income of controlled foreign corporations; (23) the deferral of tax under the Merchant Marine Capital Construction Fund; (24) the special treatment for magazine circulation expenditures; (25) the special treatment for returns of magazines, paperbacks, and records; and (26) the exclusion for interest on State and local bonds. Title II: Natural Resources - Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: General Provisions -Prohibits any timber, minerals, forage, or other natural resources owned by the United States and any federally owned water, or hydroelectric energy of a Federal facility from being sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of by any Federal entity for less than fair market value. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish and collect user fees as necessary to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering programs. (Sec. 213) Requires the revenues from the sale, lease, and transfer of Federal assets to be included in the President's budget submission to Congress. Subtitle B: Revenue from Mining Claims - Requires the holders of mining claims to pay an annual claim maintenance fee of $100 per claim per calendar year. Allows the waiver of such fee for holders of more than ten claims. (Sec. 223) Requires claimholders to pay a royalty of eight percent of gross income for production of locatable minerals on Federal lands. (Sec. 224) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on gross income resulting from the severance of any locatable mineral, or mineral concentrates or products, from a mine or other natural deposit. Makes such tax inapplicable to gross income to which a royalty is imposed. (Sec. 225) Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral activities on Federal lands. Credits the royalties and excise tax under this title to such Fund. (Sec. 226) Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any mining claim unless the Secretary of the Interior determines that, for the claim concerned: (1) a patent application was filed before January 27, 1995; and (2) all requirements are met under the Revised Statutes for vein or lode claims and for placer claims. (Sec. 227) Requires the Secretary to adjust all dollar amounts under this title for changes in purchasing power every ten years, employing the Consumer Price Index as the basis for adjustment. Subtitle C : Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources - Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest lands in the 16 contiguous Western States, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public domain lands, where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law, to establish an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value, based on a specified formula. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) abolition of grazing advisory boards; and (2) the U.S. share of receipts. (Sec. 242) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit below-cost timber sales from National Forest System Lands. (Sec. 243) Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture in revising land management plans to take into account the economic suitability of lands for timber production. (Sec. 244) Amends the Food Security Act of 1995 and the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide for the reduction of payment limitations for persons who receive Federal irrigation water for agricultural purposes. (Sec. 247) Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal the livestock feed assistance program. (Sec. 248) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require that oil and gas rental prices for leases on public lands be established at fair market value. (Sec. 249) Requires that permits for the use of communications sites on public lands be established at fair market prices. Subtitle D: National Park Concessions - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 254) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award concession contracts that authorize private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide services to park visitors and to utilize facilities if it is determined that such award is appropriate. (Sec. 255) Authorizes the Secretary to permit a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide services to park visitors otherwise than by award of a concession contract. (Sec. 256) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $1 million or of a duration of ten or more years. (Sec. 257) Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 258) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 259) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 261) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 262) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 263) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 264) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 265) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 266) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 267) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 269) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 270) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 561 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Children Health Insurance Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, to: (1) require group health plans and health insurers to provide access to coverage for a participant's or beneficiary's qualifying children; and (2) impose a noncompliance excise tax. Provides a tax credit, subject to limitations based on adjusted gross income, for an individual who purchases child health care coverage. Provides, as specified, for the payment by an employer of an additional payment to an employee's children's health insurance credit advance amount. Sets forth a reporting requirement relating to premiums received for health insurance coverage for children. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee eligible for the credit. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State plan to provide cost-sharing assistance for qualifying children in a family with income below 150 percent of the poverty line. Provides for grants to States to operate health insurance outreach and information programs concerning access to the benefits and coverage provided by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 509 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to ERISA Reporting and Disclosure Provisions Title II: Public Employee Pension Plans Title III: Women's Pension Equity Title IV: Employer Reversions Retirement Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Amendments to ERISA Reporting and Disclosure Provisions - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions for annual reports and disclosures by employee benefit plan administrators to participants. Title II: Public Employee Pension Plans - Sets forth annual reporting and disclosure requirements for public employee pension plans. (Sec. 202) Permits a participant or beneficiary under a public employee pension plan to bring a civil action against the plan to: (1) recover benefits due under the plan's terms, to enforce his or her rights, or to clarify rights to future benefits; (2) enjoin any act or practice which violates the plan's terms; or (3) obtain other appropriate equitable relief to enforce such terms or redress violations of them. Allows a plaintiff, in most instances, to prevail in such an action by proving the case by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires proof by clear and convincing evidence, however, if the action involves a plan under which changes in employer contributions are subject to review by a qualified review board. Prescribes the general requirements for a qualified review board to review changes in employer contributions to a public employee pension plan. States that in general this Act applies to any public employee pension plan, with specified exceptions. Title III: Women's Pension Equity - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and ERISA to provide for the development of a model: (1) spousal consent form for electing to waive a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity; and (2) qualified domestic relations order. (Sec. 302) Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to extend the payment of any portion of Tier II Railroad Retirement benefits to surviving former spouses pursuant to divorce agreements. (Sec. 303) Amends Federal law to provide for a survivor annuity to widows, widowers, and certain former spouses of Federal employees who die after having separated from the service with title to a deferred annuity, but before attaining the age for such an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), on the same basis as is currently provided to certain survivors of former Members of the Congress. (Sec. 304) Revises provisions concerning Federal retirement benefits subject to a court order. Title IV: Employer Reversions - Amends IRC to increase the excise tax on the reversion of qualified plan assets to an employer. (Sec. 402) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to report to the President and the Congress on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers (reversions).
Bill· HRH.R. 565 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Investment for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate a ten percent investment tax credit for domestic property placed in service after December 31, 1992. Defines domestic property as property completed in the United States, at least 60 percent of the basis of which is attributable to value added within the United States. Allows a tax credit for seven percent of the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of domestic durable goods. Limits such credit to $1,000. Permits a tax credit equal to qualified payments made for the purchase of an American automobile. Defines "qualified payments" as State or local sales tax imposed on the purchase of the automobile and interest on the automobile loan. Prohibits a product from bearing a label which suggests that it was made in America unless: (1) the product has been registered with the Department of Commerce; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce has determined that 60 percent of the product was manufactured in, and final assembly took place in, the United States. Requires the registry of American-made products with the Department of Commerce. Prescribes penalties for the fraudulent use of labels.
Bill· HRH.R. 549 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
District of Columbia Economic Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the income tax imposed on individuals who are residents of the District of Columbia. Specifies that the limitation is the sum of: (1) 15 percent of so much District-sourced income as exceeds the exemption amount; and (2) the average rate of the non-District-sourced adjusted gross income. Sets forth definitions, including for "resident of the District of Columbia" and "exemption amount." Provides for the tax treatment of certain sources of income. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to annually study the impact of the provisions of this Act on the economy of the District of Columbia.
Bill· HRH.R. 560 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Healthy Start Act of 1997 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI (Healthy Start), incorporating certain current SSA title XI peer review and fraud and abuse provisions. Establishes an entitlement program of health insurance for eligible children under age 18 and mothers-to-be who are not covered under a qualified health plan. Outlines the scope of benefits for such individuals, which generally consist of the same available under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to individuals entitled under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), plus a benefit for prescription drugs and biologicals necessary to meet any catastrophic costs for them. Includes well child services and pre- and post-natal care provided to such children and women, respectively, without the application of deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. Entitles to benefits as both a child and a pregnant woman any individual entitled to program benefits as either the one or the other. Creates in the Treasury the Children Health Insurance Trust Fund. Makes necessary appropriations to it out of the premium tax imposed by this Act for use in financing the Healthy Start program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose: (1) a premium tax on certain individuals covered by the Healthy Start program, with exceptions for certain low-income families, in order to cover uninsured children and mothers-to-be; and (2) certain reporting requirements with regard to qualified health plans (and certain penalties to enforce them).
Bill· HRH.R. 570 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Plant Genetic Conservation Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Appropriates FY 1998 funds for a plant genetic conservation program to store material from rare and threatened plants in Hawaii and other States.
Bill· HRH.R. 578 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain domestic services providing personal attendance, companionship, or household care from the unemployment tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 532 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a deduction for lobbying expenses in connection with State legislation.
Bill· HRH.R. 533 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit, if an individual receives a frequent flier benefit as a result of the purchase in a trade or business of property or services: (1) including any amount in such individual's gross income as a result of receiving such benefit; (2) any deduction otherwise allowable for the purchase of such property or services from being reduced by reason of such benefit; and (3) any deduction allowable for the portion of any transportation purchase using such a benefit.
Bill· HRH.R. 539 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a health insurance cost tax credit for certain employees without employer-provided coverage. Subjects such credit to employee compensation, adjusted gross income, and tax limits. Excludes long-term care insurance.
Bill· HRH.R. 525 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, gift tax, and tax on generation-skipping transfers.
Bill· HRH.R. 535 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Allows an individual to deduct losses arising from the sale or exchange of the taxpayer's principal residence.
Bill· HRH.R. 508 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax inapplicable to overtime hours (more than 40 hours in a week) of small business (fewer than 20 full-time employees) employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 531 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a special rule for a person whose parent is deceased for purposes of the generation-skipping transfer tax. Makes such rule inapplicable to an individual who is not a lineal descendant if there is a living lineal descendant.
Bill· HRH.R. 522 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Economic Revitalization Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax exemption for distressed community economic development bonds. Excepts 50 percent of such bonds from the volume cap. Allows a deduction for such bonds as qualified tax-exempt obligations.
Bill· HRH.R. 523 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Brownfields Redevelopment Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit that is 50 percent of the costs: (1) paid or incurred by the taxpayer for environmental remediation of any qualified contaminated site which is owned by the taxpayer; and (2) incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to an environmental remediation plan for such site which was approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or by the head of any State or local government agency designated by the Administrator. Disallows the environmental remediation credit from being determined unless the Administrator or the Administrator's designee certifies that the remediation plan has been completed. Provides that if the Administrator certifies that such plan has been completed, the credit shall be taken into account ratably over the five-year taxable period. Permits a taxpayer to cease such remediation if: (1) the cost of completing the remediation plan exceeds 200 percent of the estimated costs of completing such plan; and (2) the State or local official administering the remediation credit program agrees with such determination. Prohibits certain taxpayers with respect to a qualified contamination site from being eligible for the credit, subject to exception. Makes the environmental remediation credit part of the sum of the current year general business credit and allows any unused portion as a deduction for certain unused business credits. Allows for the use of redevelopment bonds for the costs of environmental remediation incurred pursuant to an environmental remediation plan. Sets forth provisions concerning certain requirements not to apply in the case of any redevelopment bond issued as part of an issue 95 percent or more of the proceeds which are to finance environmental remediation. Prohibits a deduction for interest on such financing during any period during which there is a determination by the Administrator or the Administrator's designee that the remediation plan was not satisfactorily completed.
Bill· HRH.R. 519 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend the special rule for charitable contributions of stock for which market quotations are readily available.
Bill· HRH.R. 505 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from: (1) 9 to 11 the number of areas which may be designated as empowerment zones; (2) six to eight the number of such zones which may be in urban areas; and (3) 750,000 to 1,000,000 the aggregate population allowable in all urban area zones. Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities - Permits, before January 1, 1998, the designation, in the aggregate, of an additional: (1) 80 nominated areas as enterprise communities; and (2) 20 nominated areas as empowerment zones, subject to availability of eligible nominated areas. Modifies eligibility criteria. Prohibits: (1) applying the employment credit to the new empowerment zones; and (2) in certain developable sites, application of increased expensing provisions for certain depreciable business assets. Modifies provisions concerning: (1) enterprise facility zone bonds; and (2) the enterprise zone business definition. Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs - Permits a taxpayer to treat certain hazardous substance remediation expenditures as expenses not chargeable to capital account and therefore deductible in the year in which paid or incurred.
Bill· HRH.R. 507 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an individual with a one-time exclusion from gross income for the sale or exchange of a qualified interest in a closely held business if: (1) the individual has attained the age of 62 before the date of the sale or exchange; (2) the adjusted gross income of the individual for the tax year in which such sale or exchange occurs does not exceed $1 million (determined without regard to such sale or exchange); and (3) the individual so elects.
Bill· HRH.R. 506 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to add a new title, Title V - Public Funding for House of Representatives Elections. Prohibits qualifying House candidates from accepting contributions that total more than $100 per individual per election cycle. Requires, with respect to each reporting period for an election, that at least 80 percent of the total contributions accepted by a qualifying House candidate shall be from the State in which the congressional district involved is located. Sets forth the uses of public funds by qualifying House candidates. Prohibits a qualifying House candidate from using public funds to pay himself or herself a salary or personal mortgages. Directs the Federal Election Commission to make disbursements of public funds upon submission of evidence that an eligible expense has been incurred, except for an expense incurred more than four months before the election involved. Limits the maximum amount of public funding a qualifying House candidate may receive to $750,000. Requires that the amount shall be increased at the beginning of each even-numbered year, based on the increase in the price index, except that the base period shall be in 1995. Requires that a qualifying House candidate shall participate in at least two televised debates, organized by a bipartisan or nonpartisan group, in the congressional district media market. Sets forth requirements for acceptance of advertising by radio and television stations. (Sec. 2) Prohibits a national committee of a political party, including the national congressional campaign committees of a political party, and any officers and agents of such party committees, from soliciting or receiving any contributions, donations, or transfers of funds, or spending any funds, not subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act. Applies the prohibition to entities established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a national committee of a political party, subject to an exception. (Sec. 3) Requires that any amount expended or disbursed by a State, district, or local committee of a political party, during a calendar year in which a Federal election is held, for any activity which might affect the outcome of a Federal election, including but not limited to any voter registration and get-out-the-vote activity, generic campaign activity, and any communication that identifies a Federal candidate (regardless of whether a State or local candidate is also mentioned or identified) shall be made from funds subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act. Requires that any amount spent by a national, State, district or local committee or entity of a political party to raise funds that are used, in whole or in part, to pay the costs of any specified activity shall be made from funds subject to limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements. Applies the requirement to any entity that is established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a State, district, or local committee of a political party or any agent or officer of such party committee. (Sec. 4) Prohibits a national, State, district or local committee of a political party from soliciting any funds for or to make any donations to any organization that is exempt from Federal taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 5) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office, an individual holding Federal office, or any agent of such candidate or officeholder from soliciting or receiving any funds in connection with any Federal election unless such funds are subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act, with the exception of the solicitation or receipt of funds by an individual who is a candidate for a non-Federal office if such activity is permitted under State law for such individual's non-Federal campaign committee. (Sec. 6) Amends FECA to revise reporting requirements. (Sec. 7) Requires that if any person other than a political party makes (or obligates to make) disbursements for specified activities in excess of $2,000, such person shall file a specified statement. (Sec. 8) Revises provisions concerning contributions made through intermediaries or conduits.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 41 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits total outlays in any fiscal year from increasing by a percentage greater than the percentage increase in nominal gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending prior to the beginning of such fiscal year. Prohibits total outlays in any fiscal year from exceeding the ratio of the outlays in the fiscal year at the time of submission of this proposed amendment to the States to gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending before the fiscal year at the time of submission to the States, times gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending before the fiscal year for which this limitation is being calculated. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States except those derived from borrowing. Declares that total outlays shall include: (1) all outlays of the United States, both on-budget and off-budget, except those for the repayment of debt principal; and (2) the cost to any State or local government of engaging in any activity or service mandated by any Federal law beyond that required by existing law or the Constitution at the time this proposed amendment is submitted to the States, unless an appropriation is made and disbursed to pay that State or local government for such cost. Requires inflation to be measured by the gross domestic product deflator. Requires that for any fiscal year in which total receipts exceed total outlays, the surplus shall be used to reduce the public debt until it is eliminated. Requires the President, before each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for such fiscal year consistent with this Act. Authorizes the Congress, following a presidential declaration of emergency, and with a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to authorize a specified amount of emergency outlays in excess of the limit. Prohibits, for each of the first four fiscal years after ratification of this amendment, total grants to States and local governments from being a smaller fraction of total outlays than the average of the three fiscal years before ratification. Authorizes a Member of Congress or the President (but no other persons) to enforce this amendment in an action brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Bill· SS. 252 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1997
Long-Term Investment Incentive Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow noncorporate taxpayers to deduct specified percentages of qualified two-year, three-year, or four-year capital gain. Provides for the treatment of trusts and estates. Reduces, for these provisions, the net capital gain by the amount a taxpayer takes into account as investment income under specified provisions. Provides for the treatment of collectibles and of certain sales of interests in partnerships, S corporations, or trusts. Sets forth special rules for pass-thru entities. Allows the deduction to be used in computing adjusted gross income. Revises requirements regarding the maximum capital gains rate. Provides for the treatment of regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and common trust funds. Revises requirements regarding the maximum capital gains rate, including imposing a surcharge on net short-term capital gains.
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