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1,201 records in US in 1997
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Individual Training Account Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction for amounts paid yearly into an individual training account for the benefit of such individual. Describes such account as one to pay the expenses of job training and job-related relocation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Taxpayer Bond Fairness Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) treat recreational fitness services provided by tax-exempt hospitals to non-staff or in non-therapy circumstances as an unrelated trade or business; and (2) deny tax-exempt bond financing for issues used to provide facilities for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Financial Institution and Real Estate (FIRE) Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to designate from among the areas nominated for designation, three nominated areas as economic recovery areas. Limits the period during which a designation may be made. Provides for an economic recovery area employment credit to any employer for any taxable year in the amount of 20 percent of the qualified area wages paid. Limits the amount of qualified area wages which may be taken into account for a calendar year to only the first $15,000 of wages respecting each qualified area employee. Sets forth provisions providing for coordination with the targeted jobs credit and the empowerment zone employment credit. Provides for a reduction in the maximum capital gains tax of ten percent for a taxpayer other than a corporation and 17 percent for a corporation on: (1) any qualified area stock; (2) any qualified area business property; and (3) any qualified area partnership interest, held for more than five years as of the date of sale or exchange. Sets forth provisions concerning substantial improvements made to qualified area business property in an economic recovery area. Provides for the treatment of pass-thru entities, the transfer of a qualified area investment, and expensing of equipment and leasehold equipment. Increases by 100 percent the amount of any deduction allowable for any security expenses. Revises provisions relating to the maximum capital gains tax rate for taxpayers other than corporations and corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Treats heart disease and hypertension as personal injuries or sickness for purposes of excluding from gross income the disability benefits received by former police officers or fire fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Nonprofit Organizations Tax-Exempt Bond Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the tax treatment of bonds of certain nonprofit tax-exempt organizations in a manner similar to governmental bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Children's Financial Security Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or a delegate to transfer each calendar year, from the general fund of the Treasury, $1,000 to the Child Retirement Account (CRA) of each eligible child. Makes eligible any individual who as of the close of such calendar year: (1) is a citizen or resident alien of the United States; and (2) has not attained age six. Allows the applicable taxpayer, in the case of children below age 19 as of the close of 1997, to contribute, during 1998 and 1999 only, to the child's CRA an amount equal to the lesser of $6,000 or the product of $1,000 and the child's age as of the close of 1997. Reduces the amount of any Federal or parental contribution for children of high-income parents, according to a phaseout range formula. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt CRAs from the income tax, but not from the tax on unrelated business income of charitable organizations. Requires the withholding of a 20 percent tax on any distribution from a CRA (although such distributions shall not be included in gross income). Provides for qualified special purpose distributions for first-time homebuying and for higher education expenses (along with a specified credit against the 20 percent distribution tax).
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
American Farm and Ranch Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, if elected by the executor, the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement, except for any debt-financed portion. Provides for the treatment of any retained development right. Adds references to such property to provisions controlling the basis of property acquired from a decedent. Prohibits treating the transfer by gift of land subject to a qualified conservation easement as a transfer of property by gift for purposes of provisions relating to gift taxes. Amends provisions relating to the valuation of certain farm and other real property to prohibit a qualified conservation contribution (as defined in provisions relating to charitable contributions) from being deemed a disposition unless it is subject to a conservation easement. Declares that, if property is otherwise qualified real property, being subject to a conservation easement does not disqualify it. Allows a contribution to be treated as exclusively for conservation purposes if the surface estate and mineral interests have been and remain separated (currently, if the surface estate and mineral interests were separated before June 13, 1976, and remain separated) and if the probability of surface mining is so remote as to be negligible.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the retail tax on heavy (in excess of 33,000 pounds) trucks and trailers, to: (1) exempt tractors not suitable for such vehicles; (2) treat certain repairs or modifications as non-manufacture; and (3) provide for a specified tire tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the credit for large producers of ethanol used as a fuel after 1998. Disallows the credit for alcohol used to produce any ether. Exempts from tax liquids sold for use or used in an off-highway business use. Repeals the reduced rate on ethanol fuel produced from natural gas. Provides for the tax treatment of fuel alcohol in the same manner as other motor fuels. Repeals the reduced rates on alcohol fuels. Exempts partially, in the case of methanol or ethanol, the rate of tax determined under the Highway Trust Fund financing rate. Imposes a floor stock tax on fuel alcohol held by any individual on a specified date and makes such individual liable for such tax. Exempts fuel alcohol held by any individual for any use to the extent a credit or refund of the tax imposed under current law is allowed. Prohibits the imposition of tax on fuel alcohol held in the tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat and for certain amounts of fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Alternative Minimum Tax Repeal Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from 30 to 100 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax rate on beer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct that in any proceeding where the taxpayer is not precluded from using the cash receipts and disbursements accounting method, the burden of proof shall be placed upon the Secretary of the Treasury to prove that such method does not clearly reflect income.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require deferred compensation plans of State and local governments to hold all assets and income in trust for the exclusive benefit of participants and their beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify the rate of tax on draft cider containing certain percentages of alcohol. Excludes the tax from the credit for small domestic producers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Political Relationship Title II: Applicability of Federal Law Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense Title IV: Courts Title V: Trade Title VI: Taxation Title VII: Immigration Title VIII: Labor Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities Title XI: United States Financial Assistance Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution and within specified guidelines. (Sec. 102) Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. (Sec. 103) Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam. (Sec. 202) Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. (Sec. 203) Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to delegate to the Governor of Guam performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. (Sec. 304) Prohibits the United States from using Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the cleanup by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. (Sec. 404) Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area. (Sec. 501) Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on certain imports and exports. Title VI: Taxation - Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. (Sec. 603) Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. (Sec. 604) Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. (Sec. 605) Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. (Sec. 702) Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. (Sec. 802) Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. (Sec. 901) Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend their termination upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. (Sec. 903) Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. (Sec. 1001) Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 1003) Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. (Sec. 1004) Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States equally applicable to Guam. (Sec. 1104) Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bastions in the Far East. (Sec. 1105) Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - Makes technical and conforming amendments. (Sec. 1204) Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam in specified phases.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 1997 - Amends the Small Business Act to require each participating Federal agency (the Environmental Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Labor), the Office of Small Business Development Centers (Office) of the Small Business Administration, and representatives of an association representing a majority of small business development centers (SBDCs) to agree to a small business regulatory compliance assistance plan. Requires each participating agency to ensure the nonduplication of compliance assistance efforts. Requires the Office, with the agreement of the association, to develop and publish guidelines for the establishment by SBDCs or by consortia of SBDCs of a system of small business voluntary regulatory compliance (system), with specified guideline requirements. Outlines the assistance to be provided to participating small businesses. Requires annual reports from the Office to the President and the congressional small business committees concerning the assistance provided under this Act, the level of outreach to small businesses achieved by SBDCs and consortia, and recommendations for improvements in the regulation of small businesses participating in the system. Requires the Office to provide for an independent third-party evaluation of the system, to be submitted to the President and the small business committees. Provides funding to assist the Office and participating agencies in fostering, promoting, developing, and carrying out the system, including funds for the implementation and administration of worker safety and health compliance assistance plans and regulatory compliance assistance plans for fiscal years 1999 through 2003. Provides funds to each participating SBDC under a population-based funding formula. Exempts such funds from matching requirements. Prohibits the Office from providing any funds to an SBDC or consortia after September 30, 2000, unless such SBDC or consortia has been approved for funding under a certification requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Rural Multifamily Rental Housing Loan Guarantee Extension Act of 1997 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949, with regard to rural multifamily rental housing loan guarantees, to extend the: (1) authorization of appropriations; and (2) annual guarantee limitations, but bases such limitations on fiscal year appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from State unemployment tax law coverage any service performed in the employ of a tax-exempt elementary or secondary school that is operated primarily for religious purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Family Affordable College Tuition Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income-adjusted deduction for qualified higher education expenses and qualified higher education loan interest paid during the tax year. Provides an income-adjusted deduction of up to $4000 for payments made to a qualified (higher) education savings plan during the tax year. Excludes plan distributions used to pay qualified education costs from gross income and dependent support determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Capital Gains Tax Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the maximum capital gains tax rates for both individuals and corporations. Provides for the indexing of assets for determining gain or loss.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Fair Trade Opportunities Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1975 to repeal Title IV (Trade Relations with Countries not Currently Receiving Nondiscriminatory Treatment) (Jackson Vanick Act). Directs the President, after consulting with appropriate congressional committees, to determine whether or not each foreign country that is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is according adequate trade benefits or substantially equal competitive opportunities to U.S. commerce. Mandates an increase in the rate of duty with respect to the products of any country that is not according U.S. commerce such benefits. Authorizes the President to increase such rate on any product of a non-market economy country that is not a WTO member if it: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration documents, for any purpose; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, fine, fee or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of such citizen's desire to emigrate to a country of his or her choice.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Public Housing Subtitle A: Block Grants Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements Subtitle C: Management Subtitle D: Homeownership Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments Subtitle F: General Provisions Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families Subtitle A: Allocation Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Home Rule Flexible Grant Option Title V: Accountability and Oversight of Public Housing Agencies Subtitle A: Study of Alternative Methods for Evaluating Public Housing Agencies Subtitle B: Housing Evaluation and Accreditation Board Subtitle C: Interim Applicability of Public Housing Management Assessment Program Subtitle D: Accountability and Oversight Standards and Procedures Title VI: Repeals and Related Amendments Subtitle A: Repeals, Effective Date, and Savings Provisions Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Public Housing and Rental Assistance Programs Subtitle C: Limitations Relating to Occupancy in Federally Assisted Housing Title VII: Affordable Housing and Miscellaneous Provisions Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act of 1997 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide affordable low-income housing through such means as deregulation of public housing agencies (PHAs) and increased Federal housing assistance flexibility. Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act. (Sec. 105) Requires each PHA and assisted tenant family to enter into a community work and family self-sufficiency agreement. (Sec. 106) Requires PHAs to submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary): (1) five-year and annual management plans; and (2) performance and evaluation reports. (Sec. 111) Authorizes the Secretary to retain specified appropriations as a special use or emergency housing reserve fund. (Sec. 115) Makes the provisions of this Act inapplicable to Indian housing unless specifically provided otherwise. Title II: Public Housing - Subtitle A: Block Grants - Directs the Secretary to enter into block grant contracts with PHAs to establish capital and operating funds. Requires: (1) public housing developments to be State and locally tax-exempt; and (2) PHAs to identify distressed nonviable housing and convert public housing assistance for such units to rental housing assistance. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) eligible activities; (2) permanent and interim grant allocations; and (3) improper grant use sanctions. Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements - Limits public housing occupancy to families who at the time of initial occupancy qualify as low-income. Authorizes: (1) mixed income developments; (2) waiver of eligibility requirements for police and security officers; and (3) occupancy preferences. (Sec. 225) Permits families to choose either a flat or an income-based rent. (Sec. 227) Authorizes housing designated only for elderly families, disabled families, or elderly and disabled families. Subtitle C: Management - Authorizes public housing residents to establish resident councils and resident management corporations. (Sec. 235) Authorizes PHA-resident management corporation housing management contracts. (Sec. 236) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer management from a troubled PHA to an independent manager upon resident request. (Sec. 237) Provides for a resident (management) opportunity program. Obligates program funding. Subtitle D: Homeownership - Authorizes PHA low-income resident homeownership programs. Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments - Authorizes, and sets forth requirements for, PHA demolition and disposition of nonviable or nonmarketable housing. Gives resident organizations and management corporations right of first refusal. (Sec. 262) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to PHAs for: (1) site revitalization; (2) density reduction (demolition); (3) replacement housing; and (4) choice-based assistance for replacement housing and displaced tenant aid. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates such program after September 30, 2000. (Sec. 263) Authorizes PHAs to convert a public housing development to a choice-based rental housing assistance system. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Authorizes block grant (capital and operating funds) appropriations. (Sec. 273) Obligates specified funds for: (1) the Operation Safe Home program; and (2) relocation of domestic violence victims. Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families - Subtitle A: Allocation - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one-year contracts with PHAs to provide low-income housing assistance under this title. Sets forth allocation provisions. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) general assistance; and (2) assistance for disabled families. (Sec. 307) Provides for the conversion of unobligated section 8 assistance (United States Housing Act of 1937) for use under this title. Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families - Sets forth income eligibility (low-income) and income targeting provisions. Provides for: (1) assistance portability; (2) monthly family rent contributions (with hardship exceptions); (3) owner and dwelling eligibility; (4) homeownership option; and (5) manufactured home eligibility. Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families - Authorizes participating PHAs to enter into payment contracts with owners of existing units as provided for by this subtitle. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes PHAs to retain specified amounts of rental fraud recoveries. (Sec. 373) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of assisted-family geographic concentration in the areas served by the Cook County (Illinois) and Chicago Housing Authorities. Title IV: Home Rule Flexible Grant Option - Directs the Secretary to carry out a flexible one-to-five year grant program under which jurisdictions shall enter into contracts to: (1) provide low-income housing; (2) reduce homelessness; and (3) increase low-income homeownership. Title V: Accountability and Oversight of Public Housing Agencies - Subtitle A: Study of Alternative Methods for Evaluating Public Housing Agencies - Directs the Secretary to provide for a study of alternative PHA performance evaluations. Obligates specified funds for such study. Subtitle B: Housing Evaluation and Accreditation Board - Establishes the Housing Foundation and Accreditation Board which shall establish PHA performance benchmarks and an accreditation procedure. Subjects the Board to General Accounting Office audit authority. Subtitle C: Interim Applicability for Public Housing Management Assessment Program - Directs the Secretary to develop and publish interim management assessment indicators for PHAs and other public housing managing entities. (Sec. 533) Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for designation of troubled PHAs and related on-site inspections. Subtitle D: Accountability and Oversight Standards and Procedures - Sets forth: (1) audit provisions; (2) performance agreement requirements for at-risk and troubled PHAs; and (3) conditions for removal of ineffective PHAs and mandatory takeover of chronically troubled PHAs. Makes such provisions applicable to resident management corporations. Title VI: Repeals and Related Amendments - Subtitle A: Repeals, Effective Date, and Savings Provisions - Repeals the United States Housing Act of 1937, with exceptions, effective six months after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 602) Repeals specified provisions of the following Acts: (1) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (assisted housing allocation special projects for elderly or handicapped families); (2) Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (public housing rent waivers for police, excessive rent data, Indian housing childhood development, one-stop perinatal services, energy efficiency demonstration, mixed-income new communities demonstration, youth sports programs); (3) Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (certificate and voucher holders, comprehensive transition demonstration); (4) Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (opportunity for fair housing, Omaha homeownership demonstration); (5) Housing Act of 1954; (6) Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 (development managers' payment); (7) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991; (8) Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (childhood development); (9) Department of Housing and Urban Development-Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1988; and (10) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (public housing conversion). Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Public Housing and Rental Assistance Programs - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to require elderly housing assistance allocations to provide for the supportive needs of frail elderly residents. (Sec. 622) Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to extend pet ownership provisions to federally assisted rental housing (currently limited to elderly or handicapped housing). (Sec. 623) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review specified PHA drug elimination program contracts to determine contractor compliance with hiring antidiscrimination and related requirements; and (2) either terminate or bring into compliance violating contracts. (Sec. 624) Community Partnership Against Crime Act of 1997 - Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to revise the public housing drug elimination pilot program. Authorizes appropriations and sets forth allocation requirements. Subtitle C: Limitations Relating to Occupancy in Federally Assisted Housing - Makes any household or member evicted from federally assisted housing ineligible for federally assisted housing for specified time periods depending upon the nature of the eviction. Prohibits public housing admission (and permits eviction) for illegal drug and alcohol users, with consideration given for successful rehabilitation. Authorizes housing admission denial for criminal offenders and access to criminal records for screening and eviction purposes. Title VII: Affordable Housing and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make the city of Altus, Oklahoma, eligible for rural housing assistance for a specified period of time. (Sec. 702) Prohibits the Secretary from establishing a national occupancy standards. (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to implement the Ida Barbour Revitalization Plan for Portsmouth, Virginia, within a specified period of time. (Sec. 705) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the use of community development block grants for employment relocation activities. (Sec. 706) Expresses the sense of the Congress that funds under this Act should be used to purchase American-make products. (Sec. 709) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer of surplus Federal property to self-help housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, before each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) , unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Prohibits a bill to increase receipts from becoming law unless approved by a three-fifths majority in each House. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States faces an imminent and serious military threat to national security, as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses become law. Requires roll call votes in the House and Senate under this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Deficit Reduction Lock-box Act of 1997 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to maintain a Deficit Reduction Lock-box Ledger which shall be divided into entries corresponding to the subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations. Requires each entry to consist of three parts: (1) the House Lock-box Balance; (2) the Senate Lock-box Balance; and (3) the Joint House-Senate Lock-box Balance. Requires the CBO Director, upon the engrossment of any appropriation bill by the House of Representatives and upon the engrossment of that bill by the Senate, to credit to the applicable entry balance of that House amounts of new budget authority and outlays equal to the net amounts of reductions in new budget authority and in outlays resulting from amendments agreed to by that House to that bill. Specifies the amounts to be credited to the Joint House-Senate Lock-box Balance. Requires a running tally to be available to Members of the House of Representatives, during the consideration of any appropriations bill by the House, of the amendments adopted reflecting increases and decreases of budget authority in such bill as reported. Provides for the downward adjustment of: (1) allocations for the House and Senate upon the engrossment of Senate amendments to any appropriation bill; and (2) suballocations, whenever a such a downward adjustment is made to an allocation. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to include an up-to-date tabulation of the amounts contained in the Deficit Reduction Lock-box Ledger and each entry in periodic reports. Requires the downward adjustment of discretionary spending limits by amounts set forth in the final regular appropriation bill for the fiscal year or joint resolution making continuing appropriations through the end of such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Balanced Budget Requirement Act of 1996 (sic) - Amends specified Federal law to require that each President's budget submission to Congress include a detailed plan to achieve a balanced Federal budget for that fiscal year and each of the following four fiscal years (beginning with the budget submission for FY 1998, which shall include a detailed plan to achieve a balanced budget by FY 2002, and then for any budget submission for any fiscal year after FY 2002). Suspends such requirement for any fiscal year covered by a joint resolution declaring war or a national economic or national security emergency. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to certify whether such balanced budget plan does achieve a balanced budget. Authorizes the President to submit a revised detailed plan if the original plan is not certified as achieving a balanced budget. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to provide that: (1) beginning with FY 1998, it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any concurrent resolution on the budget that does not achieve a balanced budget by FY 2002; and (2) beginning with FY 2002 it shall not be in order to consider any concurrent resolution on the budget that does not maintain a balanced budget for that fiscal year and for each of the following four fiscal years. Suspends such requirement when there is a joint resolution declaring war or a national economic or national security emergency. Amends CBA to make it in order, in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, to consider any amendment to a concurrent resolution on the budget for a fiscal year reflecting, without substantive change, the budget submitted by the President for that fiscal year and, if different, a separate amendment reflecting the detailed plan to achieve a balanced budget submitted by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Foreign Aid Reporting Reform Act of 1997 - Directs the President, in conjunction with the submission of annual requests for foreign assistance program authorizations and appropriations, to submit to the Congress a single report containing: (1) an integrated justification for all foreign assistance programs proposed for the coming fiscal year; and (2) an assessment of when the objectives of those programs will be achieved so that the assistance can be terminated. Directs congressional committees reporting legislation authorizing the enactment of or providing new budget authority for foreign assistance programs to include in accompanying reports an explanation for any change proposed in: (1) the total amount of new budget authority authorized or provided for any program as compared to the amount proposed by the President; or (2) the amount of assistance for any specific recipient or for any centrally funded program as compared to the amount proposed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Extension Act of 1997 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, with regard to the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund, to extend the: (1) authorization of appropriations; and (2) annual guarantee limitations, but bases such limitations on fiscal year appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits (subject to the Line Item Veto Act of 1996) the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget outlays limitation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the amount of interest that may be credited to such trust funds. Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually: (1) what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Health Care Commitment Act - Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which a covered CHAMPUS beneficiary who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in addition to receiving care through a military treatment facility, CHAMPUS, or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires the administering Secretaries and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Secretary of Defense to begin to offer the health benefits option described under this Act no later than January 1, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Restrictions on Loans From Qualified Retirement Plans Title II: Promotion of Availability of Private Pensions Upon Retirement Title III: Health Coverage for Retired Workers Title IV: Application of Certain Prohibited Transactions Rules for 401(K) Plans Title V: Retirement Savings and Security Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification Subtitle B: Portability Subtitle C: Enhanced Security Title VI: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability Subtitle A: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle B: Distributions and Investments Comprehensive Pension and Retirement Security Act of 1997 - Title I: Restrictions on Loans From Qualified Retirement Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit qualified employer plans from making loans through credit cards and other intermediaries. (Sec. 102) Treats loans from qualified employer plans as distributions unless they are used to purchase a first home, to pay higher education or financially devastating medical expenses, or during periods of unemployment. Title II: Promotion of Availability of Private Pensions Upon Retirement - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the IRC to require the availability of a defined contribution plan option (in lieu of the defined benefit plan) for participants in defined benefit plans to which an employer makes contributions. (Sec. 202) Amends ERISA to require fiduciaries to make timely investments of plan contributions. (Sec. 203) Amends the IRC to increase the penalty for early distributions from pension plans. Title III: Health Coverage for Retired Workers - Amends ERISA and the IRC to require advance notice of material reductions in covered services under group health plans. (Sec. 302) Amends the IRC to set forth requirements relating to the duration of, and determination of premiums for, continuation of coverage for persons 55 and older until they are eligible for Medicare. (Sec. 303) Amends the Social Security Act to set forth protections under the Medicare program for retired workers who lose retiree health benefits. Provides, in such cases, for: (1) no premium penalty for late enrollment; (2) a special Medicare enrollment period; and (3) a special rule with respect to the Medigap (Medicare supplemental policy) open enrollment period. Title IV: Application of Certain Prohibited Transactions Rules for 401(K) Plans - Amends ERISA to provide for the application of certain prohibited transactions rules to IRC section 401(k) plans. Title V: Retirement Savings and Security - Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification - Amends ERISA to repeal the requirement that a plan administrator file with the Secretary of Labor a plan description, a summary plan description, and descriptions of material modifications to a plan. (Sec. 502) Revises ERISA to exempt from the prohibition against certain transactions any purchase of qualified State prepaid tuition program instruments. Subtitle B: Portability - Directs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to prescribe specified rules relating to missing participants for multiemployer plans that terminate under certain ERISA provisions. (Sec. 512) Eliminates a special vesting rule for multiemployer plans under ERISA. (Sec. 513) Provides, with respect to treatment of loans during military service, that a loan made by a plan shall not fail to meet specified ERISA requirements by reason of a loan repayment suspension under the IRC. Subtitle C: Enhanced Security - Revises certain formulas for determining payments with respect to benefits guarantees (increasing the guaranteed amounts) under certain insolvent multiemployer plans. (Sec. 522) Directs the Secretary of Labor, as chairman of the PBGC board, to send a reversion report to the President and the Congress on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers. (Sec. 523) Sets forth a full funding limitation for multiemployer plans under ERISA. (Sec. 524) Increases maximum civil penalties for certain prohibited transactions under ERISA. (Sec. 525) Modifies the phase-in of guarantee and the allocation of assets under ERISA provisions relating to substantial owner benefits. Pension Audit Improvement Act of 1997 - Repeals the mandate for limited scope audits. (Sec. 533) Establishes certain reporting and enforcement requirements for employee benefit plans. Requires a plan administrator to notify the Secretary of Labor, within five business days, of: (1) irregularities that may have occurred with respect to the plan; and (2) the termination of the plan's accountant. Requires plan accountants to notify the Secretary of: (1) such irregularities, if the administrator does not do so; and (2) any disagreements they may have with the reasons given by the administrator for their termination. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of such requirements. (Sec. 534) Sets forth additional requirements for qualified public accountants for plans under ERISA. (Sec. 535) Revises ERISA provisions for fiduciary penalties to: (1) modify a prohibition of assignment or alienation; (2) make discretionary the imposition and amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility; and (3) provide for the applicable recovery amount and other rules. Title VI: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability - Subtitle A: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the IRC with respect to deductions from gross income for contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and retirement savings to: (1) increase the applicable dollar amount component in the formulas for certain income limitations; (2) require inflation adjustments to the deductible amount and income limitations; (3) require coordination of the IRA deduction limit with the elective deferral limit; and (4) provide for establishment of special nondeductible tax-free IRAs. Subtitle B: Distributions and Investments - Allows the use of distributions from IRAs without additional tax for the purchase of first homes, for higher education or financially devastating medical expenses, or by the unemployed. (Sec. 612) Requires IRA contributions to be held at least five years in certain cases. (Sec. 613) Sets forth special rules for the use of IRA distributions to purchase qualified State prepaid tuition program instruments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Benefits and Eligibility Title II: Participation of Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Hospitals, and Others Title III: Local Administration Title IV: State Administration Title V: National Health Insurance Board; National Advisory Medical Policy Council; General Administrative Provisions Title VI: Eligibility Determinations, Complaints, Hearings, and Judicial Review Title VII: Application of Act to Individuals Covered Under Medicare Program Title VIII: Fiscal Provisions Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Title X: Value Added Tax and National Health Care Trust Fund Title XI: Study and Development of Cost Control Mechanisms National Health Insurance Act - Title I: Benefits and Eligibility - Makes medical services available to eligible individuals. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the National Health Insurance Board to limit services when personnel, facilities, or funds are inadequate. (Sec. 103) Allows patient choice of physicians and hospitals. (Sec. 105) Makes Federal grants to States under the Social Security Act available to the States for services for uninsured needy individuals. Title II: Participation of Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Hospitals, and Others - Authorizes State agreements with individuals or organizations for service provision. (Sec. 208) Regulates payment bases and rates, requiring local adjustments. (Sec. 210) Allows providers to choose their practice locality and, consistent with State law and professional ethics, reject patients. Title III: Local Administration - Decentralizes administration to local administrative committees or officers. (Sec. 303) Requires establishment in each health service area of a local area committee and local professional committees. Title IV: State Administration - Expresses the intent of the Congress that benefit provisions be administered by each State. Provides for Board administration if State plans are not approved and complied with. Title V: National Health Insurance Board; National Advisory Medical Policy Council; General Administrative Provisions - Establishes: (1) in the Department of Health and Human Services the National Health Insurance Board; (2) the National Advisory Medical Policy Council. Title VI: Eligibility Determinations, Complaints, Hearings, and Judicial Review - Requires that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determine benefit eligibility. (Sec. 602) Describes complaint investigation procedures. Title VII: Application of Act to Individuals Covered Under Medicare Program - Limits, for individuals entitled to benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, benefits under this Act to services for which the individual is not eligible under Medicare. (Sec. 702) Mandates a study of the relationship of this Act's program and Medicare. Title VIII: Fiscal Provisions - Makes National Health Care Trust Fund amounts available for expenditures under this Act. (Sec. 802) Directs the Board to determine amounts to be made available from the Fund and allotments to the States. (Sec. 803) Authorizes grants to: (1) educational institutions regarding the training of personnel providing or administering benefits; and (2) individuals in courses regarding the provision or administration of benefits. Requires that funds be made available. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that benefits first become available on a specified date. Title X: Value Added Tax and National Health Care Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on each taxable transaction (the sale of property, performance of services, and importing of property by a taxable person in a commercial-type transaction). Sets the tax rate at zero for: (1) retail food, principal residence housing (sale and rental), and medical care; (2) certain transactions involving governmental entities; and (3) certain tax-exempt organizations. Makes the person selling the property or services liable for the tax. (Sec. 1002) Establishes the National Health Care Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund amounts received from the value added tax. Allows the Fund to be used only to carry out the program under this Act. Title XI: Study and Development of Cost Control Mechanisms - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study on controlling benefit costs, including malpractice claims and malpractice insurance costs; (2) report to the Congress; and (3) implement the report's recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Software Export Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify software, whether or not patented, for Foreign Sales Corporation treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Review of Intergovernmental Regulations Title II: Compensation of State and Local Governments for Additional Direct Costs Unfunded Federal Mandates Relief Act of 1997 - Title I: Review of Intergovernmental Regulations - Requires the President, after submitting the annual Federal budget, to submit to the Congress a report specifying and evaluating the costs to State and local governments of complying with intergovernmental regulations during the most recently completed fiscal year, the fiscal year in progress, and the next two fiscal years. Specifies the contents of such report. Authorizes the President to delegate the responsibility of preparing such report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the head of any other Federal agency. Directs the responsible official to prescribe standards to be used by agencies in estimating the compliance costs and benefits of intergovernmental regulations. Directs each agency to furnish such official with required information pertaining to agency regulations. Title II: Compensation of State and Local Governments for Additional Direct Costs - Prohibits any Federal agency or U.S. court from requiring such governments, in any fiscal year, to comply with any intergovernmental regulation unless sufficient funds have been provided to reimburse them for additional compliance costs estimated for the fiscal year. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to transmit annually to the President and the Congress a report specifying an estimate of the total amount of additional direct costs that will be incurred in upcoming fiscal years by such governments in complying with each intergovernmental regulation promulgated pursuant to a significant law. Directs the chairmen of the congressional committees having jurisdiction over any significant law under which an intergovernmental regulation is promulgated to propose, to a bill providing funds for each fiscal year in which such regulation will be in effect, an amendment to appropriate funds to reimburse such governments for the additional direct costs they will incur in complying with such regulation. Sets forth procedures for reimbursements of such additional direct costs by Federal agencies to States, and by States to local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permanently extend the exclusion from gross income of employer-provided educational assistance; and (2) restore the exclusion for such assistance on the graduate level.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily permit two-year averaging of farm income.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from 30 to 100 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an inflation adjustment for the limitation on the aggregate reduction in the fair market value of qualified real property under the special estate tax valuation rules for certain farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Higher Education Accumulation Program Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid to a Higher Education Accumulation Program account established to accumulate funds to pay the educational expenses of a child of the taxpayer. Declares such accounts exempt from tax. Allows the deduction in arriving at adjusted gross income. Imposes an excise tax on excess contributions and prohibited transactions. Imposes a penalty for failure to meet reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit or refund of motor fuel excise taxes on fuel used by the motor of a highway vehicle while such motor is operating an accessory unit to power takeoff equipment, but only to the extent adequate records or sufficient evidence corroborates the amount of fuel use allocable to the operation of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide employers a business tax credit for a portion of compensation that was not paid with respect to members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard who were absent from work on active duty. Limits such credit to $2,000 with respect to any one Ready Reserve-National Guard employee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the use of the percentage of completion method of accounting is not required with respect to contracts for the manufacture of property if no payments are required to be made before the completion of the manufacture of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide employers a business tax credit for a portion of compensation paid with respect to members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard who were absent from work on active duty. Limits such credit to $2,000 with respect to any one Ready Reserve-National Guard employee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
IRA Savings Opportunity Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to retirement savings plans, to, among other things: (1) double income limitations; (2) permit a worker without an employer plan to contribute an additional $2,000 to a plan; and (3) allow a credit of 20 percent, subject to income limitations, for amounts which would otherwise be allowed as a qualified retirement deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Self-Employed Health Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction allowed for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from 30 to 100 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Education and Training Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction for the amount of qualified higher education expenses paid by the individual. Limits the amount allowed to $5,000 ($2,500 in case of a married individual filing separately). Provides for a limitation based on modified adjusted gross income and other limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, before each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a single subject joint resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires the Congress, whenever actual outlays exceed actual receipts for any fiscal year, to provide by law for the repayment of the excess in the ensuing fiscal year. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays do not exceed total receipts, unless a two-thirds vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a two-thirds majority of both Houses becomes law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or when the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.