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Bill· SS. 1141 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Alternative Fuels - General Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Biodiesel Energy Development Act of 1997 - Title I: Alternative Fuels - General - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify definitions relating to alternative fuels, dual-fueled vehicles, heavy duty motor vehicles, and marine vessels. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to alternative fuel use by light duty Federal vehicles to provide that if such vehicles are not acquired from original equipment manufacturers, existing fleet vehicles may be converted to use alternative fuels at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), if appropriate, to permit a Federal fleet to: (1) acquire one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle in place of two light duty alternative fueled vehicles; and (2) take an additional credit for the purchase and documented use of alternative fuel used in a dual-fueled vehicle, comparable conventionally-fueled motor vehicle, or marine vessel. Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs - Requires State and local alternative fuel incentives programs to include the goal of introducing substantial numbers of light and heavy duty alternative fuels vehicles and increasing the use of alternative fuels. Conditions State eligibility for Federal assistance upon inclusion in each State plan of an examination of the introduction of converted or acquired light and heavy duty alternative fueled vehicles in State-owned or operated motor vehicle fleets. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to provide, upon State request, Federal financial assistance grants for the incremental purchase cost of alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the volume of alternative fuel consumed. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and political subdivisions for the incremental cost of alternative fuels used in flexible fueled school buses and school bus conversions to alternative fueled vehicles. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on alternative fuel use in marine vessels. Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Modifies the mandate for alternative fuel providers to include regulation of heavy duty trucks. (Sec. 301) Cites circumstances under which the Secretary may allow the conversion of an existing fleet vehicle into a dual-fueled alternative fueled vehicle at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to: (1) include heavy duty motor vehicles in the program to promote the development and use in light duty motor vehicles of domestic replacement fuels; and (2) review every five years a development plan and production goals for replacement fuel supply and demand. (Sec. 304) Modifies the fleet program purchase goals to require that specified percentages of new light duty motor vehicles acquired in each model year be acquired as, or converted into, alternative fueled vehicles. Modifies the fleet requirement program to direct the Secretary to permit fleets to substitute the acquisition or conversion of one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle for two light duty vehicle acquisitions to meet program requirements. Permits a fleet owner to convert an existing fleet vehicle into an alternative fueled vehicle, and purchase the fuel for such vehicle for compliance purposes, if the original equipment manufacturer's warranty continues to apply to the vehicle. Allows a fleet owner a credit for such conversion. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Secretary to allocate a credit to a fleet or covered person that acquires a volume of alternative fuel equal to the estimated need for one year for any dual-fueled vehicle acquired or converted under this Act. Sets forth a credit allocation scheme for dual-fueled vehicles and alternative fuel. (Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommended requirements for exempting replacement fuels from taxes levied on non-replacement fuels if the Secretary notifies the Congress that a fleet requirement program is not necessary.
Law· SS. 1139 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Financial Assistance Subtitle A: Microloan Program Subtitle B: Small Business Investment Company Program Subtitle C: Certified Development Company Program Title III: Women's Business Enterprises Title IV: Competitiveness Program and Procurement Opportunities Subtitle A: Small Business Competitiveness Program Subtitle B: Small Business Procurement Opportunities Program Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: HUBZone Program Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Title I: Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to authorize appropriations and provide funding levels for FY 1998 through 2000 for various programs under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA). Title II: Financial Assistance - Subtitle A: Microloan Program - Amends provisions of the Act relating to the Microloan Program to: (1) increase to $3.5 million the total amount authorized to be outstanding and committed to any one intermediary under the Program; (2) revise loan loss reserve levels required of intermediaries during various years of participation; and (3) extend through FY 2000 the Program authorization. (Sec. 202) Establishes under the Program a welfare-to-work microloan pilot program to test the feasibility of supplementing the technical assistance provided to individuals receiving assistance under the State program funded under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act, or any other comparable State-funded program, in order to assist such individuals in establishing small businesses and eliminating their dependence on such assistance. Allows such assistance to be used to pay child care and transportation costs of such microborrowers. Authorizes the SBA to select from participating Microloan intermediaries entities to receive supplemental grants under the welfare-to-work program. Allows borrowers under any Microloan program to use loan proceeds to establish child care centers. Directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to report annually to the small business committees on such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. Subtitle B: Small Business Investment Company Program - Amends provisions of the Act and the SBIA relating to the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program to: (1) allow amounts obligated under the SBIC to be committed for five fiscal years (currently obligated in one fiscal year and committed in the next); (2) authorize the SBA to prescribe fees for participation as an SBIC; (3) allow national, Federal Reserve, or nonmember insured banks to invest in SBICs or in entities established to invest solely in SBICs, with an investment limit; (4) allow the maximum amount of outstanding leverage made available to a participating SBIC to be increased annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index; (5) limit to $90 million the total amount of leverage issued to any one company; (6) require each leverage applicant to make certain certifications with respect to the amount of financings to be provided solely to smaller enterprises; (7) allow a participating company to make quarterly (currently, annual) payments to its shareholders based on estimates of maximum tax liability; (8) revise a leverage fee payment schedule; (9) direct the SBA to issue guarantees and trust certificates (representing debentures issued by SBICs) at least every six (currently, three) months; and (10) provide for the deposit and use of SBIC examination fees. Subtitle C: Certified Development Company Program - Amends the SBIA with respect to the certified development company (CDC) program to: (1) authorize the use of seller-provided financing in connection with SBA loans for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, and expansion; (2) increase the loan fee under the CDC program; and (3) require such fee to be established annually by the SBA in the minimum amount necessary to reduce to zero the cost to the SBA of purchasing and guaranteeing debentures under the program. Amends the SBIA with respect to the premier certified lenders program to: (1) repeal a provision limiting to 15 the number of CDCs authorized to participate; and (2) revise eligibility conditions and loss reserve requirements for participating CDCs (requiring replenishment of loss reserves paid to the SBA by CDCs). Requires participating companies to establish a goal of processing a minimum of at least 50 percent of their total loan applications pursuant to the program. Amends the Small Business Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2000 the premier certified lenders program. Title III: Women's Business Enterprises - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to: (1) add five representatives from various Federal departments and agencies to the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise; (2) require a report from such Committee to be transmitted to the President through the SBA, and to include a status report on Committee progress in meeting its responsibilities and duties; (3) require the National Women's Business Council to submit to the President and the small business committees an annual activities report; (4) extend the deadline for presidential appointment of a chairperson for the Council; (5) increase from nine to 14 the number of Council members; and (6) increase, and extend through FY 2000, the authorization of appropriations under such Act. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the SBA to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Outlines participation conditions and Federal and non-Federal contribution requirements. Directs each applicant to submit to the SBA a five-year plan on proposed fund raising and training activities. Directs the SBA to evaluate and rank applicants based on predetermined selection criteria stated in terms of relative importance. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the small business committees on projects conducted. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 307) Establishes the position of Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership with specified duties in the administration of Office programs and services for women entrepreneurs. Directs the SBA to develop an annual programmatic and financial examination of each women's business center. (Sec. 308) Directs the Council to study and report to the President and the small business committees on the award of Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned businesses. Requires a related best-practices report. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Competitiveness Program and Procurement Opportunities - Subtitle A: Small Business Competitiveness Program - Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to: (1) extend through FY 2000 the small business competitiveness demonstration program; (2) require participating agencies to monitor the attainment of their small business participation goals on an annual (currently, quarterly) basis; (3) extend through FY 2000 required annual reports to the Congress concerning such program; and (4) extend through FY 2000 small business participation in contracting opportunities for dredging. Subtitle B: Small Business Procurement Opportunities Program - Amends the Act to require each Federal agency to: (1) foster the participation of small businesses as prime contractors; (2) structure its contracting requirements to facilitate competition by and among small businesses; (3) avoid the bundling of contracts that precludes small business participation as prime contractors; and (4) foster small business participation as subcontractors. Defines "contract bundling" as consolidating two or more procurement requirements into a single contract solicitation unlikely for award to a small business due to diversity and size of performance elements, aggregate dollar value of the anticipated award, geographical dispersion of contract performance sites, or a combination of such factors. (Sec. 413) Requires procurement strategies used by Federal contracting agencies to facilitate the maximum participation of small businesses as prime contractors. Requires a strategy calling for contract bundling to identify benefits of such bundling as well as impediments caused to small businesses by such bundling. Provides for SBA review of proposed contract solicitations for compliance with this section, with specific review procedures (including dispute resolution) in the case of solicitations which call for contract bundling. Requires the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal contracting agency to identify and report solicitations that include contract bundling and to increase participation by small businesses in such solicitations as either prime contractors or subcontractors and suppliers. (Sec. 414) Authorizes a small business intending to submit an offer on a solicitation which includes bundled contract requirements to propose for approval a team of subcontractors to meet the bundling requirements. (Sec. 415) Requires the Federal Procurement Data System to be modified to collect data regarding contract bundling. (Sec. 416) Requires each solicitation for the award of construction contracts which may exceed $1 million, or contracts for all other types of supplies or services which may exceed $500,000, to contain minimum percentages for subcontracting participation by small businesses (in the case of contracts awarded using competitive procedures) or to contain small business subcontracting plans (in the case of contracts awarded using procedures other than competitive procedures). (Sec. 417) Allows notices of subcontracting opportunities to be published in the Commerce Business Daily. Requires executive agencies awarding certain contracts in excess of $100,000 (currently, $25,000) to provide for publication of such award. (Sec. 418) Provides deadlines for the issuance of regulations or proposed amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation required by this title. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes each Federal agency that has an extramural budget for research or research and development in excess of $1 billion for FY 1998 through 2003 to expend with small businesses not less than 0.15 percent of such budget specifically in connection with programs under the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTP). Authorizes the Administrator, for FY 1998 through 2000, to expend with eligible States not more than $2 million in each fiscal year to increase the participation of small businesses in STTP programs. Makes eligible for such participation those States which received less than $5 million for such programs during FY 1995. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to women's business centers for the establishment of small business development centers (SBDCs). Requires each SBDC to annually review and coordinate public and private partnerships and cosponsorships with the SBA in order to more efficiently leverage available resources on a national and State basis. Increases: (1) the maximum amount of grant funds available to a State SBDC participant; and (2) the services provided under the SBDC program. Extends permanently and increases the authorization of appropriations for such program. Requires any contract under such program which is not renewed or extended to be made on a competitive basis. Prohibits a participating SBDC from imposing or collecting a fee for the provision of counseling services under the program. (Sec. 503) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot preferred surety bond guarantee program. (Sec. 504) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2000 the authority of the Administrator and private entities to cosponsor financial assistance to small businesses for computer security education and training programs. (Currently, such cosponsoring authority is scheduled to terminate at the end of FY 1997.) Title VI: Hubzone Program - HUBZone Act of 1997 - Amends the Act to provide qualification requirements for small businesses to receive Federal contracting assistance for locating in or relocating to historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones). Includes within such requirements that not less than 50 percent of the contract performance incurred for services or supplies be expended for employees or for the manufacturing of supplies in HUBZones. Requires a certification from the participating small business to the Administrator with respect to such requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to change the above percentage. Directs the Administrator to establish and maintain a list of qualified small businesses (QSBs) located in HUBZones. Establishes within the SBA a program to provide for Federal contracting assistance to QSBs located in HUBZones. Requires the head of an executive agency to provide a contract set-aside (preference) to a QSB if such agency head determines that two or more QSBs will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price. Allows sole-source (single bidder) contracts to be awarded under limited circumstances (limiting the total value of such contracts). Provides a price evaluation preference to a QSB if its offer is not more than ten percent higher than the other offeror, as long as the other offeror is not a small business. Directs the Administrator to enforce the requirements of this title and to verify the eligibility of QSBs, including random program examinations. Provides penalties. Limits the application of this title to specified Federal departments and agencies during the period beginning with the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2000. (Sec. 606) Directs the Administrator to report to the small business committees on implementation of the HUBZone program. (Sec. 607) Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1998 through 2000.
Law· HRH.R. 2378 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions - This Act Title VI: General Provisions - Departments, Agencies, Corporations Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies. Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department, Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) the Office of Professional Responsibility; (3) automation enhancement; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) repair and restoration of the Treasury building and annex; (6) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (7) violent crime reduction programs; (8) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, including amounts for maintenance and facility improvements; (9) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (10) the Financial Management Service; (11) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, including an amount for construction of specified laboratory facilities; (12) the U.S. Customs Service, including amounts for operations and maintenance of marine vessels and aircraft, services at small airports, and collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee; (13) the Bureau of the Public Debt; (14) the Internal Revenue Service, including amounts for tax law enforcement, information systems, and information technology investments; and (15) the Secret Service, including an amount for construction and improvement of facilities. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 118) Provides that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the Secretary of the Treasury shall be those that would apply if Public Law 103-2 (which sets such compensation and emoluments at those in effect on January 1, 1989) had never been enacted. Makes such adjustment effective on the later of: (1) the day after the date on which the individual holding such office on January 1, 1997, ceases to hold such office; or (2) this Act's enactment date. (Sec. 120) Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to revise provisions regarding compensation for the Secret Service Uniformed Division. Establishes a rate schedule for such compensation and sets forth administrative provisions regarding conversion to the new schedule. Revises provisions regarding premium pay for the Division and sets new limits on premium pay and compensatory time for Division members whose basic pay exceeds a specified amount. Makes any existing special salary rates, rates of pay, or pay adjustments under specified Federal laws inapplicable to the Division on the effective date of this section. (Sec. 123) Revises provisions regarding the rates of basic pay for members of the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing police forces. Requires such rates to be fixed without regard to Federal civil service laws and establishes minimum and maximum pay rates. Title II: Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for payments to the Postal Service Fund for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail and for meeting the liabilities of the former Post Office Department to the Employees' Compensation Fund. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for: (1) compensation of the President and the White House office; (2) operating, maintenance, and reimbursable expenses of the Executive Residence at the White House; (3) White House repair and restoration; (4) special assistance to the President and the official residence of the Vice President; (5) the Council of Economic Advisers; (6) the Office of Policy Development; (7) the National Security Council; (8) the Office of Administration; (9) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (10) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and (11) Federal drug control programs, including amounts for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and for a national anti-drug campaign for youth. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Federal Election Commission; (3) Federal Labor Relations Authority; and (4) General Services Administration (GSA), including amounts for the Federal Buildings Fund, Government-wide policy and operations, Office of Inspector General, and allowances and office staff for former Presidents. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 409) Removes time limitations on certain allowances and mailing privileges extended to former Presidents. (Sec. 410) Appropriates funds to GSA as necessary to repay debts to the Treasury incurred pursuant to the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation; (2) expenses to carry out the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992; (3) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (4) the National Archives and Records Administration, including amounts for repairs and restoration of archives and presidential libraries; (5) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (6) the Office of Government Ethics; (7) the Office of Personnel Management, including an amount for the Office of Inspector General; (8) Government contributions for health and life insurance benefits for annuitants; (9) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (10) the Office of Special Counsel; and (11) the U.S. Tax Court. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title V: General Provisions - This Act - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds made available under this Act. (Sec. 508) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 511) Requires, except as otherwise provided, that no more than 50 percent of unobligated balances remaining at the end of FY 1998 from appropriations for salaries and expenses remain available through FY 1999. Requires a request to the Appropriations Committees before expenditure of the funds. (Sec. 512) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act by the Executive Office of the President to request an official background investigation report on any individual from the Federal Bureau of Investigation unless such individual has given prior written consent during the same presidential administration or such request is due to extraordinary national security circumstances. (Sec. 515) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the term of a Federal Election Commission member to a single term of six years (thus, prohibiting reappointment). (Sec. 516) Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being available to pay for an abortion or for the administrative expenses of any Federal employee health benefit plan which provides benefits for abortions. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. Title VI: General Provisions - Departments, Agencies, Corporations - Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of funds appropriated for Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 625) Requires the OMB Director to report to the Congress: (1) estimates of costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs; (2) impacts of Federal rules on the private sector and all levels of government; and (3) recommendations for reform or elimination of inefficient regulatory programs. (Sec. 632) Directs the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) initiate discussions with Mexican and Canadian officials to achieve parity in the duty-free personal allowance structure of the United States, Mexico, and Canada; and (2) submit recommendations to the Congress for appropriate legislation and action if parity is not achieved within 180 days of this Act's enactment date.
Bill· HRH.R. 2374 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2004. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Prohibits a qualified State from submitting an estimate of needs unless the estimate is approved by each management conference that is implementing an approved estuary plan and of which the State is a member. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. Requires a management conference to be convened for at least five years (currently, not to exceed five years). Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be extended or terminated. Sets forth provisions regarding the reconvening of conferences. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes procedures for interim actions. Prohibits any activity located in U.S. waters or which serves new development in such waters from being included in a conservation and management plan or a State needs estimate unless specified Federal officials determine that: (1) the activity is essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters; and (2) there is no practicable alternative to the proposed activity that would have a less adverse impact on the aquatic habitat.
Bill· HRH.R. 2373 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1997
Parents and Students Savings Account Plus Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to education individual retirement accounts to: (1) include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (including home schooling); and (2) increase annual contribution limits to $2,000.
Bill· SS. 1133 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Parent and Student Savings Account PLUS Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to education individual retirement accounts to: (1) include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (including home schooling); and (2) increase annual contribution limits to $2,000.
Bill· SS. 1096 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities Title II: Electronic Filing Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Oversight Subtitle B: Budget Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Executive Branch Government and Senior Management - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to replace current provisions establishing the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue with provisions establishing the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board (the Board). Requires that seven of the nine members of the Board not be full-time Federal officers or employees. Requires that all Board members have expertise in, among other things: (1) management of large service organizations; (2) customer service; and (3) the needs and concerns of taxpayers. Requires the Board to: (1) review and approve strategic plans of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) review the operational functions of the IRS; (3) select the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Commissioner), as well as senior IRS managers, and review the Commissioner's reorganization plans; and (4) review and approve the IRS budget request, as well as ensure audits of the IRS. (Sec. 102) Replaces current provisions which authorize the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to employ such personnel as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the internal revenue laws with provisions requiring there to be in the Department of the Treasury a Commissioner who shall be appointed by the Board for a five-year term. Sets forth the duties of the Commissioner, including the: (1) administration and management of the internal revenue laws; and (2) Commissioner's responsibility to consult with the Board. Establishes and sets forth duties for: (1) a Chief Counsel for the IRS to be appointed by the President; (2) the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations; (3) an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 103) Replaces current provisions concerning the effect of reorganization plans with provisions which authorize the Commissioner to employ such number of persons as proper to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws. Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities - Directs the Commissioner to establish a performance management system covering IRS employees which: (1) establishes retention standards; and (2) establishes performance goals or objectives. Provides for awards based on performance, but prohibits making an award solely on the basis of tax enforcement results. Sets forth other provisions concerning: (1) classification and pay; (2) staffing; and (3) demonstration projects. Title II: Electronic Filing - Provides for paperless filing and payment of taxes. Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights - Sets forth provisions concerning taxpayer protections and rights, including provisions concerning: (1) authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders; (2) authority to award costs and fees; (3) damages for negligence in collection actions; (4) criteria and procedures for selecting taxpayers for examination; (5) archival treatment of IRS records; (6) freedom of information; (7) offers-in-compromise; (8) jurisdiction of the Tax Court; (9) cataloging of complaints; and (10) procedures for taxpayer interviews. (Sec. 309) Eliminates the interest differential on overpayments and underpayments. (Sec. 310) Eliminates the failure to pay penalty as long as an installment payment agreement is in effect. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to accept installment tax liability payments if: (1) such liability does not exceed $10,000; (2) the taxpayer has, during the past five years, paid on time; and (3) the taxpayer has not entered into a prior installment agreement. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide matching funds for qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. (Sec. 319) Provides for studies concerning: (1) taxpayer confidentiality; (2) penalty administration; (3) treating all taxpayers as separate filing units; and (4) burden of proof. Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Oversight - Authorizes the Joint Committee on Taxation (Joint Committee) to procure the services of experts for investigations of the IRS by the General Accounting Office. (Sec. 402) Establishes additional reporting requirements for the Joint Committee. Subtitle B: Budget - Provides for additional budget authority for the IRS, but only on annual basis and only if specified improvements are made in taxpayer services. (Sec. 413) Directs the Commissioner to convene a financial advisory management group to advise the Commissioner. Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS should provide the Congress with an independent view of tax administration. (Sec. 422) Requires a Senate or House of Representatives committee, when reporting legislation including any provision amending the IRC, to contain within the report a Tax Complexity Analysis. (Sec. 423) Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that employers should have a single point of filing tax and wage reporting information. (Sec. 424) Requires the Joint Committee to prepare a study of the feasibility of developing a baseline estimate of taxpayers' compliance burdens against which future legislative proposals could be measured.
Bill· SS. 1130 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to repeal specified funding provisions for the National Indian Gaming Commission. Replaces them with provisions directing the Commission to: (1) require each gaming operation that conducts class II or class III gaming activity that is regulated by the Act to pay to the Commission, on a quarterly basis, a minimum regulatory fee of $250; and (2) establish a schedule of fees to be paid to the Commission that includes fees for each class II and class III gaming activity that is regulated by the Act. Limits: (1) the rate of fees imposed for each class II and class III gaming activity covered under that schedule that is regulated by the Act; and (2) the total amount of fees imposed during any fiscal year under the schedule established. Prohibits aggregate fee amounts collected from exceeding specified limitations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a special fund into which amounts equal to the fees paid shall be deposited to be used to fund the Commission's activities. Revises: (1) Commission budget content requirements; and (2) authorization of appropriations provisions.
Bill· SS. 1126 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Repeals a provision of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33) relating to base periods for Federal unemployment tax purposes (which provided that State definitions of such base periods may not be considered as meeting the requirement for a method of administration reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment compensation when due).
Bill· SS. 1116 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Affordable Education Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (as revised by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997) to exclude from income distributions from qualified tuition programs used for qualifying higher education expenses. Includes within the definition of "qualified State tuition program" programs maintained by eligible educational institutions. Requires such non-State programs to limit annual contributions on behalf of a designated beneficiary to $2,000. Sets forth related excess contribution provisions. (Sec. 3) Makes the exclusion from gross income for employer-provided educational assistance permanent. Includes graduate education assistance within such exclusion. (Sec. 4) Increases the maximum annual contribution limit for education individual retirement accounts to $2,000. Includes specified elementary and secondary school expenses (including home schooling) within the definition of "qualified education expenses."
Bill· SS. 1125 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Highway Bridge Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends Federal highway provisions setting aside specified funds earmarked for the discretionary bridge program to require the Secretary of Transportation, before apportioning authorized funds among the States for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation, to set aside $800 million for each fiscal year from such funds to made available for obligation at the Secretary's discretion. Eliminates provisions earmarking program funds for highway timber bridges.
Bill· SS. 1117 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Contributions Title II: Independent Expenditures Title III: Political Party Committees Title IV: Miscellaneous Title I: Contributions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to: (1) decrease the dollar limit on contributions made to a candidate and the candidate's authorized committees by a multicandidate political committee from $5,000 to $1,000 (the current individual contribution limit); and (2) treat contributions delivered from a bundler (lobbyist or entity of a lobbyist or its agent) to a candidate or the candidate's authorized committees as contributions from the bundler to the candidate as well as from the original contributor. (Sec. 103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a tax credit equal to the total amount of local congressional political contributions made by the individual. (Sec. 104) Amends FECA to require a Senate candidate or the candidate's authorized committees to file a declaration stating the amount of personal funds the candidate intends to use. Modifies specified contribution limits for a Senate candidate in a general election when an opposing Senate candidate or an opponent's authorized committees makes expenditures from personal funds. (Sec. 105) Makes it unlawful for: (1) an individual who is not qualified to vote to make a contribution in a Federal election; or (2) any person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution in a Federal election from an individual who is not qualified to register to vote in a Federal election. (Sec. 106) Revises provisions concerning the indexing of contribution limits. Title II: Independent Expenditures - Sets forth additional reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 202) Redefines "independent expenditure." Title III: Political Party Committees - Amends FECA with respect to "soft money" to: (1) prohibit a national committee of a political party (including a national congressional campaign committee of a political party but not including a State, district, or local committee of a political party) from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to such Act; (2) require a State, district, or local committee of a political party to make Federal election year expenditures (with exceptions) from funds subject to such Act; (3) prohibit a national, State, district, or local committee (including a national congressional campaign committee) from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (4) prohibit an incumbent or candidate for Federal office or agent of a candidate or incumbent from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to such Act, or to solicit or receive funds for a non-Federal election in excess of certain limits or from prohibited sources (with exceptions for State or local candidates in compliance with State law). (Sec. 302) Establishes aggregate and separate individual contribution limits to State Party Grassroots Funds and all committees established by a State committee of a political party. Increases annual individual contribution limits. Sets forth State Party Grassroots Fund and reporting provisions. (Sec. 303) Increases the dollar limit on individual and multicandidate contributions made to political committees established and maintained by national political parties. (Sec. 304) Eliminates the exception for building funds relating to the definition of the term "contribution." Authorizes the filing of State reports by State committees. Requires the reporting of all disbursements made by authorized committees. Revises requirements for the reporting of the names and addresses of persons to whom certain expenditures are made to meet candidate or committee operating expenses, to require the reporting of the election to which the operating expenditure relates. (Sec. 305) Modifies the limit on expenditures that may be made to a national or State political party committee in the general election campaign to an opponent of a Senate or House candidate in the same election when such a candidate or the candidate's authorized committees transfers funds from a previous election cycle to the current election cycle. (Sec. 306) Amends Federal law to prohibit the solicitation of contributions (soft money) by political committees in Federal buildings. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends FECA to prohibit a candidate or officeholder from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee or non-Federal political committee other than the candidate's campaign committee, authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee designated in accordance with the Act, with exceptions. (Sec. 402) Makes it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each member, stockholder, or employee, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect from or assess their stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of the dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation, as the case may be, is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, initiation fee, or other payment if any part of the dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities. States that an authorization shall cease to be effective on the date that it is revoked by the individual that gave the authorization.
Bill· SS. 1131 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research activities.
Bill· SS. 1123 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt specified entertainment industry pension plan recipients from certain reductions in unemployment compensation payable which would otherwise be applicable because of the receipt of pension benefits.
Bill· SS. 1103 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) Transportation Technology Deployment Act of 1997 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to establish a MAGLEV transportation technology system (i.e., a transportation system employing magnetic levitation that would be capable of safe use by the public at a speed in excess of 240 miles per hour) operating along Federal-aid highways and other rights-of-way as part of a national transportation system. Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a High-Speed Ground Transportation Office in the Federal Railroad Administration to coordinate and administer all authorized high-speed rail and MAGLEV programs, to make available financial assistance to provide the Federal share of full project costs of eligible projects selected, and to otherwise carry out this Act; and (2) solicit applications from States, or authorities designated by one or more States, for financial assistance authorized for planning, design, and construction of eligible MAGLEV projects. Sets forth provisions regarding the Federal share, authorized uses of assistance, and project eligibility. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for selecting eligible projects, to evaluate the projects, and to select projects to receive financial assistance. Sets forth provisions regarding joint ventures. Directs the Secretary to conduct research regarding the quantification of benefits derived from the implementation of MAGLEV technology, MAGLEV safety, and the development of domestic MAGLEV technologies and technologies associated with MAGLEV infrastructure. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund to carry out this Act. Specifies that, for the purpose of obtaining tax-exempt bond financing under the Internal Revenue Code, a MAGLEV facility shall be considered to be a high-speed intercity rail facility with an average speed greater than 150 miles per hour.
Bill· SS. 1095 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute Administrative Systems Act of 1997 - Provides that certain civil service laws relating to personnel management shall not apply to applicants for employment with, employees of, or positions in or under the Haskell Indian Nations University and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. Directs the president of each of the respective institutions to prescribe by regulation alternative personnel management provisions. Disallows covering current employees except pursuant to a voluntary election. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to delegate to the president of each of the respective institutions procurement authority with respect to the conduct of the administrative functions of the university. Authorizes as appropriations to each of the respective institutions for FY 1998, and for each fiscal year thereafter: (1) the amount of funds made available by appropriations as operations funding for the administration of such institution for FY 1997; and (2) such additional sums as may be necessary for the operation of such institution pursuant to this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2337 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Level and Distribution of Funds Title II: Program Streamlining Title III: Reduction of Regulation Title IV: Effective Date; Transition Rules Surface Transportation Authorization and Regulatory Streamlining Act - Title I: Level and Distribution of Funds - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 out of the Highway Trust Fund other than the Mass Transit Account (Highway Fund) for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (3) the Federal Lands Highways Program (including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park roads); (4) the Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program; and (5) U.S. territories. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary), beginning in FY 1999, to publish in the Federal Register specified information concerning the use of, and methods of apportionment for, the additional highway account revenues authorized under this Act. Requires 60 percent of such amounts to be apportioned for the NHS, and 40 percent for the STP. (Sec. 103) Provides further apportionment of authorized funds within programs under the NHS and STP. Requires population determinations for apportionment purposes to be based on the most recent estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 104) Provides an apportionment adjustment program under which: (1) Puerto Rico is provided specified additional highway funds; and (2) additional apportionments are made, according to specified apportionment percentages, to low-population-density States (20 individuals or less per square mile) and small States (population of 1.5 million or fewer in a land area of 10,000 square miles or less). Provides five calculation levels for the determination of appropriated amounts to such States. Authorizes appropriations for such additional apportionments out of the Highway Fund for FY 1998 and thereafter. Repeals certain prior apportionment adjustment programs. (Sec. 105) Decreases from three and three-fourths to two the percentage of apportionment funds to be spent on administrative expenses and appropriate highway and transportation research. Requires such expense deduction to be made only after the completion of all other aspects of calculating the apportionment. Requires one percent of NHS and STP funds annually to be set aside for metropolitan planning activities. Directs the Secretary to undertake an enhanced level of research to determine methods of reducing the long- and short-term costs of constructing and maintaining asphalt pavement in areas with severe or frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Requires the Secretary, in selecting research topics, allocating funds, and promoting and developing transportation systems, to give careful consideration to the national interest in transportation issues, infrastructure, and modern transportation technology related to rural areas. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 from the Highway Fund to carry out the recreational trails program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Provides a State apportionment formula and a deduction of up to three percent for administrative expenses. Limits the Federal share to 80 percent of the cost of a recreational trails project. Provides for matching funds from Federal grant programs. (Sec. 107) States that nothing in this Act establishes a limitation on the total of all obligations for any fiscal year for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs. Provides specific rules for any such limitations, including: (1) a distribution formula for FY 1998 and thereafter; (2) the redistribution of unused obligation authority; (3) the authority to obligate up to an additional five percent of all funds apportioned to a State for such programs; and (4) the maintenance of overall program balance. Title II: Program Streamlining - Requires each State, beginning with FY 1998, to certify to the Secretary that: (1) it has reserved an amount for bridge expenditures that is not less than the amount apportioned to such State for such purpose for FY 1997; or (2) the amount the State will reserve to carry out bridge projects between FY 1998 and 2003 will be no less than six times the amount appropriated to the State for such purpose for FY 1997. Directs the Secretary, beginning with FY 1998, to set aside specified amounts for discretionary bridge projects. Repeals provisions: (1) requiring an inventory of highway bridges on public roads and park and Indian reservation bridges; (2) concerning the replacement or rehabilitation of bridges and apportionment of funds for such purpose; (3) concerning bridge inventory reports; and (4) providing for an off-system bridge program as well as a historic bridge program. (Sec. 201) Provides a specified set-aside from the STP for highway safety programs and related activities for FY 1998 through 2003. Allows such funds to be used for the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings. Provides further set-asides for such fiscal years for: (1) transportation enhancement activities; and (2) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement activities. (Sec. 202) Repeals NHS provisions which require the Secretary to remove from designation as a part of the Interstate System (IS) each segment for which that State has not notified the Secretary that it intends to construct such segment and which the Secretary finds is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected IS. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions concerning: (1) the transfer to the apportionments of a State of amounts not used for IS segment construction costs, resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating; and (2) the placing of funding limitations on IS highway or bridge expansion which does not involve high-occupancy-vehicle lanes or auxiliary lanes. (Sec. 204) Makes eligible under the STP an area of a State that is a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to ten micrometers resulting from transportation activities, or for any combination thereof, for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement projects without regard to any Department of Transportation (DOT) limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard addressed by such project. Makes eligible under the STP the placement of funds in a State infrastructure bank approved by the Secretary. Removes a limitation concerning STP projects undertaken on roads classified as local or rural minor collectors. Revises provisions regarding: (1) the determination by a State of its allocation formula used for the apportionment of STP funds for division between urbanized areas of over 200,000 population for FY 1998 and thereafter; and (2) State certification procedures. Extends through FY 2003 the STP obligation authority with respect to such urbanized areas. (Sec. 205) Increases from $300,000 to $500,000 the funds required to be expended by the Secretary to carry out a public information program aimed at preventing and reducing motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and improving driver performance, at railway-highway crossings. Repeals current set-asides for IS and NHS discretionary programs. (Sec. 206) Establishes the Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program to provide funds for projects on State-owned or maintained highways that cross, are adjacent to, or lead to federally owned land or Indian reservations. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) project funds distribution; and (2) the transfer of project funds to a State to carry out projects on Federal lands highways within such State. Title III: Reduction of Regulation - Directs the Secretary to carry out a periodic review of all significant DOT rules to determine which should be amended, rescinded, or continued without change. Requires publication of a plan for such review. (Sec. 302) States that any decision by the Secretary concerning a State transportation plan or program shall not be considered a Federal action subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (Sec. 303) Removes the requirement that, after September 30, 2000, a State must use or plan to use metric system designations as part of a Federal-aid highway project. Title IV: Effective Date; Transition Rules - Makes this Act effective on the date of enactment and applicable only to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after September 30, 1997, except as otherwise specified. Provides for State transfers of unobligated funds apportioned to the State before October 1, 1997.
Bill· HRH.R. 2351 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 Title II: Tax Incentives Title III: Authorization of Appropriations Endangered Species Recovery Act of 1997 - Title I: Amendments to Endangered Species Act of 1973 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to include within the definition of "species" the last remaining distinct population segment in the United States of any plant or invertebrate species. States that "interim habitat" includes habitat necessary to support either current populations of a species or populations necessary to ensure survival, whichever is larger. (Sec. 102) Revises requirements regarding designation of critical habitat to require the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce, as appropriate, to designate: (1) interim habitat concurrently with making a determination that a species is endangered or threatened; (2) critical habitat concurrently with adoption of a final recovery plan for a species; and (3) interim and critical habitat in the case of a highly migratory marine species. Requires the Secretary to designate interim habitat based only on biological factors, giving special consideration to habitat currently occupied by the species. (Sec. 103) Establishes a schedule for publishing species listing determinations. (Sec. 105) Provides for draft and final recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Expands plan provisions to require: (1) provisions for conservation in the recovery plan area of all endangered or threatened species, candidate species, and species proposed for such listing; (2) descriptions of actions likely to violate taking or jeopardy prohibitions; (3) a list of Federal agencies, States, tribes, and local government entities significantly affected by plan goals or management actions that should complete a recovery implementation plan; and (4) the selection of independent scientists to determine criteria for making determinations to remove a species from the list. Directs Federal agencies significantly affected by plan goals or management actions to develop and implement recovery implementation plans required to: (1) identify affirmative conservation duties and management responsibilities to contribute to achievement of plan goals; (2) set forth specific actions, timetables, and funding to achieve and monitor progress of goals or responsibilities; and (3) identify lands or waters under agency jurisdiction that may provide suitable habitat for the species and actions needed to acquire additional habitat or contribute to species recovery on agency lands or waters. (Sec. 106) Includes Indian tribes in the definition of "State" for purposes of provisions regarding cooperative agreements and funding for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. (Sec. 107) Requires Federal agencies to monitor the status and trends of endangered, threatened, and candidate species that occur on lands or waters under their administration. Directs Federal agencies, in cases where certain authorized takings of endangered or threatened species of a marine mammal are involved, to: (1) report to the Secretary every two years on the amount of incidental take that has occurred as a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact; and (2) reinitiate consultation with the Secretary if the amount authorized has been exceeded. Applies provisions regarding interagency cooperation and consultation to species in a foreign country or on the high seas. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure timely conclusion of Federal consultations regarding listing of species. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to limit the duration of certain permits issued for acts or takings otherwise prohibited as necessary to ensure that changes in circumstances that could occur in the period and that would jeopardize the continued existence of species are reasonably foreseeable. Expands elements of conservation plans required to be submitted by applicants for permits authorizing takings. Adds to the list of conditions required to be met for permit issuance that the activities authorized by the permit and conservation plan are consistent with species recovery and will result in no net loss of the value to the species of the habitat occupied. Requires annual reports by the permittee on the biological status of the species in the affected area, on permitted action and habitat conservation plan impacts on the species, and on whether the plan's biological goals are being met. Revokes permits for noncompliance with permit conditions or this Act or for exceeding the authorized level of take. Requires the Secretary, using financial security provided by the permittee and the Habitat Conservation Fund, to undertake to conserve species where a permittee defaults on permit or plan obligations. Directs the Secretary to implement a streamlined application and approval procedure for incidental take permits and plans determined to be low effect, small scale plans. Lists criteria to be met for consideration as a low effect, small scale plan. Provides for monitoring of such plans and requires the Secretary to pay costs of implementing additional requirements or restrictions to ensure that actions authorized by such plans do not jeopardize the continued existence of any species determined to be endangered or threatened after such a plan was approved. Sets forth requirements for the deposit of performance bonds and other financial security by incidental take permit (other than low effect, small scale) applicants. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Plan Fund for: (1) paying the costs of additional conservation measures and restrictions for species recovery not covered by, or occurring as a result of failure of, plans; (2) permitting costs; and (3) restoring natural resources with respect to which damages are deposited. Requires the Secretary to encourage the development of multiple landowner, multispecies conservation plans, including by streamlining permitting processes across State and local jurisdictions. Sets forth requirements for incidental take certificates issued by such jurisdictions. Provides for public participation in the development of such plans and directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing a development process which ensures an equitable balance of participation among citizens with primary interests in economic development activities that may affect species conservation, and species conservation, respectively. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to invite independent scientists with expertise on species that may be affected by the plan to provide input. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community Assistance Program to provide timely and accurate information to local governments or property owners. Requires the Secretary, under such Program, to assign to each U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office employees whose duties include providing information on impacts of actions under, and assistance on compliance with, the Act and serving as a focal point for questions, requests, complaints, and suggestions from property owners and local governments. (Sec. 109) Expands the list of violations for which citizen suits may be brought to include violations of any permit, the Secretary's opinion statement regarding the impact of Federal agency actions on species and proposed conservation actions, or any agreement concluded under the Act. Makes certain time frames for bringing actions inapplicable to actions brought for emergencies posing a significant risk to any endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife, or plant (or those proposed for listing). (Sec. 110) Makes persons who negligently damage any member or habitat of an endangered or threatened species liable to the United States and a State for the costs incurred in restoring or replacing the member or habitat. Title II: Tax Incentives - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into endangered species conservation agreements with owners or lessees of real property on which conservation measures for endangered, threatened, or candidate species or species proposed for listing are to be carried out. Requires the Secretary to establish a technical assistance program in cooperation with the States to assist landowners with such agreements. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the value of a taxable estate be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate an amount equal to the value of real property included in the gross estate which is subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Provides for recapture in certain cases. (Sec. 203) Allows an additional tax deduction for State and local real property taxes imposed on real property subject to such agreements. (Sec. 204) Allows a tax credit for costs incurred in connection with such agreements. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act through FY 2002.
Bill· HRH.R. 2329 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
National Dividend Act of 1997 - Establishes a program for the distribution of certain corporate tax revenues, through the chief financial officer of each State, to the registered voters of each State in the form of dividend payments. Establishes in the Treasury the National Dividend Payment Trust Fund. Authorizes payment into the Fund of specified amounts from: (1) the corporate income tax; (2) the tax on the unrelated business income of certain tax-exempt organizations; (3) the capital gains tax; (4) the tax on insurance company income; and (5) the alternative minimum tax on corporations. Establishes a National Dividend Review Board to review the manner in which payments are made from the Fund and to invest Fund amounts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income all dividend income received by a taxpayer from domestic corporations, including dividends received under this Act. Increases the corporate income tax deduction for dividends received by a corporation on the preferred stock of a public utility. Prohibits corporate income tax rates from exceeding 34 percent. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to declare it out of order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider budget resolutions for FY 1999 and thereafter that would increase the level of total budget outlays beyond those budgeted for FY 1998. Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress to increase the internal revenue, except if there is a: (1) declaration of war; or (2) military conflict causing an imminent and serious threat to national security and a joint resolution declaring so has been adopted.
Bill· HRH.R. 2341 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) Transportation Technology Deployment Act of 1997 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to establish a MAGLEV transportation technology system (i.e., transportation systems employing magnetic levitation that would be capable of safe use by the public at a speed in excess of 240 miles per hour) operating along Federal-aid highway and other rights-of-way as part of a national transportation system. Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a High-Speed Ground Transportation Office in the Federal Railroad Administration to coordinate and administer all authorized high-speed rail and MAGLEV programs, to make available financial assistance to provide the Federal share of full project costs of eligible projects selected, and to otherwise carry out this Act; and (2) solicit applications from States, or authorities designated by one or more States, for financial assistance authorized for planning, design, and construction of eligible MAGLEV projects. Sets forth provisions regarding the Federal share, authorized uses of assistance, and project eligibility. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for selecting eligible projects, evaluate the projects, and select projects to receive financial assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funding for a project even if high-speed rail technologies in addition to MAGLEV are still being evaluated for the project under specified circumstances where a State law directs a State entity to prepare a plan to construct and operate a high-speed rail system. Sets forth provisions regarding joint ventures. Directs the Secretary to conduct research regarding the quantification of benefits derived from the implementation of MAGLEV technology, MAGLEV safety, and the development of domestic MAGLEV technologies and technologies associated with MAGLEV infrastructure. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund to carry out this Act. Specifies that, for the purpose of obtaining tax-exempt bond financing under the Internal Revenue Code, a MAGLEV facility shall be considered to be a high-speed intercity rail facility with an average speed greater than 150 miles per hour.
Bill· HRH.R. 2364 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Defense Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts Title III: Entitlements Title I: Defense - Directs the Secretary of Defense to reduce: (1) by FY 2003 the Department of Defense (DOD) strategic nuclear force to include a maximum of 300 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles; and (2) DOD theater missile defense programs by terminating the Navy sea-based area theater missile defense system, the Army Medium Extended Air Defense System, the Air Force airborne laser for destruction of missiles system, and the Space and Missile Tracking System. (Sec. 102) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for the production of Trident II (D-5) missiles for the Navy. Requires the Secretary to retire eight Trident I submarines during FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 103) Prohibits funds from being appropriated to DOD for fiscal years after 1997 for: (1) assistance to Israel for development of the Arrow missile; and (2) research, development, test, and evaluation or for procurement for the Marine Corps V-22 Osprey aircraft program. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to retire 20 Air Force KC-135E aircraft during each of FY 1998 through 2002. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to assign to a unit of the armed forces members who are: (1) in transit during a scheduled move from one military installation to another; and (2) undergoing military training other than basic training. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary to increase the surcharge on sale prices of goods and services sold in commissary stores so that commissary prices are increased by at least ten percent. (Sec. 108) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide that any sale of major defense equipment approved under such Act shall include an appropriate charge for costs incurred by the United States in the research, development, and production of such equipment. Provides an exception. Repeals a provision of such Act which allows for the recovery of certain administrative expenses when such expenses are neither salaries of U.S. armed forces nor represent unfunded estimated costs of civilian retirement and other benefits. Title II: Other Discretionary Accounts - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to terminate U.S. participation in the International Space Station program. Authorizes appropriations for termination costs. (Sec. 202) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to require the interest rates on loans and advances under such Act to equal the coupon equivalent yield on Treasury obligations of comparable maturity at the most recent Treasury auction of such obligations. Provides for loan origination fees from borrowers of loans made under such Act. Eliminates references to existing interest rates under such Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to eliminate below-cost timber sales from National Forest System lands. (Sec. 204) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding the foreign market development cooperator program. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 regarding the Cochran Fellowship Program. (Sec. 206) Prohibits the NASA Administrator from obligating funds for the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program, High-Speed Research, or the National Aeronautics Facility. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 effective September 30, 1997. (Sec. 208) Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to prohibit the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act after September 30, 1997. Title III: Entitlements - Requires, for any arrangement for the sale of electric power entered into by a Federal Power Marketing Administration after October 1, 1997, that: (1) the rate for the sale of power be the market rate established by competitive bidding and no discount be provided to any purchaser; and (2) no entity be entitled to any preference or priority right to contract for or purchase such power. Makes certain provisions of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act regarding a residential power exchange program inapplicable to arrangements for the purchase or sale of electric power entered into after October 1, 1997. Prohibits Federal Power Marketing Administrations from entering into or renewing a power marketing contract for a term that exceeds five years. (Sec. 302) Repeals provisions of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 regarding a market access program. (Sec. 303) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend and increase tobacco price support program marketing assessments on producers, purchasers, and importers. (Sec. 304) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the payment of in-school interest by certain student loan borrowers. (Sec. 305) Amends Federal veterans' provisions to increase from $2 to $5 the prescription drug copayment required from certain veterans. Extends such requirement through FY 2002.
Bill· HRH.R. 2362 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Republican Form of Government Guarantee Act - Revises Federal criminal code provisions setting penalties for assaulting, resisting, intimidating, or impeding any of specified U.S. officers and employees (including Federal judges), to: (1) cover persons who commit such acts against State or local government officers or employees or persons assisting such officers or employees in the performance of official duty; and (2) increase penalties for such acts. Sets a minimum term of two years' imprisonment for: (1) transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing a threat to kidnap or injure any person; and (2) depositing, or causing to be delivered, any communication threatening to kidnap or injure any person. Declares that each person not otherwise disqualified, barred, or disabled by State or Federal law shall have the right to participate in a republican form of State government free from interference from unlawful violence and the reasonably perceived threat of such violence. Creates a private cause of action, as well as a government remedy (enforceable by the chief executive officer of any State) against any individual or organization for a violation of that right. Authorizes the court to award a reasonable attorney's fee to a prevailing plaintiff. Sets a five-year statute of limitations that begins with the date of discovery of the violation. Directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a training program for Federal law enforcement personnel to enable them to deal more effectively with politically motivated violence. Authorizes an agency that determines that an agency employee or agent is being unlawfully and physically prevented from carrying out lawful duties by employees or agents of a State, county, or local government, to file a complaint with the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to investigate the complaint and, if the Attorney General finds the complaint is meritorious, to place in escrow any payments that otherwise would be made to that county under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act of 1976 until such time as such interference has ceased.
Bill· HRH.R. 2333 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Senior Citizen Bill of Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the additional (85 percent) tax on social security benefits after a four-year phased-in reduction period. (Sec. 3) Excludes from gross income up to $250,000 ($500,000 in the case of a joint return) from the sale or exchange of a principal residence owned and used as such for two years aggregate during the five-year period prior to sale. Limits such exclusion to one sale every two years. Repeals the nonrecognition of gain on residence rollovers. (Sec. 4) Repeals the estate, gift, and generation-skipping tax provisions. (Sec. 5) Requires qualifying health plans to continue coverage for persons 55 years or older who lose their jobs until such persons are eligible for Medicare. Increases maximum permitted premiums during such period. (Sec. 6) Amends Federal criminal law to provide for the forfeiture and use of telemarketing fraud proceeds for a specified national information hotline. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to increase sentencing guidelines in cases involving: (1) vulnerable victims; and (2) use of a foreign location to impede fraud prosecution. (Sec. 7) Amends the Social Security Act to provide that certain transitional primary insurance amounts under the old age, survivors and disability insurance (OASDI) program shall be no lower than those under a specified pre-1977 formula. (Sec. 8) Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act to provide for reasonable pet ownership in federally assisted housing by elderly or disabled tenants. (Sec. 9) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide for off-budgeting treatment of OASDI administrative costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2335 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Persons With Disabilities Trusts Tax Rate Restoration Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a special tax rate on trusts established exclusively for the care of mentally ill or disabled beneficiaries.
Bill· HRH.R. 2318 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to repeal specified airline ticket tax provisions. States that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied as if such provisions had never been enacted.
Bill· HRH.R. 2321 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Caddie Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat golf caddies performing services for nonprofessional golfers as nonemployees for employment tax purposes.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 206 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2014 (budget reconciliation).
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 138 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1997
Makes technical corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 2014 (tax revisions).
Bill· SS. 1091 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for maintenance of Indian reservation school roads. Amends Federal highway law to define Indian reservation school road as a public road that is: (1) within, adjacent to, or provides access to an Indian reservation (including associated trust land and restricted Indian land) having a land area of ten million acres or more; and (2) used by a school bus to transport children to or from a school or Headstart program. Includes such a road in the Federal lands highway program so that it can be treated under the same uniform policies as roads which are on the Federal-aid system. Requires funds available for Indian reservation school roads to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to pay for their maintenance cost in accordance with this Act. Allows a State or county with such roads on its maintenance system to apply for funding from the Secretary for the roads' maintenance, which the Secretary may grant if the Secretary determines that such funding from other sources is not sufficient to provide maintenance that ensures the safety and welfare of children being transported in a school bus to and from a school or Headstart program. Requires all maintenance work funded under this Act to be performed by: (1) contract awarded by competitive bidding; or (2) a State or county that the Secretary has determined has the ability to administer efficiently funds granted for such maintenance. Directs the Secretary to ensure that funding made available under this Act for Indian reservation school roads' maintenance for each fiscal year is supplementary to and not in lieu of any obligation of funds by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for road maintenance programs on Indian reservations.
Bill· SS. 1087 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Older Industrial Region Rail and Port Access and Modernization Act - Establishes a program of grants by the Secretary of Transportation to applicant older industrial States (Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire) for assistance in carrying out one or more transportation projects for: (1) connecting all railroads to ports and ensuring that double-stack rail cars can travel freely throughout such States; (2) enlarging tunnels and embankments and removing, repairing, or replacing bridges or other obstructions that inhibit the free movement of freight or passenger rail cars and the use of double-stack rail cars; (3) repairing, upgrading, and purchasing railbeds and tracks, including improving track safety; and (4) constructing, operating, and maintaining train maintenance facilities and facilities for the transfer of goods and individuals between other transportation modes, including intermodal truck-train transfer facilities, passenger rail stations, and bulk fuel transfer facilities. Sets the Federal share of such projects, which the grants represent, at 80 percent. Establishes in the Treasury the Older Industrial Rail Modernization and Port Access Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury to pay guaranteed loans for rail projects in an older industrial State. Limits the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such obligations at $50 million for any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2292 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities Title II: Electronic Filing Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service Subtitle A: Oversight Subtitle B: Budget Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Executive Branch Governance and Senior Management of the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Executive Branch Government and Senior Management - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to replace current provisions establishing the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue with provisions establishing the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board (the Board). Requires that seven of the nine members of the Board not be full-time Federal officers or employees. Requires that all Board members have expertise in, among other things: (1) management of large service organizations; (2) customer service; and (3) the needs and concerns of taxpayers. Requires the Board to: (1) review and approve strategic plans of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) review the operational functions of the IRS; (3) select the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Commissioner), as well as senior IRS managers, and review the Commissioner's reorganization plans; and (4) review and approve the IRS budget request, as well as ensure audits of the IRS. (Sec. 102) Replaces current provisions which authorize the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to employ such personnel as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the internal revenue laws with provisions requiring there to be in the Department of the Treasury a Commissioner who shall be appointed by the Board for a five-year term. Sets forth the duties of the Commissioner, including the: (1) administration and management of the internal revenue laws; and (2) Commissioner's responsibility to consult with the Board. Establishes and sets forth duties for: (1) a Chief Counsel for the IRS to be appointed by the President; (2) the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations; (3) an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 103) Replaces current provisions concerning the effect of reorganization plans with provisions which authorize the Commissioner to employ such number of persons as proper to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws. Subtitle B: Personnel Flexibilities - Directs the Commissioner to establish a performance management system covering IRS employees which: (1) establishes retention standards; and (2) establishes performance goals or objectives. Provides for awards based on performance, but prohibits making an award solely on the basis of tax enforcement results. Sets forth other provisions concerning: (1) classification and pay; (2) staffing; and (3) demonstration projects. Title II: Electronic Filing - Provides for paperless filing and payment of taxes. Title III: Taxpayer Protection and Rights - Sets forth provisions concerning taxpayer protections and rights, including provisions concerning: (1) authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders; (2) authority to award costs and fees; (3) damages for negligence in collection actions; (4) criteria and procedures for selecting taxpayers for examination; (5) archival treatment of IRS records; (6) freedom of information; (7) offers-in-compromise; (8) jurisdiction of the Tax Court; (9) cataloging of complaints; and (10) procedures for taxpayer interviews. (Sec. 309) Eliminates the interest differential on overpayments and underpayments. (Sec. 310) Eliminates the failure to pay penalty as long as an installment payment agreement is in effect. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to accept installment tax liability payments if: (1) such liability does not exceed $10,000; (2) the taxpayer has, during the past five years, paid on time; and (3) the taxpayer has not entered into a prior installment agreement. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to make grants to provide matching funds for qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. (Sec. 319) Provides for studies concerning: (1) taxpayer confidentiality; (2) penalty administration; (3) treating all taxpayers as separate filing units; and (4) burden of proof. Title IV: Congressional Accountability for the Internal Revenue Service - Subtitle A: Oversight - Authorizes the Joint Committee on Taxation (Joint Committee) to procure the services of experts for investigations of the IRS by the General Accounting Office. (Sec. 402) Establishes additional reporting requirements for the Joint Committee. Subtitle B: Budget - Provides for additional budget authority for the IRS, but only on annual basis and only if specified improvements are made in taxpayer services. (Sec. 413) Directs the Commissioner to convene a financial advisory management group to advise the Commissioner. Subtitle C: Tax Law Complexity - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS should provide the Congress with an independent view of tax administration. (Sec. 422) Requires a Senate or House of Representatives committee, when reporting legislation including any provision amending the IRC, to contain within the report a Tax Complexity Analysis. (Sec. 423) Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that employers should have a single point of filing tax and wage reporting information. (Sec. 424) Requires the Joint Committee to prepare a study of the feasibility of developing a baseline estimate of taxpayers' compliance burdens against which future legislative proposals could be measured.
Bill· HRH.R. 2310 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude all gain on the sale of a principal residence if owned and used as the principal residence for periods aggregating at least three years during the five-year period prior to sale or exchange. Sets forth special rules relating to: (1) jointly held property; (2) a deceased spouse; (3) a cooperative housing tenant-stockholder; (4) partial principal residence use; (5) determination of marital status; (6) acquisition after involuntary conversion; and (7) periods of out-of-residence health care.
Bill· HRH.R. 2311 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Kid's Bank Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include under the definition of an eligible lender a bank that: (1) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit foundation; (2) makes HEA student loans only to undergraduate students who are age 22 or younger; and (3) has a portfolio of such loans that is not more than $10 million.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 202 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1997
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2015 (budget reconciliation).
Bill· SS. 1082 (105th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to authorize appropriations, without fiscal year limitation, for the U.S. contribution to the eighth general increase in the authorized capital stock of the Inter-American Development Bank. Amends the Asian Development Bank Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the Asian Development Bank to contribute on behalf of the United States a specified amount to the Asian Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations without fiscal year limitation. Amends the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to subscribe on behalf of the United States to specified additional shares of the Bank's capital stock. Authorizes appropriations without fiscal year limitation. Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize appropriations, without fiscal year limitation, for the U.S. contribution to the 11th replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to increase: (1) the amount of loans (equivalent to Special Drawing Rights) the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to make to the International Monetary Fund; and (2) the authorization of appropriations for such loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 2285 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Directs the Attorney General to consider FY 1997 H-1B visa petitions (specialty occupations or fashion models) without regard to certain numerical limitations. Provides for certain FY 1998 corresponding visa reductions.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 201 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1997
Waives provisions of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives that require a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House with respect to any resolution reported by such Committee to provide for the consideration or disposition of either of the following measures, including any amendment, conference report, or any amendment from conference in disagreement thereon: (1) H.R. 2015 (budget reconciliation) if such a resolution is reported before August 3, 1997; or (2) H.R. 2014 (tax revisions) if such a resolution is reported after July 30, 1997.
Bill· SS. 1077 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments Act of 1997 - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to revise definitions. Establishes (in lieu of the National Indian Gaming Commission) the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Commission as an independent U.S. agency. Directs the Commission to establish minimum Federal standards for background investigations, internal control systems, and licensing. Grants the Commission investigatory authority. Sets forth the regulatory framework for class II and III gaming. Directs the President to establish the Advisory Committee on Minimum Regulatory Requirements and Licensing Standards. Sets forth requirements for: (1) licensing; (2) conduct of class I, II, and III gaming on Indian lands; and (3) contract review. Sets forth civil penalty and judicial review provisions. Funds the Commission from authorized appropriations and class II and III gaming fees. Applies specified tax withholding and bank reporting requirements to Indian gaming operations. Requires the Commission to make certain law enforcement information available to State and tribal authorities.
Bill· SS. 1074 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Child Support Guidelines Commission Title II: Centralized Child Support Enforcement Title III: Effective Dates Child Support Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: National Child Support Guidelines Commission - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to study and evaluate various child support guidelines used by the States, identify their benefits and deficiencies, and recommend improvements. Prescribes matters for Commission consideration. Requires the Commission to submit a final assessment to the Congress and the President on how State child support guideline models are serving custodial parents and children. Title II: Centralized Child Support Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish an Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Centralized Child Support Enforcement in the Internal Revenue Service to locate absent parents, facilitate enforcement of child support obligations, and establish a Division of Enforcement by October 1, 1997; and (2) promulgate regulations for the coordination of activities among the Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Centralized Child Support Enforcement, the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the States. (Sec. 202) Amends the Social Security Act with respect to the Federal Parent Locator Service to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) compare information in the National Directory of New Hires against information in the support case abstracts in the Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders at least every two business days; and (2) report matches of the two files within two business days to the Division of Enforcement for centralized enforcement. (Sec. 203) Prescribes Division of Enforcement duties. Authorizes the Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Centralized Child Support Enforcement, through the Division of Enforcement, to assess and collect unpaid arrearages under the same enforcement guidelines as pertain to a tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code whose collection would be jeopardized by delay. Authorizes use of the Federal courts for such enforcement. (Sec. 204) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide for State cooperation with the Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Centralized Child Support Enforcement to facilitate information exchange regarding child support cases and the enforcement of orders by the Commissioner. Title III: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2280 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
Amends Federal armed services law and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to prohibit the head of an agency from obligating funds to pay a contractor under contract with the agency more than $250,000 in a fiscal year for the costs of compensation paid with respect to the services of any one individual.
Bill· HRH.R. 2279 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
Prohibits the head of a defense agency from obligating funds to pay a defense contractor for a single individual's compensation costs to the extent that the total compensation paid in a fiscal year to such individual exceeds $250,000.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 199 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 2264 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies appropriations).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 198 (105th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1997
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 2266 (Department of Defense appropriations).
Bill· SS. 1069 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
National Discovery Trails Act of 1997 - Amends the National Trails System 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. Permits such trails to be designated on nonfederal lands, with an owner's consent. Allows such consent to be revoked at any time. Prohibits a trail from being considered feasible and desirable for designation as a national discovery trail unless it: (1) links 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, exclusive of any nonfederal property for which an owner has not provided consent for inclusion and use. 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 provide for a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development, and use of the Federal portions of the trail and provide technical assistance to States, local units of government, and private landowners, as requested, for nonfederal portions of the trail.
Bill· SS. 1070 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Grants Title II: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Tax Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Grants - Directs the Secretaries of Education and Labor, using funds made available from the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund, to make grants to eligible agencies and organizations for carrying out education and workforce activities described by this title. Requires grants provided to local educational agencies or organizations with experience in carrying out such activities to be used for: (1) providing professional development for teachers and principals; (2) developing programs to provide business experience to teachers participating in vocational or technology training; (3) constructing, renovating, or improving educational facilities for workforce training programs; (4) developing partnerships between businesses and vocational education or training providers to carry out student internships; (5) providing youth and adult workforce training with remedial help; (6) establishing model benchmarks to be used in education and workforce training curricula; (7) providing for evaluations of other education and workforce training activities; (8) assisting in mentoring and parental involvement programs and career path records for students; (9) establishing and assessing voluntary skill standards for workforce training participants; (10) assessing the need for, and improving, educational technology in the metropolitan region; and (11) providing resources to extend a school year or day. Sets forth provisions regarding distribution of funds and maintenance of fiscal effort with respect to such activities. (Sec. 103) Establishes the: (1) Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Partnership in the Departments of Labor and Education; and (2) Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Board within the Partnership. Requires the Board to provide advice to the Secretaries on applications and grants and report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on Partnership activities. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretaries to accept voluntary and uncompensated services in furtherance of this title. Permits the Partnership to accept monetary contributions to defray expenses. Title II: Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Tax - Amends the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 to define "gross income," in the case of nonresidents of the District, as income derived from: (1) salaries or compensation for personal services performed within the District, including Federal employee compensation; (2) certain trade or business conducted in the District, including sales or dealings in District property; and (3) rent on property located in the District. Imposes an income tax on nonresidents at a rate equal to one-third of the rate applied to residents. Provides for deductions and personal exemptions with respect to such tax. Bars the District Council from: (1) imposing any additional tax on the personal income of nonresidents unless the same proportion of tax is imposed on the personal income of residents; and (2) providing deductions or personal exemptions to residents which are not also available to nonresidents. Allocates the revenues received from income tax on nonresidents as follows: (1) one-third to the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority for funding the repair and modernization of District public schools; and (2) two-thirds to the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund. Sets forth a formula for the phasing-in of the nonresident income tax. (Sec. 202) Repeals provisions of the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 regarding the unincorporated business tax. Provides that unincorporated businesses as such shall not be subject to tax. Requires individuals carrying on business as unincorporated businesses to be liable in their individual capacity, for personal income tax as residents or nonresidents, with respect to their distributive share of the net income of the business derived from sources within the District. Sets forth provisions regarding allowable excess deductions with respect to such businesses. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements for tax withholding by employers of nonresidents and revises provisions regarding declarations of estimated tax. (Sec. 204) Allows a credit against income tax imposed under this title for residents subject to income tax of another State. Disallows such credit if the other State allows a credit for income tax paid to the District. (Sec. 206) Grants States and territories the right to sue in the District's Superior Court to recover any tax due when the reciprocal right is accorded to the District by the State or territory. Authorizes the Corporation Counsel to bring suit in the name of the District to collect taxes. (Sec. 207) Establishes the Metropolitan Washington Education and Workforce Training Trust Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretaries to obligate sums from the Fund to make grants under title I of this Act.
Law· HRH.R. 2266 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, and Air Force and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at formerly used defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid programs; and (6) former Soviet Union threat reduction. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for procurement by the armed forces and reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Working Capital Funds; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) payment to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Fund; and (4) national security scholarships, fellowships, and grants (using funds derived from the National Security Education Trust Fund). Title VIII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8008) Authorizes appropriated procurement funds to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. (Sec. 8010) Prohibits during FY 1998 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8018) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8029) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8031) Directs the Secretary to reduce by $55 million the total amounts appropriated in titles II through IV to reflect savings from the DOD use of defense federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Reduces by $86.3 million the total amounts appropriated in title II to reflect savings from the decreased use of non-FFRDC consulting services. (Sec. 8032) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY 1998. (Sec. 8045) Prohibits the use of funds for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification. (Sec. 8050) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements or to hire additional personnel for such agencies, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program; (3) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated; and (4) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1997, level. (Sec. 8055) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8071) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees on all costs incurred by DOD during the preceding quarter in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) resolutions. (Sec. 8072) Prohibits the use of FY 1997 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8079) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense committees a report identifying any activity for which the FY 1999 budget request was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for that activity for FY 1998. (Sec. 8080) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless certain savings are realized by DOD as a result of such restructuring. Requires a related report from the Comptroller General. (Sec. 8082) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to permit the use of equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project on a space-available, reimbursable basis. (Sec. 8093) Reduces by specified amounts the total amount appropriated in this Act to reflect savings due to: (1) excess inventory; (2) shared cleanup costs; and (3) the repeal of provisions requiring certain defense contractor guarantees with respect to major weapon systems. (Sec. 8098) Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees: (1) an aviation safety plan of navigational safety upgrades for all DOD aircraft, along with funding requirements; and (2) a report on alternatives for current theater combat simulations. (Sec. 8101) Requires each annual Federal budget beginning with FY 1999 to include budget activity groups which separately identify all DOD costs incurred to support NATO expansion. (Sec. 8102) Prohibits DOD funds for any fiscal year from being obligated for the deployment of U.S. troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina after: (1) June 30, 1998; or (2) such later date as specifically prescribed by law. Provides exceptions. Prohibits any such funds from being used for the conduct or support of law enforcement activities in such areas, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the political and military conditions in such countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 2261 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Financial Programs Subtitle A: General Business Loans Subtitle B: Certified Development Company Program Subtitle C: Small Business Investment Company Program Subtitle D: Microloan Program Title III: Women's Business Enterprises Title IV: Competitiveness Program Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Small Business Assistance Programs Reauthorization Amendments Acts of 1997 - Title I: Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to authorize appropriations and provide funding levels for FY 1998 through 2000 for various programs under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA). Title II: Financial Programs - Subtitle A: General Business Loans - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to prescribe final regulations permitting bank and nonbank lenders to sell or securitize the nonguaranteed portion of general business loans made under the Act that were originated or purchased by the lender, provided there is recourse to the lender for any defaulted loans. Directs the Administrator to verify a general business loan applicant's criminal background through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Subtitle B: Certified Development Company Program - Amends the SBIA with respect to the certified development company (CDC) program to: (1) increase the loan fee under such program; (2) require such fee to be established annually by the SBA in the minimal amount necessary to reduce to zero the cost to the SBA of purchasing and guaranteeing debentures under the CDC program; and (3) extend through FY 2000 the authority for such program. (Sec. 222) Amends the SBIA with respect to the premier certified lenders program to: (1) repeal a provision limiting to 15 the number of CDCs authorized to participate; and (2) revise eligibility conditions and loss reserve requirements for participating CDCs (requiring replenishment of loss reserves paid to the SBA by a CDC). Requires participating CDCs to establish a goal of processing a minimum of at least 50 percent of their total loan applications pursuant to the program. (Sec. 229) Repeals a provision of the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 which establishes requirements for the CDC program. Empowers a premier certified lender to authorize, close, service, foreclose, litigate, and liquidate loans made under the program. (Sec. 232) Allows up to 25 percent of any SBIA project for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion to be permanently leased by the assisted small business, as long as such business occupies and uses at least 55 percent of the space in the project after lease execution. Provides seller financing and collateral requirements under such projects. Prohibits a project loan from being denied or delayed for approval by the Administrator due to concerns over preexisting environmental conditions, as long as the CDC complies with certain requirements. Subtitle C: Small Business Investment Company Program - Amends provisions of the Act and the SBIA relating to the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program to: (1) allow amounts obligated under the SBIC to be committed for five fiscal years (currently obligated in one fiscal year and committed in the next); (2) allow an SBIC-participating company to make quarterly (currently, only annual) payments to its shareholders up to the amount of their tax liability; (3) revise a leverage fee payment schedule; (4) direct the SBA to issue guarantees and trust certificates (representing debentures issued by SBICs) at least every six (currently, three) months; (5) allow the maximum amount of outstanding leverage made available to a participating SBIC to be increased annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index; (6) limit to $90 million the total amount of leverage issued to any one company; (7) require each leverage applicant to make certain certifications with respect to the amount of financings to be provided solely to smaller enterprises; (8) authorize the Administrator to prescribe fees for participation as an SBIC; and (9) provide for the deposit and use of SBIC examination fees. Subtitle D: Microloan Program - Amends provisions of the Act relating to the Microloan Program to: (1) increase to $3.5 million the total amount authorized to be outstanding and committed to any one intermediary under the Program; (2) revise loan loss reserve levels required of participating intermediaries under the Program during various years of participation; and (3) extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the Program. Title III: Women's Business Enterprises - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to: (1) require a report from the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise to be transmitted to the President through the SBA and to include a status report on Committee progress in meeting its responsibilities and duties; (2) require the National Women's Business Council to submit to the President and the small business committees an annual activities report; (3) extend the deadline for presidential appointment of a chairperson for the Council; (4) increase from nine to 14 the number of Council members; and (5) increase, and extend through FY 2000, the authorization of appropriations under such Act. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the SBA to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Outlines participation conditions and Federal and non-Federal contribution requirements. Directs each applicant to submit a five-year plan to the SBA on proposed fund raising and training activities. Directs the SBA to evaluate and rank applicants based on predetermined selection criteria stated in terms of relative importance. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the small business committees on projects conducted. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 306) Establishes the position of Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership with specified duties in the administration of Office programs and services for women entrepreneurs. Directs the SBA to develop and implement an annual programmatic and financial examination of each women's business center. Title IV: Competitiveness Program - Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to: (1) extend permanently the small business competitiveness demonstration program; (2) require participating agencies to monitor the attainment of their small business participation goals on an annual (currently, quarterly) basis; (3) extend permanently required annual reports to the Congress concerning such program; and (4) extend permanently (currently terminates at the end of FY 1997) small business participation in contracting opportunities for dredging. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to women's business centers for the establishment of small business development centers (SBDCs). Requires each SBDC to annually review and coordinate public and private partnerships and cosponsorships with the SBA in order to more efficiently leverage available resources on a national and State basis. Increases: (1) the maximum amount of funds available to a State SBDC participant (with specified exceptions and conditions); and (2) the services provided under the SBDC program. Requires any contract under such program which is not renewed or extended to be made on a competitive basis. Prohibits a participating SBDC from imposing or collecting a fee for the provision of counseling services under the program. (Sec. 502) Includes as an SBDC service the provision to small business owners of access to a wide variety of export-related information through computer linkages. Authorizes FY 1998 and 1999 appropriations for the export information service. (Sec. 503) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot preferred surety bond guarantee program. (Sec. 504) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2000 a pilot program under which the Administrator provides increased access to Federal contract opportunities for very small businesses.
Bill· HRH.R. 2262 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1997
Amends specified Federal law with respect to overtime, premium, and differential pay for customs officers. Revises requirements for the fiscal year cap on the aggregate of overtime pay of a customs officer and for waivers of such limitation. Prohibits payment of overtime or premium pay to any customs officer who has not actually performed work during the time corresponding to such pay. Revises provisions relating to night work differential pay of customs officers.
Bill· SS. 1066 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the alcohol fuels credit to be allocated to patrons of specified cooperatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 2247 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Reforms Title II: Operational Reforms Title III: Collective Bargaining Reforms Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities Title V: Financial Reforms Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations Amtrak Reform and Privatization Act of 1997 - Title I: Procurement Reforms - Amends Federal transportation law to revise provisions regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to urge Amtrak to use other rail carriers for performing work whenever it contracts out work normally performed by an employee of a bargaining unit covered by a contract between it and a labor organization. (Currently, Amtrak may not contract out such work if it results in the layoff of a bargaining unit employee.) Prohibits Amtrak from entering into a contract for the operation of trains with any entity other than a State or State authority. (Sec. 102) Prohibits Amtrak from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation, commuter rail passenger transportation, or mail or express transportation. Authorizes an aggrieved individual to commence a civil action in a U.S. district court for violations of such prohibition. Repeals general Amtrak authority to maintain and rehabilitate rail passenger equipment, and the mandate to maintain a regional maintenance plan including specified components. Authorizes Amtrak, with a specified exception, to enter into a contract with a motor carrier of passengers for the intercity transportation over regular routes only if certain requirements are met. (Sec. 104) Directs Amtrak to establish an outreach program to increase the likelihood of U.S. track work manufacturers to be able to meet Amtrak's specifications for track work. Requires Amtrak to report annually to the Congress on progress made with such program, including a statement of the percentage of Amtrak's track work contracts awarded to U.S. manufacturers. Title II: Operational Reforms - Repeals Amtrak's mandate: (1) to provide intercity rail passenger transportation within the basic system (unless such transportation is provided by specified others); and (2) to continue to carry out a specified plan to improve such transportation. (Sec. 201) Requires Amtrak to give 180 days' notice (currently, 90 days) of its intention to discontinue rail service over a route to States, regional or local authorities, or other persons so that they will have an opportunity to agree to share or assume the cost of any part of the train, route, or service to be discontinued. Repeals Amtrak's mandates for: (1) cost and performance reviews of Amtrak routes in the basic system; and (2) provision of special commuter transportation. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) Amtrak's mandate to increase mail and express transportation revenues, and its authority to provide auto-ferry transportation; (2) route and service criteria with respect to route discontinuances and route additions; (3) additional qualifying routes; (4) certain requests to Amtrak by State, regional, or local authorities or other persons to provide rail passenger transportation or keep a train, route, or service that Amtrak intends to discontinue; and (5) authority for the Amtrak Commuter (thus abolishing it as an Amtrak subsidiary). Declares that State and local laws that impair the provision of mail, express, and auto-ferry transportation shall not apply to Amtrak or a rail carrier providing such services. (Sec. 206) Exempts from paying a tax or fee to the same extent that Amtrak is so exempt any commuter authority eligible to contract with Amtrak Commuter to provide commuter rail passenger transportation but which decided to provide its own beginning January 1, 1983. (Sec. 207) Repeals the requirement that rail freight and commuter rail passenger transportation over certain acquired property be provided under compensatory agreements with the responsible carriers. Requires Amtrak and other commuter rail carriers to an agreement for the provision of rail freight or commuter rail passenger transportation over certain rights-of-way and facilities on the Northeast Corridor to submit any disputes over terms of such agreement to binding arbitration. Encourages Amtrak to make agreements with the private sector and undertake initiatives that promote the potential privatization of its operations. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the Comptroller General to conduct financial audits of Amtrak activities. Declares that a State shall have access to Amtrak's records, accounts, and other necessary documents used to determine the amount of any State payment to Amtrak. Title III: Collective Bargaining Reforms - Deems to be served and effective 90 days after enactment of this Act any required notices with respect to all issues relating to: (1) Amtrak employee protective arrangements and severance benefits (including all provisions of Appendix C-2 to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Agreement, signed July 5, 1973); and (2) contracting out by Amtrak of work normally performed by an employee in a bargaining unit covered by a contract between Amtrak and a labor organization representing the employees. (Sec. 301) Requires the National Mediation Board to complete all efforts with respect to such issues within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes parties to agree to submit such disputes to arbitration, making any resulting award retroactive to 180 days after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 302) Repeals certain requirements for fair and equitable employee protective arrangements in the event of a discontinuance of intercity rail passenger service. Extinguishes any provision of a contract between Amtrak and a labor organization relating to: (1) Amtrak employee protective arrangements and severance benefits (including all provisions of Appendix C-2 to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Agreement, signed July 5, 1973); and (2) contracting out by Amtrak of work normally performed by an employee in a bargaining unit covered by a contract between Amtrak and a labor organization representing the employees. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to authorize Conrail to furlough one train or engine service employee for each such employee who moves from Amtrak to Conrail in excess of the cumulative number of such employees who move from Conrail to Amtrak. Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities - Limits to $250,000, or three times the amount of economic damages, the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in a claim for personal injury, death, or damage to property in connection with the provision of rail passenger transportation. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 in excess of a claimant's economic loss. Title V: Financial Reforms - Urges Amtrak, in issuing stock, to include employee stock ownership plans. (Sec. 501) Requires Amtrak to redeem all previously issued common stock at the fair market value. Declares that Amtrak preferred stock held by the Secretary of Transportation shall confer no liquidation preference or voting rights. Repeals the Secretary's authority to obtain notes and mortgages from Amtrak in order to secure expenditures to acquire and improve designated Conrail rail property, and establish a Government mortgage lien on it, under the final system plan pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Relinquishes all U.S. rights in any such notes or mortgages entered into with Amtrak dated October 5, 1983. Declares that no amount shall be includible in Amtrak's gross income for Federal tax purposes as a result of the application of this section. (Sec. 502) Repeals current requirements governing Federal payments to Amtrak and provides, instead, that appropriated Federal operating assistance funds shall be provided to Amtrak upon appropriation when requested by Amtrak. (Sec. 503) Replaces the Board of Directors of Amtrak with the Emergency Reform Board. Grants the Board authority to recommend to the Congress a plan to implement the recommendations of the 1997 Working Group on Inter-City Rail regarding the transfer of Amtrak's infrastructure assets and responsibilities to a new separately governed corporation. (Sec. 506) Exempts Amtrak (and Amtrak subsidiary) passengers and customers from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority directly or indirectly on any persons traveling in intercity rail passenger transportation or mail or express transportation provided by Amtrak or a rail carrier subsidiary of Amtrak, or on the carriage of such persons, mail, or express, or on the sale of any such transportation, or on the gross receipts derived from such activities. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Establishes a Temporary Rail Advisory Council to: (1) evaluate Amtrak's performance; and (2) suggest strategies for further cost containment and productivity improvements, including strategies for further reduction in Federal operating subsidies and eventual privatization of Amtrak operations. (Sec. 604) Extends from October 15, 1996, to October 15, 2000, the deadline for retrofitting of certain intercity rail passenger cars with human waste disposal systems that provide for waste discharge at a servicing facility only. (Sec. 605) Repeals the authority or mandate for: (1) assistance for upgrading rail facilities that pose a hazard; (2) the rail safety system program; (3) a plan for demonstrating new technology in rail passenger equipment; and (4) a program master plan for a Boston-New York main line. (Sec. 609) Requires Amtrak to construct an electrification system between Boston, Massachusetts, and New Haven, Connecticut, to accommodate the installation of a third mainline track between Davisville and Central Falls, Rhode Island, to be used for double-stack freight service to and from the Port of Davisville. (Sec. 610) Declares that Amtrak, and facilities it jointly uses with a commuter authority, shall not be subject to certain requirements under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 until January 1, 1998. (Sec. 612) Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to repeal the mandate for determination of a costing methodology with respect to certain Northeast Corridor cost disputes. (Sec. 614) Amends the Conrail Privatization Act to repeal a specified provision regarding composition of the Board of Directors of the Consolidated Rail Corporation. (Sec. 615) Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service, including high speed rail service, to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. (Sec. 617) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transfer title to certain magnetic levitation tract materials at the Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colorado, to the State of Florida. (Sec. 618) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to declare that it is the purpose of the Congress to promote the revitalization of the railway system through, among other things, preservation of light density lines. Revises interest rate, repayment, and prepayment penalty requirements with respect to guaranteed railroad improvement loans. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for: (1) capital expenditures, operating expenses, and certain additional amounts; and (2) guarantee of obligations to improve railroad facilities or equipment. Reduces the authorizations for capital expenditures and certain additional amounts for any fiscal year by any amount made available to Amtrak from an intercity passenger transportation trust fund for that fiscal year. (Sec. 701) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to prohibit the Secretary from requiring, as a condition for guarantee of an obligation, that all preexisting secured obligations of an obligor be subordinated to the Secretary's rights in the event of a default.