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401 records in US in 1998
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1998
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 4059 (military construction appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt bond financing of certain electric facilities, to revise the definition of private business use to exclude a permitted open access transaction. Defines such a transaction. Permits, as specified, the termination or suspension of tax-exempt bond financing for certain electric output facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Retirement Security Act of 1998 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part B (Individual Retirement Investment Program) (IRIP) under which a personal social security investment account (PSSIA) shall be established with an initial balance of $1,000 for eligible individuals with social security account numbers for investment, according to a variety of electable options (including a Government Securities Investment Fund, a Fixed Income Investment Fund, and a Common Stock Index Investment Fund) similar to those under the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees. Prescribes rules for the transfer and distribution of account funds. Limits to $7,000 the total amount of annual PSSIA contributions per PSSIA. Establishes in the Treasury the Social Security Investment Trust Fund, consisting of all contributions to all IRIP PSSIAs. Makes the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board the Board of Trustees of such Trust Fund. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to provide for the financing of initial Government contributions for PSSIAs by means of a reduction in appropriations to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under the Medicare program under SSA title XVIII of certain taxes on retirement benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the tax treatment of amounts contributed to, and distributed from, PSSIAs. Allows, in the case of an individual, a deduction from gross income of the amount contributed in cash during the taxable year to an eligible individual's PSSIA, up to a maximum $2,000 per year. Includes, generally, any PSSIA distribution in the gross income of the person to whom it is distributed.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Tax Dollars Accountability Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) reserve from obligation and expenditure five percent of the discretionary appropriations for a fiscal year for an agency (or component thereof) that does not receive an unqualified opinion on its annual financial statements for the previous fiscal year as part of the agency audit; and (2) make available to such agency the amounts reserved upon the receipt of an unqualified opinion. Requires the Director and the head of an agency, for each audit that does not result in an unqualified or qualified opinion on the agency's financial statements, to jointly submit to the Appropriations Committees, the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs a statement that identifies the agency's officers and employees responsible for: (1) financial management; and (2) the preparation and production of the financial statements. Requires the President (in the case of an officer appointed by the President) or agency head (in the case of any other officer or employee) to remove from office or employment each officer or employee identified for two consecutive years in such a statement. Extends from 1997 to 1999 the deadline for the submission of the first of such annual financial statements. Requires the submission of such statements to the Congress (currently, they are submitted only to the Director).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Higher Education Family Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses in lieu of the Hope and Lifetime Learning credits. Sets the deductible limit at $5,000 for 1999 and increases such limit by $500 annually until it reaches $10,000 for years 2009 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Repeals a Federal provision which prohibits a veteran's disability or death from being considered to have resulted from a personal injury suffered or a disease contracted in the line of duty on the basis that it resulted from the use of tobacco products during the veteran's military, naval, or air service. Prohibits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget from making any estimate of changes in direct spending outlays under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) for any fiscal year resulting from the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning arbitrage bonds to exclude from treatment as arbitrage bonds certain bonds issued primarily to facilitate the collection or receipt of delinquent real property taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the temporary 0.2 percent increase in the unemployment tax.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Amends Federal law to authorize leases granted on lands held in trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and on the Cabazon Indian Reservation in California to be for terms of up to 99 years. Makes technical amendments to specified laws relating to Native Americans. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to extend the terms of specified Indian health care demonstration projects at the Oklahoma City and Tulsa clinics in Oklahoma through FY 2002. Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for such projects through FY 2002. Amends the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Restoration Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to accept additional Oregon lands in trust for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians for a reservation. Includes certain counties in Oregon in the service area of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians for purposes of determining eligibility for Federal assistance programs. Authorizes the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota to convey to a buyer, without further U.S. approval, all Community interest in specified real property in Redwood County, Minnesota. Amends the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Recognition Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to accept title to any real property located in the Umpqua River watershed upstream from Scottsburg, Oregon, or the northern slope of the Rogue River watershed upstream from Agness, Oregon, if conveyed to the United States by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe and to place such land in trust for the Tribe. Incorporates such land into the Tribe's reservation. Amends the Jicarilla Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act to approve a specified transfer of water rights between the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and other parties. Amends the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement Act to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to disburse a specified amount of funds, from interest earned by the San Luis Rey Tribal Development Fund and prior to completion of the final settlement of the water rights dispute, for economic development of the La Jolla, Rincon, San Pasqual, Pauma, Pala Bands of Mission Indians in San Diego County, California. Amends the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act to revise conditions pertaining to Native Hawaiian health scholarships. Amends the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act to exempt all funds distributed under such Act from Federal or State income taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Assistive and Universally Designed Technology Improvement Act for Individuals with Disabilities - Provides for research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology. (Sec. 4) Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to require the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (Director) to establish a peer review process for the review of applications for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology. (Sec. 5) Directs the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (Committee) to carry out specified functions with respect to research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology, including developing technology transfer activities. Requires the Director to: (1) establish special task forces and subcommittees of the Committee for research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology, including ones related to medical rehabilitation, technology (including universal design), and the employment of individuals with disabilities; (2) issue a biannual report announcing the availability of the grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements through Federal departments and agencies represented on the Committee for research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology; and (3) submit results and analyses of such research and development activities, Committee activities, and periodic surveys of manufacturers and suppliers of such technology, to the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration for inclusion in an annual report to the Congress. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (Consortium) to develop and disseminate specified information to all Federal, State, and local agencies and instrumentalities involved in assistive technology and universally designed technology. Requires the Director to: (1) participate annually in the Consortium's national and interagency meetings; (2) coordinate the activities of the Federal laboratories with respect to research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology; and (3) use Consortium resources to identify potential public and private sector partners for research and development collaboration regarding assistive technology and universally designed technology. (Sec. 6) Amends the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 to revise requirements for the microloan program under which the Secretary of Labor awards grants to States for alternative funding mechanism programs to allow individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive and universally designed technology devices, products, and services. Requires such programs to maximize consumer participation. Requires such grants to be awarded on the basis of State population. Extends through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for the microloan program. (Sec. 7) Amends the RA to extend through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, including specified expenses of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research, the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council, and peer review panels; and (2) various research activities, including assistance for research and development on assistive technology and universally designed technology. (Sec. 8) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish an assistive technology business tax credit; (2) include communication barriers under the architectural and transportation barrier removal tax deduction; and (3) include expenses incurred in the acquisition of technology to facilitate the employment of any individual with a disability under the work opportunity tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense - Civil Title II: Department of the Interior Title III: Department of Energy Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1999 - Title I: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Army and its Corps of Engineers for FY 1999 for: (1) authorized civil functions of the Department of the Army relating to rivers and harbors, flood control, beach erosion, and related purposes; (2) expenses necessary for the collection and study of information related to such purposes; (3) the prosecution of authorized water development and related projects; (4) certain flood control projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (5) water development projects operation and maintenance; (6) the navigable waters and wetlands regulatory program; (7) formerly utilized sites remedial action program; and (8) general expenses. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes FY 1999 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation, water and related resources; (3) Bureau of Reclamation Loan Program Account; (4) Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; (5) California Bay-Delta Ecosystem Restoration; and (6) general administrative expenses. Title III: Department of Energy - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1999 for: (1) energy supply programs; (2) non-defense environmental management; (3) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (4) general DOE science and research activities; (5) the Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund; (6) DOE administration; (7) Office of the Inspector General; (8) atomic energy defense weapons activities; (9) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (10) defense facilities closure projects; (11) defense environmental management privatization; (12) other DOE defense activities; (13) defense nuclear waste disposal; (14) the various geographical power marketing administrations of DOE (including specified costs for the hydroelectric facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams under the Western Area Power Administration); and (15) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to: (1) award either a management and operating contract without competitive procedures, or a contract that deviates from the Federal Acquisition Regulation, unless the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) grants a waiver on a case-by-case basis; (2) develop or implement a workforce restructuring plan for DOE employees, or to provide them with enhanced severance payments or other benefits; (3) augment specified funds made available for severance payments and other benefits and community assistance grants under specified law; (4) prepare or initiate Requests for Proposals for a program that has not been funded by the Congress; and (5) produce or provide articles by any DOE activity (except electric transmission and sales by a Federal power marketing administration) for the purpose of selling them to a person outside the Federal Government unless the Secretary determines that such articles or services are not available from a commercial source in the United States. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1999 for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (4) the NRC Office of the Inspector General; and (5) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Title V: General Provisions - Declares the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products bought with funds under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. Bars contracts funded under this Act from being awarded to any person determined by a court or Federal agency to have falsely labelled products as made in America. (Sec. 503) Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to determine the final point of discharge for the interceptor drain for the San Luis Unit until the Secretary of the Interior and the State of California develop a plan, which shall conform to California water quality standards approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis drainage waters. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to classify the costs of the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup and the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Programs as reimbursable or nonreimbursable and collected until fully repaid pursuant to the "Cleanup Program--Alternative Repayment Plan" and the "SJVDP--Alternative Repayment Plan" described in a specified report. Makes San Luis Unit beneficiaries of drainage service or drainage studies responsible to reimburse the United States fully for any future obligations of Federal funds relating to, or providing for, such service or studies for the San Luis Unit. (Sec. 504) Prohibits the use of any funds to restart the High Flux Beam Reactor. (Sec. 505) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from September 30, 1998, through September 30, 1999, the Narc authority to assess annual charges. (Sec. 506) Specifies additional purposes for which NRC appropriations shall be available. (Sec. 507) Amends the Fiscal Year 1993 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act to repeal the prohibition against the use of funds, without specific congressional authorization, to conduct any studies relating to or leading to the possibility of changing from the currently required "at cost" to a "market rate" or any other noncost-based method for the pricing of hydroelectric power by the six Federal public power authorities, or other Federal agencies or authorities. Amends the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1986, to repeal the prohibition against the use of funds, without specific congressional authorization, to solicit proposals, prepare or review studies, or draft proposals designed to transfer out of Federal ownership, management, or control in whole or in part the facilities and functions of the Federal power marketing administrations in the contiguous 48 States, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. (Sec. 508) Prohibits DOE from implementing or enforcing its own regulatory system for environment, safety, and health, with respect to the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Sets a deadline for the Secretary to transmit a plan to the Congress for the termination of DOE authority to regulate its contractors and to self- regulate its own operations regarding those concerns at such Laboratory. Requires the NRC Chairman to submit a plan to the Congress for regulating accelerator-produced radioactive material and ionizing radiation generating machines at DOE facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Commission for the Future of Public Broadcasting Title II: Amendments to Public Telecommunications Provisions of Communications Act of 1934 Title III: Reauthorization for Corporation for Public Broadcasting Public Broadcasting Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: Commission for the Future of Public Broadcasting - Establishes the Commission for the Future of Public Broadcasting to conduct a study to identify and analyze various options for: (1) providing financial support to public broadcast stations for the provision of public telecommunications services, the utilization of new technologies, and converting such stations to such new technologies; (2) providing a funding mechanism for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) that replaces Federal appropriations; (3) reducing Federal spending for public broadcasting; (4) establishing a fee for exemption from certain public interest broadcasting requirements; and (5) carrying out the goals of public broadcasting. Requires a Commission report to the Congress and terminates the Commission 60 dyas after such report. Title II: Amendments to Public Telecommunications Provisions of Communications Act of 1934 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that, upon application by a licensee or permittee of an overlapping public broadcast station (generally, a public broadcast station that reaches more than 50 percent of the population of another public broadcast station) for the authority to assign or transfer the license or permit to another person or entity in order to operate such station other than as a public broadcasting station, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may approve such assignment only if: (1) the licensee or permittee requesting the transfer agrees to distribute among the FCC, the public telecommunications facilities program, and the CPB, from any proceeds received from the assignment or transfer, an amount equal to the net Federal investment in the station; (2) compensation paid for assigning or transferring such license or permit fairly reflects the value of the license or permit and any related facilities; and (3) the FCC determines that the sale of such station will not diminish universal access to public broadcasting services. Provides for the determination of such net Federal investment. Redefines "business or institutional logogram" for purposes of its use in sponsoring public broadcasting programs. Prohibits such logograms from interrupting regular programming or from exceeding ten seconds in duration. Provides an exception to such prohibitions for stations receiving 70 percent or more of their funding from fiscal mechanisms other than Federal appropriations. Extends through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for public telecommunications facilities planning and construction. Title III: Reauthorization for Corporation for Public Broadcasting - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003: (1) for the Public Broadcasting Fund; and (2) to facilitate the transition of public broadcasting to digital broadcasting. Directs the CPB to provide certain incentives for overlapping public broadcast stations which agree to consolidate operations and equipment in a manner such that they are reduced to a single public broadcast station operating under a single broadcast license. Provides conditions to such consolidation, including that: (1) the distinct educational or minority needs of the area are served; and (2) universal access to public television will not be diminished.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Airport Improvement Program Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends Federal aviation law to reauthorize the Airport Improvement Program through FY 1999, with a specified allocation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for FAA operations through FY 1999. (Sec. 6) Makes specified changes to the formula for crediting airport improvement fund amounts to the discretionary fund. Revises the apportionment of airport improvement fund amounts to sponsors of primary airports and to the States for each fiscal year. Authorizes the use of airport improvement funds apportioned to Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii for any of their public airports. Authorizes the use of State-apportioned airport improvement funds for integrated airport system planning that encompasses one or more primary airports. Increases the apportionment for airport improvement funds for airport noise compatibility programs. Authorizes three percent of such funds to be set-aside for airport security, giving highest priority to the testing and evaluation of explosive detection equipment for airports. Authorizes the use of the supplemental apportionment of airport improvement funds for Alaska for any of its public airports. Repeals a certain limitation on the apportionment of airport improvement funds for commercial service airports in Alaska. Increases from 12 to 14 at any time the number of current or former military airports that may receive airport improvement funds. Revises U.S. policies regarding aviation programs to encourage the funding and use of integrated in-pavement lighting systems for runways and taxiways and other runway and taxiway incursion prevention devices. (Sec. 7) Provides that 20 percent of small airport grant funds be set-aside for each of the next five fiscal years to assist airport sponsors in meeting the safety terms in airport operating certificates. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, whenever making such grants, to notify the grant recipient that the grant's source is from the small airport fund. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to approve not more than 20 projects in which airport improvement grant funds may be used to implement innovative financing techniques for airport development projects. (Sec. 9) Declares that the Government's share of costs shall be: (1) not more than 90 percent for airport improvement projects funded under the State block grant program; and (2) 100 percent for airport security projects funded with airport improvement funds. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary, in order to enable additional air service by an air carrier with less than 12 flights per day at an airport, to consider, when determining what is an allowable terminal development cost, the shell of a terminal building (including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and aircraft fueling facilities adjacent to an airport terminal building as nonrevenue-producing public-use areas of the airport meeting certain requirements. (Sec. 11) Makes airport improvement funds available to repay money borrowed to pay the costs for terminal development provided the Secretary decides that repayment will not defer any needed airport development project affecting safety, security, or capacity (currently, any project outside the terminal area at that airport). (Sec. 12) Requires any Federal executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality to grant priority to a request by a public agency (except another Federal executive branch department, agency, or instrumentality) for surplus property for use at a public airport. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, without charge, a term of a gift of an interest in such property after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment and other specified conditions are met. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to obligate airport improvement funds and amounts from the airport and airway trust fund for any project to construct a new runway at an international airport. (Sec. 14) Prohibits the Administrator of the FAA from selecting a site for, or beginning construction of, the Potomac Metroplex terminal radar approach control facility in Virginia before the 90th day after a report to the Congress on the relative costs and benefits of constructing the facility on land already owned by the United States (including land located outside the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area). (Sec. 16) Revises the amount of certain funds apportioned to the discretionary and small airport funds. Authorizes the Secretary to distribute specified percentages of funds from the small airport fund for grants for projects at small hub airports, public-use airports, and certain commercial service airports. Declares that an airport development project shall remain eligible for funding from the discretionary fund (subject to the availability of funds) even though the airport's status changes from a primary to a nonprimary airport.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
E-Rate Tax Moratorium Act of 1998 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to suspend specified requirements under the Communications Act of 1934 (CA) for telecommunications carriers to contribute to support mechanisms to provide Internet services to schools, libraries, and certain health care providers. Prohibits any telecommunications carrier from including any charges for such contributions in any telephone service bill transmitted after 60 days after this Act's enactment. Prohibits requiring any telecommunications carrier to provide discounted rates for telecommunications services pursuant to such CA requirements, except to the extent such carrier is reimbursed from collections permitted to be distributed under this Act. Authorizes the FCC, or an FCC-designated administering entity, to distribute amounts collected before this Act's enactment (or collected as charges for contributions during the authorized period), to provide such Internet services to schools, libraries, and health care providers under CA and FCC regulations in effect before this Act's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2646 (amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax-free expenditures from education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary school expenses and to increase the maximum annual amount of contributions to such accounts).
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: School Lunch and Related Programs Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs Title III: Commodity Distribution Programs Title IV: Effective Date Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Amendments of 1998 - Title I: School Lunch and Related Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) with respect to direct expenditures for agricultural commodities and other foods to repeal requirements for: (1) interim sources of funds pending supplemental appropriations; and (2) State matching funds for such interim funds and for cash donations in lieu of commodity donations. (Sec. 102) Allows State agencies to retain up to one-half of any program funds recovered during State-conducted audits or reviews of school food authorities, institutions, and service institutions participating in food assistance programs authorized under NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA). Requires State agencies to use such funds for otherwise allowable program costs (including the cost of providing funds to participating school food authorities, institutions, and service institutions) to improve their management operations within the State. (Sec. 103) Repeals a prohibition against requiring a State to match Federal funds for meals in private schools if the State educational agency is prohibited by law from disbursing State appropriated funds to private schools. Sunsets the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to disburse NSLA program funds to schools directly at the end of FY 2000. Requires the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to State agencies which assume program administration from the Secretary on or before October 1, 2000. (Sec. 104) Requires all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (lunch program) under NSLA or the School Breakfast Program (breakfast program) under CNA, in which meals are prepared on site, to obtain inspections twice during each school year that indicate food service operations meet State or local health and safety standards. (Sec. 105) Repeals the Secretary's authority, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service or through the Extension Service, to award grants for food and nutrition demonstration projects. Requires schools participating in the lunch program or breakfast program to make every effort to establish meal service periods that provide children adequate time to fully consume their meals in an environment conducive to eating. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to require that schools in the contiguous United States purchase for the lunch program and breakfast program, whenever possible, only food products that are produced in the United States. (Sec. 107) Revises the NSLA summer food service program to apply to suppers and supplements the Secretary's authority to establish adjustments to reimbursement rates in the States of Alaska and Hawaii, and in specified territories, to reflect differences in costs from those in all other States. Revises the eligibility criteria for private nonprofit institutions under the summer food service program to increase from five to 25 the number of sites they may operate. Repeals certain summer food service program requirements relating to: (1) a March 1st deadline for indication of interest; (2) restrictions on meal contracting; and (3) vendor registration. Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the NSLA summer food service program. (Sec. 108) Reauthorizes through FY 2002 the NSLA commodity distribution program, which may use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and other specified funds to purchase agricultural commodities for use in programs under NSLA, CNA, and the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 109) Revises NSLA child and adult care food program requirements for licensing and alternate approval for schools and outside school hours child care. Reinstates categorical eligibility, under the NSLA child care food program, for participants in the Even Start program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. (Extends such eligibility through FY 2002; it had ended with FY 1997.) Revises conditions for child and adult care program participation by institutions moving toward compliance with the requirement for tax exempt status. Repeals a notification requirement for incomplete applications. Requires State agencies, at least once every two years, to provide notification of child and adult care program availability, participation requirements, and application procedures to each nonparticipating institution or family or group day care home that is located in a needy area within the State, and has Federal, State, or local licensing or approval or receives funds under Social Security Act block grants to States for social services. Repeals the requirement that a participating State provide sufficient training, technical assistance, and monitoring to facilitate effective program operation. Repeals the Secretary's mandate to make funds available each fiscal year for State audits of participating institutions in the child care food program. Directs the Secretary to provide State agencies with increased levels of training and technical assistance for their management and oversight of the child and adult care program. Allows institutions that provide care to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year to participate in the child care food program. Defines as at-risk any children who: (1) are age 12 through 18; and (2) live in a geographical area served by a school enrolling elementary students in which at least 50 percent of the total number of children enrolled are certified eligible to receive free or reduced price school meals under NSLA or CNA. Allows such institutions to claim reimbursements, at the free supplement rate, only for: (1) supplements served without charge to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year; and (2) one supplement per child per day. Directs the Secretary to provide State agencies with information concerning the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program) under CNA. Requires State agencies to ensure that each participating child care center (other than institutions providing care to school children outside of school hours) receives certain WIC program informational materials and updates, and provides such information to parents of enrolled children annually. Repeals specified termination dates to grant permanent authorization to demonstration projects for child care food program qualification of private for-profit organizations providing nonresidential day care services. (Sec. 110) Allows emergency shelter homeless programs to participate in the child and adult care food program. Allows shelters to claim reimbursements, at the free supplement rate, only for: (1) supplements served without charge to resident children through age 12; and (2) not more than three meals or two meals and a supplement per child per day. Repeals the homeless children nutrition program. (Sec. 111) Repeals authority for certain demonstration projects involving: (1) meals and supplements outside of school hours; (2) fortified fluid milk; (3) fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and grain-based products; (4) low-fat dairy products and lean meat and poultry products; and (5) reduced paperwork and application requirements and increased participation. (Sec. 112) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for training and technical assistance under the child and adult care food program. (Sec. 113) Extends through FY 1999 authority to fund the food service management institute, including mandatory and discretionary activities. (Sec. 114) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for compliance and accountability activities under the child and adult care food program. (Sec. 115) Extends through FY 1999 authority to fund an information clearinghouse for nongovernmental groups on food assistance and self-help activities for low-income individuals and communities. Makes the Secretary's authority to contract for such a clearinghouse discretionary rather than mandatory. Waives competition requirements for a contract with any organization that has performed satisfactorily under a previous clearinghouse contract. (Sec. 116) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary provide guidance and grant assistance to eligible entities for accommodating special dietary needs of individuals with disabilities who participate in covered programs under NSLA and CNA. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out accommodation activities, including guidance, technical assistance, training, and grants for State agencies and eligible entities. Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to sunset the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to disburse CNA program funds to schools directly at the end of FY 2000. Requires the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to State agencies which assume program administration from the Secretary on or before October 1, 2000. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified requirements for reallocation of State administrative expense funds. Eliminates the ten percent limitation on the transfer of administrative expense funds under CNA and NSLA. Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for State administrative expenses under CNA. (Sec. 203) Establishes additional program application requirements, involving physical presence, income documentation, and verification, for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC program). Authorizes the Secretary to provide bulk quantities of WIC program nutrition education materials to State agencies administering the Commodity Supplemental Food Program under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 at no cost to that program. Extends through FY 2002: (1) the authorization of appropriations for the WIC program and for the WIC farmers market nutrition program; and (2) requirements to use certain WIC funds for allocations to State agencies for costs of nutrition services and administration, and for program infrastructure and information, projects of regional or national significance, and breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Revises WIC program requirements relating to: (1) infant formula procurement; (2) spend-forward authority; (3) matching funds requirements and ranking criteria for farmers market nutrition program State plans; and (3) disqualification of certain vendors convicted of trafficking or illegal sales. (Sec. 204) Authorizes appropriations in necessary amounts (currently gives a specified amount for each fiscal year) for FY 1997 through 2002 for the nutrition education and training program under CNA. Title III: Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to revise requirements relating to applicability and customer acceptability information. (Sec. 302) Prescribes food distribution requirements relating to the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to: (1) transfer commodities between programs; (2) resolve claims; (3) use specified funds to make payment of costs associated with management of commodities which pose a health or safety hazard; and (4) accept commodities donated by Federal sources. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Printed Circuit Investment Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify as three-year depreciable property any printed wiring board or printed wiring assembly equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1998 - Directs the President, no later than January 2000 and each January every two years thereafter, to submit to the Congress an accounting statement that estimates the costs and corresponding benefits of Federal regulatory programs and program elements. Provides for each accounting statement submitted to: (1) cover, at a minimum, the costs and corresponding benefits for the five fiscal years preceding October 1 of the year in which the report is submitted; and (2) also contain a projection of the costs and corresponding benefits for the next ten fiscal years. Directs the President to propose the first accounting statement no later than one year after the enactment of this Act. Provides for such statement to cover, at a minimum, each of the preceding fiscal years beginning with FY 1997. Requires the President, acting through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in each year following the year in which the President submits an accounting statement and after notice and opportunity for comment, to submit to the Congress a report associated with the accounting statement containing: (1) analyses of impacts; (2) an analysis of jurisdictional overlaps, duplications, and potential inconsistencies among Federal regulatory programs; and (3) recommendations for reform. Requires the Director to: (1) provide guidance to agencies to standardize measures of costs and benefits in accounting statements and the format of the accounting statements; (2) review submissions from agencies to assure consistency with the guidance; and (3) provide for independent and external peer review of the guidelines, accounting statements, and their associated reports. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after each accounting statement and associated report is submitted to the Congress, to make recommendations to the President for improving: (1) accounting statements and associated reports; and (2) agency compliance with this Act and its guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Judicial Improvement Act of 1998 - Prohibits the granting of any interlocutory or permanent injunction restraining the enforcement or execution of a State law adopted by referendum or an Act of the Congress by a U.S. district court upon the ground that the State law conflicts with the Constitution, Federal law, or a U.S. treaty unless the application for the injunction is heard and determined by a court of three judges in accordance with the Federal judicial code. Limits such interlocutory injunctions to 60 days. Bars Federal courts from granting additional interlocutory relief after the expiration of an injunction. Prescribes time limits for the filing of appeals from orders granting such injunctions. Requires the Court of Appeals to dispose of such appeals within 100 days after issuance of the original order granting interlocutory relief. Makes orders upheld on appeal effective until 60 days after the date of appellate decision or until replaced by a permanent injunction. (Sec. 3) Terminates prospective relief in civil actions in which relief binds State or local officials or in which parties entered a consent judgment binding such officials upon the motion of any party or intervener: (1) five years after the date the court granted such relief; (2) two years after the court has entered an order denying termination of relief; or (3) in the case of an order issued on or before this Act's enactment, two years after the enactment date. Sets forth conditions under which such relief shall not terminate. Terminates orders or consent judgments binding such officials automatically if a court does not rule on a motion to terminate within 60 days. Authorizes Federal courts to appoint special masters in such actions during the remedial phase and upon a finding that the phase will be sufficiently complex to warrant such appointment. Limits special master powers and authorizes their removal by the judge at any time. Bars Federal courts from ordering a unit of Federal, State, or local government to increase taxes as part of a judicial remedy. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal judicial code to allow interlocutory appeals of district court orders granting or denying class action certification made within ten days after an order's entry. (Sec. 5) Bestows original jurisdiction on Federal district courts in civil actions involving minimal diversity jurisdiction between adverse parties based on a single accident where at least 25 persons have either died or incurred injuries exceeding $50,000 per person, subject to specified limitations. Directs the district court in which such cases are consolidated to retain those cases for determination of liability and punitive damages, and to determine the substantive law that would apply. (Sec. 6) Extends the period during which any petition for judicial review of a final order or decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board must be filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 30 to 60 days after the petitioner receives notice of the Board's action. (Sec. 7) Amends judicial code provisions regarding the Judiciary Information Technology Fund to repeal provisions subjecting information technology procurement to provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 applicable to executive agencies. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with the Chief Justice's approval, to accept voluntary personal services for purposes of providing tours of the Supreme Court building. (Sec. 9) Directs that, for FY 1999 and thereafter, any portion of certain miscellaneous fees collected as prescribed by the Judicial Conference exceeding the amount of such fees in effect on September 30, 1998, be deposited into the special fund of the Treasury to be available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of the courts of the United States. (Sec. 10) Provides for the sunset of provisions requiring a civil justice expense and delay reduction plan. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to designate judicial branch officers and employees to be disbursing officers and certifying officers. Lists rights and responsibilities of such officers. (Sec. 12) Bars a writ of habeas corpus or other post-conviction remedy under the judicial code or other Federal law from challenging the custody or sentence of a person on the ground that such custody or sentence is the result of the person's voluntarily given confession. (Sec. 13) Prohibits a Federal court from specifically barring the retrial in State court of a person filing the writ of habeas corpus. (Sec. 14) Amends Federal law to require any Act of the Congress enacted after this Act's effective date to be prospective in application only unless a provision included in the Act expressly specifies otherwise. Requires the court to determine the relevant retroactivity event in an Act of the Congress (if not so specified) for purposes of determining if the Act is prospective in application only or affects conduct that occurred before its effective date. (Sec. 15) Incorporates provisions of the Federal criminal code concerning remedies regarding prison conditions into the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (the Act). Amends such Act to set forth court procedure for entering orders of prospective relief in civil actions regarding prison conditions. Authorizes plaintiffs to oppose termination of prospective relief on the ground that the relief is necessary to correct a current and ongoing violation of a Federal right. Sets forth specific elements to be included in answers opposing termination of relief entered before and after enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act. Describes: (1) requirements for responses to answers; (2) the burden of persuasion; and (3) required findings for terminating, or denying termination of, prospective relief. Makes certain requirements regarding special masters under the Act inapplicable to special masters appointed before the enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act, unless their original appointment expires after such enactment date. (Sec. 16) Revises provisions limiting attorney's fees in prisoner suits. Authorizes any defendant to waive the right to respond to any complaint in any civil action arising under Federal law brought by a prisoner. Bars relief to a plaintiff unless a response has been filed. Authorizes the court to direct defendants to file a response to the cognizable claims identified by the court. (Sec. 17) Permits the court, in any civil action brought in Federal court by a prisoner (other than one confined in a Federal correctional facility), to make findings that a claim was filed for malicious or harassment purposes or was knowingly false. Authorizes the affected State Department of Corrections to: (1) revoke such amount of good time credit accrued to the prisoner as appropriate; or (2) consider such finding in determining whether the prisoner should be released from prison under any other State or local program governing the release of prisoners. (Sec. 18) Denies a Federal court jurisdiction, in a civil action regarding prison conditions, to enter or carry out a prisoner release order that would result in the release from or nonadmission to a prison, on the basis of prison conditions, of any person subject to incarceration, detention, or admission to a facility because of a felony conviction under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction, or a violation of the terms or conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, or a diversionary program, relating to the commission of a felony under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Authorizes the Bureau of Prisons to revoke any credit toward service of a prisoner's sentence awarded after the date of enactment of the Prison Litigation Reform Act for noncompliance with institutional disciplinary regulations at any time before vesting. Repeals a provision of law requiring specific congressional authorization for salary increases for Federal judges and justices of the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment, through January 1, 2003, to the personal effects of, and other equipment imported and used by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in the 1999 International Special Olympics, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer, the 2001 International Special Olympics, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games. Declares that such articles shall be: (1) free of applicable taxes and fees; but (2) not exempt from routine customs inspections.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Bosnia Force Realignment Act - Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1999 or any subsequent fiscal year for the deployment of any U.S. ground combat forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina after June 30, 1999. Provides exceptions to such prohibition to the extent necessary to support: (1) a limited number of U.S. military personnel sufficient only to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities; or (2) non-combat military personnel sufficient only to advise the commanders of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations there. Prohibits DOD funds from being used after June 30, 1999, for: (1) the conduct of, or support for, any law enforcement activities in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) any activity that may jeopardize the primary mission of the NATO-led force in preventing armed conflict there; (3) the transfer of refugees within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that has a purpose of acquiring control by one Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to another or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk; or (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of any territory within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the progress of the withdrawal of U.S. ground combat forces from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
National Commission on Reforming and Simplifying the Federal Tax Code Act - Establishes the National Commission on Reforming and Simplifying the Federal Tax Code to: (1) study and investigate the internal revenue laws of the United States; and (2) make recommendations to reform and simplify such laws. Requires a report to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Commission 30 days following the submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the overall limitation on itemized deductions; and (2) the phaseout of personal exemptions. Increases, by 1.59 percent, an individual's taxes if the individual's adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 (twice such amount on a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Federal Reserve Fiscal Accountability Act of 1998 - Directs the Comptroller General to identify and report to the Congress on those functions and activities of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) and of each Federal Reserve bank that are directly related to the establishment and conduct of United States monetary policy. (Sec. 3) Mandates that: (1) after submission of such report all Board and Federal reserve bank expenditures be made only as provided in advance in appropriations Acts; and (2) the Comptroller General submit an annual status report to the Congress on the compliance of the Board and the Federal reserve banks with such requirements. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to abolish the Federal reserve bank surplus fund and attendant payments to the Treasury of certain amounts from such funds. Requires each Federal reserve bank to transfer all funds held in such surplus account to the Board for transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the Treasury general fund. Instructs the Comptroller General to determine and report to the Congress the percentage of Federal reserve banks' net earnings that should be deposited annually into the Treasury general fund. (Sec. 5) Mandates: (1) an annual independent audit of each Federal reserve bank; and (2) annual submission of auditors' reports by the Board to the Congress regarding Federal reserve banks' compliance with fee schedule requirements. (Sec. 6) Directs the Board to obtain annual independent audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Federal Reserve System based upon audit reports of the Board and of the Federal reserve banks. (Sec. 7) Applies specified Federal procurement procedures to the Board and the Federal reserve banks as if they were executive agencies. (Sec. 8) Makes the transportation of paper checks in the clearing process a service covered by the Federal reserve banks' fee schedule. Modifies fee schedule guidelines to require that fees be established in each fiscal year (current law states "over the long run").
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Anti-FCC Phone Tax Act of 1998 - Repeals provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 requiring telecommunication carriers to provide discounted telecommunication connections to schools, health care providers, and libraries.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Funding for Child Care Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform Title III: Grants to Business Consortia Subtitle A: Grant Program Subtitle B: General Provisions Title IV: After School Program Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Subtitle B: After School Snacks Subtitle C: After-School Prevention Programs Title V: Model States Early Learning Program Title VI: Standards Enforcement Program Title VII: Child Care Provider Scholarship Program Title VIII: Research and Demonstration Program Title IX: Miscellaneous Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress Affordable and Quality Child Care Act of 1998 - Title I: Funding for Child Care - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to make appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for child care subsidy funding under the title IV part A program of Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (Sec. 101) Reserves specified portions of such funds for payments to Indian tribes and for quality assurance and quality improvement activities relating to programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA). Provides for allotment of funds among the States and territories according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on certain portions of their expenditures for specified purposes authorized under CCDBGA. Requires targeting of such subsidy for child care assistance funds as follows: (1) at least 70 percent to working non-welfare families, who are not TANF recipients under a State or territory program; and (2) at least 40 percent for children who have not attained four years of age. Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the dependent care tax credit and to provide an equivalent benefit where one parent stays at home to provide child care for child under age four. (Sec. 202) Allows a business-related tax credit for employer expenses for employer-provided child care assistance. (Sec. 203) Allows the dependent care credit against the alternative minimum tax. Title III: Grants to Business Consortia - Subtitle A: Grant Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to provide grants to eligible entities to improve access to affordable, local, quality child care services. (Sec. 301) Makes eligible for such a grant a consortium that: (1) has not received a grant under this title; and (2) consists of representatives from at least five businesses (or a nonprofit organization that represents at least five businesses), each of which, to the maximum extent practicable, is located in the same geographic region. Requires States to give priority, in providing such grants, to eligible entities that consist of a majority of representatives from small businesses. Sets a maximum limit on the amount of any such grant provided to an eligible entity for any fiscal year. (Sec. 302) Sets forth requirements for grant applications, use of funds, and matching funds. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for such child care services grants to business consortia. Title IV: After School Program - Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act to require that discretionary grants be awarded to local educational agencies (LEAs) for supporting certain programs of public elementary schools or secondary schools, including middle schools, that serve communities with substantial needs for expanded learning opportunities for children and youth. (Sec. 401) Increases the maximum duration of such a grant from three to five years. (Sec. 402) Requires the LEA to demonstrate that it will provide specified portions of the annual costs of project activities from sources other than such grant funds. (Sec. 403) Requires the use of grant funds to establish or expand community learning centers that provide activities that offer expanded learning opportunities for children and youth in the community (such as activities conducted before or after school), and which may include any of the currently authorized activities. (Sec. 405) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for such Act. Authorizes continuation awards of FY 1998 grants. Subtitle B: After School Snacks - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for participation by certain additional institutions under the child and adult care food program. Allows such institutions to claim reimbursements for meal supplements which they serve without charge to children in afterschool care. (Sec. 411) Revises eligibility requirements for meal supplements for children in afterschool care. Subtitle C: After-School Prevention Programs - Declares that certain provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as set forth in specified legislation passed by the House of Representatives on May 8, 1997, and in effect for purposes of title I of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-119) (under the heading Violent Crime Reduction Programs, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance) shall apply as though amended by this subtitle. Requires that 50 percent of specified amounts paid to a State, local government, or eligible unit be used to improve crime prevention programs in the juvenile justice system. (Sec. 421) Requires such programs to: (1) operate after-school, with high priority given to programs designed and operated by law enforcement personnel, such as police athletic leagues; (2) target high crime neighborhoods or at-risk juveniles; (3) operate educational or recreational activities designed to encourage law-abiding conduct, reduce the incidence of criminal activity, and teach juveniles alternatives to crime; and (4) coordinate with State or local juvenile crime control and juvenile offender accountability programs. Title V: Model States Early Learning Program - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) to make appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for model States early learning programs. Provides for allotment of funds among the States, territories, and Indian tribes according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on portions of their expenditures for an early learning program under CCDBGA. (Sec. 501) Amends CCDBGA to establish the Model States Early Learning Program. Sets forth program requirements for State participation and plans, allowable activities, and annual reports. Title VI: Standards Enforcement Program - Amends CCDBGA to establish a program of annual payments to States for child care standards enforcement. (Sec. 601) Requires States, to be eligible for such payments for a fiscal year, to: (1) include a child care standards enforcement plan in their State plans; and (2) report specified data on enforcement of child care quality and safety plans. Authorizes appropriations. Subjects such program to specified requirements for basic grant payments and annual reports. Title VII: Child Care Provider Scholarship Program - Amends CCDBGA to establish a national child care provider scholarship program. (Sec. 701) Sets forth eligibility criteria for scholarship applicants, including: (1) demonstrated commitment to a child care career; (2) cost sharing by the applicant and employer; and (3) the employer's agreement to provide increased financial incentives to the employee upon completion of the education or training. Includes such program under requirements for State plans, allotments, payments, and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Research and Demonstration Program - Amends CCDBGA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants, contracts, or other arrangements, to carry out research, demonstration projects, and other activities relating to child care, including activities designed to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care. (Sec. 801) Includes among allowable activities under such research and demonstrations program: (1) research on child care needs of low-income families, on good policies and practices, and on retention of child care provider staff; (2) demonstrations of technology-based education and training; (3) demonstration projects for new methods; (4) a National Center on Child Care Statistics; and (5) a hotline to locate local child care resources, and child care consumer education activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program - Amends the National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for family or group day care homes under the child and adult care food program. Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities - Children's Development Commission Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages for: (1) new or rehabilitated child care and development facilities, including mortgage insurance for fire safety equipment loans; and (2) purchase or refinance of existing child care and development facilities. (Sec. 955) Establishes the Children's Development Commission which shall: (1) issue facility standards and compliance certifications; and (2) make loans not in excess of $50,000 for facility rehabilitation or renovation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 956) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the availability of child care facility secondary mortgage markets. Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress that funds should be appropriated under the amendments made by this Act to the maximum extent authorized and consistently with achieving a balanced Federal budget.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited employer tax credit for each employee incurring information technology training program expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore and make permanent the exclusion from gross income for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998
Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of 1998 - Ratifies the "Agreement to Exchange Utah School Trust Lands Between the State of Utah and the United States of America" and sets forth the obligations and commitments of the United States, Utah, and Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration as a matter of Federal law. Repeals Federal law providing for the exchange of Federal lands in Utah in exchange for State lands and providing additional lands within Utah for the Goshute Indian Reservation, with the exception of provisions regarding: (1) payment to Utah of a portion of a royalty payment received by the United States for certain mining and mineral interests in Utah; (2) the limit on such payment; and (3) payment in lieu of taxes for certain entitlement lands in Utah. Requires a $50 million payment to Utah upon completion of all conveyances described in the Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow, on a joint return, a deduction equal to a percentage of the qualified earned income of the lower earning spouse; and (2) revise the rules for the deduction of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to allow a deduction for 75 percent (for taxable years beginning in 1999 and 2000) of such costs and a deduction for 100 percent (in following years) of such costs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1998
Establishes the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military-Commercial Concerns With the People's Republic of China. (Sec. 2) Requires the Committee to conduct a full and complete inquiry regarding the following matters and report such findings and recommendations, including those concerning the amendment of existing law or the enactment of new law, to the House of Representatives as it considers appropriate: (1) the transfer of technology, information, advice, goods, or services that may have contributed to the enhancement of the accuracy, reliability, or capability of nuclear- armed intercontinental ballistic missiles or other weapons of the People's Republic of China (PRC), or that may have contributed to the enhancement of the PRC's domestic or foreign intelligence capabilities, or that may have contributed to the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction, missiles, or other weapons or armaments by the PRC; (2) the effect of any transfer or enhancement referred to in this Act on regional security and the national security of the United States, its friends, and its allies; (3) the conduct of the executive branch of the United States Government with respect to such transfers or enhancements and the effect of that conduct on U.S. national security, its friends, and its allies; (4) the conduct of defense contractors, weapons manufacturers, satellite manufacturers, and other private or government-owned commercial firms with respect to the transfers or enhancements; (5) the enforcement of Federal law, including statutes, regulations, or executive orders, with respect to such transfers or enhancements; (6) any effort by the PRC Government or any other person or entity to influence any of the foregoing matters through political contributions, bribery, influence-peddling, or otherwise; (7) decision-making within the executive branch of the United States Government with respect to any of the foregoing matter; (8) efforts to conceal or withhold information or documents relevant to any of the foregoing matters or to otherwise obstruct justice, or to obstruct the work of the Select Committee or any other congressional committee in connection with those matters; and (9) all matters relating directly or indirectly to any of the foregoing matters. Allows, in the Select Committee's discretion, reports to the House to be made in secret sessions pursuant to rule XXIX of the Rules of the House. (Sec. 5) Prohibits an employee of the Select Committee or any person engaged by contract or otherwise to perform services for or at the request of the Committee from being given access to any classified information by the Committee unless the individual has: (1) agreed in writing and under oath to be bound by the rules of the House (including the jurisdiction of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Select Committee as to the security of such information during and after the period of his or her employment or contractual agreement with the Select Committee); and (2) received an appropriate security clearance as determined by the Select Committee in consultation with the Director of Central Intelligence. (Sec. 6) Specifies provisions regarding: (1) limits on disclosure of information in the Select Committee's possession; (2) procedures for handling such information; (3) the transfer of information to the Select Committee from other House committees; and (4) means by which the Select Committee gathers information. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Select Committee to inspect and receive for the tax years 1991 through 1998 any tax return, return information, or other tax-related material, held by the Secretary of the Treasury, related to individuals and entities named by the Select Committee as possible participants, beneficiaries, or intermediaries in the transactions under investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Congressional Operations Title II: Other Agencies Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Trade Deficit Review Commission Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the legislative branch for FY 1999. Title I: Congressional Operations - Congressional Operations Appropriations Act, 1999 - Makes appropriations for the Senate for: (1) expense allowances; (2) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders; (3) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees; (4) agency contributions for employee benefits; (5) inquiries and investigations; (6) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (7) the Offices of the Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (8) miscellaneous items; (9) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; and (10) official mail costs. (Sec. 1) Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973 to raise the limit on authorized mail, telegraph, telephone, stationery, office supplies, and home State office and travel expenses for Senators. Requires amounts specifically allocated for official mail expenses to be recalculated in accordance with regulations of the Committee on Rules and Administration in lieu of such amounts being included in the recalculation formula used for amounts authorized for a Senator's expense in the event that the term of office of a Senator begins after the first month of a fiscal year or ends (except by reason of death, resignation, or expulsion) before the last month of a fiscal year. (Sec. 2) Increases, from $10,000 to $35,000, the annual limitation on the disbursements from the Office of the Chaplain Expense Revolving Fund. (Sec. 3) Amends Senate Resolution 149, 103d Congress, to extend the Senate Arms Control Observer Group through December 31, 2000. (Sec. 4) Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1977 to authorize the President pro tempore of the Senate to appoint and fix the compensation of one consultant, on a temporary or intermittent basis, at the daily rate of compensation not in excess of that specified in Federal provisions relating to appointment of consultants by the Majority and Minority Leaders, the Secretary of Senate, and the Legislative Counsel of the Senate. Provides that provisions under the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System relating to annuities and pay on reemployment are inapplicable to any individual serving in a position under such Federal provisions. Permits any or all appointments under such provisions to be at an annual rate of compensation rather than at a daily rate, under specified conditions. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Senate Leader's Lecture Series. Provides that: (1) expenses incurred in connection with such Series shall be paid from the appropriations account "Secretary of the Senate" within the contingent fund of the Senate and shall not exceed $30,000 in any fiscal year; and (2) such payments may cover expenses incurred by speakers, including travel, subsistence, and per diem, and the cost of receptions, including food, food related items, and hospitality. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to appoint and fix the compensation of employees necessary to operate Senate Hair Care Services (Services). Establishes the Senate Hair Care Services Revolving Fund in the Treasury within the contingent fund of the Senate to be made available, without fiscal year limitation, for disbursement by the Secretary of the Senate for: (1) payment of salaries and agency contributions of employees of the Services; and (2) necessary supplies, equipment, and other Services' expenses. Requires the Secretary, at the direction of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to withdraw from the Fund and deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts, all moneys in the Fund that the Committee may determine are in excess of the current and reasonably foreseeable needs of the Services. Transfers to the Fund any unobligated balance in the Senate Employees Barber Shop Revolving Fund. Repeals Federal provisions: (1) establishing the Senate Employees Barber Shop Revolving Fund; and (2) authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and the Doorkeeper of the Senate to employ and fix the compensation of employees that operate the Senate Beauty Shop. (Sec. 7) Increases the amount made available to the Committee on Rules and Administration for expenses, under S. Res. 54, 105th Congress. (Sec. 8) Provides for increases in the aggregate compensation paid to employees in Senate offices. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the prior written approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to enter into agreements with public or private parties for the purpose of demonstrating the use of alternative fuel vehicles in Senate fleet operations. Allows such: (1) agreements to provide for necessary fueling infrastructure in connection with the vehicles; and (2) vehicles to be made available for a maximum 90-day period. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Joint Economic, Printing, and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; and (3) the Capitol Police Board. Prohibits funds appropriated for the Joint Committee on Printing from being available for expenditures incurred after December 31, 1998. (Sec. 101) Sets forth administrative provisions regarding the Capitol Police Board. Appropriates funds for the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office and for statements of appropriations. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Office of Compliance; (2) the Congressional Budget Office; (3) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for salaries and expenses, Capitol buildings and grounds, Senate office buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant; (4) the Library of Congress for the Congressional Research Service's (CRS) salaries and expenses; and (5) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding. Title II: Other Agencies - Appropriates funds: (1) the Botanic Garden; and (2) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, books for the blind and physically handicapped, and furniture and furnishings. (Sec. 201) Provides a limited amount of funds for the Library and CRS for attendance at meetings concerned with the functions for which an appropriation is made. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of funds by the Library to administer any flexible or compressed work schedule which: (1) applies to any manager or supervisor in a position equal to or higher than a GS-15 grade; and (2) grants such individual the right to not be at work on a workday because of time worked on another workday. (Sec. 203) Establishes limits on: (1) the number of employees hired by the Library to perform reimbursable work for other agencies; and (2) funds for representation and reception expenses associated with the Library incentive awards program and overseas field offices. (Sec. 207) Limits the amount for FY 1999, to be transferred to the AOC from gifts or trust funds given to the Library of Congress for the structural and mechanical work and refurbishment of certain Library buildings and grounds. Makes appropriations for: (1) the AOC for Library buildings and grounds; (2) GPO for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Superintendent of Documents; and (3) the General Accounting Office. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limits on, such funds. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth prohibitions on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations as necessary to an account for awards and settlements authorized under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. (Sec. 306) Makes amounts available for administrative expenses of any legislative branch entity which participates in the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) available to finance an appropriate share of LBFMC costs as determined by the LBFMC, except that the total LBFMC costs to be shared among all participating legislative branch entities (in such allocations among the entities as they may determine) may not exceed $1,500. (Sec. 309) Authorizes appropriations for the American Folklife Preservation Center for each fiscal year (currently, for FY 1997 and 1998). (Sec. 310) Transfers funds from the Employees' Compensation Fund to the GPO revolving fund as reimbursement for costs improperly transferred from the revolving fund. Provides that, for purposes of Federal provisions relating to the Employees' Compensation Fund, GPO is not considered an agency which is required by statute to submit an annual budget pursuant to or as provided by Government corporations requirements and is not required to pay an additional amount for administrative costs. Title IV: Trade Deficit Review Commission - Trade Deficit Review Commission Act - Establishes the Trade Deficit Review Commission to study the causes and consequences of the U.S. merchandise trade and current account deficits and to develop trade policy recommendations for the 21st century. Requires the recommendations to include strategies necessary to achieve U.S. market access to foreign markets that fully reflects U.S. competitiveness and productivity and also improves the standard of living of U.S. citizens. (Sec. 405) Sets forth reporting requirements for the Commission and calls for congressional hearings on such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Payments to States Title II: Requirements for Comprehensive Health Plans Title III: Tax Deductibility of Health Insurance Title IV: Health Care for Working Families Title V: Financing Mechanisms American Health Security Partnership Act of 1998 - Title I: Federal Payments to States - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments to States with certain comprehensive health insurance plans to enable them to ensure that each individual has access to health insurance coverage at least equivalent to that provided to Members of Congress and Federal employees. (Sec. 102) Sets forth implementation guidelines. Precludes a State from receiving such funds if it adopts Medicaid eligibility standards more restrictive than those applied as of June 1, 1997. (Sec. 103) Appropriates specified amounts for FY 1999 through 2003 out of the tobacco settlement trust fund established by this Act. Title II: Requirements for Comprehensive Health Plans - Sets deadlines for submission and implementation of a State-administered comprehensive health insurance plan that conforms with specified requirements. (Sec. 203) Amends the Social Security Act to set a deadline by which a State must have in effect a certified comprehensive health insurance plan as a prerequisite to receiving Federal Medicaid payments. Title III: Tax Deductibility of Health Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from adjusted gross income equal to 100 percent of the amount paid for insurance which constitutes medical care for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents. Title IV: Health Care for Working Families - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to mandate that each large employer offer its employees the opportunity to enroll in a health care plan that meets the requirements of the certified comprehensive health insurance plan set forth under this Act. (Sec. 401) Subjects such employers to civil money penalties for violations of this Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require any health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage to an employer on behalf of the employees to ensure that such coverage complies with the certified comprehensive health insurance plan requirements set forth under this Act. Title V: Financing Mechanisms - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the top income tax rate applicable to corporations from 35 percent to 36 percent. (Sec. 502) Establishes a tobacco settlement trust fund in the Treasury for the deposit of payments made to the Federal Government pursuant to legislation implementing a national tobacco settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1998
Honest Balanced Budget Act of 1998 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds included in the gross Federal debt shall not be: (1) included in the Federal budget baseline for any fiscal year; and (2) counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of offsetting any tax decrease and any spending increase.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Water Resources Development Act of 1998 - Authorizes projects for flood damage reduction, or flood damage reduction and recreation, in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and North Dakota, and Puerto Rico. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to undertake a program to perform studies and carry out projects to reduce flood hazards and restore natural functions and values of riverine ecosystems throughout the United States. Outlines cost-sharing requirements. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate congressional committees before carrying out a project. Requires independent program review. Provides a per-project limit of $75 million. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2004. (Sec. 5) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to provide the non-Federal share of the costs of periodic beach nourishment or shore protection projects. (Sec. 6) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1948 to increase to $7 million the maximum amount for small flood control projects. (Sec. 7) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1960 to state that a limitation on funding for the compilation and dissemination of information on floods and flood damage shall not apply to funds voluntarily contributed in order to expand the scope of such services. (Sec. 8) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to: (1) extend through FY 2000 the Everglades and South Florida ecosystem restoration program; and (2) allow non-profit entities to enter into agreements to pay non-Federal shares of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. (Sec. 10) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to allow non-profit entities to enter into agreements to pay non-Federal shares of the costs of projects for beneficial uses of dredged material. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal and non-profit entities to facilitate collaborative efforts for environmental protection and restoration, natural resources, conservation, and recreation in connection with the development, operation, and management of water resources projects. (Sec. 12) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1936 to allow contributions by States and political subdivisions to be used for environmental restoration activities. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary during FY 1999 through 2002 to withhold a specified amount of recreation user fees for backlogged repair and maintenance projects, interpretation, signage, habitat or facility enhancement, resource preservation, annual operation, maintenance, and law enforcement related to public use at recreation sites. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary, within a year after enactment of this Act and every five years thereafter, to review the Shoreline Management Program administered by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) at Army projects to determine Program costs. (Sec. 15) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to permit studies undertaken by the Secretary concerning the Pacific region to include flood damage reduction and environmental restoration. (Sec. 16) Establishes the Water Resources Foundation, a nonprofit District of Columbia corporation, to: (1) encourage, accept, and administer gifts of money and property for Corps activities and services in managing natural resources at Army water resources development projects; and (2) undertake and conduct other activities to further the conservation and management of natural, scenic, historic, and recreational resources at such projects. Provides, with respect to the Foundation, for: (1) conflict of interest prohibitions; (2) tax-exempt status; (3) a Board of Directors; (4) corporate powers and obligations; and (5) an authorization of appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 17) Directs the Secretary to establish and collect fees from applicants for the evaluation of commercial permit applications, the preparation of environmental impact statements in connection with such applications, and the delineation of wetlands for major developments affecting wetlands. Establishes in the Treasury the Army Civil Works Regulatory Program Account for the deposit and expenditure of such fees. (Sec. 18) Authorizes the Secretary to acquire from willing sellers land and property in the vicinity of Pierre, South Dakota, or to floodproof or relocate other property, in order to provide full operational capability for the Missouri River Main Stem dams that are part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program. Requires non- Federal interests to pay 35 percent of such costs. (Sec. 19) Directs the Secretary to finalize a report, together with recommendations, identifying a general implementation strategy and overall plan for environmental restoration and protection along the Lower Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. (Sec. 20) Authorizes the Secretary to permit the non-Federal sponsor for the project for flood control, Moorefield, West Virginia, to pay without interest the remaining non-Federal project cost over a period to be determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 30 years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
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, 1999 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1999 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 1999 for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for: (1) overseas contingency operations (including a transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (3) environmental restoration for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense-wide (including a transfer of funds in each case); (4) environmental restoration at former defense sites (including a transfer of funds); (5) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; (6) nuclear threat reduction programs with respect to republics of the former Soviet Union; (7) quality of life enhancements, defense (including a transfer of funds); (8) renovation of the Pentagon (including a transfer of funds); and (9) morale, welfare, and recreation and personnel support for contingency deployments (including a transfer of funds). Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1999 for procurement by the armed forces and its 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 1999 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 (including a transfer of funds); and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Program s - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) expenses and activities of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) expenses of the Intelligence Community Management Account; (3) authorized payments to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration 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 procurement funds appropriated under this Act to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for E-2C aircraft, the Longbow Hellfire missile, and medium tactical vehicle replacement. (Sec. 8010) Prohibits during FY 1999 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8019) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8031) Authorizes DOD to incur up to $350 million in obligations for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8032) Earmarks funds from this Act for the Civil Air Patrol. (Sec. 8033) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act to establish a new DOD federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). Limits the Federal compensation to be paid to DOD FFRDC members or consultants. Prohibits the use of FY 1999 DOD FFRDC funds for new building construction, cost-sharing payments for projects funded by Government grants, absorption of cost overruns, or certain charitable contributions. Limits the staff years of technical effort that may be funded for DOD FFRDCs from FY 1999 funds. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning such staff year allocations. (Sec. 8040) Directs the President to include within each fiscal year budget the amounts requested for administrative activities of DOD, the military departments, and the defense agencies. (Sec. 8046) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification; (2) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (3) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; (4) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1997, level; and (5) to transport chemical munitions to the Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization (with an exception and an authorized wartime waiver by the President). (Sec. 8049) Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities. (Sec. 8056) Authorizes DOD to lease real and personal property at the Adak Naval Air Facility, Alaska. (Sec. 8057) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8064) Prohibits the transfer to any other department or agency, except as specifically provided in an appropriations law, of funds available to DOD or the Central Intelligence Agency in any fiscal year for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. (Sec. 8071) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees setting forth all costs incurred by DOD in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. (Sec. 8072) Prohibits FY 1998 DOD funds from being obligated or expended to transfer to another nation or international organization defense articles or services for use in any UN peacekeeping or peace enforcement operation, or for any other international peacekeeping, peace enforcement, or humanitarian assistance operation, unless specified congressional committees are given 15 days' advance notice. (Sec. 8073) Directs the Secretary, to the extent authorized by law, to issue loan guarantees in support of U.S. defense exports not otherwise provided for, with a contingent liability limit of $15 billion. Requires quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on such loan guarantees. (Sec. 8078) Authorizes the use of DOD O&M funds in support of U.S. missions and with eligible organizations and activities outside of DOD. (Sec. 8081) Directs the Secretary, upon the enactment of this Act, to make specified transfers between various DOD accounts. (Sec. 8082) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report to the defense committees identifying separately any activity for which the fiscal year 2000 budget request was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's request for that activity for FY 1999. (Sec. 8084) Authorizes the Secretary to waive reimbursement of certain educational costs of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies for military officers and civilian officials of foreign countries if determined to be in the national security interest. (Sec. 8086) Appropriates during FY 1998 amounts necessary for the O&M of Fisher houses. (Sec. 8090) Directs DOD to submit to the defense committees a budget justification document for the active and reserve military personnel accounts which identifies the amounts requested by the President to be appropriated to DOD for military personnel in any budget request for FY 2000. (Sec. 8093) Requires each budget request submitted by the President for FY 2000 and thereafter to separately identify all costs incurred by DOD to support NATO expansion. (Sec. 8094) Authorizes the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, to waive limitations on the procurement of defense items from a foreign country if: (1) the Secretary determines that such limitation would invalidate cooperative programs or reciprocal trade agreements for the procurement of defense items; and (2) such country does not discriminate against the same or similar defense items produced in the United States for that country. Provides exceptions. (Sec. 8097) Reduces by $150 million the total amount appropriated for O&M under this Act to reflect savings from consolidations and personnel reductions mandated under the Defense Reform Initiative. (Sec. 8098) Reduces by $400.6 million the total amount appropriated in this Act to reflect savings from revised economic assumptions, to be allocated among various DOD accounts. (Sec. 8100) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer naval vessels on a sale or combined sale-lease basis (in accordance with a specified amendment to be proposed to S. 2057 as filed in the Senate). Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Vessels Transfer Program Account for paying costs associated with vessel transfers. (Sec. 8101) Enacts into law specified amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 which limit: (1) the Secretary's waiver authority with respect to maintaining certain cash balances in DOD working capital funds; and (2) the National Defense Stockpile disposal authority of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Small Employer Nest Egg Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth provisions for: (1) a small employer (100 or fewer employees) retirement plan; (2) a credit for the expenses of establishing such a plan; and (3) a model small employer retirement plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify petroleum storage facilities as five-year property for depreciation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the earned income credit, to increase the phaseout amount for individuals with children.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income foster care payments paid by certain nongovernmental placement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Incentives for Teachers Title II: Other Incentives for Teachers Student and Teachers Excellence in Education Act - Title I: Tax Incentives for Teachers - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit of $2,000 (pro rated if appropriate) for full-time elementary and secondary public school teachers. (Sec. 102) Allows tax deductions of up to $2,000 for the expenses paid by elementary and secondary public school teachers in connection with receiving accreditation from National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Title II: Other Incentives for Teachers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for cancellation of student loans for public elementary and secondary school teachers, under the Federal Family Education Loan program and the direct student loan program, with rates of discharge based on one to three years of teaching service. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies that have improved student achievement in mathematics and English as demonstrated by improved national standardized test results of students completing the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for teacher technology training. Requires professional development activities to include instruction in the use of technology. Adds technology to the list of core subject areas for the National Teacher Training Project grants program (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). Requires local plans for improving teaching and learning to include descriptions of how their core subject area programs will incorporate technologies which meet the educational needs of individuals who are from historically underrepresented groups, or are economically disadvantaged, or have limited English language abilities, or have disabilities. Requires authorized professional development activities to incorporate effective technology for meeting the educational needs of diverse groups of students. Includes technological innovation as a higher education activity to improve teacher education programs. (Sec. 204) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) local educational agencies should use national standardized tests to evaluate student performance in mathematics and English at the end of each school year; and (2) schools should end social promotion of students to the next grade level.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food and Drug Administration Fees Part A: User Fees Part B: General Provisions Title II: Medicare Administrative Fees Title III: Miscellaneous User Fees User Fee Act of 1998 - Title I: Food and Drug Administration Fees - Part A: User Fees - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fees to cover activities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in connection with: (1) petitions and notifications for food additives, food contact substances, and color additives; (2) applications for approval of generic drugs; (3) applications for approval of animal drugs; (4) applications for approval of medical devices; (5) the review of import inspections and export certificates for drugs, devices, and food subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (6) regulating entities subject to FDA oversight. Part B: General Provisions - Set forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) fee amounts and availability; (2) assessment, publication, and reduction or waiver of fees; and (3) with respect to such fees, the FDA agency plan and reporting requirements. Title II: Medicare Administrative Fees - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary to impose, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, fees for initial Medicare+Choice contracts and annual fees for renewal of such contracts and monitoring of the ongoing operations of Medicare+Choice organizations. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary to establish fee amounts annually, which shall not exceed reasonably estimated costs. Allows the Secretary to provide for reduction or waiver of such fees in exceptional circumstances in the public interest. Requires such fees to be credited to the Health Care Financing Administration Program Management Account. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous Provisions) to repeal the prohibition against the imposition of fees for conducting certification surveys. Requires imposition of such fees, except upon entities subject to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1998. Prohibits an entity from including such a fee as an allowable item on a cost report under SSA title XVIII or XIX (Medicaid). (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a procedure for initial and periodic renewal of registration of individuals and entities that furnish items or services for which Medicare payment may be made and that are not otherwise subject to Medicare provisions for such procedures. Requires the Secretary, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, to impose: (1) fees for initial agreements with service providers, and initial registrations of other entities and individuals that furnish items or services for which Medicare payment may be made; and (2) annual fees to cover the costs of renewals of agreements and registrations of such individuals and entities. Sets forth fee-related assessment limitations, crediting requirements, and cost-reporting restrictions similar to those for the other fees required by this title. (Sec. 204) Outlines requirements for new mandatory fees for review, audit, and cost settlement activities under the Medicare Integrity Program, to be credited to the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account. (Sec. 205) Subjects certain claims to a $1 processing fee, including claims which duplicate another claim submitted by the same individual or entity, and claims which are not submitted electronically. Allows the waiver of fees in the latter case where compelling circumstances exist. Sets forth guidelines for the collection, crediting, and availability of such fees similar to the guidelines for initial Medicare+Choice contract and renewal fees. Title III: Miscellaneous User Fees - Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees to cover costs of providing services under specified agricultural laws. (Sec. 302) Requires the Secretary of Commerce to collect fees for the provision of navigation assistance and fisheries management and enforcement services. Limits a fisheries management fee to one percent of the ex-vessel value of harvested fish with respect to which the fee is collected. (Sec. 304) Amends Federal law to increase patent fees (including maintenance fees), except fees for the filing of provisional applications for original patents. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations to the International Trade Administration, to be derived from fees collected for the provision of export promotion services. (Sec. 306) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to increase claim maintenance fees to be paid by holders of unpatented mining claims, mills, or tunnel sites for FY 1999 and subsequent years. Increases and permanently extends location fees for such claims. Makes fees available for mining law administration program operations. (Sec. 307) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Labor, beginning in FY 2000, to impose fees for the filing of applications for labor certifications, employer attestations, or similar petitions required for programs relating to the provision to an alien of immigrant or nonimmigrant employment-based status. (Sec. 308) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to collect fees for the provision of navigation assistance services. (Sec. 309) Amends Federal law to require the Surface Transportation Board to prescribe a schedule of user fees for carriers subject to the Board's jurisdiction. (Sec. 310) Requires the Secretary of the Army to collect fees from applicants for permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for: (1) evaluation of permit applications; (2) preparation of environmental impact statements in connection with permit issuance; and (3) delineation of wetlands for major developments affecting wetlands. Establishes the Army Civil Works Regulatory Program Account in the Treasury into which such fees shall be deposited. Makes the Account available to the Secretary for costs incurred in administering laws pertaining to regulation of U.S. navigable waters. (Sec. 311) Establishes in the Treasury a radiological emergency preparedness fund for offsite radiological emergency planning, preparedness, and response. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to collect fees from persons subject to radiological emergency preparedness regulations, to be deposited in such fund. (Sec. 312) Directs the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board to collect fees from air carriers to cover partial costs of aviation accident investigations. Caps such fees at $6 million per fiscal year. (Sec. 313) Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to authorize fees to be assessed on persons rendering services in connection with claims for benefits where their service fees are fixed or approved by the Commissioner of Social Security or determined by a court. Authorizes appropriations for administrative expenses in carrying out such title and related laws from amounts credited to a special Treasury account from such assessments. Applies service fee provisions to title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act as well. (Sec. 314) Amends Federal law to extend provisions for railroad carrier user fees through FY 2003. (Sec. 315) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to authorize an increased maximum ad valorem rate adjustment for certain customs merchandise processing. Makes fees collected in excess of the established .21 percent ad valorem to be available for expenses incurred by the Secretary of the Treasury for the National Customs Automation Program. (Sec. 316) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to levy fees upon applicants for pesticide registration, amendments to registration, and experimental use permits to cover costs associated with application review. Provides for waivers or reductions of fees under specified circumstances. (Sec. 317) Authorizes the Administrator to assess fees from persons required to submit certain test data under the Toxic Substances Control Act without regard to dollar limitations specified in such Act. (Sec. 318) Amends the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority to assess certain user fees and annual charges through FY 2003. (Sec. 319) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to assess fees for examinations against insured depository institutions. Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to require (currently, authorize) fees to be assessed against banks examined (other than those examined by State authorities) upon order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board). Amends the FDIA to reduce annual regular examination fees imposed on any State depository institution under the FDIA, FRA, or the Home Owners' Loan Act to reflect that the supervision of the institution by a State bank supervisor has reduced the need for Federal supervision. Bars the imposition of such fees on institutions with assets of less than $100 million. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to report to the Congress on: (1) total costs incurred by the Board during the preceding year attributable to examinations of bank holding companies; and (2) total amounts assessed against, and paid by, such holding companies for examinations. (Sec. 319) Extends through FY 2005 National Park Service (NPS) authority under the recreational fee demonstration program. Makes such authority available for all NPS units, except that no recreational admission fee may be charged at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Requires a report from the Secretary of the Interior to specified congressional committees on the program's status. (Sec. 320) Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors through a commercial use authorization. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows the award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated annual gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this section, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows preferential rights of renewal to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple concession contracts within a park. Requires all fees to be covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to National Park System units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to conduct biennial audits of concession fees. Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. Requires the approval of the Secretary before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. Grants possessory interest to concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act. Places conditions on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; and (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance. Grants the Comptroller General, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to contracts. Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this section from certain provisions of Federal law relating to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 321) Amends Federal law to authorize the use of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for costs incurred by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after FY 1999. Requires fees to be assessed for FAA services obtained outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
TEA 21 Restoration Act - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to increase authorization of appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the High Priority Projects Program. Increases the FY 1998 authorization of appropriations for Highway Use Tax Evasion Projects. (Sec. 2) Increases obligation ceilings for FY 1999 through 2003 for Federal-aid highway programs. Declares that such obligations shall remain available for a period of three fiscal years. Sets a $1 million minimum for State apportionments for Interstate maintenance, national highway system, bridge, congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, surface transportation, metropolitan planning, minimum guarantee, high priority projects, Appalachian development highway system, and recreational trails programs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation: (1) on October 15 of FY 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter, to allocate for such fiscal year an amount of funds determined under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), for distribution if the determined amount for such fiscal year is greater than zero; and (2) if the determined amount for such fiscal years is less than zero, to reduce proportionately, on October 1 of the succeeding fiscal year, the amount of sums authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out each of the Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs (other than emergency relief) by an aggregate amount equal to the determined amount. Postpones from April 1, 1998, to August 1, 1998, the deadline for the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the development and maintenance by the IRS of an excise fuel reporting system. Amends the Secretary's mandate to reserve funds for projects to replace and rehabilitate deficient Indian reservation road bridges to specify, as an alternative to applying calcium magnesium acetate or sodium acetate-formate, any other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and de-icing compositions. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect and disseminate information, foster educational programs, and conduct research, and study techniques, on protecting historic covered bridges from rot, fire, natural disasters, or weight-related damage; and (2) make grants to applicant States demonstrating a need for assistance to rehabilitate or repair, or preserve, one or more historic covered bridges. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, to approve Interstate System (IS) substitute highway and transit projects (with an 85 percent Federal share of costs) in lieu of construction of the Barney Circle Freeway project. Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that State bond interest be included in the Federal share of costs on the construction of Interstate and National Highway System projects. Requires any Federal-aid highway funds released by the final payment on a project (or by modification of the project agreement) to be credited to the same program funding category previously apportioned to the State and be immediately available for expenditure. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary advance to a requesting State 100 percent of the cost of construction of a toll bridge or toll tunnel that is necessary to complete an essential gap in the IS. Repeals the requirement that Federal aid for highway construction be extended only to States that use their motor vehicle registration fees, licenses, gasoline taxes, and other special taxes on motor- vehicle owners and operators for the construction and maintenance of State highways. Repeals the extension of the winter home heating oil delivery program. Requires the Texas State Highway 99 (also known as "Grand Parkway") to be considered as one option in the I-69 route studies performed by the Texas Department of Transportation for the designation of I-69 Bypass in Houston, Texas. Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for: (1) the High Priority Las Vegas Intermodal Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; and (2) certain seismic design and engineering and deployment projects. Sets forth a certain formula for the apportionment of Federal aid to the Puerto Rico highway program. Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for: (1) implementing traffic calming measures in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, Virginia; (2) a pedestrian bridge over U.S. Route 29 at Emmet Street in Charlottesville, Virginia; (3) construction of the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway interpretive center located on the Roanoke River Gorge in Virginia; and (4) the renovation and preservation of the Missouri Route 66 Chain of Rocks Bridge. Earmarks specified amounts to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with respect to the six-year suspension of toll collection for travel between specified points along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Earmarks specified amounts to the Secretary to make grants for the research and development of low-speed superconductivity magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) technology for public transportation in urban areas to demonstrate energy efficiency, congestion mitigation, and safety benefits. Authorizes appropriations for specified related noncontract authority. Allows transportation assistance to State and local governments hosting an official venue of the Special Olympics International. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish criteria and a selection process (conforming, to the extent practicable, to Executive Order No. 12893 with respect to infrastructure investment) for discretionary programs funded from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) that at a minimum apply to: (1) the intelligent transportation system deployment program; (2) the national corridor planning and development program; (3) the coordinated border infrastructure and safety program; (4) the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities; (5) the national scenic byways program; (6) the Interstate discretionary program; and (7) the discretionary bridge program. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a coordinated environmental review process for mass transit projects. (Sec. 5) Requires each State to have in effect a law that prohibits the possession of any open alcoholic beverage container, or the consumption of such beverages in the passenger area of motor vehicles on public highways. Requires the Secretary, if a State has not enacted or is not enforcing such a law, to transfer specified increasing percentages of a State's National Highway program, surface transportation program, and IS apportionments to its highway safety program apportionment to be: (1) used for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures; (2) directed to State and local law enforcement agencies for enforcement of laws prohibiting driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence and other related laws; or (3) at the election of the State, used for hazard elimination programs. Sets forth analogous requirements for States which have not enacted or are not enforcing minimum penalties for repeat offenders for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to award a grant to the Minnesota Historical Society for the establishment of the Minnesota Transportation History Network to include major exhibits, interpretive programs at national historic landmark sites, and outreach programs with county and local historical organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Decreases the authorization of appropriations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to pave the entrance road to the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal Transit Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish with the Federal land management agencies that have jurisdiction over land in the Lake Tahoe region a transportation planning process for the region; and (2) coordinate the transportation planning process with the State and local government planning process. Grants congressional consent to California and Nevada to designate by interstate compact a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the region. Requires the MPO's policy board to include a representative of each Federal land management agency that has jurisdiction over land in the Lake Tahoe region. Permits the use of up to one percent of Nevada's apportionment for public lands highways to carry out the transportation planning process (including highway projects developed in transportation plans) for the Lake Tahoe region. Amends Federal transportation law to allow an MPO's long-range metropolitan area financial plan to include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted long-range plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. Requires the MPO and the State cooperatively to develop estimates of funds that will be available to support long-range plan implementation. Declares that a State or MPO shall not be required to select a project from the illustrative list of additional projects. Requires an MPO, public transit agency, and the State, for purposes of developing a transportation improvement program, to cooperatively develop estimates of funds that are reasonably expected to be available to support program implementation. Amends the Federal Transit Act of 1998 to revise transportation project selection procedures to require MPOs to consult with affected public transit operators when selecting such projects from an approved transportation improvement program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for FY 1998 to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000. Earmarks up to eight percent of capital project funds for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing fixed guideway systems for activities other than final design and construction. Earmarks specified funds for capital projects in Alaska or Hawaii for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing fixed guideway systems that are ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities, or that are approaches to ferry terminal facilities. Directs the Comptroller General (currently, the Secretary of Transportation) to report to specified congressional committees on the dollar value of mobility improvements and their relationship to the overall transportation justification of a new fixed guideway system or extension to an existing system. Makes specified advanced technology pilot project funds available from the HTF for transportation research, training, and curriculum development at specified institutions of higher learning. Renames the National Mass Transportation Institute program as the National Transit Institute program. Requires the pilot program to determine the benefits of using funds from the HTF Mass Transit Account for intercity passenger rail to be confined to a single State (Oklahoma). Requires a mass transportation grant recipient, when awarding a procurement contract, to maximize efficiencies of administration by accepting nondisputed audits conducted by other government agencies. Increases from 600,000 to 900,000 the maximum number of total bus revenue vehicle-miles operated in or directly serving an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 to make such area eligible for a formula grant to finance the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in mass transportation. Renames the urban block grant program as the urban formula grant program. Revises authorization of appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for various mass transit programs. Earmarks specified sums of university transportation research grant amounts for each fiscal year for specified named university transportation centers. Decreases the authorization of appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for capital projects for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing fixed guideway systems. Authorizes specified additional projects for final design and construction and alternative analysis and preliminary engineering for specified new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing fixed guideway systems under the New Starts program. Authorizes appropriations for the rural transportation accessibility incentive program for FY 1999 through 2003 for operators of over-the-road buses used substantially or exclusively in intercity, fixed-route over-the-road bus service (including operators of other over-the-road bus service) to finance the incremental capital and training costs of DOT's final rules regarding accessibility of over-the-road buses. Revises obligation ceilings for FY 2000 and 2002. (Sec. 11) Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to decrease the FY 1998 through 2003 authorization of appropriations for university transportation research. Revises obligation ceilings. Authorizes the Secretary to use up to 25 percent of certain transportation funds to make available loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees for projects that are eligible for assistance and that have significant intelligent transportation system elements. Makes West Virginia University Institute of Technology, the College of West Virginia, and Bluefield State College eligible to receive grants to establish university transportation centers. Revises the authorization of appropriations to the Oklahoma State University for FY 2001 and 2002 for certain bridge projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for continuation of certain studies of the fundamental properties of asphalt and modified asphalts. (Sec. 13) Decreases outlays for FY 1999 and 2000 for nondefense and discretionary spending categories. (Sec. 14) Amends Federal law relating to veteran's benefits to provide that a veteran's disability or death shall not be considered service-connected on the basis that it resulted from injury or disease attributable to the use of tobacco products by the veteran during active duty. Increases (by 20 percent) the rates of survivors and dependents educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
Family Retirement Savings Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit for contributions to individual retirement accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1998
Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H. Con. Res. 284 (congressional budget).
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1998
No Gun Tax Act of 1998 - Prohibits the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from collecting any fee, assessment, third party collection, or other charge from any person or agency in connection with any background check required under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1998
Revises and replaces the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1998. Sets forth the congressional budget for the Government for FY 1999, including appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2000 through 2003. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 1998 through 2003, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; and (5) public debt. Sets forth the appropriate levels of new budget authority and budget outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 1998 through 2003. Establishes a deadline for the submission of specified House committee recommendations on changes in laws that provide direct spending to the House Budget Committee. Requires the House Budget Committee to report to the House a reconciliation bill carrying out such recommendations without substantive revision. Authorizes the chairman of the Budget Committee, upon the reporting in the House of, or filing of a conference report with respect to, a measure that provides: (1) funds for personal retirement savings accounts for individuals, to increase appropriate allocations and aggregates of new budget authority and outlays for FY 1999 through 2003 by the amount of outlays resulting from, and corresponding amount of new budget authority provided by, the measure for such fiscal year; or (2) preferential tax treatment of contributions to such accounts, to reduce revenue aggregates for each of such fiscal years by the amount of the revenue loss resulting from the measure for such fiscal year. Provides that any measure or amendment or conference report with respect to such measure that establishes on a prospective basis compensation or pay for any Government position at a specified level, the appropriation for which is provided through annual discretionary appropriations, shall not be considered as providing new entitlement or budget authority. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to: (1) the issuance of marketable interest-bearing securities to the social security trust funds; (2) the inclusion of the Assets for Independence Act in the Ways and Means Committee's reconciliation submission to the Budget Committee; (3) Medicare coverage for participation in clinical cancer trials; (4) the interim payment system for home health benefits under Medicare; and (5) full funding for programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Authorizes specified appropriations for the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation for: (1) operations and training (including a discretionary set-aside for a maritime information clearinghouse); and (2) loan guarantee program expenses. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey named vessels to: (1) a specified corporation for use as a floating trade exposition to showcase U.S. technology, products, and services; and (2) a purchaser for reconstruction for sale or charter. Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 with respect to obsolete vessel sales to provide that: (1) net proceeds of sales shall be credited to the Vessels Operation Revolving Fund; and (2) costs of sales in excess of proceeds may be paid from the Fund from the balance of such sales. Amends Federal law to authorize the transfer of Fund amounts derived from obsolete vessel sales to the operations and training account of the Maritime Administration for specified purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) concerning liquidation of corporate subsidiaries to provide that if a corporation receives a distribution from a regulated investment company or a real estate investment trust which is considered as being in complete liquidation of such company or trust, then, notwithstanding other specified IRC provisions, such corporation shall recognize and treat as a dividend from such company or trust an amount equal to the deduction for dividends paid allowable to such company or trust by reason of such distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Vaccinate America's Children Now Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax on vaccines from 75 cents per dose to 25 cents per dose.