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Bill· SS. 1037 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions Creating Improved Delivery of Child Care: Affordable, Reliable, and Educational Act - CIDCARE Act - Title I: Demand for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the amount of the dependent care tax credit. Defines "accredited child care center," "child care credentialing or accreditation entity," and "credentialed child care professional." Makes the credit refundable for taxpayers eligible for the earned income credit. Requires an employer to make advance payments (with wage withholding payments) of dependent care amounts. (Sec. 102) Increases the dollar limits on the exclusion from employee gross income of employer payments for dependent care assistance. Includes in the definition of "dependent care assistance" payments to the employee from amounts contributed to the employee's account during the pregnancy paid within one year after contribution and while the employee, the employee's spouse, or one of their parents stays at home to care for a qualifying individual. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish and maintain a dependent care assistance program for employees. (Sec. 103) Amends the Social Security Act to require States to have laws requiring that child support orders enforced under certain provisions include an amount for child care services. Title II: Supply of Quality Child Care - Subtitle A: Tax Benefits for Quality Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business credit for 50 percent (with a dollar limit) of qualified child care expenses, including the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or expansion of property, operating costs, services contracts, and accreditation costs. Terminates the credit after 1999. (Sec. 202) Applies provisions relating to corporate charitable contributions of scientific property used for research to include contributions to: (1) accredited or certified child care centers or their support entities; (2) educational organizations; (3) certain governmental units; and (4) certain scientific research organizations. Allows the donor to repair and refurbish the property. (Sec. 203) Excludes the deduction for the accreditation and credentialing expenses for child care providers from the two-percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. (Sec. 204) Allows for the care of a dependent in a home office without loss of the home office deduction. Subtitle B: Child Care Quality Improvement Incentive Program - Establishes a program of competitive grants to States to improve child care quality. Requires recipient States to: (1) establish a subsidy for certified child care providers; (2) establish a grant program to assist small businesses in operating child care programs; and (3) carry out one or more of seven specified activities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Distribution of Information About Quality Child Care - Requires technical assistance and the collection and dissemination of information concerning the importance of high quality child care. Mandates competitive grants to certain child care credentialing or accreditation entities, with the grants used to refine and evaluate the entities' procedures. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 222) Mandates a grant to an eligible organization to develop and operate a technology-based child care training infrastructure in order to facilitate accreditation, credentialing, and information dissemination. Regulates grantee fund use. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 223) Requires that grantee to establish and operate a child care training revolving fund to make loans to enable the purchase of equipment used to disseminate training through the infrastructure. Subtitle D: Quality Child Care Through Federal Facilities and Programs - Mandates regulations: (1) requiring any child care center in an executive, legislative, or judicial facility to comply with State and local licensing requirements; and (2) specifying accreditation standards and requiring any such center to comply. Provides for enforcement. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 232) Requires the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Labor to ensure that any child care made available under any Federal financial assistance carried out by those agencies be provided by an accredited child care center or a credentialed child care professional. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to impose similar requirements on child care services made available under certain provisions. (Sec. 233) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the establishment of accredited child care centers in activities permitted to be assisted under community development provisions. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow loan repayments or cancellation for individuals employed providing child care services who have a certificate or degree in early childhood education or development. (Sec. 242) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require that each State case registry record include the custodial status of any child covered by the order involved. Requires that the Secretary of the Treasury have access to: (1) the National Directory of New Hires to verify information that is required on a tax return (currently, to verify a claim regarding employment in a tax return); and (2) the Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders to administer Internal Revenue Code provisions granting tax benefits based on support and residence provided dependent children. Limits the minimum past due support to which offset procedures may be applied to not more than $150. Sets the withholding threshold at $150 (currently, $500).
Bill· SS. 1022 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Justice Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Title III: The Judiciary Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies Title V: Related Agencies Title VI: General Provisions Title VII: Rescissions - Department of Justice Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the judiciary, and related agencies. Title I: Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for: (1) general administration; (2) counterterrorism activities; (3) administration of pardon and clemency petitions and immigration-related activities; (4) specified violent crime reduction programs; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (6) the U.S. Parole Commission; (7) legal activities; (8) deportation of certain denied asylum applicants; (9) antitrust activities; (10) the Office of U.S. Attorneys; (11) the U.S. Trustee Program; (12) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (13) the U.S. Marshals Service; (14) fees and expenses of witnesses; (15) the Community Relations Service; (16) certain uses of the Assets Forfeiture Fund; (17) administrative expenses related to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act; (18) the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund; (19) interagency law enforcement with respect to organized crime drug trafficking; (20) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (21) construction for specified agencies; (22) the Drug Enforcement Administration; (23) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (24) the Federal prison system, including amounts for substance abuse treatment in Federal prisons and for buildings and facilities; (25) Office of Justice programs; (26) State and local law enforcement assistance; (27) the Executive Office for Weed and Seed; (28) juvenile justice programs and block grants; and (29) public safety officers' benefits. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this title to: (1) pay for abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape; or (2) require any person to perform or facilitate an abortion. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the FBI Director to carry out a two-year demonstration project showing the viability for the defensive arming of select non-agent personnel. (Sec. 110) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate provisions establishing the Immigration Detention Account. (Sec. 111) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995 to make permanent certain provisions that authorize: (1) the adjustment of status of certain aliens to permanent resident; and (2) the issuance of immigrant visas to certain aliens within 90 days of departure from the United States under specified conditions. (Sec. 112) Philippine Army, Scouts, and Guerilla Veterans of World War II Naturalization Act of 1997 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990 with respect to the naturalization of certain Philippine World War II veterans. (Sec. 113) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "special immigrant" to apply such definition to immigrants who are present in the United States without having been admitted or paroled, or who have been paroled by the Attorney General specifically for purposes of obtaining such status, and who meet other specified criteria. (Sec. 114) Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to eliminate provisions that make the Crime Victims Fund available for judicial branch administrative costs. Authorizes the use of unobligated sums for such costs by the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime to improve services for the benefit of crime victims. (Sec. 116) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to require States to establish boards composed of experts in the behavior and treatment of sex offenders, victims' rights advocates, and law enforcement representatives for purposes of making recommendations to sentencing courts on whether a person is a sexually violent predator. Authorizes the Attorney General to waive such requirement for States that have established satisfactory alternative procedures for making such recommendations. Expands the list of agencies and officials who may be responsible for notifying paroled sex offenders of their duty to register current addresses (currently, the court has this responsibility). Establishes registration requirements for certain sex offenders who are: (1) employed or enrolled as students in States other than their State of residence; (2) probationers or parolees residing in States other than the one in which sentenced; (3) Federal offenders; or (4) military personnel. Requires States to report to the Attorney General on existing or proposed laws regarding stalking crimes against individuals 16 years of age or younger. Expresses the sense of the Senate that each State should have a law that makes it a crime to stalk an individual under the age of 16 without requiring that such individual be physically harmed before a stalker is restrained or punished. (Sec. 117) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993, to increase the number of visas set aside under a specified pilot program for immigrants seeking to enter the United States for purposes of engaging in a new commercial enterprise. Extends such program. (Sec. 118) Requires the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service to provide a magnetometer and guards at specified real property leased to the Federal Government in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Sec. 119) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer of surplus Government property to States, localities, and territories as needed for law enforcement or fire and rescue (currently, as required for correctional facility use) purposes. Title II: Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) export administration and national security activities; (4) the Economic Development Administration; (5) minority business development; (6) economic and statistical analysis programs; (7) the Census Bureau; (8) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (9) public broadcasting facilities, planning, and construction grants; (10) information infrastructure grants; (11) the Patent and Trademark Office; (12) the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy; (13) the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and for renovation of facilities; (14) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including amounts for construction and fleet maintenance and planning; (15) the Coastal Zone Management Fund; (16) the Fishing Vessel and Gear Damage Compensation Fund; (17) the Fishermen's Contingency Fund; (18) the Foreign Fishing Observer Fund; (19) fishing vessel obligations guarantees; (20) general administration; and (21) the Office of Inspector General. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 208) Establishes the Bureau of the Census Working Capital Fund. (Sec. 209) Prohibits the use of FY 1998 funds by the Department of Commerce to make irreversible plans for the use of sampling or other statistical methods in taking the 2000 decennial census for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) defender services; (6) fees of jurors and commissioners; (7) court security; (8) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (9) the Federal Judicial Center; (10) judicial retirement funds; and (11) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 304) Makes permanent authorities of the Judiciary Information Technology Fund (currently, such authorities terminate at the end of FY 1998). (Sec. 305) Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 1997 - Divides the current U.S. Court of Appeals for the ninth circuit into the following two circuits: (1) the ninth circuit composed of California, Guam, Nevada, and the Northern Mariana Islands, to consist of 15 judges and to hold regular sessions in San Francisco and Los Angeles; and (2) the twelfth circuit, composed of Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, to consist of 13 judges and to hold regular sessions in Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix. Assigns circuit judges of the former ninth circuit to either of the two new circuits based upon their official station, with senior judges permitted election of assignment. Provides for two co-equal clerks of the court for the twelfth circuit to be located in Phoenix and Seattle. (Sec. 306) Authorizes U.S. judges and justices to receive a salary adjustment during FY 1998. Title IV: Department of State and Related Agencies - Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs, diplomatic and consular programs; (2) salaries and expenses; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) security and maintenance of U.S. missions; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, conferences, peacekeeping, and commissions; (13) the Asia Foundation; and (14) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Appropriates funds for the U.S. Information Agency for: (1) international information programs; (2) information technology improvements; (3) educational and cultural exchanges; (4) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (5) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (6) international broadcasting, including broadcasting to Cuba; (7) radio construction; (8) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West; and (9) the North-South Center. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 406) Prohibits funds appropriated by this or any other Act from being expended to pay for costs incurred in operating certain diplomatic or consular posts in Vietnam or increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts unless the President certifies that the Vietnamese Government is cooperating in specified activities regarding recovery and analysis of American remains, accounting for prisoners-of-war and individuals missing in action, and investigations in Laos. (Sec. 407) Transfers specified funds for purposes of implementing the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services program. (Sec. 408) Requires the President to withdraw from an international organization if the amount available for payment of U.S. contributions to such organization is less than the amount of contributions for the fiscal year concerned. Title V: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the: (1) Maritime Administration for operating-differential subsidies, maritime security, operations and training, and the maritime guaranteed loan program; (2) Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) Commission on Civil Rights; (4) Commission on Immigration Reform; (5) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (7) Federal Communications Commission; (8) Federal Maritime Commission; (9) Federal Trade Commission; (10) Legal Services Corporation; (11) Marine Mammal Commission; (12) Securities and Exchange Commission; (13) Small Business Administration, including amounts for the Office of Inspector General, business and disaster loans, and the surety bond guarantees revolving fund; and (14) State Justice Institute. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 607) Sets forth Buy American provisions. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act to: (1) enforce any EEOC guidelines covering harassment based on religion if such guidelines do not differ from proposed guidelines of October 1, 1993; or (2) provide specified personal comforts in the Federal prison system. Title VII: Rescissions - Department of Justice - Rescinds a specified amount of funds made available for the Department of Justice Working Capital Fund.
Bill· SS. 1013 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1997
Regional Jet Air Service Improvement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee loans to certain air carriers, including commuter and intrastate air carriers, for the purchase of regional jet aircraft that provide service to underserved markets. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to use the available services and facilities of other Federal agencies to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
Law· HRH.R. 2158 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development Title III: Independent Agencies Title IV: General Provisions Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and for sundry independent agencies. Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) veterans' compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits; (2) veterans' insurance and indemnities; (3) veterans' housing, education, and vocational rehabilitation loan accounts; (4) veterans' medical care; (5) medical and prosthetic research; (6) medical administration; (7) the General Post Fund, national homes; (8) departmental administration; (9) the National Cemetery System; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction; (12) the parking revolving fund; and (13) grants to States for construction of extended care facilities and cemeteries. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for: (1) public and Indian housing; (2) the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds; (3) drug elimination grants for low-income housing; (4) revitalization of severely distressed public housing; (5) Native American housing block grants; (6) Indian housing loan guarantees; (7) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; (8) community development block grants; (9) the HOME investment partnerships program; (10) homeless assistance grants; (11) housing for special populations; (12) the Federal Housing Administration; (13) the Government National Mortgage Association; (14) housing policy development and research; (15) fair housing activities; (16) management and administration; (17) the Office of Inspector General; and (18) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Rescinds specified amounts for: (1) annual contributions for assisted housing; (2) the Supportive Housing Demonstration Program; (3) the Shelter Plus Care program; and (4) rental housing assistance. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. (Sec. 201) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend certain provisions regarding delays in the reissuance of Section 8 housing vouchers and certificates through FY 1998. (Sec. 202) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend specified provisions regarding Section 8 rent adjustments through FY 1998. (Sec. 205) Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend certain provisions regarding minimum rents in public and assisted housing. (Sec. 206) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide for allocations for affordable housing to local jurisdictions that receive initial formula allocations of less than $500,000. (Currently, only jurisdictions that receive more than such amount are granted an allocation.) Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Department of the Treasury's community development financial institutions program; (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (4) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (6) the Court of Veterans Appeals; and (7) the Department of Defense for Army cemeterial expenses. Appropriates funds for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for: (1) science and technology activities; (2) environmental programs and management; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) buildings and facilities; (5) Superfund; (6) the leaking underground storage tank program; (7) oil spill response programs; and (8) assistance to States and Indian tribes for environmental programs and infrastructure. Makes the Working Capital Fund available to EPA for maintenance and operation of administrative services without fiscal year limitation. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Environmental Quality; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for: (1) disaster relief; (2) disaster assistance direct loans; (3) salaries and expenses; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) emergency management planning and assistance; (6) a specified emergency food and shelter program; and (7) the National Flood Insurance Fund. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act to extend a certain ceiling on obligations issued under the national flood insurance program through FY 1998. Requires the Director of FEMA to promulgate a methodology for collection of fees applicable to persons subject to FEMA's radiological emergency preparedness regulations. Permits collection of such fees only during FY 1998. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for human space flight, science, aeronautics, and technology research and development, mission support, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the National Credit Union Administration's Central Liquidity Facility; (4) the National Science Foundation for research, major construction projects, science and engineering education and human resources programs, salaries and expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (6) the Selective Service System. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 415) Expresses the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 417) Requires amounts necessary for FY 1998 pay raises for programs funded by this Act to be within levels appropriated. (Sec. 419) Authorizes certain corporations and agencies of HUD to make commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as necessary to carry out provisions under the Government Corporation Control Act. Allows any collections by such corporations and agencies to be used for new loan or mortgage purchase commitments to the extent provided under this Act, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 421) Makes funds to carry out the termination of the Office of Consumer Affairs available from those appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services for FY 1998.
Bill· SS. 1004 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1997
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, 1998 - Title I: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Army and its Corps of Engineers for FY 1998 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) flood control and coastal emergencies; and (8) general expenses. Authorizes use of the Revolving Fund to construct an addition to the United States Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District main office building on Elemendorf Air Force Base. (Sec. 101) Instructs the Secretary of the Army to advertise specified hopper dredge volume for competitive bid. (Sec. 102) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of the Army shall provide planning, design and construction assistance to non-Federal interests in implementing water-related environmental infrastructure and environmental resources development projects. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes FY 1998 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation; (3) water and related resources; (4) Bureau of Reclamation Loan Program Account; (5) California Bay-Delta Ecosystem Restoration; (6) the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; and (7) general administrative expenses and special funds. Title III: Department of Energy - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1998 for: (1) non-defense energy research programs; (2) non-defense environmental management; (3) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (4) the Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund; (5) general DOE science and research activities; (6) DOE administration; (7) Office of the Inspector General; (8) atomic energy defense weapons activities; (9) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (10) other DOE defense activities; (11) defense nuclear waste disposal; (12) DOE administration expenses; (13) 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 (14) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1998 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; (5) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (6) the Tennessee Valley Authority. 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. (Sec. 502) Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the planning, design, and construction of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area Water Reclamation and Reuse Project, including the reclamation and use of nonpotable surface water. (Sec. 503) Amends the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Treaty Settlement Act of 1994 to increase authorizations for construction determined at 1997 prices.
Bill· SS. 1005 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies (including a transfer of funds), 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; and (7) quality of life enhancements, defense. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for procurement by the armed forces and its reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1998 for research, development, test and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the defense working capital funds; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) 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 the 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 Trust 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. 8009) Authorizes procurement funds appropriated under this Act to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for the Apache Longbow radar, T-45 aircraft, and AV-8B aircraft. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1998 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8020) 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. 8035) 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. 8036) Earmarks funds from this Act for the Civil Air Patrol. (Sec. 8037) 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 1998 DOD FFRDC funds for new building construction, cost-sharing payments for projects funded by Government grants, or absorption of cost overruns. Limits the staff years of technical effort that may be funded for DOD FFRDCs from FY 1998 funds. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees concerning such staff year allocations. (Sec. 8042) Reduces by $300 million the total amounts appropriated in titles I through IV of this Act to reflect savings from the DOD use of advisory and assistance services. (Sec. 8047) 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. 8053) 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) to transport chemical munitions to the Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization (with an exception and an authorized wartime waiver by the President); (3) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (4) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; and (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996, level. (Sec. 8056) Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities. (Sec. 8063) Authorizes DOD to lease real and personal property at the Adak Naval Air Facility, Alaska. (Sec. 8064) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8076) Appropriates funds to DOD for transfer to the Coast Guard. (Sec. 8078) 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. 8079) Prohibits FY 1997 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. 8080) 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. 8085) Authorizes the use of DOD O&M funds in support of U.S. missions and with eligible organizations and activities outside of DOD. (Sec. 8087) Authorizes a specified amount for Air Force aircraft procurement from a prior-year defense appropriations Act to remain available for expenditure until the end of FY 2003. (Sec. 8089) Directs the Secretary, upon the enactment of this Act, to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8090) Prohibits DOD funds from being used to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless: (1) certain DOD cost savings are achieved as a result of such restructuring; and (2) a related report required under prior law is submitted to the Congress. (Sec. 8091) Restricts the purchase of security locks used to protect critical national security information or other classified material. (Sec. 8093) 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. 8096) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to exchange or sell one Army C-20 aircraft and apply the proceeds to the acquisition of one C-37 aircraft. (Sec. 8097) Earmarks funds from this Act to assist a pilot project that will facilitate the transfer of commercial cruise ship shipbuilding technology and expertise to U.S. shipbuilding yards, utilize the experience and expertise of existing U.S.-flag cruise ship operators, and enable the operation of one U.S.-flag foreign-built cruise ship and two newly-constructed U.S.-flag cruise ships.
Bill· HRH.R. 2121 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1997
War Crimes Prosecution Facilitation Act of 1997 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be achieved if indicted war criminals remain at large and refugees and displaced persons are unable to return to their homes; (2) the United States should ensure that multilateral and bilateral assistance is provided to the Dayton Agreement parties only if doing so would promote reconciliation as well as reconstruction, including the transfer of war criminals to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the return of refugees and displaced persons, and freedom of movement; and (3) the Tribunal should continue to investigate and bring indictments against persons who have violated international humanitarian law. Prohibits foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act (except humanitarian or democratization assistance, or assistance for physical infrastructure projects) to: (1) any country whose government fails to apprehend and transfer to the Tribunal persons who have been indicted by the Tribunal and are in their territory; (2) any program or activity in such country in which an indicted war criminal has any financial interest or through any organization with which the indicted person is affiliated; and (3) any program or activity in any country (other than emergency food, medical, or demining assistance) in which local authorities are not complying with certain articles of the Dayton Agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension of any financial assistance or grants to such a country. Provides for a waiver of such sanctions if a majority of indicted persons within the country's territory have been arrested and transferred to the Tribunal.
Bill· HRH.R. 2108 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1997
Dutch John Federal Property Disposition and Assistance Act of 1997 - Provides for the transfer or disposal of certain Federal properties at Dutch John, Utah. Transfers lands designated for disposal from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (BLM), and, if appropriate, the Postal Service. Removes such lands from inclusion in the Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands acquired for the Central Utah Project and developed for wildlife mitigation to the Secretary. Incorporates such lands into the Ashley or Uinta National Forests. Directs the Secretary to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands to the Postal Service. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct appraisals to determine the fair market value of properties designated for disposal. Conveys specified infrastructure facilities, land, and public schools to Daggett County, and certain facilities of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the Division, without consideration. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of disposed residential properties. Bases priority in purchasing on seniority of reclamation lease or residency in Dutch John. Limits households to one residential lot. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of unoccupied lots, special use lands, and church land. Transfers all water rights to the Dutch John municipal water system to the County, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to consider issuance of a special use permit affording Flaming Gorge Reservoir public shoreline access and use within the vicinity of Dutch John in conjunction with commercial visitor facilities provided under such a permit. Directs the Secretary, before transfer or disposal of any land that contains cultural resources and may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, to prepare a memorandum of agreement, for review and approval by the Utah Office of Historical Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, that contains a strategy for protecting or mitigating adverse effects on cultural resources. Conveys such land to the County upon completion of actions required under the agreement. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide training and transitional operating assistance to County personnel designated as successors to operators of conveyed infrastructure facilities. Provides for annual payments to the County, for up to 15 years, for purposes of defraying administrative transition costs. Makes available a limited amount of electric power and energy from the Colorado River Storage Project for the Dutch John community. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 975 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1997
Safe Bridges Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to set aside $800 million per fiscal year for obligation at the Secretary's discretion for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Recodifies under Federal law provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 relating to the highway timber bridge research and construction program. Directs the Secretary to make grants to carry out research concerning: (1) the development of highway steel bridge applications and materials used in such structures; (2) the development of bridges and structures that will withstand natural disasters and various environments; and (3) using steel in rehabilitating highway bridges and structures. Requires such technology to be made available to State and local transportation departments. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for projects for the construction of steel bridges and structures on Federal-aid highways, with a Federal cost-share limit of 80 percent of project costs. Provides project funding for FY 1998 through 2003. Directs the Secretary to make grants to carry out research for the development of carbon composite highway bridge retrofit systems and related rehabilitation measures. Requires such technology to be made available to State and local transportation departments. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for projects for the reconstruction or seismic retrofit of bridges on the national highway system, with a Federal cost-share limit of 80 percent of project costs. Provides project funding for FY 1998 through 2003.
Bill· SS. 958 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Designates the portion of State Route 17 located between Harriman, New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, as Interstate Route 86, subject to substandard features being upgraded. Provides that designation of such Route shall not: (1) be charged against the mileage limitation established for the Interstate System; or (2) increase Federal financial responsibility with respect to such Route. Allows a State to use specified Federal highway funds to eliminate substandard features and to resurface, restore, rehabilitate, or reconstruct any portion of the designated Route.
Bill· SS. 961 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Amtrak Restructuring Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to change from mandatory to discretionary the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) authority to provide cost-effective intercity rail passenger service. Requires Amtrak's decisions regarding the initiation, retention, modification, or elimination of intercity rail passenger service to be made on the basis of available financial resources. Requires any Amtrak agreement with State or local governments or private entities to support such service to be made with the understanding that Federal funding will be eliminated after FY 2001. Authorizes a person to provide intercity rail passenger transportation over an Amtrak route only with the consent of Amtrak (currently, if they have a contract). (Sec. 8101) (sic) Directs Amtrak to adjust its route structure applying sound business and transportation principles. Directs Amtrak to provide its employees' representatives, affected States, cities, and other interested parties with 90 days advance notice of any route discontinuance that would remove all service on a route or cut service by more than half in order to enable such parties to provide financial support for its continued operation. (Sec. 8102) Exempts certain commuter authorities from paying a tax or fee to the same extent that Amtrak is exempt. Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) authority for the Amtrak Commuter (thus abolishing it as an Amtrak subsidiary); (2) route and service criteria with respect to route discontinuances and route additions; (3) certain requests to Amtrak by State, regional, or local authorities or other persons to provide rail passenger transportation or keep a train, route, or service that Amtrak intends to discontinue; and (4) additional qualifying routes. (Sec. 8106) Repeals Amtrak's mandates for: (1) cost and performance reviews of Amtrak routes in the basic system; and (2) provision of special commuter transportation. (Sec. 8201) Exempts Amtrak (and Amtrak subsidiary) passengers and customers from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority directly or indirectly on travel in intercity rail passenger transportation or mail or express transportation provided by Amtrak or a rail carrier subsidiary of Amtrak, or on the carriage of such persons, mail, or express, or on the sale of any such transportation, or on the gross receipts derived from such activities. (Sec. 8203) Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service, including high-speed rail service, to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. (Sec. 8301) Decreases to three hours (currently, three hours and 40 minutes) the time intercity rail passenger transportation should take between Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City. (Sec. 8302) Repeals the program master plan for the Boston-New York main line. (Sec. 8303) Directs Amtrak to make capital improvements for the Northeast Corridor improvement program in order to operate reliable, high-speed rail passenger service, and enhance capacity for intercity and commuter passenger service. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a third track on the Northeast Corridor between Davisville and Central Falls, Rhode Island. Applies the Davis-Bacon Act to require that laborers on the construction of such track be paid the prevailing local wage. (Sec. 8304) Repeals provisions governing compensatory agreements between rail freight and commuter rail passenger transportation providers and Amtrak. Requires Amtrak and rail freight carrier and commuter providers to submit their disputes to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to repeal the mandate for determination of a costing methodology with respect to certain Northeast Corridor cost disputes. (Sec. 8401) Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak for: (1) operating grants; and (2) capital and supplemental capital investments. (Sec. 8501) Establishes as some of the goals for Amtrak: (1) management of its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service; and (2) treatment of all passengers with respect, courtesy, and dignity. (Sec. 8505) Declares that the Freedom of Information Act shall not apply to Amtrak in any fiscal year it does not receive Federal funding. (Sec. 8506) Repeals current maintenance and rehabilitation requirements, including the mandate for a regional maintenance plan. Prohibits Amtrak from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation. Authorizes Amtrak and motor carriers of passengers, subject to Surface Transportation Board review, to: (1) combine their respective services and facilities to the public as a means of increasing revenues; and (2) coordinate schedules, routes, rates, reservations, and ticketing to provide for enhanced intermodal surface transportation. (Sec. 8507) Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing Amtrak or the owner of a facility presenting a danger to Amtrak employees, passengers, or property to receive assistance to minimize or eliminate such danger; and (2) requiring Amtrak to maintain a rail safety system program, and to develop a plan for demonstrating new technology in rail passenger equipment. (Sec. 8511) Directs Amtrak in its annual report to the Congress to include among other things: (1) information on long-term profit or loss of intercity rail passenger transportation; (2) an update that describes Amtrak's efforts in implementing the Program Master Plans for the Northeast Corridor; and (3) projections of the anticipated benefits of the capital projects Amtrak proposes to fund, and has previously funded, with Federal funding. Declares that a State shall have access to Amtrak's records, accounts, and other necessary documents used to determine the amount of any State payment to Amtrak. (Sec. 8512) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to declare that Amtrak shall not be considered a Federal entity for purposes of such Act. (Sec. 8601) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for high-speed rail technology activities. (Sec. 8602) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations addressing noise emissions from high-speed rail systems, including magnetic levitation systems, operating at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. Declares that such regulations shall be in lieu of railroad-related noise regulations issued under the Noise Control Act of 1972 only with respect to operation at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour.
Bill· SS. 963 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1997 - Establishes a transportation Federal credit assistance pilot program to provide alternative financing for eligible surface transportation projects. Sets forth eligibility criteria for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with one or more obligors to make secured and direct loans to a State, local servicer, or other entity to finance eligible projects costs (including the refinancing of interim construction financing of such project costs). Amends Federal transportation law to revise the duties of the Secretary to include, among other things, to develop and coordinate Federal policy on financing transportation infrastructure, including the provision of direct Federal credit assistance and other techniques used to leverage Federal transportation funds. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Infrastructure Finance, headed by a Director who shall be responsible for: (1) carrying out certain responsibilities of the Secretary; (2) carrying out research on financing transportation infrastructure; and (3) providing technical assistance to Federal, State, and local government agencies and officials to facilitate the development and use of alternative techniques for financing transportation infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2036 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Aviation Insurance Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Amends Federal aviation law with respect to aviation insurance to require the Secretary of Transportation to determine the reasonable value of an aircraft, for insurance purposes, in accordance with reasonable business practices in the commercial aviation insurance industry. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, upon notification of the Congress, to issue and sell notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out Federal aviation insurance and reinsurance programs. Authorizes appropriations for such borrowing authority. Declares that aviation insurance policies issued by the Secretary of Transportation may authorize the binding arbitration of claims made under them. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the amount of any binding arbitration award. Extends Federal aviation insurance and reinsurance programs through FY 2002.
Bill· HRH.R. 2066 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Operational Reforms Title II: Financial Reforms Title III: Northeast Corridor Improvements Title IV: Authorizations Title V: Miscellaneous Title VI: High-Speed Rail Amtrak Restructuring Act of 1997 - Title I: Operational Reforms - Amends Federal transportation law to change from mandatory to discretionary the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) authority to provide cost-effective intercity rail passenger service. Requires AMTRAK's decisions regarding the initiation, retention, modification, or elimination of intercity rail passenger service to be made on the basis of available financial resources. Requires any AMTRAK agreement with State or local governments or private entities to support such service to be made with the understanding that Federal funding will be eliminated after FY 2001. Authorizes a person to provide intercity rail passenger transportation over an AMTRAK route only with the consent of AMTRAK (currently, if they have a contract). (Sec. 101) Directs AMTRAK to adjust its route structure applying sound business and transportation principles. Directs AMTRAK to provide its employees' representatives, affected States, cities, and other interested parties with 90 days advance notice of any route discontinuance that would remove all service on a route or cut service by more than half in order to enable such parties to provide financial support for its continued operation. (Sec. 102) Exempts certain commuter authorities from paying a tax or fee to the same extent that AMTRAK is exempt. Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) authority for the AMTRAK Commuter (thus abolishing it as an AMTRAK subsidiary); (2) route and service criteria with respect to route discontinuances and route additions; (3) certain requests to AMTRAK by State, regional, or local authorities or other persons to provide rail passenger transportation or keep a train, route, or service that AMTRAK intends to discontinue; and (4) additional qualifying routes. (Sec. 107) Repeals AMTRAK's mandates for: (1) cost and performance reviews of AMTRAK routes in the basic system; and (2) provision of special commuter transportation. Title II: Financial Reforms - Exempts AMTRAK (and AMTRAK subsidiary) passengers and customers from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority directly or indirectly on travel in intercity rail passenger transportation or mail or express transportation provided by AMTRAK or a rail carrier subsidiary of AMTRAK, or on the carriage of such persons, mail, or express, or on the sale of any such transportation, or on the gross receipts derived from such activities. (Sec. 203) Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service, including high-speed rail service, to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. Title III: Northeast Corridor Improvements - Decreases to three hours (currently, three hours and 40 minutes) the time intercity rail passenger transportation should take between Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City. (Sec. 302) Repeals the program master plan for Boston-New York main line. (Sec. 303) Directs AMTRAK to make capital improvements for the Northeast Corridor improvement program in order to operate reliable, high-speed rail passenger service, and enhance capacity for intercity and commuter passenger service. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a third track on the Northeast Corridor between Davisville and Central Falls, Rhode Island. Applies the Davis-Bacon Act to require that laborers on the construction of such track be paid the prevailing local wage. (Sec. 304) Repeals provisions governing compensatory agreements between rail freight and commuter rail passenger transportation providers and AMTRAK. Requires AMTRAK and rail freight carrier and commuter providers to submit their disputes to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to repeal the mandate for determination of a costing methodology with respect to certain Northeast Corridor cost disputes. Title IV: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for AMTRAK for: (1) operating grants; and (2) capital and supplemental capital investments. Title V: Miscellaneous - Establishes as some of the goals for Amtrak: (1) management of its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service; and (2) treatment of all passengers with respect, courtesy, and dignity. (Sec. 505) Declares that the Freedom of Information Act shall not apply to AMTRAK in any fiscal year it does not receive Federal funding. (Sec. 506) Repeals current maintenance and rehabilitation requirements, including the mandate for a regional maintenance plan. Prohibits AMTRAK from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation. Authorizes AMTRAK and motor carriers of passengers, subject to Surface Transportation Board review, to: (1) combine their respective services and facilities to the public as a means of increasing revenues; and (2) coordinate schedules, routes, rates, reservations, and ticketing to provide for enhanced intermodal surface transportation. (Sec. 507) Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing AMTRAK or the owner of a facility presenting a danger to AMTRAK employees, passengers, or property to receive assistance to minimize or eliminate such danger; and (2) mandating AMTRAK to maintain a rail safety system program, and to develop a plan for demonstrating new technology in rail passenger equipment. (Sec. 511) Directs AMTRAK in its annual report to the Congress to include among other things: (1) information on long-term profit or loss of intercity rail passenger transportation; (2) an update that describes AMTRAK's efforts in implementing the Program Master Plans for the Northeast Corridor; and (3) projections of the anticipated benefits of the capital projects AMTRAK proposes to fund, and has previously funded, with Federal funding. Declares that a State shall have access to AMTRAK's records, accounts, and other necessary documents used to determine the amount of any State payment to AMTRAK. (Sec. 512) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to declare that AMTRAK shall not be considered a Federal entity for purposes of such Act. Title VI: High Speed Rail - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for high-speed rail technology activities. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations addressing noise emissions from high-speed rail systems, including magnetic levitation systems, operating at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour. Declares that such regulations shall be in lieu of railroad-related noise regulations issued under the Noise Control Act of 1972 only with respect to operation at speeds greater than 150 miles per hour.
Bill· HRH.R. 2054 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1997
Designates the portion of State Route 17 located between Harriman, New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, as Interstate Route 86, subject to substandard features being upgraded. Provides that designation of such Route shall not: (1) be charged against the mileage limitation established for the Interstate System; or (2) increase Federal financial responsibility with respect to such Route. Allows a State to use specified Federal highway funds to eliminate substandard features and to resurface, restore, rehabilitate, or reconstruct any portion of the designated Route.
Bill· HRH.R. 2021 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
Auto Choice Reform Act of 1997 - Affords a person the right to choose between: (1) a personal protection system (personal system) providing insurance for that person and any resident relative or dependent; and (2) a tort maintenance system (tort system) providing for the form of motor vehicle insurance otherwise required in the State in which the person is insured. Sets forth personal system minimum requirements, including regarding waiver of certain tort rights. Supersedes State laws inconsistent with this Act. Sets forth tort system minimum requirements, allowing State laws (not inconsistent with this Act) regarding uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Provides for: (1) the effect of a person's choice on resident relatives and dependents; (2) underwriting rules to encourage choice uniformity within a household; and (3) the failure of a person to choose. Requires States to maintain a program to inform consumers (comparing the two systems) about costs, benefits, rights, and obligations. (Sec. 6) Requires that a person who chooses: (1) a tort system and is involved in an accident be subject to tort law for injury except that, based on fault, the person may claim against (and be claimed against by) a personal system person only for uncompensated economic loss; and (2) a personal system be compensated only for economic loss, without regard to fault. Provides for the handling of accidents involving: (1) persons with personal protection and unlawfully uninsured persons; and (2) motorists under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or engaging in intentional misconduct. (Sec. 8) Declares that this Act does not apply to a State if: (1) the State so elects; or (2) the State finds that average premiums will not be reduced by at least 30 percent for persons choosing the personal system.
Law· HRH.R. 2015 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Committee On Agriculture Title II: Committee On Banking and Financial Services Title III: Committee On Commerce-Nonmedicare Subtitle A: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Charges Subtitle B: Lease of Excess Strategic Petroleum Reserve Capacity Subtitle C: Sale of DOE Assets Subtitle D: Communications Subtitle E: Medicaid Title IV: Committee On Commerce-Medicare Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program Subtitle B: Prevention Initiatives Subtitle C: Rural Initiatives Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Provisions Subtitle E: Prospective Payment Systems Title V: Committee On Education and the Workforce Subtitle A: TANF Block Grant Subtitle B: Higher Education Programs Subtitle C: Repeal of Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act Subtitle D: Expansion of Portability and Health Insurance Coverage Title VI: Committee On Government Reform and Oversight Subtitle A: Postal Service Subtitle B: Civil Service Title VII: Committee On Transportation and Infrastructure Title VIII: Committee On Veterans' Affairs Subtitle A: Extension of Temporary Authorities Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IX: Committee On Ways and Means-Nonmedicare Subtitle A: TANF Block Grant Subtitle B: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle C: Child Support Enforcement Subtitle D: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle E: Unemployment Compensation Subtitle F: Increase in Public Debt Limit Title X: Committee On Ways and Means-Medicare Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program Subtitle B: Prevention Initiatives Subtitle C: Rural Initiatives Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Provisions Subtitle E: Prospective Payment Systems Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Part A Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Part B Only Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B Balanced Budget Act of 1997 - Title I: Committee on Agriculture - Amends the Food Stamp Act to permit State agencies to provide a specified exemption from the food stamp program (program) work requirement for certain individuals. (Sec. 1002) Obligates specified additional funds for program employment and training programs. Sets forth State allocation and additional payment provisions. (Sec. 1003) Authorizes the use of nongovernmental personnel to make program eligibility determinations. Title II: Committee on Banking and Financial Services - Amends the Balanced Budget Downpayment Act, I to extend permanently certain foreclosure avoidance and borrower assistance provisions under the single family housing mortgage insurance program. (Sec. 2003) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the section 8 rental assistance program to make certain maximum monthly rent adjustment provisions for certain new and rehabilitated and nonturnover units applicable to FY 1999 and thereafter. Title III: Committee on Commerce--Nonmedicare - Subtitle A: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Charges - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from FY 1998 through FY 2002 the authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to assess and collect user fees and annual charges from licensees. Subtitle B: Lease of Excess Strategic Petroleum Reserve Capacity - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to use underutilized Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facilities to store petroleum product owned by a foreign government. Provides that: (1) such products may be exported without a Federal license; and (2) all attendant agreements shall provide for fees to fully compensate Federal storage and removal costs, including the cost of replacement facilities necessitated as a result of any withdrawals. (Sec. 3101) Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to ensure that such storage agreements do not affect: (1) Federal ability to withdraw, distribute, or sell SPR petroleum in response to an energy emergency; or (2) Federal obligations under the Agreement on an International Energy Program. Makes funds resulting from the leasing of SPR facilities after October 1, 2002, available to the Secretary without further appropriation for petroleum purchases, and for SPR operation and maintenance costs. Subtitle C: Sale of DOE Assets - Instructs the Secretary to sell, during the period FY 1999 through FY 2002, natural and low- enriched uranium that the President has determined is not necessary for national security needs. Prescribes sales terms. Subtitle D: Communications - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to make competitive bidding authority with respect to licenses or construction permits involving exclusive uses of the electromagnetic spectrum inapplicable to such licenses and permits issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that are: (1) not mutually exclusive; (2) for public safety radio services; (3) for initial licenses or permits assigned to existing terrestrial broadcast licensees for new terrestrial digital television (TV) services; or (4) for public telecommunications services when the application is for channels reserved for noncommercial use. Requires the FCC to provide for the design and conduct of competitive bidding using a contingent combinatorial bidding system that permits prospective bidders to bid on combinations of licenses in a single bid and to enter multiple alternative bids within a single bidding round. Eliminates a requirement for the retention of proceeds from competitive bidding by the FCC's salaries and expenses account. Extends competitive bidding authority through FY 2002. Terminates the FCC's authority to provide preferential treatment in licensing procedures to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new service or new technology that enhances an existing service on this Act's enactment date (currently, such authority expires on September 30, 1998). Eliminates provisions authorizing random selection in granting spectrum licenses or permits. Directs the FCC, by the end of FY 2002, to permit the assignment by competitive bidding of licenses for the use of bands of frequencies that: (1) individually span at least 25 megahertz (mhz.) unless a combination of smaller bands can be expected to produce greater receipts; (2) in the aggregate span at least 100 mhz.; (3) are located below three gigahertz (ghz.); (4) have not been designated for assignment, identified by the Secretary of Commerce as reallocable frequencies, or allocated for Federal Government use or other specified unlicensed use; and (5) include frequencies at 1,710-1,755 mhz. Requires the FCC to notify the Secretary if it is unable to provide for effective relocation of incumbent licensees to available bands of frequencies and has identified bands suitable for relocation that are allocated for Federal use but could be reallocated pursuant to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Secretary to report to the President, the FCC, and the Congress on recommendations for reallocating frequencies allocated for Federal use under the Communications Act of 1934 to such incumbent licensees. Requires the Secretary to recommend for reallocation for use other than by Federal stations bands of frequencies that: (1) in the aggregate span at least 20 mhz.; (2) individually span at least 20 mhz. unless a combination of smaller bands can be expected to produce greater receipts; and (3) are located below three ghz. Directs the FCC to establish competitive bidding procedures designed to secure winning bids of at least two-thirds of $7.5 billion with respect to bidding for frequencies under this section. (Sec. 3302) Amends the Act to prohibit, under competitive bidding provisions, the renewal of a license authorizing analog TV service beyond the end of 2006. Extends such date if more than five percent of households in a market continue to rely exclusively on over-the-air terrestrial analog TV signals. Requires competitive bidding procedures to be designed to secure winning bids of at least two-thirds of $4 billion in the case of bidding for spectrum of expired analog TV licenses. Prohibits the FCC, in prescribing regulations relating to qualifications of bidders for such spectrum, from: (1) precluding any party from being a qualified bidder for spectrum allocated for any use that includes digital TV service on the basis of the FCC's duopoly rule or newspaper cross-ownership rule; or (2) applying either rule to preclude a successful bidder from using such spectrum for digital TV service. (Sec. 3303) Directs the FCC, no later than January 1, 1998, to allocate on a national, regional, or market basis, from radio spectrum between 746 and 806 mhz.: (1) 24 mhz. for public safety services unless the FCC determines that needs can be met in particular areas with fewer mhz.; and (2) the remainder for commercial purposes to be assigned by competitive bidding. Sets deadlines for the assignment of such licenses and for the commencement of competitive bidding. Requires competitive bidding procedures to be designed to secure winning bids of at least two-thirds of $1.9 billion in the case of bidding under this section. Provides that nothing shall preclude the FCC from assigning frequencies described in this Act by competitive bidding at a later date than required if such delay will better attain the objectives of recovering a fair portion of the value of the public spectrum for the public and avoiding unjust enrichment. Requires the FCC to assure that qualifying low-power TV stations are assigned a frequency below 746 mhz. to permit continued operation. (Sec. 3304) Directs the FCC, by July 1, 1997, to initiate a public inquiry required by the Act regarding competitive bidding systems. Subtitle E: Medicaid - Chapter 1: Flexibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize States to provide Medicaid benefits (except to special needs children) through managed care entities. (Sec. 3402) Eliminates the (75-25) requirement under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries constitute less than 75 percent of the membership of a participating health maintenance organization (HMO). (Sec. 3403) Grants States the option of providing Medicaid coverage of primary care case management services without the need for a waiver. (Sec. 3404) Increases from $100,000 to $1 million, indexed annually, the threshold amount for contracts requiring prior approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 3405) Requires a Medicaid health plan to cover the length of an inpatient hospital stay as determined medically appropriate by the attending physician (or other attending health care provider as permitted by State law) in consultation with the patient. (Sec. 3411) Repeals "Boren Amendment" provider reimbursement requirements. Requires States to establish a public administrative process for determination of payment rates through publication of proposed rates and a reasonable opportunity for providers, beneficiaries, and other concerned State residents to review and comment. (Sec. 3412) Specifies reductions from 100 percent to 85 percent between FY 1999 through FY 2003 in the percentage of reasonable costs that shall be paid under a State plan for Federally-qualified health center and rural health clinic services (with a special supplemental payment for services furnished under certain managed care contracts). Requires the Comptroller General to report on the impact of such reductions on access to health care for Medicaid beneficiaries and the uninsured served at health centers and rural health clinics, and the ability of such centers and clinics to become integrated in a managed care system. (Sec. 3413) Revises the treatment as broad-based health care related taxes of certain State hospital taxes which currently are not subtracted as revenues from the State share of Medicaid expenditures for purposes of calculating the Federal share of such expenditures. Declares that an exemption from such State hospital tax for certain Federal-tax-exempt hospitals that do not accept Medicaid or Medicare payments (provide free care) shall not disqualify the hospital tax as a broad-based health care related tax (thus allowing continued exclusion of such State hospital tax from the requirement that provider-specific taxes be subtracted from the State share of Medicaid expenditures for purposes of Federal share calculation). (Sec. 3421) Grants States the option to provide for 12-month continuous Medicaid eligibility for children. (Sec. 3422) Requires State Medicaid plan coverage of the Medicare cost-sharing for certain additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries whose income otherwise disqualifies them for specified Medicare benefits. (Sec. 3423) Prescribes criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully, for a fee, counseling or assisting an individual to dispose of assets (including a transfer in trust) in order for that individual to become Medicaid-eligible (fraudulent eligibility). (Sec. 3424) Declares that certain payments in a class settlement of specified cases shall not be considered income or resources in determining Medicaid eligibility. (Sec. 3431) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for programs of all- inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) for individuals age 55 or older who require the level of care required under the State Medicaid plan for coverage of nursing facility services. States that such individuals need not be eligible for Medicare part A benefits, or enrolled under Medicare part B. Specifies eligibility and payment requirements. Limits PACE provider eligibility to public and private non-profit entities; but requires the Secretary to waive such limitations to demonstrate the operation of a PACE program by a private, for-profit entity. (Sec. 3432) Details provisions for the coverage of PACE programs under the Medicare program. (Sec. 3434) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the quality and cost of providing PACE program services under Medicare and Medicaid, specifically comparing the costs, quality, and access to services by private, for-profit entities with the costs, quality, and access to services of other PACE providers. (Sec. 3441) Changes from mandatory to discretionary a State's authority to enroll individuals under private group health plans, and pay their premiums. (Sec. 3442) Permits the same co-payments in HMO's as in fee-for- service plans. (Sec. 3443) Repeals: (1) certain physician qualification requirements with respect to services to pregnant women and to children under age 21; and (2) the requirement of prior institutionalization with respect to habilitation services furnished under a waiver for home or community-based services. (Sec. 3445) Provides for benefits for services of physician assistants. (Sec. 3446) Directs the Secretary to provide for a study, and report to the Congress, on the actuarial value of the provision of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services under the Medicaid program. (Sec. 3451) Repeals requirements for inspections of the care being provided at mental hospitals and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFS-MR). (Sec. 3452) Authorizes a State, in lieu of terminating a noncompliant ICFS-MR, to establish alternative remedies if the State demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that such alternative remedies are effective in deterring noncompliance and correcting deficiencies. (Sec. 3453) Revises requirements for mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems. (Sec. 3454) Repeals the requirement for State refund to the Federal Government of any payments received during remediation of a noncompliant nursing facility. (Sec. 3455) Includes the DRUGDEX Information System among the compendia to be used in drug use review for Medicaid payment. (Sec. 3456) Applies certain requirements to the extension of statewide comprehensive research and demonstration projects for which waivers of Medicaid compliance have been granted. (Sec. 3457) Declares that no provision of law shall be construed as preventing any State from allowing determinations of Medicaid eligibility by an entity that is not a State or local government, or by an individual who is not an employee of a State or local government, meeting such qualifications as the State determines. (Sec. 3458) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 to extend the moratorium on the treatment of Michigan's Kent Community Hospital Complex and Saginaw Community Hospital as institutions for mental diseases for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. Chapter 2: Quality Assurance - Amends SSA title XIX to require any State contracting with Medicaid managed care organizations to develop and implement a quality assessment and improvement strategy incorporating certain access standards, monitoring procedures, and other measures. Waives Medicaid HMO requirements for: (1) HMO's with Medicare or MedicarePlus contracts; and (2) HMO's accredited by certain private, nonprofit accrediting organizations. Requires HMO and primary care case management contracts to provide for: (1) submission of care monitoring information to the State agency; (2) maintenance of an internal quality assurance program meeting the Secretary's standards; and (3) effective procedures for resolving grievances between the HMO or primary care case management contractor and enrollees. (Sec. 3462) Requires an HMO to meet solvency standards established by the State for private HMO's, or be State-licensed or -certified as a risk-bearing entity. (Sec. 3463) Provides for: (1) application of the prudent layperson standard for emergency medical condition determinations; (2) prohibition of "gag rule" restrictions against informing patients about their health status or medical care or treatment if the covered health care professional is acting within the lawful scope of practice; (3) various additional specified fraud and abuse protections in managed care; (4) grievances under Medicaid managed care plans; and (5) standards relating to access to obstetrical and gynecological services under Medicaid managed care plans. Chapter 3: Federal Payments - Amends SSA title XIX to require direct State Medicaid payment to disproportionate share hospitals (DSH's) for managed care enrollees. Sets at the FY 1995 level, with specified incremental reductions for high DSH States and other States, the annual DSH allotment through FY 2002. (Sec. 3472) Specifies additional funding for State emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens. Subtitle F: Child Health Assistance Program (CHAP) - Child Health Assistance Program Act of 1997 - Amends SSA to add a new title XXI (Child Health Assistance Program) (CHAP) in order to provide funds to States to expand the provision of child health care assistance to uninsured, low-income children. Requires a State to submit for the Secretary's approval a child health plan for the use of funds, containing strategic objectives, performance goals, and performance measures. Specifies the benefits to be covered. Allows the use of funds for abortion only if the pregnancy results from rape or incest or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, illness, or injury that would, as certified by a physician, place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Sec. 3503) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for an increased Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for expanded coverage of targeted low-income children. (Sec. 3504) Authorizes an approved State plan to make Medicaid available to a low-income child during a specified presumptive eligibility period after determination that family income does not exceed a certain level. Title IV: Committee on Commerce - Medicare - Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program - Chapter 1: MedicarePlus Program - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MedicarePlus program under which each MedicarePlus eligible individual (one entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance)) is entitled to elect, in accordance with certain procedures, to receive Medicare benefits either through the Medicare fee-for-service program or through a MedicarePlus plan. (Sec. 4001) Outlines the types of MedicarePlus plans that may be available, including: (1) coordinated care plans; (2) plans offered by provider-sponsored organizations; and (3) a combination of MSA (MedicarePlus savings account) plan and contributions to MedicarePlus MSA. Sets forth various special rules regarding, among other things, residence, individuals with end-stage renal disease, and individuals covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program or eligible for veterans or military health benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for broad dissemination of coverage option and comparison information to Medicare beneficiaries and prospective Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to maintain a toll-free number for inquiries about MedicarePlus options and program operation, as well as an Internet site through which individuals may obtain such information electronically. Requires MedicarePlus organizations to generally accept without restrictions individuals eligible to make an election at any time during which such elections are accepted. Requires the approval of MedicarePlus marketing material and application forms before they are distributed. Outlines benefits and beneficiary protections. Requires each MedicarePlus plan (except MSA plans) to provide those items and services for which benefits are available under Medicare parts A and B and specified additional benefits, as well, at its option, as certain supplemental benefits subject to the Secretary's approval. Prohibits a MedicarePlus organization from denying, limiting, or conditioning coverage or benefits based on any described health status-related factor. Prescribes plan disclosure requirements and an ongoing quality assurance program. Outlines a mechanism for grievances and appeals. Provides for the treatment of services furnished by providers that do not have a contract establishing payment amounts for services furnished to an individual enrolled with a MedicarePlus organization. Requires each MedicarePlus organization to provide the Secretary with information on the extent to which it provides inpatient and outpatient hospital benefits through the use of disproportionate share (DSH) and teaching hospitals. Allows a MedicarePlus organization offering a network plan to enrollees also to offer another plan covering items and services furnished by out-of- network providers. Directs the Secretary to make monthly, advance payments with respect to an individual's coverage to MedicarePlus organizations according to a specified formula. Requires the Secretary to establish separate payment rates for individuals with end-stage renal disease. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a report on a method of risk adjustment of payment rates that accounts for variations in per capita costs based on health status. Sets forth special rules for individuals electing MSA plans. Requires such an individual to establish a MedicarePlus MSA into which the Secretary shall make monthly deposits out of the Medicare trust funds in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Details rules for the submission and charging of premiums by each MedicarePlus organization. Sets limitations on enrollee cost-sharing for basic, additional, and supplemental benefits, except for MSA plans. Requires the Secretary to audit each year the financial records of at least one-third of the MedicarePlus organizations offering MedicarePlus plans. Prohibits a State from imposing a premium tax or similar tax with respect to payments on MedicarePlus plans or the offering of such plans. Sets out organizational and financial requirements for MedicarePlus organizations and provider-sponsored organizations. Directs the Secretary to establish solvency and capital adequacy standards for provider-sponsored organizations, and other standards for MedicarePlus organizations. Prescribes requirements, including minimum enrollment requirements, for contracts between the Secretary and MedicarePlus organizations. Provides for: (1) intermediate sanctions and civil monetary penalties to enforce contract provisions; and (2) procedures for termination of contracts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to the Congress on the feasibility and impact of removing a certain limitation added by this Act on the eligibility of most individuals medically determined to have end-stage renal disease to enroll in MedicarePlus plans; and (2) report to the Congress on graduate medical education programs operated by MedicarePlus organizations and the extent to which such organizations are providing for payments to DSH and teaching hospitals. (Sec. 4002) Details transitional rules for the current Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) program, as well as specified conforming changes in the Medicare supplemental health insurance policy (Medigap) program. (Sec. 4006) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to outline special rules for MedicarePlus MSA's. Excludes from gross income any payment by the Secretary to an individual's MedicarePlus MSA. Excludes from qualified deductible medical expenses any amounts paid for the medical care of any individual but the account holder. Prescribes a penalty for distributions from the MedicarePlus MSA not used for qualified medical expenses if the minimum balance is not maintained, with certain exceptions if the account holder becomes disabled or dies. (Sec. 4008) Requires each contract with a MedicarePlus organization and each risk-sharing contract with an eligible organization to provide for an additional payment for Medicare's share of allowable direct graduate medical education (GME) costs incurred by such an organization for an approved medical residency program. Directs the Secretary to provide for specified additional payment amounts, subject to certain annual limits, for each Medicare- dependent, small rural hospital, each PPS-exempt hospital, and each hospital reimbursed under an authorized reimbursement system that has an approved medical residency training program and furnishes services to individuals who are enrolled under a risk-sharing contract with an eligible organization and are entitled to Medicare part A. (Sec. 4009) Directs the Secretary to provide for specified additional payment amounts, subject to certain annual limits, for each Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital and each hospital reimbursed under an authorized reimbursement system that: (1) furnishes services to individuals enrolled under a risk-sharing contract with an eligible organization and entitled to Medicare part A, and to individuals who are enrolled with a MedicarePlus organization; and (2) is, or if it were not reimbursed would qualify as, a DSH. Chapter 2: Integrated Long-Term Care Programs - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to extend the authorities for the social health maintenance organization (SHMO) demonstration project; and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to increase the cap on the number of individuals who may participate in a SHMO demonstration. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for the integration of SHMO health plans and similar plans as an option under the MedicarePlus program. (Sec. 4018) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to authorize the Secretary to extend the municipal health service demonstration projects but only with respect to individuals enrolled with such projects before January 1, 1998. Requires the Secretary to work with each such demonstration project to develop a plan (to be submitted to certain congressional committees) for the orderly transition of demonstration projects and project enrollees to a non-demonstration project health care delivery system. Provides that a demonstration project which does not develop and submit such a transition plan by a certain deadline shall be discontinued as of December 31, 1998. (Sec. 4019) Extends for an additional two years certain Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. Chapter 3: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MPAC) to replace the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission and the Physician Payment Review Commission, hereby abolished. Requires the new Commission to review and make recommendations to the Congress about payment policies under Medicare (including certain specific payment-related topics). Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Medigap Protections - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the issuer of a Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy in the case of certain individuals terminated by an employee welfare benefit plan providing supplementary health benefits who seek to enroll under a Medigap policy not later than 63 days after termination or disenrollment. Prohibits the Medigap issuer from: (1) denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of such a policy; (2) discriminating in the pricing of such policy because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition; or (3) imposing an exclusion of benefits based on a pre-existing condition. (Sec. 4031) Specifies limitations on the imposition of preexisting condition exclusions during the initial open enrollment period in the case of a Medicare supplemental policy issued to an individual who is 65 years of age or older with a certain minimum period of creditable coverage. (Sec. 4032) Directs the Secretary to implement a project to demonstrate the application of, and the consequences of applying, a market-oriented pricing system for the provision of a full range of Medicare benefits in a geographic area. Requires the Secretary to appoint: (1) a national advisory committee to make recommendations concerning the appropriate research design for the project and, taking such recommendations into account, designate the areas in which the project will operate; and (2) an area advisory committee to advise the Secretary on actual project implementation in the area. Directs the Secretary to monitor and report periodically to the Congress on the impact of such projects on the price and quality of, and access to, Medicare covered services, and other relevant factors. Subtitle B: Prevention Initiatives - Outlines various specified new preventive health measures covered under Medicare, namely coverage for: (1) annual screening mammography for women over age 39, while providing for the waiver of the deductible for screening mammography; (2) screening pelvic exams, providing for their payment under the physician fee schedule; (3) prostate cancer screening tests, providing for payment of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test under the clinical diagnostic laboratory test fee schedules; (4) colorectal cancer screening tests, subject to prescribed frequency and payment limits, which will include a screening barium enema if found by the Secretary to be an appropriate alternative to certain other tests; (5) diabetes outpatient self-management training services, including blood-testing strips (with a ten percent payment reduction after 1997) and glucose monitors as durable medical equipment (DME) for individuals with diabetes; and (4) bone mass measurements for qualified individuals for the purpose of identifying bone mass or detecting bone loss or determining bone quality. (Sec. 4102) Makes certain changes in existing benefits, such as increasing the frequency of coverage of screening pap smears for high risk women and waiving the deductible that applies to such exams. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) the extent to which the use of certain supplemental computer-assisted diagnostic tests in conjunction with pap smears improves the early detection of cervical or vaginal cancer; and (2) the costs implications for coverage of such supplemental tests under Medicare. (Sec. 4105) Directs the Secretary to establish outcome measures, including glysolated hemoglobin (past 90-day average blood sugar levels), for the purpose of evaluating the improvement of the health status of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus, with a view to recommending coverage modifications. (Sec. 4107) Extends the Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Campaign carried out by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Coalition for Adult Immunization. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4108) Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences in conjunction with the United States Preventive Services Task Force to and report to the Congress on the expansion or modification of preventive benefits provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Provides funding. Subtitle C: Rural Initiatives - Directs the Secretary to provide for a four-year demonstration project to use eligible health care provider telemedicine networks to apply high-capacity computing and advanced networks to improve primary care and prevent health care complications to Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus residing in medically underserved rural or inner-city areas. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Provisions - Revises requirements for mandatory exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participating in Medicare and State health programs. Mandates an ten-year exclusion of any individual for a second health care related conviction, and permanent exclusion for a third health care related conviction. (Sec. 4302) Authorizes the Secretary to refuse to enter into Medicare agreements with individuals or entities convicted of felonies for offenses determined inconsistent with the best interests of program beneficiaries. (Sec. 4303) Requires the annual explanation of Medicare benefits provided to Medicare beneficiaries to include a toll-free telephone number to report Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse. (Sec. 4304) Makes Medicare carriers and fiscal intermediaries liable for reimbursing the Secretary for amounts paid to excluded providers. Makes State agencies liable for reimbursing the Secretary for amounts paid to excluded providers under the Medicaid program. (Sec. 4305) Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare program any entity with respect to which a sanctioned person with an ownership or control interest in it transfers such interest in anticipation of (or following) a conviction, assessment, or exclusion against the person, to an immediate family member or member of the household who continues to maintain such an interest. (Sec. 4306) Provides for the imposition of civil monetary penalties for any person who arranges or contracts with an individual or entity that the person knows or should know is excluded from participation in a Federal health care program. (Sec. 4307) Outlines various specified requirements regarding disclosure of information, surety bonds, and advisory opinions regarding certain physician self-referral provisions. Includes surety bond requirements for home health agencies, and provides for the application of disclosure and surety bond requirements to ambulance services and certain clinics. Applies surety bond requirements to comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities (CORF's) and to rehabilitation agencies. (Sec. 4308) Requires any participating entity to disclose to the Secretary its own employer identification numbers and social security account numbers, as well as those of persons with ownership or control interests and subcontractors in which the entity has a five percent or greater interest. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the steps taken to assure the confidentiality of such social security account numbers. (Sec. 4309) Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to issue written, binding advisory opinions concerning whether a referral relating to designated health services (other than clinical laboratory services) is prohibited. (Sec. 4310) Provides for: (1) notification of the availability of home health agencies as part of the discharge planning process; and (2) maintenance and disclosure of certain information on post-hospital home health agencies. Amends SSA title XI to provide for public disclosure of certain information on hospital financial interest and referral patterns. Subtitle E: Prospective Payment Systems - Chapter 2 (sic): Payment Under Part B - Eliminates formula-driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services. (Sec. 4412) Extends the current reductions in payments for capital-related and other costs of hospital outpatient services. (Sec. 4413) Directs the Secretary to establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services. (Sec. 4421) Establishes payment rates for outpatient therapy services, with certain co-payments imposed for services furnished after 1998. (Sec. 4422) Provides for: (1) payment of CORF services based on fee schedule amounts; and (2) certain interim reductions in payments for ambulance services. Directs the Secretary to establish a prospective fee schedule for payment of such services. (Sec. 4431) Provides that in promulgating regulations to carry out certain provisions with respect to the coverage of ambulance service, the Secretary may include coverage of advanced life support services provided by a paramedic intercept service provider (ALS intercept services) in a rural area if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 4432) Sets out the framework for demonstration projects for coverage of ambulance services under Medicare through contracts with counties or parishes. Chapter 3: Payment Under Parts A and B - Directs the Secretary to establish a PPS for home health services. Subtitle G (sic): Provisions Relating to Part B Only - Chapter 1: Physicians' Services - Revises requirements for the payment of physicians' services, with changes: (1) establishing a single conversion factor for 1998; (2) adding new update provisions; (3) replacing the volume performance standard with sustainable growth rate; (4) adding payment rules for anesthesia services; and (5) phasing-in implementation of resource-based physician practice expense relative value units. (Sec. 4606) Directs the Secretary, for 1999 and 2001, to determine for each hospital: (1) the hospital-specific per discharge relative value according to prescribed guidelines (with a special rule for teaching hospitals); and (2) whether the hospital-specific relative value is projected to be excessive. Requires the Secretary to notify the medical executive committee of each hospital identified as having an excessive hospital-specific relative value of the determinations made with respect to the medical staff. (Sec. 4607) Provides that no x-ray is required for chiropractic services. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement utilization guidelines relating to the coverage of chiropractic services under Medicare part B in cases in which a subluxation has not been demonstrated by x-ray to exist. (Sec. 4608) Provides that effective for electrocardiogram tests performed during 1998, the Secretary shall restore separate payment under Medicare part B for the transportation of electrocardiogram equipment (HCPCS code R0076) based upon the status code and relative value units established for such service as of December 31, 1996. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the appropriateness of continuing such payment. Chapter 2: Other Payment Provisions - Provides for a reduction in DME payment amounts and for a payment freeze for parenteral and enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment. Revises payment rates for oxygen and oxygen equipment, clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, ambulatory surgical services, and drugs and biologicals. (Sec. 4614) Directs the Secretary to divide the United States into up to five regions, and designate a single carrier for each region, for the payment of Medicare part B claims for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Requires the Secretary to adopt uniform policies for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 4617) Provides for Medicare coverage of oral drugs prescribed for use as an acute anti-emetic used as part of an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen under certain conditions. Sets forth special rules for the payment of such drugs. (Sec. 4618) Revises certain requirements with regard to rural health clinic services, including per-visit payment limits for provider-based clinics, assurance of quality services, and certain staffing and shortage area requirements. (Sec. 4619) Provides for increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants. Repeals certain restrictions on settings applicable to them. (Sec. 4621) Directs the Secretary to: (1) audit a sample of cost reports of renal dialysis providers for 1995 and for each third year thereafter; and (2) develop and implement a method to measure and report quality of renal dialysis services provider under Medicare in order to reduce payments for inappropriate or low quality care. (Sec. 4622) Provides for payment for cochlear implants as customized DME. Chapter 3: Part B Premium - Revises the formula for the monthly Medicare part B premium rate the Secretary promulgates each September for the following calendar year. Requires such rate to equal 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over. Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Chapter 1: Provisions Relating to Medicare Secondary Payer - Revises requirements for Medicare as secondary payer. Permits recovery against third party administrators of primary plans. Extends the claims filing period for employer group health plans. Limits beneficiary liability for items and services for which Medicare benefits are incorrectly paid. Chapter 2: Home Health Services - Prohibits the Secretary, in establishing payment limits for cost reporting periods beginning after September 30, 1997, from taking into account any changes in the home health market basket with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 1994, and before July 1, 1996. (Sec. 4712) Revises requirements for interim payments for home health services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand research on a PPS for home health agencies under the Medicare program that ties prospective payments to a unit of service; and (2) study and report to the Congress on the criteria that should be applied in determining whether an individual is homebound for purposes of qualifying for Medicare home health services. (Sec. 4715) Bases the payment for home health services on the location where the service is furnished. (Sec. 4716) Provides for the denial of home health claims based on home health services the frequency and duration of which are in excess of normative guidelines established by the Secretary. (Sec. 4717) Provides that no home health benefits are based solely on drawing blood. (Sec. 4718) Makes Medicare part B the primary payer for certain home health services for an individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A. Provides for Medicare coverage of post-hospital home health services. Revises requirements for Medicare part B payments with respect to home health services. Provides for the phase-in of additional part B costs in determination of Medicare part B monthly premiums. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to specified congressional committees on the impact on home health utilization and admissions to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities of Medicare coverage of post- hospital home health services; and (2) further reexamine and report to such committees on this impact one year after the full implementation of the Medicare PPS for home health services. Chapter 3: Baby Boom Generation Medicare Commission - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program to: (1) examine the financial impact on the Medicare program of the significant increase in the number of Medicare-eligible individuals which will occur beginning approximately during 2010 and lasting for approximately 25 years; and (2) make specific recommendations to the Congress respecting a comprehensive approach to preserve the Medicare program for the period during which such individuals are eligible for Medicare. (Sec. 4721) Directs the Commission to report to the Congress its findings and recommendations regarding how to protect and preserve the Medicare program in a financially solvent manner until 2030 (or, if later, throughout the period of projected solvency of the Federal Old- Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund). Requires the report to include detailed recommendations for appropriate legislative initiatives on how to accomplish this objective. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Provisions Relating to Direct Graduate Medical Education - Sets out provisions relating to direct graduate medical education, including: (1) placing a limitation on the number of residents for cost reporting periods beginning after FY 1998; (2) phasing-in a limitation on hospital overhead and supervisory physician component of direct medical education costs; (3) permitting payment to non-hospital providers; and (4) providing incentive payments under plans for voluntary reduction in the number of residents. (Sec. 4735) Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project under which the Secretary shall make payments to specified qualifying consortia instead of teaching hospitals. (Sec. 4736) Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to examine and develop recommendations for the Congress on whether and to what extent Medicare payment policies and other Federal policies regarding teaching hospitals and graduate medical education should be reformed. (Sec. 4737) Provides a special Medicare reimbursement rule for certain combined residency programs. Chapter 5: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with specific hospitals or other entities meeting certain quality standards (centers for excellence) for furnishing services related to surgical procedures as well as other services (unrelated to surgical procedures) to hospital inpatients. (Sec. 4742) Establishes a Medicare part B and Medigap special enrollment period for certain military retirees and dependents during which they may enroll without being subject to a Medicare part B late enrollment penalty. (Sec. 4743) Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a two- year demonstration project in two geographic regions under which the Medicare payment for a selected item or service furnished in the region shall be equal to the price determined pursuant to a certain competitive bidding process meeting specified requirements. Subtitle I: Medical Liability Reform - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions, limitations, preemption mandates, and specified exclusions relating to health care liability actions brought in any State or Federal court. Chapter 2: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Actions - Establishes certain uniform standards for such health care liability actions that include: (1) a general statute of limitations of two years after the date on which the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm that is the subject of the action; (2) a $250,000 limitation on noneconomic damages; and (3) standards for the awarding of punitive damages (clear and convincing evidence of conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights and safety of others). (Sec. 4813) Declares that any alternative dispute resolution system (ADR) used to resolve a health care liability action or claim shall contain provisions relating to such statute of limitations, non- economic damages, punitive damages, and other specified matters which are identical to the relevant provisions of this subtitle. Title V: Committee on Education and the Workforce - Subtitle A: TANF Block Grant - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV to establish a program of welfare-to-work grants to States. (Sec. 5001) Sets forth requirements relating to State entitlement to non-competitive formula grants under such program and State distribution of such funds among local governments. Provides for competitive grants, based on the likelihood of successful long-term placement of individuals into the work force, for State-approved projects proposed by private industry councils or local governments. Prohibits private industry councils from directly providing services using such grant funds. Provides for such grants to territories and to Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a plan to evaluate the use of such grants. (Sec. 5002) Sets forth requirements for: (1) nondisplacement of other workers by participants in work activities under this program; (2) applicable health and safety standards; and (3) grievance procedures with respect to alleged violations of such nondisplacement and health and safety requirements. (Sec. 5003) Exempts teen parents from the limitation on the number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work by reason of participation in a vocational education program. (Sec. 5004) Requires that participants in State welfare-to-work programs receive compensation at the same rates (in accordance with applicable law), including periodic increases, as trainees or employees who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills. Limits the number of hours per month that an assistance recipient may be required to be assigned to on-the-job-training, and to a work experience or community service position with a public agency or nonprofit organization. (Sec. 5005) Requires reduction of a State's welfare-to-work grant if a State fails to reduce assistance for recipients refusing work without good cause. Subtitle B: Higher Education Programs - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) with respect to title IV student assistance programs. (Sec. 5101) Directs the Secretary of Education to recall for deposit in the Treasury a specified amount of the reserve funds of State and nonprofit private loan insurance programs held by guaranty agencies on September 1, 2002. Denies the Secretary any authority to direct a guaranty agency to return reserve funds before such date. Requires each guaranty agency, between FY 1998 and 2002, to transfer a certain portion of its required share of the projected recall amount into restricted accounts for investment in U.S. obligations or other similarly low-risk securities. (Sec. 5102) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary pay direct loan origination fees to institutions of higher education. (Sec. 5103) Sets funding levels through FY 2002 for mandatory administrative expenses for the student financial aid programs. Reduces the previously authorized level of appropriations for FY 1998 ($750 million), while authorizing increasing amounts for subsequent fiscal years until the level reaches $750 million for FY 2002. Prescribes a formula for the calculation of administrative cost allowances payable to guaranty agencies. (Sec. 5104) Revises requirements for the Secretary's equitable share of collections to: (1) include collections of payments made on behalf of a borrower, such as payments made to discharge loans to obtain a consolidation loan; and (2) specify the share on consolidated defaulted loans. (Sec. 5105) Extends the HEA title IV student assistance program through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Repeal of Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act - Repeals the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act. Subtitle D: Expansion of Portability and Health Insurance Coverage - Expansion of Portability and Health Insurance Coverage Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish rules governing association health plans, including requirements for: (1) certification; (2) sponsors and boards of trustees, and treatment of franchised networks and collectively bargained plans; (3) participation and coverage of employers and individuals, and of previously uninsured employees; (4) plan documents, contribution rates, and benefit options; (5) maintenance of reserves, excess-stop loss insurance, and solvency indemnification for plans providing health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage; (6) application and related matters, and notice for voluntary termination; (7) corrective actions and mandatory termination; and (8) special rules for church plans. (Sec. 5303) Revises requirements for the treatment of: (1) single employer arrangements; and (2) certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 5305) Adds requirements relating to association health plans, with respect to: (1) enforcement; and (2) cooperation between Federal and State authorities, and State responsibilities. Title VI: Committee on Government Reform and Oversight - Subtitle A: Postal Service - Repeals provisions authorizing transitional appropriations to the Postal Service. Provides that liabilities of the former Post Office Department to the Employees' Compensation Fund for which appropriations were authorized under such provisions shall remain liabilities payable by the Postal Service. Prohibits payments from being made to the Postal Service Fund pursuant to such provisions for FY 1998. Requires the amount of any such payments that have been made for FY 1998 to be paid from such Fund into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts before October 1, 1998. Subtitle B: Civil Service - Specifies increases in certain contributions to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. (Sec. 6103) Modifies the formula under which the Government contribution for health benefits for a Federal employee or annuitant enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) is determined. Title VII: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure - Extends through FY 2002 the current higher vessel tonnage duties imposed upon foreign vessels entering into U.S. ports. (Sec. 7002) Directs the Administrator of General Services, no earlier than FY 2002, to: (1) sell all U.S. rights and interest to the land and related improvements at Governors Island, New York (granting the right of first refusal to the State of New York and the City of New York); and (2) sell the air rights (currently owned by Amtrak) to the land adjacent to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Directs Amtrak to convey such air rights to the Administrator, for subsequent resale, as a condition of future Federal financial assistance. Title VIII: Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Extension of Temporary Authorities - Extends through FY 2002 the authority to require certain veterans to make copayments for the receipt of Department of Veterans Affairs health and medical care benefits. Extends through FY 2002: (1) the requirement that veterans pay $2 for each 30-day supply of medication furnished through the Department for the treatment of a non-service-connected disability or condition; and (2) the right of the United States to recover from a veteran the cost of Department care and services provided for certain non-service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 8013) Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund for receipt of amounts recovered or collected by the Department for the provision of certain reimbursable health care and services provided to veterans and their spouses and dependents. Specifies authorized Fund uses. Requires the Secretary to make certain certifications to the Secretary of the Treasury if amounts recovered in the Fund during FY 1998 through 2000 will be more than $25,000 less than the amount contained in the latest congressional baseline estimate for recovery in that fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to submit quarterly reports to the veterans' committees on the operation of such recovery provisions for such fiscal years and the first quarter of FY 2001. Terminates at the end of FY 1997 the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical-Care Cost Recovery Fund. Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the implementation of this section. Extends through FY 2002: (1) the authority of the Secretary to obtain information under the Internal Revenue Code for veterans' income verification purposes; (2) a $90 monthly pension limitation for a Medicaid-covered veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary or nursing home care by the Department; (3) the authority of the Secretary to charge a home loan fee under the veterans' home loan guaranty program; (4) the default procedures applicable to home liquidation sales under the program; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue and guarantee the principal and interest on certificates or other securities representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans made to veterans and guaranteed by the Secretary. Increases the home loan fee rate charged for the purchase from the Department of repossessed homes (homes the loans for which were defaulted by veterans under the home loan guaranty program). Subtitle B: Other Matters - Provides for the rounding down to the next lower dollar of cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation rates for FY 1998 through 2002. Allows such adjustments to be no more than the percentage adjustment to social security increases for such year. (Sec. 8022) Revises the notification procedures under which the Secretary may waive all or part of the indebtedness owed by a veteran on account of any loan made to, or assumed or guaranteed by, the Department. Title IX: Committee on Ways and Means--NonMedicare - Subtitle A: TANF Block Grant - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV to establish a program of welfare-to-work grants to States. (Sec. 9001) Sets forth requirements relating to State entitlement to non-competitive grants under such program and State distribution of such funds among local governments. Provides for competitive grants, based on program effectiveness and other factors, for State-approved projects proposed by private industry councils and local governments. Requires the targeting of at least 65 percent of available funds for such grants to cities with the greatest number of persons with income below the poverty line. Prohibits private industry councils from directly providing services using such grant funds. Sets forth requirements for: (1) nondisplacement of other workers by participants in work activities under this program; (2) applicable health and safety standards; and (3) grievance procedures with respect to alleged violations of such nondisplacement and health and safety requirements. Provides for such grants to outlying areas and to Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop a plan to evaluate the use of such grants; and (2) submit interim and final reports to the Congress. (Sec. 9002) Limits to not more than ten percent the portion of TANF block grant funds which a State may use to carry out State programs under SSA title XX block grants to State for social services. (Sec. 9003) Exempts teen parents from the limitation on the number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work by reason of participation in a vocational education program. Increases such limitation from 20 percent to 30 percent of the number of individuals in all families who may be so treated. (Sec. 9004) Limits the number of hours per month that a recipient of assistance may be required to be assigned to a work experience, on- the-job training, or community service position with a public agency or nonprofit organization. Applies Federal and State health and safety standards to the working conditions of participants. Requires the provision of workers' compensation to participants on the same basis as it is provided to other individuals in the State in similar employment. (Sec. 9005) Requires reduction of a State's welfare-to-work grant if the State fails to reduce assistance to recipients refusing work without good cause. Subtitle B: Supplemental Security Income - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRAWORA) to extend by six months the deadline for certain childhood disability redeterminations under SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI). (Sec. 9102) Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. (Sec. 9103) Prescribes the schedule of administrative fees the Commissioner of Social Security shall assess each State from FY 1997 through 2003 and after for making optional and mandatory State SSI payments to individuals. Revises requirements for deposit of such fees, directing that a portion be credited to a special fund for FY 1998 and subsequent fiscal years for use in defraying expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Child Support Enforcement - Amends SSA title III (Unemployment Insurance) with respect to the authority to permit certain redisclosures of wage and claim information for purposes related to the child support enforcement program under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity). Subtitle D: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend the refugee and asylee eligibility period for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Provides a five-year food stamp eligibility period for such aliens. (Sec. 9302) Makes aliens eligible for SSI benefits who were receiving such benefits as of the date of enactment of such Act. Deems Cuban and Haitian entrants and Amerasian immigrants to be "qualified aliens." (Sec. 9303) Provides SSI eligibility for permanent resident aliens who are members of an Indian tribe. (Sec. 9304) Authorizes States to require applicants for State or local benefits to provide eligibility verification. (Sec. 9305) States that an alien who is ineligible for food stamps shall not be eligible for such program based upon SSI eligibility. Authorizes Medicaid eligibility based upon SSI eligibility. Subtitle E: Unemployment Compensation - Declares that no State law definition of a base period shall be considered as meeting the SSA title III (Unemployment Compensation Administration) requirement for a method of administration reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment compensation when due. (Sec. 9402) Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to increase the Federal Unemployment Account ceiling. (Sec. 9403) Provides for a special distribution to States of year- end excesses from the Unemployment Trust Fund. (Sec. 9404) Restricts interest-free advances to State accounts in the Unemployment Trust Fund to States which meet or exceed funding goals. (Sec. 9405) Revises the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the Federal unemployment tax any election officials or election workers whose total annual remuneration for their services is under $1,000. (Sec. 9406) Excludes any service performed by a prison inmate from the definition of employment for unemployment compensation purposes. (Sec. 9407) Exempts from the Federal unemployment tax any services performed for certain income tax-exempt elementary or secondary schools which are operated primarily for religious purposes. (Sec. 9408) Amends SSA title III (Unemployment Compensation Administration) to authorize additional appropriations out of the employment security administration account to carry out State program integrity activities for unemployment compensation, including initial claims review, eligibility review, benefit payments control, and employer liability auditing activities. Subtitle F: Increase in Public Debt Limit - Amends Federal law to provide for an increase in the public debt limit to $5.95 trillion. Title X: Committee on Ways and Means - Medicare - Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program - Chapter 1: MedicarePlus Program - (This title sets forth provisions generally analogous to those set forth above under title IV of this Act.) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MedicarePlus program under which each MedicarePlus eligible individual (one entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance)) is entitled to elect, in accordance with certain procedures, to receive Medicare benefits either through the Medicare fee-for-service program or through a MedicarePlus plan. (Sec. 10001) Outlines the types of MedicarePlus plans that may be available, including: (1) coordinated care plans; (2) plans offered by provider-sponsored organizations; and (3) a combination of MSA (MedicarePlus savings account) plan and contributions to MedicarePlus MSA. Sets forth various special rules regarding, among other things, residence, individuals with end-stage renal disease, and individuals covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program or eligible for veterans or military health benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) provide for broad dissemination of coverage option and comparative information to Medicare beneficiaries and prospective Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) maintain a toll-free number for inquiries about MedicarePlus options and program operation, as well as an Internet site through which individuals may obtain such information electronically. Requires a MedicarePlus organization to generally accept without restrictions individuals eligible to make an election at any time during which such elections are accepted. Requires the approval of MedicarePlus marketing material and application forms before they are distributed. Outlines benefits and beneficiary protections. Requires each MedicarePlus plan (except MSA plans) to provide those items and services for which benefits are available under Medicare parts A and B and specified additional benefits, as well as, at its option, certain supplemental benefits, subject to the Secretary's approval. Prohibits a MedicarePlus organization from denying, limiting, or conditioning coverage or benefits based on any described health status-related factor. Prescribes plan disclosure requirements and an ongoing quality assurance program. Outlines a mechanism for grievances and appeals. Provides for the treatment of services furnished by providers that do not have a contract establishing payment amounts for services furnished to an individual enrolled with a MedicarePlus organization (other than under an MSA plan). Requires each MedicarePlus organization to provide the Secretary with information on the extent to which it provides inpatient and outpatient hospital benefits through the use of disproportionate share (DSH) and teaching hospitals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make monthly, advance payments with respect to an individual's coverage to MedicarePlus organizations according to a specified formula; (2) establish separate payment rules for individuals with end-stage renal disease; and (3) develop and submit to the Congress a report on a method of risk adjustment of payment rates that accounts for variations in per capita costs based on health status. Sets forth special rules for individuals electing MSA plans. Requires such an individual to establish a MedicarePlus MSA into which the Secretary shall make monthly deposits out of the Medicare trust funds in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Sets forth special rules for certain inpatient hospital stays. Details the rules for the submission and charging of premiums by each MedicarePlus organization. Sets limitations on enrollee cost- sharing for basic, additional, and supplemental benefits, except for MSA plans. Requires the Secretary to audit each year the financial records of at least one-third of the MedicarePlus organizations offering MedicarePlus plans. Prohibits a State from imposing a premium tax or similar tax with respect to premiums on MedicarePlus plans or the offering of such plans. Sets forth organizational and financial requirements for MedicarePlus organizations and provider-sponsored organizations. Directs the Secretary to establish solvency and capital adequacy standards for provider-sponsored organizations, and other standards for MedicarePlus organizations and plans. Prescribes requirements, including minimum enrollment requirements, for contracts between the Secretary and MedicarePlus organizations. Provides for: (1) intermediate sanctions and civil monetary penalties to enforce contract provisions; and (2) procedures for termination of contracts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to the Congress on the feasibility and impact of removing a certain limitation added by this Act on the eligibility of most individuals medically determined to have end-stage renal disease to enroll in MedicarePlus plans; and (2) report to the Congress on graduate medical education programs operated by MedicarePlus organizations and the extent to which such organizations are providing for payments to DSH and teaching hospitals. (Sec. 10002) Details transitional rules for the current Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) program, as well as specified conforming changes in the Medicare supplemental health insurance policy (Medigap) program. (Sec. 10006) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to outline special rules for MedicarePlus MSA's. Excludes from gross income any payment by the Secretary to an individual's MedicarePlus MSA. Excludes from qualified deductible medical expenses any amounts paid for the medical care of any individual but the account holder. Prescribes a penalty for distributions from the MedicarePlus MSA not used for qualified medical expenses if the minimum balance is not maintained, with certain exceptions if the account holder becomes disabled or dies. Chapter 2: Integrated Long-Term Care Programs - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE programs) for individuals age 55 or older who require the level of care required under the State Medicaid plan for coverage of nursing facility services. Specifies benefit and payment requirements. Limits PACE provider eligibility to public and private non-profit entities; but requires the Secretary to waive such limitations to demonstrate the operation of a PACE program by a private, for-profit entity. (Sec. 10012) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the establishment of State PACE programs as a State Medicaid option. (Sec. 10014) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the quality and cost of providing PACE program services under Medicare and Medicaid, specifically comparing the costs, quality, and access to services by private, for-profit entities under the demonstration projects with the costs, quality, and access to services of other PACE providers. (Sec. 10015) Amends the: (1) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to extend the authorities for the social health maintenance organization (SHMO) demonstration project; and (2) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to increase the cap on the number of individuals who may participate in a SHMO demonstration. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for the integration of SHMO health plans and similar plans as an option under the MedicarePlus program. (Sec. 10018) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to authorize the Secretary to extend the municipal health service demonstration projects but only with respect to individuals enrolled with such projects before January 1, 1998. Requires the Secretary to work with each such demonstration project to develop a plan (to be submitted to certain congressional committees) for the orderly transition of demonstration projects and project enrollees to a non-demonstration project health care delivery system. Provides that a demonstration project which does not develop and submit such a transition plan by a certain deadline shall be discontinued as of December 31, 1998. (Sec. 10019) Extends for an additional two years certain Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. Chapter 3: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to replace the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission and the Physician Payment Review Commission, hereby abolished. Requires the new Commission to review and make recommendations to the Congress about payment policies under Medicare (including certain specific payment-related topics). Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Medigap Protections - Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the issuer of a Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy in the case of certain individuals terminated by an employee welfare benefit plan providing supplementary health benefits who seek to enroll under a Medigap policy not later than 63 days after termination or disenrollment. Prohibits the Medigap issuer from: (1) denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of such a policy; (2) discriminating in the pricing of such policy because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition; or (3) imposing an exclusion of benefits based on a pre-existing condition. (Sec. 10031) Specifies limitations on the imposition of preexisting condition exclusions during the initial open enrollment period in the case of a Medicare supplemental policy issued to an individual who is 65 years of age or older with a certain minimum period of creditable coverage. (Sec. 10032) Directs the Secretary to implement a project to demonstrate the application of, and the consequences of applying, a market-oriented pricing system for the provision of a full range of Medicare benefits in a geographic area. Requires the Secretary to appoint: (1) a national advisory committee to make recommendations concerning the appropriate research design for the project and, taking such recommendations into account, designate the areas in which the project will operate; and (2) an area advisory committee to advise the Secretary on actual project implementation in the area. Directs the Secretary to monitor and report periodically to the Congress on the impact of such projects on the price and quality of, and access to, Medicare covered services, and other relevant factors. Chapter 5: Tax Treatment of Hospitals Participating in Provider Sponsored Organizations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an organization shall not fail to be treated as a tax-exempt charitable organization solely because a hospital which it owns and operates also participates in a provider-sponsored organization, whether or not the provider-sponsored organization is exempt from tax. Provides that any person with a material financial interest in such a provider-sponsored organization shall be treated as a private shareholder or individual with respect to the hospital. Subtitle B: Prevention Initiatives - Outlines various specified new preventive health measures covered under Medicare, namely coverage for: (1) annual screening mammography for women over age 39, while providing for the waiver of the deductible for screening mammography; (2) screening pelvic exams, providing for their payment under the physician fee schedule; (3) prostate cancer screening tests, providing for payment of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test under the clinical diagnostic laboratory test fee schedules; (4) colorectal cancer screening tests, subject to prescribed frequency and payment limits, which will include a screening barium enema if found by the Secretary to be an appropriate alternative to certain other tests; (5) diabetes outpatient self-management training services, including blood-testing strips (with a ten percent payment reduction after 1997) and glucose monitors as durable medical equipment (DME) for individuals with diabetes; and (4) bone mass measurements for qualified individuals for the purpose of identifying bone mass or detecting bone loss or determining bone quality. (Sec. 10102) Makes certain changes in existing benefits, such as increasing the frequency of coverage of screening pap smears for high risk women and waiving the deductible that applies to such exams. (Sec. 10105) Directs the Secretary to establish outcome measures, including glysolated hemoglobin (past 90-day average blood sugar levels), for the purpose of evaluating the improvement of the health status of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus, with a view to recommending coverage modifications. (Sec. 10107) Extends the Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Campaign carried out by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Coalition for Adult Immunization. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10108) Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences, in conjunction with the United States Preventive Services Task Force, to analyze and report to the Congress on the expansion or modification of preventive benefits provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Provides for funding for such analysis. Subtitle C: Rural Initiatives - Replaces the Essential Access Community Hospital (EACH) Program with an optional Medicare Rural Primary Care Hospital Program under which a State may designate one or more facilities as a rural primary care hospital in accordance with prescribed criteria while continuing payment to previously designated EACH's and rural primary care hospitals. Provides for payment under such new program on a reasonable cost basis. Lengthens the maximum period of permitted inpatient rural primary care hospital stay. (Sec. 10202) Amends SSA title XVIII to prohibit denial, on the basis of wage comparisons, of a rural referral center's request for reclassification. Provides that any hospital classified as a rural referral center for FY 1991 shall be classified as such for FY 1998 and each subsequent fiscal year. (Sec. 10203) Amends SSA title XVIII to permit hospital geographic reclassification for purposes of DSH payment adjustments. (Sec. 10204) Makes certain changes with regard to Medicare- dependent, small rural hospitals, including an extension of the current payment methodology. (Sec. 10205) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish and use alternative guidelines under which specified disproportionately large hospitals qualify for geographic reclassification for a fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1998. (Sec. 10206) Sets the floor on the area wage index applicable to hospitals not located in a rural area for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 1997, for purposes of adjusting DRG prospective payment rates for different area wage levels. Directs the Secretary to adjust the area wage indices for certain hospitals to assure that aggregate payments in a fiscal year for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services are not greater or less than those which would have been made in the year if this requirement did not apply. (Sec. 10207) Directs the Secretary to provide for a four-year demonstration project to use eligible health care provider telemedicine networks to apply high-capacity computing and advanced networks to improve primary care and prevent health care complications to Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus who are residents of medically underserved rural or inner-city areas. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Provisions - Revises requirements for mandatory exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participating in Medicare and State health programs. Mandates an ten-year exclusion of any individual for a second health care related conviction, and permanent exclusion for a third health care related conviction. (Sec. 10302) Authorizes the Secretary to refuse to enter into Medicare agreements with individuals or entities convicted of felonies for offenses determined inconsistent with the best interests of program beneficiaries. (Sec. 10303) Requires the annual explanation of Medicare benefits provided to Medicare beneficiaries to include a toll-free telephone number to report Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse. (Sec. 10304) Makes Medicare carriers and fiscal intermediaries liable for reimbursing the Secretary for amounts paid to excluded providers. Makes State agencies liable for reimbursing the Secretary for amounts paid to excluded providers under the Medicaid program. (Sec. 10305) Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare program any entity with respect to which a sanctioned person with an ownership or control interest in it transfers such interest in anticipation of (or following) a conviction, assessment, or exclusion against the person, to an immediate family member or member of the household who continues to maintain such an interest. (Sec. 10306) Provides for the imposition of civil monetary penalties for: (1) any person who arranges or contracts with an individual or entity that the person knows or should know is excluded from participation in a Federal health care program; and (2) any person that presents or causes to be presented to any State or Federal agency a claim for a medical or other item or service ordered or prescribed by an excluded person and the person furnishing such item or service knows or should have known of such exclusion. (Sec. 10307) Outlines various specified requirements regarding disclosure of information, surety bonds, and advisory opinions regarding certain physician self-referral provisions. Includes surety bond requirements for home health agencies, and provides for the application of disclosure and surety bond requirements to ambulance services and certain clinics. Applies surety bond requirements to comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities (CORF's) and to rehabilitation agencies. (Sec. 10308) Requires any participating entity to disclose to the Secretary its own employer identification numbers and social security account numbers, as well as those of persons with ownership or control interests and subcontractors in which the entity has a five percent or greater interest. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the steps taken to assure the confidentiality of such social security account numbers. (Sec. 10309) Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to issue written, binding advisory opinions concerning whether a referral relating to designated health services (other than clinical laboratory services) is prohibited. Subtitle E: Prospective Payment Systems - Chapter 1: Payment Under Part A - Establishes a prospective payment system (PPS) under Medicare for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services and for inpatient rehabilitation hospital services. Provides for consolidated billing of covered SNF services. Requires payment to a SNF of claims for all Medicare part B SNF items and services, identified by code under a uniform coding system specified by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a thorough medical review process to examine the effects of this Act on the quality of covered SNF services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries. Chapter 2: Payment Under Part B - Eliminates formula-driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services. (Sec. 10412) Extends the current reductions in payments for capital-related and other costs of hospital outpatient services. (Sec. 10413) Directs the Secretary to establish a PPS for hospital outpatient department services. (Sec. 10421) Establishes payment rates for outpatient therapy services, with certain co-payments imposed for services furnished after 1998. (Sec. 10422) Provides for: (1) payment of CORF services based on fee schedule amounts; (2) certain interim reductions in payments for ambulance services; and (3) establishment of a prospective fee schedule by the Secretary for payment of such services. (Sec. 10431) Provides that in promulgating regulations to carry out certain provisions with respect to the coverage of ambulance service, the Secretary may include coverage of advanced life support services provided by a paramedic intercept service provider (ALS intercept services) in a rural area if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 10432) Sets out the framework for demonstration projects for coverage of ambulance services under Medicare through contracts with counties or parishes. Chapter 3: Payment Under Parts A and B - Directs the Secretary to establish a PPS for home health services. Eliminates periodic interim payments for home health agencies. Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Part A - Chapter 1: Payment of PPS Hospitals - Revises requirements for PPS hospital payment updates and capital payments for PPS hospitals. (Sec. 10503) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for a freeze in DSH payment adjustments for Medicare-dependent, small rural hospitals for FY 1998 and 1999. Directs the Secretary to propose to specified congressional committees a modification of the current qualifying criteria and payment methodology under which DSH's are paid. (Sec. 10504) Amends SSA title XVIII to modify requirements for the valuation of capital assets of a hospital or SNF after a change of ownership. Extends their applicability to the capital assets of service providers, instead of just hospitals or SNF's. (Sec. 10505) Revises requirements for payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services to: (1) eliminate indirect medical education and DSH payments attributable to outlier payments; (2) provide for a reduction in adjustment for indirect medical education; (3) provide for the treatment of certain transfer cases; and (4) increase the base payment rate for Puerto Rico hospitals. Chapter 2: Payment of PPS Exempt Hospitals - Revises requirements for the payment of PPS exempt hospitals, including those for: (1) payment updates; (2) capital payments; (3) bonus and relief payments; (4) payment and target amount for new providers; (5) rebasing; and (6) treatment of certain long-term care hospitals. (Sec. 10518) Amends SSA title XVIII to eliminate any exemptions from the method for determining the amount of payment to a hospital where events beyond the hospital's control or extraordinary circumstances create a distortion in the increase in costs for a reporting period. Directs the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register a report on the total amount of payments to hospitals by reason of any exceptions or adjustments made to the method described above for cost reporting periods ending during the previous fiscal year. Chapter 3: Provisions Related to Hospice Services - Provides for a reduced payment update for hospice services for FY 1998 through 2002. Directs the Secretary to provide for the collection of hospice care program data with respect to the costs of care provided starting in FY 1999. Bases payment for home hospice care on the location where care is furnished. Revises the home hospice care benefit period. Provides for home hospice care coverage of any other items and services specified in a plan. Allows waiver of certain staffing requirements for hospice care programs in non-urbanized areas. Chapter 4: Modification of Part A Home Health Benefit - Provides for modification of the Medicare part A home health benefit for individuals enrolled under Medicare part B to include, for 1998 through 2002, home health services subject to a specified transition reduction and, afterwards, a new post-institutional home health services component for up to 100 visits during a home health spell of illness. Chapter 5: Other Payment Provisions - Requires reductions in Medicare payments for enrollee bad debt. (Sec. 10542) Repeals the termination date to make a permanent extension of the hemophilia passthrough. (Sec. 10543) Eliminates the Medicare part A premium for certain public retirees. Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Part B Only - Chapter 1: Physicians' Services - Revises requirements for the payment of physicians' services, with changes: (1) establishing a single conversion factor for 1998; (2) adding new update provisions; (3) replacing the volume performance standard with sustainable growth rate; (4) adding payment rules for anesthesia services; and (5) phasing-in implementation of resource-based physician practice expense relative value units. (Sec. 10606) Directs the Secretary, for 1999 and 2001, to determine for each hospital: (1) the hospital-specific per discharge relative value according to prescribed guidelines (with a special rule for teaching hospitals); and (2) whether the hospital-specific relative value is projected to be excessive. Requires the Secretary to notify the medical executive committee of each hospital identified as having an excessive hospital-specific relative value of the determinations made with respect to the medical staff. (Sec. 10607) Provides that no x-ray is required for chiropractic services. (Sec. 10608) Provides that effective for electrocardiogram tests furnished during 1998, the Secretary shall restore separate payment under Medicare part B for the transportation of electrocardiogram equipment (HCPCS code R0076) based upon the status code and relative value units established for such service as of December 31, 1996. Directs the Secretary to determine, taking into account the study of coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation conducted by the Comptroller General and other relevant information, whether coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation should be provided under Medicare part B. Chapter 2: Other Payment Provisions - Provides for a reduction in DME payment amounts and for a payment freeze for parenteral and enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment. Revises payment rates for oxygen and oxygen equipment, clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, ambulatory surgical services, and drugs and biologicals. (Sec. 10614) Directs the Secretary to divide the United States into up to five regions, and designate a single carrier for each region, for the payment of Medicare part B claims for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Requires the Secretary to adopt uniform policies for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 10617) Provides for Medicare coverage of oral drugs prescribed for use as an acute anti-emetic used as part of an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen under certain conditions. Sets forth special rules for the payment of such drugs. (Sec. 10618) Revises certain requirements with regard to rural health clinic services, including per-visit payment limits for provider-based clinics, assurance of quality services, and certain staffing and shortage area requirements. (Sec. 10619) Provides for increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants. Repeals certain restrictions on settings applicable to them. (Sec. 10621) Directs the Secretary to: (1) audit a sample of cost reports of renal dialysis providers for 1995 and for each third year thereafter; and (2) develop and implement a method to measure and report quality of renal dialysis services provided under Medicare in order to reduce payments for inappropriate or low quality care. Chapter 3: Part B Premium - Revises the formula for the monthly Medicare part B premium rate the Secretary promulgates each September for the following calendar year. Requires such rate to equal 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over. Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Chapter 1: Provisions Relating to Medicare Secondary Payer - Revises requirements for Medicare as secondary payer. Permits recovery against third party administrators of primary plans. Extends the claims filing period for employer group health plans. Limits beneficiary liability for items and services for which Medicare benefits are incorrectly paid. Chapter 2: Home Health Services - Provides that, in establishing payment limits for cost reporting periods beginning after September 30, 1997, the Secretary shall not take into account any changes in the home health market basket with respect to cost reporting periods which began on or after July 1, 1994, and before July 1, 1996. (Sec. 10712) Revises requirements for interim payments for home health services. Directs the Secretary to expand research on a PPS for home health agencies under the Medicare program that ties prospective payments to a unit of service. (Sec. 10714) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the criteria that should be applied in determining whether an individual is homebound for purposes of qualifying for Medicare home health services. (Sec. 10715) Bases the payment for home health services on the location where the service is furnished. (Sec. 10716) Provides for the denial of home health claims based on home health services the frequency and duration of which are in excess of normative guidelines established by the Secretary. (Sec. 10717) Provides that no home health benefits are based solely on drawing blood. Chapter 3: Baby Boom Generation Medicare Commission - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program to: (1) examine the financial impact on the Medicare program of the significant increase in the number of Medicare-eligible individuals which will occur beginning approximately during 2010 and lasting for approximately 25 years; and (2) make specific recommendations to the Congress respecting a comprehensive approach to preserve the Medicare program for the period during which such individuals are eligible for Medicare. Requires the Commission also to study the feasibility and desirability of establishing: (1) an independent commission on Medicare to make recommendations annually on how best to match the structure of the Medicare program to available funding for the program; (2) an expedited process for congressional consideration of such recommendations; and (3) a default mechanism to enforce congressional spending targets for the program if the Congress fails to approve such recommendations. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress its findings and recommendations regarding how to protect and preserve the Medicare program in a financially solvent manner until 2030 (or, if later, throughout the period of projected solvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund). Requires the report to include detailed recommendations for appropriate legislative initiatives on how to accomplish this objective. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Provisions Relating to Direct Graduate Medical Education - Sets out provisions relating to direct graduate medical education, including: (1) placing a limitation on the number of residents for cost reporting periods beginning after FY 1998; (2) phasing-in a limitation on hospital overhead and supervisory physician component of direct medical education costs; (3) permitting payment to non-hospital providers; and (4) providing incentive payments under plans for voluntary reduction in the number of residents. (Sec. 10735) Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project under which the Secretary shall make payments to specified qualifying consortia instead of teaching hospitals. (Sec. 10736) Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to examine and develop recommendations for the Congress on whether and to what extent Medicare payment policies and other Federal policies regarding teaching hospitals and graduate medical education should be reformed. (Sec. 10737) Provides a special Medicare reimbursement rule for certain combined residency programs. Chapter 5: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with specific hospitals or other entities meeting certain quality standards (centers for excellence) for furnishing services related to surgical procedures as well as other services (unrelated to surgical procedures) to hospital inpatients. (Sec. 10742) Establishes a Medicare part B and Medigap special enrollment period for certain military retirees and dependents during which they may enroll without being subject to a Medicare part B late enrollment penalty. (Sec. 10743) Establishes a Medicare part B special late penalty- free enrollment period for certain disabled workers whose continuous enrollment under a group health plan is involuntarily terminated. (Sec. 10744) Requires that any advance directive is placed in a prominent part of an individual's current medical record. Subtitle I: Medical Liability Reform - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions, limitations, preemption mandates, and specified exclusions relating to health care liability actions brought in any State or Federal court. Chapter 2: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Actions - Establishes certain uniform standards for such health care liability actions that include: (1) a general statute of limitations of two years after the date on which the claimant discovered or should have discovered the alleged injury that is the subject of the action; (2) a $250,000 limitation on noneconomic damages; and (3) standards for the awarding of punitive damages (clear and convincing evidence of specific intent to cause harm or conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights and safety of others). (Sec. 10813) Declares that any alternative dispute resolution system (ADR) used to resolve a health care liability action or claim shall contain provisions relating to such statute of limitations, non- economic damages, punitive damages, and other specified matters which are identical to the relevant provisions of this subtitle.
Bill· HRH.R. 2010 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1997
Designates the bridge over lock and dam numbered 4 on the Arkansas River, Arkansas, as the Lawrence Blackwell Memorial Bridge.
Bill· SS. 943 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1997
Amends Federal aviation law to declare that nothing in such law or in the Death on the High Seas Act shall affect any remedy existing at common law or under State law with respect to any injury or death arising out of any aviation incident occurring on or after January 1, 1995.
Bill· HRH.R. 2005 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1997
Amends Federal aviation law to declare that nothing in such law or in the Death on the High Seas Act shall affect any remedy existing at common law or under State law with respect to any injury or death arising out of any aviation incident occurring on or after January 1, 1995.
Bill· HRH.R. 2007 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1997
Requires the Secretary of the Interior, subject to only a review of the engineering design of the interconnection facilities to assure the continued integrity of the Canadian River reclamation project in Texas, to allow use of the project distribution system for transport of water from sources other than the project to municipalities that are receiving project water at no cost to the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority.
Bill· SS. 941 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Marine Ferry and High-Speed Marine Ferry Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to specified congressional committees on ferry transportation in the United States and its possessions in order to identify: (1) existing ferry operations; and (2) potential U.S. ferry routes in the United States and its possessions and to develop certain information on them. Directs the Secretary to meet with State and municipal planning organizations to discuss the results of the study and the availability of both Federal and State resources for providing marine ferry service. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for ferry operations providing daily transportation for workers, students, or both who reside on one or more islands in the noncontiguous United States. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans for marine ferry operations in the transportation of passengers or passengers and vehicles in the United States and its possessions. Authorizes appropriations. Amends Federal shipping law, with regard to the issuance of a certificate of documentation for a small passenger vessel, passenger vessel, or a ferry, to declare that the members of an association, trust, joint venture, or other entity that owns a vessel that is not registered under the laws of a foreign country or titled in a State do not all have to be U.S. citizens provided the vessel is subject to a charter to a U.S. citizen. Directs the Coast Guard to review the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft to: (1) determine whether its safety regulations are suitable for high-speed vessels not currently regulated; and (2) make recommendations to specified congressional committees. Requires certain manning requirements imposed on a high-speed passenger vessel to consider the specialized nature of the vessel and its navigation, handling, and maintenance functions for protection of life, property, and the environment. Directs the Secretary to prescribe manning standards related to the duties, qualifications, and training of the officers and crew of such vessel operating on the waters of the United States or the waters of an exclusive economic zone. Directs the Transportation Research Board to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees on different technological approaches to the provision of high-speed marine ferry service and potential for U.S. utilization.
Bill· HRH.R. 1991 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
Coastal Shipping Competition Act - Amends Federal shipping law known as the Jones Act to redefine U.S. citizen to include certain corporations, partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, and other business entities organized under U.S. or State law, some (but not all) of whose officers, directors, or partners are U.S. citizens (currently all must be U.S. citizens), even though a parent corporation, partnership, or other second- or higher-tier owner, or trust beneficiary, is not a U.S. citizen. Allows a coastwise endorsement on the certificate of documentation for certain foreign qualified vessels and vessels of foreign registry (whose nation of registry and of the citizenship or nationality of each owner of record extends reciprocal privileges to U.S. vessels). Renames the requirements for Great Lakes licenses and registry as inland waterways endorsements requirements. Makes conforming amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 and other related Federal law with respect to transportation of merchandise or passengers, towing and salvaging operations, dredging operations, liability for injury or death of master or crew member, and requisition of coastwise trade vessels during national emergencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1993 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
School Bus Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe Federal proficiency standards for school bus drivers who are required to possess a commercial driver's license to operate a school bus. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing such standards, to authorize States to establish their own proficiency standards in lieu of the Federal standards if the Secretary determines they are as rigorous as the Federal standards. Requires bus drivers to demonstrate their proficiency in operating a school bus in accordance with either the Federal or State standards. (Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop and disseminate guidelines on the safe transportation in school buses of children under the age of five. (Sec. 5) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary to issue regulations applying Federal commercial motor carrier safety regulations to all interstate school operations by local educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop an education program informing all local educational agencies that they must comply with such regulations when providing interstate transportation on a school bus to and from school-sanctioned and school-related activities. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to begin a rulemaking process to determine the feasibility of certain safety and access requirements for school buses. (Sec. 7) Prohibits a local educational agency, and any contractor providing transportation services to such agency, from employing a person as a school bus driver before the completion of a background check in the national criminal history background check system. Requires State criminal background check procedures to meet the guidelines set forth in the National Child Protection Act of 1993. Declares that no local educational agency or contractor providing it with transportation services shall be liable in an action for damages on the basis of a criminal conviction of a person employed as a school bus driver if a criminal background check was conducted but the conviction was not disclosed. Authorizes State and Federal fees (not exceeding actual cost) for assistance in the conduct of such checks. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to minimum reporting criteria on traffic-related deaths and injuries under State highway safety programs; and (2) issue a final rule establishing such criteria. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on the safety issues attendant to transportation of school children to and from school and school-related activities by various transportation modes. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the benefits of equipping school buses with Aaron Gordon type flight attendant double shoulder harness mechanisms or other safety restraint devices providing equal or greater passenger protection. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to one school district for equipping school buses with such safety restraint devices. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1964 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consumer Privacy and Parental Empowerment Title II: Internet Infrastructure Advancement Communications Privacy and Consumer Empowerment Act - Title I: Consumer Privacy and Parental Empowerment - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to commence a proceeding to: (1) determine the methods by which consumers may be enabled to have knowledge that consumer information is being collected about them, used without authorization, or sold through their utilization of telecommunications services and to exercise control over, and stop unauthorized use of, personal information; (2) determine whether such authorities can be exercised by the parents of consumers who are children; (3) propose changes in FTC regulations and recommend legislative changes to correct defects in privacy rights and remedies of parents and consumers generally; and (4) determine the methods by which parents may be enabled to block access to content via the Internet or other computer networks that promotes alcoholic or tobacco products and whether alcohol and tobacco companies maintain Internet sites that promote or market products in a manner directed at children. (Sec. 102) Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence a proceeding to: (1) examine the impact of interconnected communications networks of technologies on the privacy rights and remedies of consumers of such technologies and determine the methods by which consumers may be enabled to exercise such rights and remedies; (2) determine whether common carriers have taken adequate steps to secure the communications infrastructure against unauthorized interception of communications and personal information; (3) propose changes in regulations to ensure that the effect on consumer privacy rights is considered in the introduction of new telecommunications services and that the protection of such rights and network security is incorporated in the design of, or rules regulating, such services; and (4) propose changes to regulations and recommend legislative changes to correct defects in such rights, remedies, and security. (Sec. 103) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require Internet access providers, at the time of entering into a service agreement with a customer or at any subsequent time upon request, to offer such customer screening software designed to limit access to material that is inappropriate for children. Requires such software to be provided at no charge or for a fee that does not exceed the software's cost to the provider. (Sec. 104) Extends certain regulations that deny equipment authorization (required for marketing) to, and the manufacture, sale, and import of, scanning receivers to scanners capable of: (1) receiving transmissions in frequencies allocated to a commercial mobile service (currently, the domestic cellular radio telecommunications service); or (2) being equipped with decoders that convert digital commercial mobile service (currently, digital cellular) transmissions to analog voice audio. Title II: Internet Infrastructure Advancement - Makes certain duties of local exchange carriers with respect to interconnection, unbundled access, and collocation for telecommunications carriers applicable to requesting information service providers as well. (Sec. 202) Requires the FCC to establish oversight procedures to ensure that the needs of information service providers and their customers and users of the Internet and interactive computer services are considered during coordinated network planning for interconnection of public telecommunications networks. (Sec. 203) Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to examine, and report annually to the Congress and President on, the extent to which network reliability and data security issues impair the conduct of transactions in interstate commerce through the telecommunications networks, the Internet, or other interactive computer systems. Prohibits the Federal Government or State governments from: (1) restricting or regulating the sale in interstate commerce of encryption or other products for improvement of data security; (2) conditioning the issuance of certificates of authentication or authority upon any escrowing or sharing of private encryption keys; or (3) establishing a licensing or other regulatory scheme that requires key escrow as a condition of regulatory approval. Transfers to the NTIA certain functions of the Secretary of Commerce under the Export Administration Act of 1979 with respect to generally available technologies for the improvement of data security.
Bill· SS. 936 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Subtitle E: Other Matters Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Personnel Management Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights Subtitle F: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations Subtitle B: Contract Provisions Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Reports and Studies Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Land Conveyances Subtitle C: Other Matters Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI: Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures From Revolving Fund Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Prohibits the obligation of more than 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act for helicopter modifications or upgrades until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army submits to the defense and appropriations committees a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the Army's helicopter fleet. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of AH-64D Longbow Apache fire control radar. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the New Attack Submarine program and authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into procurement contracts for such program. Makes the Electric Boat Corporation and the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company eligible for such contracts. Repeals superseded provisions of prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 122) Earmarks funds for the procurement and construction of nuclear and nonnuclear components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. Earmarks funds for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of such program from funds authorized under title II of this Act. (Sec. 123) Provides an exception to a cost limitation for the Seawolf submarine program required under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 124) Prohibits resumption of serial production of the airborne self-protection jammer until the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation makes certain certifications to the Congress with respect to the capabilities of such jammer. Requires an additional certification from the Secretary of Defense (Secretary). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Prohibits, with exceptions, any funds from being used to: (1) procure any additional B-2 bomber aircraft; or (2) maintain any part of the bomber industrial base solely to procure additional B-2 aircraft in the future. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits any funds from being used to purchase, lease, upgrade, or modify privately-owned drydocks. (Sec. 142) Requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to report to the defense committees an analysis of the requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD) for the replacement of aircraft engines derived from Boeing 707 aircraft and the costs of meeting those requirements. (Sec. 143) Allows a working-capital funded Army industrial facility to sell articles or services to be incorporated into, or used in the manufacture of, a weapon system being procured by DOD without a determination by the Secretary of the Army that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the armed forces for RDT&E. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the options for the sequence in which the variants of the joint strike fighter are to be produced and fielded. (Sec. 212) Places specified development and funding limitations on the F-22 aircraft program. Requires an annual program review and report to the Congress by the Comptroller General (CG). (Sec. 213) Limits the total demonstration costs through FY 2003 with respect to the high altitude endurance unmanned vehicle program. Requires program review by the CG. (Sec. 214) Places an FY 1998 RDT&E funding limitation on the advanced anti-radiation guided missile program. (Sec. 215) Allows no more than 6,006 staff years of technical effort to be funded during FY 1998 for federally funded research and development centers. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the allocation of such staff years among such centers during FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 216) Provides FY 1998 through 2000 funding goals among the military departments with respect to dual-use science and technology projects. Provides, with respect to such projects, for: (1) revised goals for national security reasons, after congressional notification; (2) the designation of a DOD official responsible for such projects; (3) a financial commitment from non-federal government participants; and (4) a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts made available under this Division to certain counterproliferation programs, projects, and activities. Limits to $50 million the total amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Earmarks funds for the kinetic energy tactical anti-satellite technology program and the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs - Directs the Secretary to ensure that the National Missile Defense (NMD) program is structured and programmed to support a test in FY 1999 of an integrated NMD system that could achieve initial operational capability in FY 2003. Provides NMD system elements. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning NMD operational capability by such date. Provides FY 1998 NMD funding. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transfer to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) for procurement for FY 1998 funds from specified military accounts; and (2) ensure that, in the future-years defense program, the procurement funding for BMDO is programmed for BMDO accounts rather than appropriations accounts of the armed forces. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to seek the participation of manufacturers of manufacturing equipment in projects under the manufacturing technology program. (Sec. 232) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facilities. (Sec. 234) Revises and extends certain organizations within the national oceanographic partnership program. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (3) Fisher House trust funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1998 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities - Allows no more than 50 percent of the funds made available in a fiscal year for depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) workload to be used to contract for the performance of such workload in non-Government owned and operated facilities. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to designate each depot-level activity of the military departments and defense agencies as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the activity. Provides for the formation of public-private partnerships for the performance of DLMR at such centers and for maximum utilization of center capacity. (Sec. 316) Prohibits civilian DOD employees performing DLMR workloads from being managed on the basis of any end strengths or other personnel constraints. (Sec. 314) Requires reports from the Secretary to the Congress on: (1) annual DLMR activities; and (2) the allocation of core logistics activities among DOD facilities and private sector facilities. (Sec. 316) Requires a review and report from the CG concerning the Navy's practice of using temporary duty assignments of personnel to perform ship maintenance and repair work at homeports not having Navy shipyards. (Sec. 317) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal a conditional repeal of certain DLMR laws and a related reporting requirement; and (2) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Revises provisions relating to the storage and disposal on DOD property of nondefense toxic and hazardous materials. (Sec. 332) Requires additional information relating to the payment of fines and penalties assessed under environmental laws to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on progress made in carrying out environmental restoration activities at military installations. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on DOD overseas environmental activities. (Sec. 335) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to require certain additional information in cooperative agreements between the Secretary and an agency of a State or local government for obtaining assistance in certifying environmental technologies. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the guidelines established for reimbursing such agencies and for cost-sharing under such agreements. (Sec. 336) Directs the Secretary to utilize specified risk assessment methods in evaluating DOD facilities for purposes of allocating funds and establishing priorities for environmental restoration projects under the defense environmental restoration program. (Sec. 337) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations concerning the environmental restoration cost-recovery and cost-sharing activities of the military departments and defense agencies. (Sec. 338) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of the sale of economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a military facility. Provides for the use of sale proceeds. (Sec. 339) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and report to the Congress on a pilot program using existing technologies to determine: (1) the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD for analysis and identification; (2) the deterrent effect of such tagging on the theft and misuse of such fuels; and (3) the extent to which such tagging assists in determining the source of surface and underground pollution. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes the use of various revenues received by DOD for the construction and improvement of commissary store facilities. (Sec. 352) Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to integrate the military exchange services no later than September 30, 2000. Requires the Secretaries to submit to the defense committees a plan for achieving such integration. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits, except under specified narrow circumstances, the advance billing of a customer for a working-capital fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees whenever the aggregate amount of such advance billings not covered by a congressional notification exceeds $50 million. Prohibits the total amount of such advance billings for DOD working-capital funds and the Defense Business Operations Fund for FY 1998 from exceeding $1 billion. (Sec. 362) Authorizes the Secretary to operate a Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. Authorizes an agreement with a higher education institution for joint operation of the Center. Provides FY 1998 funding. (Sec. 363) Provides that, whenever an official of an executive agency proposes or takes an administrative action that affects military training or other readiness activity in a significantly adverse manner, the Secretary shall submit to the defense committees a notification of such action along with each adverse effect. Requires a notification copy to be transmitted to the President and the head of the agency proposing or taking such action. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide financial assistance to a State to support Army National Guard activities in such State. (Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell to certain licensed manufacturers ammunition or ammunition components that are obsolete, unservicable, or excess to the Army. Requires the purchaser to enter into an agreement to demilitarize or recycle such ammunition or components. (Sec. 366) Requires the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency to develop and submit to the Congress a schedule for implementation of best commercial inventory practices for Agency supplies and equipment. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to use commercial sources of services to improve the collection of DOD claims under aircraft engine warranties. (Sec. 368) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to assist a State or local government in enhancing that government's capability to support DOD efforts to privatize its military family support services. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1998. Repeals a Federal provision requiring a permanent active-duty end strength sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingencies. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1998 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Personnel Management - Excludes certain active-duty and reserve officers currently on promotion lists from consideration by later promotion boards. (Sec. 502) Increases the authorized number of officers authorized to be frocked (to wear the insignia of the next higher officer grade even though the promotion to such grade is not yet final). (Sec. 503) Authorizes Navy chaplains who are not on the retired list to serve as a chief or deputy chief of Navy chaplains. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to defer the retirement of such officers if the person will be serving in such capacity during the deferred period. (Sec. 504) States that a current limitation on the authorized period of recalled service shall not apply to chaplains or health care professionals assigned to active duty in such capacity, or to an officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Terminates the Ready Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the reasons for fiscal deficiencies in such Program and whether there is a need for a new program. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the separation of a reserve officer in an inactive status with the Standby Reserve who is not qualified for transfer to the Retired Reserve, or who, if qualified, does not apply for such transfer. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the retention until age 60 of military technicians in the grade of brigadier general. (Sec. 514) Provides that the performance of honor guard functions by members of the National Guard at funerals for veterans may be treated as a Federal function for which appropriated funds may be used. Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into an agreement with an authorized foreign government official to carry out a military academy foreign exchange study program. Provides agreement terms and special rules for the Federal recognition of foreign students studying in the United States. (Sec. 522) Authorizes for instruction at the Community College of the Air Force enlisted members of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who are serving as instructors at an Air Force training school. (Currently, enrollment is limited to Air Force enlisted personnel.) (Sec. 523) Preserves beyond a current ten-year delimiting period the educational assistance entitlement for members of the Selected Reserve serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation. (Sec. 524) Repeals Federal law providing certain staffing and safety requirements for the Army Ranger Training Brigade. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Makes eligible for the award of a military service medal for heroism a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status at the time the member distinguished himself by heroism. (Sec. 532) Provides that time limits for the submission for recommendation for military decorations or awards shall not apply to specified individuals with respect to the award of the Silver Star Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Sec. 533) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend to February 9, 1998, the period for the receipt of recommendations for decorations and awards for certain military intelligence personnel previously prevented by secrecy requirements from receiving such awards. (Sec. 534) Authorizes unit decorations to be awarded to certain units that supported the execution of combat operations during World War II. Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights - Military Voting Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide that, for voting rights purposes, a person absent from a State in compliance with military orders shall not be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence in that State; or (2) acquired a residence in, or become a resident of, another State. (Sec. 543) Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act to require each State, in elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee military personnel to use absentee voter procedures to vote in such elections and to accept and process military absentee voter registration applications. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CG should study and report to the Congress on any inequality in the treatment of men and women in the armed forces arising out of statutes or regulations. (Sec. 552) Establishes the Commission on Gender Integration in the Military to review and assess the current practices of the armed forces and the private sector pertaining to gender-integrated training. (Sec. 553) Authorizes any commanding officer or officer in charge who receives a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a member of the military or a civilian DOD employee to act appropriately on such complaint within 72 hours and to ensure that the complaint investigation is completed within 14 days. Requires specified reports from such officers, the department Secretaries receiving the forwarded complaints, and the Secretary. (Sec. 554) Requires exemplary moral and other appropriate conduct from all commanding officers and others in authority in the Army and Air Force. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to allow a member of the armed forces or a civilian officer or employee of DOD or the Coast Guard to serve in a management capacity with specified military welfare societies and other authorized entities. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay - Waives any FY 1998 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 2.8 percent, effective January 1, 1998. Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances - Part I: Reform of Basic Allowance for Subsistence - Entitles all enlisted personnel other than those in basic training to the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Provides a new BAS rate based on food costs. Allows BAS to be paid to enlisted personnel in advance for not more than three months. Directs the Secretary to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining and field messing facilities of the military departments. Provides transitional provisions with respect to the current BAS, terminating such transitional authority on January 1, 1998. Part II: Reform of Housing and Related Allowances - Redesignates the basic allowance for quarters as the basic allowance for housing (BAH). Authorizes a temporary housing allowance for members in pay grades above E-4 who are in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Authorizes the payment of a BAH for certain dependents of military personnel who die while on active duty. Provides special rules for the payment of a BAH to a member with dependents in the case of a member paying child support. Entitles to a BAH a member with dependents who is assigned to an unaccompanied tour of duty outside the continental United States. Repeals the variable housing allowance. States that a member without dependents who is not entitled to a BAH shall be entitled to a partial allowance for quarters determined by the Secretary. (Sec. 617) Directs the Secretary to prescribe monthly rates for the BAH on a geographic-cost basis. Directs the Secretary to redetermine such rates when basic pay rates are increased. Provides for: (1) protection from housing rate reductions for certain personnel; and (2) a fiscal year limitation on the total allowances paid for housing located inside the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the rate of the temporary housing allowance for members in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Provides the rates of the BAH for dependents of members who die while on active duty and members paying child support, as well as the rate of the partial allowance for quarters for members without dependents. (Sec. 618) Changes the dislocation allowance rates from a rate based on a member's pay grade to a rate based on a percentage of the monthly national average cost of housing for members of the same grade and dependency status. (Sec. 619) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) making the family separation allowance equal to the basic allowance for quarters payable to a member without dependents in the same pay grade; and (2) providing a station allowance for members on duty outside the United States. Part III: Other Amendments Relating to Allowances - Requires the President to adjust the basic pay of military personnel whenever the General Schedule of Compensation is adjusted. Authorizes the President to allocate such increases among pay grade and years-of-service categories, requiring congressional notification of any such allocation. Requires quadrennial assessment of such allocations. (Sec. 627) Allows payment of the Ready Reserve muster duty allowance no later than 30 days after such duty is performed. Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1999 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1998 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 634) Increases the aviation career incentive pay and the aviation continuation pay. Extends through FY 2005 the authority for the continuation pay. (Sec. 636) Makes dental officers eligible for the same multiyear retention bonus currently paid to medical officers of the armed forces. Increases dental officer special pay amounts. (Sec. 638) Makes eligible for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus those Reserve enlisted personnel with less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Authorizes the payment of bonuses for consecutive three-year reenlistments. Revises bonus amounts. (Sec. 639) Makes changes similar to the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus for former enlisted personnel who enlist for three-year periods in the Selected Reserve. (Sec. 640) Increases the special pay and bonuses authorized for nuclear qualified officers. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay bonuses in lieu of special pay for enlisted personnel extending their tours of duty at designated overseas locations. Prohibits the concurrent receipt by such personnel of such an annual bonus and rest and recuperative absence or transportation. Requires pro rata repayment of an unearned bonus. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Authorizes a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to elect to discontinue participation at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences. Requires spousal concurrence, with an exception. (Sec. 652) Allows at any time (currently, within one year after remarriage) a change of election in SBP coverage to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse. (Sec. 653) Considers SBP coverage as paid in entirety after the earlier of 30 years of pay deductions for such coverage or the month in which the member attains 70 years of age. (Sec. 654) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a reserve member between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. Provides annuity amounts. Terminates annuity payment authority on September 30, 2001. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Entitles to basic pay and allowances, medical and dental care, and disability retirement or separation benefits, as well as for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains, a reserve member who is physically disabled as a result of injury, illness, or disease aggravated in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training. (Sec. 662) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay travel and transportation allowances for dependents of members sentenced by court-martial when action on the sentence is pending. (Sec. 663) Makes members of the Public Health Service, National Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eligible for reimbursement of certain adoption expenses. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the administering Secretaries (Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy) to waive any required deductibles, copayments, or annual fees on behalf of military personnel assigned to permanent duty as recruiters, educational instructors, or unit advisors and residing more than 50 miles or one hour from the nearest military health care facility. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the costs of any overseas emergency health care provided to military and civilian personnel of the On-Site Inspection Agency. Provides funding. (Sec. 703) Directs the administering Secretaries to prescribe regulations requiring each source dispensing a prescription medication under CHAMPUS to furnish to the recipient cautionary information on such medication. (Sec. 704) Authorizes CHAMPUS medical and dental care for certain reserve personnel who were Persian Gulf War veterans and who register a symptom or illness presumed to be a result of such service. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to collect dental insurance premiums through military pay deductions. (Sec. 706) Makes the administering Secretaries (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) responsible for CHAMPUS dental plan coverage for certain military retirees and their dependents. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the provision of the following prosthetic devices to military dependents: (1) artificial limbs, voice prostheses, and artificial eyes; and (2) any device determined necessary due to one or more significant impairments resulting from trauma, congenital anomaly, or disease. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations - Authorizes the head of a defense agency to waive a restriction against entering into undefinitized contract actions when determined necessary in order to support a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to enter into a contract for the procurement of severable services for a period that crosses fiscal years, as long as the contract period does not exceed one year. (Sec. 804) Makes unallowable as costs under a defense contract compensation costs of contractor senior executives which exceed the benchmark compensation amount determined under this section by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Makes an identical nonallowability amendment under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the purchase by DOD of right-hand drive vehicles at a cost of up to $30,000 (currently $12,000) each. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements (currently, defense capability preservation agreements). Directs the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) establish application procedures and procedures for the expeditious consideration of such agreements; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on applications for such agreements. (Sec. 807) Amends the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 to remove a certification requirement for grants authorized under such Act. (Sec. 808) Repeals Federal provisions prohibiting the Secretary concerned from adjusting the price under a shipbuilding contract to reflect an amount set forth in a claim or demand for payment under such contract arising out of certain contract events. Subtitle B: Contract Provisions - Revises the guarantees required of a defense prime contractor (conformity, free from defects) when entering into a contract for the production of a major system (currently, major weapon system). Provides an exception for a major system or system component furnished by the United States. (Sec. 812) Provides for vesting of title to the United States under contracts paid under partial or progress payment arrangements. Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs - Earmarks funds for FY 1998 for the procurement technical assistance program and specific programs under such program. (Sec. 822) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for: (1) Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot mentor-protege program; and (2) Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend through FY 2000 a test program for the negotiation of comprehensive subcontracting plans. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the retention of amounts collected from a contractor as a result of claims under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 during the pendency of any litigation concerning such claim. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report annually to the Congress on any such amounts available for obligation. (Sec. 832) Prohibits from disclosure for a five-year period of certain information submitted to DOD as part of a possible award of a cooperative agreement. (Sec. 833) Revises content requirements with respect to limited selected acquisition reports and unit cost reports. (Sec. 835) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to designate an official to serve as a central point of contact for certain contracting information. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through FY 1999 a required report concerning DOD payment of any business restructuring costs under a defense contract. Requires specified reports from the Secretary and the CG with respect to the effect on DOD of any business combinations of major defense contractors. (Sec. 842) Authorizes the director of a defense agency, when considered advantageous, to lease nonexcess personal property of that agency under specified terms and conditions, including a lease term of no more than five years (unless the national defense or public interest would be better served by a longer lease). Requires lease amounts received to be used solely for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the leased property. (Sec. 843) Directs the Secretary concerned, upon presidential approval of a report of a selection board for the promotion above grade O-4 of a member of the Acquisition Corps of a military department, to submit a copy of such report to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for review. Requires a subsequent report from such Under Secretary to the defense committees. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Establishes in DOD a National Defense University made up of specified component institutions already in existence. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the CINC Initiative Fund to be used for force protection. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary to transfer functions of the Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities aggregation to DOD officials outside of the intelligence community, along with the funding for such activities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1998 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2.5 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1997 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1997 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1997 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased in the 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia. (Sec. 1004) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to increase from $2 billion to $3.1 billion the amount authorized to be transferred between any defense authorizations for that fiscal year. (Sec. 1005) Directs the Secretary to submit biannually to the Congress a strategic plan for improving financial management within DOD. (Sec. 1006) Allows Fisher House trust funds to be used only for the operation (currently, operation and maintenance) of Fisher Houses. (Sec. 1007) Authorizes the Secretary to use specified FY 1991 Army procurement funds to reimburse the Government for any judgment against the United States rendered in the case of a certain appeal by the McDonnell Douglas Company. (Sec. 1008) Prescribes information required to be included by the Secretary in each future-years defense program with respect to the procurement of equipment and military construction for each of the reserve components. Provides for a conditional report with respect to such procurements. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a long-term charter for a vessel to support the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Program through FY 2004. (Sec. 1012) Outlines procedures for the sale of vessels stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, and Thailand. Requires such Secretary, as a condition of such sales, to require any pre-sale vessel repair or refurbishment to be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to provide certain support for counter-drug activities of Mexico. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 1998 through 2002, to provide to either or both of the Governments of Peru and Colombia specified support for counter-drug activities. Provides funding and requires certain congressional certification and a 15-day waiting period before fund obligation or expenditure. Subtitle D: Reports and Studies - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions, prior defense authorization and appropriations Acts, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. (Sec. 1032) Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to develop a common means of measuring the operations and personnel tempos of each military department. (Sec. 1033) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the overseas deployment of military personnel. (Sec. 1034) Directs the JCS Chairman to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the military readiness requirements of the active and reserve forces as prepared by the JCS Chairman and the commanders of the unified commands. (Sec. 1035) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the readiness posture of units of the armed forces that provides for a rotation of such units between states of high and low readiness. (Sec. 1036) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should develop alternatives to the current arrangement for forward basing of U.S. armed forces outside the United States; and (2) a continued U.S. military presence in the Pacific Rim is vital to U.S. protection of interests in that region. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on defense overseas infrastructure requirements. (Sec. 1037) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report to the defense committees on aircraft in the DOD inventory. (Sec. 1038) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken or planned within DOD to address problems involved with the sale or other disposition of excess materials. (Sec. 1039) Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of, and report to the defense committees on, the current Federal protections and benefits afforded to former spouses of current and former military personnel and to former spouses of current and former Federal employees. (Sec. 1040) Authorizes the CG to conduct an audit, evaluation, review, or report only after the CG certifies that the General Accounting Office has completed all prior audits, evaluations, reviews, and reports that were requested by the Congress before such certification. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a recommended amendment to the Military Rules of Evidence that recognizes an evidentiary privilege regarding disclosure by a psychotherapist of confidential communications of a patient. (Sec. 1052) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1998 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. Limits the total number of programs carried out to the number in existence at the end of FY 1995. Provides Federal cost share limits. Limits to $20 million the authorized expenditures under the program for a fiscal year. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to ensure that units of the armed forces engaged in peace operations have adequate troop protection equipment. Requires a report. (Sec. 1054) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1998 for retiring or dismantling specified strategic nuclear delivery systems below certain levels. Provides a waiver in order to implement the SALT II Treaty. Provides funding limitations with respect to substantial early deactivations to reach such levels. Requires the President to report to the Congress on such actions. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees a contingency plan for the sustainment beyond October 1, 1999, of U.S. strategic nuclear delivery systems and alternative force structures in the event that a strategic arms reduction agreement subsequent to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does not enter into force before 2004. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept payments of landing fees for the use of overseas military airfields by civilian aircraft. (Sec. 1056) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the International Nonproliferation Initiative (with the same $15 million spending limit for the additional fiscal year). (Sec. 1057) Authorizes DOD's On-Site Inspection Agency, upon request of the facility's owner or operator, to provide technical assistance to a facility that is subject to a routine or challenge inspection under the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure that the United States is able to construct and operate necessary facilities for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions as required under the Chemical Weapons Convention; and (2) encourage Federal-State negotiations to meet concerns about actions being taken to carry out such demilitarization. (Sec. 1059) Expresses the sense of the Congress prohibiting, except in specific limited circumstances, the authorization of appropriations for reserve component modernization activities not included in a DOD budget request. (Sec. 1060) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the CG) to waive certain time limitations for the settling of claims relating to military pay, allowances, and other benefits. (Sec. 1061) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to ensure adequate coordination of operational intelligence support for the commanders of the combatant commands and deployed military units. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes the appropriate official, under specified circumstances, to deny a request for public disclosure of safety-related information that has been provided voluntarily by an air carrier as part of a contract for the charter air transportation of military personnel. (Sec. 1064) Directs the Secretary, with respect to the Global Positioning System (GPS), to: (1) provide for the sustainment of its capabilities and services that are beneficial to U.S. national security; (2) prevent its hostile use; (3) sustain its capabilities and services for peaceful civil, commercial, and scientific uses on a continuous worldwide basis free from direct user fees; (4) use it to meet performance requirements of the Federal Radionavigation Plan; (5) augment the system to enhance its support of transportation; and (6) find new and expanded civil uses. Calls for international cooperation with respect to GPS use. Requires a GPS report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes special agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service to carry firearms, execute and serve warrants, and make arrests without warrants for certain offenses. (Sec. 1066) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1968 to repeal the requirement for the continued operation of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. (Sec. 1067) Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to establish a POW-MIA Intelligence Analysis Cell to provide analytical support on POW-MIA matters to all Federal departments and agencies involved with such matters. Requires the Cell to be the primary source of support in the preparation of the Special National Intelligence Estimate on POW-MIA matters. (Sec. 1068) Protects Federal employees from retaliation for certain disclosures of classified information when such information is disclosed: (1) to provide evidence of a violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or a false statement to the Congress; and (2) to a person or element having oversight responsibilities and cleared for the receipt of such information. (Sec. 1069) Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 to make certain Federal pay authorities inapplicable to Federal annuitants or former military personnel who are members of the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance. (Sec. 1070) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, California, all rights and interest to the aircraft known as the "Picadilly Lilly." (Sec. 1071) Extends through FY 2002 the aviation insurance program. (Sec. 1072) Prohibits a military flight operation from being treated as a transportation program held on or over public land requiring prior approval by the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 1073) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of Philippine nationals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during World War II. (Sec. 1074) Designates Bob Hope as an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to report semiannually to the defense committees on the management of the civilian workforce under their jurisdiction. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the employment of civilian faculty at a school of the Marine Corps University. (Sec. 1103) Requires DOD to remit to the Office of Personnel Management 15 percent of the final basic pay of an individual who agrees to be separated from the armed forces under the DOD voluntary separation incentive program. Requires such remittance to be credited to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Extends the incentive program through FY 2001. (Sec. 1104) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to ensure the placement in the competitive service, within six months after separation from the military reserve, of technicians who were involuntarily separated after at least 15 years of retirement-creditable military service. (Sec. 1105) Revises the pay rate for DOD overseas teachers upon their transfer to a General Schedule position with the Government. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990 to remove conditions for the naturalization of employees of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Authorizes the use of prior-year military construction funds to construct a heliport at Fort Irwin, California. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2407) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified military construction projects, using amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 2408) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. (Sec. 2409) Extends the availability of funds under a prior defense appropriations Act for construction of an over-the-horizon radar at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Increases the amount authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at the Aviation Support Facility in Hilo, Hawaii. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the threshold for minor land acquisition projects. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to transfer all or part of a utility system located on a military installation to a local utility or other appropriate entity for fair market value. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, when exchanging real property or granting an easement, lease, or license of real property, to collect from the receiver the administrative expenses incurred. (Sec. 2804) Provides for the crediting of financial incentives received by DOD from gas, electric, and water utilities for energy and water cost savings. Subtitle B: Land Conveyances - Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal a provision authorizing the Secretary of the Army to transfer to Fairfax County, Virginia, the Engineer Proving Ground at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to Mineral County, Nevada, the Schweer Driving House Area within the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire by long-term lease facilities of a regional hospital complex in Naples, Italy, determined to be necessary for the Naples Improvement Initiative. Terminates the lease authority on September 30, 2002. (Sec. 2815) Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Navy to convey to the Maine School Administrative District No. 75, Topsham, Maine, a parcel of the Topsham Annex, Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to Nassau County, New York, the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 464 in Oyster Bay, New York; (3) Air Force to convey to Bangor, Maine, the Charleston Family Housing Complex in Bangor; and (4) Air Force to convey to the Greater Box Elder Area Economic Development Corporation in Box Elder, South Dakota, specified real property located at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Provides for the disposition of proceeds from the sale of Air Force Plant No. 78 in Brigham City, Utah. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1998 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense environmental management privatization; and (5) defense nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Provides contract requirements for defense environmental privatization projects. Requires a report to the defense and appropriations committees followed by a 30-day waiting period before the Secretary may enter into such a contract. Limits cost variations on such contracts. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees of the intent to use project funds to terminate such a contract. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to such committees on activities conducted under such contracts and a single report on whether such contracts should be entered into in the absence of sufficient appropriations. (Sec. 3132) Prohibits, with exceptions, FY 1998 DOE funds from being used for activities associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship. (Sec. 3133) Earmarks funds authorized in this Division for: (1) the DOE modernization of the enduring nuclear weapons complex; (2) activities related to tritium production to meet stockpile requirements; and (3) the processing, treatment, and disposition of spent nuclear fuel rods and other materials at the Savannah River Site. Requires a report with respect to (1) and (2). (Sec. 3135) Prohibits the use of DOE funds after FY 1997 for DOE laboratory-directed research and development (R&D) unless such activities support DOE's national security mission, environmental restoration or waste management mission, or materials stabilization mission. Limits FY 1998 funding for such R&D until receipt by the defense and appropriations committees of a related report required under a previous defense authorization Act. Requires in such report an assessment of necessary R&D funding. (Sec. 3137) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to make permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1997) the authority for the transfer between programs or projects of defense environmental management funds. (Sec. 3138) Prohibits DOE from recovering from certain parties the cost of any environmental response actions at a site included in the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Project program other that costs stipulated in a binding, written agreement with such parties. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal: (1) certain requirements concerning the promulgation and publication of DOE administrative rules, regulations, or orders; and (2) a provision which makes the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 applicable to advisory committees chartered by the Secretary. (Sec. 3152) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) repeal a requirement that the EPA Administrator conduct a study on the effect of appointment by the Secretary of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel on the conduct of remedial actions at sites listed on the National Priorities List; and (2) extend through FY 1999 the authority of the Secretary to make such appointments. (Sec. 3153) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan and program for the stewardship, management, and certification of warheads in the nuclear weapons stockpile. (Sec. 3155) Repeals various obsolete reporting requirements under the Atomic Energy Act and prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 3156) Establishes the Commission on Safeguards and Security at Department of Energy Facilities to conduct reviews, make determinations and evaluations, and report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to DOE facility security. Terminates the Commission after submission of its report. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to revise the authority of, and extend certain report deadlines for, the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise. (Sec. 3158) Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction over specified real property at the Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1998, to obligate up to $60 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. (Sec. 3304) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request from the Secretary of Defense, to return to such Secretary for sale or other disposition NDS platinum previously loaned to the Treasury Department. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the Secretary to lease U.S. interests in Oil Shale Reserves Number 1, 2, and 3 to one or more private entities for petroleum exploration, development, and production. (Sec. 3403) Repeals a provision requiring the assignment of certain Navy officers to the Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures from Revolving Fund - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1998, with specified limitations. Requires such funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles built in the United States. Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition - Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997 - Part I: Transition Matters Relating to Commission Officers and Employees - Consents to the acceptance by the Administrator of the Commission of appointment by the Republic of Panama as Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (such Authority to become the successor to the Commission on December 31, 1999, when Canal ownership is transferred from the United States to Panama). Waives certain: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions with respect to the Administrator; and (2) post-employment restrictions for current Commission personnel who become Authority employees after the Canal transfer date. Consents to Authority employment for retired military personnel, reserve personnel, and members of the Commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. Repeals current Commission limitations in establishing compensation levels for Commission officers and employees. (Sec. 3524) States that Commission personnel travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses shall no longer be subject to Federal travel regulations. (Sec. 3525) Authorizes the Commission to pay a recruitment bonus to a newly appointed individual, or a relocation bonus to a current Commission employee who must move, if: (1) the Commission determines that it would have difficulty in filling such a position absent such bonus; or (2) the employee has unusually high or unique qualifications. (Sec. 3526) Authorizes transition separation incentive payments for Commission personnel. (Sec. 3527) Provides for Commission personnel collective bargaining rights and required labor-management negotiations. (Sec. 3528) Makes funds from the Panama Canal Revolving Fund available for severance pay for certain employees separated by the Authority after the Canal transfer date. Part II: Transition Matters Relating to Operation and Administration of Canal - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to direct the Commission to establish by regulation a comprehensive procurement system to be known as the Panama Canal Acquisition Regulation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Panama Canal Board of Contract Appeals with exclusive jurisdiction to decide an appeal from a decision of a contracting officer. Requires such Board to be functional no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 3543) Reduces from two years to one year after the date of the alleged injury the time limit for the filing of claims with the Commission. (Sec. 3544) Authorizes the Commission to: (1) set a separate toll rate for small vessels; (2) appoint U.S. citizens as notaries public; and (3) conduct and promote commercial activities related to Canal management, operation, or maintenance. (Sec. 3548) Transfers from the President to the Commission certain regulatory functions relating to Commission employment classification appeals.
Bill· SS. 924 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Subtitle E: Other Matters Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Personnel Management Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights Subtitle F: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations Subtitle B: Contract Provisions Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Reports and Studies Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Land Conveyances Subtitle C: Other Matters Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations Title XXXI: Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures From Revolving Fund Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; (5) the Defense Health Program; and (6) the defense export loan guarantee program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Prohibits the obligation of more than 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act for helicopter modifications or upgrades until 30 days after the Secretary of the Army submits to the defense and appropriations committees a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the Army's helicopter fleet. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of AH-64D Longbow Apache fire control radar. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds for the New Attack Submarine program and authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into procurement contracts for such program. Makes the Electric Boat Corporation and the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company eligible for such contracts. Repeals superseded provisions of prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 122) Earmarks funds for the procurement and construction of nuclear and nonnuclear components for the CVN-77 nuclear aircraft carrier program. Earmarks funds for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of such program from funds authorized under title II of this Act. (Sec. 123) Provides an exception to a cost limitation for the Seawolf submarine program required under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 124) Prohibits resumption of serial production of the airborne self-protection jammer until the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation makes certain certifications to the Congress with respect to the capabilities of such jammer. Requires an additional certification from the Secretary of Defense (Secretary). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Prohibits, with exceptions, any funds from being used to: (1) procure any additional B-2 bomber aircraft; or (2) maintain any part of the bomber industrial base solely to procure additional B-2 aircraft in the future. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits any funds from being used to purchase, lease, upgrade, or modify privately-owned drydocks. (Sec. 142) Requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to report to the defense committees an analysis of the requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD) for the replacement of aircraft engines derived from Boeing 707 aircraft and the costs of meeting those requirements. (Sec. 143) Allows a working-capital funded Army industrial facility to sell articles or services to be incorporated into, or used in the manufacture of, a weapon system being procured by DOD without a determination by the Secretary of the Army that such articles or services are not available from a U.S. commercial source. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the armed forces for RDT&E. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the options for the sequence in which the variants of the joint strike fighter are to be produced and fielded. (Sec. 212) Places specified development and funding limitations on the F-22 aircraft program. Requires an annual program review and report to the Congress by the Comptroller General (CG). (Sec. 213) Limits the total demonstration costs through FY 2003 with respect to the high altitude endurance unmanned vehicle program. Requires program review by the CG. (Sec. 214) Places an FY 1998 RDT&E funding limitation on the advanced anti-radiation guided missile program. (Sec. 215) Allows no more than 6,006 staff years of technical effort to be funded during FY 1998 for federally funded research and development centers. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the allocation of such staff years among such centers during FY 1998 and 1999. (Sec. 216) Provides FY 1998 through 2000 funding goals among the military departments with respect to dual-use science and technology projects. Provides, with respect to such projects, for: (1) revised goals for national security reasons, after congressional notification; (2) the designation of a DOD official responsible for such projects; (3) a financial commitment from non-federal government participants; and (4) a report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts made available under this Division to certain counterproliferation programs, projects, and activities. Limits to $50 million the total amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Earmarks funds for the kinetic energy tactical anti-satellite technology program and the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Programs - Directs the Secretary to ensure that the National Missile Defense (NMD) program is structured and programmed to support a test in FY 1999 of an integrated NMD system that could achieve initial operational capability in FY 2003. Provides NMD system elements. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning NMD operational capability by such date. Provides FY 1998 NMD funding. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transfer to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) for procurement for FY 1998 funds from specified military accounts; and (2) ensure that, in the future-years defense program, the procurement funding for BMDO is programmed for BMDO accounts rather than appropriations accounts of the armed forces. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to seek the participation of manufacturers of manufacturing equipment in projects under the manufacturing technology program. (Sec. 232) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for the use by commercial entities of DOD major range and test facilities. (Sec. 234) Revises and extends certain organizations within the national oceanographic partnership program. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (3) Fisher House trust funds. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million to FY 1998 O&M accounts from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Activities - Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contract for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) of weapon systems or other DOD military equipment, or for the performance of related management functions, at any military installation that was approved in 1995 for closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Allows an exception after certification to the Congress and review by the CG. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress describing each logistics capability that the Secretary identifies as a core logistics capability. Includes as a core logistics capability the capabilities, facilities, and equipment to maintain and repair weapon systems and other military equipment that are identified by the Secretary as necessary to enable the armed forces to fulfill contingency plans prepared by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Requires all core logistics functions to be performed at Government-owned and operated facilities of DOD. (Sec. 314) Allows no more than 50 percent of the funds made available in a fiscal year for DLMR workload to be used to contract for the performance of such workload in non-Government owned and operated facilities. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary to designate each depot-level activity of the military departments and defense agencies as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the activity. Provides for the formation of public-private partnerships for the performance of DLMR at such centers and for maximum utilization of center capacity. (Sec. 316) Prohibits civilian DOD employees performing DLMR workloads from being managed on the basis of any end strengths or other personnel constraints. (Sec. 317) Requires reports from the Secretary to the Congress on: (1) annual DLMR activities; and (2) the allocation of core logistics activities among DOD facilities and private sector facilities. (Sec. 319) Requires a review and report from the CG concerning the Navy's practice of using temporary duty assignments of personnel to perform ship maintenance and repair work at homeports not having Navy shipyards. (Sec. 320) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal a conditional repeal of certain DLMR laws and a related reporting requirement; and (2) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Revises provisions relating to the storage and disposal on DOD property of nondefense toxic and hazardous materials. (Sec. 332) Requires additional information relating to the payment of fines and penalties assessed under environmental laws to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on progress made in carrying out environmental restoration activities at military installations. (Sec. 333) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on DOD overseas environmental activities. (Sec. 335) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to require certain additional information in cooperative agreements between the Secretary and an agency of a State or local government for obtaining assistance in certifying environmental technologies. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the guidelines established for reimbursing such agencies and for cost-sharing under such agreements. (Sec. 336) Directs the Secretary to utilize specified risk assessment methods in evaluating DOD facilities for purposes of allocating funds and establishing priorities for environmental restoration projects under the defense environmental restoration program. (Sec. 337) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations concerning the environmental restoration cost-recovery and cost-sharing activities of the military departments and defense agencies. (Sec. 338) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of the sale of economic incentives for the reduction of emission of air pollutants attributable to a military facility. Provides for the use of sale proceeds. (Sec. 339) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and report to the Congress on a pilot program using existing technologies to determine: (1) the feasibility of tagging hydrocarbon fuels used by DOD for analysis and identification; (2) the deterrent effect of such tagging on the theft and misuse of such fuels; and (3) the extent to which such tagging assists in determining the source of surface and underground pollution. Provides funding. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes the use of various revenues received by DOD for the construction and improvement of commissary store facilities. (Sec. 352) Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to integrate the military exchange services no later than September 30, 2000. Requires the Secretaries to submit to the defense committees a plan for achieving such integration. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Prohibits, except under specified narrow circumstances, the advance billing of a customer for a working-capital fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees whenever the aggregate amount of such advance billings not covered by a congressional notification exceeds $50 million. Prohibits the total amount of such advance billings for DOD working-capital funds and the Defense Business Operations Fund for FY 1998 from exceeding $1 billion. (Sec. 362) Authorizes the Secretary to operate a Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. Authorizes an agreement with a higher education institution for joint operation of the Center. Provides FY 1998 funding. (Sec. 363) Provides that, whenever an official of an executive agency proposes or takes an administrative action that affects military training or other readiness activity in a significantly adverse manner, the Secretary shall submit to the defense committees a notification of such action along with each adverse effect. Requires a notification copy to be transmitted to the President and the head of the agency proposing or taking such action. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide financial assistance to a State to support Army National Guard activities in such State. (Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell to certain licensed manufacturers ammunition or ammunition components that are obsolete, unservicable, or excess to the Army. Requires the purchaser to enter into an agreement to demilitarize or recycle such ammunition or components. (Sec. 366) Requires the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency to develop and submit to the Congress a schedule for implementation of best commercial inventory practices for Agency supplies and equipment. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to use commercial sources of services to improve the collection of DOD claims under aircraft engine warranties. (Sec. 368) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to assist a State or local government in enhancing that government's capability to support DOD efforts to privatize its military family support services. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1998. Repeals a Federal provision requiring a permanent active-duty end strength sufficient to support two simultaneous major regional contingencies. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1998 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Personnel Management - Excludes certain active-duty and reserve officers currently on promotion lists from consideration by later promotion boards. (Sec. 502) Increases the authorized number of officers authorized to be frocked (to wear the insignia of the next higher officer grade even though the promotion to such grade is not yet final). (Sec. 503) Authorizes Navy chaplains who are not on the retired list to serve as a chief or deputy chief of Navy chaplains. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to defer the retirement of such officers if the person will be serving in such capacity during the deferred period. (Sec. 504) States that a current limitation on the authorized period of recalled service shall not apply to chaplains or health care professionals assigned to active duty in such capacity, or to an officer assigned to duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Terminates the Ready Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the reasons for fiscal deficiencies in such Program and whether there is a need for a new program. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the separation of a reserve officer in an inactive status with the Standby Reserve who is not qualified for transfer to the Retired Reserve, or who, if qualified, does not apply for such transfer. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the retention until age 60 of military technicians in the grade of brigadier general. (Sec. 514) Provides that the performance of honor guard functions by members of the National Guard at funerals for veterans may be treated as a Federal function for which appropriated funds may be used. Subtitle C: Education and Training Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into an agreement with an authorized foreign government official to carry out a military academy foreign exchange study program. Provides agreement terms and special rules for the Federal recognition of foreign students studying in the United States. (Sec. 522) Authorizes for instruction at the Community College of the Air Force enlisted members of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who are serving as instructors at an Air Force training school. (Currently, enrollment is limited to Air Force enlisted personnel.) (Sec. 523) Preserves beyond a current ten-year delimiting period the educational assistance entitlement for members of the Selected Reserve serving on active duty in support of a contingency operation. (Sec. 524) Repeals Federal law providing certain staffing and safety requirements for the Army Ranger Training Brigade. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Makes eligible for the award of a military service medal for heroism a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status at the time the member distinguished himself by heroism. (Sec. 532) Provides that time limits for the submission for recommendation for military decorations or awards shall not apply to specified individuals with respect to the award of the Silver Star Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Sec. 533) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend to February 9, 1998, the period for the receipt of recommendations for decorations and awards for certain military intelligence personnel previously prevented by secrecy requirements from receiving such awards. (Sec. 534) Authorizes unit decorations to be awarded to certain units that supported the execution of combat operations during World War II. Subtitle E: Military Personnel Voting Rights - Military Voting Rights Act of 1997 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to provide that, for voting rights purposes, a person absent from a State in compliance with military orders shall not be deemed to have: (1) lost a residence in that State; or (2) acquired a residence in, or become a resident of, another State. (Sec. 543) Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act to require each State, in elections for State and local offices, to permit absentee military personnel to use absentee voter procedures to vote in such elections and to accept and process military absentee voter registration applications. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CG should study and report to the Congress on any inequality in the treatment of men and women in the armed forces arising out of statutes or regulations. (Sec. 552) Establishes the Commission on Gender Integration in the Military to review and assess the current practices of the armed forces and the private sector pertaining to gender-integrated training. (Sec. 553) Authorizes any commanding officer or officer in charge who receives a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a member of the military or a civilian DOD employee to act appropriately on such complaint within 72 hours and to ensure that the complaint investigation is completed within 14 days. Requires specified reports from such officers, the department Secretaries receiving the forwarded complaints, and the Secretary. (Sec. 554) Requires exemplary moral and other appropriate conduct from all commanding officers and others in authority in the Army and Air Force. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to allow a member of the armed forces or a civilian officer or employee of DOD or the Coast Guard to serve in a management capacity with specified military welfare societies and other authorized entities. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay - Waives any FY 1998 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay by 2.8 percent, effective January 1, 1998. Subtitle B: Subsistence, Housing, and Other Allowances - Part I: Reform of Basic Allowance for Subsistence - Entitles all enlisted personnel other than those in basic training to the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Provides a new BAS rate based on food costs. Allows BAS to be paid to enlisted personnel in advance for not more than three months. Directs the Secretary to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining and field messing facilities of the military departments. Provides transitional provisions with respect to the current BAS, terminating such transitional authority on January 1, 1998. Part II: Reform of Housing and Related Allowances - Redesignates the basic allowance for quarters as the basic allowance for housing (BAH). Authorizes a temporary housing allowance for members in pay grades above E-4 who are in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Authorizes the payment of a BAH for certain dependents of military personnel who die while on active duty. Provides special rules for the payment of a BAH to a member with dependents in the case of a member paying child support. Entitles to a BAH a member with dependents who is assigned to an unaccompanied tour of duty outside the continental United States. Repeals the variable housing allowance. States that a member without dependents who is not entitled to a BAH shall be entitled to a partial allowance for quarters determined by the Secretary. (Sec. 617) Directs the Secretary to prescribe monthly rates for the BAH on a geographic-cost basis. Directs the Secretary to redetermine such rates when basic pay rates are increased. Provides for: (1) protection from housing rate reductions for certain for certain personnel; and (2) a fiscal year limitation on the total allowances paid for housing located inside the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the rate of the temporary housing allowance for members in a travel or leave status between permanent duty stations. Provides the rates of the BAH for dependents of members who die while on active duty and members paying child support, as well as the rate of the partial allowance for quarters for members without dependents. (Sec. 618) Changes the dislocation allowance rates from a rate based on a member's pay grade to a rate based on a percentage of the monthly national average cost of housing for members of the same grade and dependency status. (Sec. 619) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) making the family separation allowance equal to the basic allowance for quarters payable to a member without dependents in the same pay grade; and (2) providing a station allowance for members on duty outside the United States. Part III: Other Amendments Relating to Allowances - Requires the President to adjust the basic pay of military personnel whenever the General Schedule of Compensation is adjusted. Authorizes the President to allocate such increases among pay grade and years-of-service categories, requiring congressional notification of any such allocation. Requires quadrennial assessment of such allocations. (Sec. 627) Allows payment of the Ready Reserve muster duty allowance no later than 30 days after such duty is performed. Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1999 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1998 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 634) Increases the aviation career incentive pay and the aviation continuation pay. Extends through FY 2005 the authority for the continuation pay. (Sec. 636) Makes dental officers eligible for the same multiyear retention bonus currently paid to medical officers of the armed forces. Increases dental officer special pay amounts. (Sec. 638) Makes eligible for the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus those Reserve enlisted personnel with less than 14 (currently, ten) years of total military service. Authorizes the payment of bonuses for consecutive three-year reenlistments. Revises bonus amounts. (Sec. 639) Makes changes similar to the Selected Reserve reenlistment bonus for former enlisted personnel who enlist for three-year periods in the Selected Reserve. (Sec. 640) Increases the special pay and bonuses authorized for nuclear qualified officers. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay bonuses in lieu of special pay for enlisted personnel extending their tours of duty at designated overseas locations. Prohibits the concurrent receipt by such personnel of such an annual bonus and rest and recuperative absence or transportation. Requires pro rata repayment of an unearned bonus. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Authorizes a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to elect to discontinue participation at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences. Requires spousal concurrence, with an exception. (Sec. 652) Allows at any time (currently, within one year after remarriage) a change of election in SBP coverage to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse. (Sec. 653) Considers SBP coverage as paid in entirety after the earlier of 30 years of pay deductions for such coverage or the month in which the member attains 70 years of age. (Sec. 654) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay at the time of death; or (2) was a reserve member between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay except for not having attained 60 years of age. Provides annuity amounts. Terminates annuity payment authority on September 30, 2001. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Entitles to basic pay and allowances, medical and dental care, and disability retirement or separation benefits, as well as for the recovery, care, and disposition of remains, a reserve member who is physically disabled as a result of injury, illness, or disease aggravated in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training. (Sec. 662) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to pay travel and transportation allowances for dependents of members sentenced by court-martial when action on the sentence is pending. (Sec. 663) Makes members of the Public Health Service, National Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration eligible for reimbursement of certain adoption expenses. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the administering Secretaries (Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when not operating under the Navy) to waive any required deductibles, copayments, or annual fees on behalf of military personnel assigned to permanent duty as recruiters, educational instructors, or unit advisors and residing more than 50 miles or one hour from the nearest military health care facility. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the costs of any overseas emergency health care provided to military and civilian personnel of the On-Site Inspection Agency. Provides funding. (Sec. 703) Directs the administering Secretaries to prescribe regulations requiring each source dispensing a prescription medication under CHAMPUS to furnish to the recipient cautionary information on such medication. (Sec. 704) Authorizes CHAMPUS medical and dental care for certain reserve personnel who were Persian Gulf War veterans and who register a sympton or illness presumed to be a result of such service. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to collect dental insurance premiums through military pay deductions. (Sec. 706) Makes the administering Secretaries (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) responsible for CHAMPUS dental plan coverage for certain military retirees and their dependents. (Sec. 707) Authorizes the provision of the following prosthetic devices to military dependents: (1) artificial limbs, voice prostheses, and artificial eyes; and (2) any device determined necessary due to one or more significant impairments resulting from trauma, congenital anomaly, or disease. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations - Authorizes the head of a defense agency to waive a restriction against entering into undefinitized contract actions when determined necessary in order to support a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary concerned to enter into a contract for the procurement of severable services for a period that crosses fiscal years, as long as the contract period does not exceed one year. (Sec. 804) Makes unallowable as costs under a defense contract compensation costs of contractor senior executives which exceed the benchmark compensation amount determined under this section by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Makes an identical nonallowability amendment under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the purchase by DOD of right-hand drive vehicles at a cost of vehicles at a cost of up to $30,000 (currently $12,000) each. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements (currently, defense capability preservation agreements). Directs the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) establish application procedures and procedures for the expeditious consideration of such agreements; and (2) report to the defense and appropriations committees on applications for such agreements. (Sec. 807) Amends the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 to remove a certification requirement for grants authorized under such Act. (Sec. 808) Repeals Federal provisions prohibiting the Secretary concerned from adjusting the price under a shipbuilding contract to reflect an amount set forth in a claim or demand for payment under such contract arising out of certain contract events. Subtitle B: Contract Provisions - Revises the guarantees required of a defense prime contractor (conformity, free from defects) when entering into a contract for the production of a major system (currently, major weapon system). Provides an exception for a major system or system component furnished by the United States. (Sec. 812) Provides for vesting of title to the United States under contracts paid under partial or progress payment arrangements. Subtitle C: Acquisition Assistance Programs - Earmarks funds for FY 1998 for the procurement technical assistance program and specific programs under such program. (Sec. 822) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for: (1) Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 2000 the pilot mentor-protege program; and (2) Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend through FY 2000 a test program for the negotiation of comprehensive subcontracting plans. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the retention of amounts collected from a contractor as a result of claims under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 during the pendency of any litigation concerning such claim. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report annually to the Congress on any such amounts available for obligation. (Sec. 832) Prohibits from disclosure for a five-year period of certain information submitted to DOD as part of a possible award of a cooperative agreement. (Sec. 833) Revises content requirements with respect to limited selected acquisition reports and unit cost reports. (Sec. 835) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology to designate an official to serve as a central point of contact for certain contracting information. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through FY 1999 a required report concerning DOD payment of any business restructuring costs under a defense contract. Requires specified reports from the Secretary and the CG with respect to the effect on DOD of any business combinations of major defense contractors. (Sec. 842) Authorizes the director of a defense agency, when considered advantageous, to lease nonexcess personal property of that agency under specified terms and conditions, including a lease term of no more than five years (unless the national defense or public interest would be better served by alonger lease). Requires lease amounts received to be used solely for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the leased property. (Sec. 843) Directs the Secretary concerned, upon presidential approval of a report of a selection board for the promotion above grade O-4 of a member of the Acquisition Corps of a military department, to submit a copy of such report to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for review. Requires a subsequent report from such Under Secretary to the defense committees. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Establishes in DOD a National Defense University made up of specified component institutions already in existence. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the CINC Initiative Fund to be used for force protection. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary to transfer functions of the Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities aggregation to DOD officials outside of the intelligence community, along with the funding for such activities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD under this Division for FY 1998 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2.5 billion. Requires congressional notification of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1997 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1997 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1997 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased in the 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia. (Sec. 1004) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to increase from $2 billion to $3.1 billion the amount authorized to be transferred between any defense authorizations for that fiscal year. (Sec. 1005) Directs the Secretary to submit biannually to the Congress a strategic plan for improving financial management within DOD. (Sec. 1006) Allows Fisher House trust funds to be used only for the operation (currently, operation and maintenance) of Fisher Houses. (Sec. 1007) Authorizes the Secretary to use specified FY 1991 Army procurement funds to reimburse the Government for any judgment against the United States rendered in the case of a certain appeal by the McDonnell Douglas Company. (Sec. 1008) Prescribes information required to be included by the Secretary in each future-years defense program with respect to the procurement of equipment and military construction for each of the reserve components. Provides for a conditional report with respect to such procurements. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a long-term charter for a vessel to support the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor Program through FY 2004. (Sec. 1012) Outlines procedures for the sale of vessels stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell specified naval vessels to Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, and Thailand. Requires such Secretary, as a condition of such sales, to require any pre-sale vessel repair or refurbishment to be performed at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to provide certain support for counter-drug activities of Mexico. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 1998 through 2002, to provide to either or both of the Governments of Peru and Colombia specified support for counter-drug activities. Provides funding and requires certain congressional certification and a 15-day waiting period before fund obligation or expenditure. Subtitle D: Reports and Studies - Repeals various reports and reporting requirements under Federal armed forces provisions, prior defense authorization and appropriations Acts, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. (Sec. 1032) Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to develop a common means of measuring the operations and personnel tempos of each military department. (Sec. 1033) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the overseas deployment of military personnel. (Sec. 1034) Directs the JCS Chairman to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report on the military readiness requirements of the active and reserve forces as prepared by the JCS Chairman and the commanders of the unified commands. (Sec. 1035) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the readiness posture of units of the armed forces that provides for a rotation of such units between states of high and low readiness. (Sec. 1036) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should develop alternatives to the current arrangement for forward basing of U.S. armed forces outside the United States; and (2) a continued U.S. military presence in the Pacific Rim is vital to U.S. protection of interests in that region. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on defense overseas infrastructure requirements. (Sec. 1037) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to report to the defense committees on aircraft in the DOD inventory. (Sec. 1038) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken or planned within DOD to address problems involved with the sale or other disposition of excess materials. (Sec. 1039) Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of, and report to the defense committees on, the current Federal protections and benefits afforded to former spouses of current and former military personnel and to former spouses of current and former Federal employees. (Sec. 1040) Authorizes the CG to conduct an audit, evaluation, review, or report only after the CG certifies that the General Accounting Office has completed all prior audits, evaluations, reviews, and reports that were requested by the Congress before such certification. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a recommended amendment to the Military Rules of Evidence that recognizes an evidentiary privilege regarding disclosure by a psychotherapist of confidential communications of a patient. (Sec. 1052) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1998 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. Limits the total number of programs carried out to the number in existence at the end of FY 1995. Provides Federal cost share limits. Limits to $20 million the authorized expenditures under the program for a fiscal year. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to ensure that units of the armed forces engaged in peace operations have adequate troop protection equipment. Requires a report. (Sec. 1054) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1998 for retiring or dismantling specified strategic nuclear delivery systems below certain levels. Provides a waiver in order to implement the SALT II Treaty. Provides funding limitations with respect to substantial early deactivations to reach such levels. Requires the President to report to the Congress on such actions. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees a contingency plan for the sustainment beyond October 1, 1999, of U.S. strategic nuclear delivery systems and alternative force structures in the event that a strategic arms reduction agreement subsequent to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does not enter into force before 2004. (Sec. 1055) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept payments of landing fees for the use of overseas military airfields by civilian aircraft. (Sec. 1056) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the International Nonproliferation Initiative (with the same $15 million spending limit for the additional fiscal year). (Sec. 1057) Authorizes DOD's On-Site Inspection Agency, upon request of the facility's owner or operator, to provide technical assistance to a facility that is subject to a routine or challenge inspection under the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure that the United States is able to construct and operate necessary facilities for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions as required under the Chemical Weapons Convention; and (2) encourage Federal-State negotiations to meet concerns about actions being taken to carry out such demilitarization. (Sec. 1059) Expresses the sense of the Congress prohibiting, except in specific limited circumstances, the authorization of appropriations for reserve component modernization activities not included in a DOD budget request. (Sec. 1060) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the CG) to waive certain time limitations for the settling of claims relating to military pay, allowances, and other benefits. (Sec. 1061) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to ensure adequate coordination of operational intelligence support for the commanders of the combatant commands and deployed military units. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes the appropriate official, under specified circumstances, to deny a request for public disclosure of safety-related information that has been provided voluntarily by an air carrier as part of a contract for the charter air transportation of military personnel. (Sec. 1064) Directs the Secretary, with respect to the Global Positioning System (GPS), to: (1) provide for the sustainment of its capabilities and services that are beneficial to U.S. national security; (2) prevent its hostile use; (3) sustain its capabilities and services for peaceful civil, commercial, and scientific uses on a continuous worldwide basis free from direct user fees; (4) use it to meet performance requirements of the Federal Radionavigation Plan; (5) augment the system to enhance its support of transportation; and (6) find new and expanded civil uses. Calls for international cooperation with respect to GPS use. Requires a GPS report from the Secretary to the defense and appropriations committees. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes special agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service to carry firearms, execute and serve warrants, and make arrests without warrants for certain offenses. (Sec. 1066) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1968 to repeal the requirement for the continued operation of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. (Sec. 1067) Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to establish a POW-MIA Intelligence Analysis Cell to provide analytical support on POW-MIA matters to all Federal departments and agencies involved with such matters. Requires the Cell to be the primary source of support in the preparation of the Special National Intelligence Estimate on POW-MIA matters. (Sec. 1068) Protects Federal employees from retaliation for certain disclosures of classified information when such information is disclosed: (1) to provide evidence of a violation of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or a false statement to the Congress; and (2) to a person or element having oversight responsibilities and cleared for the receipt of such information. (Sec. 1069) Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 to make certain Federal pay authorities inapplicable to Federal annuitants or former military personnel who are members of the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance. (Sec. 1070) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, California, all rights and interest to the aircraft known as the "Picadilly Lilly." (Sec. 1071) Extends through FY 2002 the aviation insurance program. (Sec. 1072) Prohibits a military flight operation from being treated as a transportation program held on or over public land requiring prior approval by the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 1073) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of Philippine nationals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during World War II. (Sec. 1074) Designates Bob Hope as an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the defense agencies to report semiannually to the defense committees on the management of the civilian workforce under their jurisdiction. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the employment of civilian faculty at a school of the Marine Corps University. (Sec. 1103) Requires DOD to remit to the Office of Personnel Management 15 percent of the final basic pay of an individual who agrees to be separated from the armed forces under the DOD voluntary separation incentive program. Requires such remittance to be credited to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Extends the incentive program through FY 2001. (Sec. 1104) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to ensure the placement in the competitive service, within six months after separation from the military reserve, of technicians who were involuntarily separated after at least 15 years of retirement-creditable military service. (Sec. 1105) Revises the pay rate for DOD overseas teachers upon their transfer to a General Schedule position with the Government. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990 to remove conditions for the naturalization of employees of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Authorizes the use of prior-year military construction funds to construct a heliport at Fort Irwin, California. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations for purposes paralleling those for which authorizations are provided for the Army. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to authorize a military construction project at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, using funds authorized under such Act. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years beginning after 1997 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2407) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified military construction projects, using amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at McClellan Air Force Base, California. (Sec. 2408) Increases the amounts authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. (Sec. 2409) Extends the availability of funds under a prior defense appropriations Act for construction of an over-the-horizon radar at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1997 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Increases the amount authorized under a prior military construction authorization Act for a project at the Aviation Support Facility in Hilo, Hawaii. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2001, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the threshold for minor land acquisition projects. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to transfer all or part of a utility system located on a military installation to a local utility or other appropriate entity for fair market value. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, when exchanging real property or granting an easement, lease, or license of real property, to collect from the receiver the administrative expenses incurred. (Sec. 2804) Provides for the crediting of financial incentives received by DOD from gas, electric, and water utilities for energy and water cost savings. Subtitle B: Land Conveyances - Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal a provision authorizing the Secretary of the Army to transfer to Fairfax County, Virginia, the Engineer Proving Ground at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to Mineral County, Nevada, the Schweer Driving House Area within the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot. (Sec. 2814) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire by long-term lease facilities of a regional hospital complex in Naples, Italy, determined to be necessary for the Naples Improvement Initiative. Terminates the lease authority on September 30, 2002. (Sec. 2815) Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Navy to convey to the Maine School Administrative District No. 75, Topsham, Maine, a parcel of the Topsham Annex, Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine; (2) Navy to convey to Nassau County, New York, the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 464 in Oyster Bay, New York; (3) Air Force to convey to Bangor, Maine, the Charleston Family Housing Complex in Bangor; and (4) Air Force to convey to the Greater Box Elder Area Economic Development Corporation in Box Elder, South Dakota, specified real property located at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Provides for the disposition of proceeds from the sale of Air Force Plant No. 78 in Brigham City, Utah. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1998 for operating expenses, capital equipment, and plant projects necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; (4) defense environmental management privatization; and (5) defense nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress until the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the defense and appropriations committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Requires congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits. (Sec. 3124) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOE-authorized funds: (1) to other Federal agencies for the performance of work for which such funds were authorized; or (2) between authorizations within DOE, to be merged with and available for the same purposes. Requires notification to the defense committees of any such transfers. (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated cost exceeds $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs exceeding such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Provides contract requirements for defense environmental privatization projects. Requires a report to the defense and appropriations committees followed by a 30-day waiting period before the Secretary may enter into such a contract. Limits cost variations on such contracts. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees of the intent to use project funds to terminate such a contract. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to such committees on activities conducted under such contracts and a single report on whether such contracts should be entered into in the absence of sufficient appropriations. (Sec. 3132) Prohibits, with exceptions, FY 1998 DOE funds from being used for activities associated with international cooperative stockpile stewardship. (Sec. 3133) Earmarks funds authorized in this Division for: (1) the DOE modernization of the enduring nuclear weapons complex; (2) activities related to tritium production to meet stockpile requirements; and (3) the processing, treatment, and disposition of spent nuclear fuel rods and other materials at the Savannah River Site. Requires a report with respect to (1) and (2). (Sec. 3135) Prohibits the use of DOE funds after FY 1997 for DOE laboratory-directed research and development (R&D) unless such activities support DOE's national security mission, environmental restoration or waste management mission, or materials stabilization mission. Limits FY 1998 funding for such R&D until receipt by the defense and appropriations committees of a related report required under a previous defense authorization Act. Requires in such report an assessment of necessary R&D funding. (Sec. 3137) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to make permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1997) the authority for the transfer between programs or projects of defense environmental management funds. (Sec. 3138) Prohibits DOE from recovering from certain parties the cost of any environmental response actions at a site included in the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Project program other that costs stipulated in a binding, written agreement with such parties. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal: (1) certain requirements concerning the promulgation and publication of DOE administrative rules, regulations, or orders; and (2) a provision which makes the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 applicable to advisory committees chartered by the Secretary. (Sec. 3152) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to: (1) repeal a requirement that the EPA Administrator conduct a study on the effect of appointment by the Secretary of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel on the conduct of remedial actions at sites listed on the National Priorities List; and (2) extend through FY 1999 the authority of the Secretary to make such appointments. (Sec. 3153) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a plan and program for the stewardship, management, and certification of warheads in the nuclear weapons stockpile. (Sec. 3155) Repeals various obsolete reporting requirements under the Atomic Energy Act and prior defense authorization Acts. (Sec. 3156) Establishes the Commission on Safeguards and Security at Department of Energy Facilities to conduct reviews, make determinations and evaluations, and report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to DOE facility security. Terminates the Commission after submission of its report. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to revise the authority of, and extend certain report deadlines for, the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise. (Sec. 3158) Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction over specified real property at the Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1998, to obligate up to $60 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts in excess of such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3303) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials. Specifies disposal limits. (Sec. 3304) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request from the Secretary of Defense, to return to such Secretary for sale or other disposition NDS platinum previously loaned to the Treasury Department. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the Secretary to lease U.S. interests in Oil Shale Reserves Number 1, 2, and 3 to one or more private entities for petroleum exploration, development, and production. (Sec. 3403) Repeals a provision requiring the assignment of certain Navy officers to the Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Subtitle A: Authorization of Expenditures from Revolving Fund - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1998, with specified limitations. Requires such funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles built in the United States. Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any laws implementing those treaties. Subtitle B: Facilitation of Panama Canal Transition - Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997 - Part I: Transition Matters Relating to Commission Officers and Employees - Consents to the acceptance by the Administrator of the Commission of appointment by the Republic of Panama as Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (such Authority to become the successor to the Commission on December 31, 1999, when Canal ownership is transferred from the United States to Panama). Waives certain: (1) conflict-of-interest provisions with respect to the Administrator; and (2) post-employment restrictions for current Commission personnel who become Authority employees after the Canal transfer date. Consents to Authority employment for retired military personnel, reserve personnel, and members of the Commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. Repeals current Commission limitations in establishing compensation levels for Commission officers and employees. (Sec. 3524) States that Commission personnel travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses shall no longer be subject to Federal travel regulations. (Sec. 3525) Authorizes the Commission to pay a recruitment bonus to a newly appointed individual, or a relocation bonus to a current Commission employee who must move, if: (1) the Commission determines that it would have difficulty in filling such a position absent such bonus; or (2) the employee has unusually high or unique qualifications. (Sec. 3526) Authorizes transition separation incentive payments for Commission personnel. (Sec. 3527) Provides for Commission personnel collective bargaining rights and required labor-management negotiations. (Sec. 3528) Makes funds from the Panama Canal Revolving Fund available for severance pay for certain employees separated by the Authority after the Canal transfer date. Part II: Transition Matters Relating to Operation and Administration of Canal - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to direct the Commission to establish by regulation a comprehensive procurement system to be known as the Panama Canal Acquisition Regulation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Panama Canal Board of Contract Appeals with exclusive jurisdiction to decide an appeal from a decision of a contracting officer. Requires such Board to be functional no later than January 1, 1999. (Sec. 3543) Reduces from two years to one year after the date of the alleged injury the time limit for the filing of claims with the Commission. (Sec. 3544) Authorizes the Commission to: (1) set a separate toll rate for small vessels; (2) appoint U.S. citizens as notaries public; and (3) conduct and promote commercial activities related to Canal management, operation, or maintenance. (Sec. 3548) Transfers from the President to the Commission certain regulatory functions relating to Commission employment classification appeals.
Bill· HRH.R. 1939 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1997
Railroad Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends Federal railroad law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide not more than $5 billion in direct loans and loan guarantees to State and local governments, government sponsored authorities and corporations, and railroad carriers to: (1) acquire, improve, or rehabilitate existing rail equipment or facilities, or establish new railroad facilities; or (2) refinance outstanding debt incurred in carrying out such activities. Sets forth specified conditions and eligibility requirements for such loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 1911 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1997
Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1997 - Amends Clean Air Act provisions regarding State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards to require a State, for each upwind area which causes or significantly contributes to a violation of the ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision that requires the upwind area to either: (1) reduce emissions of each air pollutant concerned and its precursors by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts to pollution concentrations in the downwind area commensurate with the level of contribution caused; or (2) make payments to the State or the air quality district as compensation to the downwind area for the costs of emission reduction measures to fully mitigate the impacts of transported pollutants. Requires a State, for each Moderate ozone nonattainment area determined to cause or significantly contribute to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision including all provisions necessary for an enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program described in provisions concerning Serious areas and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Requires amendment by a State of its plan for maintenance (required when a State requests redesignation of a nonattainment area as an area which has attained the national ambient air quality standard) to include measures for such an inspection program if the State determines that the area concerned is causing or significantly contributing to a violation of such standards for ozone in a downwind area. Provides for amendments to maintenance plans in upwind areas that cause or significantly contribute to violations of such standards in downwind areas to require implementation of all measures contained in the State implementation plan for upwind areas before redesignation as attainment areas. Requires implementation of all control measures necessary to fully mitigate the transport of ozone and its precursors to downwind areas. Prohibits any relaxation or rescission of such measures as long as an upwind area contributes to such violations in a downwind area.
Bill· SS. 909 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Domestic Uses of Encryption Title II: Government Procurement Title III: Export of Encryption Title IV: Voluntary Registration System Title V: Liability Limitations Title VI: International Agreements Title VII: General Authority and Civil Penalties Title VIII: Research and Monitoring Title IX: Waiver Authority Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions Secure Public Networks Act - Title I: Domestic Uses of Encryption - Makes it lawful to use any encryption, except as otherwise provided by this Act or by law. Defines "encryption" as the electronic transformation of data (including communications) in order to hide its information content. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Federal Government or a State from requiring the escrow of an encryption key with a third party in the case of a key used solely to encrypt communications between private persons within the United States. (Sec. 103) Makes the participation of private persons in the key management infrastructure enabled by this Act voluntary. (Sec. 104) Establishes criminal penalties for specified knowing acts related to encryption, decryption, breaking of encryption codes, interception of intellectual property, impersonation, issuance of keys, and disclosure of information. (Sec. 106) Requires key recovery agents (agents entrusted by other persons to hold information to allow access to data or communications of such persons) to disclose recovery information (a key or other information used to decrypt data or communications) to government entities requesting such information for specified lawful purposes. Sets forth subpoena procedures for entities seeking such disclosures. (Sec. 107) Authorizes civil recovery of damages and litigation costs by persons affected by unlawful disclosures or use of recovery information by the U.S. Government. (Sec. 108) Sets forth procedures for the use and handling of decrypted and recovery information obtained by government entities. Prohibits such entities from using recovery information obtained under this Act to determine the plaintext of wire or electronic communications or of stored electronic information unless granted lawful authority to do so under other provisions of law. (Sec. 110) Prohibits disclosures of the facts or circumstances of releases of recovery information except under order of a Federal court. Title II: Government Procurement - Requires the following to be based on a qualified system of key recovery: (1) encryption products procured by the U.S. Government or purchased with Federal funds for use in secure government or public networks; and (2) communications networks established by the U.S. Government or with Federal funds that use encryption products. (Sec. 207) Prohibits the U.S. Government from mandating the use of encryption standards for the private sector other than for use with U.S. Government computer systems or networks or those created using Federal funds. Title III: Export of Encryption - Grants the Secretary of Commerce jurisdiction over the export of commercial encryption products and the sole duty to issue export licenses on such products. (Sec. 302) Sets forth license exceptions for the exports of specified encryption products. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the President to increase the encryption strength for products permitted to be exported. (Sec. 306) Prohibits exports if the Secretary finds that a product would be: (1) used in acts against the national security, public safety, transportation systems, communications networks, or essential systems of interstate commerce; (2) diverted to a military, terrorist, or criminal use; or (3) re-exported without authorization. (Sec. 308) Establishes criminal penalties for specified violations of this title. Title IV: Voluntary Registration System - Authorizes the Secretary to register any person or government or foreign government agency as a certificate authority if such person or agency meets required standards under this Act. Authorizes registered certificate authorities to issue public key certificates which may be used for encryption or to verify the identity of a person engaged in encrypted communications. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary to register persons or government entities as key recovery agents, subject to certain requirements. Permits the Secretary to condition or revoke certificate or key recovery registrations for violations of this Act. (Sec. 405) Sets forth conditions under which: (1) a person may receive a public key certificate for encryption issued by the Secretary or a certificate authority; and (2) a key recovery agent may disclose recovery information. (Sec. 407) Establishes criminal penalties for specified violations of this title. Title V: Liability Limitations - Set forth: (1) limitations on liability for key recovery agents and the United States under this Act; and (2) complete defenses to actions brought under this Act. Title VI: International Agreements - Requires the President to: (1) conduct negotiations with other countries for mutual recognition of key recovery agents and certificate authorities and to safeguard privacy and prevent commercial espionage; (2) consider a country's refusal to negotiate such agreements when considering U.S. participation in any cooperation or assistance program with such country; and (3) report to the Congress if negotiations are not complete by the end of 1999. Title VII: General Authority and Civil Penalties - Sets forth authorities of the Secretary to obtain information and impose civil penalties under this Act. Title VIII: Research and Monitoring - Directs the President to establish an Information Security Board to make recommendations to ensure the security of networks, protection of intellectual property and privacy, the national security, and the promotion of U.S. software exports. (Sec. 804) Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to report annually to the Congress and the President on developments in the creation of secure public networks. (Sec. 805) Provides for evaluations by the National Performance Review and the Department of Education with respect to secure public networks. Title IX: Waiver Authority - Authorizes the President to waive provisions of this Act based on national security interests. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations.
Law· SS. 890 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
Dutch John Federal Property Disposition and Assistance Act of 1997 - Provides for the transfer or disposal of certain Federal properties at Dutch John, Utah. Transfers lands designated for disposal from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (BLM), and, if appropriate, the Postal Service. Removes such lands from inclusion in the Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands acquired for the Central Utah Project and developed for wildlife mitigation to the Secretary. Incorporates such lands into the Ashley or Uinta National Forests. Directs the Secretary to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain lands to the Postal Service. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct appraisals to determine the fair market value of properties designated for disposal. Conveys specified infrastructure facilities, land, and public schools to Daggett County, and certain facilities of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the Division, without consideration. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of disposed residential properties. Bases priority in purchasing on seniority of reclamation lease or residency in Dutch John. Limits households to one residential lot. Sets forth requirements for the purchase of unoccupied lots, special use lands, and church land. Transfers all water rights to the Dutch John municipal water system to the County, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to consider issuance of a special use permit affording Flaming Gorge Reservoir public shoreline access and use within the vicinity of Dutch John in conjunction with commercial visitor facilities provided under such a permit. Directs the Secretary, before transfer or disposal of any land that contains cultural resources and may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, to prepare a memorandum of agreement, for review and approval by the Utah Office of Historical Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, that contains a strategy for protecting or mitigating adverse effects on cultural resources. Conveys such land to the County upon completion of actions required under the agreement. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide training and transitional operating assistance to County personnel designated as successors to operators of conveyed infrastructure facilities. Provides for annual payments to the County, for up to 15 years, for purposes of defraying administrative transition costs. Makes available a limited amount of electric power and energy from the Colorado River Storage Project for the Dutch John community. Authorizes appropriations.
Law· HRH.R. 1871 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect To Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program Title VIII: 2000 Decennial Census 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama, courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform. Title VIII: 2000 Decennial Census - Directs the Department of Commerce to provide to the Congress a comprehensive plan outlining its proposed methodologies for conducting the 2000 decennial census and available methods for conducting an actual enumeration of the population.
Bill· HRH.R. 1846 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
Amends Federal aviation law, with respect to the automatic stay of administrative orders pending appeal, to revise general deadline requirements for the National Transportation Safety Board to make a disposition concerning the issues on appeal that are related to the existence of an emergency, as declared by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, because of which the order must be effective immediately.
Bill· HRH.R. 1839 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
National Salvage Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Sets forth requirements for the transfer of salvage title and rebuilt salvage title vehicles and nonrepairable vehicle certificate vehicles. Requires persons transferring ownership of a salvage vehicle to give notice to the transferee that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements (similar to those of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act) that a label containing certain information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt or remanufactured salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits a person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the ultimate purchaser. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States and other State officials to bring civil or criminal action in the appropriate court to enforce the requirements of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1838 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Personnel Management Title III: Financial and Property Management Title IV: Reports and Investigations Title V: Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 - Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; and (5) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities. (Sec. 102) Authorizes Coast Guard end-of-year strength and military training student loads. Title II: Personnel Management - Amends Federal law relating to the Coast Guard to remove the dollar limit on severance pay for regular warrant officers. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Coast Guard Commandant to: (1) obtain research on personnel resource and training needs; and (2) employ special programs for recruiting minorities, including using grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. Terminates those authorities on a specified date. Title III: Financial and Property Management - Authorizes the Commandant to rent or lease commercial vehicles to transport the next of kin of eligible retired Coast Guard military personnel to attend funeral services of the service member at a national cemetery. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the use of up to $25,000 to provide economic adjustment assistance for the City of Novato, California, for the cost of revising the Hamilton Reuse Planning Authority's reuse plan as a result of the Coast Guard's request for housing at Hamilton Air Force Base (or to reimburse the Department of Defense for providing that assistance). (Sec. 303) Requires, when the Coast Guard supply fund is reduced to delete items stocked, that the existing capital of the fund be reduced by the value of the materials transferred to other Coast Guard accounts. (Sec. 304) Authorizes honorary recognition of individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to Coast Guard programs, missions, or operations, including State and local governments and commercial and nonprofit organizations. Allows payment for plaques, medals, and similar items. Title IV: Reports and Investigations - Removes provisions requiring that reports be made public. (Sec. 402) Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to remove a requirement of a biennial report to the Congress. Title V: Marine Safety and Environmental Protection - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and Federal law relating to vessels and seamen to define "navigable waters of the United States" to include all waters of the U.S. territorial sea as described in a specified Presidential Proclamation. Makes changes relating to U.S. navigable waters in provisions relating to the operation of vessels, uninspected vessel safety equipment, recreational vessels, uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels, and vessel pilots. Amends the Act of June 15, 1917 (relating to foreign relations, neutrality, foreign commerce, espionage, and enforcement of criminal laws) to define "navigable waters of the United States" to include all waters of the U.S. territorial sea as described in a specified Presidential Proclamation. (Sec. 502) Amends Federal law relating to vessels and seamen to revise the bases for suspension or revocation of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document.
Bill· SS. 852 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
National Motor Vehicle Safety, Anti-theft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1997 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a term or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply specified uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements (similar to those of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act) that a label containing certain information be affixed to the windshield or window of a rebuilt or remanufactured salvage vehicle before its first sale. Prohibits a person from willfully removing, altering, or rendering illegible such label before the vehicle is delivered to the ultimate purchaser. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of these acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
Law· SS. 858 (105th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) Drug Enforcement Administration; (9) National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); and (10) National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1998, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1998 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the Senate and House Intelligence Committees (intelligence committees). (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1998. Authorizes appropriations for such Account for classified purposes. Authorizes Account personnel levels. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1998. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the head of any element of the intelligence community (IC) to detail employees to serve in any position in the Intelligence Community Assignment Program. (Sec. 304) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to extend through January 6, 2001, the authority of the President to stay the imposition of an economic, cultural, diplomatic, or other sanction or other action when the President determines and reports to the Congress that to impose such sanction without delay would seriously risk the compromise of an intelligence source or method or an ongoing criminal investigation. (Sec. 305) Requires the administrative location of the Office of the DCI to be within the CIA. (Sec. 306) Directs the President to inform employees of the executive branch and employees of contractors carrying out activities under classified contracts that the disclosure to the appropriate congressional committees or Members of Congress of classified information concerning an alleged violation of law, false statement to the Congress, or gross mismanagement, waste, abuse of authority, or danger to public health or safety is not prohibited by law or contrary to public policy. Requires a report on actions taken. (Sec. 307) Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest to provide information regarding the murder or kidnapping abroad of U.S. citizens to the victims or their families. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for promptly providing such information. (Sec. 308) Requires the DCI to: (1) carry out a survey of current standards for the spelling of foreign names and places among IC elements; and (2) report survey results to the intelligence committees. Requires the DCI to issue guidelines for the uniform spelling of such names and places and the uniform use of geographic coordinates for such places. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the CIA to enter into multiyear leases for up to 15 years, with exceptions concerning the availability of appropriations to cover rental payments under such leases. (Sec. 402) Empowers the CIA Inspector General (IG) with subpoena authority for the production of information, documents, and other data necessary for the performance of IG duties. Requires an annual report from the IG to the intelligence committees on the exercise of such authority. Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities - Authorize the President of the Joint Military Intelligence College (currently, the Commandant of the Defense Intelligence School) to confer the degree of master of science in strategic intelligence (current law) and the degree of bachelor of science in intelligence upon graduates fulfilling such requirements. (Sec. 502) Amends the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to extend through FY 1999 the authority for the expenditure of funds for infrastructure and quality of life improvements to the Menwith Hall and Bad Aibling Army Stations. (Sec. 503) Prohibits, with injunctive power, the unauthorized use of the NRO's name, initials, or seal.
Bill· SS. 851 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31,1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. (Sec. 5005) Establishes the Commission on Section 2477 of the Revised Statutes to recommend changes to law to provide for expeditious resolutions of all outstanding claims of a right-of-way across Federal lands established pursuant to such section of the Revised Statutes. Sets forth provisions regarding approval and congressional consideration of such recommendations. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VII: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform.
Bill· SS. 860 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1997
Rural Health Care Protection and Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to reauthorize and extend the Rural Health Care Transition Grant Program, as well as to authorize the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to adjust program grants to hospitals, or terminate them, if the Administrator determines that the hospital is using grant funds inappropriately. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formulae for payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans for the stated purpose of improving fairness of payments to such entities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the annual per capita rate of payment for each payment area by adjusting the annual capitation rate for: (1) individuals (not, as currently, a class of individuals) who are enrolled with an eligible organization that has entered into a risk-sharing contract and who are enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) only; and (2) such risk factors as age, disability status, gender, institutional status, end-stage renal disease, and other appropriate factors so as to ensure actuarial equivalence. Requires the Secretary to establish a separate rate of payment to an eligible organization with respect to any individual determined to have end-stage renal disease and enrolled with the organization. Prescribes a general formula for the annual capitation rate of a payment area based on an area-specific capitation rate and an input-price-adjusted national capitation rate. Specifies area-specific and national percentages for contract years 1998 through 2001 and after. Requires the Secretary to increase or decrease payments to service providers, physicians, and other health care professionals under the Medicare fee-for-service program in each payment area to reflect, to the greatest extent possible, the proportionate increase or decrease (as applicable) in payments to eligible organizations under Medicare in payment areas by reason of this Act in order to ensure that payments to such health care professionals are made on a fair and equitable basis. Prohibits the total amount expended under Medicare from being increased or decreased by reason of such requirement. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the methodology to be used in determining the increase or decrease in such payments. Requires the Secretary to take necessary steps to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that eligible organizations use any increase in Medicare payments by reason of this Act to increase the provision of health care services to Medicare beneficiaries or to improve health care services infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 842 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Amends Federal aviation law, with respect to the automatic stay of administrative orders pending appeal, to revise general deadline requirements for the National Transportation Safety Board to make a disposition concerning the issues on appeal that are related to the existence of an emergency, as declared by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, because of which the order must be effective immediately.
Bill· HRH.R. 1799 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
Local Input in Transportation Planning Act - Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) limit to roads classified below principal arterial the apportionment of Federal aid highway funds for surface transportation programs in areas of less than 5,000 population; (2) include within statewide transportation planning processes consultation with elected officials of subdivisions of local governments (requiring review of this process by the Secretary of Transportation at least once every two years); and (3) revise the Federal set-aside percentages for State off-system bridges repair and replacement for FY 1998 through 2003. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the participation of local elected officials in transportation planning and programming.
Bill· HRH.R. 1822 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements with States for the establishment of State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks for making loans to local educational agencies (LEAs) for building or repairing elementary or secondary public schools; and (2) make initial capitalization grants to State and multistate infrastructure banks. Sets forth: (1) conditions, including State contribution requirements, for States to meet in order to establish such infrastructure banks; (2) authorized forms of assistance to LEAs from such banks; (3) criteria for loans; and (4) qualifying projects. Declares that the contribution of Federal funds to an infrastructure bank shall not be construed as an obligation of the United States to any third party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review the financial condition of each infrastructure bank and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1796 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from Natural Disasters Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Commerce Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services Chapter 7: Congressional Operations Chapter 8: Department of Transportation Chapter 9: Department of the Treasury Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions Title III: General Provisions - This Act Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect To Education Title VII: Food Stamp Program 1997 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from Natural Disasters, and for Overseas Peacekeeping Efforts, Including Those in Bosnia - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Directs DOD to report to the congressional defense committees prior to transferring management, development, and acquisition authority over the National Missile Defense Program from the military services. Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to submit recommendations to such committees on the future roles of the military services with respect to such program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery From Natural Disasters - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. Chapter 2: Department of Commerce - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance related to recent flooding and red tide and for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional amounts available to implement the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 2001) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 2003) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to reprogram a limited amount of funds provided for NOAA satellite observing systems for other NOAA programmatic and operational requirements, provided certain notification requirements are met. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Civil - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 3001) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 3003) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Chapter 4: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain minimum funding requirements under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine: (1) has not made progress toward comprehensive economic reform; (2) is not taking steps to ensure that U.S. businesses and individuals are able to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) is not taking steps to cease the illegal dumping of steel plate. Chapter 5: Department of the Interior - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 5001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 5003) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 5004) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Chapter 6: Department of Health and Human Services - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 6001) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 6003) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 6004) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 6005) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Chapter 7: Congressional Operations - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 7001) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7002) Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senator's State in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency. (Sec. 7003) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 7004) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Department of Transportation - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 8004) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Chapter 9: Department of Treasury - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 9001) Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 9002) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. (Sec. 9003) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 9004) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. Chapter 10: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 10001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 10002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 10003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 10005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Chapter 11: Offsets and Rescissions - Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (5) the Department of Energy for energy supply and research and development activities, power marketing administrations, clean coal technology, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (6) the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills; (7) the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and other Highway Trust Fund monies; (8) GSA presidential transition expenses; (9) HUD assisted housing programs; and (10) NASA. Title III: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 30002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 50003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 50004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 50005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title VI: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 60002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 60003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 60004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 60005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VII: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform.
Bill· HRH.R. 1767 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
Federal Surplus Property Reform Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to repeal the authority of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service to receive requests for the transfer to foreign countries or international organizations in foreign assistance or military sales programs of excess supplies of Department of Defense (DOD) construction and fire equipment. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services, instead, to receive such requests. Limits to nonlethal the type of excess supplies that may be transferred. Allows such transfer for humanitarian relief purposes. Requires the President to certify to the Congress the emergency necessity for any such transaction. Amends specified Federal law to repeal the general delegation to the Secretary of Defense of disposal authority over personal property. Repeals the mandate for DOD participation in infrastructure improvement demonstration programs conducted by Regional Equipment Centers in Newport Township and Cambria County, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 3) Repeals general authority to transfer surplus property to disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 4) Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Energy to transfer surplus equipment to an educational institution with which it has a partnership agreement. (Sec. 5) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to repeal the authority of a Federal agency head or the director of a Federal laboratory to give excess research equipment to an educational institution or nonprofit organization. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to delegate such transfer authority to the director of a Federal laboratory.
Bill· HRH.R. 1758 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
European Security Act of 1997 - Designates Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, provided they meet certain criteria, as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994. (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) such countries are to be commended for their progress toward political and economic reform and meeting the guidelines for prospective NATO members; and (2) upon their complete satisfaction of all relevant criteria, such countries should be invited to become full NATO members at the earliest possible date. Makes funds under the NATO Participation Act of 1994 available to support the implementation of the Regional Airspace Initiative and the Partnership for Peace Information Management System. Extends through FY 1999 the Department of Defense's authority to transfer excess defense articles to countries eligible to participate in the Partnership for Peace and eligible for assistance under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the President to approve on behalf of the United States the Document Agreed Among States Parties to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe dated November 19, 1990, adopted in Vienna, Austria, on May 31, 1996, concerning the resolution of issues related to the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty flank zone. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any revisions to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe can enter into force only if specifically approved in a manner described under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Prohibits approval of any Treaty revisions that jeopardize U.S. security interests in Europe, or the effectiveness and flexibility of NATO as a defensive alliance, by: (1) extending rights or imposing responsibilities on new NATO members different from those applicable to current NATO members, including with respect to nuclear weapons deployment and the stationing of NATO troops and equipment; (2) limiting NATO's ability to defend the territory of new NATO members by restricting defense infrastructure construction or limiting NATO's ability to deploy necessary reinforcements; (3) providing any international organization or any non-NATO country with authority to review, delay, veto, or otherwise impede deliberations and decisions of the North Atlantic Council or their implementation, including with respect to NATO force deployment or the admission of additional members to NATO; or (4) impeding the development of enhanced relations between NATO and other non-NATO European countries by, for example, recognizing spheres of influence in Europe. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program of cooperative ballistic missile defense-related projects with the Russian Federation. Urges the President to initiate a dialogue with the Russian Federation aimed at exploring the potential for mutual accommodation of outstanding issues between the two nations on matters relating to ballistic missile defense and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, including the possibility of developing a strategic relationship not based on mutual nuclear threats. (Sec. 6) Declares that an ABM-TMD (anti-ballistic missile-theater missile defense) demarcation agreement shall not be binding on the United States unless it is specifically approved in a manner described under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1755 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military Chapter 2: Rescissions Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch Chapter 8: Subcommittee on the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review Title V: Technical Amendments with Respect to Education Title VI: General Provisions - This Act Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act of 1997- Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense - Chapter 1: Department of Defense - Military - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Military for: (1) military personnel, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M), Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund; (3) OPLAN 34A-35 prisoner-of-war (P.O.W.) payments to individuals; and (4) the Reserve Mobilization Income Insurance Fund. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer specified funds to reimburse costs incurred for repairing damage caused by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters during 1996 and 1997 to real property and facilities at Marine Corps facilities (including Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina; and the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California). (Sec. 102) Makes additional appropriations for: (1) direct patient care at military treatment facilities; (2) force protection and counter-terrorism activities; and (3) a grant to the American Red Cross for armed forces emergency services. (Sec. 105) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on the estimated cumulative cost of all U.S. activities relating to Bosnia after December 1, 1995, and a detailed accounting of the source of funds to meet such costs. (Sec. 106) Makes additional appropriations to cover incremental O&M costs from hurricane damage to family housing units at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Chapter 2: Rescissions - Rescinds specified funds provided in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 for: (1) military personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; (2) O&M for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; (3) environmental restoration by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as defense-wide environmental restoration and environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; and (7) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Rescinds funds made available in such Act and certain other defense appropriations Acts for: (1) various types of procurement, including aircraft, missile, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and ammunition, by various branches of the armed forces; (2) National Guard and reserve equipment; (3) armed forces research, development, test and evaluation; and (4) chemical agents and munitions destruction. (Sec. 201) Rescinds specified amounts of the funds appropriated in specified categories in: (1) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996, including the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (2) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1997; and (3) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1995. Chapter 3: General Provisions - This Title - Requires the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to conduct an analysis and submit recommendations to the congressional defense committees as to the future roles of the military services with respect to the National Missile Defense Program. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the incumbent to continue to serve as the Secretary of Defense designee on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission if he retires as an officer of DOD, until and unless the Secretary designates another person to serve in this position. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement, which meets certain requirements, for the lease of a specified building at the Lexington Blue Grass Station, Lexington, Kentucky, and any associated real property, for use by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the continuing obligation and expenditure of certain funds appropriated for Navy weapons procurement that were obligated and expended to settle claims on the MK-50 torpedo program. (Sec. 305) Prohibits the use of any DOD funds to pay the cost of operating a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office which includes more than 55 military and civilian personnel located in the National Capital Region. (Sec. 306) Requires the merger of certain National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Air Force funds for obligation only on Titan IV vehicles and related activities. Title II: Other Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account for the additional cost of certain emergency insured and operating loans (including loan modifications); (2) the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses, including carcass removal; (3) the Tree Assistance Program for assistance to small orchardists to replace or rehabilitate disaster-damaged trees and vineyards; and (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, Disaster Reserve Assistance Program, to implement a livestock indemnity program. Makes such appropriations to: (1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for watershed and flood prevention operations to repair damages to the waterways and watersheds; (2) the Rural Housing Service, Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, for the cost of specified loans and domestic farm labor grants for emergency expenses; and (3) the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Utilities Assistance Program, for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for emergency expenses. Bars the use of watershed and flood prevention funds for the salmon memorandum of understanding. Authorizes the use of certain community facility grants for the Rural Housing Assistance Program for expenses resulting from natural disasters. Makes additional funds available for the Food and Consumer Service's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and disseminate weekly statistically reliable information on bulk cheese prices. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant States an option to issue food stamp benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform. Sets forth offsets with respect to the Fund for Rural America and the Food and Consumer Service's emergency food assistance program. Prohibits the use of Department of Agriculture funds under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to pay the personnel salaries and expenses above specified levels to carry out: (1) a combined program for export credit guarantees, supplier credit guarantees, and emerging democracies facilities guarantees; and (2) an export enhancement program. Chapter 2: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Commerce for: (1) the Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs for emergency infrastructure expenses; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for new grants for industrial technology services under the Advanced Technology Program; and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for disaster assistance for emergency construction expenses resulting from flooding and other natural disasters. Makes additional appropriations for the Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement. (Sec. 201) Earmarks a specified amount from the Counterterrorism Fund of the Department of Justice for allocation to the appropriate unit or units of government in Ogden, Utah, for necessary expenses to counter any potential terrorism threat related to the 2002 Winter Olympic games. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of any funds made available in an appropriations Act for FY 1997 by the Department of Commerce to make irreversible plans for the use of sampling or any other statistical method in taking the 2000 decennial census for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress. (Sec. 203) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to extend to the end of FY 1997 the authorization of the program for expanding small business participation in dredging. (Sec. 204) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish certain Good Samaritan exemptions from specified violations. Rescinds specified funds available for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Working Capital Fund, the Assets Forfeiture Fund, and Immigration and Naturalization Service construction; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Advanced Technology Program; (3) the Federal Communications Commission; and (4) the Ounce of Prevention Council. Chapter 3: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to emergency expenses due to flooding and other natural disasters, to DOD, Army Corps of Engineers - Civil for: (1) flood control, Mississippi River and tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (2) general O&M (with earmarked funds for an interagency management plan and other activities related to water allocation in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basins, subject to certain restrictions); and (3) flood control and coastal emergencies. Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997, with respect to flood and other natural disaster costs, to the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (BLM) for O&M. (Sec. 301) Makes the U.S. members and the alternate members, appointed under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact, officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, who hold presidential appointments as regular Army officers with Senate confirmation, and serve without additional compensation, and at the President's pleasure. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to obligate a limited amount of funds for carrying out construction for safety purposes to modify the Willow Creek Dam, Sun River Project, Montana. (Sec. 303) Defers specified consultation and conferencing requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for certain emergency flood control projects. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Energy for energy supply, research and development activities and for construction, rehabilitation, and O&M for the Western Area Power Administration. Chapter 4: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Authorizes the President to waive certain earmarks under provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 with respect to assistance for Ukraine if he reports to the Appropriations Committees that Ukraine is not: (1) making progress toward economic reform and the elimination of corruption; (2) permitting American firms and individuals to operate according to generally accepted business principles; or (3) assisting American firms and individuals in their efforts to enforce commercial contracts and resist extortion and other corrupt demands. Chapter 5: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies - Makes emergency appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) BLM flood damage repair and other activities for Oregon and California Grant Lands; (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource management, construction, and land acquisition; (3) National Park Service emergency expenses and construction; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; and (5) the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Makes such appropriations for emergency expenses of the Forest Service and the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 501) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996) to revise the formula for distribution of amounts collected under the recreational fee demonstration program. (Sec. 503) Amends the San Carlos Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 1992 to extend its expiration date from June 30, 1997, through March 31, 1999, or, if before that date a Settlement Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Phelps Dodge Corporation is submitted for approval to the Superior Court of Arizona in and for Maricopa County, through December 31, 1999. Extends the Tribe's Central Arizona Project water lease authority to Gila, Graham, and Greenlee Counties. Makes the Gila Valley and Franklin Irrigation Districts parties to the Settlement Agreement. Directs the United States, through the BLM, to operate and maintain the Black River facilities, and to contract for delivery of water at Eagle Creek to Phelps Dodge for a specified monthly fee in addition to a specified monthly power line right-of-way fee. Sets forth provisions for a final agreement between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe under which the Tribe will operate the facilities and receive payment for leased water. Ratifies the agreement between the Tribe, Phelps Dodge, and the Secretary of the Interior. (Sec. 504) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to modify requirements for the importation of polar bear parts from polar bears legally harvested in Canada before the date of enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 1994. Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Energy for clean coal technology and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Chapter 6: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies - Amends specified Federal law relating to appropriations to provide for additional amounts for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Education Assistance Loans Program; (2) the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for priority health research; and (3) the Department of Education, Education for the Disadvantaged programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Makes funds available for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. (Sec. 601) Extends through FY 1998 the availability, to recipients in presidentially-declared disaster areas declared during FY 1997, of certain funds awarded for State-administered programs of the Department of Education for FY 1995 (and for FY 1996, with respect to such programs under the Rehabilitation Act). (Sec. 602) Authorizes the Secretary of Education, with respect to student aid awards for award years 1996-1997 and 1997-1998, to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist individuals and other program participants who suffered financial harm from natural disasters. (Sec. 603) Prohibits the use of any funds to administer or implement in Denver, Colorado, a Medicare Competitive Pricing-Open Enrollment Demonstration program. (Sec. 604) Provides for emergency use of certain child care funds. Authorizes eligible State Governors, for a limited time period, to use amounts received for the provision of child care assistance or services under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide emergency child care services to eligible individuals. Bases State eligibility on the President's determination, pursuant to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster exists, or that an area within the State is determined to be eligible for disaster relief under other Federal law by reason of damage related to flooding in 1997. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) residence within such an area where a major disaster exists, or which is so eligible for disaster relief; and (2) involvement in unpaid work activities (including the cleaning, repair, restoration, and rebuilding of homes, businesses, and schools) resulting from such flood emergency. Sets forth limitations and priorities with respect to such assistance. (Sec. 605) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend certain redetermination provisions for the supplementary security income (SSI) program. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of HHS for job opportunities and basic skills. Chapter 7: Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch - Makes supplemental appropriations for an additional amount for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to carry out specified provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997. Provides an amount for payment to the children of Frank Tejeda, the late Representative from the State of Texas. Makes additional amounts available for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden for emergency repair and renovation of the conservatory. (Sec. 701) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1968 to make a specified limitation on the minimum rate of gross compensation inapplicable to any member or civilian employee of the Capitol Police whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 702) Allows the transfer of a limited amount of funds for the expense allowance of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the Comptroller General to use available funds to enter into contracts for the acquisition of severable services for periods that begin in one fiscal year and end in another and to enter into specified multiyear contracts to the same extent as agencies under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. Chapter 8: Subcommittee of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) Coast Guard retired pay and for operating expenses directly related to support activities in the TWA Flight 800 crash investigation; (2) Federal Highway Administration, Federal-Aid Highways and for the Emergency Relief Program; and (3) the Federal Railroad Administration, to repair and rebuild freight rail lines of regional and short line railroads damaged by floods (with earmarks for West Virginia and the northern Plains States). Makes such appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for: (1) emergency expenses resulting from the crashes of TWA Flight 800, ValuJet 592, and Comair Flight 3272; and (2) assistance to families of victims of aviation accidents. (Sec. 803) Authorizes additional appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1997 for grants to States for alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. (Sec. 804) Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the National Driver Register. Rescinds specified funds available to the Department of Transportation for grants-in-aid for airports, highway traffic safety grants, and Highway Trust Fund contract authority. Chapter 9: Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to use the law enforcement services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State of Colorado and of the county and city of Denver for security arrangements for the Denver Summit of Eight. Makes supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Customs Service for the automated targeting system with respect to counterterrorism and drug law enforcement; and (2) the Postal Service Fund, for revenue foregone on free and reduced rate mail for specified purposes. (Sec. 901) Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to obligate specified appropriations for construction of the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse. (Sec. 902) Prohibits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from awarding a contract for the procurement of distinctive currency paper until the General Accounting Office has completed an analysis of the optimum circumstances for procuring such paper. Limits the term of the bridge contract with respect to such paper to 24 months and requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain certifications concerning the price and terms of the agreement. (Sec. 903) Amends specified Federal civil service law to authorize and establish a leave transfer program in disasters and emergencies. (Sec. 904) Prohibits the use of funds by GSA to implement certain cooperative purchasing provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 prior to the adjournment of the first session of the 105th Congress. Rescinds specified funds available for GSA presidential transition expenses. Chapter 10: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies - Makes additional amounts available for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for preserving existing housing investment, capacity building for community development and affordable housing, and for community development block grants for activities in communities affected by disasters in the upper Midwest. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a parking garage at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. Earmarks amounts of assisted housing special purpose grants for acquiring parking and restoring a theater in Ashland, Kentucky. Requires the HUD Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for an evaluation of HUD's management systems. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from previous appropriations for the Center for Ecology Research and Training (CERT), to obligate the maximum amount of funds necessary to settle all outstanding CERT-related claims against the EPA pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Authorizes EPA, from any unobligated balances then remaining, to make grants to Bay City, Michigan, for the purpose of EPA-approved environmental remediation and rehabilitation of publicly owned real property included in the boundaries of the CERT project. Authorizes the use of a specified amount of funds for grants to States and federally recognized tribes for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control, and abatement for direct implementation by the Federal Government of programs required in absence of acceptable State or tribal programs. Makes additional funds available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief. Conditions the availability of a portion of such funds on the submission by the FEMA Director of a legislative proposal to control disaster relief expenditures, including the elimination of funding for certain revenue producing facilities. Authorizes transfer of a specified amount of FEMA disaster relief funds to the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program for the cost of direct loans under certain provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, under specified conditions. (Sec. 1001) Directs the HUD Secretary to submit semi-annually to the Appropriations Committees a list of all contracts and task orders in excess of $250,000 entered into by HUD, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in the preceding six months. (Sec. 1002) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise certain time periods relating to notice requirements for terminating section 8 housing contracts. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Multifamily Housing Finance Improvement Act, under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to revise limitations on the Secretary of HUD's mortgage insurance authority to allow commitments with respect to a limited number of additional units during FY 1997. (Sec. 1005) Amends the National Housing Act to authorize HUD mortgage insurance for condominiums in an amount up to 100 percent of appraised value where a mortgagor establishes that the home was destroyed or damaged as a result of a major disaster. Rescinds specified funds made available for HUD assisted housing programs and for NASA. Title III: Depository Institution Disaster Relief - Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions, during specified limited periods, to the Truth in Lending Act for transactions, and to the Expedited Funds Availability Act for depository institution offices, within a major disaster area or an area eligible for disaster relief because of the recent flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. (Sec. 3003) Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to permit, for a specified time period, certain insured depository institutions, in or involved with such area, to subtract from the institution's total assets, in calculating compliance with the leverage limit prescribed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an amount not exceeding the qualifying amount attributable to insurance proceeds. (Sec. 3004) Authorizes qualifying regulatory agencies to take specified actions with respect to depository institutions or other regulated entities whose principal place of business is within, or with respect to transactions or activities within such area. (Sec. 3005) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial services needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North, the Minnesota River, and their tributaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal financial institutions regulatory agency should make exceptions to the appraisal standards prescribed by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 for transactions involving institutions located in disaster areas if the exceptions can be expected to alleviate hardships to the public resulting from such disasters. Title IV: Cost of Higher Education Review - Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 40006) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Title V: Technical Amendments With Respect to Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections relating to graduation rates data disclosures. (Sec. 50002) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend from January 1, 1998, to January 1, 1999, the deadline for a final report by the Secretary of Education on a national assessment of programs assisted under ESEA title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. (Sec. 50003) Directs the Secretary to deem Kansas and New Mexico as having timely submitted certain written notices of intent to consider specified impact aid payments under ESEA in providing State aid to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school year 1997-1998. Authorizes the Secretary to require these States to submit appropriate additional information, which shall be considered part of such notice. (Sec. 50004) Provides that no eligible LEA shall receive less than 85 percent of the FY 1996 amount in a specified hold-harmless impact aid payment for each of FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 50005) Revises requirements for the Secretary's use of data in providing additional assistance for heavily impacted LEAs, to specify that the student and revenue data used be expenditure data. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary use the most recent data available adjusted to the fiscal year in question. Title VI: General Provisions - This Act - Provides that no appropriation made in this Act shall remain available beyond the current fiscal year unless otherwise provided. (Sec. 60002) Sets forth Buy-American requirements.
Bill· SS. 806 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1997
Indian Reservation Jobs and Investment Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian reservation investment credit based on specified amounts. Includes qualified personal property and qualified real property used or located outside an Indian reservation which is connected to existing tribal infrastructure in the reservation, including roads, power lines, water systems, railroad spurs, and communication facilities as a reservation infrastructure investment. Limits the credit based on the Indian unemployment rate. Provides for recapture of the credit in certain cases.
Bill· SS. 804 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1997
War Crimes Prosecution Facilitation Act of 1997 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be achieved if indicted war criminals remain at large and refugees and displaced persons are unable to return to their homes; (2) the United States should ensure that multilateral and bilateral assistance is provided to the Dayton Agreement parties only if doing so would promote reconciliation as well as reconstruction, including the transfer of war criminals to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the return of refugees and displaced persons, and freedom of movement; and (3) the ICTY should continue to investigate and bring indictments against persons who have violated international humanitarian law. Prohibits foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act (except humanitarian or democratization assistance, or assistance for physical infrastructure projects) to: (1) any country whose government fails to apprehend and transfer to the ICTY persons in their territory the ICTY has indicted; (2) any program or activity in such country in which an indicted war criminal has any financial interest or through any organization with which the indicted person is affiliated; and (3) any program or activity in any country (other than emergency food, medical, or demining assistance) in which local authorities are not complying with certain articles of the Dayton Agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the international financial institutions to work in opposition to, and vote against, any extension of any financial assistance or grants to such a country. Provides for a waiver of such sanctions if a majority of indicted persons within the country's territory have been arrested and transferred to the ICTY.
Bill· SS. 803 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1997
United States Cruise Tourism Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve the transportation of passengers on foreign-flag cruise vessels not otherwise qualified to engage in the coastwise trade between ports in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port, except with respect to coastwise trade served by a U.S.-flag cruise vessel. Requires termination of any such foreign-flag cruise vessel passenger service within three years after a U.S.-flag cruise vessel commences such service between the same ports. Requires the owner or charterer of a qualified foreign-flag cruise vessel to have any vessel repairs performed in the United States, unless the vessel requires repairs or service while at a distant foreign port. Directs the Secretary to terminate the coastwise trade privileges of the owner or charterer of a foreign-flag cruise vessel if such repairs have not been made in the United States. Provides a waiver of such requirements in emergencies. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize an immigration officer to extend for a period or periods of up to six months each a conditional permit to land temporarily in the United States granted to an alien crewman employed on a vessel, if the vessel owner or charterer requests the extension and the immigration officer determines that it is necessary to maintain the vessel in the coastwise trade between ports in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port.
Bill· SS. 783 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1997
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Accessibility and Fairness Act of 1997 - Allows the use of motorboats on a specified portion of the Sea Gull Lake (currently, such use is restricted) within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to permit the operation of motorized vehicles and associated equipment to transport boats across the portage between the Moose Lake chain and Basswood Lake, between Fall Lake and Basswood Lake, or between Vermilion Lake and Trout Lake.