bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
104-hr-4344,104,hr,4344,"To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide that a member of the Armed Forces who is diagnosed as being HIV-positive within one year of entering military service shall be considered to have entered the Armed Forces under a fraudulent enlistment or appointment.",Armed Forces and National Security,1996-10-04,1996-10-04,Referred to the House Committee on National Security.,House,"Rep. Dornan, Robert K. [R-CA-46]",CA,R,D000435,0,Provides that a member of the armed forces who is medically determined to be positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) within one year after entering into military service shall be immediately discharged on the basis of having entered such service under a fraudulent enlistment or appointment.,2025-06-06T14:17:56Z,
104-hr-4339,104,hr,4339,Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-10-03,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18]",CA,D,C000670,3,"Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1996 - 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 by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts to pollution concentrations in the downwind area; 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. 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 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.",2025-08-21T20:15:15Z,
104-hr-4340,104,hr,4340,"To prohibit, in connection with the termination of Army activities at the Stratford Army Engine Plant, the expenditure of Federal funds to cover the costs of relocating a Government contractor located at that installation.",Armed Forces and National Security,1996-10-03,1996-10-03,Referred to the House Committee on National Security.,House,"Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]",CT,D,D000216,0,"Prohibits Department of Defense funds from being used to relocate any Government contractor from the Stratford Army Engine Plant, Connecticut, in connection with the termination of Army activities under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.",2025-06-06T14:17:56Z,
104-hr-4341,104,hr,4341,Child Support Recovery Amendments Act of 1996,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-10-03,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,1,"Child Support Recovery Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends Federal criminal code provisions regarding failure to pay legal child support obligations to create two new categories of felony offenses, subject to a two-year maximum prison term:  (1) traveling in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to evade a support obligation if the obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than one year or is greater than $5,000; and (2) willfully failing to pay a support obligation regarding a child residing in another State, if the obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than two years or is greater than $10,000. Specifies that the existence of a support obligation that was in effect for the time period charged in the indictment or information creates a rebuttable presumption that the obligor has the ability to pay such obligation for that period.    Directs the court, upon a conviction, to order restitution in an amount equal to the total unpaid support obligation as it exists at the time of sentencing.",2025-08-21T20:14:48Z,
104-hr-4342,104,hr,4342,"To amend title 18, United States Code, to extend certain statutes of limitation.",Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-10-03,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,0,"Amends the Federal criminal code to:  (1) allow an indictment or information for a Class A felony involving murder to be found at any time without limitation; and (2) prohibit (except under such provision) a person from being prosecuted, tried, or punished for a Class A felony that is a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime unless the indictment is returned or the information is filed within ten years after the commission of the offense.",2019-11-15T21:33:17Z,
104-hr-4343,104,hr,4343,"To prohibit the Secretary of Defense from making American communities non-competitive by using shipping cost differentials attributable to the application of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920.",Armed Forces and National Security,1996-10-03,1996-10-03,Referred to the House Committee on National Security.,House,"Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large]",GU,D,U000014,0,"Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, when making cost or business comparisons between U.S. and foreign bases for the supply of U.S. Navy activities, from using shipping cost differentials that are attributable to the application of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 to the United States bases.",2025-06-06T14:17:56Z,
104-hr-4336,104,hr,4336,To restore the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to extend existing and expiring contracts under the conservation reserve program.,Agriculture and Food,1996-10-01,1996-10-04,Executive Comment Requested from USDA.,House,"Rep. Roberts, Pat [R-KS-1]",KS,R,R000307,0,"Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to repeal the provision that eliminated contract extension authority under the conservation reserve program.",2024-02-05T11:45:06Z,
104-hr-4337,104,hr,4337,Gambling Credit Reform Act,Finance and Financial Sector,1996-10-01,1996-10-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Gambling Credit Reform Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit any creditor from extending any credit to any consumer under any open end consumer credit plan if the creditor knows or has reason to believe that the proceeds of such extension of credit are being used or will be used by the consumer to make any form of wager or bet, to play any game of chance, to use any gambling device, or to otherwise participate in gambling at any gambling establishment.",2025-08-21T20:15:51Z,
104-hr-4338,104,hr,4338,To provide relief for domestic producers of tailored wool apparel from increased imports of such apparel from Canada.,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-10-01,1996-10-01,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Directs the President to take necessary steps to renegotiate with Canada the annual quantity limitations of tailored wool apparel assembled in Canada from fabric or yarn produced or obtained in a non-North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) country, that is eligible for preferential tariff treatment under NAFTA, to reflect current conditions in the wool apparel industry in Canada and the United States, including the ability of tailored wool apparel producers to obtain supplies of wool fabric within U.S. and Canadian territories.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4329,104,hr,4329,"To designate the Federal building located at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the ""J. J. 'Jake' Pickle Federal Building"".",Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Geren, Pete [D-TX-12]",TX,D,G000134,0,"Designates the Federal building located at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the J.J. ""Jake"" Pickle Federal Building.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
104-hr-4330,104,hr,4330,"To amend titles 23 and 49, United States Code, relating to metropolitan planning.",Transportation and Public Works,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5]",CO,R,H000444,0,Amends Federal law to revise the criteria for designating metropolitan planning organizations for urbanized areas under the highway and mass transit programs.  Declares it shall be the responsibility of the State to provide oversight in areas with multiple metropolitan planning organizations.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
104-hr-4331,104,hr,4331,Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-09-30,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,0,"Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for specified activities relating to material:  (1) constituting or containing child pornography, including knowingly possessing any book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, computer disk, or other material that contains three or more images of child pornography (and enhances penalties if the offender has a prior Federal or State conviction relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, abusive sexual conduct involving a minor or ward, or for specified activities relating to child pornography (prior conviction)); and (2) depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including knowingly mailing, or transporting or shipping in interstate or foreign commerce, including by computer, any visual depiction created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaged in sexually explicit conduct.       Revises the definition of ""visual depiction"" to include data stored on computer disk or by electronic means which is capable of conversion into a visual image.  Defines ""identifiable minor"" to mean a person who was a minor at the time the visual depiction was created, adapted, or modified or whose image as a minor was used in creating, adapting, or modifying such depiction and who is recognizable by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic (but proof of the actual identity of such minor is not required). Increases and expands the scope of penalties for sexual exploitation of children.  Revises provisions regarding activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, including providing enhanced penalties for offenders having a prior conviction. Amends the Privacy Protection Act of 1980 to authorize certain searches and seizures of work product materials and other documents if an offense involves the production, possession, receipt, mailing, sale, distribution, shipment, or transportation of child pornography, or the sale or purchase of children. Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996 - Modifies code provisions regarding aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a minor, including by:  (1) setting penalties for crossing a State line with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 12; and (2) providing for life imprisonment (unless the death penalty is imposed) for violation of such provisions if the defendant has previously been convicted of specified Federal or State offenses involving aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse of a minor.",2025-08-21T20:14:57Z,
104-hr-4332,104,hr,4332,To prohibit United States assistance to foreign governments that provide landing rights to Libyan aircraft.,International Affairs,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.,House,"Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12]",CA,D,L000090,1,"Prohibits the President, except in specified circumstances, from providing United States assistance to the government of any country that provides landing rights to aircraft owned or operated by the Government of Libya or by a Libyan national.",2024-02-07T11:38:03Z,
104-hr-4333,104,hr,4333,Smoke-Free Transportation Facilities Act of 1996,Transportation and Public Works,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Lewis, John [D-GA-5]",GA,D,L000287,0,"Smoke-Free Transportation Facilities Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to:  (1) require, as a condition of Federal financial assistance, that the owner or operator of a transportation facility take the necessary action to prohibit smoking in any indoor portion of the facility accessible to the general public; and (2) issue implementing regulations.",2025-08-21T20:14:57Z,
104-hr-4334,104,hr,4334,Lifetime Education and Retraining Needs Act,Taxation,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21]",TX,R,S000583,5,Lifetime Education and Retraining Needs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income individual retirement account distributions used for post-secondary education and job retraining expenses.  Exempts such distributions from excess distributions tax provisions.,2025-08-21T20:15:00Z,
104-hr-4335,104,hr,4335,Alien Public Assistance Benefits Amendments of 1996,Immigration,1996-09-30,1996-10-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21]",TX,R,S000583,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Affidavits of Support      Title II:  Public Charge Deportation      Title III:  Attribution of Sponsor's Income      Title IV:  Ineligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public           Assistance and Benefits      Title V:  Enhanced Verification of Eligibility Based on           Citizenship or Immigration Status      Title VI:  Housing Assistance      Title VII:  Miscellaneous Provisions      Title VIII:  General Provisions Alien Public Assistance Benefits Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Affidavits of Support - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), as amended by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, to apply alien sponsor affidavit of support provisions to means-tested public benefits. (Current law refers to Federal means-tested public benefits.)  Revises certain related income provisions. Title II:  Public Charge Deportation - Amends the Act to revise the public charge grounds for deportation, including increasing the public charge period.  Sets forth a special rule for battered spouses and children. Provides for exclusion and deportation of an alien who obtains public benefits through fraud or misrepresentation.  Makes an alien deportable as a public charge ineligible for naturalization. Title III:  Attribution of Sponsor's Income - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to apply attribution of sponsor income provisions for five years to current immigrants. Title IV:  Ineligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Assistance and Benefits - Authorizes States to deny driver's licenses to illegal aliens. (Sec. 402) Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit crediting of ""employment"" for persons not authorized to work in the United States. (Sec. 403) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to deny HIV or AIDS treatment to illegal aliens. Title V:  Enhanced Verification of Eligibility Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status - Amends the Social Security Act to require proof of identity for certain public assistance (SAVE program)benefits. (Sec. 502) Authorizes States to require proof of eligibility for State benefits. (Sec. 504) Requires verification of student eligibility (citizen, national, or immigrant) for postsecondary Federal student financial assistance. Title VI:  Housing Assistance - Use of Assisted Housing by Aliens Act of 1996 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to:  (1) prorate rental housing assistance based upon the number of eligible family members; (2) require prior verification of immigration status and eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) prohibit sanctions against an entity making financial assistance eligibility determinations. Title VII:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate unemployment benefit crediting based upon the status of permanently residing in the United States under color of law. (Sec. 702) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal a specified food stamp program transition provision. Title VIII:  General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) effective date; (2)foreign assistance inapplicability; (3) notification; and (4) definitions.",2025-08-21T20:14:39Z,
104-hr-4274,104,hr,4274,To require the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and implement measures to eliminate and prevent mismatching of earnings information maintained by the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service resulting in underpayment of social security benefits.,Social Welfare,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,6,"Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Treasury jointly to:  (1) study and report to specified congressional committees on the inability of the Social Security Administration to provide for American workers their full social security benefits by reason of insufficiency of information held by the Administration necessary for correctly identifying accounts for the earnings of such workers; and (2) take appropriate remedial measures, including devising and implementing a procedure for resolving new discrepancies involving uncredited earnings in the suspense file.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4275,104,hr,4275,"To provide funding for the nutrition education and training program authorized under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and for other purposes.",Agriculture and Food,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]",PA,R,G000291,2,"Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce funding for the nutrition education and training program for FY 1997 and each succeeding fiscal year.  Reduces funding, for FY 1997, for the:  (1) emergency food assistance program; and (2) school meals initiative for healthy children.",2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
104-hr-4276,104,hr,4276,Community Exchange Act Amendments of 1996,Finance and Financial Sector,1996-09-28,1996-12-31,Unfavorable Executive Comment Received from FTC.,House,"Rep. Ewing, Thomas W. [R-IL-15]",IL,R,E000282,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Administration of Commodity Exchange Act      Title II:  Treasury Amendment Clarification Commodity Exchange Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Administration of Community Exchange Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to provide a conditional exemption for certain transactions involving professional markets. Revises requirements for the designation of a board of trade as a contract market. Revises the process for the submission and disapproval of contract market rules. Revises provisions for regulation of audit trail requirements. Requires the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to prescribe an objective standard or methodology for establishing whether a contract market meets certain requirements for being able to determine, with reasonable accuracy, the time of contract execution, in increments of at most one minute in length.  Sets forth criteria for the trade recordation data (including time stamps) that an audit trail system for a contract market shall rely on. Establishes requirements for use of cost-benefit analysis. Repeals specified provisions relating to Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight and deficiency orders. Title II:  Treasury Amendment Clarification - Amends CEA to define board of trade, as it applies to transactions in or involving foreign currency, as any facility whereby standardized contracts are systematically marketed to retail investors.",2025-08-21T20:16:15Z,
104-hr-4277,104,hr,4277,Better Pharmaceuticals for Children Act,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8]",PA,R,G000439,6,"Better Pharmaceuticals for Children Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for additional deferred effective dates for the approval of certain new drug applications to allow for additional pediatric information developed by further studies of the drug concerned.",2025-08-21T20:15:40Z,
104-hr-4278,104,hr,4278,"Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997",Economics and Public Finance,1996-09-28,1997-02-10,"By amendment to the Journal on February 10, 1997, the Act was indefinetely postponed by Unanimous Consent.",House,"Rep. Livingston, Bob [R-LA-1]",LA,R,L000371,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Division A      Title I:  Omnibus Appropriations           Title I(sic):  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           Title VIII:  Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental and                Rescission           Title IX:  Supplemental Appropriations           Title I(sic):  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           Title IX:  Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental Appropriations                and Rescissions for Anti-Terrorism, Counter-                Terrorism, and Security Enhancement Activities           Title I(sic):  Export and Investment Assistance           Title II:  Bilateral Economic Assistance           Title III:  Military Assistance           Title IV:  Multilateral Economic Assistance           Title V:  General Provisions           Title VI:  NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996           Title VII:  Middle East Development Bank           Title I(sic):  Department of the Interior           Title II:  Related Agencies           Title III:  General Provisions           Title IV:  Emergency Appropriations           Title I(sic):  Department of Labor           Title II:  Department of Health and Human Services           Title III:  Department of Education           Title IV:  Related Agencies           Title V:  General Provisions           Title VI:  Reorganization and Privatization of Sallie                Mae and Connie Lee           Title VII:  Museum and Library Services Act of 1996           Title I(sic):  Department of the Treasury           Title II:  Postal Service           Title III:  Executive Office of the President and Funds                Appropriated to the President           Title IV:  Independent Agencies           Title V:  General Provisions           Title VI:  General Provisions           Title I(sic):  Additional Investment Funds for the                Thrift Savings Plan           Title II:  Thrift Savings Accounts Liquidity           Title VII:  Counter-Terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement           Title VIII:  Federal Financial Management Improvement      Title II(sic):  Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork           Reduction           Subtitle A:  Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending                Process           Subtitle B:  Streamlining Government Regulation           Subtitle C:  Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and                Credit Availability           Subtitle D:  Consumer Credit           Subtitle E:  Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and                Deposit Insurance Protection           Subtitle F:  Miscellaneous           Subtitle G:  Deposit Insurance Funds      Title III:  Spectrum Allocation Provisions      Title IV:  Adjustment of Paygo Balances      Title V:  Additional Appropriations      Division B:  Oregon Resources Conservation Act of 1996      Title I(sic):  Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area      Title II:  Upper Klamath Basin      Title III:  Deschutes Basin      Title IV:  Mount Hood Corridor      Title V:  Coquille Tribal Forest      Title VI:  Bull Run Watershed Protection      Title VII:  Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions      Title VIII:  Umpqua River Land Exchange Study      Division C:  Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant           Responsibility Act of 1996      Title I(sic):  Improvements to Border Control, Facilitation           of Legal Entry, and Interior Enforcement           Subtitle A:  Improved Enforcement at the Border           Subtitle B:  Facilitation of Legal Entry           Subtitle C:  Interior Enforcement      Title II:  Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien           Smuggling; Document Fraud           Subtitle A:  Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against                Alien Smuggling           Subtitle B:  Deterrence of Document Fraud      Title III:  Inspection, Apprehension, Detention,           Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable                Aliens           Subtitle A:  Revision of Procedures for Removal of                Aliens           Subtitle B:  Criminal Alien Provisions           Subtitle C:  Revision of Grounds for Exclusion and                Deportation           Subtitle D:  Changes in Removal of Alien Terrorist                Provisions           Subtitle E:  Transportation of Aliens           Subtitle F:  Additional Provisions      Title IV:  Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment           Subtitle A:  Pilot Programs for Employment Eligibility                Confirmation           Subtitle B:  Other Provisions Relating to Employer                Sanctions           Subtitle C:  Unfair Immigration-Related Employment                Practices      Title V:  Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens           Subtitle A:  Eligibility of Aliens for Public Assistance                and Benefits           Subtitle B:  Public Charge Exclusion           Subtitle C:  Affidavits of Support           Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous Provisions           Subtitle E:  Housing Assistance           Subtitle F:  General Provisions      Title VI:  Miscellaneous Provisions           Subtitle A:  Refugees, Parole, and Asylum           Subtitle B:  Miscellaneous Amendments to the Immigration                and Nationality Act           Subtitle C:  Provisions Relating to Visa Processing and                Consular Efficiency           Subtitle D:  Other Provisions           Subtitle E:  Technical Corrections      Division D:  Small Business Programs Improvement Act      Title I(sic):  Amendments to Small Business Act      Title II:  Amendments to Small Business Investment Act      Division E      Title I(sic):  California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement           and Water Security Act Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 - Division A - Title I:  Omnibus Appropriations - Makes appropriations for programs, projects, and activities provided for in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, as if it had been enacted into law as the regular appropriations Act. Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic):  Department of Justice - Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Justice. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds to pay for an abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the use of funds to require any person to perform, or facilitate the performance of, any abortion. (Sec. 109) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise:  (1) quarterly bankruptcy fees; and (2) the formulae for the deposit of portions of such fees in the United States Trustee System Fund. (Sec. 110) Amends specified Federal law to establish in the Treasury the Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund, which shall be available to the Attorney General to make specified payments to telecommunications carriers, equipment manufacturers, and providers of telecommunications support services. (Sec. 111) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Drug Enforcement Administration, together with other appropriate Federal agencies, should take necessary action to end the illegal importation into the United States of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), a drug frequently distributed with the intent to facilitate sexual assault and rape. (Sec. 112) Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize the use of specified funds to make supplemental grants to U.S. Attorneys Offices to provide assistance to victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, to facilitate their observation or participation at related trial proceedings, and to pay other related expenses. (Sec. 113) Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress on vapor detection devices, computed tomography, nuclear quadropole resonance, thermal neutron analysis, pulsed fast-neutron analysis, and other new technologies for preventing and solving acts of terrorism involving explosive devices. Requires the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the tagging of smokeless and black powder by any viable detection and identification technology. (Sec. 114) Amends the Federal judicial code to allow the forfeiture portion of an award payment to be paid for out of the permanent indefinite appropriation of the Asset Forfeiture Fund. (Sec. 115) Allows the Attorney General to reimburse employees paid under any Department of Justice appropriation account for additional Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred as a result of extended temporary duty status when traveling on behalf of the United States to investigate, prosecute, or litigate a criminal or civil matter, or for other similar special circumstances. (Sec. 116) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the Attorney General to accept gifts of personal property for aiding or facilitating Department work. (Sec. 117) Authorizes the Attorney General during FY 1997 to transfer certain forfeited properties to State and local governments, or their designated contractor or transferee, for public health, safety, and welfare purposes. (Sec. 118) Permits the Independent Counsel to extend by successive six-month periods the travel status of an employee and the appropriate reimbursement of travel expenses. Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986 to restore the public safety exemption (thus allowing police and fire departments to use maximum hiring and mandatory retirement ages). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to study and report to the Congress on performance tests for law enforcement officers and firefighters.  Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for the use of physical and mental fitness tests for such individuals; (2) issue regulations identifying valid, nondiscriminatory job performance tests for use by employers of such individuals; and (3) propose advisory standards for wellness programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 120) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to provide that evidence of a defendant's prior sexual assaults is admissible in all Federal sex offense trials commenced after the Act's effective date. Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define child pornography to mean any visual depiction, including photograph, film, videotape or computer image, produced by any means including electronically by computer, of sexually explicit conduct if:  (1) its production involved the use of a minor engaging in such conduct; (2) it appears to depict a minor engaging in such conduct; (3) it has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in such conduct; or (4) it is promoted or advertised as depicting a minor engaging in such conduct. Increases criminal penalties for child sexual exploitation. Amends the Privacy Protection Act to permits searches and seizures where the offense involves child pornography, the sexual exploitation of children, or the sale or purchase of children. Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish special penalties for aggravated sexual abuse of persons under age 12 and of persons between ages 12 and 16, where State lines have been crossed.  Prescribes life imprisonment for certain repeat offenders. Title II:  Department of Commerce and Related Agencies - Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Commerce and related agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the International Trade Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to use of such funds. Rescinds specified amounts of unobligated balances for:  (1) construction of research facilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and (2) operations, research, and facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (Sec. 206) Provides for transfer of appropriations to successor organizations in the event the Department of Commerce is dismantled or reorganized. (Sec. 208) Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated under this or any other Act henceforth to develop new fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations which create new individual fishing quota, individual transferable quota, or new individual transferable effort allocation programs, or to implement any such plans, amendments, or regulations approved by a Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary of Commerce after January 4, 1995, until offsetting fees to pay for administrative costs are expressly authorized under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  Makes such restriction inapplicable to the North Pacific halibut and sablefish, South Atlantic wreckfish, or the Mid-Atlantic surfclam and ocean (including mahogany) quahog individual quota programs. (Sec. 210) Establishes the Bureau of the Census Working Capital Fund to cover costs of maintenance and operation of services and projects that the Director of the Census Bureau determines may be performed more advantageously when centralized. (Sec. 211) Renames the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Title III:  The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for activities of the Judiciary, including: (1) the Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) Courts of Appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) Judicial Retirement Funds; and (8) the U.S.  Sentencing Commission. Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to the use of such funds. (Sec. 305) Extends the Judiciary Automation Fund and related authorities through FY 1998. (Sec. 306) Prohibits the use of funds available to the Judiciary for certain costs related to the appointment of Special Masters before April 26, 1996. (Sec. 307) Designates a specified U.S. courthouse in Medford, Oregon, as the James A. Redden Federal Courthouse. Title IV:  Department of State and Related Agencies - Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for the Department of State and related agencies, programs, and trust funds (including the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the U.S. Information Agency). Sets forth requirements and limitations relating to the use of such funds. Provides specified funds for:  (1) broadcasting to Cuba; (2) the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, in Hawaii; and (3) the North-South Center, in Florida. (Sec. 406) Denies availability of funds under this Act to support the activities of the Standing Consultative Commission (SCC) unless the President reports to the Congress a detailed analysis of:  (1) whether the Memorandum of Understanding on Succession and the Agreed Statement regarding Demarcation agreed to by the SCC on June 24, 1996, represent substantive changes to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972; and (2) whether these agreements will require the advice and consent of the Senate. (Sec. 407) Amends Federal law to permit the Secretary of State to authorize State officials or the U.S. Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for passport applications. Title V:  Related Agencies - Appropriates FY 1997 funds for:  (1) the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation; (2) the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) the Commission on Civil Rights; (4) the Commission on Immigration Reform; (5) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (7) the Federal Communications Commission; (8) the Federal Maritime Commission; (9) the Federal Trade Commission; (10) the Legal Services Corporation; (11) the Marine Mammal Commission; (12) the National Bankruptcy Review Commission; (13) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (14) the Small Business Administration; (15) the Gambling Impact Study Commission; (16) the Ounce of Prevention Council and Grant Program; and (17) the State Justice Institute. Continues certain requirements and restrictions with respect to use of funds by the Legal Services Corporation. Title VI:  General Provisions - Sets forth limitations and prohibitions on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 606) Prohibits the use of funds for the construction, repair, overhaul, conversion, or modernization of vessels for the NOAA in shipyards located outside of the United States. (Sec. 607) Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. Declares ineligible to receive any Federal contract or subcontract made with funds under this Act any person finally determined by a court or Federal agency to have intentionally affixed a false ""Made in America"" label to any product sold in or shipped to the United States that is no made in the United States. (Sec. 608) Prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission covering harassment based on religion, when it is made known that such guidelines do not differ from certain proposed guidelines. (Sec. 609) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act, unless certain conditions are met, to pay for costs incurred for:  (1) opening or operating any U.S. diplomatic or consular post in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that was not operating on July 11, 1995; (2) expanding any such post that was in operation on such date; or (3) increasing the number of personnel assigned to such posts above the level existing on such date.  Allows the use of such funds for such purposes only if the President certifies that the Vietnamese Government is fully cooperating with the United States in specified activities relating to the investigation and recovery of missing U.S.  military personnel, including:  (1) resolution of discrepancy cases, live-sightings, and field activities; (2) recovery and repatriation of American remains; (3) provision of documents on POW-MIAs; and (4) implementation of trilateral investigations with Laos. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any United Nations peacekeeping mission involving U.S. forces under the command or control of a foreign national, if the President's military advisors have not recommended that such involvement is in the U.S. national security interest, and the President has not submitted such a recommendation to the Congress. (Sec. 611) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to provide specified amenities or personal comforts in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 614) Prohibits funds under this Act for the Federal Bureau of Prisons from being used to distribute or make available to a prisoner any commercially published information or material that is sexually explicit or features nudity. (Sec. 615) Limits the amount of State and local law enforcement assistance funds which may be provided to any entity under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 if that entity does not provide a certain level of health insurance benefits to its employed public safety officers who retire or are separated from service due to injury suffered in the line of duty while responding to an emergency situation or a hot pursuit. (Sec. 616) Amends Federal patent law to shield a medical practitioner or related health care entity from liability for patent infringement even though such practitioner's performance of a medical activity constitutes a patent infringement.  Denies this exemption from liability to the activities of any person (or employee or agent), regardless of tax-exempt status, who is engaged in the commercial development, manufacture, sale, importation, or distribution of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or the provision of pharmacy or clinical laboratory services (other than those provided in a physician's office), if such activities:  (1) are directly related to such commercial development, and so forth; and (2) are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, or the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act. (Sec. 617) Amends the Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1980 to repeal the mandate that Department of Justice organizations notify congressional committees before reprogramming funds or taking certain other administrative actions. (Sec. 618) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide a guarantee or commitment to guarantee, under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, for shipyard infrastructure development and modernization and for vessels integral to the reactivation and modernization of an eligible shipyard that receives such a guarantee. Title VII:  Rescissions - Rescinds specified amounts from unobligated balances under the following headings for the Department of Justice:  (1) general administration, working capital fund; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service, Immigration Emergency Fund. Title VIII:  Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental and Rescission - Provides for specified additional funds for FY 1997, and rescissions of similar unobligated amounts for FY 1996, for the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System salaries and expenses. Title IX:  Supplemental Appropriations - Appropriates additional amounts for emergency expenses resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense and other natural disasters:  (1) to the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration's economic development assistance programs (infrastructure expenses); and (2) to the Small Business Administration, Disaster Loans Program Account. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic): Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) 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 Business Operations Fund (DBOF); 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 Javelin missiles, Arleigh Burke class destroyers, the Army Tactical Missile System, and certain machine guns, rifles, and automatic weapons. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1997 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 appropriated under this Act to establish a new DOD federally funded research and development center (FFRDC).  Limits:  (1) compensation payments made to FFRDC officers and employees; and (2) the total FY 1997 number of technical effort staff years which may be funded for DOD FFRDCs.  Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense and appropriations committees concerning such staff years.  Reduces by a specified amount the total amounts appropriated under titles II through IV of this Act to reflect savings from the decreased use of non-FFRDC consulting services by DOD.  Requires a report on the allocation of such funding reductions. (Sec. 8044) Authorizes the payment of voluntary separation incentive payments to military personnel. (Sec. 8048) Authorizes funds available for defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities to be used for the Young Marines program. (Sec. 8055) Prohibits the use of funds:  (1) for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification; (2) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (3) for the design, development, acquisition, or operation of more than 47 Titan IV expendable launch vehicles; (4) for assistance to or programs in the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996 level; and (6) to transport chemical munitions to the Johnston Atoll for storage or demilitarization (with an exception and an authorized wartime waiver by the President). (Sec. 8059) Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts on Indian lands resulting from DOD activities. (Sec. 8065) Earmarks $40 million from the funds authorized for chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense, to conduct a pilot program to identify and demonstrate not less than two alternatives to the current incineration process for demilitarized chemical munitions (requiring an evaluation and annual report to the defense and appropriations committees with respect to such program). (Sec. 8068) Authorizes DOD to enter into interim leasing arrangements for the Adak Naval Air Facility. (Sec. 8070) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8087) Appropriates funds to DOD for transfer to the Coast Guard. (Sec. 8088) Reduces by $150 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from reduced carryover of activities funded through the DBOF. (Sec. 8091) 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. 8092) Prohibits the use of FY 1996 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. (Sec. 8093) 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. 8094) Prohibits the use of DOD funds for a financial contribution to the UN for the cost of a UN peacekeeping activity or for the payment for any U.S. arrearage to the UN. (Sec. 8096) Reduces Air Force O&M funds to reflect a reduction in the pass through to the Air Force business areas of the DBOF. (Sec. 8103) Authorizes specified amounts for Air Force B-2 aircraft procurement from prior-year defense appropriations Acts to remain available for expenditure until the end of FY 2002. (Sec. 8105) Directs the Secretary, upon the enactment of this Act, to make specified transfers between various DOD appropriation accounts. (Sec. 8106) Requires, no later than June 30, 1997, that DOD disbursements in excess of $3 million be matched to a particular obligation before the disbursement is made. (Sec. 8108) Directs the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a detailed report identifying any activity for which the FY 1998 budget was reduced because the Congress appropriated funds above the President's budget request for such activity for FY 1997. (Sec. 8111) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) carry out the deep-strike tradeoff study announced by the President to study tradeoffs between bombers, aircraft, and missiles capable of striking targets in an enemy's rear area; and (2) establish an ad hoc review committee to aid in such study. (Sec. 8112) Makes certain prior-year Air Force missile procurement funds available, until paid, for the payment of satellite on-orbit incentive fees. (Sec. 8113) Directs the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to carry out a joint study assessing future tactical aircraft requirements across service jurisdictions. (Sec. 8115) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated under this Act to reimburse a defense contractor for restructuring costs associated with a business combination unless the savings resulting for DOD will exceed the costs charged.  Requires a report from the DOD Inspector General concerning such costs. (Sec. 8116) Restricts the purchase of security locks used to protect critical national security information or other classified material. (Sec. 8117) Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996, which prohibits the use of Navy funds to develop or procure an emergency generator set for the New Attack Submarine unless such equipment is powered by a diesel engine manufactured in the United States by a U.S. entity. (Sec. 8118) Directs the Secretary to ensure that DOD contractors who are required to submit annual reports to the Secretary of Labor concerning the hiring of qualified special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era under DOD contracts are aware of, and in compliance with, such reporting requirements.  Requires a joint report from such Secretaries to the Congress concerning reporting compliance. (Sec. 8120) Prohibits, during FY 1997, any advance billing for services provided or work performed by DBOF activities of the Navy in excess of $1 billion. Authorizes additional charges to increase revenues to the DBOF.  Provides additional transfer authority to reimburse costs paid through the DBOF. (Sec. 8121) 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 nations if the Secretary determines that their attendance is in the national security interest. (Sec. 8122) Earmarks specified Air Force funds appropriated under this Act for a facility at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to provide care and rehabilitative services to disabled children who are military dependents.  Provides grant authority (with conditions) for the construction of such a facility. (Sec. 8123) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to reduce the number of special operations units of the National Guard. (Sec. 8124) Requires the Secretary of the Army to ensure that solicitations for Army contracts include specific goals for subcontracts with small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses. (Sec. 8125) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to submit a joint report to specified congressional committees concerning the benefits, allowances, services, and other assistance provided to any civilian Federal employee or private citizen (or family of such employee or citizen) who is injured or killed while traveling on an aircraft owned, leased, chartered, or operated by the Federal Government. (Sec. 8126) Requires a report from:  (1) the Deputy Secretary of Defense concerning DOD procurements of propellant raw materials; (2) the Secretary of the Air Force on a cost-benefit analysis of consolidating the ground station infrastructure of the Air Force that supports polar orbiting satellites; and (3) the Secretary on the establishment of a demonstration program under which covered beneficiaries under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services who are also entitled to benefits under part A of the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) and who do not have access to TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) would be permitted to enroll in a health benefits program offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. (Sec. 8128) Appropriates funds for defense against weapons of mass destruction. (Sec. 8130) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to repeal specified provisions:  (1) authorizing appropriations for the defense dual-use technology program; and (2) providing funding requirements and transfer authority with respect to such program. (Sec. 8132) Directs the Secretary to complete a cost-benefits analysis on the establishment of a National Missile Defense Joint Program Office. (Sec. 8133) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to permit the use of equipment of the National Guard Distance Learning Project by any person or entity on a space-available, reimbursable basis. (Sec. 8134) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to implement cost-effective agreements for required heating facility modernization in the Kaiserslautern Military Community in the Federal Republic of Germany. (Sec. 8135) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to rename the Michael O'Callaghan Military Hospital as the Michael O'Callaghan Federal Hospital. (Sec. 8136) Reduces by specified amounts the appropriations made under this Act for various defense R&D accounts.  Requires a report on such funding reductions. (Sec. 8137) Appropriates funds to DOD, allocated among various accounts, for antiterrorism, counter-terrorism, and security enhancement programs, designating each such amount as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.  Cancels an equal amount of funds appropriated in titles I through VII of this Act, requiring the cancelled amount to be allocated on a pro-rata basis among each budget activity. Title IX:  Fiscal Year 1996 Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for Anti-Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, and Security Enhancement Activities - Appropriates funds for Army and Air Force military personnel, O&M, and procurement, designating each such amount as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. (Sec. 9001) Rescinds specified funds in various DOD accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 9002) Requires funds appropriated by this title for programs and activities of the Central Intelligence Agency to remain available until September 30, 1997. Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic):  Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for:  (1) Export-Import Bank subsidies; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II:  Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for:  (1) expenses of the President under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs; (3) AID for specified development assistance (including transfers of funds) allowing availability of limited amounts for the Inter-American Foundation and the African Development Foundation; (4) assistance to Vietnam to reform its trade regime; (5) AID's Office of Population and the U.S.  Telecommunications Training Institute; (6) specified projects aimed at reunification of Cyprus; (7) democracy and humanitarian activities in Burma; (8) private and voluntary organizations; (9) international disaster assistance; (10) debt restructuring; (11) micro and small enterprise development programs; (12) guaranteed loans under the worldwide housing guarantees program; (13) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (14) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (15) Economic Support Fund (ESF) assistance (but not for Zaire); (16) the International Fund for Ireland; (17) economic assistance for Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, and the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (18) the Peace Corps (but with a ban on fund use for abortions); and (19) the Department of State for international narcotics control, migration and refugee assistance, and nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and related programs and activities. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for:  (1) international military education and training (with a ban on such assistance to Zaire and Guatemala); and (2) foreign military financing and direct loans and grants (earmarking amounts for Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, and for the participation of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in the Partnership for Peace Program). Prohibits foreign military financing for:  (1) any non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country participating in the Partnership for Peace Program except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations; and (2) Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, and Guatemala. Title IV:  Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the U.S. contribution to the:  (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) International Finance Corporation; (4) Inter-American Development Bank; (5) Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (6) Asian Development Bank; (7) Asian Development Fund; (8) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (9) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for international programs and organizations, with restrictions, including a ban on the use of funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Title V:  General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations identical or very similar to restrictions enacted in the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 (P.L. 104-107), notably with respect to:  (1) countries supporting the Arab boycott of Israel, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Montenegro, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Serbia, terrorist countries or countries supporting terrorism or giving sanctuary to war criminals; and (2) financial incentives to induce a business to relocate outside the United States or assistance to develop certain kinds of export processing zones in foreign countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it continues to be U.S. policy that funds allocated to Israel from the ESF shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations (including to lobby for or against abortions). (Sec. 518A) Prohibits funds for population planning programs from being expended prior to July 1, 1997.  Permits such funds to be made available March 1, 1997, if the President finds, and the Congress approves by a joint resolution, that the limitation has a negative impact on the population planning programs. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Guatemala (except for development assistance), the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Sudan, or Zaire, except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 533A) States that direct costs associated with meeting a foreign customer's additional or unique requirements will continue to be allowable under contracts for sales of defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act, with loadings applicable to such costs permitted at the same rates applicable to procurement of like items purchased by the Department of Defense for its own use. (Sec. 539) Authorizes the President, subject to notification of the congressional appropriations committees, to direct the transfer of defense articles to the Bosnia and Herzegovina governments, without reimbursement, if he certifies to the Congress that the transfer would assist that nation in self-defense and promote the security and stability of the region.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 561) Declares the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds available in this Act should be American-made.  Requires each Federal agency head to notify any entity using assistance or contract funds under this Act of this declaration. (Sec. 564) Authorizes the President (similarly to authority under P.L. 104-107) to:  (1) reduce certain debts owed the United States by eligible countries; and (2) sell, reduce, or cancel certain loans under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in order to facilitate debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps, or debt buybacks. (Sec. 566) Authorizes the availability of funds for assistance for Liberia. (Sec. 567) Waives certain restrictions and authorizes the availability of funds for the Guatemalan military forces only if the President certifies to the Congress that the Guatemalan military is cooperating fully with efforts to resolve human rights abuses and to negotiate a peace settlement. (Sec. 570) Imposes certain economic sanctions against Burma until the President certifies to the Congress that Burma has made progress in improving human rights and implementing democracy. (Sec. 571) Requires that a certain additional report on U.S. Hong Kong policy scheduled for 1997 include detailed information on the status and implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. (Sec. 573) Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committees on Appropriations on U.S. Government actions to resolve the conflict in Chechnya. (Sec. 578) Requires the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress (in some instances optionally in classified form) on the cooperation of foreign countries in:  (1) the apprehension, conviction, and punishment of individuals responsible for acts of international terrorism against U.S citizens or interests; and (2) the prevention of further such acts against U.S. citizens in the respective foreign countries. (Sec. 579) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution to vote against any loan or other use of the institution's funds, other than to address basic human needs, for the government of any country with a known history of female genital mutilation which has not made the practice illegal or taken steps to implement educational programs to prevent it. (Sec. 580) Requires the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress on voting practices at the UN to include a side-by-side comparison of individual countries' overall support for the United States at the UN and the amount of U.S. assistance provided to such country in FY 1996. (Sec. 581) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to pay any voluntary U.S. contribution to the UN unless the President certifies to the Congress that the UN is not making any effort to impose any taxation on any U.S. persons. (Sec. 582) Declares that the Government of Haiti shall be eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act for the civilian-led Haitian National Police and Coast Guard. (Sec. 584) Declares that, for purposes of eligibility for the Orderly Departure Program for nationals of Vietnam, certain Vietnamese aliens shall be considered refugees of special humanitarian concern, and shall be admitted to the United States for resettlement. (Sec. 585) Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Committee on Appropriations about certain military activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Sec. 587) Withholds specified funds from Mexico until the President reports to the Congress that Mexico is taking action to reduce the flow of illegal drugs to the United States as well as enforce its laws against narcotic trafficking and money-laundering. (Sec. 589) Makes officials or employees of a foreign state designated a state sponsor of terrorism liable to U.S. nationals for personal injury or death caused by acts of terrorism. Title VI:  NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - Declares it is the policy of the United States to:  (1) assist the transition to full membership in NATO of emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe; and (2) work to construct a political and security relationship between an enlarged NATO and the Russian Federation. (Sec. 604) Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to promote security in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine:  (1) the United States should support the full and active participation of these countries in activities that will qualify them for NATO membership; (2) the U.S. Government should press the European Union to admit as soon as possible any country qualifying for membership; and (3) the United States and NATO should support military and peacekeeping initiatives between and among such countries, NATO countries, and Russia. (Sec. 605) Expresses the sense of the Congress that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania should not be disadvantaged in seeking membership into NATO. (Sec. 606) Designates Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia as eligible to receive certain assistance for transition to full membership in NATO.  Requires the President to designate as eligible for such assistance other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe that meet specified criteria. (Sec. 607) Authorizes appropriations for NATO enlargement assistance. (Sec. 608) Authorizes the availability of certain funds for the Regional Airspace Initiative and the Partnership for Peace Information Management System. (Sec. 609) Declares that the transfer of excess defense articles to countries intending to participate in NATO (including countries of NATO's southern flank) shall be given priority, to the maximum extent feasible, over the delivery of such articles to other countries, except certain countries specified under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1995. (Sec. 610) Declares that the Congress endorses U.S. efforts to modernize the defense capability of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and any other countries the President designates under the NATO Participation Act of 1994, by exploring options for the sale or lease to such countries of weapons systems compatible with those used by NATO members, including air defense systems, advanced fighter aircraft, and telecommunications infrastructure. (Sec. 611) Amends the NATO Participation Act of 1994 to establish a presidential and congressional procedure for termination of eligibility for assistance for Partnership for Peace countries which: (1) no longer meet certain eligibility criteria; (2) are hostile to the NATO alliance; or (3) pose a national security threat to the United States. Title VII:  Middle East Development Bank - Bank for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and North Africa Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the Bank for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and North Africa, including subscription to up to a specified number of shares of stock in such Bank. Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I(sic):  Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for the FY 1997 operation of the Department of the Interior. Sets forth uses and prohibitions on the use of funds under this title. Names the Bureau of Land Management's Visitor Center in Rand, Oregon, the William B. Smullin Visitor Center. Prohibits the National Park Service from spending any funds under this Act for activities in direct response to the United Nations Biodiversity Initiative in the United States. Authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to transfer NPS funds to State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations to carry out NPS programs. Provides certain funds for closure of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, including payments for workers' compensation and unemployment compensation for former Bureau employees. (Sec. 113) Establishes in the Treasury a franchise fund pilot for capitalizing and operating central administrative services. (Sec. 114) Amends the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act (Public Law 102-495) to allow the State of Washington, upon appropriation of a specified amount for the Federal Government to acquire the Elwha and Glines dams, and upon submission to the Congress by the State of a binding agreement to remove them within a reasonable period of time, to purchase such dams from the Federal Government for $2.  Repeals such Act upon purchase of the dams by the State. (Sec. 115) Extends, for one year, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission (Massachusetts and Rhode Island). (Sec. 116) Designates and ratifies assignment to the University of Utah as successor to, and beneficiary of, all the existing assets, revenues, funds and rights granted to the State of Utah under the Miners Hospital Grant and the School of Mines Grant.  Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept relinquishment of all remaining and unconveyed entitlement for quantity grants owed the State of Utah for the Miners Hospital Grant and any unconveyed entitlement that may remain for the University of Utah School of Mines Grant. (Sec. 117) Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to increase from 20 to 50 the number of new tribes per year which the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Office of Self-Governance, may select from an applicant pool to participate in self-governance. (Sec. 118) Allows the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to carry out specified revenue-generating activities, including charging museum admission fees, if such revenue is covered into a designated special fund. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to transfer:  (1) to Lander County, Nevada, title to the former BLM administrative site and associated buildings in Battle Mountain, Nevada; and (2) to the State of Nevada, title to the surplus BLM District Office building in Winnemucca, Nevada. (Sec. 120) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer a certain Grumman Goose aircraft to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage, Alaska. (Sec. 121) Amends the Mesquite Lands Act of 1988 to require the City of Mesquite, Nevada, to notify the Secretary of the Interior, within a specified period, as to which of specified public lands it wishes to purchase. Father Aull Site Transfer Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey without consideration certain land near Silver City, New Mexico, to Saint Vincent DePaul Parish. (Sec. 124) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use BLM appropriations to enter into cooperative agreements, directly or indirectly through State, local, or tribal governments, with willing private landowners for restoration and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and other biotic resources on public or private land, or both, that benefit these resources on public lands within the watershed. (Sec. 125) Designates the visitor center at Channel Islands National Park, California, the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center. Title II:  Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service, including additional amounts for emergency rehabilitation, forest fire presuppression due to emergencies, and wildfire suppression activities. Prohibits the use of funds to implement any reorganization or ""reinvention"" of the Forest Service, without the consent of the congressional appropriations committees, other than the relocation of a specified regional office from San Francisco to excess military property at Mare Island, Vallejo, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the congressional appropriations committees on the status and disposition of all salvage timber sales started under the emergency salvage timber sale program mandated by the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Additional Disaster Assistance, for Anti-terrorism Initiatives, for Assistance in the Recovery from the Tragedy that Occurred at Oklahoma City, and Rescissions Act, 1995 and subsequently withdrawn or delayed and completed under different authorities as a consequence of the Secretary's July 2, 1996 directive on the implementation of the mandate. Names the Pacific Northwest Research Station Silviculture Laboratory in Bend, Oregon, the Robert W. Chandler Building. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for fossil energy research and development, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the SPR Petroleum Account, and other activities. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for clean coal technology, making them available for any ongoing DOE project. Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell a specified dollar amount of oil during FY 1997 from the SPR and deposit the proceeds in an SPR Operating Fund. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service for services and facilities. Appropriates funds for FY 1997 to:  (1) the Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for Indian Education; (2) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation; (3) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (4) the Smithsonian Institution; (5) the National Gallery of Art; (6) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (7) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Makes FY 1997 appropriations for:  (1) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (2) the Institute of Museum Services; (3) the Commission of Fine Arts; (4) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (5) the National Capital Planning Commission; (6) the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission; and (7) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Sets forth uses and prohibitions on funds under this title. Title III:  General Provisions - Sets forth uses and limitations of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 307) Requires expenditures under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that entities receiving Federal assistance should purchase only American-made equipment and products.  Prohibits Federal contracts with persons found to have falsely labeled a product with a ""Made in America"" inscription. (Sec. 312) Permits the use of funds from this Act for the AmeriCorps program, subject to availability of funds under the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies FY 1997 appropriations bill, and only if the relevant agencies follow appropriate reprogramming guidelines. (Sec. 316) Places limitations on the type of grant awards that can be made by the National Endowment for the Arts. (Sec. 317) Prohibits the use of funds for any rules or regulations under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to assert jurisdiction, management, or control over any waters (other than non- navigable waters on Federal lands), non-Federal lands, or lands selected by, but not conveyed to, Alaska under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 or the Alaska Statehood Act of 1959, or an Alaska Native Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (Sec. 318) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to review or modify sourcing areas previously approved under specified provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 or to enforce or implement specified Federal regulations.  Prohibits adoption of policies that would restrain domestic transportation or processing of timber from private lands or impose additional accountability requirements on any timber. (Sec. 319) Extends through FY 1999 the authority to collect recreation fees under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, and through FY 2002 the availability in accounts of the fees collected. (Sec. 320) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for any activity in connection with a scenic shoreline drive in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan. (Sec. 321) Transfers specified land, including the Bend Silviculture Lab, to the Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon. (Sec. 322) Prohibits the use of any funds for activities of the Office of Forestry and Economic Assistance, or any successor office. (Sec. 323) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to:  (1) accept title to specified land in Prince Georges County, Maryland, adjacent to Oxon Cove Park, on condition that it has not become contaminated with hazardous substances; and (2) in exchange, convey to the Corrections Corporation of America specified land located in Oxon Cove Park in the District of Columbia. (Sec. 324) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain National Forest lands (including a wastewater treatment facility) in Chelan County, Washington, for certain lands owned by Public Utility District Number 1 of Chelan County, Washington. (Sec. 325) Snoqualmie National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify the boundary of the Snoqualmie National Forest to include specified adjacent lands in Washington State. (Sec. 326) Sugarbush Land Exchange Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conveyance to Sugarbush Resort Holdings, Inc., of certain land in the Green Mountain National Forest, in exchange for cash or other land which shall become part of such National Forest. (Sec. 327) Amends the North Carolina Wilderness Act of 1984 to remove 100 acres from the Snowbird Wilderness Study Area. (Sec. 328) Renames the Columbia Wilderness the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. (Sec. 329) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior during FY 1997 to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts under the ""Jobs in the Woods"" component of the President's Forest Plan for the Pacific Northwest to individuals and entities in historically timber-dependent areas of Washington, Oregon, and northern California that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands. (Sec. 330) Amends the Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act to declare that, for purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, settlement lands shall not be treated as Indian lands. Title IV:  Emergency Appropriations - Makes additional appropriations for specified functions and activities of the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. Makes emergency appropriations in additional amounts to:  (1) the Department of Agriculture, for the Forest Service; (2) the Smithsonian Institution; (3) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (4) the National Gallery of Art; and (5) U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic):  Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies, programs, and various trust funds, within the Department of Labor. Prescribes uses and limitations on funds under this title. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in certain circumstances, to waive specified requirements under the Job Training Partnership Act in order to assist States in improving State workforce development systems. Title II:  Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. Prescribes limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this title. (Sec. 212) Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, with the assistance of the Agency for Health Care Policy Research, to report to the appropriate congressional committees a review of research on treatment of end-stage emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by specified surgical procedures, and recommend as to the appropriateness of Medicare coverage of such conditions and procedures. (Sec. 213) Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to increase the maximum allowable State grant allotment. (Sec. 214) Names the new clinical research center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research and Patient Care Center. Title III:  Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 (including certain transfers of funds) for agencies and programs within the Department of Education, subject to certain requirements for and limitations of their use.    (Sec. 301) Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to transport teachers or students in order to:  (1) overcome racial imbalance in any school or school system; or (2) carry out a racial desegregation plan. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the use of funds to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools. (Sec. 304) Limits the amount of funds which may be used for specified student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Prohibits the Secretary of Education from using HEA funds for subsequent fiscal years for administrative expenses of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. (Sec. 307) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to additional assistance for heavily impacted local educational agencies (LEAs) to allow LEAs to participate in the determination of maximum impact aid payments. (Sec. 308) Amends HEA to change from June 30-June 30 to August 30- August 30 the reporting year for certain annual reports to the Secretary of Education concerning athletically related student aid. Title IV:  Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the following agencies or programs:  (1) Armed Forces Retirement Home; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service (for domestic volunteer service programs); (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Council on Disability; (8) National Education Goals Panel; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Social Security Administration, for various trust funds and programs; (15) Railroad Retirement Board; and (16) United States Institute of Peace. Title V:  General Provisions - Sets forth requirements and limitations on the use of appropriated funds under this Act. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines that such programs are effective in preventing the spread of HIV and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs. (Sec. 506) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased under this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 508) Prohibits the use of funds to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother or where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 510) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for the expenses of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) task force. (Sec. 511) Prohibits use of funds in this Act to enforce specified requirements under HEA with respect to any lender that has a guaranteed student loan portfolio less than $5 million. (Sec. 512) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for:  (1) the creation of a human embryo or embryos for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under certain Federal regulations and the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for promotion of legalization of controlled substances, except with respect to certain therapeutic uses. (Sec. 514) Denies funds to any covered educational entity that has a policy prohibiting, or effectively preventing, ROTC access to campus or Federal military recruiting on campus. (Sec. 519) Permanently cancels a specified amount of the budgetary resources available to agencies (except the Food and Drug Administration and the Indian Health Service) under this Act for salaries and expenses, such cancelled amount to be allocated by the Office of Management and Budget. (Sec. 520) Provides for voluntary separation incentives for employees of the Railroad Retirement Board and its Office of Inspector General. Title VI:  Reorganization and Privatization of Sallie Mae and Connie Lee - Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996 - Amends the HEA to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. (Sec. 603) Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association (Connie Lee) and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. (Sec. 604) Amends HEA to prohibit Sallie Mae, or any successor entity functioning as a secondary market for student loans, from engaging in certain discriminatory practices against borrowers. Title VII:  Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 - Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 - Amends the Museum Services Act to revise and rename it as the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA). (Sec. 702) Establishes within the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), consisting of an Office of Museum Services (OMS) and an Office of Library Services (OLS), along with the current National Museum Services Board, relocated in OMS.  Provides for an IMLS Director and Deputy Directors for OMS and OLS. Library Services and Technology Act - Provides for library services and technology under MLSA, with an emphasis on library services and technology, access, and literacy programs for underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for grants to States for information access through technology and information empowerment through special services.  Directs the Secretary to transfer such funds to the Director to carry out such library services and technology programs. Sets forth basic program requirements, including a 50 percent Federal share and State five-year plans. Sets forth requirements and authorized activities for library programs of grants to States for:  (1) information access through technology; and (2) information empowerment through special services (including special services for children in poverty who are served by libraries). Sets forth administrative requirements for such library grants programs, including State evaluation of assisted activities, State advisory councils, Federal grants for library services for Indian tribes, and a program of national leadership and evaluation activities. Continues to authorize:  (1) grants to museums to increase and improve museum services through specified types of activities; and (2) contracts and cooperative agreements with appropriate entities for projects to strengthen museum services. Requires the Director to assess the collaborative possibilities museums can engage in to serve the public more broadly and effectively. Authorizes the Director to make an annual National Award for Museum Service to outstanding museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act to make the Commission responsible for advising the IMLS Director on general library services policies. Includes the IMLS Director as an ex officio, nonvoting member of such Commission.  Requires that nonprofessional members have special competence in or knowledge of (currently, interest in) society's need for library and information services.  Requires that at least one of the nonprofessional members be knowledgeable about the library and information service and science needs of the elderly. (Sec. 704) Transfers functions from the Institute of Museum Services (IMS) to the IMLS. (Sec. 708) Repeals the Library Services and Construction Act. Repeals specified provisions of:  (1) HEA, relating to academic libraries and information services; (2) the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, relating to library resources; (3) the Education Amendments of 1974; and (4) the Technology for Education Act of 1994. Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I (sic):  Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1997. (Sec. 118) Amends the Federal criminal code, with respect to licensing and related gun show sales requirements for firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers, to declare that nothing in such requirements shall be construed to diminish the right of a licensee to conduct ""curios or relics"" firearms transfers and business away from its business premises with another licensee without regard to whether the place where the business is conducted is located in the State specified on the license of either licensee. Title II:  Postal Service - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1997. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs. Title IV:  Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for:  (1) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration; (5) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (6) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (7) the National Archives and Records Administration; (8) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (9) the Office of Government Ethics; (10) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Counsel; and (13) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. (Sec. 407) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to establish, acquire space for, and equip flexiplace work telecommuting centers, and charge fees, for use by employees of Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector. (Sec. 408) Directs the Administrator to acquire certain land in Portland, Oregon, for construction of a proposed Law Enforcement Center on the site. (Sec. 409) Amends specified Federal law to mandate conveyance of certain real property at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant to the City of Middleton, Iowa.  Repeals the requirement that the City pay fair market value for such property.  Requires the Secretary of the Army to permit the City to use existing water and sewer lines and systems at the Plant for a three-year period after conveyance. (Sec. 410) Directs the Administrator to convey, without compensation, to the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development certain real property in Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 411) Declares that certain land in Denver, Colorado, shall not be subject to condemnation by any Federal agency or instrumentality without the owner's consent. Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for:  (1) specified Government contributions, with respect to retired Federal employees, as payments for annuitants, employee health benefits and life insurance; and (2) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Title V:  General Provisions - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 503) Amends Federal law to repeal the mandate for presidentially appointed superintendents and assayers at U.S. mints, and for a presidentially appointed engraver at the Philadelphia mint. (Sec. 512) Requires entities receiving funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act.  Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 518) Phohibits Act funds from being available to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefits program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Sec. 521) Considers personal service contractors employed by the Department of the Treasury outside the United States to be Federal employees for purposes of Federal employee health and life insurance. (Sec. 523) Amends Federal law to allow for the minting of 24 karat gold coins and platinum coins. (Sec. 526) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay up to $500,000 to reimburse former employees of the White House Travel Office, terminated on May 19, 1993, for attorney fees and related costs (except those incurred with respect to any congressional hearing or investigation). (Sec. 527) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by the Executive Office of the President to request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation any official background investigation report on any individual without the individual's express written consent. (Sec. 528) Closes to the public a specified alley in Washington, D.C., on which the Federal Government is constructing a facility. Grants the Administrator of General Services administrative jurisdiction over, and title on behalf of the United States to, the alley, facility, and related property. (Sec. 529) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary, beginning January 1, 1999, to mint and issue commemorative coins in no more than two commemorative coin programs per calendar year. Specifies mintage levels and conditions on payment of surcharges to recipient organizations.  Requires quarterly financial reports to the Congress on commemorative coin programs.  Sets a fixed four-year term for members of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and provides for election of a Chairperson. Title VI:  General Provisions - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by all Federal departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 624) Prohibits use of funds in this Act for certain types of employee training, including those containing elements:  (1) inducing high emotional or psychological stress; (2) associated with religious, quasi-religious, or ""new age"" belief systems; (3) offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle; or (4) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) other than that necessary for specified purposes. (Sec. 627) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 (title IV of the Government Management Reform Act of 1994, P.L. 103-356) to extend through FY 2001 the franchise fund pilot program. (Sec. 632) Designates a certain U.S. courthouse under construction in Portland, Oregon, as the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse. (Sec. 633) Amends Federal civil service law for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to mandate survivor annuity resumption, as well as resumption of Federal employees health benefits, upon divorce for a disabled child whose annuity and Federal health benefits had terminated because of marriage. (Sec. 634) Amends CSRS and FERS to allow a Federal employee involuntarily terminated due to a reduction in force or transfer of function to apply unused annual leave to remain on the agency's rolls after the would-be separation date if, and only to the extent that, such additional time in pay status will enable the employee to meet minimum age and service requirements for title to an immediate annuity, or to qualify to carry health benefits coverage into retirement. (Sec. 635) Amends the Federal criminal code to specify that certain post-employment restrictions for senior officials do not apply to Federal officers and employees whose basic rate of compensation is below level 5 of the Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 636) Provides for Federal agency reimbursement to Federal law enforcement officers and Federal supervisors or management officials of up to half the costs they incur for professional liability insurance. Applies such reimbursement authority to the legislative branch, including any office or committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as well as to the executive branch. (Sec. 638) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for FY 1997, to use certain funds made available to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation Resolution Fund to reimburse the Department of Justice for litigation expenses incurred in defense of claims against the United States arising from the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 and its implementation. (Sec. 639) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize all Federal agencies to receive and use funds resulting from the sale of Federal records disposed of pursuant to a record schedule (the Federal Register) which are subsequently recovered through recycling or waste prevention programs. (Sec. 640) Authorizes Federal agency heads to use the private sector to review and analyze the contracting out, outsourcing or privatization of business and administrative functions and related issues subject to the Information Technology Management Act (title LI of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1996). (Sec. 641) Amends the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to authorize appropriations for their FY 1998 through 2002 activities under such Act to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel. (Sec. 643) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 with respect to co-chairs, the meeting quorum, donations to, and travel allowances of the National Commission on Restructuring the Internal Revenue Service. (Sec. 644) Amends Federal law to increase from $10,000 to $30,000 the annual salary of each Governor on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. (Sec. 645) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to the Congress estimates of the total annual costs and benefits of Federal regulatory programs, together with:  (1) an analysis of the impact of Federal rules on the private sector as well as on Federal, State, and local governments; (2) cost-benefit estimates for each rule likely to have a gross annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more in increased costs; and (3) recommendations to reform or eliminate any Federal regulatory program or program element that is inefficient, ineffective, or not a sound use of national resources. (Sec. 646) Amends the Federal Financial Management Act of 1994 to extend the authority of the OMB Director with respect to simplification of the management reporting process. (Sec. 647) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer to the University of Miami, without charge, title to the real property and improvements that constitute the Perrine Primate Center. (Sec. 648) Amends the Federal criminal code to upgrade counterfeiting offenses from a class C to a class B felony, thus increasing penalties.  Prescribes criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments (including fictitious obligations) purporting to be those of State or local governments or of private organizations. (Sec. 649) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by a Federal agency to provide a Federal employee's home address to any labor organization without the employee's consent or a court order. (Sec. 650) Requires the Inspector General of each Federal agency to audit and report on the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime by employees.  Directs OPM to issue revised guidelines to limit or, in specified circumstances, prohibit the use of administratively uncontrollable overtime. (Sec. 651) Authorizes a Federal agency head to pay up to $10,000 in a death gratuity to the personal representative of a civilian employee whose death resulted from an injury sustained on the job on or after August 2, 1990. (Sec. 653) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to :  (1) establish scientific certification standards for explosives detection canines; (2) provide for certification of explosives detection canines employed by Federal agencies; and (3) establish a program for the training of canines for explosives detection at U.S. airports. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 654) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national repository of information on incidents involving arson and the suspected criminal use of explosives.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 655) Amends Federal law to allow a trustee of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation to serve past expiration of his or her term until a successor is chosen. (Sec. 656) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to transfer directly to Indian tribes in North and South Dakota portable housing units at the Grand Forks Air Force base in North Dakota which the Department of Defense has declared excess. (Sec. 657) Amends the Federal criminal code to limit to firearms that have moved in or otherwise affect interstate or foreign commerce the existing prohibition against the possession or discharge of firearms in a school zone. (Sec. 658) Amends Federal criminal law to make it unlawful to sell firearms to anyone who has been convicted in any court of any crime involving domestic violence, if the individual has been represented by counsel or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel. Makes it unlawful for such persons to engage in the trafficking of firearms. (Sec. 659) Title I (sic):  Additional Investment Funds for the Thrift Savings Plan - Thrift Savings Investment Funds Act of 1996 - Amends Federal civil service law to add two new funds, the International Stock Index Investment Fund and the Small Capitalization Stock Index Fund, to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) under the Federal Employees' Retirement System. Title II:  Thrift Savings Account Liquidity - Thrift Savings Plan Act of 1996 - Increases withdrawal options for TSP participants upon separation from employment.  Eliminates the purpose requirements for taking a TSP loan.  Requires an employee or member, before a loan is issued, to be given appropriate information in writing about the cost of the loan relative to other sources of financing, as well as the lifetime cost of the loan, including the difference in interest rates between the funds offered by the Thrift Savings Fund, and any other effect of such loan on the employee's or member's final account balance before a loan is issued.  Permits a TSP participant, before separation, to make a one-time withdrawal from the account upon:  (1) attaining age 59 and one-half; or (2) financial hardship.  Revises provisions concerning notification of an employee's or member's spouse upon making or changing a withdrawal election.  Eliminates the definition of basic pay with respect to the TSP. (Sec. 660) Authorizes interagency financing to carry out the purposes of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission. (Sec. 661) Designates a specified U.S. courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Courthouse. (Sec. 662) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and Federal law to establish an Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Postal Service.   Requires the Inspector General and the Chief Postal Inspector to prepare five-year strategic plans for submission with annual budgets. (Sec. 663) Directs the heads of certain Federal agencies to submit to specified congressional committees their respective strategic plans for making voluntary separation incentive (""buyout"") payments, meeting specified requirements, to eligible employees.  Requires reduction of an agency's total number of funded employee positions by the number of employees separating and receiving such payments. (Sec. 664) Continues the existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) pilot program. Provides that selection and designation of financial agents for such program, program design, and related matters shall not be subject to judicial review. (Sec. 665) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to select associations as financial agents by any process the Secretary deems appropriate.  Allows the reasonable duties of such agents to include provision of EBT services, including State-administered benefits with the consent of the States. Title VII:  Counter-Terrorism and Drug Law Enforcement - Makes additional appropriations for counter-terrorism and drug law enforcement to:  (1) specified Offices of the Department of the Treasury, including Office of Inspector General, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Customs Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Secret Service; (2) the Office of Personnel Management; and (3) certain Federal drug control programs. Title VIII:  Federal Financial Management Improvement - Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 - Requires each Federal agency to implement and maintain financial management systems that comply with Federal requirements, Federal accounting standards, and the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger at the transaction level. Requires:  (1) audit compliance reporting; (2) compliance implementation determination by the agency Head; and (3) if there is noncompliance with the standards, a remediation plan to bring the agency into compliance within three years. (Sec. 808) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to entitle Division D (Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1996) and Division E (Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996), together, the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. Title II (sic):  Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction - Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 - Subtitle A:  Streamlining the Home Mortgage Lending Process - Sets a deadline by which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must take action under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to simplify and provide a single format for credit transaction disclosures. (Sec. 2102) Amends TILA to authorize the Board to exempt those transactions from TILA disclosure requirements which the Board determines:  (1) are not necessary to effectuate its purposes; or (2) do not provide a measurable benefit in the form of useful information or consumer protection.  Requires the Board to publish its rationale for exemption at the time a proposed exemption is published for comment.  Includes among factors for Board consideration:  (1) whether the loan in question is secured by the consumer's principal residence; and (2) whether the goal of consumer protection would be undermined by such an exemption. (Sec. 2103) Amends RESPA to repeal requirements that:  (1) a federally related mortgage lender disclose to a mortgage loan applicant the servicing of mortgages the lender has assigned, sold, or transferred during the most recent three calendar years; and (2) a lender that does not service federally related loans similarly disclose any intention to assign, sell, or transfer such servicing. Repeals the mandate for model disclosure statements. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that the exemption from RESPA regulations for credit transactions for primarily business, commercial, or agricultural purposes shall be the same as the exemption for such transactions under TILA. Redesignates ""controlled"" business arrangements as ""affiliated"" business arrangements.  Declares that the proscription against kickbacks and unearned fees shall not be construed as prohibiting an affiliated business arrangement so long as certain disclosures are made by telephone or electronic media. Extends from one year to three-years the statute of limitations for claims arising from violations of requirements for servicing mortgages and escrow accounts. Delays until July 31, 1997 the effective date of final Federal regulations governing employer-employee payments for referral activities. (Sec. 2104) Amends TILA to exempt from its disclosure requirements any credit transactions involving consumers with an annual earned income of more than $200,000 or having net assets in excess of $1 million at the time of the transaction, upon submission of a handwritten waiver, signed and dated by such consumer. (Sec. 2105) Grants creditors the option to set forth alternative disclosures regarding conditions which could trigger increases or decreases in payment and interest rates for variable interest rate residential mortgage transactions. (Sec. 2106) Modifies TILA restitution guidelines for violations to authorize specified Federal regulatory agencies to order partial adjustments or payments over an extended period in order to avoid causing the creditor to become legally undercapitalized. (Sec. 2107) Amends TILA to restrict certain limitations on creditor liability with respect to consumer credit transactions to closed end consumer credit transactions secured by real property or a dwelling under the Act.  Establishes September 30, 1995 as the effective date for such limitations. Subtitle B:  Streamlining Government Regulation - Chapter 1: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Requirements and Procedures - Permits an insured depository institution to participate in optional conversion transactions between members of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund without prior approval of the responsible agency (but still requires approval).  Eliminates the requirement for approval of such a merger under the Oakar Amendment as well as the Bank Merger Act. (Sec. 2203) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to remove from its regulatory purview a bank holding company subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA). Revises the definition of ""savings and loan holding company"" to exclude a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction. Provides that acquisition of a savings association by a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction obviates approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Amends the BHCA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to solicit the views of the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision with respect to its examination and enforcement role over bank holding companies. (Sec. 2204) Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the requirement that the aggregate minimum capital of a national banking association and all its branches be no less than the aggregate minimum capital that would be required if each branch were a separately chartered national bank. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Revised Statutes and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to exclude from the definition of ""branch"" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus exempting those entities from the approval requirements and geographic restrictions of such Acts). (Sec. 2206) Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to permit well-capitalized and well-managed banks to invest amounts equal to 150 percent (currently, only 100 percent) of capital and surplus in bank premises without prior approval. (Sec. 2207) Amends BHCA to repeal the presumption that shares transferred by a bank holding company to a transferee under its control (divestitures) remain under the holding company's control (thus subject to specified approval requirements). (Sec. 2208) States that prior notice and approval is not required (but written notice to the Federal Reserve Board within ten days after commencing such an activity is required) for a proposal by a well-capitalized, well-managed bank holding company to engage in any activity or acquire the shares or assets of any company (other than an insured depository institution) if it meets specified financial and managerial criteria. (Sec. 2209) Amends FDIA to repeal the requirement that the appropriate Federal banking agency be notified prior to the appointment or addition of a new director or senior executive officer if the affected insured depository institution or depository institution holding company:  (1) has been chartered less than two years; or (2) has undergone a change in control within the preceding two years.  Retains the prior notice requirement for troubled insured depository institutions or depository institution holding companies only if the agency determines that prior notice is appropriate. Extends from 30 days up to 90 days the period during which, following notice, the agency may disapprove board of directors or senior executive officer appointments by such institutions or companies. (Sec. 2210) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to revise the prohibition on dual service of management officials to raise the asset-size thresholds of the depository institutions or depository holding companies to which the prohibition applies.  Authorizes Federal banking regulatory agencies to adjust such thresholds for inflation. Repeals the 20-year exemption from the dual service prohibition for certain grandfathered directors and management officials (thus permitting them to continue their dual service permanently). Repeals the requirement that each appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency:  (1) review according to prescribed criteria the petition of a management official to serve in more than one position (interlocking directorate); and (2) determine whether continuation of such dual service produces an anti-competitive effect. Authorizes the appropriate regulatory agencies to prescribe regulations permitting dual service by a management official that would otherwise be prohibited if such service would not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition. Repeals the criteria governing regulatory approval of management interlocks. (Sec. 2211) Amends FRA to exempt from its proscription against preferential terms in credit extensions to executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders (insider lending) any credit extension:  (1) made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank; and (2) that does not give preference to any officer, director, or principal shareholder of the member bank, or to any related interest of such person, over other employees of the member bank. Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to waive the proscription against such preferential terms for certain executive officers and directors of a subsidiary that controls the member bank if the subsidiary's assets do not exceed ten percent of the consolidated assets of a company that controls the member bank and such subsidiary (and is not controlled by any other company). (Sec. 2212) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to repay the Secretary of the Treasury the unpaid portion of its startup funding by the end of FY 1998. (Sec. 2213) Amends the FDIA to exempt from branch closure notice requirements automated teller machines and relocated or consolidated bank branches, if:  (1) the relocation or consolidation occurs within the same neighborhood and does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served; or (2) a branch is closed in connection with emergency acquisitions or any Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assistance. (Sec. 2214) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Reserve Board to avoid unnecessary duplication of foreign bank examinations. Provides that:  (1) each Federal and State branch or agency of a foreign bank shall be subject to on-site examination by the appropriate regulator as frequently as would its U.S. counterpart (instead of annually, as at present); and (2) the cost of such examination shall be assessed against its owner to the same extent that fees are collected by the Federal Reserve Board for examination of any State member bank. Authorizes the Board to approve an application by a foreign bank even if the authorities in the home country have not yet established a comprehensive regulation on a consolidated basis, as long as they are actively working to establish one. Instructs the Board to consider, when acting on a foreign bank application, whether the foreign bank has adopted and implemented procedures to combat money laundering. Directs the Board to take final action on any application within 180 days after its receipt. Authorizes the Board to terminate a foreign bank office in the United States if it finds that the authorities in the home country are not making demonstrable progress in establishing arrangements for comprehensive consolidated supervision. (Sec. 2215) Amends the BHCA to authorize the Board to approve extensions beyond the current five-year deadline for a bank holding company to dispose of foreclosed assets, under certain conditions, up to an aggregate of five more years. (Sec. 2216) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 and the Home Owners Loan Act to extend the authority of the Board, and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, respectively, to grant exceptions to certain antitying prohibitions. (Sec. 2217) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to act within a 60- day period (which may be extended for an additional 30 days) upon receipt of the application of an insured State bank (or subsidiary) to engage as principal in activity impermissible for a national bank. Chapter 2:  Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens - Amends FDIA to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on the meaning of ""small depository institution"" which Federal banking agencies may in their discretion determine for examination on an 18-month cycle. (Sec. 2222) Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council, and each Federal banking agency represented on it, to review and report to the Congress on Federal banking regulations at least every ten years to identify unnecessary regulatory requirements imposed upon insured depository institutions. Requires the Council or the pertinent banking agency to eliminate unnecessary regulations to the extent appropriate. (Sec. 2223) Amends Federal monetary law to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to require each insured depository institution to identify certain non-bank financial institution customers. (Sec. 2224) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to repeal the mandate that insured depository institutions include information on small businesses and small farm lending in their annual reports of condition. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 and the International Lending Supervision Act of 1983 to repeal annual reporting requirements for specified Federal financial institution regulatory agencies, including certain reports on changes to improve the international lending operations of banking institutions. (Sec. 2225) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to prescribe a Consumer Price Index adjustment schedule applicable to certain small-sized institutions exempt from the Act's disclosure requirements. Declares that a depository institution shall be deemed to have satisfied the public availability requirements for its mortgage loan transactions if its branch offices provide notice of the availability of such information from the home office upon request. (Sec. 2226) Amends FDIA guidelines governing a change in control of insured depository institutions to repeal mandatory reporting by financial institutions (or affiliates) of any loans secured by 25 percent or more of any class of shares of an insured depository institution (stock loans).  Retains such mandatory reporting for foreign banks and their affiliates. (Sec. 2227) Requires the Federal Reserve Board to study and report to the Congress on the extent of small business lending by all creditors. Chapter 3:  Regulatory Micromanagement Relief - Amends the Revised Statutes to allow the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the residency requirement for national banking association directors. Repeals the Comptroller's authority to waive citizenship requirements for a minority of the directors of a foreign bank subsidiary or affiliate. (Sec. 2242) Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to require each Federal banking agency to review and eliminate regulations which require insured depository institutions and credit unions to produce unnecessary internal written policies. (Sec. 2243) Amends FDIA to mandate:  (1) that one of the presidentially appointed directors serving on the FDIC Board have State bank supervisory experience; (2) that each appropriate Federal banking agency take action necessary to ensure that depository institution examiners consult and reach agreement on examination activities and resultant recommendations; (3) such agencies consider appointing an examiner-in-charge to ensure such consultation; and (4) the Federal banking agencies jointly implement a system for determining which one of the Federal banking agencies or State bank supervisors (currently, Federal banking agencies only) shall be the lead agency responsible for managing the requisite unified examination schedule. Subtitle C:  Regulatory Impact on Cost of Credit and Credit Availability - Amends FDIA guidelines for improved accountability in financial management to:  (1) repeal the use of an independent public accountant to detect and report violations of law by an insured depository institution or depository institution holding company; and (2) authorize a Federal banking agency to permit an independent audit committee to be composed of a majority of outside directors independent of institution management (currently the entire committee must be composed of such outside directors) if it determines that an insured depository institution has encountered hardships in retaining competent directors on such committee. (Sec. 2302) Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to set forth incentives for self-testing and self-correcting by lenders subject to such Acts.  Prescribes conditions under which:  (1) an enforcing agency is prohibited from acquiring or using reports generated by any creditor-conducted review of lending operations to determine compliance with such Acts; and (2) such self-test results may be used by an adversary party. (Sec. 2303) Permits a Federal savings association to make credit card loans or education loans without being subject to a percentage-of-assets limitation. Raises from ten percent to 20 percent the percentage-of-assets limitations ceiling placed upon commercial and agricultural loans offered by an association.  Restricts loan amounts exceeding ten percent of an association's total assets to loans made to small businesses. Repeals the five-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon education loans offered by an association. Expands the scope of ""qualified thrift lender"" to include a domestic building and loan association. Permits a savings association that qualifies as a qualified thrift lender to operate a branch outside the State in which it has its home office. Redefines ""qualified thrift investment"" to cover, as assets includible without limit, educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. Removes the ten-percent-of-assets loan restriction placed upon certain personal, family, household or education loans other than educational loans, small business loans, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. (Sec. 2304) Amends BHCA to repeal the seven percent growth cap restrictions placed upon banks controlled by certain bank holding companies not statutorily treated as bank holding companies. Excludes from BHCA jurisdiction any limited purpose institution that accepts collateral for extensions of credit by holding deposits under $100,000. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to revise the prohibition against failure to disclose clearly in all communications with a consumer that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt. (Sec. 2306) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase from $10,000 to $20,000 the ceiling on credit union loans which may be made to a director or member of a supervisory or credit committee without first being approved by the board of directors. (Sec. 2307) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase from ten percent to 25 percent the amount of capital and surplus that a national bank may invest in the stock of Edge Act subsidiaries and certain financial service corporations held by a member bank's non- U.S. branches, as long as the investment of an additional amount over ten percent would not be unsafe or unsound. Subtitle D:  Consumer Credit - Chapter 1:  Credit Reporting Reform - Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to cite additional permissible purposes for which a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report, including:  (1) for employment purposes; and (2) for credit or insurance transactions that are not initiated by the consumer. Mandates consumer consent as a prerequisite to furnishing medical information contained in a consumer report. (Sec. 2406) Revises exceptions to the prohibition against the reporting of certain obsolete information by a consumer reporting agency.  Raises the minimum dollar threshold amounts permitting release of such information:  (1) from $50,000 to $150,000 in the case of a credit transaction; (2) from $50,000 to $150,000 the policy amount in the case of life insurance underwriting; and (3) from $20,000 to $75,000 the amount of salary of an individual in the case of an employment-related credit report.  Provides that the seven- year reporting period applicable to accounts placed for collection begins no later than 180 days after the beginning of the delinquency immediately preceding the collection activity. Mandates disclosure in a consumer report of:  (1) the particular chapter under which a bankruptcy case arises; (2) withdrawal of a bankruptcy case prior to final judgment; (3) voluntary closure by a consumer of a credit account; (4) information disputed by the consumer. (Sec. 2407) Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from prohibiting disclosure by a user to the consumer of report contents if the user has taken adverse action against the consumer based on such report. Prescribes guidelines for procurement of a consumer report for resale. (Sec. 2408) States that nothing requires a consumer reporting agency to disclose to a consumer any credit scores, risk scores, and other predictors relating to her or him.  Provides for mandatory disclosure to a consumer of additional kinds of information, including a summary of consumer rights. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to take action to assure that consumer standardization and comprehensibility are achieved. Prohibits consumer lawsuits for defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence against a consumer reporting agency based on information disclosed by a credit report user to or for a consumer against whom the user has taken adverse action based on the report. (Sec. 2409) Revises procedural and disclosure guidelines governing:  (1) disputed information in a consumer's file, including free mandatory reinvestigation by the reporting agency; (2) users of information in a consumer report taking adverse actions, or making written credit or insurance solicitations based upon such report (including any direct marketing transaction that is not initiated by the consumer); and (3) adverse action based on information obtained from third parties other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 2412) Revises civil liability guidelines to set forth liquidated damages for willful and negligent noncompliance, and to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party for pleadings filed in bad faith. (Sec. 2413) Specifies the responsibilities of persons who furnish information to a consumer reporting agency, including the obligation to provide accurate, updated information and notices of information disputed by consumers. (Sec. 2414) Revises disclosure guidelines governing investigative consumer reports to require:  (1) certification that the consumer has been notified; and (2) confirmation of any adverse information obtained from personal sources. (Sec. 2415) Increases criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses, and for unauthorized disclosures. (Sec. 2416) Revises administrative enforcement guidelines to authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to commence a civil action to recover a civil penalty in Federal district court in the event of a knowing violation constituting a pattern or practice of FCRA violations.  Limits such penalty to $2500.  Precludes:  (1) the FTC from promulgating trade regulation rules with respect to the FCRA; and (2) specified Federal regulatory agencies from conducting an examination of a bank, savings association or credit union regarding FCRA compliance except in response to a complaint alleging noncompliance. (Sec. 2417) Authorizes the States to bring a court action for FCRA violations. (Sec. 2418) Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to issue interpretations of the FCRA with respect to certain financial institutions and holding companies. (Sec. 2419) Identifies specified FCRA provisions that preempt State law. (Sec. 2422) Requires the Federal Reserve Board to:  (1) study and report to the Congress on whether organizations not presently subject to the FCRA as consumer reporting agencies are nevertheless engaged in the business of making sensitive consumer identification information available to the general public; (2) determine whether such activities create undue potential for fraud and risk of loss to depository institutions; and (3) determine whether legislative changes are necessary to address such risks. Chapter 2:  Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to revise title IV to read as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. (Sec. 2451) Prohibits:  (1) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement, or to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; (2) other fraud or deception; and (3) a credit repair organization (CRO) from charging or receiving valuable consideration for any service before such service is fully performed. Specifies a statement which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations.  Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three business days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this title.  Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this title. Voids any contract not in compliance with this title. Provides for civil liability for failing to comply with this title, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this title under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) by the FTC.  Makes:  (1) a violation of this title an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this title.  Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for actions to enforce liability under this title. (Sec. 2452) Expresses the sense of the Senate that:  (1) individuals should be judged for credit worthiness based upon their own credit worthiness and not that of their zip code or residential neighborhood; and (2) the FTC should report to certain congressional committees regarding the impact of residential location upon corporate lenders' consideration of an application for unsecured credit. Subtitle E:  Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection - Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to declare that the liability of a fiduciary for the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance in connection with a vessel or facility held in fiduciary capacity shall not exceed the assets held in fiduciary capacity, unless:  (1) a person is liable independently of the person's ownership of a vessel or facility as a fiduciary or actions taken in a fiduciary capacity; or (2) the fiduciary negligently causes or contributes to the release or threatened release. Subtitle F:  Miscellaneous - Directs the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and report to the Congress whether the Electronic Fund Transfer Act could be applied to electronic stored value products without adversely impacting their cost, development, and operation. (Sec. 2602) Amends FDIA to treat as administrative expenses of a receiver or conservator for an insured depository institution any final and unappealable judgment for monetary damages entered against such receiver or conservator for breach of a post-appointment agreement executed or approved by such receiver or conservator. (Sec. 2603) Amends the Federal criminal code to:  (1) increase the penalty for certain counterfeiting violations; and (2) establish criminal penalties for the production, sale, transportation, or possession of fictitious financial instruments purporting to be those of the States, political subdivisions, and of private organizations. (Sec. 2604) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to repeal:  (1) civil liability for violations of such Act; and (2) the definition of an on-premises display in a depository institution. Redefines ""depository institution"" to exclude certain nonautomated credit unions (thus exempting them from such Act). (Sec. 2605) Amends TILA to direct the Federal Reserve Board to: (1) promulgate regulations to update and clarify requirements and definitions applicable to lease disclosures and contracts; (2) publish model disclosure forms to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements; and (3) consider, when establishing such model forms, the use of automated equipment by lessors. Amends the guidelines governing requisite disclosures in consumer lease advertisements.  Shields the owner or employee of an advertising medium from liability relating to such disclosures. (Sec. 2606) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on:  (1) the regulatory practices of the National Credit Union Administration Board with respect to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund; (2) the potential effects of the administration of that Fund by an entity other than the National Credit Union Administration; and (3) the investment practices and financial status of the ten largest corporate credit unions. (Sec. 2607) Directs each Federal banking agency to report to the Congress on its actions regarding inconsistent or duplicative accounting and reporting requirements (differences between regulatory accounting principles and generally accepted accounting principles) affecting certain reports filed by insured depository institutions. (Sec. 2608) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) to instruct the Federal Reserve Board to include in its annual report to the Congress a description of any discernible trend in the cost and availability of certain retail banking services in the nation as a whole, in each of the 50 States and in each consolidated metropolitan statistical area or primary metropolitan statistical area. (Sec. 2609) Amends the Federal monetary code to continue the ban on gold clauses in contracts prior to 1977 unless all parties to a pre-1977 contract specifically agree to include such clause in the new agreement. (Sec. 2610) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exclude a qualified family partnership from the meaning of ""company"" under such Act. (Sec. 2611) Expresses the sense of the Congress that financial institutions and Federal bank regulators should work cooperatively with farmers and ranchers in drought-affected communities to allow financial obligations to be met without imposing undue burdens. (Sec. 2613) Renames the Bank Service Corporation Act as the Bank Service Company Act.  Defines a ""bank service company"" as: (1) any corporation organized to perform certain services, and whose capital stock is totally owned by one or more insured banks; and (2) any limited liability company organized to perform certain services, whose members are all insured banks (thus authorizing bank service companies to organize as limited liability companies). (Sec. 2614) Amends the FDIA to exclude from the definition of ""deposit"" (and thus from the jurisdiction of the Act) any depository institution liability arising under an annuity contract whose income is tax deferred under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 2615) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to prohibit an insured credit union from being sponsored by, or accepting financial support from, any Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) whose customers include members of such credit union.  Excludes from the meaning of financial support any forms of financial assistance generally provided by a GSE in its ordinary course of business. Amends the FDIA to prohibit a depository institution from being an affiliate of, sponsored by, or accepting financial support from any GSE.  Exempts from such prohibition:  (1) members of a depository institution in a Federal Home Loan Bank; and (2) financial assistance authorized by statute. Subtitle G:  Deposit Insurance Funds - Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 - Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a special assessment on the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF)-assessable deposits of each insured depository institution at a rate that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines will cause the SAIF to achieve the designated reserve ratio on the first business day of the first month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.  Allows the Board to exempt weak institutions from such assessment, but requires exemption for certain newly chartered and other defined institutions, which shall pay semiannual assessments at certain former rates during calendar years 1996 through 1998, with a special rate provision for calendar 1999. (Sec. 2702) Authorizes certain institutions facing hardship as a result of the special assessment to elect to pay it in two assessments, plus a third supplemental special assessment, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes adjustments of the special assessment for Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) member banks and certain savings associations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the 20 percent reductions to the adjusted attributable deposit amount for certain BIF members and to the special assessment for certain converted savings associations. (Sec. 2703) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) and the FDIA to revise the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (rather than SAIF members only).  Repeals specified limits on the amount that may be assessed. Declares that assessments imposed upon insured depository institutions with respect to any BIF-assessable deposit shall be assessed at one fifth of the rate of the assessments imposed on insured depository institutions with respect to any SAIF-assessable deposit. (Sec. 2704) Declares that the SAIF and the BIF shall be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund, which shall have a Special Reserve for any excess of the SAIF reserve ratio over the designated reserve ratio.  Makes conforming amendments to specified banking statutes. (Sec. 2705) Amends the FDIA to establish a SAIF Special Reserve if the SAIF reserve exceeds the designated reserve ratio on January 1, 1999. (Sec. 2706) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the refund of assessed payments in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. (Sec. 2707) States that the assessment rate for a SAIF member may not be less than the assessment rate for a BIF member posing a comparable risk to the deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 2708) Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. (Sec. 2709) Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress all issues relevant to the development of a common charter for all insured depository institutions and the abolition of separate and distinct charters between banks and savings associations. (Sec. 2711) Allows as an income tax deductible business expenses any FDIC special assessment paid upon depository institution deposits in order to achieve the designated SAIF reserve ratio.  States that the net operating loss deduction rules governing specified liability loss shall not apply to such tax deduction. Title III:  Spectrum Allocation Provisions - Requires the Federal Communications Commission:  (1) to reallocate, by competitive bidding, the use of frequencies at 2305-2320 megahertz and 2345-2360 megahertz to wireless services that are consistent with international agreements concerning spectrum allocation; and (2) in making the bands of frequencies available, to seek to promote the most efficient use of the spectrum and to take into account the needs of public safety radio services. Title IV:  Adjustment of Paygo Balances - Requires the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), for FY 1997, to change to zero the balances of direct spending and receipts legislation, as computed under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings), if such balance for the fiscal year is not an increase in the deficit. Title V:  Additional Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service (for waterway and watershed repairs resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense); and (3) Farm Service Agency (for emergency expenses resulting from Hurricanes Fran and Hortense). Chapter 2 - Authorizes the District of Columbia Financial and Management Assistance Authority (the Authority) to contract with a private entity or entities to carry out public school facility repair programs in the District of Columbia.  Transfers a certain amount to the Authority for such purposes, to be derived according to specified transfers and reallocations.  Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide program management services to assist short-term management of D.C. public school repairs and capital improvements. (Sec. 5202) Waives certain congressional review requirements, under the District of Columbia Self-Governing and Governmental Reorganization Act, in the case of a specified D.C. General Obligation Bond Act, if it is enacted by the D.C. Council. (Sec. 5203) Amends the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995 (FRMAA) with respect to calculation of the review period for D.C. Council Acts, penalties for certain prohibited acts, and waiver of certain privacy requirements with respect to obtaining official data.  Authorizes the Authority to review D.C. government rulemaking.  Requires deposit of all D.C. government borrowed funds with the Authority during a control year.  Grants the Authority additional power to issue general orders. (Sec. 5204) Prohibits D.C. government funding for terminated employees or contractors, with specified exceptions for services already provided. (Sec. 5205) Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 (SRA) with respect to the D.C. public charter school petition contents and filing and approval processes.  Directs the D.C. government to give preference in leasing or purchasing public school facilities to public charter schools.  Provides for charter renewal or revocation.  Revises provisions relating to public charter schools and school board membership. (Sec. 5206) Amends FRMAA to provide for disposition of certain school property and use of proceeds from such disposition. Amends the Board of Education Real Property Disposal Act of 1990 to direct the Authority to administer the Board of Education Real Property Maintenance and Improvement Fund until an agency or authority is established within the D.C. government to administer a public schools facilities revitalization plan pursuant to SRA. Chapter 3 - Makes additional emergency amounts available to the Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) for emergency expenses (relating to energy and water development) resulting from Hurricane Fran and other natural disasters in 1996. (Sec. 5301) Prohibits the availability to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) of funds in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997 if the TVA is imposing a performance deposit in connection with residential shoreline alteration permits. Chapter 4 - Rescinds specified amounts for:  (1) House of Representatives allowances and expenses for Government contributions to certain funds for employees' life insurance, retirement, Social Security, Medicare, health benefits, and worker's and unemployment compensation; and (2) Capitol Police salaries. Provides additional amounts to:  (1) the Capitol Police Board, for design and installation of security systems for the Capitol buildings and grounds; and (2) the Architect of the Capitol, for architectural and engineering services related to design and installation of such systems. (Sec. 5401) Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend the duration of:  (1) requirements for financial operations of the Congressional Award program; and (2) the Congressional Award Board. (Sec. 5402) Designates the Founders Hall instructional area in the House of Representatives Page School as Bill Emerson Hall. Chapter 5 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations (together with specified rescissions) to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (2) the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Disaster Relief program under the Highway Trust Fund's Federal-Aid Highways; (3) the Federal Railroad Administration for Northeast Corridor improvement, direct loan financing for the Alameda Corridor Project, and grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); (4) the Research and Special Programs Administration, for vulnerability and threat assessments of the Nation's transportation system; and (5) the National Transportation Safety Board, for wreckage recovery reimbursements and other costs related to the TWA 800 accident investigation, and other emergency funds for accident investigations. (Sec. 5501) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to establish at individual airports consortia of government and aviation industry representatives to advise on aviation security and safety. (Sec. 5502) Permits the use of Federal Highway Administration emergency relief funds to halt erosion and stabilize a bank protecting a scenic highway or byway, if necessary to protect the highway from imminent failure and if less expensive than highway relocation. (Sec. 5504) Requires conveyance of specified property in Traverse City, Michigan, to the Traverse City Area Public School District. (Sec. 5505) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey in three parcels the land on which the U.S. Coast Guard Whitefish Point Light Station is situated to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Michigan Audubon Society, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 5506) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, to convey:  (1) Saint Helena Island Light Station (in MacKinac County, Moran Township, Michigan) to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association; and (2) Presque Isle Light Station to Presque Isle Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan, subject to certain conditions. Chapter 6 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations to:  (1) the Department of the Treasury, for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency, for science and technology, environmental programs and management, and State and tribal assistance grants; (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for the National Flood Insurance Fund, and for Federal, State, and local preparedness to mitigate and respond to the consequences of terrorism; (4) the Department of Health and Human Services, for the Office of Consumer Affairs; and (5) the National Aeronautics and Space administration, for science, aeronautics, and technology. Chapter 7 - Makes additional FY 1997 appropriations for the following purposes relating to international security assistance:  (1) under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, nonproliferation, anti- terrorism, demining, and related programs, and peacekeeping operations; and (2) under the Arms Export Control Act, the foreign military financing program. Chapter 8 - Reserves specified amounts under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 (DDAA) for the Corps Surface-to-Air Missile (CORPS SAM) program. (Sec. 5802) Establishes in the Treasury a Support for International Sporting Competitions, Defense, account. (Sec. 5803) Appropriates amounts in addition to those under DDAA for the Dual-Use Applications Program. Division B:  Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 - Title I(sic):  Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area - Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 - Provides that on the determination of the Secretary of Agriculture that certain parcels of land have been donated to the United States without encumbrances and that a binding agreement between the Secretary and owners of specified interests for the disposition of such interests to the Government has been executed:  (1) certain land in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon shall be designated as the Opal Creek Wilderness (OCW); (2) the part of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness located within the Forest shall be incorporated into the OCW; and (3) the Secretary shall establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area within the Forest. Requires lands or interests conveyed to the United States to become part of the OCW or the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area as appropriate. (Sec. 105) Requires, with respect to such Area, the Secretary to: (1) prepare a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan which shall become part of the land and resource management plan for the Forest; (2) permit recreation activities at no less than the levels in existence upon enactment of this Act; (3) prepare a transportation plan to maintain reasonable motorized and other access to recreation sites and facilities, including access by persons with disabilities (otherwise prohibits motorized vehicles in the Area); (4) permit hunting and fishing, with limitations; (5) prohibit the cutting or selling of trees, with specified exceptions; and (6) review and revise the inventory of cultural and historic resources on the public land in the Area.  Withdraws Area lands from operations under the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws.  Specifies exceptions applicable with respect to the Bornite Project.  Places restrictions on new water impoundments in the Area. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory council for the Area and to consult with the Council and seek the views of private groups, individuals, the public, other government agencies, and nonprofit organizations regarding the Area. (Sec. 107) Provides for the acquisition of lands within the Area. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any necessary environmental response actions within the Area. (Sec. 108) Provides for an equal-value land exchange between the Rosboro Lumber Company and the Government.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 109) Amends the Wild and Scenic Recreation Rivers Act to designate Elkhorn Creek as a wild and scenic river. (Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary, upon completion of a management plan and receipt of an economic development projects plan developed by the State of Oregon, to provide $15 million to Oregon to be used to make grants and loans for such projects that benefit the local communities in the vicinity of the Area.  Requires the State to report annually on the use of such funds. Title II:  Upper Klamath Basin - Directs the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, through the Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office, to propose ecological restoration projects, economic development and stability projects, and projects designed to reduce the impacts of drought conditions to be undertaken in the Upper Klamath Basin in Oregon based on a consensus of the Working Group membership.  Requires the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Requires the Secretary to formulate a cooperative agreement among the Working Group, the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force, the Trinity River Restoration Task Force, and the Klamath River Basin Compact Commission to ensure that projects proposed and funded through the Group are consistent with other basin-wide fish and wildlife restoration and conservation plans.  Authorizes appropriations. Title III:  Deschutes Basin - Directs the Deschutes River Basin Working Group to propose ecological restoration projects on Federal and non-Federal lands and waters to be undertaken in the Deschutes River Basin based on a consensus of the Working Group membership, provided that such projects, when involving Federal land or funds, shall be proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in the Department of the Interior and other Federal agencies with affected land or funds.  Requires BOR to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of such projects during FY 1997 through 2001 (with a $1 million annual limit). Authorizes appropriations. Title IV:  Mount Hood Corridor - Provides for an equal-value land exchange between Longview Fibre Company and the Secretary of the Interior.  Requires:  (1) all lands managed by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in the Mount Hood Corridor which can be seen from U.S. Highway 26 to be managed primarily for the protection or enhancement of scenic qualities; and (2) management prescriptions for other resource values associated with these lands to be planned and conducted for purposes other than timber harvest, so as not to impair scenic qualities in the Corridor. Allows timber cutting in the Corridor after a resource-damaging catastrophic event only for specified management objectives. Requires Forest Service Road 2503 to remain closed, except for limited uses, to protect resources and to prevent illegal dumping and vandalism in the Corridor.  Exempts this title from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for one year.   Authorizes appropriations. Title V:  Coquille Tribal Forest - Amends the Coquille Restoration Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, two years after enactment of this title, to take approximately 5,400 acres in Coos County, Oregon, into trust for the Coquille Tribe.  Designates such lands as the Coquille Forest.  Provides for management of such lands by BLM in the interim two years.  Directs the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs to initiate development of a forest management plan and the Secretary to assist in the transition of forest management operations to the Assistant Secretary. Requires the Secretary to:  (1) manage the Forest, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, under applicable State and Federal forestry and environmental protection laws, subject to critical habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act and to the standards and guidelines of Federal forest plans on adjacent or nearby Federal lands, and in accordance with the laws pertaining to the management of Indian Trust lands; and (2) distribute revenues in accordance with existing Federal law. Subjects unprocessed logs harvested from the Forest to the same Federal statutory restrictions on exportation to foreign nations that apply to unprocessed logs harvested from Federal lands. Requires all sales of timber from land subject to this title to be advertised, offered, and awarded according to competitive bidding practices, with sales being awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Allows the Secretary, upon a satisfactory showing of management competence, to enter into a binding Indian self-determination agreement with the Tribe which provides for it to carry out all or a portion of the forest management for the Forest. Conditions the agreement on the:  (1) Tribe entering into a binding Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Oregon relating to the establishment and management of the Forest; and (2) Secretary's authority to rescind the agreement without encumbrances. Requires the Forest to remain open to public access for purposes of hunting, fishing, recreation, and transportation, except when closed by Federal or State law or when the Tribe and the State of Oregon agree in writing that access restrictions are necessary or appropriate to prevent harm to natural resources, cultural resources, or environmental quality. Vests jurisdiction in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon over actions:  (1) against the Secretary arising out of claims that this title has been violated; and (2) between Oregon and the Tribe arising out of claims of breach of the MOA. Prohibits suits against the Secretary for claims that the MOA has been violated.  Limits remedies available under this title to equitable relief and excludes damages. Specifies exclusive regulatory civil jurisdiction vested in the State of Oregon. Title VI:  Bull Run Watershed Protection - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit timber cutting within the hydrographic boundary of the Bull Run River Drainage, including certain lands within the unit and located below the headworks of Portland, Oregon's water storage and delivery project, except for the:  (1) protection or enhancement of water quality in the area; (2) protection, enhancement, or maintenance of water quantity available from the area; (3) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of municipal water supply facilities; or (4) construction, expansion, protection, or maintenance of facilities for the transmission of energy through and over the unit or previously authorized hydroelectric projects associated with such facilities.  Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a salvage sale in the Area. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to specified congressional committees on that part of the Little Sandy Watershed that is within the Bull Run Management Unit (study area) to determine:  (1) the impact of management activities within the study area on the quality of drinking water provided to the Portland metropolitan area; (2) the identity and location of certain ecological features within the study area; and (3) the location and extent of any significant cultural or other values within the study area.  Prohibits the Secretary from advertising, offering, or awarding any timber sale within the study area for a two-year period after the enactment of this title. (Sec. 606) Provides that lands within the Bull Run Management Unit but not contained within the Bull Run River Drainage shall continue to be managed in accordance with existing Federal law. Title VII:  Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions - Designates as wilderness:  (1) certain lands within the boundaries of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; and (2) all other federally owned rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographic miles off the Oregon coast and above mean high tide and also within the Refuge boundaries under the administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or presently under the jurisdiction of BLM. Makes permanent Public Land Order 6287 which withdrew certain rocks, reefs, islets, and islands lying within three geographical miles off the coast of Oregon and above mean high tide as an addition to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Title VIII:  Umpqua River Land Exchange Study - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to:  (1) consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the Umpqua Land Exchange Project (ULEP), affected units and agencies of State and local government, and, as appropriate, the World Forestry Center and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to assist ULEP's ongoing efforts in studying and analyzing land exchange opportunities in the Umpqua River basin and to provide assistance and information to such entities; and (2) report thereon to specified congressional committees.  Lists priority matters for specific study by the Secretaries, including identifying:  (1) areas where consolidation of land ownership could promote long term species protection; (2) areas where land exchanges might be utilized to better satisfy sustainable timber harvest goals; and (3) options to insure that post-exchange revenues will approximate pre-exchange revenues. (Sec. 803) Authorizes appropriations. Division C:  Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 - Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 - Title I(sic):  Improvements to Border Control, Facilitation of Legal Entry, and Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A:  Improved Enforcement at the Border - Directs the Attorney General to increase the number of Border Patrol agents through FY 2001.  Authorizes the increase of Border Patrol support personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for barrier and road improvements at U.S. border areas of high illegal entry, including San Diego, California. Authorizes appropriations for San Diego area improvements. (Sec. 103) Provides for:  (1) improved border equipment and technology; and (2) biometric identifiers to be included in border crossing identification cards. (Sec. 105) Establishes civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. (Sec. 106) Provides for a review of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) hiring and training standards. (Sec. 107) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate the Attorney General's border strategy. (Sec. 108) Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for high speed flights from immigration checkpoints. (Sec. 109) Provides for:  (1) a joint study of automated data collection at points of entry; and (2) development of an automated (alien) entry-exit control system. (Sec. 111) Directs the Attorney General to submit a final plan for the realignment of interior Border Patrol positions to front-line border positions. (Sec. 112) Authorizes additional appropriations for the INS IDENT program for fingerprinting of apprehended aliens. Subtitle B:  Facilitation of Legal Entry - Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the number of land border inspectors for FY 1997 and 1998. (Sec. 122) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to: (1) extend (and enlarge) through FY 2000 land border inspection projects (including commuter lanes); and (2) authorize automated land border entry pilot projects. (Sec. 123) Provides for:  (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports serving as departure points for high numbers of inadmissible aliens; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent documentation detection.  Establishes a carrier consultant program. (Sec. 125) Authorizes the Attorney General to permit foreign officer at U.S. preclearance facilities.  Bases their authority and immunity upon reciprocity with U.S. immigration officers. Subtitle C:  Interior Enforcement - Authorizes appropriations to increase the number of INS investigators and support personnel assigned to investigate:  (1) visa overstayers; and (2) employer violations and alien smuggling. (Sec. 133) Amends the Act to authorize the Attorney General to accept State services to carry out immigration enforcement activities. (Sec. 134) Requires at least ten full-time INS agents per State. Title II:  Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A:  Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize INS wiretaps for alien smuggling or document fraud investigations; (2) include alien document and smuggling offenses; and (3) include such offenses within the parameters of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute (RICO) if done for financial gain. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to revise and increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 204) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys by at least 25, and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. (Sec. 205) Authorizes and provides for INS undercover operations. Subtitle B:  Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses, including false citizenship claims and unlawful voting. Title III:  Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A:  Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal and penalty provisions, including:  (1) inadmissibility of previously removed unlawful aliens; (2) inspection and expedited removal (including a required General Accounting Office study); (3) alien apprehension and detention; (4) removal procedures; (5) judicial review; and (6) penalties relating to removal. Sets forth transition provisions. Subtitle B:  Criminal Alien Provisions - Amends the Act to revise the definition of ""aggravated felony."" (Sec. 323) Authorizes special registration of aliens on criminal probation or parole. (Sec. 324) Extends criminal liability for illegal reentry to an alien who has departed the United States while under an outstanding order of exclusion or deportation. (Sec. 326) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to:  (1) direct INS to operate a criminal alien identification system, including fingerprint identification; and (2) increase and extend authorization of appropriations through FY 2001 for the criminal alien tracking center. (Sec. 328) Amends the Act to permit the use of State criminal alien assistance program funds for State, local, and municipal alien incarceration costs.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be more expeditiously distributed. (Sec. 329) Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct a six-month demonstration project for identification of illegal aliens in local prisons, including the detailing of an INS specialist to Anaheim, California, and Ventura County, California. (Sec. 330) Provides for:  (1) the President to negotiate or renegotiate bilateral (alien) prisoner transfer treaties, including provision of compensation; and (2) training of foreign law enforcement personnel.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 331) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to conduct a prisoner transfer treaties study. (Sec. 332) Directs the Attorney General to submit an annual report on criminal aliens. (Sec. 333) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to:  (1) review and promulgate sentencing guidelines with respect to a person conspiring with or assisting an alien to commit an offense under the Controlled Substance Import and Export Act; and (2) promulgate sentencing guidelines for increased penalties for failure to depart, illegal reentry, and passport and visa fraud. Subtitle C:  Revision of Grounds for Exclusion and Deportation - Amends the Act to require (with exceptions) proof of specified health vaccinations for aliens seeking admission as immigrants or for adjustment of status. (Sec. 342) Makes ""incitement of terrorist activity"" a basis for exclusion. (Sec. 343) Establishes certification requirements for aliens seeking U.S. health care employment (other than physicians). (Sec. 344) Provides for exclusion and deportation of aliens who have falsely claimed U.S. citizenship. (Sec. 345) Authorizes a waiver of exclusion or deportation for civil document fraud under specified family-related circumstances. (Sec. 346) Makes an alien inadmissible for five years for student visa violations. (Sec. 347) Amends Federal criminal law to provide for exclusion and deportation of an alien who has illegally voted. (Sec. 348) Amends the Act with respect to waivers of inadmissibility for:  (1) immigrants convicted of crimes; and (2) family hardship. (Sec. 350) Establishes grounds for exclusion and deportation for offenses of domestic violence, stalking, crimes against children, and violation of protection orders. (Sec. 352) Provides for exclusion of former U.S. citizens who renounced citizenship in order to avoid U.S.  taxation. Subtitle D:  Changes in Removal of Alien Terrorist Provisions - Amends the Act to revise alien terrorist special removal procedures, including establishment of a panel of special attorneys with access to classified information. (Sec. 355) Revises terrorist related provisions regarding:  (1) exclusion for membership; (2) judicial review of terrorist organization designation; and (3) voluntary departure. Subtitle E:  Transportation of Aliens - Amends the Act with regard to vessel, aircraft, and railway transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle F:  Additional Provisions - Amends the Act to set forth immigration judge (special inquiry officer) compensation provisions. (Sec. 372) Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate immigration enforcement to State and local officials during circumstances of mass alien arrivals. (Sec. 373) Authorizes payments and cooperative agreements for services, facilities, and equipment with respect to aliens detained by INS in non-Federal institutions. (Sec. 374) Extends the scope of judicial deportation. (Sec. 376) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Detention Account. (Sec. 377) Limits court jurisdiction on legalization litigation. (Sec. 380) Establishes:  (1) civil penalties for failure to depart; and (2) the Immigration Enforcement Account in the Treasury. (Sec. 383) Amends the Immigration Act of 1990 to exclude aliens who have committed certain crimes from the family unity program. (Sec. 384) Prohibits (with exceptions) an adverse determination of an alien's admissibility or deportability to be made based solely upon information furnished by a spouse or parent who has battered such alien or his or her child.  Establishes penalties for use or disclosure of such information. (Sec. 385) Authorizes additional appropriations to the Attorney General for removal of inadmissible or deportable aliens. (Sec. 386) Provides for an increase in INS detention facilities. Requires the Attorney General to report on alien detention space, including an estimate of the number of released deportable or excludable aliens. (Sec. 387) Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense to establish one or more pilot programs to use closed military bases as detention centers for excludable or deportable aliens. (Sec. 388) Directs the Attorney General to report on the interior repatriation program. Title IV:  Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Subtitle A:  Pilot Programs for Employment Eligibility Confirmation - Directs the Attorney General to conduct:  (1) three employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs and a pilot program confirmation system; and (2) a citizen attestation pilot program. Subtitle B:  Other Provisions Relating to Employer Sanctions - Reduces specified document requirements in the employer sanctions program. (Sec. 413) Requires reports regarding:  (1) additional authority or resources needed for employer sanction enforcement; and (2) earnings of aliens not authorized to work. (Sec. 415) Authorizes the Attorney General to require aliens to provide their social security numbers. (Sec. 416) Grants certain immigration officers witness and document subpoena authority. Subtitle C:  Unfair Immigration - Related Employment Practices - Amends the Act to provide that certain employee document requests by an employer shall only be considered as unfair immigration related employment practices if made for discriminatory purposes. Title V:  Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Aliens for Public Assistance and Benefits - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make certain battered aliens eligible for public benefits. (Sec. 502) Authorizes States to conduct pilot programs of denying driver's licenses to illegal aliens. (Sec. 503) Amends the Social Security Act to make illegal aliens ineligible for social security benefits. (Sec. 504) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to direct the Attorney General to establish procedures for requiring proof of citizenship for Federal public benefits. (Sec. 505) Makes illegal aliens ineligible for in-state tuition rates at institutions of higher learning. (Sec. 506) Directs:  (1) the Comptroller General to report on illegal alien receipt of postsecondary Federal student financial assistance; and (2) the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Social Security to report on the computer matching program. (Sec. 507) Amends the Social Security Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the transfer of information for INS verification. (Sec. 508) States that nonprofit charitable organizations shall not be required to verify applicant eligibility. (Sec. 509) Directs the Comptroller General to report on the extent to which means-tested public benefits are being paid to ineligible aliens on behalf of eligible persons. Subtitle B:  Public Charge Exclusion - Amends the Act to expand the public charge grounds for exclusion. Subtitle C:  Affidavits of Support - Amends the Act, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, to revise sponsor affidavit of support requirements.  Exempts indigents and battered spouses and children from sponsor attribution of income provisions. (Sec.  553) Authorizes States and their subdivisions to limit (but not more so than Federal limits) the public assistance eligibility of aliens or classes of aliens. Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal criminal law to increase penalties for forging or counterfeiting a Federal agency or department seal to facilitate alien benefit fraud. (Sec. 563) Sets forth State and local emergency medical reimbursement provisions. (Sec. 564) Directs the Attorney General to establish a three-year pilot program to permit aliens to post certain public charge bonds. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E:  Housing Assistance - Use of Assisted Housing by Aliens Act of 1996 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 with respect to:  (1) prorating public housing assistance based upon family member eligibility; (2) prohibiting assistance prior to establishment and verification of eligibility; and (3) prohibiting sanctions against entities that make erroneous eligibility determinations. Subtitle F:  General Provisions - States that this title and its amendments shall be effective upon enactment of this Act. Title VI:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A:  Refugees, Parole, and Asylum - Amends the Act to include in the definition of ""refugee"" a person who has been subject to a coercive population control program (including abortion or sterilization).  Provides for a specified number of such entrants annually. (Sec. 602) Makes parole authority useable on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. (Sec. 603) Includes long-term parolees in world-wide levels of family-sponsored immigrants. (Sec. 604) Revises asylum provisions. (Sec. 605) Directs the Attorney General, subject to appropriation availability, to increase the number of asylum officers. (Sec. 606) Repeals the Cuban Adjustment Act, effective upon a presidential determination of a democratically elected government in Cuba. Subtitle B:  Miscellaneous Amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act - Amends the Act, as amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to increase the number of ""witness cooperation"" visas. (Sec. 622) Amends the Immigration and Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend, through June 1, 2002, the foreign country residence waiver for international medical graduates.  Sets forth restrictions for federally requested waivers. (Sec. 623) Revises legalization and special agricultural worker confidentiality provisions to permit specified disclosures. (Sec. 624) States that a labor certification and petition for certain professional athletes shall remain valid for same-sport team changes. (Sec. 625) Prohibits foreign student status for an alien in a public elementary school or a publicly funded adult education program. Prohibits such status at a public secondary school unless the period in question does not exceed 12 months and the alien has reimbursed the appropriate school agency.  Prohibits transfer from a private educational program to such public programs unless the required provisions are met. (Sec. 626) Authorizes the Attorney General to use appropriated funds to transport for burial the remains of INS officers or Border Patrol agents killed in the line of duty. Subtitle C:  Provisions Relating to Visa Processing and Consular Efficiency - Amends the Act to:  (1) extend immigrant visa validity to six months; and (2) authorize nonimmigrant visa reciprocity for refugees and permanent residents. (Sec. 632) Eliminates ""consular shopping"" for visa overstayers. (Sec. 635) Extends the visa waiver program through FY 1997.  Sets forth duration and termination provisions based upon a participating country's (nationals) disqualification rate. (Sec. 636) Authorizes a diversity immigrant lottery fee. (Sec. 637) Grants FY 1997 priority eligibility to certain FY 1995 diversity program aliens. Subtitle D:  Other Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to collect specified foreign student information from certain institutions of higher education and visitor exchange programs. Expands the program to all countries' nationals after a specified time. (Sec. 642) Prohibits restrictions on INS-governmental communications. (Sec. 644) Directs INS to make information (including legal consequences) available to aliens regarding female genital mutilation. Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for such acts performed on persons under 18 years old, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 646) Provides for status adjustment to permanent resident of specified Polish and Hungarian parolees. (Sec. 647) Makes specified funds available in FY 1997 through 2001 for naturalization demonstration projects. (Sec. 649) Amends Federal law to provide for Federal vessel movement controls in instances of anticipated or actual mass migration of aliens to the United States. (Sec. 650) Directs the Attorney General to report on the practices of entities that administer certain English and civics tests. (Sec. 651) Designates a specified United States Customs Administrative Building in El Paso, Texas, as the ""Timothy C. McCaghren Customs Administrative Building."" (Sec. 652) Requires:  (1) the Attorney General to report on the mail order bride business; and (2) such businesses to disseminate immigration-related information to recruits.  Imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. (Sec. 653) Directs the Comptroller General to report on the effectiveness of the H-2A nonimmigrant worker program. (Sec. 654) Directs the Commissioner of the United States Customs Service to report on allegations of commercial harassment by Canadian customs agents along the United States - New Brunswick border. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning the discriminatory application of the New Brunswick Provincial Sales Tax on goods purchased in the United States by New Brunswick residents. (Sec. 656) States that Federal agencies shall only accept birth certificates and drivers licenses for identification purposes that meet specified standards (as of specified dates).  Provides grants to assist States to:  (1) meet such Federal standards; and (2) match birth and death records. (Sec. 657) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to develop a prototype of a counterfeit-proof social security card. (Sec. 658) Authorizes the Attorney General to transfer equipment and memorabilia to the Border Patrol Museum and Memorial Library Foundation in Texas. (Sec. 660) Amends Federal law to authorize INS to use National Guard personnel and equipment to transport certain criminal aliens. Subtitle E:  Technical Corrections - Makes technical amendments to:  (1) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994; (2) the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994; (3) the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (4) the Immigration Act of 1990; (5) the Intelligence Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1990; and (6) the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. Division D:  Small Business Programs Improvement Act - Small Business Programs Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I(sic):  Amendments to Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a loan risk management database capable of providing timely and accurate information for identifying loan underwriting, collections, recovery, and liquidation problems.  Outlines information to be maintained in such database.  Provides deadlines for database operational capability. (Sec.  103) Authorizes the Administrator to permit lenders participating in the Certified Lenders Program to liquidate loans guaranteed by the SBA pursuant to a liquidation plan approved by the Administrator. Prohibits more than ten percent of the total small business loans guaranteed by the SBA in a fiscal year from being awarded as part of an SBA pilot program commenced on or after October 1, 1996. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the low documentation loan program for loans of $100,000 or less only through lenders with significant experience making small business loans.  Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations defining the experience necessary for lenders. Prohibits, beginning on March 31, 1997, the sale of the unguaranteed portion of any SBA loan until the promulgation of a final regulation which:  (1) applies uniformly to both depository institutions and other lenders; and (2) sets forth sale terms and conditions. Provides for appropriate interest payments for banks or other institutions making a claim for payment on the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) submit to the Senate and House Small Business Committees (small business committees) a detailed plan for consolidating in one or more centralized centers the performance of the various loan servicing functions with respect to SBA-guaranteed loans; and (2) commence a standard review program for the Preferred Lender program. Requires the Administrator to conduct, through a private contractor, a comprehensive assessment of the performance of SBA small business loan programs, addressing specified matters, including default rates.  Provides contract funding.  Requires a report concerning such assessment:  (1) from the contractor to the Administrator; and (2) from the Administrator to the small business committees. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator to conduct a demonstration program under which a sample of SBA private sector disaster loans are evaluated to determine the costs and benefits of having the SBA's portfolio of disaster loans serviced under contract rather than directly by SBA employees.  Requires:  (1) the demonstration program to commence no later than October 1, 1997; and (2) the Administrator to submit interim and final reports to the small business committees on program results.  Includes commercial fishery failures or fishery resource disasters within the parameters of the disaster loan program. (Sec. 105) Revises the technical assistance grant and spending limitation requirements under the Microloan Demonstration Program (a program providing grants to women, low-income, and other underprivileged and minority businesses) to authorize the Administrator to award grant funds to a State in excess of 125 percent of the authorized per-State amount when the Administrator determines that a portion of the appropriated microloan funds are unlikely to be awarded during a fiscal year. (Sec. 106) Amends the Small Business Development Center Program to:  (1) provide that the Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers shall be responsible for the management and administration of such program and shall not be subject to the approval or concurrence of SBA officials; (2) replace references to the Deputy Associate Administrator of the Small Business Development Center program and the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance with references to the Associate Administrator; and (3) prohibit the SBA, after FY 2000, from renewing or extending any cooperative agreement with a center that has not been approved under a certification program.  Provides for a waiver of such prohibition by the Associate Administrator when the center is making a good faith effort to obtain certification. (Sec. 107) Repeals the authority of the SBA to hold seminars to make small businesses aware of opportunities under the small business development center program. (Sec. 108) Amends the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program Act of 1988 to:  (1) extend such Program through FY 2000; (2) repeal a provision which prohibits the SBA from adjusting the numerical size standards for the designated industry groups participating in the Program; (3) revise the establishment and termination dates of a simplified data collection system under such Program; and (4) extend reporting requirements under the Program to conform with the Program's extension. (Sec. 109) Repeals on September 29, 1996, a provision of the Small Business Guaranteed Credit Enhancement Act of 1993 which was to repeal, on September 30, 1996, provisions of such Act relating to the authority of the SBA to impose secondary marketing fees and to reduce loan guarantee percentages. (Sec. 110) Extends through FY 1997 the pilot Small Business Technology Transfer Program. (Sec. 111) Provides the SBA level of participation for loans made on a deferred basis under the Export Working Capital Program. Title II:  Amendments to Small Business Investment Act - Amends provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 relating to the development company debenture program to require that not less than 50 percent of the total cost of plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion projects under such program be derived from State or local governments, banks or other financial institutions, foundations or other nonprofit institutions, or the small business concern receiving assistance through a body authorized under the program.  Provides specified requirements with respect to the funding derived from a participating small business concern.  Increases the loan guarantee fee authorized to be collected by the SBA for development company debentures.  Authorizes the SBA to:  (1) impose a one-time participation fee on all participating institutions named above other than a small business concern; and (2) collect annually from each development company a specified percentage of the outstanding balance of any guaranteed debenture authorized by the SBA after September 30, 1996. (Sec. 203) Provides required actions upon default of a debenture guaranteed by the SBA, including purchase or acceleration of the debenture and prepayment penalties. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator to carry out a loan liquidation pilot program under which certain development companies authorized to make loans and issue debentures under the Act are selected by the Administrator to carry out loan liquidations.  Directs participating development companies, as part of the pilot program, to perform all liquidation and foreclosure functions for SBA-guaranteed loans, subject to a loan liquidation plan approved in advance by the Administrator.  Outlines SBA authority under the pilot program. Requires a report from the Administrator to the small business committees on the pilot program. (Sec. 205) Amends a provision of the Act relating to the registration of certificates representing ownership of a portion of one or more SBA-guaranteed small business loans to state that nothing shall prohibit the utilization of a book entry or other electronic form of registration for such certificates.  Authorizes the Administrator to use the book-entry system of the Federal Reserve System.  Provides identical book-entry authority (without reference to the use of the Federal Reserve System) for certificates sold under the small business investment company program and the development company program. (Sec. 206) Directs the SBA to act promptly upon an application from a surety to participate in the Preferred Surety Bond Guarantee Program.  Authorizes the SBA to reduce the allotment of bond guarantee authority or terminate the participation of a surety in the Program. (Sec. 207) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the subsidy models prepared by the Office of Management and Budget relative to SBA loan programs tend to overestimate and overemphasize potential and historical losses under such programs.  Mandates an independent study to more accurately reflect the budgetary implications of such programs. (Sec. 208) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that an investment in a small business by a venture capital firm, investment company, employee welfare or pension plan, or tax- exempt organization shall be disregarded in the determination of the size of the small business under the Act. Includes as a small business investment company (SBIC) a limited liability company organized and operated in accordance with a State statute approved by the SBA. Requires each SBIC license applicant to apply to the Administrator.  Requires the Administrator to provide a status report to such applicant within 90 days and to act on such application within a reasonable time.  Specifies matters to be considered.  Provides application approval procedures for certain applicants with private capital of not less than $3 million. Repeals a provision authorizing the organization and chartering of SBICs formed to provide financing to socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Increases the private capital requirement of SBICs to:  (1) $5 million; or (2) $10 million for applicants seeking authority to issue participating securities to be purchased or guaranteed by the SBA (with an exception in special circumstances and for good cause). Requires the Administrator to determine the adequacy of the private capital of each licensee.  Authorizes the Administrator to approve leverage for licensees:  (1) with private capital of not less than $2.5 million; (2) that certify that at least 50 percent of its available financing will be provided to smaller enterprises; and (3) when such action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss for the Government.  Directs the Administrator to ensure that the management of each licensee licensed after the enactment of this Act is sufficiently diversified from, and unaffiliated with, licensee ownership. Requires the Administrator to:  (1) prohibit a licensee having outstanding leverage (debentures or securities guaranteed by the SBA) from incurring third party debt that creates or contributes to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Government; and (2) permit such licensees to incur third party debt only on established terms and conditions.  Directs the Administrator:  (1) to require each licensee, as a condition of approval of an application for leverage, to certify that not less than 20 percent of its financing will be provided to smaller enterprises; and (2) before approving such applications, to determine to what extent the applicant's private capital has been impaired.  Provides, with respect to SBIC debentures or securities purchased and guaranteed by the SBA, for:  (1) a revised equity investment requirement; (2) a leverage fee; and (3) calculation of the appropriate subsidy rate. Allows qualified private sector entities to assist the Investment Division of the SBA in the examination of SBICs.  Requires each SBIC licensee to submit semiannual evaluations of its loans and investments, except that licensees with no outstanding leverage shall submit such valuations annually.  Requires the licensee to notify the Administrator quarterly of any material adverse changes in its loans, investments, or operations.  Provides independent certification and audit requirements for SBICs.  Requires valuation criteria to be established or approved by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to submit to the small business committees a detailed plan to expedite the orderly liquidation of all licensee assets held in liquidation, including those held in receivership or trust by the SBA. Authorizes the Administrator, with respect to deferred participation loans, to allow participating lending institutions to take actions relating to loan servicing on behalf of the Administrator. Increases to $300 million the amount of guarantees of debentures the Administrator is authorized to make for SBIC programs in FY 1997. Division E:  Title I(sic):  California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for the initial Federal share of the cost of developing and implementing:  (1) a specified portion of an ecosystem protection plan for the San Francisco Bay Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed (Bay-Delta) in California; and (2) the ecosystem restoration elements of the long-term California-Federal Bay-Delta Program. Requires funds authorized to be appropriated to agencies that are currently or that subsequently become Program participants to be in addition to the baseline funding levels established in this Act for currently authorized projects and programs under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act and other currently authorized Federal programs for the purpose of Bay-Delta ecosystem protection and restoration. Authorizes agencies and departments that are or that become participants in the Program to undertake the activities and programs for which Federal cost sharing is provided by this Act.  Requires the United States to immediately initiate coordinated consultations and negotiations with California to expeditiously execute a specified cost-sharing agreement signed by its Governor on July 11, 1996. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, as part of the President's FY 1998 Budget, an interagency budget crosscut that displays Federal spending for FY 1993 through 1998 on ecosystem restoration and other purposes in the Bay-Delta Region, separately showing funding provided previously or requested under pre-existing authorities and new authorities granted by this Act.",2025-08-21T20:16:12Z,
104-hr-4279,104,hr,4279,Auto Theft Deterrent Act of 1996,Transportation and Public Works,1996-09-28,1996-10-09,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Auto Theft Deterrent Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study the feasibility of prescribing standards for the placement of bar codes on passenger motor vehicles (except exports), and the placement of devices for reading such codes at toll gates, in order to trace stolen vehicles (including abandoned stolen vehicles).",2025-08-21T20:15:53Z,
104-hr-4280,104,hr,4280,Government Printing Reform Act of 1996,Congress,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on House Oversight, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-21]",CA,R,T000188,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Joint Committee on Information      Title II:  Production of Printing and Binding           Subtitle A:  Organization and Management of Government                Printing Office           Subtitle B:  Production and Procurement Reform      Title III:  Printing and Distribution of Documents           Subtitle A:  Congressional Printing           Subtitle B:  Congressional Record           Subtitle C:  Executive and Judicial Branch Printing           Subtitle D:  Repeal Requirements to Print Particular                Reports and Documents           Subtitle E:  Federal Register and Code of Federal                Regulations      Title IV:  Distribution and Sale of Public Documents           Subtitle A:  Publication and Sale of Public Documents           Subtitle B:  Distribution of Publications      Title V:  Depository Library Program      Title VI:  Effective Date Government Printing Reform Act of 1996 - Title I:  Joint Committee on Information - Amends Federal law to replace the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee on the Library with a Joint Committee on Information (the Joint Committee). Title II:  Production of Printing and Binding - Subtitle A: Organization and Management of Government Printing Office - Revises provisions concerning the qualifications and terms of service of the Public Printer and the Deputy Public Printer. Directs the Public Printer to remedy neglect, delay, duplication, and waste in the preparation of publications, including the reduction and elimination of internal printing and high-speed duplicating capacities of Federal departments, agencies, and entities. (Sec.  202) Revises personnel rules. (Sec. 203) Revises provisions concerning the disbursing officer. Requires the Public Printer, in making purchases which are exempt from the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act and purchases which are made without advertising, to subject such purchases to the maximum degree of competition possible consistent with the Federal Government's interests. (Sec. 204) Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year, from the revolving fund, such amounts as may be necessary to operate and maintain the GPO.  (Currently, funds are available from the fund without fiscal year limitation.) Revises GPO auditing requirements to, among other things, require the Inspector General of the GPO (currently, the Comptroller General) to audit the GPO. Sets forth certain requirements regarding the annual estimates of the funds necessary for the activities and personnel requirements of the Inspector General of the GPO during the year involved.  Authorizes the Inspector General to expend any amounts provided for the Inspector General in the GPO annual budget for a year without the approval or direction of the Public Printer. Subtitle B:  Production and Procurement Reform - Revises requirements concerning certain printing, binding, and blank-book work carried out at the GPO or through procurement.  Requires, with respect to such procurement, that there be the maximum possible competition. (Sec. 212) Revises requirements respecting the control and sale of duplicate stereotype or electrotype plates. (Sec. 213) Directs the Public Printer to establish, subject to oversight by the Joint Committee, standards for paper.  (Currently, the Joint Committee on Printing fixes such standards.) Title III:  Printing and Distribution of Documents - Subtitle A:   Congressional Printing - Replaces provisions which provide for the printing of the ""usual number "" of documents with requirements for the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to:  (1) determine the number and distribution of congressional documents and reports; and (2) make such reports and documents of their respective Houses available through electronic or other means. Revises provisions concerning the style and form of bills and resolutions to:  (1) authorize the Committee on House Oversight of the House and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate (currently, the Joint Committee on Printing) to print House and Senate bills and resolutions in the style and form the appropriate Committee considers appropriate; and (2) repeal the authority to curtail the number of copies of bills and resolutions, including the slip form of a public Act or public resolution. Repeals current provisions concerning:  (1) copies of Acts furnished to the Public Printer; and (2) the printing of Acts, joint resolutions, and treaties.  Replaces such provisions with provisions which require:  (1) the Archivist of the United States to furnish a copy of every Act and joint resolution to the Clerk of the House who shall then print an accurate copy and transmit it to the Archivist for revision; (2) the Secretary of State to furnish a copy of each treaty, after its ratification, to the Secretary of the Senate who shall then print an accurate copy and transit it to the Secretary of State for revision; and (3) the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate, on the return of the copies, to make the marked corrections and print as specified. Revises provisions concerning the lapse of authority to print. (Sec. 302) Repeals the following with respect to the reprinting of congressional documents:  (1) the limit on the number of pages of a document; and (2) the requirement that each requisition for reprinting cite the specific authority of law for its execution. (Sec. 303) Revises requirements with respect to specified documents, including:  (1) requiring the cost of printing the slip form of laws, postal conventions, and treaties to be charged to the House or Senate allotment (currently, the charge is to the congressional allotment for printing and binding); (2) requiring the electronic publishing of a directory for the House and an electronic directory for the Senate (currently, the Congressional Directory is published); and (3) requiring the electronic publishing of the United States Statutes at Large and the United States Treaties and Other International Agreements. (Sec. 304) Repeals requirements requiring the cost of printing a document or report by order of Congress which cannot be charged to another appropriation or allotment of appropriation already made to be charged to the allotment for printing for the Congress.  Requires instead, in such instances, that publishing costs shall be charged to the originating House or in the case of publishing on behalf of the Architect of the Capitol, the Comptroller General, the Library of Congress, or the Public Printer to the Joint Committee. Subtitle B:  Congressional Record - Revises the following with respect to the form of the Congressional Record:  (1) eliminates the reference to the timing for the publication of the index; (2) requires daily publishing (currently, printing) of the Congressional Record; (3) requires that the daily form of the Record shall be revised in permanent form (currently, revised, printed and etc.) for distribution after the close (currently, during and after the close) of each session of Congress; and (4) repeals provisions which prohibit the ""usual number"" of Congressional Records from being printed. (Sec. 312) Revises the following with respect to the contents of the Congressional Record:  (1) transfers authority for the publication of the additional insertions to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives; and (2) prohibits the insertion of maps, diagrams, and illustrations in the Record. (Sec. 313) Repeals current provisions regarding distribution of gratuitous copies.  Replaces them with requirements for the distribution of gratuitous copies by the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate. Revises requirements for subscriptions and sales of the Record by:  (1) transferring authority to the Superintendent of Documents; and (2) repealing the requirement that the money from sales be paid into the Treasury and accounted for in the Public Printer's annual report to the Congress. Revises requirements respecting the exchange of the permanent (currently, bound) copy of the Congressional Record for a copy of the Parliamentary Hansard (of Canada), including transferring ownership of the Hansard so received from the State Department to the Library of Congress. (Sec. 314) Requires, for the purposes of any Federal law, that the Congressional Record for a day in which a House of the Congress is in session shall be considered the official journal of the House for that day. Subtitle C:  Executive and Judicial Branch Printing - Requires the Public Printer to execute such publishing (currently, printing and binding) for the President as the President may order and make requisition for. (Sec. 322) Revises requirements for printing authorized by law and necessary to the public business by:  (1) requiring that a document cannot be published (currently, printed) unless it is necessary to the public business (currently, unless it is authorized by law and necessary to the public business) and transferring the authority to make such a determination from the Public Printer to the head of an executive department, independent agency, or establishment; and (2) prohibiting publishing (currently, printing) to be done without a requisition (currently, special requisition) signed by the chief of the department, independent agency or establishment. Repeals the following requirements relating to printing and binding:  (1) the separate estimate of cost; and (2) the determination by the Public Printer of the form and style. Revises rules concerning appropriations chargeable for publishing (currently, printing and binding) documents and reports to require that all such costs shall be charged to the originating department or agency. (Sec. 324) Revises requirements for the daily examination by agencies of the Congressional Record and other publications for the purpose of ordering documents of interest to:  (1) require agency heads to purchase publications required for official use; and (2) repeal the requirement of the Public Printer to distribute to such agencies a specified number of copies of public bills and resolutions. (Sec. 325) Revises requirements concerning the timing for the publishing of annual reports by agencies.  Repeals current requirements concerning the delivery of printed copies of such reports to the Congress. (Sec. 326) Repeals certain printing and binding requirements for: (1) blanks and letterheads for judges and officers of the court; (2) paper and envelopes for Government agencies in the District of Columbia; and (3) specified binding materials for Government departments and libraries. Subtitle D:  Repeal Requirements to Print Particular Reports and Documents - Repeals requirements for printing particular reports and documents. Subtitle E:  Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations - Repeals the requirement for transmittal by the Office of the Federal Register to the GPO of one duplicate original or certified copy of each document required or authorized to be published in the Federal Register and replaces it with a requirement for the Office to publish a certified version of each such document. (Sec. 342) Provides for the publishing, as well as the printing, of the Federal Register. (Sec. 343) Revises the requirement respecting the costs of other publications of the Federal Register program and other expenses incurred by the GPO in connection with such publications to require that the costs and other expenses shall be borne by an appropriation to the Office of the Federal Register. (Sec. 344) Requires the publication (currently, printing and binding) of the Code of Federal Regulations. Title IV:  Distribution and Sale of Public Documents - Subtitle A: Publication and Sale of Public Documents - Repeals current provisions respecting the public distribution of publications by the Public Printer.  Replaces them with provisions providing for:  (1) the publishing of Government publications by Federal entities; (2) the distribution of such publications by either the publishing Federal entity or the Superintendent of Documents; and (3) all costs of publication and distribution to be borne by the publishing Federal entity. (Sec. 403) Revises the following relating to the sale of public documents:  (1) the treatment of funds received from sales; (2) the reference to the timing of the report by the Superintendent to the Public Printer; and (3) the delivery of documents to the executive departments and to both Houses of the Congress. (Sec. 404) Repeals the limit on the number of extra copies of documents furnished to applicants giving notice before the matter is published. (Sec. 405) Revises provisions for reprinting public documents required for sale by:  (1) repealing the timing requirement; and (2) requiring reimbursement to the appropriation for the Superintendent (currently, the Revolving Fund) for the cost of reprints from the moneys received by the Superintendent from the sale of public documents. (Sec. 406) Revises provisions concerning:  (1) the cost of additional copies; (2) the comprehensive index of public documents; and (3) the catalog of government publications. Subtitle B:  Distribution of Publications - Requires the delivery of specified unbound (currently, bound) documents to the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress (currently, the Library of Congress). Reduces the number of different types of documents which must be delivered.  Repeals the requirement that no more than 25 of such documents shall be furnished. Revises provisions concerning the international exchange of Government publications by:  (1) repealing limit on the maximum number of Government publications which are to be supplied for distribution to foreign governments; and (2) requiring that any costs of such distributions shall be charged to appropriations provided to the Library of Congress (currently, the Superintendent of Documents) for such purpose. (Sec. 412) Repeals certain mandatory distribution requirements. Title V:  Depository Library Program - Revises the definition of Government publication. (Sec. 502) Increases the authority of the Superintendent of Documents (the Superintendent) to make Government publications available, by such means as the Superintendent considers appropriate, including by the dissemination and republication of Government publications, with the cost of dissemination republication to be borne by the Federal Government entity involved. (Sec. 503) Revises certain requirements relating to the distribution of publications. Repeals provisions directing the Superintendent to issue a classified list of Government publications to facilitate selection of such publications by depositories. (Sec. 504) Requires that, as of January 1, 1997, Government publications shall be disseminated and made available only to institutions designated as depositories. (Sec. 505) Revises the requirement regarding the disposal of unwanted Government publications to permit their disposal after use only in accordance with regulations established by the Superintendent and approved by the Joint Committee on Information. (Sec. 506) Repeals the designation of specified types of institutions as depositories. Title VI:  Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date.",2025-08-21T20:15:43Z,
104-hr-4281,104,hr,4281,United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act,Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]",AK,R,Y000033,2,"United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares it is the policy of the Congress that:  (1) English shall be the common language of mutual understanding in the United States, and this policy shall apply in all of the States freely admitted to the Union; and (2) if the referenda under this Act result in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, it is anticipated that English would become the official language of the Federal government in Puerto Rico.  Declares that Congress has the authority to expand existing English language requirements in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, either:  (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood. Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for:  (1) a transition plan of at least ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval.  Requires the transition plan to include proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to learn English, including the teaching of English in public schools, fellowships, and scholarships. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation. Makes funds available for the referendum.  Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.",2025-08-21T20:14:21Z,
104-hr-4282,104,hr,4282,To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to make a technical correction relating to the provision of Department of Defense Assistance to local educational agencies.,Armed Forces and National Security,1996-09-28,1996-09-30,Received in the Senate.,House,"Rep. Bateman, Herbert H. [R-VA-1]",VA,R,B000229,0,Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to correct a statutory reference relating to Department of Defense assistance to certain local educational agencies.,2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
104-hr-4283,104,hr,4283,National Invasive Species Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-26,Became Public Law No: 104-332.,House,"Rep. LaTourette, Steven C. [R-OH-19]",OH,R,L000553,0,"National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water.  Authorizes education, technical assistance, and other measures to promote compliance.  Mandates voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations.  Mandates education, technical assistance, and other measures to encourage compliance.  Requires mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate.  Provides for enforcement through civil and criminal penalties and revocation of clearance.  Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread.  Allows a vessel to not conduct a ballast water exchange if the exchange would threaten the safety or stability of the vessel.  Allows a vessel that does not, for that reason, conduct an exchange to discharge ballast in any harbor, except in the Great Lakes.  Mandates a study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of existing shoreside ballast water facilities used by crude oil tankers in the coastwise trade off Alaska in preventing such introduction and spread. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, the Columbia River system, other estuaries of national significance, and other waters.  Provides for making specified amounts available for research on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast, the Atlantic Coast, and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for vessels of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. Requires:  (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in the United States. Modifies:  (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Mandates research grants regarding environmentally sound methods for controlling the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires research on environmentally sound methods for preventing and reducing dispersal between the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence drainage and the Mississippi River drainage through the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Task Force to encourage the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions in addition to the Great Lakes and Western regions. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations, including for research on the prevention, monitoring, and control of aquatic nuisance species in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.",2025-04-07T15:29:40Z,
104-hr-4284,104,hr,4284,Late Term Abortion Restriction Act,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5]",MD,D,H000874,15,"Late Term Abortion Restriction Act - Makes it unlawful, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to knowingly perform an abortion after the fetus has become viable, except, if in the medical judgment of the attending physician, it is necessary to preserve the life of the woman or to avert serious adverse health consequences to her.",2025-08-21T20:15:11Z,
104-hr-4285,104,hr,4285,Budget Process Reform Act,Economics and Public Finance,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, Appropriations, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-47]",CA,R,C000830,223,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Statement of Congressional Purpose      Title II:  Binding Budget Law      Title III:  Enforcement of Budget Discipline           Subtitle A:  Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law           Subtitle B:  Line Item Reduction           Subtitle C:  ""Blank Check"" Appropriations Prohibited           Subtitle D:  ""Pay-as-You-Go"" Requirement for New                Spending           Subtitle E:  ""Lock-Box"" for Savings From Spending                Reductions      Title IV:  Sustaining Mechanism      Title V:  Protection of Social Security      Title VI:  Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out           This Act      Title VII:  Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Budget Process Reform Act - Title I:  Statement of Congressional Purpose - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending.  Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II:  Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. (Sec. 202) Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law.  Repeals authority for consideration of spending bills prior to adoption of the budget resolution. (Sec. 203) Prohibits baseline budgeting.  Requires objective year- to-year comparisons under budget law, with the starting point for both Presidential and congressional budgets the levels of budget outlays for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 204) Amends the CBA to establish a rainy day fund for natural disasters.  Requires budget law to include a major functional category for natural disasters, under specified conditions. (Sec. 205) Amends Federal law relating to the contents of the President's annual budget submission to the Congress to require the President to submit: (1) a budget of the U.S. Government for the following fiscal period on a single page, which sets forth specific budget ceilings in each major functional category, by the first Monday in February of each year before that in which a fiscal period commences; and (2) a detailed budget for that fiscal period, on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget for the following budget period is enacted. Title III:  Enforcement of Budget Discipline - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Amends CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of each spending bill before being voted on by the Senate or the House. (Sec. 301) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. (Sec. 302) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B:  Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to exercise line-item reduction authority if the Congress exceeds the budget ceilings in the binding budget law or an automatic continuing resolution for a fiscal period.  Declares that such authority shall permit the reduction of over-budget spending in a major functional category to the level established in the binding budget law or automatic continuing resolution. Sets forth procedures for congressional introductions of line-item bills after the President transmits a special message to rescind an item of budget authority.  Prohibits amendments to such bills. Subtitle C:  ""Blank Check"" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, ""blank check"" appropriations which typically authorize spending ""such sums as may be necessary."" (Sec. 306) Amends CBA to require fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except Social Security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. (Sec. 307) Requires Executive agencies to adjust expenditures, including program eligibility requirements and benefit levels, to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. (Sec. 308) Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D:  ""Pay As You Go"" Requirement for New Spending - Amends CBA to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions.  Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or in the Senate to waive such prohibition. Sets forth special rules in the case of legislation that exceeds a budget ceiling for the natural disaster functional category. Repeals a CBA provision for an exemption in the House from pay-as- you-go rules. Subtitle E:  ""Lock-Box"" for Savings From Spending Reductions - Amends CBA to:  (1) establish ""lock-box"" procedures to ensure budget savings from House and Senate amendments to appropriations bills result in actual spending cuts; (2) require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports on such procedures; and (3) mandate reduction of spending allocations to House and Senate committees and subcommittees to meet ""lock-box"" levels. Title IV:  Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. (Sec. 402) Provides for contingency regulations for automatic continuing resolutions.  Grants each State the option of receiving an aggregate amount for the fiscal period for social safety net programs equal to the allocation to the State for such programs in the preceding fiscal period. (Sec. 403) Restricts consideration of legislation providing budget or spending authority to only that reported by the Committees on Appropriations.  Makes such restriction inapplicable in the case of Social Security benefits. Title V:  Protection of Social Security - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or permit reductions in otherwise payable Social Security benefits. (Sec. 502) Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI:  Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VII:  Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Changes the definition of budget authority to exclude offsetting receipts.",2025-08-21T20:16:16Z,
104-hr-4286,104,hr,4286,Car Find Act of 1996,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Car Find Act of 1996 - Amends the Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 to direct the Attorney General to:  (1) establish and publicize a toll-free telephone number for reporting stolen and abandoned vehicles; and (2) use such number to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials, insurance carriers, and other appropriate persons. Authorizes the Attorney General to collect fees from insurance carriers and other appropriate persons to offset the costs of establishing and maintaining such number. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:15Z,
104-hr-4287,104,hr,4287,Queens and North Shore of Long Island Aircraft Noise Correction Act of 1996,Transportation and Public Works,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Queens and North Shore of Long Island Aircraft Noise Correction Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop, without compromising safety, a comprehensive plan to reduce aircraft noise in Queens and the north shore of Long Island, New York.  Requires such plan to include assurances that any diversion of air traffic from New Jersey or Staten Island, New York, will not result in an increase in aircraft noise in such areas.",2025-08-21T20:17:06Z,
104-hr-4288,104,hr,4288,Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,9,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  General Provisions      Title II:  Emission Reduction Credits      Title III:  Tax Incentives         Title IV:  Revision of Purchase Mandates      Title V:  Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles      Title VI:  Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas           Vehicles      Title VII:  Research, Development, and Demonstration           Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1996 - Title I:  General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to increased use of domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel. Title II:  Emission Reduction Credits - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an emission reduction credit program for natural gas vehicles, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)-certified alternative fuel vehicles, and fueling infrastructure. Title III:  Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish natural gas vehicle property credits for any of the following property placed in service during the taxable year:  (1) natural gas vehicles (50 percent of the cost); (2) fueling stations (the lesser of $25,000 or ten percent of the cost); and (3) transportation fuel (25 cents per gallon of liquefied natural gas or per gasoline gallon equivalent of compressed natural gas). (Sec. 302) Imposes an excise tax of 3.54 cents per gallon on liquefied natural gas sold for use or used as motor vehicle or motorboat fuel unless there was a taxable sale of such gas. (Sec. 303) Provides for shorter depreciation recovery periods for natural gas vehicles (three years) and refueling property (seven years). Title IV:  Revision of Purchase Mandates - Declares the national policy to be that:  (1) a viable, sustainable market for natural gas and other low emission vehicles requires cooperative efforts by and among fleet operators and other users, fuel providers, and vehicle manufacturers; (2) government mandates requiring private sector fleet purchases do not support such cooperative efforts; (3) the low emission vehicle market should be based on voluntary, economically sound decisions; and (4) market-oriented incentives can provide an appropriate and effective means for developing a self-sustaining market for such vehicles and fuels. (Sec. 402) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal private fleet mandates.  Sets forth sunset provisions to end the fuel provider mandate and the State fleet mandate. Title V:  Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal transportation law to require metropolitan mass transportation planning organizations, in developing plans, to consider opportunities to stimulate the use of natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles and the installation of a fueling infrastructure to support such vehicles. (Sec. 504) Declares that research and investigations for which non-profit institutions of higher learning may receive Department of Transportation grants include the relationship between environmental policy and transportation policy, particularly the potential applications for natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles in urban settings. (Sec. 505) Requires any Federal grant for a mass transportation project that involves acquiring buses powered by natural gas, or any ULEV-certified alternative fueled bus, and all related fueling property or equipment, to cover at least 90 percent of the project cost. Title VI:  Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal law for Armed Services acquisitions and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Defense and Federal civilian agencies, respectively, to give a preference in procurement contracts to contractors and subcontractors using motor vehicles that:  (1) operate on natural gas; or (2) operate on alternative fuel and meet the ULEV standard. Title VII:  Research, Development, and Demonstration Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a five-year program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, including specified activities.",2025-08-21T20:17:00Z,
104-hr-4289,104,hr,4289,Fair Trade Opportunities Act,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. Bereuter, Doug [R-NE-1]",NE,R,B000403,0,"Fair Trade Opportunities Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1975 to repeal Title IV (Trade Relations with Countries not Currently Receiving Nondiscriminatory Treatment) (Jackson Vanick Act). Directs the President to consult with the appropriate congressional committees and determine whether each foreign country that is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is not according adequate trade benefits or substantially equal competitive opportunities to U.S. commerce.  Mandates an increase in the rate of duty with respect to the products of such a country. Authorizes the President to increase such rate on any product of a non-market economy country that is not a WTO member if it:  (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration documents, for any purpose; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, fine, fee or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of such citizen's desire to emigrate to a country of his or her choice.",2025-08-21T20:14:39Z,
104-hr-4290,104,hr,4290,To amend title V of the Trade Act of 1974 to add to the eligibility criteria for the Generalized System of Preferences full cooperation with the United States in preventing illegal drug traffic and the entry of illegal drugs into the United States.,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,0,Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add to the criteria for eligibility for the Generalized System of Preferences full cooperation with the United States in preventing illegal drug traffic and the entry of illegal drugs into the United States.,2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4291,104,hr,4291,Fair International Standards in Trade for the Americas Act of 1995,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,0,"Fair International Standards in Trade for the Americas Act of 1995 (sic) - States that the purposes and objectives of any free-trade area trade agreement in furtherance of the proposed Free Trade Agreement for the Americas include the following principal negotiating objectives:  (1) specified worker rights, standards and protection; (2) environmental quality and protection; (3) identification of the systematic denial or practical nullification of worker rights and environmental quality as unfair trade practices; and (4) a comprehensive dispute resolution process meeting specified requirements. Instructs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an interagency committee to provide technical consultation services if a multilateral commission is established for comprehensive dispute resolution. States that the President's authority to enter into free-trade area trade agreements may be exercised only if such agreements reflect the provisions of this Act.",2025-08-21T20:14:51Z,
104-hr-4292,104,hr,4292,Displaced Worker Retraining Act of 1993,Labor and Employment,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-Long Learning.",House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Grants to States to Provide Worker Adjustment           Assistance Benefits to Eligible Displaced Workers      Title II:  Worker Adjustment Assistance Benefits           Subtitle A:  Income Support           Subtitle B:  Wage Supplements           Subtitle C:  Training           Subtitle D:  Rapid Response Assistance, Basic                Readjustment Services, Relocation Allowances, and                Job Search Allowances      Title III:  General Provisions Displaced Worker Retraining Act of 1993 (sic) - Establishes a comprehensive program of adjustment assistance to workers displaced as a result of any program, project, or activity carried out under Federal law. Authorizes appropriations. Title I:  Grants to States to Provide Worker Adjustment Assistance Benefits to Eligible Displaced Workers - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to applicant States to provide worker adjustment assistance benefits to eligible dislocated workers. Title II:  Worker Adjustment Assistance Benefits - Subtitle A: Income Support - Sets forth dislocated worker eligibility conditions.  Requires a dislocated worker to be actively seeking employment or enrolled in training to be eligible for income support.  Allows those eligible for income support to apply for training under subtitle C. (Sec. 212) Provides for weekly income support, including amount and duration, income support factors, additional weeks, adjustment of amount, wage supplement offsets, and application of State laws. Subtitle B:  Wage Supplements - Provides for weekly wage supplements, in specified amounts for a maximum of 156 weeks, for eligible displaced workers.  Makes dislocated workers who are eligible for such wage supplements also eligible to apply for part-time training under subtitle C.  Requires offset of such wage supplement weeks by any income support weeks received under subtitle A. Subtitle C:  Training - Sets forth conditions for State approval of training for displaced workers. Requires priority for training for occupations and industries that utilize new technologies.  Sets forth requirements relating to State and Federal payment of training costs, as well as training costs paid from other sources. (Sec. 232) Lists types of training programs that may be approved. Sets certain restrictions on State approval.  Makes 156 weeks of such training the maximum number which a dislocated worker may receive. Allows a State to authorize specified limited forms of supplemental assistance during such training. (Sec. 233) Directs a State to pay costs of any approved on-the-job training of a displaced worker, but only if certain conditions are met, such as nondisplacement of current workers, nonimpairment of collective bargaining agreements, and certification of continued employment for the trained worker. (Sec. 235) Prohibits declaring a displaced worker ineligible for State or Federal unemployment insurance or benefits under this Act because that individual is in or is entering approved training. Subtitle D:  Rapid Response Assistance, Basic Readjustment Services, Relocation Allowances, and Job Search Allowances - Entitles to 13 weeks of rapid response assistance and 156 weeks of basic readjustment services:  (1) any displaced worker, whether or not eligible for subtitle A or B benefits; or (2) any individual who has received notice of impending total or partial separation from employment and who had at least ten weeks of employment during the 52 weeks preceding such notice.  Provides for State delivery of rapid response assistance, with oversight by the Secretary. (Sec. 242) Allows a displaced worker, whether or not eligible for subtitle A or B benefits, to apply to the State for:  (1) a relocation allowance; and (2) a job search allowance.  Sets forth conditions for approval of such allowances. Title III:  General Provisions - Sets forth general provisions relating to fraud and recovery of overpayments, penalties, subpoena power, and regulations.",2025-08-21T20:14:34Z,
104-hr-4293,104,hr,4293,"To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for public disclosure of the amounts of Federal funds used to conduct field examinations of appropriation estimates.",Economics and Public Finance,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.,House,"Rep. Brownback, Sam [R-KS-2]",KS,R,B000953,2,"Amends Federal law with respect to the preparation and submission of appropriations requests to the President.  Requires each Federal agency head to publish monthly in the Federal Register a notice of: (1) all amounts made available during the past month for field examinations of appropriations estimates; (2) the purpose and location of each field examination; and (3) the identity of all Members of Congress, congressional staff, and agency officers and employees who participated in the field examination.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
104-hr-4294,104,hr,4294,"To prohibit further extension or establishment of any national monument in Oregon without full public participation and an express Act of Congress, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Resources.,House,"Rep. Cooley, Wes [R-OR-2]",OR,R,C000737,0,Prohibits further extension or establishment of national monuments in Oregon without full public participation and an express Act of Congress.,2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
104-hr-4295,104,hr,4295,"To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain facilities of the Minidoka Project to the Burley Irrigation District, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1996-09-28,1996-09-30,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1819),House,"Rep. Crapo, Mike [R-ID-2]",ID,R,C000880,0,"Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer the withdrawn and acquired lands and rights-of-way of the Southside Pumping Division of the Minidoka Project, Idaho, together with certain related improvements and appurtenances, to the Burley Irrigation District. Requires:  (1) the transfer of associated water rights; (2) the Secretary to provide the District with a permanent right to Project reserve power; and (3) the District to continue to recognize the right of Minidoka Irrigation District to the joint use of a specified portion of the Southside Canal. Indemnifies the United States from damages arising out of any act or omission related to the transferred works (with an exception for negligence). Requires the transfer:  (1) to be completed within 24 months after the enactment of this Act; or (2) if not completed by January 1, 1999, to be made by operation of law.",2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
104-hr-4296,104,hr,4296,Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1996,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]",CT,D,D000216,16,"Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1996 - Requires health plans that provide medical and surgical benefits for the treatment of breast cancer to ensure that inpatient coverage is provided for a minimum of 48 hours after a mastectomy, and 24 hours after a lymph node disection, except where the attending physician and patient determine that a shorter period is appropriate. Prohibits health plans from modifying the terms and conditions of coverage based on an enrollee's determination to request less than the minimum coverage required. Prescribes appropriate health plan notice requirements regarding required coverage.",2025-08-21T20:14:20Z,
104-hr-4297,104,hr,4297,Consumers Electric Power Act of 1996,Energy,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. DeLay, Tom [R-TX-22]",TX,R,D000217,0,"Consumers Electric Power Act of 1996 - Declares that each person has the right to purchase electric service from any electric service provider.  Prohibits a governmental authority from:  (1) denying or limiting a person's right to purchase such energy from an electric service provider at a price and on terms and conditions freely arrived at; (2) discriminating or authorizing discrimination against any person exercising the right to purchase such energy; or (3) granting any preference or protection from competition to any electric service provider (including subsidies, exit fees, and other penalties on exercising choice of electric purchases).  Permits electric energy purchasers to choose alternative arrangements for the delivery of electric energy. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any State from establishing discriminatory requirements or other obligations for certification of electric service providers within that State.  Authorizes a State to establish rules for initial, nondiscriminatory assignment of retail customers who fail to select an electric service provider. (Sec. 5) Enumerates objectives to be achieved through the operation of transmission and distribution systems. Grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authority to provide for nondiscriminatory prices and conditions to transmission and distribution services. (Sec. 6) Sets a deadline by which FERC must promulgate and make effective rules for nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution service, and which eliminate barriers to competitive electric service presented by existing contracts and arrangements involving transmitting utilities and distribution facilities. Directs FERC to:  (1) ensure that existing electric utilities are not permitted to exercise market power in the sale of electric service; (2) initiate proceedings to determine the extent to which existing utilities have such market power; and (3) determine the means for mitigating it.  Authorizes FERC to enforce such determinations by:  (1) restricting the ability of an electric utility to sell such services at market-determined rates; and (2) order the divestiture of assets and functions which are the source of market power. (Sec. 7) Declares that the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as well as the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 requirement that electric utilities offer to purchase electric energy from qualifying cogeneration facilities and qualifying small power production facilities at incremental cost to the utility of alternative electric energy, shall cease to apply to an electric utility under this Act if each State in which it is providing electric services notifies FERC of its determination that its retail customers can purchase such services in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 9) Terminates Federal, State, and local governmental regulatory authority over pricing, terms, or conditions of service offerings by electric service providers, including the authority to regulate who may engage in selling electric energy.",2025-08-21T20:16:48Z,
104-hr-4298,104,hr,4298,To provide for a special Medicare part B enrollment period and a special Medigap open enrollment period for certain military retirees and dependents.,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Ensign, John [R-NV-1]",NV,R,E000194,0,"Instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of certain military retirees and dependents, to provide for a special enrollment period during which such an individual may enroll under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits an issuer of a Medicare supplemental policy, in the case of such an individual who seeks to enroll during such special enrollment period, from denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of such a policy, or from discriminating in its pricing on the basis of the individual's health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, genetic information, evidence of insurability, or disability.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4299,104,hr,4299,Social Security On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1996,Commerce,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.,House,"Rep. Franks, Bob [R-NJ-7]",NJ,R,F000349,3,"Social Security On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits an interactive computer service providing computer access to multiple users via modem or other means of telecommunication to the Internet or any other on-line network from disclosing to a third party an individual's social security account number or related personally identifiable information without the individual's prior informed written consent.  Requires such service to permit an individual to revoke any consent at any time, upon which revocation such service shall cease disclosing such number or information to a third party. Gives the Federal Trade Commission enforcement authority under this Act.",2025-08-21T20:14:39Z,
104-hr-4300,104,hr,4300,Children Health Insurance Access Amendments of 1996,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Furse, Elizabeth [D-OR-1]",OR,D,F000434,0,Children Health Insurance Access Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the guaranteed availability of individual health insurance coverage to uninsured children.,2025-08-21T20:14:48Z,
104-hr-4301,104,hr,4301,To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that elected tax collectors shall be treated as self-employed for certain purposes.,Taxation,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]",PA,R,G000291,0,Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an elected tax collector to:  (1) deduct certain expenses; and (2) participate in a Keogh plan if not a participant in a State or local governmental retirement plan.,2025-04-07T15:27:27Z,
104-hr-4302,104,hr,4302,"Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Inspection Reform Act of 1996",Agriculture and Food,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.,House,"Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]",WI,R,G000524,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Inspection and Labeling of Livestock, Poultry,           Seafood, and Their Products           Subtitle A:  Inspection Requirements           Subtitle B:  Labeling Requirements           Subtitle C:  International Commerce           Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous      Title II:  Related Industries      Title III:  Federal and State Cooperation      Title IV:  Auxiliary Provisions      Title V:  Public Education      Title VI:  Miscellaneous Provisions      Title VII:  Repeal of Superseded Laws      Title VIII:  Effective Date Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Inspection Reform Act of 1996 - Transfers seafood inspection jurisdiction from the Food and Drug Administration to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture (Department). Title I:  Inspection and Labeling of Livestock, Poultry, Seafood, and Their Products - Subtitle A:  Inspection Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to provide for:  (1) slaughtering facility ante- and post- mortem inspection and verification of livestock, poultry, and seafood; and (2) inspection and verification of processing facility meat, poultry, and seafood products.  Authorizes facility self-inspection.  Provides for facility sanitation and night inspections. (Sec. 106) Sets forth prohibited and exempt activities (personal or custom slaughtering or processing). (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriate microbiological testing. Subtitle B:  Labeling Requirements - Requires receptacle, carcass, and product labeling, including derivation labeling where appropriate. (Sec. 123) Sets forth prohibited acts of misbranding. Subtitle C:  International Commerce - Subjects imported meat, poultry, and seafood to domestic inspection and verification requirements or their equivalents.  Provides for enforcement through inspection and sampling, or certification by the Secretary of foreign standards.  Provides exceptions for:  (1) Canada and Mexico under specified conditions; and (2) personal use. (Sec.  132) Requires:  (1) disease examination of all U.S. (live) export livestock, poultry, and seafood; and (2) review and certification of all U.S. exports of meat, poultry, and seafood carcasses and products. Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous - Establishes in the Department the Safe Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Inspection Advisory Panel. (Sec. 145) Establishes criminal penalties for bribery or attempted bribery under this Act. (Sec. 147) Authorizes the Secretary to require (pre-slaughter) source identification of livestock, poultry, and seafood. (Sec. 148) Directs the Secretary to perform health-related monitoring of seafood growing areas and fishing grounds in certain Federal jurisdiction waters.  Authorizes harvest restrictions or closure, including State waters, for public health reasons. Title II:  Related Industries - Prohibits inspection as provided for under title I for meat, poultry, or seafood products not intended for human consumption.  Requires denaturation or other identification of such products prior to commercial distribution. (Sec. 203) Provides for the registration and commercial regulation of persons who are involved in the trade of dead, dying, disabled, or diseased livestock, poultry, or seafood. Title III:  Federal and State Cooperation - Authorizes the Secretary to:  (1) cooperate with State agencies to protect the public from adulterated and misbranded livestock, poultry, and seafood products; and (2) apply Federal inspection standards to a State that has not promulgated its own standards. Permits a State with a qualifying (State) inspection program to distribute products in interstate commerce. Title IV:  Auxiliary Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) inspection services; (2) administrative detention of carcasses and meat, poultry, and seafood products; (3) seizure and condemnation; (4) Federal and State jurisdiction; and (5) criminal acts and violations. Title V:  Public Education - Directs the Secretary to design and implement a national public education program on meat, poultry, and seafood products. Title VI:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to conduct related research programs. (Sec. 603) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VII:  Repeal of Superseded Laws - Repeals:  (1) the Federal Meat Inspection Act; (2) the Poultry Products Inspection Act; and (3) specified provisions of other Federal law. Makes conforming amendments to:  (1) the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990; (2) the Consumer Product Safety Act; (3) the Toxic Substances Control Act; (4) the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (5) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (6) other Federal law. Title VIII:  Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for amendments made by this Act.",2025-08-21T20:15:17Z,
104-hr-4303,104,hr,4303,Equity in Public Education Act of 1996,Education,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Harman, Jane [D-CA-36]",CA,D,H000213,1,"Equity in Public Education Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make payments to eligible States to reimburse local educational agencies for specified costs of educating certain illegal alien students. Provides for such payments first to the States of California, Texas, and Florida.  Provides for later payments to second and third groups of eligible States. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:14:50Z,
104-hr-4304,104,hr,4304,School Desegregation Litigation Reform Act of 1996,Education,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Hoke, Martin R. [R-OH-10]",OH,R,H000707,0,School Desegregation Litigation Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 with respect to remedies in school cases.  Sets forth requirements for relief in such cases. Revises prohibitions against State denial of equal educational opportunity. Allows school districts and State and local governments to institute civil actions on behalf of individuals denied equal educational opportunity.  Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in (as well as institute) such civil actions.,2025-08-21T20:15:52Z,
104-hr-4305,104,hr,4305,"To amend the research provisions of the Fund for Rural America to include the development and promotion of precision agriculture and precision agriculture technologies among the purposes for which research, extension, and education grants may be provided.",Agriculture and Food,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Executive Comment Requested from USDA.,House,"Rep. Johnson, Tim [D-SD-At Large]",SD,D,J000177,2,Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to authorize the use of funds from the Fund for Rural America for grants to develop and apply precision agricultural technologies.,2024-02-05T11:45:06Z,
104-hr-4306,104,hr,4306,Demilitarization for Development Act,International Affairs,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,1,"Demilitarization for Development Act - Directs the President to instruct the United Nations (UN) Ambassador to support UN efforts to: (1) appoint special conflict prevention envoys to conduct mutual disarmament talks in every region of the world in which all nations would participate; (2) commit each member state to meet with its regional special envoy to discuss its proposal for regional and international confidence-building measures (including reductions in armed forces); and (3) commit each member state to continue meeting with the special envoy and suggested regional bodies and states to complete negotiations on such measures, in order to make significant military spending cuts by the year 2000. Directs the President to detail to the Congress and the UN Secretary General the changes in military forces that would permit a 50 percent reduction in U.S. military spending by the year 2000. Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors at certain international financial institutions to:  (1) promote and report to the Congress on the establishment of lending facilities, debt forgiveness programs, and increased funding in lending facilities for demilitarization activities; and (2) use their voice and vote to oppose any loans to a foreign government other than for basic human needs unless the President has determined that the recipient government has in place and has used a functioning system for independent civilian audits of its military budget, and has accounted for all ownership and financial interest in revenue-generating enterprises by military institutions and individuals acting on their behalf. Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the United States should provide neither economic nor military assistance, nor approve arms transfers or related training to any foreign government while it opposes loans to such government at international financial institutions pursuant to the International Financial Institutions Act; (2) the President should designate the U.S. Agency for International Development to be the lead agency for making such determinations; and (3) the President should report annually to the Congress on the progress made by international financial institutions in integrating military spending issues into their loan review process.",2025-08-21T20:15:35Z,
104-hr-4307,104,hr,4307,Forcing Out Underage Labor Act of 1996,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-28,1996-10-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,6,"Forcing Out Underage Labor Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to identify countries that manufacture soccer balls with the use of child labor.  Prohibits the importation of such an item into the United States, unless it contains a label stating that it is not a product of child labor.  Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violation of this prohibition. Authorizes appropriations for a U.S. contribution to the International Labor Organization for the activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for certain activities related to bonded child labor.",2025-08-21T20:14:58Z,
104-hr-4308,104,hr,4308,Quiet Communities Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,10,"Quiet Communities Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator, with funds provided for the Office, to conduct a study of airport noise and its physiological effects on surrounding communities in major metropolitan areas. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:22Z,
104-hr-4309,104,hr,4309,National School Infrastructure Act,Education,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,0,"National School Infrastructure Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide four-year interest subsidies of up to 50 percent of the total cost of school construction and renovation projects to: (1) the 100 local educational agencies (LEAs) that serve the greatest number of children who qualify to be counted for basic grants to LEAs to help disadvantaged students under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (2) an additional 25 LEAs that the Secretary determines have the greatest need; and (3) States, for use by other LEAs. Sets forth requirements for the use of funds and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations.  Requires that any such appropriation be made by offsetting collections derived from competitive bidding for broadcast spectrum under the Communications Act of 1934.",2025-08-21T20:14:27Z,
104-hr-4310,104,hr,4310,Presidential Debate Reform Act,Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-28,1996-09-30,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1828-1829),House,"Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]",FL,R,M000350,0,Presidential Debate Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish a Presidential Debate Commission one year before each general election for the offices of President and Vice President beginning with the general election held in 2000. Directs the Commission to establish:  (1) one preliminary debate; (2) not more than two vice presidential debates; and (3) not less than two or more than four presidential debates. Authorizes appropriations to each Commission appointed such sums as may be necessary to carry out its activities with respect to the election involved. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the amount of Federal payments for a party's nominating convention for the following general election if the party's nominee for President or Vice President does not certify to the Presidential Debate Commission that the nominee will participate in all applicable Commission debates (other than a preliminary debate).,2025-08-21T20:15:39Z,
104-hr-4311,104,hr,4311,"To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow penalty-free withdrawals from IRA's for certain purposes, to increase the amount of tax deductible IRA contributions, and for other purposes.",Taxation,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]",FL,R,M000350,0,"Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free (and exclude from income if repaid) distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA) for first home purchases, higher education expenses, qualified long-term care expenses, and qualified unemployment distributions. Increases deductible IRA contribution amounts, and provides for inflation indexing. Eliminates the phase-out for individuals who are not active participants in defined contribution plans, and increases applicable dollar amounts for taxpayers other than those married filing separately. Increases 401(k) plan contribution limits.  Establishes an alternative method for satisfying nondiscrimination requirements. Excludes inherited IRAs and certain 401(k) plans from a decedent's gross estate.  Allows a designated beneficiary of an inherited IRA to hold such IRA free of immediate distribution provisions.  Allows inherited 401(k) amounts as nondeductible contributions to a beneficiary's IRA, and excludes such amounts from income if so contributed.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4312,104,hr,4312,Tourism Revitalization and Airport Security Act of 1996,Transportation and Public Works,1996-09-28,1996-10-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]",FL,R,M000350,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Ensuring Traveler Safety      Title II:  Tourism Promotion      Title III:  Facilitating Travel      Title IV:  Improvement of Visa Programs and Issuance Tourism Revitalization and Airport Security Act of 1996 - Title I:  Ensuring Traveler Safety - Amends Federal aviation security law to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to:  (1) facilitate deployment of commercially available explosive detection devices which will significantly enhance aviation security; (2) require by regulation that an employment investigation be conducted for personnel who will be responsible for screening passengers or property (including a criminal history record check where such investigation reveals a gap in employment of 12 months or more for which the individual does not satisfactorily account); and (3) provide for the periodic audit of criminal history record checks. (Sec. 105) Urges the FAA, the Secretary of Transportation, and the intelligence and law enforcement community to continue to assist air carriers in developing computer-assisted passenger profiling programs. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the use of funds from project grants and passenger facility fees to enhance air transportation security programs. (Sec. 107) Directs the Administrator to review FAA oversight of: (1) mail and cargo inspections and the need or additional security measures; and (2) the adequacy of cargo screening and inspection. (Sec. 108) Instructs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assure that FBI agents shall jointly implement periodic threat and vulnerability security assessments with the FAA at high-risk airports. (Sec. 109) Requires the use of dogs as a supplemental screening procedure at major airports.  Directs the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to make grants for the training and evaluation of dogs for the explosive detection K-9 team training program.  Authorizes appropriations from the Trust Fund. (Sec. 111) Instructs the Administrator to initiate a rulemaking to revise specified rules with respect to small airplanes to enhance their safety and security. (Sec. 112) Establishes the Civil Aviation Security Review Commission (the Commission) to conduct a comprehensive review of aviation security for a report to the Congress and the Administrator. (Sec. 113) Directs the Administrator to conduct a test to assess the performance of inelastic gamma ray imaging and spectroscopy (IGRIS) systems in the detection of explosive materials.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 114) Instructs the Secretary to study the efficacy of bomb blast containment technologies in aircraft luggage and cargo holds. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 115) Expresses the sense of the Congress that thorough studies of the bag match security system in air transportation need to be conducted before its implementation on a widespread basis. Title II:  Tourism Promotion - Establishes:  (1) the National Tourism Board to use a private-public partnership for travel and tourism policymaking and develop a national strategy for increasing travel and tourism in the United States; and (2) a federally-chartered National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal, non-profit organization to promote and implement the United States travel and tourism market, including establishment of a Travel-Tourism Data Bank. (Sec. 203) Instructs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency to cooperate with both the Board and the Organization. Title III:  Facilitating Travel - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that revenues from the following taxes shall not be transferred to either the Highway Trust Fund or the Airport and Airway Trust Fund:  (1) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate; and (2) the excise tax on diesel and special motor fuels to the extent attributable to fuel used in a train. (Sec. 301) Declares that amounts payable from the Highway Trust Fund for certain repayments and credits shall be determined by taking into account only the portion of the taxes deposited into such Fund. Repeals the definitions of Highway Trust Fund financing rate and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund financing rate. Revises the formula for:  (1) funding the Airport and Airways Trust Fund with amounts equivalent to specified excise taxes; and (2) rates of tax imposed upon fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways. (Sec. 302) Repeals a scheduled tax increase imposed upon commercial aviation fuel. (Sec. 303) Restores and makes retroactive:  (1) the 100 percent deduction allowed for business meals and entertainment; and (2) the deduction for travel expenses of spouses and others accompanying the taxpayer on business. (Sec. 304) Allows a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business to deduct as a business expense any amounts incurred to promote tourism to the United States by a non-resident. (Sec. 305) Repeals the limitations placed upon tax deductions for expenses allocable to business conventions held on foreign-flagged cruise ships. (Sec. 306) Extends from January 1, 1997 to January 1, 2002, the air transportation tax upon persons and property. (Sec. 307) Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the Secretary of Transportation should work to amend the 1952 bilateral agreement regarding airline accessibility to and from Japan; and (2) the new agreement should include increased access by U.S. based airlines. Title IV:  Improvement of VISA Programs and Issuance - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to replace a joint action requirement for both the Attorney General and the Secretary of State with a mandate that the Attorney General act in consultation with the Secretary of State regarding the visa waiver pilot program for certain visitors.  Extends such program from 1996 to 2002.  Revises guidelines governing a pilot program country placed on probationary status. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of State to increase by 25 percent the number of consular personnel assigned at specified posts in order to expedite the processing of nonimmigrant visa applications.",2025-08-21T20:16:12Z,
104-hr-4313,104,hr,4313,Small Business Opportunity Preservation Act of 1996,Commerce,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. Meyers, Jan [R-KS-3]",KS,R,M000684,2,"Small Business Opportunity Preservation Act of 1996 -  Amends the Small Business Act to state as a policy under such Act that each Federal agency:  (1) foster the participation of small businesses as prime contractors; (2) structure its contracting requirements to facilitate competition by and among small businesses; (3) avoid contract bundling (the practice of consolidating two or more procurement requirements into a single contract likely to be unsuitable for award to a small business); and (4) comply with requirements intended to foster the participation of small businesses as subcontractors. (Sec. 4) Requires procurement strategies used by Federal agencies to facilitate the maximum participation of small businesses as prime contractors.  Requires specific information to be included in any proposed procurement strategy that reflects a bundling of contract requirements, including impediments caused to small businesses as prime contractors.  Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to review proposed contract solicitations for compliance with such requirements and to act within 15 days toward the modification of procurement strategies to increase the probability of participation by small businesses as prime contractors.  Requires a determination not to modify a procurement strategy to be supported by specified findings and an assessment which addresses matters concerning contract bundling and its impacts on small businesses. (Sec. 5) Authorizes a small business intending to submit an offer for an anticipated bundled contract to propose to the SBA for approval a team of small business subcontractors (or a team of small businesses and other businesses whose participation may not represent more than 25 percent of the contract value) to perform the contract. (Sec. 6) Requires the Federal Procurement Data System to be modified to collect data regarding contract bundling. (Sec. 7) Requires, in a solicitation for the award of construction contracts of $1 million or other types of contracts for $500,000, the inclusion of provisions which specify minimum percentages of participation by various types of small businesses in subcontracting under such contracts.  Requires the successful offeror for such a contract to negotiate with the contracting officer in order to meet specified goals for subcontract participation by small businesses. (Sec. 8) Authorizes notice of subcontracting opportunities to be submitted for publication in the Commerce Business Daily by the appropriate prime contractors. (Sec. 9) Provides deadlines for the publication of proposed amendments made to the Federal Acquisition Regulation or to SBA regulations.",2025-08-21T20:16:01Z,
104-hr-4314,104,hr,4314,Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996,Law,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,For Further Action See S.1887.,House,"Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-27]",CA,R,M000926,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Amendments      Title II:  Judicial Process Improvements      Title III:  Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and           Protections      Title IV:  Judicial Financial Administration      Title V:  Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations      Title VI:  Places of Holding Court      Title VII:  Miscellaneous Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I:  Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize probation and pretrial services officers, if approved by the court, to carry firearms under such regulations as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may prescribe. Title II:  Judicial Process Improvements - Amends the Federal judicial code to expand the duties of a magistrate on an emergency assignment in a judicial district other than the one for which he or she has been appointed. (Sec. 202) Provides for registration of a judgment in an action for the recovery of money or property entered in any court of appeals or bankruptcy court, as well as any district court, by filing a certified copy of the judgment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 203) Provides that when:  (1) the office of clerk of court is vacant, the deputy clerks shall perform the duties of the clerk in the name of the last person who held that office; and (2) the clerk is incapacitated, absent, or otherwise unavailable to perform official duties, the deputy clerks shall perform such duties. (Sec. 205) Repeals a Federal judicial code provision authorizing the parties to consent to appeals of decisions by magistrate judges in civil cases to a judge of the district court in the same manner as with respect to appeals from a judgment of the district court to a court of appeals. (Sec. 206) Requires each judicial council, by January 31 of each year, to submit a report to the Administrative Office on orders entered during the preceding calendar year relating to judicial misconduct or disability. (Sec. 207) Modifies the Federal criminal code to:  (1) make an exception to the provision authorizing any person charged with a misdemeanor to elect to be tried before a judge of the relevant district court in the case of a petty offense that is a class B misdemeanor charging a motor vehicle offense, a class C misdemeanor, or an infraction; and (2) prohibit the magistrate judge from proceeding to try the case unless the defendant expressly consents to be tried before the magistrate judge and expressly and specifically waives trial, judgment, and sentencing by a district judge.  Requires any such consent and waiver to be made in writing or orally on the record. Authorizes the magistrate judge:  (1) in a case involving a juvenile and a petty offense that is a class B misdemeanor charging a motor vehicle offense, a class C misdemeanor, or an infraction, to exercise powers granted to the district court; and (2) in any other class B or C misdemeanor case involving a juvenile in which consent to trial before a magistrate judge has been filed, to exercise such powers. Modifies the Federal judicial code regarding powers of U.S. magistrates to grant the power to enter a sentence for a petty offense that is a class B misdemeanor charging a motor vehicle offense, a class C misdemeanor, or an infraction, and for a class A misdemeanor or a class B or C misdemeanor not covered by such provision in a case in which the parties have consented. (Sec. 208) Increases the threshold amount in controversy (from $50,000 to $75,000) to qualify for diversity of citizenship. Title III:  Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections - Revises provisions under the Federal judicial code regarding:  (1) the refund of contribution for deceased deferred annuitants under the judicial survivors' annuities system; and (2) the contribution rate for senior judges under the judicial survivors' annuities system. (Sec. 302) Amends the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 to provide that when filling vacancies:  (1) the court of appeals may consider reappointing incumbent bankruptcy judges; and (2) all incumbent nominees seeking reappointment may be considered for such a reappointment pursuant to a majority vote of the judges of the appointing court of appeals, under specified procedures. (Sec. 304) Deems a court reporter to be a full-time employee during any pay period for which the reporter receives a salary at the annual salary rate fixed for a full-time reporter. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the presiding judicial officer to appoint a certified or otherwise qualified sign language interpreter to provide services to a participant in a judicial proceeding upon determining that such participant suffers from a hearing impairment. (Sec. 308) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize retroactive credit for resumption of a significant workload by a judge under specified circumstances and aggregation by a justice or judge for partial years worked. (Sec. 309) Provides that:  (1) no judicial officer shall be held liable for any costs, including attorney's fees, in any action brought against such officer for an act or omission taken in such officer's judicial capacity, unless such action was clearly in excess of such officer's jurisdiction; and (2) injunctive relief shall not be granted in any action brought against a judicial officer for an official act or omission, unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable. Title IV:  Judicial Financial Administration - Amends the Federal judicial code to increase the civil action filing fee in U.S.  district court from $120 to $150.  Modifies the allocation of filing fees to the special fund of the Treasury to be available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of U.S. courts. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office to: (1) prescribe a uniform fee for examinations for qualified interpreters; and (2) include in any contract for the development or administration of such examinations a provision permitting the contractor to collect and retain fees in payment for contractual services. (Sec. 403) Directs the Judicial Conference to periodically prescribe the fees and costs to be charged and collected by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. (Sec. 404) Sets forth provisions regarding the disposition of attorney admission fees and bankruptcy complaint filing fees. Title V:  Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations - Amends the Federal judicial code to require the chief judge of the Court of International Trade to be the judge of the court in regular active service who is senior in commission of those judges who:  (1) are age 64 or younger; (2) have served as a judge of the court for one year or more; and (3) have not served previously as chief judge.  Sets forth provisions regarding the precedence of judges in acting as chief judge. Title VI:  Places of Holding Court - Amends the Federal judicial code to direct that:  (1) court for the Southern District of New York be held at New York and White Plains (as under current law) and in the Middletown-Wallkill area of Orange County or in an appropriate nearby location; (2) court for the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas be held at Sherman (as under current law) and Plano; and (3)  court for the Northern Division of Utah be held Ogden (as under current law) and Salt Lake City; and (4) court for the Central Division of Utah be held at Salt Lake City (as under current law), Provo, and St. George . Title VII:  Miscellaneous - Modifies the Federal judicial code to authorize a member of:  (1) the Judicial Conference to be a district judge retired from regular active service; and (2) the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to be a circuit or district judge retired from regular active service. (Sec. 702) Makes technical amendments relating to:  (1) the Director and Deputy Director of the Administrative Office as Federal officers; (2) the filing of notice of removal of a criminal proceeding from a State court; and (3) Federal Judicial Center employee retirement provisions. (Sec. 705) Modifies the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to abolish the judicial panel established under such Act.  Transfers such panel's jurisdiction and future rail reorganization proceedings to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. (Sec. 706) Revises the Federal judicial code to:  (1) make an exception to the residency requirement for district judges appointed to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; and (2) specifically authorize the court to make available arbitration in appropriate cases with respect to civil justice expense and delay reduction plans. Extends by six months the due dates of reports under the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 on demonstration and pilot programs. (Sec. 708) Modifies the definition of ""district court,"" for purposes of provisions regarding change of venue and cure or waiver of defects, to mean the District Courts of Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.",2025-08-21T20:15:25Z,
104-hr-4315,104,hr,4315,Patient and Health Care Provider Protection Act of 1996,Health,1996-09-28,1996-10-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Owens, Major R. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,O000159,9,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Health Plan Requirements      Title II:  Office of Consumer Advocacy for Health      Title III:  Independent Consumer Advisory Committees      Title IV:  Coordination Among Office, Committees, and           Secretary Patient and Health Care Provider Protection Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Plan Requirements - Prohibits a health plan that is part of any contract or agreement with a health care provider from providing any restriction on or interference with any medical communication (other than a knowing misrepresentation):  (1) between the provider and a current, former, or prospective patient (or the guardian or legal representative of a patient); (2) between the provider and or any employee or representative of the plan; or (3) between the provider and any employee or representative of any State or Federal licensing or oversight authority.  Authorizes States to establish or enforce requirements related to such prohibition, but only if they are more protective of a medical communication than that provided by such prohibition. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the operation of an improper health care provider incentive plan. (Sec. 103) Requires health plans to:  (1) establish criteria for the denial of plan services, as well as criteria to assure the quality of plan care; (2) provide for an initial physical exam of enrollees before denying plan services; and (3) establish standards and procedures to protect certain private information from public disclosure. (Sec. 106) Requires a health plan to pay the State an annual fee of one percent of the total amount of the annual premiums paid by State residents enrolled in the plan. (Sec. 107) Provides for the enforcement of this title through the imposition of civil monetary penalties. (Sec. 108) Prohibits the taking of adverse actions against health care providers for certain actions, including those taken for the purpose of notifying a health plan of potentially dangerous conditions. Title II:  Office of Consumer Advocacy for Health - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish for each State an independent Office for such State to assist consumers in dealing with problems that arise with respect to health plans and health care providers operating in the State, including assistance to individuals with grievances against a plan as well as assistance for individuals who seek to report dangerous conditions in health care services. (Sec. 201) Requires the Secretary, through a competitive grant award process, to designate a non-profit organization to serve as the Office for a State, which shall be headed by a Consumer Advocate for Health for the State selected from among individuals with expertise and experience in the fields of health care and consumer advocacy. Requires the State Office to establish a local office in each community rating area established by the Secretary.  Gives the Secretary oversight over such offices. (Sec. 208) Funds such Offices out of certain fees collected under this Act that are imposed on health plans. Title III:  Independent Consumer Advisory Committees - Requires each health plan to establish and maintain an independent Consumer Advisory Committee to develop and coordinate programs for outreach to the community and ensure that enrollee grievances are addressed. (Sec. 305) Requires each Committee to report annually to the Office for the State in which the health plan offers services, providing recommendations for improvements in health care delivery under the plan. (Sec. 306) Provides for funding of Committees. Title IV:  Coordination Among Office, Committees, and Secretary - Requires an Office to establish and maintain a system of referrals among the Office, other consumer advocacy organizations, legal assistance providers serving low-income persons, and protection and advocacy systems for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 402) Requires an Office to provide technical assistance to such Committees and distribute and account for funding for them. (Sec. 403) Requires annual submissions from each Committee to each Office, and from each Office to the Secretary, of compilations of enrollee quality care data, for analysis and use in developing Federal guidelines for evaluating the performance of health plans operating in community rating areas.",2025-08-21T20:14:55Z,
104-hr-4316,104,hr,4316,"To amend the Federal Power Act to provide a moratorium on the retail wheeling of electric energy until the Clean Air Act is amended to reduce significantly certain transboundary air pollution, and for other purposes.",Energy,1996-09-28,1996-10-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Amends the Federal Power Act to declare that, from September 26, 1996, until an amendment to the Clean Air Act has been enacted to reduce transboundary air pollution associated with ozone and ozone precursors, PM-10, mercury, and carbon dioxide, neither the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission nor any State may permit any arrangement for the interstate sale of electric energy to any retail electric customer located within the exclusive service territory of any State electric utility serving retail electric customers in that State (retail wheeling). Exempts from such moratorium any electric energy sale:  (1) by a State regulated or nonregulated electric utility to retail customers located within the utility's exclusive service territory; or (2) pursuant to an arrangement entered into before September 26, 1996.",2025-01-15T18:51:50Z,
104-hr-4317,104,hr,4317,Relating to disposal of contaminated dredged materials in the Port of New York-New Jersey.,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Directs the Secretary of the Army to:  (1) construct subaqueous borrow pits in Newark Bay, Port of New York-New Jersey, for the disposal of contaminated dredged materials from the Port, which are not eligible for open water disposal; and (2) expedite selection of a method for sediment decontamination. Prohibits the Secretary from constructing sediment containment islands if it would result in the loss of shellfish or other fisheries habitat. Requires designation of any necessary upland disposal site within close proximity of the actual dredging site.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
104-hr-4318,104,hr,4318,"Deposit Insurance Reform, Regulatory Modernization, and Taxpayer Protection of 1996",Finance and Financial Sector,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.,House,"Rep. Petri, Thomas E. [R-WI-6]",WI,R,P000265,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  100-Percent Cross-Guarantees           Subtitle A:  Definitions           Subtitle B:  Cross-Guarantee Process           Subtitle C:  Powers and Duties of the CGRC           Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous Provisions           Subtitle E:  Transition to 100 Percent Cross-Guarantee                Process      Title II:  Amendments to Other Banking Laws      Title III:  Amendment to Title 11, United States Code           Subtitle A:  Amendments to Chapter 1 of Title 11           Subtitle B:  Amendments to Chapter 3 of Title 11           Subtitle C:  Amendments to Chapter 5 of Title 11           Subtitle D:  Amendments to Chapter 11 of Title 11      Title IV:  Amendment to Title 28, United States Code Deposit Insurance Reform, Regulatory Modernization, and Taxpayer Protection Act of 1996 - Title I:  100-Percent Cross-Guarantees - Subtitle A:  Definitions - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. (Sec. 102) States that the purposes of this title are to:  (1) establish a private, competitive deposit insurance marketplace; (2) require each bank and savings association which accepts deposits to protect their full amount, along with most other nondeposit liabilities, by obtaining cross-guarantee contracts from syndicates of direct guarantors; (3) induce depository institutions to lend and invest wisely by authorizing direct guarantors which issue cross-guarantee contracts to charge risk-sensitive premiums for the guarantees, and negotiate with the banks and savings associations all other contract terms and conditions; (4) make the cross-guarantee process self-regulating by establishing constructive tensions among system participants; (5) establish a closed system with tier after tier of guarantors to stand behind a guarantee and a ""stop-loss"" mechanism to spread large losses to ensure that no guaranteed obligation will go unpaid; (6) force guarantors to promptly pay for any losses and to prevent guarantors from using legal actions to recover losses from other persons; and (7) regulate the cross-guarantee marketplace only to the extent necessary to maintain the safety and viability of the entire cross-guarantee process, not the solvency of any individual bank or savings association regardless of size. Subtitle B:  Cross Guarantee Process - Sets forth a date by which a depository institution shall be a guaranteed depository institution or guaranteed banking office unless it is either a noninsured Federal branch or a failed depository institution. (Sec. 112) Outlines the scope of the cross-guarantee process, including:  (1) cross-guarantee and stop-loss contracts; (2) group cross-guarantee contracts; (3) parties and affiliates related to a depository institution which shall be guaranteed under one contract; (4) nondepository institutions which may become guaranteed companies; and (5) syndicate agents. (Sec. 113) Delineates requirements common to cross-guarantee and stop-loss contracts, including:  (1) stop-loss limit for losses of a guaranteed party as a direct guarantor of other guaranteed parties; (2) stop-loss obligations of direct guarantors; (3) consolidation of two or more guaranteed parties; (4) calculation of stop-loss payments plus interest; (5) the independence of a direct guarantor's cross-guarantee obligations under the contract from other parties' obligations; (6) prohibition against a guaranteed party's being a direct guarantor under the same contract, and against a direct guarantor's obtaining collateral for cross-guarantee obligations; (7) contract provisions on division of liability; (8) cancellation of contracts by syndicates and by the guaranteed party; (9) continued effectiveness of contracts after the conversion of the charter of a depository institution; and (10) syndicate voting rules. (Sec. 114) Identifies:  (1) requirements that are applicable only to cross-guarantee and stop-loss contracts respectively; (2) obligations which may not be guaranteed under a cross-guarantee contract; (3) obligations which are permissible under a cross-guarantee contract; (4) a schedule for the minimum number of direct and second-tier guarantors in order to achieve maximum risk diversification; and (5) eligibility and requirements for direct guarantors, including risk diversification requirements. (Sec. 117) Sets forth the powers and duties relating to cross-guarantee and stop-loss syndicates. (Sec. 118) Cites circumstances under which a cross-guarantee syndicate may assume control of a guaranteed company. (Sec. 119) Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts over actions arising under a cross-guarantee or stop-loss contract. Subtitle C:  Powers and Duties of the CGRC Establishes the Cross-Guarantee Regulation Corporation (CGRC) as the exclusive authority to enforce compliance with this Act. (Sec. 123) Prescribes procedural guidelines for CGRC approval of cross-guarantee, stop-loss, or group cross-guarantee contracts, subsequent to notice and review. (Sec. 124) Requires the CGRC to establish a central electronic repository for cross-guarantee, stop-loss, and group cross-guarantee contracts, including:  (1) a data base of active guarantors; and (2) a registry of individuals who had a judgment entered against them in either a criminal or civil case related to a financial institution. (Sec. 125) Prohibits the existence of two or more closed loops unless at least one cross-guarantee or stop-loss contract is a contract in each closed loop that exists in the system.  (Defines a closed loop as a set of cross-guarantee and stop-loss contracts in which each direct guarantor under the set is also a guaranteed party under one contract within the set.)  Requires a new, successor cross-guarantee or stop-loss contract to replace any such contract governing each guaranteed party where the multiple closed loop prohibition is violated. Grants the CGRC receivership powers for failure to submit a successor contract in such circumstances. (Sec. 126) Vests the Secretary of the Treasury with authority to require the CGRC to enforce this title. (Sec. 128) Establishes the Cross-Guarantee Backup Fund, administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (until such time as administration is transferred to the CGRC).  States that deposits in any guaranteed depository institution or banking office shall be insured against loss to the same extent as deposits under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  Restricts the use and disposition of Fund amounts solely to insure deposits in any guaranteed depository institution or banking office against loss. Subtitle D:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the CGRC to ensure that any company (other than specified kinds of institutions) which accepts deposits (or assumes obligations which would be deposits if it were a bank or savings association) is actually in compliance with Federal and State requirements. (Sec. 132) Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to certify annually to certain congressional committees on the status of losses incurred in connection with loans or advances. (Sec. 133) Permits a guaranteed company or banking office to advertise its cross-guarantee status. (Sec. 134) Provides that guaranteed depository institutions remain federally insured depositories for purposes of State or Federal law. Subtitle E:  Transition to 100 Percent Cross-Guarantee Process - Identifies an effective date for the cross-guarantee system, and a deadline for depository institutions to acquire guaranteed status. Directs the FDIC to appoint a receiver immediately for any depository institution which does not acquire such status. (Sec. 144) Prescribes procedural guidelines for funding the Cross- Guarantee Backup Fund, including merger of the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) into the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF).  Requires the Financing Corporation (FICO) to use certain funds transferred from the BIF to purchase non-interest-bearing direct obligations of the United States.  Terminates FICO's assessment authority upon such purchase. (Sec. 145) Abolishes:  (1) the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, as of the date on which all depository institutions become guaranteed depository institutions; and (2) the FDIC, as of the date on which the last receivership or conservatorship appointed by the FDIC has been resolved. Title II:  Amendments to Other Banking Laws - Amends Federal banking law to exempt national banks with guaranteed depository institution status from specified requirements that are covered by cross-guarantee contracts, including:  (1) minimum capital requirements; (2) requirements relating to directors of banks; (3) member bank director interlocks with securities firms; (4) security and collateral requirements; (5) reports of condition; and (6) the limitations and conditions on real estate lending authority. (Sec. 201) Denies the following agencies oversight powers over a national member bank which is a guaranteed depository institution:  (1) Comptroller of the Currency; (2) the Federal Reserve Board of Governors; or (3) any Federal reserve bank. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to exempt a guaranteed depository institution from:  (1) member bank loan limitations; (2) limitation on access to the payment and clearing systems; (3) capital reserve, and reporting requirements; (4) examination requirements; (5) forfeiture provisions; (6) security and collateral requirement; (7) affiliate reporting requirements; (8) interest requirements; (9) interbank liabilities and transactions with affiliates; (10) limitations on investments in, or loans on, bank premises; (11) bankers' acceptances; (12) purchasing and lending limits relating to directors and officers; and (13) Federal Reserve Board authority to appoint a conservator or receiver. (Sec. 203) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA) to exempt guaranteed savings associations from certain strictures, including: (1) oversight by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision; (2) limitations on deposit, loan, and investment powers; (3) enforcement and conservatorship and receivership provisions; (4) fitness standards; (5) minimum capital requirements; (6) requirements governing loans to one borrower; (7) reports of condition; (8) liquid asset requirements; (9) affiliate transaction and lending limits relating to directors and officers. Exempts savings and loan holding companies which control guaranteed savings associations from HOLA requirements governing:  (1) examination and reporting; (2) dividend declaration; and (3) restrictions on high-risk activities. Title III:  Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Subtitle A:  Amendments to Chapter 1 of Title 11 - Makes technical and conforming amendments to Federal bankruptcy law to include within its purview the guaranteed depository institutions and companies created by this Act. Subtitle B:  Amendments to Chapter 3 of Title 11 - Makes technical and conforming amendments to Federal bankruptcy law to include within its purview the guaranteed depository institutions and companies created by this Act. Subtitle C:  Amendments to Chapter 5 of Title 11 - Makes technical and conforming amendments to Federal bankruptcy law to include within its purview the guaranteed depository institutions and companies created by this Act. Subtitle D:  Amendments to Chapter 11 of Title 11 - Makes technical and conforming amendments to Federal bankruptcy law to include within its purview the guaranteed depository institutions and companies created by this Act. Title IV:  Amendment to Title 28, United States Code - Amends the Federal judicial code to identify the venue for a proceeding arising in or related to a case governed by bankruptcy law regarding the debtor's satisfaction of a guaranteed obligation.",2025-08-21T20:15:54Z,
104-hr-4319,104,hr,4319,Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996,Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.,House,"Rep. Sanford, Marshall (Mark) [R-SC-1]",SC,R,S000051,0,"Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996 - Requires each Federal agency to:  (1) implement and maintain financial management systems that comply with Federal requirements, Federal accounting standards, and the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger at the transaction level; and (2) give priority in funding and provide sufficient resources to implement this Act.  Requires:  (1) audit reporting of whether an agency's financial management systems comply with requirements; (2) compliance determination by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), acting through the Controller of the Office of Federal Financial Management; and (3) if there is noncompliance with the standards, a remediation plan.  Sets forth a limitation on the time period for bringing the agency's financial management systems into compliance. Allows the transfer of up to two percent of agency funds for priority financial management system improvements. Requires a report by the Director of OMB if an agency fails to bring its financial management systems into compliance within the period described.  Sets forth penalties. Directs the:  (1) Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House, jointly, to study and submit a report to the Congress on how each entity in the legislative branch may comply; and (2) Chief Justice of the United States to study and submit a report to the Congress on how the judicial branch may achieve compliance. Sets forth:  (1) reporting requirements; (2) definitions; and (3) the effective date.",2025-08-21T20:14:02Z,
104-hr-4320,104,hr,4320,Truth in Credit Card Offers Act,Finance and Financial Sector,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,0,Truth in Credit Card Offers Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to declare that:  (1) only one annual percentage rate of interest may be disclosed as the applicable rate for preapproved credit card solicitations or applications for an open end consumer credit plan; and (2) the typeface used to disclose such rate shall be twice as high as that used for any other item in the table.,2025-08-21T20:16:13Z,
104-hr-4321,104,hr,4321,Comprehensive Pension and Retirement Security Act of 1996,Labor and Employment,1996-09-28,1996-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Restrictions on Loans From Qualified Retirement           Plans      Title II:  Promotion of Availability of Private Pensions Upon           Retirement      Title III:  Health Coverage for Retired Workers      Title IV:  Application of Certain Prohibited Transactions           Rules for 401(K) Plans      Title V:  Retirement Savings and Security           Subtitle A:  Expanded Pension Coverage and                Simplification           Subtitle B:  Portability           Subtitle C:  Enhanced Security      Title VI:  Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to           Increase Coverage and Portability           Subtitle A:  Retirement Savings Incentives           Subtitle B:  Distributions and Investments Comprehensive Pension and Retirement Security Act of 1996 - Title I:  Restrictions on Loans From Qualified Retirement Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit qualified employer plans from making loans through credit cards and other intermediaries. (Sec. 102) Treats loans from qualified employer plans as distributions unless they are used to purchase a first home, to pay higher education or financially devastating medical expenses, or during periods of unemployment. Title II:  Promotion of Availability of Private Pensions Upon Retirement - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the IRC to require the availability of a defined contribution plan option (in lieu of the defined benefit plan) for participants in defined benefit plans to which an employer makes contributions. (Sec. 202) Amends ERISA to require fiduciaries to make timely investments of plan contributions. (Sec. 203) Amends IRC to increase the penalty for early distributions from pension plans. Title III:  Health Coverage for Retired Workers - Amends ERISA and the IRC to require advance notice of material reductions in covered services under group health plans. (Sec. 302) Amends the IRC to set forth requirements relating to the duration of, and determination of premiums for, continuation of coverage for persons 55 and older until they are eligible for Medicare. (Sec. 303) Amends the Social Security Act to set forth protections under the Medicare program for retired workers who lose retiree health benefits.  Provides, in such cases, for:  (1) no premium penalty for late enrollment; (2) a special Medicare enrollment period; and (3) a special rule with respect to the Medigap open enrollment period. Title IV:  Application of Certain Prohibited Transactions Rules for 401(K) Plans - Amends ERISA to set forth provisions relating to the application of certain prohibited transactions rules to IRC section 401(k) plans. Title V:  Retirement Savings and Security - Subtitle A:  Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification - Amends ERISA to eliminate a specified requirement for plan descriptions.  Revises report-filing requirements for summary plan descriptions and descriptions of material modifications to a plan. (Sec. 502) Revises ERISA to conform to the IRC with respect to treatment of investments in qualified state prepaid tuition programs. Subtitle B:  Portability - Directs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to prescribe specified rules relating to missing participants for multiemployer plans that terminate under certain ERISA provisions. (Sec. 512) Eliminates a special vesting rule for multiemployer plans under ERISA. (Sec. 513) Provides, with respect to treatment of loans during military service, that a loan made by a plan shall not fail to meet specified ERISA requirements by reason of a loan repayment suspension under the IRC. Subtitle C:  Enhanced Security - Revises certain formulas for determining payments with respect to multiemployer plan benefits guarantees under ERISA, for multiemployer plans that have not received specified financial assistance. (Sec. 522) Directs the Secretary of Labor, as chairman of the PBGC board, to send a reversion report to the President and the Congress on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers under specified ERISA. (Sec. 523) Sets forth a full funding limitation for multiemployer plans under ERISA. (Sec. 524) Increases maximum civil penalties for certain prohibited transactions under ERISA. (Sec. 525) Modifies the phase-in of guarantee and the allocation of assets under ERISA provisions relating to substantial owner benefits. Pension Audit Improvement Act of 1996 - Repeals specified ERISA provisions for limited scope audits. (Sec. 533) Establishes certain reporting and enforcement requirements for employee benefit plans under ERISA.  Requires a plan administrator to notify, within five business days, the Secretary of Labor of:  (1) irregularities that may have occurred with respect to the plan; and (2) the termination of the plan's accountant.  Requires plan accountants to notify the Secretary of:  (1) such irregularities, if the administrator does not do so; and (2) any disagreements they may have with the reasons given by the administrator for their termination. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of such requirements. (Sec. 534) Sets forth additional requirements for qualified public accountants for plans under ERISA. (Sec. 535) Revises ERISA provisions for fiduciary penalties to: (1) modify a prohibition of assignment or alienation; (2) make discretionary the imposition and amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility; and (3) provide for the applicable recovery amount and other rules. Title VI:  Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability - Subtitle A:  Retirement SavingsIncentives - Amends IRC provisions for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and retirement savings with respect to:  (1) certain income limitations; (2) inflation adjustments for the deductible amount and income limitations; (3) coordination of the IRA deduction limit with the elective deferral limit; and (4) establishment of special nondeductible tax-free IRAs. Subtitle B:  Distributions and Investments - Allows distributions from IRAs to be used without additional tax to purchase first homes, to pay higher education or financially devastating medical expenses, or by the unemployed. (Sec. 612) Requires IRA contributions to be held at least five years in certain cases. (Sec. 613) Sets forth special rules for IRA Investments in qualified State prepaid tuition program instruments.",2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
104-hr-4322,104,hr,4322,Criminal Offender Anti-Drug Act,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,1,"Criminal Offender Anti-Drug Act - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to require a State, to be eligible to receive a truth in sentencing incentive grant or a violent offender incarceration grant, to have a program of controlled substance testing and intervention for appropriate categories of convicted offenders during periods of incarceration and criminal justice supervision, consistent with guidelines issued by the Attorney General (controlled substance testing program). Authorizes the use of such grant funds for offender controlled substance testing programs.",2025-08-21T20:16:15Z,
104-hr-4323,104,hr,4323,Family Affordable College Tuition Act of 1996,Taxation,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,1,Family Affordable College Tuition Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income-adjusted deduction for qualified higher education expenses and qualified higher education loan interest paid during the tax year. Provides an income-adjusted deduction of up to $4000 for payments made to a qualified (higher) education savings plan during the tax year.  Excludes plan distributions used to pay qualified education costs from gross income and dependent support determinations.,2025-08-21T20:16:14Z,
104-hr-4324,104,hr,4324,Welfare to Work Act of 1996,Social Welfare,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,0,"Welfare to Work Act of 1996 - Revises various provisions of the recently enacted Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program under new part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Includes among such revisions:  (1) new program purposes, such as helping low income families attain work and economic self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of dependency of needy parents on government benefits by requiring job preparation and work; (2) renaming the program as the Assistance for Needy Families Program; (3) requiring work activities after three months of receiving program assistance, with certain good cause exceptions; (4) requiring cash benefits to be provided for recipients engaging in required work activities; (5) increasing child care funding; (6) eliminating the five year limit on program assistance; (7) establishing a supplemental grant for operation of work programs; (8) repealing Federal loans for State Welfare programs; (9) making mandatory the currently optional domestic violence certification with regard to State plans; and (10) requiring States to make an initial assessment of recipients of assistance.",2025-08-21T20:16:58Z,
104-hr-4325,104,hr,4325,Patient's Compassion and Visitation Act of 1996,Health,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,2,Patient's Compassion and Visitation Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require hospitals to extend fair visitors privileges to non-family members.,2025-08-21T20:17:08Z,
104-hr-4326,104,hr,4326,On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1996,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ-9]",NJ,D,T000317,0,On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a penalty of up to $500 against any interactive computer service that releases to the public any private personally identifiable information of another person without that person's prior informed written consent.,2025-08-21T20:15:19Z,
104-hr-4327,104,hr,4327,Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices Act of 1996,Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,"Referred to the Committee on House Oversight, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.",House,"Rep. White, Rick [R-WA-1]",WA,R,W000391,1,"Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices Act of 1996 - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices.  Directs the Commission to study the laws relating to elections for Federal office and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws. (Sec. 7) Requires the Commission to report on its activities to the Congress not later than 90 days after the selection of the Chair of the Commission.  Directs that if seven or more members concur on a recommendation, those members shall prepare and submit with the report legislation to implement the recommendation.  Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation the substance of which implements a recommendation of the Commission.    (Sec. 8) Sets forth the primary objectives of the Commission. (Sec. 9) Terminates the Commission 60 days after the submission of its report. (Sec. 10) Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as are necessary to carry out its duties.",2025-08-21T20:16:47Z,
104-hr-4328,104,hr,4328,Trade Modernization Act of 1996,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-28,1996-10-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy.,House,"Rep. White, Rick [R-WA-1]",WA,R,W000391,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  General Provisions      Title II:  United States Trade Administration           Subtitle A:  Establishment           Subtitle B:  Officers           Subtitle C:  Transfers to the USTA           Subtitle D:  Administrative Provisions           Subtitle E:  Related Agencies           Subtitle F:  Conforming Amendments      Title III:  Miscellaneous Provisions      Title IV:  Miscellaneous Trade Modernization Act of 1996 - Title I:  General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II:  United States Trade Administration - Subtitle A: Establishment - Establishes the United States Trade Administration (USTA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch, headed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR), who shall:  (1) have the rank and status of Ambassador; and (2) represent the United States in all trade negotiations conducted by the USTA. Subtitle B:  Officers - Establishes in the USTA:  (1) a Deputy Administrator of USTA; (2) two Deputy USTRs (one for Negotiations, one to the World Trade Organization); (3) three Assistant Administrators (for Export Administration, Import Administration, and Trade and Policy Analysis); (4) a Director General for Export Promotion; (5) a General Counsel; (6) an Inspector General; and (7) a Chief Financial Officer. Subtitle C:  Transfers to the USTA - Transfers to USTA all functions of:  (1) the Office of the USTR in the Executive Office of the President; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce, the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and other specified officers of the Department of Commerce. (Sec. 223) Transfers to the Director General for Export Promotion all functions of the Trade and Development Agency. (Sec. 224) Transfers to the USTA all functions of the Secretary of Commerce relating to the Export-Import Bank of the United States. (Sec. 225) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make the USTR Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, with the Director General for Export Promotion as an ex officio nonvoting member. (Sec. 226) Directs the President to transmit to the Congress a comprehensive plan, with specified contents, to further consolidate Federal trade programs and export financing activities within the USTA. (Sec. 227) Terminates authorizations of appropriations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act for: (1) the NAFTA Secretariat; and (2) the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. Abolishes the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), and transfers:  (1) to USTA certain CITA functions related to textile agreements; and (2) to the International Trade Commission those that relate to assessment of the impact of textile imports on domestic industry. Subtitle D:  Administrative Provisions - Provides for the administration of USTA.  Authorizes the USTR to establish:  (1) a working capital fund for USTA; and (2) USTA service charges. Subtitle E:  Related Agencies - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to make the USTR a member of the National Security Council. (Sec. 252) Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the United States executive director of the International Monetary Fund to consult with the USTR on trade matters. Subtitle F:  Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978, the Trade Act of 1974, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, and specified Federal law relating to chief financial officers of Federal agencies. Title III:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth additional administrative authorities and requirements. Title IV:  Miscellaneous - Provides for effective dates, interim compensation and expenses, and interim appointments. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:15:21Z,
104-hr-4228,104,hr,4228,United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act,Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Resources.,House,"Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]",AK,R,Y000033,0,"United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares it is the policy of the Congress that:  (1) English shall be the official language of the Federal government in the United States; and (2) if the referenda under this Act result in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, it is anticipated that English would become the official language of the Federal government in Puerto Rico. Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, either:  (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood. Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for:  (1) a transition plan of at least ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval.  Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation. Makes funds available for the referendum.  Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.",2025-08-21T20:17:06Z,
104-hr-4229,104,hr,4229,Medicare Home Health Services Prospective Payment Amendments of 1996,Health,1996-09-27,1996-10-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Johnson, Nancy L. [R-CT-6]",CT,R,J000163,0,"Medicare Home Health Services Prospective Payment Amendments of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for payments for home health services in accordance with a prospective payment system (including an episodic system) developed according to specified criteria, with a special rule for Christian Science providers. Requires the Medicare Prospective Payment Review Commission, during the first three years in which payments are made under this Act, to report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of the payment methodology established. Amends SSA title XI to require review by peer review organizations of home health services provided under Medicare. Eliminates certain fiscal intermediary responsibilities under Medicare with regard to home health services. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 to provide for a retroactive reinstatement of presumptive waiver of liability.",2025-08-21T20:17:13Z,
104-hr-4230,104,hr,4230,Rehabilitation and Return to Work Opportunity Act of 1996,Social Welfare,1996-09-27,1996-09-28,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1774),House,"Rep. Bunning, Jim [R-KY-4]",KY,R,B001066,14,"Rehabilitation and Return to Work Opportunity Act of 1996 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish under the Social Security Administration a Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Program for assessing the capability for vocational adjustment of individuals determined to be disabled under the OASDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.  Provides that the individual shall be determined capable of vocational adjustment upon determination of a reasonable possibility that the individual will be capable, upon the provision of vocational rehabilitation services, of performing substantial gainful activity. Places such program under the administrative authority of private sector regional administrators in each service region in which it is implemented.  Requires such administrators to hire network coordinators for their particular service regions to:  (1) ensure that adequate choices for vocational rehabilitation services are made available to service recipients; and (2) otherwise oversee specified requirements relating to service providers, including requirements that they develop jointly with each recipient, after an employment evaluation, an individual employment plan outlining employment preparation steps.  Prescribes a specified milestone payment system for use under such program. Establishes the Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Commission in the Social Security Administration and charges it with specific program development responsibilities, including oversight of the program once it is fully implemented.  Authorizes appropriations. Provides for a five-year period of Medicare continuation coverage for certain OASDI disability benefit recipients who return to work.  Makes permanent Medicare secondary payer rules relating to disability.  Repeals the mandate and authority for continuation hospital insurance benefit coverage for certain temporarily out-of-work individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide employers a one-time tax credit equal to the first year of Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes paid for certain disabled individuals they hire.",2025-08-21T20:16:29Z,
104-hr-4231,104,hr,4231,Principal Residence Tax Exclusion Act of 1996,Taxation,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Orton, Bill [D-UT-3]",UT,D,O000108,1,"Principal Residence Tax Exclusion Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the existing one-time exclusion of up to $125,000 of gain from the sale of a principal residence by a person at least 55 years old with an exclusion of gain of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for qualifying joint return) for a qualifying sale of a principal residence regardless of the person's age. Applies such exclusion to only one sale or exchange every two years.  Repeals the provision providing for nonrecognition of gain on principal residence rollovers.",2025-08-21T20:14:29Z,
104-hr-4232,104,hr,4232,"To designate the United States Post Office building located at 251 West Lancaster Street in Fort Worth, Texas, as the ""Jim Wright Post Office Building"".",Government Operations and Politics,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.,House,"Rep. Geren, Pete [D-TX-12]",TX,D,G000134,0,"Designates the U.S. Post Office building located at 251 West Lancaster Street in Fort Worth, Texas, as the Jim Wright Post Office Building.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
104-hr-4233,104,hr,4233,Savings in Construction Act of 1996,"Science, Technology, Communications",1996-09-27,1996-09-30,Received in the Senate.,House,"Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-47]",CA,R,C000830,3,"Savings in Construction Act of 1996 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including:  (1) full and open competition; (2) total installed price; (3) hard-metric; (4) cost or pricing data or price analysis; and (5) Federal facility. Requires the implementation of such Act in the acquisition of construction services and materials for Federal facilities.  Directs that if the requirements of this Act conflict with specified Federal procurement provisions, then such provisions shall take precedence.  Sets forth exceptions with respect to the implementation of such Act concerning concrete masonry units and recessed lighting fixtures. Requires the agency head to determine in writing according to specified criteria that specifications can only be satisfied by hard-metric versions. Requires the head of each agency that awards construction contracts within the United States and its territories to designate a senior agency official as a construction metrication ombudsman to, among other things, be:  (1) responsible for reviewing and responding to complaints from prospective bidders, subcontractors, suppliers, or their designated representatives concerning use of the metric system of measurement in contracts for the construction of Federal buildings; (2) independent of the contracting officer for construction contracts; and (3) responsible for ensuring that the agency is not implementing the metric system of measurement in a manner that is either impractical, likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to U.S. firms, or inconsistent with specified guidelines while ensuring that the goals of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 are observed.",2025-08-21T20:14:39Z,
104-hr-4234,104,hr,4234,Public Right-to-Know and Children's Environmental Health Protection Act,Environmental Protection,1996-09-27,1996-10-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,3,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Toxics Reporting and Public Right to Know      Title II:  Children's Environmental Protection Act      Title III:  Endocrine Disruptors Public Right-to-Know and Children's Environmental Health Protection Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that:  (1) adequate data should be developed with respect to industry's use of and the public's exposure to toxic substances, with priority given to the exposure of children; and (2) such data should be generated by manufacturers, processors, and users of chemical substances and mixtures and then made available to the general public. Title I:  Toxics Reporting and Public Right to Know - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act to revise toxic chemical release form requirements, providing, among other things, for certain additional information to be reported to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about known toxic chemicals at facilities subject to such requirements, including the number of employees and contractors at the facility along with the number of those that have been exposed to the chemical.  Requires the Administrator to:  (1) establish new thresholds for reporting highly toxic chemicals; and (2) develop an EPA plan for integrating and improving access to publicly available information within the jurisdiction of the agency in order to improve the management of information resources and assist agency enforcement, pollution prevention, and multimedia permitting and reporting initiatives. (Sec. 105) Modifies the authority to bring civil actions under this Act, specifically allowing them to be brought for any of the listed failures that are past or ongoing. (Sec. 106) Gives the EPA Administrator the authority to prescribe regulations to carry out the Pollution Prevention Act. Title II:  Children's Environmental Protection Act - Children's Environmental Health Protection Act - Prohibits any person in the course of doing business from knowingly exposing any infant or young child to an-EPA listed hazardous synthetic chemical in any children's food or consumer product without first providing a clear and reasonable warning of the exposure, on or immediately adjacent to the food or product at its point of sale to the retail customer.  Specifies exemptions from this prohibition, including businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and public entities. (Sec. 204) Requires the EPA Administrator to publish annually in the Federal Register a list of all hazardous synthetic chemicals that have been identified or regulated by any Federal agency as carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or neurotoxins.  Authorizes the Administrator to:  (1) publish in the Federal Register a list of children's foods and consumer products that are known or likely to expose children to one or more hazardous synthetic chemicals; and (2) identify any foods and products for which the Administrator has determined that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from any listed hazardous synthetic chemical. (Sec. 206) Provides for the implementation and enforcement, including private citizen enforcement, of this Act, through civil penalties and other means, granting U.S. district courts jurisdiction over civil actions to redress any action or inaction that is alleged to be or to have been in violation of this title. Title III:  Endocrine Disruptors - Requires the EPA Administrator to provide for testing under the screening program authorized by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of any substance to which the Administrator determines a substantial population may be exposed. (Sec. 302) Allows the Administrator to require a warning label on or near any product at its point of sale if such product contains a substance which has an endocrine disrupting effect.  Requires any such warning label to state the name of the substance for which labeling is required, and to state in plain language the potential effects of consumption of endocrine disruptors. Allows any person to petition the EPA Administrator to take action under this title. (Sec. 303) Provides that if, on the basis of the results of such screening process, the EPA Administrator finds that a substance may have an endocrine disrupting effect, such finding shall be sufficient basis for applying certain requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act pertaining to the regulation of hazardous chemical substances and mixtures.",2025-08-21T20:14:43Z,
104-hr-4235,104,hr,4235,Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1996,Housing and Community Development,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.,House,"Rep. Fox, Jon D. [R-PA-13]",PA,R,F000332,0,Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Housing Act with respect to discriminatory housing practices to:  (1) limit civil litigation to intending tenants; (2) require the practice to be intentionally discriminatory; (3) exempt from liability publishers (such as newspapers) that reasonably rely on presented advertising material; and (4) award litigation costs to prevailing parties.,2025-08-21T20:15:13Z,
104-hr-4236,104,hr,4236,Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1996-09-27,1996-11-12,Became Public Law No: 104-333.,House,"Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]",AK,R,Y000033,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Division I           Title I:  The Presidio of San Francisco           Title II:  Boundary Adjustments and Conveyances           Title III:  Exchanges           Title IV:  Rivers and Trails           Title V:  Historic Areas and Civil Rights           Title VI:  Civil and Revolutionary War Sites           Title VII:  Fees           Title VIII:  Miscellaneous Administrative and Management      Provisions           Title IX:  Heritage Areas           Title X:  Miscellaneous                Subtitle A:  Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve                Subtitle B:  Sterling Forest                Subtitle C:  Additional Provisions           Title XI:  California Bay Delta Environmental Enhancement      Division II           Title I:  National Coal Heritage Area           Title II:  Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area           Title III:  Augusta Canal National Heritage Area           Title IV:   Steel Industry Heritage Project           Title V:  Essex National Heritage Area           Title VI:  South Carolina National Heritage Corridor           Title VII:  America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership           Title VIII:  Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor           Title IX:  Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 - Division I - Title I:  The Presidio of San Francisco - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to manage leases currently in existence for properties under the Secretary's jurisdiction located at the Presidio (a former military complex in San Francisco, California). Makes the Secretary responsible for providing public interpretive services, visitor orientation, and educational programs on lands within the Presidio.  Sets forth provisions regarding management of lands and facilities within the Presidio not transferred to the jurisdiction of the Presidio Trust; and (2) retention of career National Park Service (NPS) employees employed at the Presidio at the time of the transfer. (Sec. 103) Establishes the Presidio Trust.  Directs the Secretary to transfer specified lands to the administrative jurisdiction of the Trust.  Designates a William Penn Mott Visitor Center.  Vests the powers and management of the Trust in a Board of Directors. (Sec. 104) Directs the Trust to:  (1) manage the leasing, maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of property within the Presidio; and (2) develop a comprehensive program for management of transferred lands and facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding financial authorities, donations, public agency status of the Trust, proceeds, lawsuits, a Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of law enforcement activities and services within transferred areas, bylaws, rules, and regulations, negotiations, insurance, building code compliance, leasing, reversion, and funding limits. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to:  (1)  conduct an interim study of the Trust's activities and report to specified congressional committees; (2) develop an interim schedule and plan to reduce and replace Federal appropriations for interpretive services conducted by NPS, law enforcement activities and services, and fire and public safety programs conducted by the Trust; and (3) conduct a comprehensive study of Trust activities.  Sets forth reporting requirements. Title II:  Boundary Adjustments and Conveyances - Modifies the boundaries of the:  (1) Yucca House National Monument, Colorado; (2) Zion National Park, Utah; (3) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan; (4) Independence National Historical Park and a United States Customs House, Pennsylvania; (5) Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho; (6) Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (pursuant to the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act of 1988); (7) Wupatki National Monument, Arizona; and (8) Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona (and authorizes appropriations). (Sec. 209) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands:  (1) in and adjoining the Plumas National Forest in Butte County, California, to persons claiming to have been deprived of title to such lands (authorizes appropriations); (2) to the city of Sumpter, Oregon; (3) to the Alpine Elementary School District 7, Arizona, provided that the conveyed property is used for public school facilities and related public school recreational purposes; and (4) to the Del Norte County Unified School District, California. (Sec. 210) Transfers specified lands in New Mexico to the Secretary to be held in trust for the Pueblo de Taos.  Declares that the Taos Pueblo, as a result of such transfer, has no unresolved claims against the United States on such lands. (Sec. 211) Authorizes the Secretary to:  (1) transfer to York County, Virginia, a portion of the existing sewage disposal system owned by the United States and located within the Colonial National Historical Park, together with certain rights-of-way; and (2) enter into a cooperative agreement with such County under which the Secretary will pay a portion of the costs of repair and rehabilitation of such system.  Requires such agreement to provide for a reduction in, or the elimination of, the amounts charged to NPS for its sewage disposal. Authorizes the Secretary to include specified lands within the Park.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 212) Amends the 1909 Cuprum Townsite patent (Idaho) to include specified lands.  Conveys such lands to the original patentee or any successors or assigns in interest.  Directs the Federal Government to survey the Federal property lines and mark and post necessary boundaries. (Sec. 213) Relinquishes all U.S. right to land subject to a specified right-of-way located around Douglas, Wyoming, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 214) Modifies the boundary of the Modoc National Forest. (Sec. 216) Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to ten acres of lands or interests therein to establish trailheads located at White Rocks and Chadwell Gap to be added to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Virginia. (Sec. 218) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) convey specified Federal lands in the Merced Irrigation District, Mariposa County, California, in exchange for non-Federal lands in that area; and (2) make specified corrections to maps regarding the Coastal Barrier Resources System. (Sec. 219) Father Aull Site Transfer Act of 1996 - Conveys specified lands near Silver City, New Mexico, to St. Vincent DePaul Parish. Title III:  Exchanges - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange specified Federal lands in the Targhee National Forest (North Fork Tract) for non-Federal lands in that area (Squirrel Meadows Tract). (Sec. 302) Ratifies the ""Donation, Exchange of Lands and Interests in Lands and Wilderness Redesignation Agreement Among Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, Nanamiut Corporation, City of Anaktuvuk Pass and the United States of America,"" executed December 17, 1992. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to modify the acreage of the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness, Noatak National Preserve, and Noatak Wilderness. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary, subject to specified requirements, to:  (1) value the rights granted to Koniag, Incorporated and confirmed as valid selections to receive title to certain oil and gas rights and other interests in the subsurface estate of certain public lands in Alaska which Koniag possesses within boundaries of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, and Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) enter into negotiations for an agreement or agreements to exchange Federal lands or interests in Alaska for such rights. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain federally-owned land within the Cache National Forest, Utah, for lands of approximately equal value owned by the Sun Valley Company, subject to specified requirements.  Finds that the Phase I facilities referred to in the Snowbasin Ski Area Master Development Plan dated October 1995 to be located on National Forest System land after consummation of the land exchange directed by this section are limited in size and scope, are reasonable and necessary to accommodate the 2002 Olympics, and in some cases are required to provide for the safety of skiing competitors and spectators. Sets forth provisions regarding Phase I facility approval, conditions, and timetable. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Weyerhaeuser Company specified Federal lands and mineral, oil, and gas interests in Arkansas and Oklahoma in exchange for specified non-Federal lands and interests, subject to specified limitations. Provides for the administration of acquired lands as National Forest System lands, except for portions managed as a component of the Cossatot National Wildlife Refuge, and for adjustment of the Ouachita National Forest boundary. (Sec. 306) Extends the deadline for completing specified land exchanges under the law establishing the Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas.  Requires the Secretary, in considering the values of the private lands to be exchanged, to consider independent appraisals submitted by the owners of the private lands.  Sets forth further limitations and reporting requirements.  Provides for a land exchange in Liberty County, Texas, with acquired lands added to the Menard Creek Corridor Unit of the Preserve. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) acquire certain land owned by R-Y Timber, Inc., located in the Lost Creek and Twin Lakes areas of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, in exchange for Federal land of equal value located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Gallatin National Forests; and (2) grant specified rights to harvest timber on land in the latter Forests.  Sets forth provisions regarding liability for hazardous substances and release of specified lands in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest from study. (Sec. 308)  Directs the Secretary to convey to the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America certain lands in the Cleveland National Forest, California, in exchange for land of equal value. (Sec. 309) Requires the Secretary to exchange lands with the Water Conservancy District of Washington County, Utah, in and to the Sand Hollow Site, and Quail Creek Pipeline and Reservoir, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 310) Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through October 1, 2002. (Sec. 311) Kenai Natives Association Equity Act Amendments of 1996 - Directs the Secretary to offer to convey to the Kenai Natives Association, Inc., (KNA) specified interests in land and rights in Alaska in return for the conveyance by KNA to the United States of the interests in land or relinquishment of certain Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 selections, subject to specified requirements. Requires the United States to make a specified cash payment to KNA for specified lands, contingent upon the appropriate approvals of the Federal or State of Alaska Exxon Valdez oil spill Trustees (or both) necessary for any expenditure of the settlement funds. Directs the Secretary to nominate the Stephanka Tract to the National Register of Historic Places. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) removal of KNA lands from the National Wildlife Refuge System, maps, and KNA acceptance of the Secretary's offer; (2) adjustments to the National Wilderness System; and (3) designation of the Lake Todatonten Special Management Area. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV:  Rivers and Trails - Requires the Secretary to:  (1) establish, in consultation with the Rio Puerco Management Committee, a clearinghouse for research and information on management within the Rio Puerco Drainage Basin and an inventory of best management practices and related monitoring activities that have been or may be implemented within the Rio Puerco Watershed Project; (2) provide support to the Committee to identify objectives, monitor results of ongoing projects, and develop alternative watershed management plans for the Basin, based on best management practices; and (3)  prepare a report for the improvement of watershed conditions in the Basin. Establishes the Committee.  Directs the Secretary to:  (1) periodically report to specified congressional committees with a summary of activities of the management program and proposals for joint implementation efforts, including funding recommendations; and (2) conduct a lower Rio Grande habitat study.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Amends:  (1) the National Trails System Act to add the Old Spanish Trail and the Great Western Scenic Trail as routes subject to consideration for designation as national scenic trails; (2) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Lamprey River, New Hampshire, as part of the national wild and scenic rivers system; (3) the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to revise the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River, to direct the Secretary to permit West Virginia to undertake fish stocking activities on waters within the boundaries of the national river, and to authorize the Secretary to construct a visitor center and such related facilities as necessary to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment of the New River Gorge National River and the Gauley River National Recreation Area near the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers; (4) the West Virginia National Interest River Conservation Act of 1987 to direct the Secretary to acquire such lands as necessary to provide access to noncommercial entities on the north side of the Gauley River at the Woods Ferry area utilizing existing roads and rights-of-way; (5) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to modify the boundaries of the Bluestone National Scenic River and to authorize the Secretary to acquire lands or interests therein to allow public access to such River, subject to specified requirements; and (6) the Act establishing Rocky Mountain National Park to prohibit the Secretary nor any other Federal agency or officer from approving or issuing any permit, or providing any assistance, for the construction of any new dam, reservoir, or impoundment on any segment of North St. Vrain Creek or its tributaries within the boundaries of such Park or on the main stem of North St. Vrain Creek downstream to the point at which the creek crosses the elevation 6,550 feet above mean sea level, to direct the Secretary to seek to acquire specified lands within the Park boundaries owned by the city of Longmont, Colorado, and to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to actively pursue negotiations with such city concerning a land exchange in and near Coulson Gulch. (Sec. 404) Makes permanent certain interim provisions under Federal law regarding Hanford Reach, Washington, and conservation of the Columbia River. Title V:  Historic Areas and Civil Rights - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate as a national scenic and national historic trail the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Alabama. (Sec. 502) Establishes the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, Washington.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Reestablishes the Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau, the Advisory Commission for Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. (Sec. 504) Amends:  (1) the Boston National Historical Park Act to authorize the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Boston Public Library to provide for the distribution of information and interpretive materials relating to the park and to the Freedom Trail; and (2) the National Historic Preservation Act to reauthorize appropriations for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation through FY 2000. (Sec. 505) Modifies Federal provisions regarding establishment of the Women's Rights National Historical Park to provide for the designation (currently, initial designation) of specified sites and to add more sites. (Sec. 506) Terminates the legislative authority for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish a commemorative work on October 27, 1998. (Sec. 507) Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible historically black colleges and universities for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures on their campuses, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 508) Authorizes the Secretary to permit the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to establish a memorial on lands under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. (Sec. 510) Establishes:  (1) the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey; (2) the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts; and (3) the Nicodemus National Historic Site in Nicodemus, Kansas.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 513) Aleutian World War II National Historic Areas Act of 1996 - Designates the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area. Directs the Secretary to award grants and provide technical assistance to the Ounalaska Corporation and the City of Unalaska. (Sec. 514) Transfers:  (1) jurisdiction over specified lands within the District of Columbia to the Secretary to establish a national memorial to Japanese American patriotism in World War II; and (2) specified Federal properties to the Government of the District of Columbia for consideration as a site for such memorial. (Sec. 515) Terminates the withdrawal of specified lands to allow land exchanges in support of acquiring lands within the boundary of the Manzanar National Historic Site, California. (Sec. 516) Designates the AIDS Memorial Grove located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, as a national memorial. Title VI:  Civil and Revolutionary War Sites - Designates the Civil War Center located at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the United States Civil War Center. Makes that center and the Civil War Institute of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the flagship institutions for planning the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to acquire land and to construct, operate, and maintain on such property a center for the interpretation of the Siege and Battle of Corinth and associated historical events for the benefit of the public.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 603) Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Historic Preservation Study Act of 1996 - Requires the Secretary to prepare a study of Revolutionary War sites and War of 1812 sites.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 604) American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 - Requires the Secretary to encourage, support, assist, recognize, and work in partnership with citizens, Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations in identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, and protecting historic battlefields and associated sites on a National, State, and local level.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 605) Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. (Sec. 606) Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and Commission Act of 1996 - Establishes the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Commission. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 607) Establishes the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma.  Authorizes appropriations. Title VII:  Fees - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to charge a rental fee for ski area permits issued on National Forest System lands, calculated according to a specified formula. (Sec. 702) Prohibits the use of Highway 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by commercial vehicles when such use is not connected with the operation of the Area, except for the use of such vehicles to serve businesses located within or in the vicinity of that Area, effective September 30, 2005. (Sec. 703) Modifies Federal law to direct that 60 percent of the fees paid by permitees to enter Glacier Bay over a specified period be available to:  (1) acquire and preposition necessary and adequate emergency response equipment to prevent harm or the threat of harm to aquatic park resources from permitees; and (2) conduct investigations to quantify any effect of permittees' activity on wildlife and other natural resource values of Glacier Bay National Park. Title VIII:  Miscellaneous Administrative and Management Provisions - Repeals a limitation under Federal law on the expenditure of funds for park buildings. (Sec. 802) Authorizes NPS appropriations for use in providing transportation for children in nearby communities to and from any NPS unit used in connection with organized recreation and interpretive NPS programs. (Sec. 803) Amends Federal law regarding transportation of captured animals to authorize the Secretary to use motor vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, or helicopters, or to contract for such use, in furtherance of NPS management. Modifies the Act establishing the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri, to require the Secretary to allow free-roaming horses in such Riverways and to enter into an agreement with a qualified nonprofit entity to provide for management of free-roaming horses. Bars the Secretary from removing any such horses from Federal lands within the boundary of the Riverways unless specified conditions are met. (Sec. 804) Revises Federal law to authorize the Secretary to:  (1) transfer museum objects and collections that are no longer needed for museum purposes to,and to accept the transfer of museum objects and collections from, Federal agencies, subject to specified requirements; (2) convey unneeded museum objects and collections to private tax- exempt institutions and to specified non-Federal governmental entities; and (3) destroy museum objects and collections that have no scientific, cultural, historic, educational, aesthetic, or monetary value.  Directs the Secretary to ensure that museum collections are treated in a manner that protects the public interest and to establish a systematic review and approval process. (Sec. 805) Increases appropriations to carry out the Volunteers in Parks Act of 1969. (Sec. 806) Redesignates the Federal Lands Cleanup Day as the Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day under the Federal Lands Cleanup Act of 1985. (Sec. 807) Modifies:  (1) Federal law regarding the Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia, to repeal reservations of lands for the Army Corps of Engineers and for a Treasury Department quarantine station; and (2) the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to provide that members be appointed after consideration of (currently, from) recommendations submitted by specified parties. (Sec. 808) Designates:  (1) the Laura C. Hudson Visitor Center in New Orleans, Louisiana; and (2) the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park, California. (Sec. 810) Authorizes the Secretary to collect and expend funds for the operation, maintenance, and administration of a visitor center outside the authorized boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park. (Sec. 812) Prohibits certain transfers of National Forest Lands in the Angeles National Forest. (Sec. 813) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement authorizing the town of Grand Lake, Colorado, to maintain permanently a cemetery within the boundaries of the Rocky Mountain National Park. (Sec. 814) Authorizes the Secretary to rent or lease housing on or off lands under NPS jurisdiction to NPS field employees at rates based on the reasonable value of the housing. Directs the Secretary to review and revise existing criteria under which housing is provided to NPS employees and report to specified congressional committees, and to undertake a review for each NPS unit of existing Government-owned housing provided to NPS employees.  Modifies the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make the authority of the Secretary regarding minor boundary revision applicable only if specified conditions are met, such as if the acquisition is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and the proposed boundary has been subject to a public review and comment period.  Authorizes the Secretary to expend sums for park facilities to be located outside the boundaries of Zion National Park. Repeals congressional reporting requirements under various Federal statutes. Modifies the Act establishing:  (1) NPS to provide for Senate confirmation of the Director of NPS; and (2) the NPS Advisory Board to specify as its purpose to advise the Director on matters relating to NPS, the National Park System, and programs administered by NPS and to authorize appropriations.  Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate and enter into challenge cost-share agreements with cooperators.  Revises Federal law to provide cost recovery for damage to national park resources, defined to include marine or aquatic park system resources, except for resources owned by a non-Federal entity. (Sec. 815) Designates the William B. Smullin Visitor Center in Rand, Oregon. (Sec. 816) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing an urban ecology park to be known as the Calumet Ecological Park in the Lake Calumet area situated between the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 817) Provides for the acquisition by the United States of certain property on Santa Cruz Island, California. (Sec. 818) Modifies Federal law to authorize the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private educational institutions, States, and their political subdivisions for the purpose of developing adequate, coordinated, cooperative research and training programs concerning NPS resources. Title IX:  Heritage Areas - Revises Federal law to:  (1)  modify the boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; (2) authorize members of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission to continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until a successor has been appointed; (3) direct the Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan to address the boundary change and to include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, managed, or acquired because of their contribution to the understanding of national cultural landscape values; and (4) extend the term of the Commission by five years. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a limited program of financial assistance for the purpose of providing funds for the preservation and restoration of structures on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places within the Corridor which exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, or environmental education opportunities to the general public.  Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility for funds and the impact on local authority and private property.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 902) Amends the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 to direct the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission to undertake a study to determine whether the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and the Calumet-Sag and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canals should be added to the corridor. Title X:  Miscellaneous - Subtitle A:  Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Act of 1996 - Establishes:  (1) the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to provide for the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the Spring Hill Ranch area of the Flint Hills, Kansas; and (2) the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Advisory Committee. (Sec. 1006) Limits the Secretary's authority to:  (1)  acquire and make improvements on real property within the Preserve; and (2) regulate lands outside that acquired by the Secretary under this subtitle. (Sec. 1009) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B:  Sterling Forest - Authorizes the Secretary to:  (1) provide funding to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to acquire specified lands (authorizes appropriations); and (2) exchange unreserved unappropriated Federal lands under the Secretary's jurisdiction for lands of equal value in the Sterling Forest. Subtitle C:  Additional Provisions - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require the President to appoint an advisory commission to review the opportunities for enhancing water-based recreation.  Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec.  1022) Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness Expansion and Fossil Forest Protection Act - Amends the San Juan Basin Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 to designate and expand the Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico.  Provides for Federal exchanges for State lands and for Indian lands.  Modifies such Act to establish the Fossil Forest Research Natural Area. (Sec. 1023) Establishes:  (1) the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area, Oregon; and (2) an advisory council for the Scenic Recreation Area.  Sets forth provisions regarding preparation of a management plan, review and revision of an inventory of cultural and historic resources, transportation planning, hunting and fishing, timber cutting, water impoundments, recreational use, land acquisition, and environmental response actions and cost recovery. Authorizes a Federal land exchange with lands possessed by the Rosboro Lumber Company.  Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate Elkhorn Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. Directs the State of Oregon and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a plan for economic development projects for which grants under this section may be used to benefit local communities near the Opal Creek area.  Provides grant funds to Oregon.  Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 1024) Directs:  (1) the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group to propose ecological restoration projects, economic development and stability projects, and projects designed to reduce the impacts of drought conditions to be undertaken in the Upper Klamath Basin based on a consensus of the Working Group membership; and (2) the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of performing any project approved by the Secretary or his designee, up to a total of $1 million during each of FY 1997 through 2001. Requires the Secretary to formulate a cooperative agreement among the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force, the Trinity River Restoration Task Force, and the Klamath River Basin Compact Commission for the purposes of ensuring that projects proposed and funded through the Working Group are consistent with other basin-wide fish and wildlife restoration and conservation plans. Sets forth provisions regarding Working Group:  (1) public meetings; and (2) terms and vacancies.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1025) Directs:  (1) the Deschutes River Basin Working Group to propose ecological restoration projects on both Federal and non-Federal lands and waters to be undertaken in the Deschutes River Basin based on a consensus of the Working Group, provided that such projects, when involving Federal land or funds, shall be proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation in the Department of the Interior and any other Federal agency with affected land or funds; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation to pay from funds authorized under this section up to 50 percent of the cost of performing any project proposed by the Working Group and approved by the Secretary, up to a total of $1 million during each of FY 1997 through 2001 (authorizes appropriations); and (3) the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the cutting of trees in the Bull Run River Drainage, with exceptions, and to undertake a study of part of the Little Sandy Watershed (study area) to determine the impact of management activities on the quality of drinking water provided to the Portland metropolitan area, the identity and location of certain ecological features, and the location and extent of any significant cultural or other values, within the study area. Prohibits the Secretary from advertising, offering, or awarding any timber sale within the study area for two years after the date of this section's enactment. (Sec. 1027) Designates the Oregon Islands Wilderness, Additions. (Sec. 1028) Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to consult, coordinate, and cooperate with the Umpqua Land Exchange Project (ULEP) and other specified parties to assist ULEP's ongoing efforts in studying and analyzing land exchange opportunities in the Umpqua River basin and to provide scientific, technical, research, mapping, and other assistance and information to such entities.  Sets forth priority matters for study and reporting requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1029) Establishes:  (1) as an NPS unit the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Massachusetts; and (2) the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership to coordinate the activities of Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in the development and implementation of an integrated resource management plan for the recreation area. Directs the Secretary to establish the Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1030) Amends Federal law creating the Natchez National Historical Park to authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the City of Natchez under which the Secretary agrees to pay up to $3 million toward the planning and construction by the City of a structure to be partially used by the Secretary as an administrative headquarters, administrative site, and visitors' center for the Park, subject to specified requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1031) Authorizes the Secretary to substitute, without competition, a contract for timber identified for harvest located on public BLM-administered lands in California of comparable value for the terminated Elkhorn Ridge Timber Sale contract. (Sec. 1032) Modifies the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct that rights-of-way be granted, issued, or renewed, without rental fees, for electric or telephone facilities eligible for financing pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, determined without regard to any application requirement under that Act. (Sec. 1033) Amends Federal law to include within the definition of ""unit of general local government"" certain areas in Alaska within the boundaries of a census area used by the Secretary of Commerce in the decennial census, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.  Directs: (1) the Secretary, with respect to such areas in Alaska, to make a payment for each fiscal year to the State for entitlement land located within such unit; and (2) the State to distribute such payment to home rule cities and general law cities located within the boundaries of the unit of general local government for which the payment was received. (Sec. 1034) Authorizes specified Alaska Native corporations to commence litigation at any time within 12 months of enactment of this Act in Federal District Court for Alaska to challenge any determination by the Department of the Interior that such native corporations will not receive conveyance of lands described in Appendix C of the Deficiency Agreement dated August 31, 1976. (Sec. 1035) Directs that local residents who are descendants of Katmai residents who lived in the Naknek Lake and River Drainage be permitted, subject to reasonable regulations established by the Secretary, to continue their traditional fishery for red fish within Katmai National Park. (Sec. 1036) Authorizes the Cape Fox Corporation to transfer all or part of its right to the 320-acre parcel that includes Beaver Falls Hydroelectric power-house site to the United States as part of an equal value exchange. (Sec. 1037) Grants the Secretary of Agriculture 180 days to review management of Inspiration Point, San Bernardino National Forest, to determine whether the continued presence of KATY-FM antenna on the site is in the public interest, and to report to specified congressional committees.  Bars the Secretary from taking action within such period which causes or results in the removal of the antenna from the site. Title XI:  California Bay Delta Environmental Enhancement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for the initial Federal share of the cost of developing and implementing:  (1) a portion of a specified ecosystem protection plan for the Bay-Delta, California; and (2) the ecosystem restoration elements of the long-term CALFED Bay-Delta Program. Directs:  (1) the United States to immediately initiate coordinated consultations and negotiations with the State of California to expeditiously execute the cost-sharing agreement required by a California Senate bill signed by the Governor of California on July 11, 1996; and (2) the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as part of the President's FY 1998 Budget, an interagency budget crosscut that displays Federal spending for FY 1993 through 1998 on ecosystem restoration and other purposes in the Bay-Delta region, separately showing funding provided previously or requested under both pre-existing authorities and new authorities granted by this title. Division II - Title I:  National Coal Heritage Area - National Coal Heritage Area Act of 1996 - Establishes the National Coal Heritage Area, West Virginia. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contractual agreement to assist West Virginia, its units of local government, and nonprofit organizations in developing and implementing integrated cultural, historical, and land resource management policies and programs to retain, enhance, and interpret significant values of the lands, water, and structures of the Area.  Authorizes appropriations. Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title II:  Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area - Designates the Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area, upon publication of notice that a compact regarding the Area has been approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title III:  Augusta Canal National Heritage Area - Designates the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Georgia. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement providing for the management of the Area by the Augusta Canal Authority.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title IV:  Steel Industry Heritage Project - Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 - Establishes the Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to enter into a compact with the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation to manage the Area.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title V:  Essex National Heritage Area - Establishes the Essex National Heritage Area, Massachusetts.  Specifies that the management entity for the Area shall be selected by the Essex Heritage Ad Hoc Commission. Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title VI:  South Carolina National Heritage Corridor - South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 - Establishes the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, South Carolina.  Requires the management entity for the Corridor to be selected by the Governor of South Carolina.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title VII:  America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership - Establishes, subject to specified requirements:  (1) America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership, Iowa; and (2) a management entity for such Partnership.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title VIII:  Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor - Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1996 - Establishes:  (1) the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, Ohio; and (2) the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Committee to assist Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in the preparation and implementation of an integrated Corridor Management Plan.  Authorizes the Secretary to recognize the Ohio & Erie Canal Association as the Corridor's management entity.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for a 50 percent Federal funding match. Title IX:  Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area - Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Act of 1996 - Establishes a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.  Designates the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Conservancy as management entities which shall establish a Heritage Area Committee to manage the Area.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-04-07T15:29:40Z,
104-hr-4237,104,hr,4237,"To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to rules governing litigation contesting termination or substantial reduction of retiree health benefits, to require a preponderance of evidence for termination or substantial reduction of retiree health benefits, and to allow courts to use extrinsic evidence in determining the intent of a plan.",Labor and Employment,1996-09-27,1996-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.,House,"Rep. Barrett, Thomas M. [D-WI-5]",WI,D,B000177,0,"Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish procedures governing an employee benefit plan or plan sponsor's termination or substantial reduction of retiree health benefits. Requires, before a court approves a contested termination or substantial reduction, a finding that the balance of equities clearly favors such approval.  Allows courts to use extrinsic evidence in determining a plan's intent.",2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
104-hr-4238,104,hr,4238,Compassionate Community Act of 1996,Taxation,1996-09-27,1996-10-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, and in addition to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Boehner, John A. [R-OH-8]",OH,R,B000589,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS      Title I:  Tax Incentives for Charitable Contributions      Title II:  Volunteer Enhancement      Title III:  Common Sense Legal and Regulatory Reforms for Charities           Subtitle A:  Liability of Certain Tax Exempt                Organizations Under CERCLA           Subtitle B:  Liability of Certain Tax Exempt                Organizations Under OSHA           Subtitle C:  Fair Labor Standards Act Obligations of                Certain Tax Exempt Organizations           Subtitle D:  Limited Damages in Negligence Claims           Subtitle E:  Volunteer Protection           Subtitle F:  Charitable Medical Care           Subtitle G:  Property Access           Subtitle H:  Volunteer Firefighter and Rescue Squad                Worker Protection Compassionate Community Act of 1996 - Title I:  Tax Incentives for Charitable Contributions - Amends the Internal Revenue Act Code to establish a charitable credit of up to $100 for an individual and up to $200 for a joint return.  Prohibits double benefit charitable deductions and credits. (Sec. 102) Establishes an employer credit for wages paid to qualifying employee volunteers. Title II:  Volunteer Enhancement - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit employees to receive compensatory time rather than required monetary overtime (at a rate of at least 1.5 hours compensatory time for each hour of overtime). Title III:  Common Sense Legal and Regulatory Reforms for Charities - Subtitle A:  Liability of Certain Tax Exempt Organizations Under CERCLA - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to limit specified pollutant or hazardous substance-related liability for qualifying tax-exempt organizations. Subtitle B:  Liability of Certain Tax Exempt Organizations Under OSHA - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA)concerning notification of violation and employer defenses with respect to certain tax-exempt organizations. Subtitle C:  Fair Labor Standards Act Obligations of Certain Tax Exempt Organizations - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize tax-exempt employers to establish flexible and compressed schedules. Subtitle D:  Limited Damages in Negligence Claims - Limits non-economic damages to $250,000 in a negligence action against a tax-exempt organization. Subtitle E:  Volunteer Protection - Provides nonprofit or governmental volunteers with limited protection from tort liability. Sets forth specified State conditions and exceptions to such protection. (Sec. 335) Increases, by one percent, State Social Services Block Grant allotments under title XX of the Social Security Act for specified compliance certifications. Subtitle F:  Charitable Medical Care - Provides health care professionals with limited liability for volunteer services. Subtitle G:  Property Access - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to state that an employer who provides property access to charitable organizations is not required to provide such access for union-related activities. Subtitle H:  Volunteer Firefighter and Rescue Squad Worker Protection - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude volunteer fire fighters or rescue squad members from the definition of employee. (Sec. 362) Waives overtime requirements for such volunteers.",2026-03-23T12:47:58Z,
104-hr-4239,104,hr,4239,"To provide for the licensing of commercial space reentry vehicles and reentry sites, and for other purposes.","Science, Technology, Communications",1996-09-27,1996-10-02,Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,0,Amends Federal law to include reentry vehicles and related launch operations within the scope of commercial space launch activities. Mandates an annual report.,2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
104-hr-4240,104,hr,4240,To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to the marking of golf clubs and golf club components.,Foreign Trade and International Finance,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Cunningham, Randy (Duke) [R-CA-51]",CA,R,C000994,0,"Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt U.S. manufactured golf clubs, and components that are imported and assembled into golf clubs in the United States, from the country of origin marking requirements under the Act.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4241,104,hr,4241,"To amend the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to designate the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, to amend the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989 to designate the Earnest F. Coe Visitor Center, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Resources.,House,"Rep. Deutsch, Peter [D-FL-20]",FL,D,D000275,1,"Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to redesignate the Everglades Wilderness in Everglades National Park, Florida, as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness to commemorate Mrs. Douglas' vision and leadership in the protection of the Everglades and the establishment of such Park. Amends the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989 to require the Secretary of the Interior to designate the main visitor center facility at the Park's headquarters as the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to commemorate Mr. Coe's vision and leadership in the establishment and protection of the Park.",2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
104-hr-4242,104,hr,4242,"To amend the Act commonly known as the ""Antiquities Act"" to limit further extension or establishment of national monuments in California.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Resources.,House,"Rep. Doolittle, John T. [R-CA-4]",CA,R,D000429,9,Amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to prohibit any extension or establishment of any national monument in California except by express authorization of the Congress.,2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
104-hr-4243,104,hr,4243,To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit certain tax free corporate liquidations into a 501(c)(3) organization and to revise the unrelated business income tax rules regarding receipt of debt-financed property in such a liquidation.,Taxation,1996-09-27,1996-09-28,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1808),House,"Rep. Dunn, Jennifer [R-WA-8]",WA,R,D000549,3,Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax-free liquidations from a closely held corporation into a tax-exempt organization.  Revises unrelated business income provisions regarding property acquired subject to a mortgage with respect to such a liquidation.,2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4244,104,hr,4244,To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive the 3-day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services in the case of individuals classified within certain diagnosis-related groups.,Health,1996-09-27,1996-09-28,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1797),House,"Rep. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL-20]",IL,D,D000563,1,"Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for coverage under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of extended care services for individuals with a condition classifiable within a select diagnosis-related group (DRG).  (Waives the three-day prior hospitalization requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services for such DRGs.) Requires the Secretary to select at least five DRGs beginning in FY 1998, and additional qualified groups for subsequent fiscal years. Provides for recovery of excessive expenditures by:  (1) reductions in payable amounts for post-hospital extended care services in the following fiscal year; and (2) rescission of the selection of any DRG.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4245,104,hr,4245,Tobacco Youth Access Act,Families,1996-09-27,1996-10-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Fox, Jon D. [R-PA-13]",PA,R,F000332,0,"Tobacco Youth Access Act - Allows the use of vending machines to sell tobacco products only in an area or establishment to which individuals under 18 years old (or such higher age as a State has set) (minimum age) are denied access.  Allows the sale or distribution of cigarettes only in a package of 20 cigarettes.  Prohibits offering or distributing tobacco products for sampling except in an area or establishment to which individuals under the minimum age are denied access. Mandates signs in retail establishments indicating the tobacco product purchase minimum age and the proof of age requirements, which must include photo identification.  Requires retailers and their employees to sign an annual certification of knowledge of the minimum age and to conduct all tobacco product sales face-to-face. Prohibits the distribution of tobacco products through the redemption of coupons or coins except in face-to-face transactions. Requires the termination of any block grant under provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to substance abuse, tuberculosis, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) if a State does not restrict youth access to tobacco as prescribed in this Act.",2025-08-21T20:17:04Z,
104-hr-4246,104,hr,4246,To require a study by the United States Sentencing Commission of sentencing for drug offenses where domestic violence has been found to occur.,Crime and Law Enforcement,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Fox, Jon D. [R-PA-13]",PA,R,F000332,0,Requires the United States Sentencing Commission to report to the Congress concerning the effect of cocaine (both crack and powder) and other illicit drugs on domestic violence.  Requires that the report include an analysis of the sentences imposed for offenses involving such drugs where domestic violence occurred and any recommendations for improving sentencing in such cases.,2019-11-15T21:33:17Z,
104-hr-4247,104,hr,4247,Justice on Time Act of 1996,Labor and Employment,1996-09-27,1996-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.,House,"Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]",PA,R,G000291,0,Justice on Time Act of 1996 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice complaints within 365 days after filing.,2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
104-hr-4248,104,hr,4248,Medicare Antibiotic Coverage Amendments of 1996,Health,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Waldholtz, Enid Greene [R-UT-2]",UT,R,G000408,0,"Medicare Antibiotic Coverage Amendments of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of certain antibiotics, including vancomycin, parenterally administered in a home setting.  Mandates adjustments in average standardized payment amounts in order to maintain budget neutrality.",2025-08-21T20:15:20Z,
104-hr-4249,104,hr,4249,Animal Welfare Act Amendments of 1996,Animals,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,Executive Comment Requested from USDA.,House,"Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]",WI,R,G000524,0,"Animal Welfare Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to redefine:  (1) the term ""dealer""; and (2) dealer and exhibitor licensing provisions. Excludes operators of auctions from certain civil penalty provisions.  Increases the temporary license suspension penalty, and includes a revocation provision.  Revises injunction provisions.",2025-08-21T20:17:08Z,
104-hr-4250,104,hr,4250,To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to permit a State the option of covering community-based attendant services under the Medicaid program.,Health,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]",WI,R,G000524,1,Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit States the option of covering community-based attendant services.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
104-hr-4251,104,hr,4251,"To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain small businesses from the required use of the electronic fund transfer system for depository taxes, and for other purposes.",Taxation,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Hastings, Doc [R-WA-4]",WA,R,H000329,0,Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain small businesses from the required use of the electronic fund transfer system for depository taxes.  Revises specified deposit phase-in provisions.,2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
104-hr-4252,104,hr,4252,Small Business Emancipation Act of 1996,Commerce,1996-09-27,1996-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.,House,"Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5]",CO,R,H000444,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Labor Provisions      Title II:  Tax Provisions Small Business Emancipation Act of 1996 - Title I:  Labor Provisions - States that the ""regular rate"" at which a small business employee (SBE) is employed shall not include sums paid under a performance plan as a reward for meeting or exceeding productivity, quality, efficiency, or sales goals. Authorizes an SBE to receive, in lieu of overtime compensation, compensatory time off at a rate of not less than one and one-half hours off for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation would have been paid.  Limits the annual accrual of compensatory time to 240 hours.  Provides for the payment of unused compensatory time upon termination. (Sec. 103) Authorizes a small business employer to establish compressed and flexible work schedules. (Sec. 104) States that a small business shall not be required to disclose to any regulatory agency any information obtained through a voluntary internal audit. (Sec. 105) Exempts laborers or mechanics employed by a small business from the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act. (Sec. 106) Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the Act) to:  (1) direct the Secretary of Labor, in establishing occupational safety and health (OSH) standards, to consider the relationship between the costs and benefits of a standard and its effect on small businesses; (2) authorize the Secretary to waive up to 100 percent of an OSH violation penalty to be paid by a small business to the extent that the employer uses the amount to correct the violation; and (3) provide that an employee participation committee formed to attempt to reduce the number of OSH hazards shall not be considered a ""labor organization"" for purposes of specified labor representation provisions. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish and implement a program to provide technical assistance and consultative services for small business employers and employees concerning worksite OSH and compliance with the Act; (2) establish an award to be periodically made to small businesses which have implemented effective approaches to addressing OSH in the workplace; and (3) prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report on the progress, findings, and conclusions of activities conducted under this section, along with recommendations for modifications. (Sec. 107) Prohibits a small business employer from granting preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title II:  Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to:  (1) exclude from the gross estate the value of a qualified small business interest of a decedent; (2) exclude a qualified cash or deferred arrangement from the definition of a ""top heavy plan""; and (3) provide that a trust shall not be disqualified from consideration as a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock-bonus plan by reason of a good faith administrative error.",2026-03-23T12:47:58Z,
104-hr-4253,104,hr,4253,Children's Financial Security Act of 1996,Families,1996-09-27,1996-09-28,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1811-1812),House,"Rep. Houghton, Amo [R-NY-31]",NY,R,H000814,1,"Children's Financial Security Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or a delegate to transfer each calendar year, from the general fund of the Treasury and for each calendar year, $1,000 to the Child Retirement Account (CRA) of each eligible child.  Makes eligible any individual who as of the close of such calendar year:  (1) is a citizen or resident alien of the United States; and (2) has not attained age six.  Allows the applicable taxpayer, in the case of children below age 19 as of the close of 1996, to contribute, during 1997 and 1998 only, to the child's CRA an amount equal to the lesser of $6,000 or the product of $1,000 and the child's age as of the close of 1996.  Reduces the amount of any Federal or parental contribution for children of high-income parents, according to a phaseout range formula. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt CRAs from the income tax, but not from the tax on unrelated business income of charitable organizations.  Requires the withholding of a 20 percent tax on any distribution from a CRA (although such distributions shall not be included in gross income).  Provides for qualified special purpose distributions for first-time homebuying and for higher education expenses (along with a specified credit against the 20 percent distribution tax).",2025-08-21T20:14:41Z,
104-hr-4254,104,hr,4254,"To amend the Community Services Block Grant Act with respect to the composition of the boards of community action agencies, and of nonprofit private organizations, that receive funds under such Act.",Economics and Public Finance,1996-09-27,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4]",WI,D,K000259,0,Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to make certain community action agency and nonprofit private organization board composition requirements discretionary.,2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
104-hr-4255,104,hr,4255,Model Adoption Act of 1996,Social Welfare,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4]",PA,D,K000270,0,Model Adoption Act of 1996 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to set as a prerequisite for Federal grants to State courts to assess and improve handling of foster care and adoption proceedings that the State in which a court is located has specified provisions of the Uniform Adoption Act in effect and operation.,2025-08-21T20:14:32Z,
104-hr-4256,104,hr,4256,To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the abatement of interest on deficiencies attributable to certain partnership items.,Taxation,1996-09-27,1996-09-27,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Laughlin, Greg [R-TX-14]",TX,R,L000119,0,Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the abatement of interest on deficiencies attributable to certain partnership items.,2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,