PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Sep 28, 1996
Omnibus Insular Areas Act of 1996 - Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to declare that the absence from the Virgin Islands of either the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor while on official business shall not be construed as a "temporary absence" involving a surrender of authority and power. Revises bond priority guidelines to declare that Virgin Islands revenue bonds, instead of the current priority for payment in the order of the date of issue, shall have a parity lien with every other issued obligation. (Sec. 4) Establishes the Commission on the Economic Future of the Virgin Islands to make recommendations to the President and the Congress on policies and programs for a secure and self-sustaining future for the local economy of the Virgin Islands through 2020, as well as on the role of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Department of the Interior to provide up to $300,000 in each of FY 1997 and 1998 in technical assistance funding for the Commission. (Sec. 5) Amends Federal law to repeal the requirement that the Delegate to Congress from Guam be elected by a separate ballot. (Sec. 6) Amends Federal law to declare that certain Federal grant assistance to American Samoa shall be considered local revenues when used as the local share required to obtain Federal programs and services. (Sec. 7) Repeals the mandate that the Secretary of the Interior transfer administration of the American Memorial Park (in Saipan) to the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 8) Establishes the American Samoa Study Commission to: (1) evaluate the history and nature of American Samoa's political relationship with the United States; (2) evaluate the impact of the relationship on the economic and social needs of American Samoa; (3) report on how the 1900 and 1904 instruments of cession to the United States of islands that compose American Samoa are recognized under international law; and (4) report on options available to improve American Samoa's economic self-sufficiency. Authorizes the Department of the Interior to provide up to $225,000 in matching funds in each of FY 1997 and 1998 in technical assistance for the Commission. (Sec. 9) States that the United States consents to certain amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, adopted by Hawaii.
People & committees
Rep. Gallegly, Elton [R-CA-23] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 5 (Roll no. 451).
House roll call 451 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 5 (Roll no. 451).
House roll call 451 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11622-1626, H12034)
Mr. Gallegly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 227.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 104-471.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 104-471.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Native American and Insular Affairs.
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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