This report tracks action by the 105th Congress on FY1999 appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and other related agencies.

This report provides background information regarding the bill and joint resolution, which must be passed by both houses in identical form, then presented to the President for his approval or disapproval.

This report provides general guidance to committees for conducting meetings to mark up legislation.

Because the minimum wage is not indexed to the price level, it has been legislatively increased from time to time to make up for the loss in its real value due to inflation. In nominal terms, the minimum wage has risen steadily since 1938 from 25 cents an hour to $5.15 where it now stands. But the legislated adjustments to the minimum wage have occurred at irregular intervals. As a result, there has been significant variation in the purchasing power of the minimum wage.

This report describes the process of reaching the final agreement between house and senate over the final version of a bill that the two houses have passes in different forms.

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