United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995
Amends rule XLIV (financial disclosure) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each report filed with the Clerk of the House under title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 for calendar year 1996 or any subsequent calendar year to disclose any gift (including a meal) with a fair market value in excess of $50 (other than personal hospitality of an individual or any gift received from a relative) as adjusted under such Act. Amends rule XLIII (Code of Official Conduct) to allow a House Member, officer, or employee to accept: (1) a gift with a fair market value of $50 (currently, $100) or less; and (2) an offer of free attendance for such individual and his or her spouse or dependent at a widely attended convention, conference, symposium, forum, panel discussion, dinner, viewing, reception, or similar event provided by the sponsor of the event if the individual participates in the event as a speaker or a panel participant by presenting information related to the Congress or matters before the Congress or by performing a ceremonial function appropriate to his or her official position, or if attendance at the event is appropriate to the performance of the official duties or representative function of the individual. Includes within the definition of "free attendance" waiver of all or part of a conference or other fee, the provision of lodging or transportation or the provision of food, refreshments, entertainment, and instructional materials furnished to all attendees as an integral part of the event. Excludes entertainment collateral to the event and food or refreshments taken other than in a group setting with substantially all other attendees. Permits such an individual, spouse, or dependent to accept a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at a charity event if: (1) the event is sponsored by a tax-exempt organization; (2) all expenses are paid by the sponsoring organization and not by another corporation or individual; (3) the proceeds to charity from the event exceed the costs of the event; and (4) the participation contributes in a tangible way to the success of the event.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1995
Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Requires health insurers to provide notice regarding the extent of plan coverage to enrollees annually and to potential enrollees on request. Requires that, under a health plan, the determination of what is medically necessary and appropriate for a patient be made only by a health care practitioner directly involved in the patient's care. Requires an insurer to pay for a service that is so determined if the service is covered by the plan. Mandates regulations to ensure against insurers offering monetary rewards, penalties, or inducements to a practitioner, or conditioning continued practitioner participation in the plan, on the basis of the practitioner's decisions to limit the availability of appropriate tests, services, or treatments. Imposes a civil monetary penalty for violations of this Act. Prohibits insurers from including provisions in a plan to hold itself harmless for liability. Prohibits States from establishing or enforcing standards weaker than those of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. travel and tourism. Establishes the National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal non-profit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy. Directs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to: (1) place priority on implementing recommendations by the National Tourism Board; and (2) cooperate with the National Tourism Organization. Authorizes the President to transfer up to 25 staff members of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration to the Foreign Service or the Commercial Service for two years to assist the Organization in its start-up activities. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee's (TPCC) Federal trade promotion plan to reflect, among other things, recommendations by the National Tourism Board. Makes the President of the National Tourism Organization a member of the TPCC.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Amends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 to extend the authorization for new claims for benefits under the emergency unemployment compensation program to December 1, 1995. Modifies the final phase-out period for continuation of claims to end it on June 1, 1996. (Sec. 2) Provides for a similar extension of the program of temporary extended railroad unemployment insurance benefits (and modification of the phase-out period). (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations for certain advances to Funds and transfers to accounts in order to make payments to States to carry out this Act. (Sec. 4) Designates all direct spending amounts provided, and all appropriations authorized, by this Act as emergency requirements within the meaning of specified provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Requires the Secretary of Energy to transfer, without compensation, the Tatum Dome Test Site to the State of Mississippi after certification from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the State that any contamination of such property has been remedied in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Subjects such transfer to retention by the United States of the following: (1) the subsurface estate below the depth of 2700 feet below sea level unless a lesser depth is agreed upon by the Secretary; (2) rights of access for monitoring wells for sampling; and (3) the right to install wells additional to those identified in the remediation plan to the extent deemed necessary by the Secretary to monitor potential pathways of contaminant migration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Los Angeles County District Attorney (DA) should file perjury charges against ex-Los Angeles Police Detective Mark Fuhrman; (2) the DA, the Attorney General of California, and the Attorney General of the United States should file charges against Mr. Fuhrman for any other crime that tape recordings and other evidence sufficiently indicate he may have committed; and (3) the Los Angeles Police Department and Chief of Police should expedite any reforms proposed by the July 9, 1991, report of the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department (the Christopher Commission) endorsed by the Los Angeles voters in 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1995
Davis-Bacon Act Reform Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) to provide for wage determinations based on the locality where the work is performed. Requires contractors and subcontractors covered by DBA to pay laborers and mechanics: (1) unconditionally; (2) at least weekly; and (3) without subsequent deduction or rebate. Applies DBA requirements to laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor to: (1) work directly upon the site of the work, including work at fabrication plants, batch plants, tool yards, or similar facilities not on the project site but dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to project construction (except previously established facilities whose location and continuance in operation are determined wholly without regard to the contract work); or (2) transport materials, supplies, and equipment to or from the worksite. Increases the minimum threshold (currently $2,000) for DBA coverage of contracts for public buildings and works to: (1) $100,000 for new construction, complete rehabilitation, or reconstruction; and (2) $25,000 for repairs or alterations. Sets conditions for coverage of leased property. Provides for periodic adjustments of such thresholds. Prohibits splitting contracts. Sets forth wage requirements in cases of contract option provisions. Sets preemption conditions. Sets forth provisions relating to apprentices, trainees, and helpers. Sets forth requirements relating to wages. Revises DBA enforcement provisions, including: (1) administrative procedures, including the Secretary of Labor's authority with respect to payment of workers, debarment of contractors, and coordination of enforcement; (2) review procedures, including court review of coverage determinations; and (3) creation of an administrative petition procedure for workers for wages, benefits, and damages. (Sec. 3) Amends the Copeland Act to: (1) eliminate weekly payroll data submission for contracts of $100,000 or less; and (2) change such weekly requirement to a monthly one for contracts of more than $100,000, with provisions for waivers for contractors or subcontractors who have demonstrated compliance with DBA and other labor standards. Revises enforcement provisions to: (1) require contractors and subcontractors to maintain payroll and related records for three years after completion of contract work and make them available upon request of the contracting officer or the Secretary; (2) grant the Secretary subpoena and debarment authority with respect to records; and (3) establish penalties for false records. Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to provide that: (1) the Secretary, rather than the Comptroller General, shall initiate debarment action for violations; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) shall include the names of those debarred on a government-wide list.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1995
Radiation Experimentation Compensation Act of 1995 - Apologizes on behalf of the Nation to the individuals who were the subjects of radiation experiments conducted by the Federal Government, as well as to their families for the hardships they have endured as a result. Establishes in the Treasury the Radiation Experimentation Compensation Trust Fund for compensating the subjects of experiments conducted between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1974, during which the subjects were intentionally injected with plutonium or zirconium, or exposed to total body radiation, without their informed consent. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General to establish procedures for the submission of claims and for payment from amounts in the Fund of each claim meeting the requirements of this Act. Provides for payments in cases of deceased experimental subjects. States that payments under this Act which are accepted by a subject or the subject's survivors shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of or on behalf of the subject against the United States arising out of the subject's participation in the experiment. Provides that a payment under this Act shall not affect any claim against an insurance carrier with respect to insurance or against any person with respect to workers' compensation. Provides for judicial review of denied claims. Establishes a time limit for the filing of claims of 20 years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Medicare Security Commission Title II: Medicare Savings Subtitle A: Savings in Medicare Part A Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Part B Subtitle C: Savings in Parts A and B Subtitle D: Transfers to Part A Trust Fund Medicare Security Act of 1995 - Title I: Medicare Security Commission - Establishes the Medicare Security Commission to make specific recommendations to the Congress regarding revisions to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) and health care financing and coverage generally to assure the continuing viability of the program during 2010 and thereafter when demographic changes are expected to expand Medicare's enrollment significantly. Title II: Medicare Savings - Subtitle A: Savings in Medicare Part A - Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to make various specified technical payment-related changes with regard to Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) matters involving: (1) update reductions for inpatient hospital services subject to the prospective payment system; (2) payments for ancillary costs of skilled nursing facilities under the physician fee schedule; (3) savings resulting from a temporary freeze on payment increases for skilled nursing facility services; and (4) continued reductions in payments for capital-related costs of inpatient hospital services. Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Part B - Eliminates under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) formula-driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services, radiology services, and diagnostic procedures. Adds another 25 percent for FY 1997 to the reduction in practice expense relative value units for certain services. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a competitive acquisition process for durable medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, with a specified mandatory reduction in payment amounts if such competitive acquisition fails to achieve a ten percent minimum reduction in payment amounts. Subtitle C: Savings in Parts A and B - Amends SSA title XVIII to extend through FY 2002 certain Medicare as secondary payer data match requirements. (Sec. 222) Prohibits the Secretary, in establishing reasonable cost limits for payments for home health services, from taking into account any changes in the costs of such services with respect to cost reporting periods which began on or after July 1, 1994, and before July 1, 1996 (thus continuing the temporary freeze on payment increases for such services). (Sec. 223) Reduces from 95 percent to 89 percent the Federal share of the adjusted average per capita cost (AAPCC) payment to Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle D: Transfers to Part A Trust Fund - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, each fiscal year, amounts equivalent to the estimate of what would have been expended during the fiscal year, but for this title, from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1995
Congressional Award Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend through 1997 the requirement that the Comptroller General determine that the Director of the Congressional Award Program has ensured that appropriate procedures for fiscal control and fund accounting are established for the financial operations of the Program and that such operations are administered by personnel with expertise in accounting and financial management. Extends the Congressional Award Board until October 1, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide supplemental crop disaster assistance if the Secretary determines that insufficient assistance was provided and that extraordinary circumstances exist.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar coins whose obverse side shall bear the likeness of Theodore Roosevelt, and whose reverse side shall be emblematic of the Nation's natural resources. Mandates that surcharges received from coin sales be made available to the Secretary of the Interior in connection with the administration of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Public Pension Parity Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income any amount received by an individual as a qualified governmental pension which does not exceed the maximum excludable social security benefits of the taxpayer for such year reduced by the social security benefits received during such year which were excluded from gross income; and (2) prohibit applying clause (1) to any qualified governmental pension received during the taxable year unless the taxpayer (or the spouse or former spouse of the taxpayer) performed the service giving rise to such pension. Defines the term "maximum excludable social security benefits."
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
National Community Health Advisor Act - Mandates financial assistance to each applying State (or an agency designated by a State) for the development and operation of community health advisor programs. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of allotments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
United States Library Trust Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer to designate that one dollar of any tax overpayment and any cash contribution shall be paid to the United States Library Trust Fund. Establishes the Fund. Provides for grants to applying public libraries and public school libraries, to be used to purchase materials for the libraries, with the grantees selected by the Office of Library Services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a free press is vital to the development and consolidation of democracy in Russia; (2) freedom of the press and freedom of expression must be safeguarded; (3) to protect such freedoms, the right and opportunity of independent entrepreneurs to establish, operate, and maintain independent media outlets must be protected; (4) Russian Government leaders should fully support such freedoms in Russia; and (5) the President and the Secretary of State are requested to convey to appropriate Russian officials this expression of the views of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to revise peanut poundage quota, acreage allotment, and marketing provisions. Extends peanut experimental and research programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise and extend the peanut price support program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Park System Plan Title II: New Area Establishment Title III: Concessions Reform Title IV: Recreation Fees Common Sense National Park System Reform Act - Title I: National Park System Plan - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to prepare and submit to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources a National Park System Plan to guide the direction of the System into the next century. Provides that the Plan shall be deemed approved unless the Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving it within 90 days. Allows the Secretary to resubmit the Plan by the date specified in the resolution if it is rejected by the Congress. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress, within one year after the Plan has been deemed approved, identifying which National Park System units do not conform with the Plan. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to report on the procedures that have been instituted to report to the U.S. Attorney or other appropriate law enforcement officials any intimidation, threats, or acts of violence against Service employees related to their duties. Title II: New Area Establishment - Removes certain reporting requirements concerning additional areas for the National Park System. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Committee an annual list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the System. Bars the initiation of any study of the potential of an area for inclusion in the System after this Act's enactment, except by specific authorization by an Act of the Congress. Requires studies to be completed within three complete fiscal years of the enactment date of legislation providing for a study. Specifies factors to be considered in such studies, including whether direct National Park Service management or alternative protection by other agencies or the private sector is appropriate. Requires such studies to be completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a single office to prepare all new area studies and to implement other functions of this Act; and (2) submit with the annual budget submission a list of areas which have been studied previously which contain cultural or historical resources and areas which contain primarily natural resources in numerical order of priority for addition to the System. Requires the Secretary to only include areas on the lists for which the supporting data is current and accurate. Title III: Concessions Reform - National Park Service Concession Policy Reform Act of 1995 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors other than by award of a concession contract or permit. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. (Sec. 307) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 308) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 309) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to System units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 310) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 311) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 312) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 313) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 314) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 315) Provides that the Comptroller General shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 316) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 318) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 319) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Recreation Fees - National Park Service Entrepreneurial Management Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase fees for admission to units of the National Park System and other specified areas. Makes receipts from admission available, subject to appropriation, for authorized resource protection, rehabilitation, and conservation projects. Requires the Secretary to establish a pilot project at Yosemite National Park that utilizes incentives, including waiving or reducing admission fees, to encourage use of public transit which serves the purpose of reducing vehicular traffic within such park. Revises provisions regarding the issuance of lifetime admission permits, including a limitation that such a permit entitles only the permittee and the accompanying spouse to free admission. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress respecting areas where the Secretary determines that admission fees would be appropriate but where such fees are prohibited by law, and areas where such fees are authorized but not being collected. Increases the penalty for violations of rules and regulations regarding admission and special recreation use fees. Modifies provisions regarding the use of fees collected. Requires that specified receipts be covered into a special National Park Renewal Fund. Makes such funds available for resource protection, research, interpretation, and maintenance activities related to resource protection and visitor enjoyment in areas managed by the National Park Service. Repeals a requirement that qualified public or private entities selling annual admission permits reimburse the United States for the full amount to be received from the sale of such permits when or before the agency delivers the permits to such entity for sale. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for nonrecreational uses of System units that require special arrangements. Prohibits charging an admission or recreation use fee for entrance into, or use of, any federally owned area operated and maintained by a Federal agency which is used for outdoor recreation purposes, except as provided for by such Act. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) negotiate and enter into agreements with State or local governments, individuals, or other entities for the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to System units; and (2) provide, subject to appropriation, the Federal funding share from any funds available to the National Park Service in carrying out such agreements. (Sec. 404) Requires any funds payable to the United States as restitution for damages to national park resources or property to be paid to the Secretary and made available for improvement, protection, or rehabilitation of damaged resources or property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan that provides any emergency services coverage to cover emergency services furnished to a plan enrollee without regard to: (1) whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan; and (2) prior authorization. Mandates prompt payment in a reasonable and appropriate amount and prohibits cost-sharing greater for hospital emergency services than for other settings. Requires specified measures relating to the timeliness of prior authorization determinations regarding needed care identified in initial evaluations. Prohibits plans from discouraging appropriate use of the 911 emergency telephone number or from denying coverage or payment for an item or service solely on the basis that an enrollee uses the number. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, and managed care plans to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Allows State laws that provide protections exceeding those of this Act. Provides for civil money penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Consumer Auto-Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for interest on the acquisition of an automobile: (1) of which 60 percent or more of its equipment originated in the United States or Canada; (2) the price of which is under $35,000; and (3) the sale of which is its first retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and other concerned organizations should encourage well-designed studies to identify safe neonatal practices with regard to the hospital discharge of mothers and infants and establish appropriate medical care procedures during the perinatal period; (2) decisions on hospital stays of mothers and newborns after delivery should be made by doctors and patients and not by hospitals, health insurers, and health service organizations; and (3) hospitals, health insurers, health service organizations, and health benefit plans should abide by the current Guidelines for Perinatal Care of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding discharge.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
School Bus Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe Federal proficiency standards for school bus drivers who are required to possess a commercial driver's license to operate a school bus. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing such standards, to authorize States to establish their own proficiency standards in lieu of the Federal standards if the Secretary determines they are as rigorous as the Federal standards. Requires bus drivers to demonstrate their proficiency in operating a school bus in accordance with either the Federal or State standards. (Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop and disseminate guidelines on the safe transportation in school buses of children under the age of five. (Sec. 5) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary to issue regulations making Federal commercial motor carrier safety regulations applicable to all interstate school operations by local educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop an education program informing all local educational agencies that they must comply with such regulations when providing interstate transportation on a school bus to and from school-sanctioned and school-related activities. (Sec. 6) Amends the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 to require the Secretary, in deciding which projects to fund under such Act, to ensure that one or more operational tests advance the use and reduce the cost of intelligent vehicle-highway system technologies (including hazard warning systems or sensors) that alert school bus drivers of pedestrians or vehicles in, or approaching, the path of a school bus. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to ensure that each State receiving Federal aid to conduct highway safety programs utilizes a portion of it (at least $1 million per fiscal year) to conduct traffic engineering activities to improve the safe operation of school buses. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to begin a rulemaking process to determine the feasibility of certain safety and access requirements for school buses. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary, in carrying out highway safety research and development projects, to provide for the dissemination of information on school bus safety. (Sec. 10) Prohibits a local educational agency, and any contractor providing transportation services to such agency, from employing a person as a school bus driver before the completion of a background check of the person in the national criminal history background check system. Requires State criminal background check procedures to meet the guidelines set forth in the National Child Protection Act of 1993. Declares that no local educational agency or contractor providing it with transportation services shall be liable in an action for damages on the basis of a criminal conviction of a person employed as a school bus driver if a criminal background check was conducted but the conviction was not disclosed. (Sec. 11) Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on school bus safety. (Sec. 12) Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to minimum reporting criteria on traffic-related deaths and injuries under State highway safety programs; and (2) issue a final rule establishing such criteria. (Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Fraud Prosecution Title II: Health Care Fraud and Abuse Commission Title I: Health Care Fraud Prosecution - Health Care Fraud Prosecution Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide penalties for fraud by health care providers in connection with the provision of, or payments or reimbursement for, health care services or supplies, when: (1) the loss caused by the fraudulent conduct exceeds $10,000; or (2) the offender has previously been convicted of fraud in Federal or State court. Limits such penalties to ten years' imprisonment, unless the offense caused serious physical injury to, or endangered the life of, a patient (up to 20 years' imprisonment) or caused the death of a patient (up to life imprisonment). Specifies that the sentencing court shall order a person convicted of an offense under this title to pay restitution to the patient and any payor for losses sustained as a result of the offense. Provides for criminal forfeiture of the proceeds of health care fraud. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorneys, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to hire, equip, and train personnel in connection with the investigation and prosecution of health care fraud cases. Title II: Health Care Fraud and Abuse Commission - Health Care Fraud and Abuse Commission Act of 1995 - Establishes the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Commission to investigate the nature, magnitude, and cost of health care fraud and abuse and develop methods for its prevention, detection, and prosecution or litigation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Commends the Police Athletic League for establishing a bond between youth and police officers and for contributing to the national effort to prevent crime.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research Title II: Preventive Health Research Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1995 - Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support by the national research institutes of pediatric research. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Pediatric Research. Authorizes appropriations. Requires: (1) guidelines for the inclusion of children as subjects in clinical research projects conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health; and (2) increasing the percentage of child subjects. Title II: Preventive Health Research - Mandates: (1) a program of research (directly or through grants) regarding preventable diseases, disabilities, and injuries in children; (2) an advisory committee; and (3) a comprehensive plan for the research. Establishes the Pediatric Prevention Research Initiative Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to delay for a specified time (after the approval would otherwise be granted) the approval of new drugs for which the application materials refer to a drug whose approval application materials include pediatric clinical investigations. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider pharmacokinetic studies as clinical investigations. Provides for requests for pediatric studies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism while serving in the Navy during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Calls on the National Association of Radio and Talk Show Hosts to revoke their 1995 Freedom of Speech Award to G. Gordon Liddy and pass a resolution condemning the use of hateful speech that fosters violence against law enforcement officers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to ensure that, with respect to the prohibition against guns in school zones, such guns have moved in or otherwise affect interstate or foreign commerce. (In United States v. Lopez, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Congress did not have the power to make it a Federal crime to possess a gun near a school based on the commerce clause because of an insufficient nexus to commerce.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Amends rule XI of the House of Representatives to allow proxy voting in House committee that, by written rule, permits voting by proxy and requires that the proxy authorization be in writing, assert that the Member is absent to participate in debate on any measure or matter in the House or to attend a meeting of a standing committee for the consideration of any measure, is limited to a specific measure or matter and any amendments or motions pertaining thereto, and is for a designated period not to exceed two hours.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Open Markets and Fair Trade Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to the Congress on selected countries in which U.S. goods or services, that would otherwise be competitive there, do not have market access. Requires the Secretary, in selecting such countries and sectors, to give priority to any country: (1) with which the United States has a trade deficit if access to such country's markets is likely to have significant potential to increase exports of U.S. goods and services; and (2) in which access to the markets will result in significant employment benefits for producers of U.S. goods and services. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with such countries for the purpose of obtaining access to their markets. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary, in making certain assessments, to monitor each country's compliance with such an agreement, or with any existing trade agreement with the United States. (Sec. 5) Requires, in instances where the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that the above-mentioned negotiations have not resulted in an agreement, each restriction on, or impediment to, access to the country's markets be considered, under the Trade Act of 1974, an act, policy, or practice that is unreasonable and discriminatory and restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR, in each case where the Secretary determines that a country is not in material compliance with an agreement for access to their markets to determine what trade relief action to take under a specified section of the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 6) Sets forth expedited procedures for implementation of legislation for presidential action against foreign countries that have unfair trade barriers, or that do not comply with the aforementioned agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Domestic Insurgency Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a fine and up to ten years' imprisonment or both on whoever knowingly participates in a paramilitary organization. Defines a "paramilitary organization" as two or more individuals acting together, organized in a military or paramilitary structure, who knowingly: (1) possess firearms, explosives, incendiary devices, or other weapons or techniques capable of causing injury or death; or (2) provide or participate in training in the use of any such weapons or techniques with the intention that they be used unlawfully to oppose U.S. or State authority or for any other unlawful purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Housing Co-op Tax Correction Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude cooperative housing corporations from the limitations on deductions incurred by certain membership organizations in transactions with their members. Prohibits patronage losses of an organization from being used to offset earnings which are not patronage earnings. Specifies earnings to be treated as patronage earnings in the case of cooperative housing corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Improvement Act of 1995 - Requires each State to obligate for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways not less than three percent of the funds: (1) apportioned to the State under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and the Surface Transportation Program; (2) apportioned to the State for the National Highway System; and (3) made available for forest development roads and trails, public lands development roads and trails, park roads, parkways, Indian reservation roads, and public lands highways. Allows the Secretary of Transportation to require States to acquire rights-of-way reasonably necessary for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from approving Federal-aid system projects, including bridge projects, that will result in the severance, reduction, or destruction of an existing or potential route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless such project provides a reasonable alternative route or such route exists. Requires States to survey all public roads to identify hazardous locations which may constitute a danger to bicyclists and to correct such locations. Permits the use of electric golf carts on trails and walkways, when State and local regulations allow. Requires appointed members of the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee of the Department of Transportation to be selected from, among others, organizations representative of bicyclists and pedestrians.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 1995 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who do not itemize deductions a charitable contribution deduction to the extent the amount claimed exceeds $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return). Excepts charitable contribution deductions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Declares, with regard to AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse, the sense of the Congress concerning women, youth, families, extended family members, and other nonbiological relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation for the Alliance for the Centers of Excellence in Teaching Preparation (to increase the number of minority scientists).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) require that any committee report on a measure include a disclosure of whether any part of the report or measure is written by any individual other than a Member or Federal employee and the name of each such employee; and (2) prohibit a measure or recommendation from being reported from any committee unless the chair discloses, prior to entertaining a motion to order the measure reported, the measure's author if it was written in whole or in part by any individual other than a Member or Federal employee. Amends rule XVI to require any Member offering an amendment in the House, in the Committee of the Whole, or in any committee, on the demand of any Member, to identify the author of all or any part of that amendment unless it was written by any Member or Federal employee, in which case the offeror shall so state.
![Official portrait of Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000193_200.jpg)