United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995
Uniform Child Support Enforcement Act of 1995 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Internal Revenue Service a national registry of abstracts of child support orders. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe guidelines under which the Internal Revenue Service shall collect child support through tax withholding procedures. Declares that child support obligations will be treated as taxes for purposes of penalties and interest. Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to: (1) prescribe paternity establishment procedures for State child support programs; (2) reflect the provisions of this Act through the elimination of provisions relating to State enforcement of child support obligations (other than medical support obligations); and (3) require the States to enact the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act adopted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1995 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen by free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Authorizes an exemption from such prohibition for a fiscal year if: (1) the President requests an exemption from the Congress stating that it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; and (2) the Congress enacts a law approving such request. Requires the President to submit initial certifications and requests for exemptions in conjunction with the submission of the annual request for enactment of authorizations and appropriations for foreign assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold hearings on controversial certifications and all requests for exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995
AIDS Cure Act - Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a project to develop a cure for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Prohibits the program from being administered by any officer or employee of the National Institutes of Health. Requires the Governing Council established in this Act to ensure that the project: (1) pursues comprehensive basic science investigations, based on diverse theories and schools of thought which elucidate the pathogenesis of AIDS; and (2) identifies, based on this work, all promising curatives and oversees their timely and adequate testing. Establishes a Governing Council to set policy and oversee research priorities, ethical standards, conflict of interest rules, and hiring of researchers and administrators. Establishes a coordinating committee to facilitate communication among the different scientists working on the project, evaluate the progress of its work, and convene the entire staff on a regular schedule (or when necessary) to evaluate the progress of the project as a whole, identify gaps in research, reevaluate its direction, and consider newly developed theories emanating from both within and outside the project. Requires the Secretary to convene a one-time national AIDS Congress solely to make recommendations to the President for selecting the Governing Council. Grants the Secretary extraordinary powers in carrying out such project, including the power to exercise the right of eminent domain to obtain samples of potential curatives and data on their development. Vests power in the Congress to reauthorize the project after five years of operation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Revenue from Mining Claims Title III: Helium Title IV: Use of Disposal of Federal Natural Resources Title V: National Park Concessions Public Resources Deficit Reduction Act of 1995 - Title I: General Provisions - Prohibits any timber, minerals, forage, or other natural resources owned by the United States, any federally owned water, or hydroelectric energy of a Federal facility from being sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of by any Federal entity for less than fair market value. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish and collect user fees as necessary to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering programs. (Sec. 103) Requires the revenues from the sale, lease, and transfer of Federal assets to be included in the President's budget submission to Congress. Title II: Revenue from Mining Claims - Requires the holders of mining claims to pay an annual claim maintenance fee of $100 per claim per calendar year. Allows the waiver of such fee for holders of more than ten claims. (Sec. 203) Requires claimholders to pay a royalty of eight percent of gross income for production of locatable minerals on Federal lands. (Sec. 204) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on gross income resulting from the severance of any locatable mineral, or mineral concentrates or products, from a mine or other natural deposit. Makes such tax inapplicable to gross income to which a royalty is imposed. (Sec. 205) Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral activities on Federal lands. Credits the royalties and excise tax under this title to such Fund. (Sec. 206) Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any mining claim unless the Secretary of the Interior determines that, for the claim concerned: (1) a patent application was filed before January 27, 1995; and (2) all requirements are met under the Revised Statutes for vein or lode claims and for placer claims. (Sec. 207) Requires the Secretary to adjust all dollar amounts under this title for changes in purchasing power every ten years, employing the Consumer Price Index as the basis for adjustment. Title III: Helium - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Title IV: Use or Disposal of Federal Natural Resources - Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest lands in the 16 contiguous Western States, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public domain lands, where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law, to establish and implement an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value, based on a specified formula. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) abolition of grazing advisory boards; and (2) the U.S. share of receipts. (Sec. 402) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit below-cost timber sales from National Forest System Lands. (Sec. 403) Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture in revising land management plans to take into account the economic suitability of lands for timber production. (Sec. 404) Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to require that irrigation water from the Bureau of Reclamation used to grow surplus crops be paid for at the full cost for delivery. (Sec. 405) Amends the Food Security Act of 1995 and the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide for the reduction of payment limitations for persons who receive Federal irrigation water for agricultural purposes. (Sec. 408) Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal the livestock feed assistance program. (Sec. 409) Requires that permits for the use of communications sites on public lands be established at fair market value. (Sec. 410) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require that oil and gas rental prices for leases on public lands be established at fair market value. Title V: National Park Concessions - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award concession contracts that authorize private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide services to park visitors and to utilize facilities if it is determined that such award is appropriate. (Sec. 505) 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 $1 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions. 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. 506) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 507) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS 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. 508) 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. 509) 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. 510) 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. 511) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 512) 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. 513) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States 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. 514) 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. 516) 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. 517) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Standby Guardianship Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to have laws that permit a parent who is chronically ill or near death to designate a standby guardian for a minor child without surrendering parental rights.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1995
Abolishes the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice. Repeals specified Federal provisions which provided for the promotion by the Department of Defense of certain civilian marksmanship activities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Income Equity Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage from $4.25 to $6.50 an hour. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny employers a deduction for payments of excessive compensation (more than 25 times the lowest compensation paid any other employee).
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Gay and Lesbian Youth Suicide Prevention Act - Establishes the National Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth Suicide Prevention to combat the epidemic of suicide among gay and lesbian youth and to advise the Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal and State youth service agencies concerning how to include the concerns of gay and lesbian youth within existing suicide prevention policies, programs, and research.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise provisions regarding the acceptance of gifts. Prohibits any Member, officer, or employee of the House from knowingly accepting a gift from a paid lobbyist, lobbying firm, or an agent of a foreign principal. Includes within the gift restriction: (1) anything provided to a Member, officer, or employee by lobbyists or foreign agents which is believed to be paid for or reimbursed by a client or firm of the lobbyist or foreign agent; (2) charitable contributions made by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents on the basis of a recommendation or specification of a Member, officer, or employee or charitable contributions made by such individuals in lieu of honoraria; (3) contributions and other payments by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents to a legal expense fund established for the benefit of a Member, officer, or employee; and (4) financial contributions or expenditures made by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents relating to a conference or similar event affiliated with an official congressional organization for or on behalf of Members, officers, or employees. Lists items exempt from such restriction, including: (1) unused items that are promptly returned to the donor; (2) food or refreshments of nominal value; (3) benefits resulting from the business or outside activities of the spouse of the Member, officer, or employee if such benefits are customarily provided to others; (4) pension and other benefits resulting from continued participation in an employee welfare and benefits plan maintained by a former employer; and (5) specified informational materials. Makes the gift restriction inapplicable under circumstances which make it clear that the gift is given for a nonbusiness purpose and is motivated by a family or close personal relationship. Sets forth factors to be considered in determining if the giving of the item is so motivated. Prohibits any Member, officer, or employee from knowingly accepting a gift from any other person (currently, such individuals may accept gifts totalling up to $250 from any one person, except as permitted by specified waivers). Considers a gift to a spouse or dependent of a Member, officer, or employee to be a gift to the Member, officer, or employee if given with their knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of their official positions. Lists items exempt from the gift restriction, including: (1) anything provided on the basis of a personal or family relationship unless the Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (2) unused items that are promptly returned to the donor; (3) food or refreshments believed to have a value of less than $20; (4) food, lodging, and other benefits resulting from the outside business or employment activities of a Member, officer, or employee or their spouses if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the recipient's official position; (5) such benefits customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions or by a political organization in connection with a fundraising or campaign event; (6) certain awards or prizes given in contests open to the public; (7) certain honorary degrees and other awards; (8) donations of products from the Member's State that are intended for promotional purposes and are of minimal value; (9) food and entertainment provided to a Member or employee in the home State subject to reasonable limitations; (10) certain training; (11) bequests and inheritances; (12) anything paid for by the Government or by a State or local government or secured under a Government contract; (13) a gift of personal hospitality; (14) free attendance at an event, as permitted by this Act; and (15) certain other opportunities and benefits. Establishes conditions under which a Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal relationship or friendship exception unless the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct determines that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to a Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered as gifts if advance authorization to accept reimbursement is received and the reimbursement and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Amends rule XLVII to prohibit Members, officers, or employees, beginning in 1995, from receiving copyright royalties for any work: (1) unless the royalty is received from an established publisher pursuant to usual and customary contractual terms; (2) unless the total amount of royalties for the work does not exceed one-third of the individual's annual pay as a Member, officer, or employee for the year in which the contract is entered into; and (3) without the prior notification and approval of the contract by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Bars the receipt of advance payment for any such work. Makes such restriction applicable only to royalties received by such individuals after adoption of this resolution pursuant to any contract entered into while a Member, officer, or employee.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1995
Requires the House of Representatives, when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of the Amendment as a part of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Private Securities Litigation Title II: Commission Private Enforcement Study Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Private Securities Litigation - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act) to prohibit brokers, dealers, or associated persons from soliciting or accepting referral fees from an attorney for obtaining the representation of a customer in any implied private action. (Sec. 101) Prohibits, unless otherwise ordered by the court, the use of funds disgorged solely as the result of any administrative or court action brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to pay legal expenses incurred by private parties seeking distribution of such funds. Modifies the guidelines for class action litigation, including: (1) recovery by named plaintiffs in the same manner as all other members of the class; (2) court determination of conflicts of interest on the part of counsel with a beneficial interest in the securities that are the subject of the litigation; (3) restrictions on settlements under seal; (4) restrictions on protective orders and sealing of cases; (5) prohibition of restrictions on disclosure of relevant information to the Congress or to State or Federal law enforcement agencies; (6) mandatory preservation of evidence; (7) payment of attorney's fees from settlement funds; (8) disclosure of settlement terms to class members; and (9) guidelines for contribution for damages. (Sec. 102) Sets forth special requirements for class action complaints with respect to certification, multiple securities class actions, and an early evaluation procedure employing the services of a mediator. (Sec. 103) Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to set forth guidelines for prosecution of persons who aid or abet violations of such Acts. (Sec. 104) Directs the SEC to: (1) adopt certain rules with respect to forward-looking statements concerning the future economic performance of an issuer of securities; and (2) report to certain congressional committees on such rules. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prescribe litigation procedures with respect to safe harbors for forward-looking statements. (Sec. 105) Establishes a statute of limitations period for implied private rights of action. (Sec. 106) Modifies requirements for audits conducted by an independent public accountant of an issuer's financial statements to include procedures to: (1) detect illegal acts; (2) identify related party transactions material to financial statements; and (3) evaluate an issuer's ability to continue as a going concern. Sets forth notification and reporting guidelines for a public accountant who detects illegal activities during the course of an audit. Limits such auditor's liability for complying with such guidelines. Establishes civil penalties for an auditor's noncompliance with this Act. Title II: Commission Private Enforcement Study - Mandates that the attorneys for the litigants in a class action complaint promptly provide the SEC with copies of the pertinent materials. Authorizes the SEC to take enforcement actions based upon the submissions that it receives. (Sec. 202) Directs the SEC to submit a detailed report to the Congress regarding each implied private action filed as a class action for which it received notification, including: (1) litigation status; (2) litigant participation; (3) professional participation; and (4) actions based solely on forward-looking statements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
Northern Ireland Fair Employment Practices Act of 1995 - Prohibits an article from being imported into the United States from Northern Ireland unless documentation is presented at the time of entry indicating that the enterprise which manufactured or assembled such article complied at the time of manufacture with certain fair employment principles (such as freedom from religious discrimination). Bases such principles on the MacBride Principles, a nine-point set of guidelines for fair employment in Northern Ireland. Requires any U.S. person who has a branch or office in Northern Ireland or who controls an enterprise in Northern Ireland in which more than 20 people are employed to insure implementation of such employment principles and compliance with this Act. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act in the interest of national security.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be designated as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Sets forth certain restrictions with respect to the enclosure space and diet in the raising of calves for veal. Subjects violators to specified civil and criminal remedies. Authorizes inspections by the Secretary of Agriculture or any designated representative.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends provisions of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act that revise Federal patent law to provide that a patent term shall be the later of 17 years from the date the patent is granted or 20 years from the date the application was filed in the United States. Provides that if the application contains a reference to an earlier application, the term shall be 20 years from the date the earliest application was filed. Removes provisions that provide for extensions of patent terms under certain conditions. Provides for public disclosure and inspection of original and continuing patent applications in cases where a continuing patent application is filed that claims the benefit of the filing date of a prior application that was filed more than 60 months earlier. Requires the term of a patent that is in force or results from an application filed within six months after the Uruguay Round Agreements Act enactment date to be the term provided in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the burden of proof with respect to all issues, in the case of any court proceeding, is on the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires the Secretary to identify in writing the specific kind or type of tax, and its specific implementing regulations, within 14 days upon the written request from any person made liable for such tax. Increases the limitation on the amount of recovery for civil damages for unauthorized collection actions by the Internal Revenue Service. Excludes such damages from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Liveable Wage Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to: (1) increase the minimum wage to $5.50 an hour beginning in 1996; and (2) provide that the minimum wage rate will be increased by indexing to the cost of living, in the same manner as benefits are indexed under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, for 1997 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1995 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 103) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Mandates a specified location fee for every unpatented mining claim located after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 104) Subjects existing unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to the provisions of this Act ("converted mining claims"). (Sec. 105) Sets forth certain annual claim maintenance fees. Mandates that all monies received from such fees be deposited into the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established under this Act). (Sec. 106) States that failure to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be deemed conclusively to constitute forfeiture of the mining claim. (Sec. 107) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) contesting a mining claim on the basis of discovery; and (2) demonstrating the continued sufficiency of a mining claim. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries), to require that mineral activities on Federal lands be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment. Prescribes surface management guidelines for the granting of both an exploration and an operations permit. Requires applications for such permits to contain both an operations plan and a reclamation plan, and evidence of financial assurances. Limits an operations permit to a ten-year term (subject to renewal). (Sec. 205) Declares persons in violation of this Act ineligible for permits. Sets as a prerequisite to the issuance of any permit evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States for all lands to be affected by the mineral activities described in the permit application. (Sec. 207) Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses, or to other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans. Sets forth reclamation standards applicable to mineral exploration. (Sec. 208) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, and water or air quality which either meet or exceed Federal standards shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretaries, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Title III: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund) to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities on certain public lands. (Sec. 303) Restricts reclamation expenditures to Federal or Indian land and water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal or Indian lands where such resources have been affected by past mineral activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 306) Subjects to a royalty scheme of eight percent of the net smelter return the production of locatable minerals (or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals) from any mining claim under this Act. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretaries to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 403) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the publication of an application for an operations permit and public participation requirements. (Sec. 404) Instructs the Secretaries to: (1) inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with surface management requirements; and (2) require all operators to maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with them. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 406) Prescribes procedural guidelines for administrative and judicial review of agency actions. (Sec. 407) Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides transitional rules for: (1) new and preexisting claims; (2) claims that have not been converted; (3) contest proceedings; and (4) oil shale claims. (Sec. 413) Adjusts the dollar amounts established under this Act to a certain inflation formula. (Sec. 417) Prohibits the issuance after January 4, 1995, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 418) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain other Federal law, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 419) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal : s: (1) the Surface Resource Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. (Sec. 420) Declares this Act applicable to Federal lands that are used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral regardless of Federal title to the mineral. (Sec. 421) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the "Buy American Act." Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 423) Declares that court-awarded compensation for a Federal taking under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution shall be paid from the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit an annual report to the Congress describing the percentage of each mining claim held by a foreign firm.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Reforms Title II: Plastic Explosives Bombing Prevention Act - Title I: General Reforms - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transport, shipment, or receipt of explosive materials without a permit or the distribution of explosive materials to anyone other than a licensee or permittee. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the States of the regulations so that they may consider revising their explosives laws. (Sec. 102) Requires applicants for licenses and user permits to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Sets fees of up to $300 for an applicant for a license and up to $100 for an applicant for a permit. (Currently, the fee is up to $200 for each license or permit.) (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary to use the national instant criminal background check system established under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to investigate applicants for licenses or permits. (Sec. 104) Repeals exceptions from specified explosive materials requirements with respect to components of small arms ammunition and small quantities of black powder or smokeless powder. (Sec. 105) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate amendments to the sentencing guidelines to appropriately enhance the penalties for violations of Federal explosive materials provisions so that such penalties are the same as those for comparable violations of Federal firearms laws. (Sec. 106) Permits: (1) the destruction of seized explosives that are unsafe under specified circumstances; and (2) the owner to apply to the Secretary for reimbursement of any destroyed property where the claimant establishes that the seizure was wrongful. (Sec. 107) Subjects to civil forfeiture (with exceptions) any property involved in a violation of explosive materials provisions, or in a conspiracy to commit such a violation, and any other property traceable to such property. Directs the court to order a person convicted of a violation of Federal explosive materials provisions or of conspiring to commit such a violation to forfeit any property involved and any traceable property. Title II: Plastic Explosives - Prohibits the manufacture, import, export, shipment, transport, transfer, receipt, or possession of any plastic explosive which does not contain a detection agent (with exceptions). Authorizes the Secretary to investigate violations. Directs the Attorney General to exercise authority over such violations only when they are committed by a member of a terrorist or revolutionary group (in which case the Attorney General shall have primary investigative responsibility and the Secretary shall assist as requested). Prohibits any person possessing any plastic explosive, other than an agency of the United States or the National Guard of any State, from failing to report to the Secretary the quantity of such explosive possessed, the manufacturer or importer, and any identifying marks on such explosives. (Sec. 203) Provides for a fine and up to ten years' imprisonment for violations of Federal explosive materials laws. (Sec. 204) Sets forth affirmative defenses for Federal explosive materials laws.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends Federal law to exclude the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund from the Federal and congressional budgets, and exempt it from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on U.S. budget outlays and from certain orders issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Equal Remedies Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove the limits on the dollar amount of damages awardable for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses and punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the possession or transfer of a non-sporting handgun which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, except with respect to the continuous and otherwise lawful possession of such handgun during any period that began before the effective date of this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Prohibits entities that employ people in Northern Ireland and Ireland from receiving U.S. funds from the International Fund for Ireland unless they comply with certain fair employment principles known as the MacBride Principles.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income as death benefits amounts received under a life insurance contract for certain terminally ill individuals. Allows insurance companies to issue accelerated death benefit riders on life insurance contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
Farm Viability and Pest Management Improvement Act of 1994: A National Program for Pesticide Reduction - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a pesticide reduction council in each EPA region. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out specified activities with respect to assessing and approving integrated pest management systems and pesticide reduction plans and goals and implementing programs to assist farmers in adopting such systems. Requires the Administrator to reduce or restrict the use of pesticides that contribute significant health and environmental risks or to amend labels of such pesticides in regions where goals of this Act have not been met. Requires the Administrator to set quantitative goals for reducing or eliminating the use of nonagricultural pesticides and carry out plans to achieve such goals within six years. Directs Federal agencies to establish pesticide reduction goals and to implement integrated pest management systems. Requires the Secretary to determine the percentage of food purchases throughout the United States that are organically produced. Directs Federal agencies to develop procurement plans that ensure that the percentage of an agency's purchase of organically produced food meets or exceeds such percentage, and meets or exceeds twice such percentage, within three and six years of this Act's enactment, respectively. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator to establish a national pesticide use recordkeeping and reporting system for agricultural and nonagricultural applications. Imposes penalties for violations of recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Repeals certain existing pesticide recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the goal of: (1) all pest and weed management research and extension activities within the Agricultural Research Service and the Cooperative Extension Service is the development and transfer of technology related to integrated pest management systems that reduce pesticide use; and (2) pest management research by the National Research Initiative in the areas of plant systems and natural resources and environment is development of biological, cultural, and other nonchemical methods of pest control that reduce pesticide use. Requires the Secretary to adopt regulations establishing priorities and resource allocations for competitive grants research in integrated pest management systems. Allocates at least ten percent of Agricultural Conservation Program funding for the integrated crop management program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights", while updating and extending it to include that: (1) every adult American able and willing to earn a living through paid work has the right to a free choice among opportunities for useful and productive part- or full-time paid employment at decent real wages or for self-employment; and (2) every adult American unable to work for pay or find employment has the right to an adequate standard of living that rises with increases in the wealth and productivity of the society. (Sec. 2) Makes it the responsibility of each Federal agency and commission, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to perform so as to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits Federal agencies or commissions from directly or indirectly promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment as a means of reducing wages and salaries or inflation. (Sec. 3) Directs the President to establish a program to implement such basic economic rights and responsibilities. Sets forth policies and projects to be included under such program. Includes such program in the annual submission of budget. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide grants and other incentives to States and local governments to encourage short- and long-term public works and public services planning in urban, suburban, and rural areas, in order to implement such basic economic rights and responsibilities. Requires applications for such assistance to include strategic and tactical plans. (Sec. 5) Makes it the policy of the Federal government to cooperate with other nations' governments and the United Nations to help develop an international community based on rising living standards, particularly for those people with the lowest levels of income, wealth, access to public facilities, free trade union organization, and political power. Directs the President, through appropriate Federal agencies, to review all Federal law and regulations that interfere with implementation of such policy, taking specified factors into consideration. Makes U.S. contributions to the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development contingent upon development and implementation of policies and procedures that will: (1) raise the standard of living in countries receiving assistance from such Fund or Bank, rather than impose austerity; and (2) contribute to such countries' economic viability, credit worthiness, and ability to import goods and services from the United States. Directs the President to: (1) instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to propose a series of international and regional conferences on alternative methods of planning for the reduction of involuntary unemployment; and (2) promote, through the Secretary of Labor, the convening in the United States or elsewhere of international and regional conferences on coping with unemployment and underemployment and moving toward fuller employment in the world. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in promoting such conferences, to provide financial and technical assistance to organized labor and cooperative, community, nonprofit, and voluntary organizations, giving priority to widespread communication on controlling facility closings and capital flight by large businesses and on facilitating transnational labor organizations and collective bargaining. (Sec. 6) Directs the President, in the next annual message to the Congress, to propose establishment of a Conversion Planning Fund. Requires such Fund to promote and activate short- and long-term plans for coping with declines in civilian or military activities by developing policies, programs, and projects to expand economic activities in sectors where additional or improved goods or services are needed. Directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer one percent of amounts appropriated for military activities of the Department of Defense to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations, in addition to such transferred funds, as necessary for the Fund. (Sec. 7) Directs the President to establish an annual schedule for implementing this Act, including specified recommendations for restructuring Federal budget priorities and promoting educational activities within each State on locally-based overall planning. Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to: (1) include such implementation schedule in the annual Presidential economic report; and (2) provide for Joint Economic Committee oversight of actions taken or proposed to be taken under this Act. Sets forth requirements that specified types of impact analyses and other information be contained in: (1) all budgetary data for specific programs, whether in budget messages and resolutions or in legislative authorizations and appropriations; and (2) all Presidential budget messages to the Congress. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 1994 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" to include all aspects of religious observance, practice, and belief unless an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business (as under current law) after initiating and engaging in an affirmative and bona fide effort. Provides that an accommodation by the employer shall not be deemed to be reasonable if: (1) such accommodation does not remove the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious observance or practice; or (2) the employee demonstrates to the employer the availability of an alternative accommodation less onerous to the employee that may be made by the employer without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business and the employer refuses to make such accommodation. Specifies that it shall not be a defense to a claim of unlawful employment practice for failure to provide a reasonable accommodation that such accommodation would be in violation of a bona fide seniority system if, in order for the employer to reasonably accommodate such observance or practice: (1) an adjustment is made in the employee's work hours (including an adjustment that requires the employee to work overtime to avoid working at a time that abstention from work is necessary to satisfy religious requirements), shift, or job assignment that would not be available to any employee but for such accommodation; or (2) the employee and any other employee voluntarily exchange shifts or job assignments or make some other arrangement. Defines "undue hardship" as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense (taking into account the identifiable cost of the accommodation in relation to the size and operating cost of the employer and the number of individuals who will need a particular accommodation to a religious observance or practice). Specifies that an employer shall not be required to pay premium wages for work performed during hours to which such premium wages would ordinarily be applicable if work is performed during such hours only to accommodate religious requirements of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
Capital Budget Commission Act of 1994 - Establishes the Capital Budget Commission to study and report to the Congress on capital budgeting, including an evaluation of what should be included in a capital budget for the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to: (1) focus on growth-sustaining investments; and (2) establish a process encouraging long-term investment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act) to limit the grant program for emergency relief for areas with substantial need for services to eligible areas with a population of at least 500,000 individuals. Requires an HIV health services planning council (which advises on the distribution of such grants) to be reflective of the demographics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in an eligible area, with particular consideration given to disproportionately affected and historically underserved groups. Revises the method of distributing such grants and extends authorized appropriations for them until FY 2000. Revises the care grant program that makes funds available for individuals and families with the HIV disease. Authorizes the award of supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance community-based care, treatment, and supportive services through the development and operation of consortia and innovative approaches. Extends authorized appropriations for such grant program through FY 2000. Requires the establishment of grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs to facilitate the development of a complete continuum of HIV-related services for individuals with HIV disease and those at risk of such disease. Extends authorized appropriations for early intervention services until FY 2000. Extends authorized appropriations until FY 2000 for grants for coordinated services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families (formerly known as demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric patients regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Makes appropriations available for special projects of the national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each of FY 1996 through 1999, to reduce the European end strength level of U.S. armed forces in accordance with a reduction formula based on the allied contribution level achieved (the level of contributions toward nonpersonnel costs made to the United States by allied nations benefiting from the presence of such troops). Directs the Secretary to cease such reductions if the allied level achieved is equal to or above a specified goal. Urges the President to seek to have European member nations of NATO assume an increased share of nonpersonnel costs of U.S. military installations in such countries in accordance with a specified timetable. Allows the Secretary to continually maintain a European end strength level of 25,000 members. Authorizes the President or the Secretary to waive such reductions in the event of a significant threat to national security. Provides for the allocation of such force reductions among military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Women's Health Regional Centers Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of centers to carry out specified activities regarding women's health conditions. Requires the Director to provide for the development of five centers and to ensure that such a center is developed in each of the principal geographic regions of the United States. Directs each center to: (1) conduct basic, clinical, and applied research and training programs for health professionals and scientists; (2) devleop curricula and model continuing education programs for training health professionals and scientists and model programs for the delivery of health services to women; (3) disseminate information to health professionals, scientists, and the public; and (4) develop, in the case of women who are in the medical profession, model programs for training such women in the skills necessary for achieving positions of leadership in such schools and in academic health centers. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) coordination of information; (2) structure of centers; (3) duration of support; and (4) limits on support. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1994
Welfare-to-Work Incentives Act of 1994 - Authorizes any State or local welfare program administering entity to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a waiver of compliance with any Federal statutory or regulatory requirement to the extent necessary to enable the applicant in determining eligibility for, or amount of, benefits under the program to disregard private sector income in accordance with rules set forth in the application. Specifies contents of a waiver application. Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove an application within 90 days after receipt. Specifies approval procedures. Requires periodic evaluations by an entity with a waiver of the effects of plan implementation on benefit recipients, their communities, and the costs of administering the covered program. Provides for suspension or termination of a waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1994
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for the transport or possession of a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
War Crimes Disclosure Act - Requires disclosure under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of any matter that relates to any individual who is listed in a Watch List as a participant in Nazi war crimes. Provides disclosure exceptions, such as for the protection of intelligence agents and informants or for compelling national security reasons. Requires disclosure of information that can be reasonably separated from excepted information. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to provide that the exemption from public disclosure authorized under such Act for operational files of the Central Intelligence Agency shall not apply to information regarding Nazi war crimes participants.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Creation of Independent and Effective State Medical Boards Title III: Requirements for Health Care Professionals and Providers Title IV: Public Access to Practitioner Data Bank Patient Safety Act of 1994 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to create a national program of medical malpractice prevention. Title II: Creation of Independent and Effective State Medical Boards - Requires each State medical board to create a consumer assistance unit to deal directly with complainants. Requires the board to disclose information received from complaints to the national practitioner data bank. Establishes guidelines for investigations, disciplinary hearings, and disciplinary actions. Provides for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assume responsibilities of this Act in cases where a State medical board does not meet requirements. Title III: Requirements for Health Care Professionals and Providers - Requires health care professionals and health care providers to renew their medical licenses every two years. Sets forth reporting requirements for health care professionals and providers and medical examiners. Requires licensed health care professionals to be reexamined every six years as a condition of licensure. Requires State medical boards to perform audits of the office-based practices of licensees to assess performance and to improve practices. Requires an audit of pharmacies to detect illegal drug diversion and other misuse of controlled substances. Requires health care professionals and providers to maintain malpractice insurance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national interdisciplinary study of medical negligence. Title IV: Public Access to Practitioner Data Bank - Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to require the Secretary to make specified information on health practitioners available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1994
Bombing Prevention Act - Title I: General Reforms - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transport, shipment, or receipt of explosive materials without a permit or the distribution of explosive materials to anyone other than a licensee or permittee. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the States of the regulations so that they may consider revising their explosives laws. (Sec. 102) Requires applicants for licenses and user permits to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Sets fees of up to $200 for an applicant for a license and up to $100 for an applicant for a permit. (Currently, the fee is up to $200 for each license or permit.) (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary to use the national instant criminal background check system established under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to investigate applicants for licenses or permits. (Sec. 104) Repeals exceptions from specified explosive materials requirements with respect to components of small arms ammunition and small quantities of black powder or smokeless powder. (Sec. 105) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate amendments to the sentencing guidelines to appropriately enhance the penalties for violations of Federal explosive materials provisions so that such penalties are the same as those for comparable violations of Federal firearms laws. (Sec. 106) Permits: (1) the destruction of seized explosives that are unsafe under specified circumstances; and (2) the owner to apply to the Secretary for reimbursement of any destroyed property where the claimant establishes that the seizure was wrongful. (Sec. 107) Subjects to civil forfeiture (with exceptions) any property involved in a violation of explosive materials provisions, or in a conspiracy to commit such a violation, and any other property traceable to such property. Directs the court to order a person convicted of a violation of Federal explosive materials provisions or of conspiring to commit such a violation to forfeit any property involved and any traceable property. Title II: Plastic Explosives - Prohibits the manufacture, import, export, shipment, transport, transfer, receipt, or possession of any plastic explosive which does not contain a detection agent (with exceptions). Authorizes the Secretary to investigate violations. Directs the Attorney General to exercise authority over such violations only when they are committed by a member of a terrorist or revolutionary group (in which case the Attorney General shall have primary investigative responsibility and the Secretary shall assist as requested). Prohibits any person possessing any plastic explosive, other than an agency of the United States or the National Guard of any State, from failing to report to the Secretary the quantity of such explosive possessed, the manufacturer or importer, and any identifying marks on such explosives. (Sec. 203) Provides for a fine and up to ten years' imprisonment for violations of Federal explosive materials laws. (Sec. 204) Sets forth affirmative defenses for Federal explosive materials laws.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1994
Calls upon the Secretary of State to instruct American Embassy and Consular officials throughout the world to convey the concern of the American people over the desecration of the dead and to assist groups and individuals who seek to protect the integrity of cemeteries and the repose of the dead.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
Fair Pay Act of 1994 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in payment of wages on the basis of sex, race, or national origin. Requires such nondiscriminatory equal pay for equivalent jobs with the same employer, unless the differential payment is made pursuant to a system of seniority, merit, or production quality or quantity based earnings. Prohibits discrimination against an employee for exercising rights under this Act. Directs the court, in actions brought for violations of this Act, to allow expert fees as part of the costs, in addition to any other remedies awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows such actions to be maintained as class actions. Requires employers to keep records and file annual reports with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) necessary for enforcement of this Act. Provides that such reports' contents shall be public information. Directs the EEOC to carry out a research, education, and technical assistance program for employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should seek an international agreement prohibiting the production, possession, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines; and (2) a moratorium by the United States on the purchase and production of antipersonnel landmines would encourage other nations to adopt similar measures. Prohibits the U.S. Government from purchasing or producing such landmines effective 90 days after this Act's enactment date. Continues such moratorium for one year from this Act's enactment date. Urges the President to encourage other nations which are major producers of such landmines to adopt similar moratoria. Authorizes the President to extend the moratorium if other nations have adopted similar moratoria. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense for: (1) humanitarian activities relating to the clearing and disarming of landmines and the protection of civilians from landmines; and (2) contributions to United Nations funds and nongovernmental organizations to support such activities. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and the Secretary of State to submit to the Congress a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the social, economic, and environmental costs and effects of antipersonnel landmines. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the total number of members of the armed forces killed or wounded by antipersonnel landmines during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Persian Gulf War.
![Official portrait of Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000002_200.jpg)