United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Condemns the arrest and detention of Peter H. (Harry) Wu. Calls for: (1) the People's Republic of China to allow the U.S. consul to see Mr. Wu, to provide full information to the U.S. Government regarding his arrest and detention, and to immediately and unconditionally release him; and (2) the President of the United States to use every diplomatic means available to ensure Mr. Wu's safety and immediate release.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1995 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) current provisions of law requiring funding for abortion services in cases of life endangerment, and for victims of rape or incest, to women eligible for medical assistance are essential to their health; (2) Federal resources are necessary to ensure that women have safe access to reproductive health facilities and that health professionals can deliver services in a secure environment free from threats of force; (3) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; (4) the program of grants under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) should receive a level of funding that is adequate for all States to receive grants under such title; (5) the program of research centers under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program; and (6) the program of loan-repayment contracts under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited provided specific requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to provide for certain minimum requirements under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program with respect to obstetrical benefits, including at least: (1) 48 hours of inpatient care following a vaginal delivery; and (2) 96 hours of inpatient care following a caesarean section. Waives such requirements if a contract's post-delivery care coverage meets specified home care criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Calls on France to abide by the international moratorium on nuclear testing, refrain from conducting its announced testing, and prepare to close its underground nuclear testing sites at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2002. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Prohibits a qualified State from submitting an estimate of needs unless the estimate is approved by each management conference that is implementing an approved estuary plan and of which the State is a member. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document establishing requirements for: (1) management conferences to follow in developing and monitoring conservation and management plans; and (2) the Administrator to follow in approving implementation strategies included in such plans and in approving interim actions to protect the water quality of the estuary for which a conservation and management plan is developed. Specifies that a management conference convened under the Act shall be convened for a period of at least five years. Authorizes the Administrator, upon approval of a plan and for purposes of monitoring or implementing the plan, to extend a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur and the extension is necessary to meet specified Act requirements. Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be terminated. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes procedures for interim actions. Prohibits any activity located in U.S. waters or which serves new development in such waters from being included in a conservation and management plan or a State needs estimate unless specified Federal officials determine that: (1) the activity is essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters; and (2) there is no practicable alternative to the proposed activity that would have a less adverse impact on the aquatic habitat.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
California Ocean Protection Act of 1995 - Establishes a California Ocean Protection Zone consisting of waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of California that are outside the waters of the State of California and that portion of the outer Continental Shelf underlying the waters. Prohibits: (1) the head of a Federal agency from issuing a lease, permit, or license for exploration for, or development or production of, minerals in or from the Zone; (2) a person from engaging in such activities after the date of the cancellation, expiration, transfer, relinquishment, or termination of a lease, permit, or license for such activities, the date of the suspension of operations associated with such activities under regulations implementing the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act as in effect on January 1, 1986, or the date on which a lease, permit, or license for such activities in any way becomes inactive; or (3) an agency head from issuing a lease, permit, or license for ocean incineration or harmful ocean dumping within the Zone or for any onshore facility that facilitates ocean incineration or harmful ocean dumping within the Zone. Declares that this Act is not intended to regulate, restrict, or prohibit commercial or recreational fishing, or other harvesting of ocean life in the Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Coastal States Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for mineral exploration, development, or production on submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf that are seaward of, or adjacent to, specified lands under a State or Federal lease moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Organ Donation Insert Card Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to include specified organ donation information with income tax refund payments made during a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services Title II: Care Grant Program Title III: Early Intervention Services Title IV: General Provisions Title V: Additional Provisions Title VI: Effective Date Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1995 - Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services - Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to formula grants for emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) services (emergency relief grants) to modify or create: (1) the criteria for determining which geographic areas are eligible; (2) the representation mandated on and the duties of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services planning council in areas receiving grants; (3) grant distribution time limits; (4) limits on reductions in grants; (5) requirements regarding supplemental grants; (6) a requirement that formula and supplemental grants be expended in accordance with priorities established by the area's council; (7) the primary purposes of the grants; (8) the entities eligible to receive financial assistance from grant funds (including allowing for-profit entities in certain circumstances); (9) a requirement to use a specified percentage of grant funds for services to infants, children, and women with HIV disease; (10) limitations on administrative expenditures; and (11) application requirements (including allowing a single application for both formula and supplemental grants). Authorizes planning grants to assist an area that is projected to be eligible for a formula grant in the subsequent fiscal year in preparing for its responsibilities under the grant. Title II: Care Grant Program - Changes or adds provisions concerning a program of grants for health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease (care grant program) relating to: (1) the uses of the grants; (2) grants to establish HIV care consortia (including allowing grants to for-profit providers in certain circumstances); (3) application requirements; (4) State allocation of assistance; and (5) technical assistance. Title III: Early Intervention Services - Amends provisions relating to early intervention services to alter or establish provisions relating to: (1) the uses of categorical grants; and (2) making for-profit entities eligible. Authorizes early intervention services planning grants. Modifies application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for categorical grants. Title IV: General Provisions - Replaces provisions authorizing demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric HIV disease patients and pregnant women with HIV disease with provisions authorizing grants providing women, infants, and children: (1) opportunities to participate as subjects in research of potential clinical benefit regarding HIV disease; and (2) outpatient health care. Authorizes the use of limited funds for training and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants for demonstration projects that provide for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease that assess treatment model effectiveness, are innovative, and have the potential to be replicated locally or nationally. Requires reserving a specified percentage of the amounts available under title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act for grants under this paragraph. Removes existing provisions relating to special projects of national significance. Transfers provisions (currently located in title VII (Health Professions Education) of the Public Health Service Act) authorizing grants and contracts to assist in training health care practitioners regarding HIV disease to such title XXVI. Modifies the projects for which the assistance may be used. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces an authorization of appropriations for carrying out provisions on evaluations and reports regarding title XXVI with provisions requiring that those evaluation and reporting provisions be carried out with amounts available under evaluation and reporting provisions of title II (Administration and Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Public Health Service Act. Title V: Additional Provisions - Modifies the formulas for determination of the amount of emergency relief grants and care grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the emergency relief grant program and the care grant program. Mandates development of a methodology for adjusting the percentages made available to each of those two programs. Repeals existing provisions authorizing appropriations separately for the two programs. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Landmine Use Moratorium Act of 1995 - Directs the President to support, at the 1995 United Nations review conference, proposals to modify Protocol II to the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention to implement the U.S. goal of the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Declares a U.S. moratorium, for a one year period beginning three years after enactment of this Act, on the use of such landmines except along internationally recognized national borders within a perimeter marked area monitored by military personnel and protected by adequate means to ensure the exclusion of civilians. Urges the President to encourage other nations to join in such moratorium. Prohibits the United States from selling, licensing for export, or transferring any defense article or service to a foreign country that sells, exports, or transfers antipersonnel landmines. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition, after notice to the Congress, if an emergency exists which makes such waiver vital to the interest of the United States.
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 · 13 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add use in diesel-powered boats to the list of nontaxable uses for diesel fuel, effective on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits imposing a penalty on a person who sells or holds for sale dyed fuel for use in, or uses dyed fuel in, any diesel-powered boat and pays the tax imposed on such sale or use, effective on the date of the enactment of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993.
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
Stipulates that if the California State University, Hayward, matches 20 percent of the funds that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency provides to the California Urban Environmental Research and Education Center, the Administrator shall enter into a series of cooperative agreements with the University to provide continuing support for the Center. Declares the overall objective of the center to be to promote sustainable economic development throughout California by engaging in specified functions, including: (1) developing an ongoing program of applied environmental research, education, and outreach that the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector can use; (2) fostering of public-private partnerships to find solutions to environmental problems of California; (3) bringing together university and college researchers to focus on California's most important environmental problems; (4) supporting activities such as the coordination and funding of research activities for the collection and evaluation of data, the conduct of seminars and educational programs, the conduct of a national conference, and the development of bachelors and masters degree programs to prepare individuals for employment as environmental professionals; and (5) working with other university research centers provided funds by EPA to help establish a National Environmental Outreach Program to assist governments and the private sector in programs to promote environmentally sound economic development. Authorizes the Center to provide undergraduate scholarships for individuals studying in environmental fields, assistantships and fellowships for graduate students to encourage study in fields related to sustainable economic development, and research grants to faculty at universities and colleges. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Community Ambulance Support Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of paramedic intercept services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
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 · 6 June 1995
Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions ending, on a specified date, the application of provisions: (1) deeming health care practitioner officers, employees, or contractors of certain entities (migrant and community health centers and grant recipients for health services to the homeless and to residents of public housing) to be employees of the Public Health Service (PHS); and (2) making a malpractice action against the United States the sole remedy against such practitioners. Adds governing board members to the list of practitioners deemed to be PHS employees. Allows, in certain circumstances, deeming the practitioners to be PHS employees while treating individuals who are not patients of such entities. Requires approval of an application for the deeming. Sets forth an application process. Directs the Attorney General to appear in State court actions to advise the court whether an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor has been deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service. Provides for the application of coverage to managed care plans. Revises the requirements: (1) to be considered a contractor of such an entity; and (2) of due process regarding exclusion of specific individuals from coverage. Reduces the maximum limit on the fund set up to cover annual estimated claims.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Advanced Medical Devices Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Permits coverage under the Medicare program of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient hospital services, even if the device is not approved, as long as it is an investigational device used instead of an approved device. States that a payment made under the Medicare program for any such item or service may not exceed the amount which would have been paid if the item or service were associated with the use of an approved device.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Women's Health Office Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Office of (or on) Women's Health and a related coordinating committee in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Resources and Services Administration, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Amends the PHSA to establish a related advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protections for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Health Maintenance Organizations Subtitle A: Access to Services Subtitle B: Protections Against Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Effective Date Title II: Protections for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Medicare Supplemental and Medicare Select Policies Title III: Coordination of Enrollment and Termination of Enrollment Medicare Beneficiary Protection Amendments of 1995 - Title I: Protections For Beneficiaries Enrolled In Health Maintenance Organizations - Subtitle A: Access to Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish various specified requirements for eligible organizations under provisions for payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and competitive medical plans that, among other things, relate to: (1) contracting with health care providers; (2) utilization review programs; (3) access to designated centers of excellence; (4) referrals to gynecologists; (5) essential community provider networks; (6) access to emergency services; (7) appeal of plan denials; (8) service areas; (9) arrangements with providers of renal dialysis services to cover services furnished to enrollees temporarily outside the organization's service area; (10) expanded plan services; and (11) additional Federal payments for enrollee services. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a demonstration project on eligible organization competitive rate setting. Subtitle B: Protections Against Fraud and Abuse - Revises fraud and abuse requirements with respect to: (1) imposing intermediate sanctions for contract and other violations by eligible organizations; (2) providing enrollees with information on physician incentive plans and provider credentials; (3) agent commissions; (4) enrollment; and (5) application of peer review to other types of organization contracts. (Sec. 111) Directs the Secretary to develop a model of the agreement that an eligible organization with a risk-sharing contract must enter into with an entity providing peer review services with respect to organization services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the costs incurred by eligible organizations of entering into such agreements. (Sec. 112) Restricts to non-HMO type eligible organizations the types of organizations that can qualify for treatment as a health care prepaid plan (HCPP) under the program for supplementary medical insurance benefits for the aged and disabled. Repeals provisions subjecting such prepaid plans to Medigap standards. Subtitle C: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this title. Title II: Protections For Beneficiaries Enrolled In Medicare Supplemental and Medicare Select Policies - Amends SSA title XVIII to make various specified changes in requirements for Medicare supplemental policies, including requirements for community rating and prior approval of marketing materials, in addition to certain other requirements. Title III: Coordination of Enrollment and Termination of Enrollment - Amends SSA title XVIII to establish uniform annual open enrollment periods for eligible organization, Medicare supplemental plan, and Medicare select plan enrollees generally, with certain exceptions, during which they can enroll, disenroll, or switch plans. (Sec. 302) Sets forth special rules for enrollment in an eligible organization plan for new Medicare beneficiaries and those who move. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to provide information on Medicare supplemental policies and other specified matters to Medicare beneficiaries upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
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 · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) establish certification criteria for State voluntary cleanup programs at eligible facilities; and (2) certify qualified States to carry out cleanup programs at eligible facilities in lieu of any Federal program that addresses the cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "eligible facility" as a facility that is determined by a State to have environmental contamination that: (1) could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property; and (2) is limited in scope and can be readily evaluated. Requires the Administrator to ensure that State programs continue to meet the terms of certification by conducting biennial audits. Sets procedures for withdrawal of certification where deficiencies are not resolved. Directs the Administrator to require a State program, to be certified, to provide: (1) that only eligible facilities may participate; (2) adequate opportunities for public participation in the development and implementation of cleanup plans; (3) technical assistance throughout each voluntary cleanup; (4) adequate oversight and enforcement authority to ensure that the voluntary cleanups comply with Federal and State laws; and (5) for State certification to the owner or prospective purchaser of an eligible facility that the cleanup is complete. Makes ineligible for such programs facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States. Prohibits requiring a Federal, State, or local permit for any cleanup conducted under and in compliance with a certified State voluntary cleanup program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Project Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot project to provide capitalization loans to States to establish or expand revolving loan funds that provide loans for voluntary environmental cleanups of eligible facilities (those determined by the State to have limited environmental contamination that can be readily and comprehensively evaluated and that could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property). Authorizes appropriations. Makes ineligible for such assistance facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Medigap Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Social Security Act to require that private insurers selling Medicare supplemental policies (Medigap policies) do not increase policyholder premiums on the basis of age attained after enrollment.
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
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the assault weapons ban, and the restrictions on the transfer of handguns to juveniles are reasonable, important, and effective measures to help reduce crimes of violence and create safer communities.
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
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
Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle an amount of newsprint equal to the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes compliance with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires the recycling percentage to be at least 20 percent. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for the next ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and implement a plan for the recycling of post-consumer high grade paper. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Tire Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the recovered rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage and provides for annual increases in such percentage. Requires the Administrator to allow recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Directs the Attorney General to report to the Congress on the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries. Considers a scrap tire recycling or disposal facility to be a solid waste disposal facility for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning exempt facility bonds. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures to be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire collection facilities and for facility emergency plans. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for Federal procurement of items that make use of scrap or used tires. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to publish standards for Federal departments to determine the life-cycle costs and benefits of items that make use of rubber from scrap or used tires. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Fair Pay Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. Directs courts, in any action brought under this section for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Requires employers subject to such prohibition to preserve records which document and support the method, system, calculations, and other bases used by the employer in establishing, adjusting, and determining the wages paid to their employees, for periods of time prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and make reports to the EEOC. Directs the EEOC to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement the provisions of this Act; (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act; and (3) include a separate evaluation and appraisal regarding the implementation of this Act in its annual report to the Congress.
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
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for certain public health programs related to prostate cancer research and education. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support prostate cancer health services and screening and treatment procedures; and (2) provide for the development, periodic review, and updating of clinically relevant guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for battery storage and transfers and recordkeeping and management practices. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity as the batteries sold. Requires the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters to produce new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies; and (2) the U.S. Government should immediately encourage the UN to take action by considering the unique situation of Taiwan in the international community and adopting a comprehensive solution to accommodate Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Meat Inspection Title II: Poultry Inspection Family Food Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Meat Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to issue regulations to control and reduce human pathogens and other harmful substances in meat and meat food products. Considers as adulterated a carcass or meat or meat food product prepared at an official establishment (as defined by this Act) for commercial distribution that is not in compliance with such regulations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulatory limits for human pathogens and other harmful substances in meat or meat food products. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and administer surveillance and sampling systems for foodborne illnesses and adulterating substances; (2) issue hazard control regulations for official establishments; (3) convene a meat and poultry safety advisory board; and (4) establish voluntary guidelines for retail meat handling, processing, and storage. Authorizes State enforcement for in-State violations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe livestock traceback methods to permit animal and establishment identification. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit or restrict animal entry into or from a slaughtering establishment. Requires a preparer who has reasonable belief that any carcass, meat, or meat food product is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to recall such products. Authorizes civil penalties for violations of this title. Provides whistleblower protection. Title II: Poultry Inspection - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to provide similar provisions to title I.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who suffer crop losses in federally designated disaster areas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends the Taiwan Relations Act to prohibit the democratically elected leadership of Taiwan from being excluded from the United States based on a determination by the Secretary of State that the entry or proposed activities of such individuals would have potentially adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
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
DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2002. (Sec. 4) Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. (Sec. 6) Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. (Sec. 7) Revises National Estuary Program provisions regarding management conference purposes, membership, participation, and duties to, among other things: (1) require conferences to ensure implementation of FWPCA water quality standards; (2) require inclusion as members representatives of Federal fish and wildlife agencies, the agriculture industry, municipalities, and environmental organizations; and (3) direct the Administrator to provide necessary funding, analysis of program needs, and Federal liaison activities for the program. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document establishing requirements for: (1) management conferences to follow in developing and monitoring conservation and management plans; (2) the implementation of interim actions to protect water quality of estuaries for which plans are developed; and (3) the Administrator to follow in approving strategies included in such plans. Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be terminated. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes procedures for interim actions. Prohibits any activity located in U.S. waters or which serves new development in such waters from being included in a conservation and management plan or a State needs estimate unless specified Federal officials determine that: (1) the activity is essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters; and (2) there is no practicable alternative to the proposed activity that would have a less adverse impact on the aquatic habitat.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Tobacco Health Tax and Agricultural Conversion Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on: (1) cigars; (2) cigarettes; (3) cigarette papers and tubes; (4) snuff; and (5) chewing and pipe tobacco. Imposes an additional tax on packs of cigarettes containing fewer than 20 cigarettes. Provides an inflation adjustment of such tax rates. Imposes a tax on the floor stocks of such tobacco products which are removed before October 1, 1995. Imposes such tax on such products entered into the United States from foreign trade zones before such date. Requires tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes transferred or removed in bond from domestic factories and export warehouses (and thereby exempt from tax) to be appropriately labeled for export. Imposes a civil penalty on any person who sells, relands, or receives tobacco products labeled for export. Restricts the importation of previously exported tobacco products. Repeals the following exemptions from tax: (1) sales to employees of tobacco products manufacturers; (2) sales to the United States; and (3) books of cigarette papers containing 25 or fewer papers. Imposes minimum capacity or activity requirements (prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury) for granting of a permit to commence business as a tobacco products manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor. Imposes an excise tax on the manufacture or importation of roll-your-own tobacco. Establishes in the Treasury the Tobacco Conversion and Health Education Trust Fund (consisting of a Tobacco Conversion Account and a Health Education Account), to which the Secretary shall transfer an amount equivalent to three percent of the net increase in revenues attributable to the tax increases imposed by this Act. Makes funds in the Tobacco Conversion Account available to: (1) assist farmers in converting from tobacco to other crops; and (2) provide grants and loans, including assistance to convert from tobacco production, to communities and persons involved in tobacco growing and tobacco product manufacture who are adversely affected by the tax increases in this Act. Makes funds in the Health Education Account available for expenditures to increase public awareness of health risks, including those of tobacco use. Establishes in the Treasury the National Fund for Medical Research, to which nine percent of the revenues resulting from the tax increases imposed by this Act shall be transferred for distribution to the member institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health. Transfers the balance of the revenues from these increases to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Establishes the United States Peace Tax Fund to receive payments designated by qualified individuals to be used for nonmilitary purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on amounts transferred into the Fund. Requires the information to be printed in the Congressional Record. Permits conscientious objectors to designate on their income tax returns that any tax liability be paid into the Fund. Makes this designation procedure available to any individual who has demonstrated himself or herself, by reason of religious training and belief, to be opposed to participation in war in any form. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return for the purpose of determining eligibility for such status. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to enactment of this Act if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Authorizes corresponding procedures in connection with estate and gift tax payments, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires publication of this information in the Congressional Record. Authorizes a portion of the Fund (corresponding to amounts expended for military purposes) to be appropriated each fiscal year for the following programs and activities: (1) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); (2) Head Start; (3) the United States Institute of Peace; and (4) the Peace Corps.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000197_200.jpg)