United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1995
International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth population assistance authorities and requirements. (Sec. 2) Makes such assistance available to a country that: (1) accounts for a significant portion of the world's annual population increment; (2) has significant unmet needs for fertility regulation and requires foreign assistance to sustain quality family planning services; or (3) demonstrates a strong policy commitment to population stabilization through the expansion of reproductive choice. Prohibits nongovernmental and multilateral organizations from being subjected to requirements which are more restrictive than those applicable to foreign governments for such assistance. Makes funds available for: (1) the United Nations Population Fund if it agrees to prohibit the use of funds for coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization; and (2) the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training to further international cooperation in the development of fertility regulation technology. (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Declares the sense of the Congress that the multilateral development banks should increase their annual support for specified population activities to at least $1 billion by December 31, 2000. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on: (1) resources made available by multilateral development banks for population activities; (2) any specified actions taken by such banks to encourage increased resources if such resources total less than $1 billion; and (3) the progress made by such banks in meeting the objectives of the population activities. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on preparations for U.S. participation in the 1995 World Conference on Women. (Sec. 6) Makes development assistance available on a priority basis for countries which have agreed to address specific education, literacy, and health issues. Authorizes the President to establish a grant program, to be known as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, to improve the access of girls and women to reproductive health care services. Earmarks amounts of development and economic assistance for programs in support of increasing primary and secondary school enrollment and equalizing levels of male and female enrollment. Authorizes appropriations for the Child Survival Fund, the Safe Motherhood Initiative, and for research on, and treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. (Sec. 8) Provides for certain actions to support the United Nations Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
Parental Choice in Television Act of 1995 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe rules that: (1) on the basis of recommendations from an advisory committee, identify and rate video programming that contains sexual, violent, or other material about which parents should be informed; and (2) require distributors of video programming to transmit signals that contain the rating of the program being distributed and permit parents to block the display of the video programming. Voids such requirement if program distributors, within one year, have established voluntary rules to the same effect. Directs the FCC to require televisions with a picture screen 13 inches or greater which are manufactured or imported for use in the United States to be equipped with circuitry designed to enable viewers to block the display of channels, time slots, and programs, as well as allow viewers to block displays of all programs with a common rating. Prohibits the shipment in interstate commerce, the manufacture, the assembly, or the importation from any foreign country into the United States of any such televisions except in accordance with FCC rules. Exempts those carriers who are not trading the televisions. Directs the FCC to prescribe rules providing for FCC oversight of the blocking standards adopted by the industry and requiring that every television with a picture screen 13 inches or greater will be able to receive ratings signals that conform to the signal and blocking specifications established by industry.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995
Professional Baseball Antitrust Reform Act of 1995 or the "Giles Act"- Amends the Clayton Act to apply the antitrust laws to any agreement or restraint imposed by professional baseball, major or minor league owners, or their agents or employees on the location of any minor league team or franchise.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan that provides any emergency services coverage to cover emergency services furnished to a plan enrollee without regard to: (1) whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan; and (2) prior authorization. Mandates prompt payment in a reasonable and appropriate amount and prohibits cost-sharing greater for hospital emergency services than for other settings. Requires specified measures relating to the timeliness of prior authorization determinations regarding needed care identified in initial evaluations. Prohibits plans from discouraging appropriate use of the 911 emergency telephone number or from denying coverage or payment for an item or service solely on the basis that an enrollee uses the number. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, and managed care plans to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Allows State laws that provide protections exceeding those of this Act. Provides for civil money penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize annual grants to States to develop coastal zone management programs. Limits each State to four (currently, two) grants. Authorizes grants to States to implement program changes. Allows financial assistance under existing provisions for research and monitoring in a national estuarine reserve to be used for research outside such a reserve if the activities support research inside the reserve. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such development grants; (2) administering State management programs; (3) resource management improvement grants; (4) coastal zone enhancement grants; (5) grants under the National Estuarine Research Reserve System; (6) technical assistance; and (7) expenses incidental to the administration of the Act.
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 transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to amend a specified motor vehicle bumper standard to ensure that it is identical to the one in effect on January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Connecticut Old State House Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut, and its role in history. Mandates that all coin sales include a ten-dollar surcharge which shall be paid to the Old State House Association. Grants the Comptroller General authority to examine all data of the Old State House Association pertinent to such surcharge expenditures.
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
Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to exclude from the customs and tax exemption under tort claims procedures any claim based on the negligent destruction, injury, or loss of goods or merchandise (including real property) while in the possession of any customs or other law enforcement officer. Extends the period for filing claims in certain in rem proceedings. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that: (1) in all suits or actions brought for the forfeiture of any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage seized under the provisions of any law relating to the collection of duties on imports or tonnage, with exceptions, and for the recovery of the value of any forfeited property because of violation of any such law, the burden of proof is on the Government to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the property was subject to forfeiture; (2) any person claiming such property may at any time within 30 days from the date of the first publication of the notice of seizure file a claim with the appropriate customs officer, who shall transmit such claim to the U.S. attorney for the district in which seizure was made; and (3) if the person filing such claim (or a claim regarding seized property under any other provision of law that incorporates by reference the seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation procedures of the customs laws) is financially unable to obtain representation, the court may appoint counsel, subject to specified requirements. Specifies that a claimant is entitled to immediate release of seized property if continued possession by the Government would cause the claimant substantial hardship, such as preventing the functioning of a business, preventing an individual from working, or leaving an individual homeless. Sets forth procedures regarding the request for release, return of property, and time for decision by the court on a complaint for such return. Makes sums in the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available for the payment of court-awarded compensation for representation of claimants under the Tariff Act, with respect to seizure claims by individuals financially unable to obtain representation of counsel. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that no conveyance shall be forfeited to the extent of an interest of an owner by reason of any act or omission established by that owner to have been committed or omitted either without the knowledge or without the consent of that owner. Specifies that property shall not be considered to have been used for a proscribed use without the knowledge or consent of the owner of an interest in that property if that owner was wilfully blind to, or has failed to take reasonable steps to prevent, the proscribed use.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement and Pilot Programs Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border Subtitle B: Pilot Programs Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States Subtitle D: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits Subtitle B: Changes in Family-Sponsored and Employment- Based Preference System Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions Subtitle D: Effective Dates; Transition Provisions Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Illegal Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affadavits of Support Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry Title VIII: Miscellaneous Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1995 - Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement and Pilot Programs - Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border - Increases: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) border enforcement and related personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for improved border crossing cards, equipment, and crossing barriers, including authorization of appropriations for fencing and road improvements in the border area near San Diego, California. (Sec. 105) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to establish civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. Subtitle B: Pilot Programs - Establishes pilot programs for: (1) interior repatriation of inadmissible or deportable aliens; (2) use of closed military bases to detain inadmissible or deportable aliens; and (3) collection of alien departure records. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize wiretaps in alien smuggling investigations; and (2) include alien smuggling offenses under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to: (1) expand INS forfeiture authority for smuggling or harboring illegal aliens; and (2) increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 205) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses. Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for asset forfeiture for passport and visa offenses. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal provisions. Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists - Part 1: Removal Procedures for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to establish a special removal procedure for terrorists, including the designation by the Chief Justice of the United States of a special removal court. Part 2: Exclusion and Denial of Asylum for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to make membership in a terrorist organization a ground for U.S. exclusion. (Sec. 332) Denies asylum, status adjustment, and deportation relief to alien terrorists. Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States - Amends the Act with regard to vessel and aircraft transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle D: Additional Provisions - Amends the Act to impose civil penalties upon an alien subject to an order of removal who fails to depart. (Sec. 358) Authorizes additional appropriations for removal of illegal aliens. (Sec. 359) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Enforcement Account. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Increases full-time employee positions in: (1) the Investigations Division of INS; and (2) the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. (Sec. 403) Amends the Act to revise the employer sanctions program. Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System - Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits - Amends the Act to revise legal immigration categories and numerical limitations. (Sec. 504) Requires periodic congressional review and reauthorization of worldwide immigration levels. Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System - Amends the Act to revise the immigration preference system. Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions - Amends the Act to revise annual refugee admissions and asylee adjustment provisions. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the temporary employment of certain retirees to help reduce asylum application backlogs. (Sec. 524) Limits parole entry to a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition provisions for specified classification status petitions. Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Illegal Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits - Part 1: Public Benefits Generally - Makes illegal aliens ineligible (with specified exceptions) for public assistance, contracts, and licenses. (Sec. 602) Makes unauthorized aliens ineligible for unemployment benefits. Part 2: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge - Amends the Act to revise public charge grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits programs. (Sec. 632) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Provides for: (1) increased numbers of land border inspectors; and (2) border infrastructure improvements. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to provide for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." Amends the Act with regard to: (1) definitions of "child" and "parent"; (2) visa processing procedure; (3) waiver authority concerning notice of visa application denial; (4) Canadian landed immigrants; (5) H-1B nonimmigrants; (6) visa extensions; (7) status adjustment; (8) access to certain confidential INS files; (9) nonimmigrant status for spouses and children of members of the armed forces; (10) fraudulent birth certificates; and (11) specified miscellaneous and technical provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Ohio River Corridor Study Commission Act of 1995 - Establishes the Ohio River Corridor Study Commission to study and report on: (1) the feasibility of establishing an Ohio River National Heritage Corridor for the Ohio River Corridor; and (2) the preservation, protection, improvement, enjoyment, and utilization of the historic, economic, natural, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources of the Corridor. Gives the consent of the Congress to the negotiation by the States of Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania of proposed interstate agreements or compacts in furtherance of the purposes of the study. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 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 · 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 · 15 June 1995
Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to: (1) require a State to pay or agree to pay at least five dollars per resident, as determined by the latest official census, before such State or local government receives Federal assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster in the State; and (2) revise the formula used to determine the Federal share of such assistance as well as the Federal share for debris and wreckage removal from publicly and privately owned lands resulting from such disaster. Allows an increase of such assistance only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (Sec. 5) Adds provisions concerning disaster mitigation. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish and carry out natural disaster hazard mitigation (mitigation) programs that support natural disaster research, technology, and education. Gives the effect of law to a specified executive order relating to earthquake design and construction standards for federally leased, assisted, or regulated buildings. Requires the Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing: (1) national minimum building construction standards for residential and commercial building construction; and (2) standards for the training and licensing of home inspectors and for using such inspections as a means of promoting mitigation for residential property. Requires the Director to define which States should be classified as natural disaster-prone for purposes of the Act. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either: (1) adopt multihazard building and safety codes for all new and substantially modified building construction in that State; or (2) certify that the State's local communities have adopted and are enforcing building codes which meet the appropriate minimum mitigation requirements of that State. Requires each State designated as flood-prone to either adopt relevant flood protection standards or certify that its flood-prone local communities are in compliance with appropriate State flood protection standards. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either develop a multihazard mitigation plan or designate an existing plan which includes specified compliance and response requirements. Outlines provisions concerning State compliance with the establishment, adoption, and implementation of appropriate mitigation plans. Provides penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Director, after crediting premiums from the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation (established under this Act), to allocate funds from a Mitigation Account (established under this Act) to States which comply with all mitigation requirements under this Act. Provides an allocation formula. Requires such funds to be used to support mitigation activities, especially those necessary to bring a State into compliance with building and safety code requirements enumerated under this Act. Requires audits of fund uses. Exempts a State, under specified conditions, from a particular mitigation requirement if it receives inadequate funds from the Account to cover the costs of complying with such requirement. Encourages each private insurer that participates in the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation to take mitigation measures into account in setting rates and deductibles for its property insurance. Establishes the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation as a not-for-profit membership corporation to provide primary insurance coverages and reinsurance coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Requires the Corporation's Board of Directors (Board) to: (1) develop a plan of operation describing the Corporation's administration and the provision of the insurance coverages it provides; and (2) develop and adjust, when necessary, actuarially sound rates for such coverages. Establishes an independent Natural Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries (Independent Board) to review and approve such plan and rates. Requires the Board to file with each State insurance regulator information copies of the initial material and future revisions to its insurance rates, terms, or conditions. Requires the Corporation to establish and maintain a: (1) primary insurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims and loss adjustments expenses to private insurers acting as service providers of the primary insurance coverages; and (2) reinsurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims to private insurers which purchased such coverage. Outlines provisions concerning the Corporation's use of funds from other accounts and funds to pay for losses in excess of trust account funds or funds raised by issuing obligations in the private market (requiring repayment of funds borrowed from such accounts or funds). Requires the trust accounts to be kept separate. Prohibits: (1) the borrowing of monies between such accounts; and (2) the authorization or appropriation of Federal funds for Corporation activities. Requires the Comptroller General to audit and report to the Congress on Corporation and Independent Board activities. Requires the Corporation to: (1) issue primary insurance coverages that insure against physical damages and losses to residential property, including debris removal, additional living expenses incurred as a result of direct damage to such property, and ordinance and law coverages, resulting from the natural disasters enumerated in this Act that meet specified terms and conditions; and (2) make, under certain conditions, excess reinsurance coverage available to private insurers and State insurance pools for residential losses (including quota-share amounts retained by the private insurers under this Act not already insured by the Corporation under the primary insurance coverage policies) and commercial losses that are proximately caused by specified natural disaster perils. Prohibits making or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by residential property located in an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, or hurricane-prone State unless the property is covered by: (1) primary insurance coverages; or (2) coverage issued by a private insurer which has equivalent terms, conditions, and rates as such coverages for seismic perils and that meets such terms and conditions as those required for the hurricane peril. Provides an escrow requirement with respect to insurance premiums for such coverage. Outlines requirements that must be met by residential property owners in natural disaster-prone States before the owners can receive any financial assistance under the Act or any similar Federal disaster assistance. Requires the Director and the Corporation to jointly report to the Congress on any additional sanctions or other measures deemed necessary to assure that policyholders purchase Federal flood insurance pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Requires private insurers which exclude coverage for physical damage caused by flooding to include in the contract a specified warning statement to that effect (or an appropriate alternative warning statement). Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund. Establishes within the Fund a separate Private Loss Account, Public Loss Account, and Mitigation Account. Requires the three accounts to be kept separate and prohibits the borrowing of monies between them. Requires the Private Loss Account to provide direct Federal loans to cover shortfalls in the Corporation's primary insurance and reinsurance accounts. Requires the Public Loss Account to: (1) retain reserve funds sufficient to cover the anticipated costs resulting from natural disasters up to the annual ten-year historical average of disaster relief provided by the Director; and (2) provide grants to States for the repair or restoration of critical facilities and lifelines, public facilities, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed by natural disasters and for pre-natural disaster mitigation. Allows the Federal share of such grants to be increased only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Requires: (1) the Mitigation Account to provide funds to States for appropriate mitigation efforts described in this Act; and (2) the Corporation to pay a specified percentage of the annual net premiums collected for the primary insurance coverages and the reinsurance coverages for mitigation purposes. Provides for appropriate transfers and credits to the Public Loss Account and the Mitigation Account. Authorizes appropriations to such Accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Establishes the Yellowstone Headwaters National Recreation Area within the Gallatin and Custer National Forests in Montana. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer the Area in accordance with this Act and with the provisions of law generally applicable to national forest system units; (2) develop a management plan for the Area to reflect its establishment and to conform to this Act; and (3) acquire lands or interests in lands within the Area's boundaries that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Withdraws such lands from U.S. mining laws, mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and from disposal of mineral materials under the Materials Act of 1947. Prohibits: (1) a patent from being issued after June 14, 1995, for any location or claim made in the Area under U.S. mining laws; (2) Federal lands from being used in connection with any mining or mining-related activity within the Area; and (3) such activities involving any surface disturbance of lands or waters within such Area, except in accordance with requirements imposed by the Secretary. Requires: (1) the Secretary to complete an expedited program to examine all unpatented mining claims within the Area; and (2) if the Secretary of the Interior determines that a claim is invalid, to declare it to be null and void. Prohibits a Federal department or agency from issuing authorizations to persons for mining or mining-related activities within the Area until the Secretary has determined that previous mining related environmental damage that has occurred on lands owned or used by such person or any person who controls, is controlled by, or under common control with, such person has been remediated in accordance with applicable Federal and State requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Reorganization of the Federal Administrative Judiciary Act - Amends Federal civil service law to reorganize all administrative law judges into an independent Administrative Law Judge Corps, headed by a chief administrative law judge appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, with each judge of the Corps assigned to a division depending upon the areas of specialization in which the judge has served. Provides for the payment of judges' salaries out of existing fees charged by agencies for such purpose. Requires the chief administrative law judge to conduct a study of the various types and levels of agency review to which decisions of administrative law judges are subject for a report to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Children's Media Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) prescribe rules to identify and rate sexual, violent, and indecent television programming that is clearly inappropriate for children; (2) prescribe rules for the transmission by television programming distributors of signals that identify the programming rating and permit viewers to block such inappropriate programming; and (3) require television sets with picture screens of 13 inches or greater to be equipped with blocking circuitry and enable viewers to block display of all programs with a common rating. Prohibits any person from shipping, manufacturing, assembling, or importing any television not so equipped. Requires performance standards for blocking technology. (Sec. 6) Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to prescribe a prohibition on the broadcast on commercial television and any public telecommunications entities between 6 o'clock a.m. and 9 o'clock p.m. of such inappropriate programming. (Sec. 7) Directs the FCC, in granting an application for a television broadcast license, to impose conditions which ensure that the applicant complies with the standards for children's television programming as established under the Children's Television Act of 1990 and otherwise serves the educational and informational needs of children through its overall programming. Prohibits a cable franchise award or renewal unless the cable operator complies with such standards.
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 · 16 May 1995
Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects; and (2) the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Mandates development of uniform criteria for the collection and reporting of data on fetal alcohol conditions by or through agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to require that an activity under these provisions be carried out in collaboration with or through one or more of the other agencies of HHS. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Explosives Fingerprinting Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture, importation, transport, shipment, distribution, or receipt in interstate or foreign commerce, or resale or other disposition as surplus by a Government department, agency, or instrumentality of any explosive material that does not contain an identification taggant and a detection taggant. Makes such provisions inapplicable to any such material designated by the President for use by the Department of Defense or another Government agency for national defense or international security purposes. Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) defer specified effective dates of prohibitions under this Act until the Secretary is satisfied that identification and detection taggants are available in sufficient quantity for commercial purposes, will not impair the quality of explosive materials for their intended use, and will not adversely affect the environment; and (2) inform the Congress before making any such deferrals.
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
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
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 · 6 April 1995
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Act of 1995 - Modifies the boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Requires the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan to address the boundary change and include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, managed, or acquired because of their contribution to the understanding of national cultural landscape values. Prohibits changes other than minor revisions in the approved plan as amended without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Extends the date of termination of the Commission until ten years after this Act's enactment, subject to specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to approve an additional extension if the Secretary finds that: (1) the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island provide adequate assurances of continued tangible contribution and effective policy support toward achieving the purposes of the Corridor; and (2) the Commission is effectively assisting Federal, State, and local authorities to retain, enhance, and interpret the distinctive character and nationally significant resources of the Corridor. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a limited program of financial assistance for the purpose of providing funds for the preservation and restoration of structures on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places within the Corridor which exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, or environmental education opportunities to the general public. Specifies that nothing in the Act establishing the Corridor shall be construed to affect or authorize the Commission to interfere with: (1) the rights of any person with respect to private property; or (2) any local zoning ordinance or land use plan of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or a political subdivision of such Commonwealth. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act.
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
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
National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers and retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements identical to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the ten-cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise provisions regarding the acceptance of gifts by Members, officers, or employees of the House. Prohibits Members, officers, or employees from accepting gifts from lobbyists registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or any successor statute unless: (1) the lobbyist is a member of the immediate family of the Member, officer, or employee to whom the gift was made; or (2) the Member, officer, or employee did not have reason to know that the gift was given because of his or her official position, was given through a member of the Member's, officer's, or employee's immediate family or an entity controlled by the Member, officer, or employee, or was given by a lobbyist who was reimbursed or provided compensation for the gift's value or deducted the gift's value from his or her Federal income tax liability and the Member, officer, or employee disclosed the gift to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Bars House Members, officers, or employees from accepting a gift from persons other than lobbyists unless conditions described above under which gifts may be accepted from lobbyists apply to such a person or the gift: (1) consisted of a meal; (2) was a contribution to a legal defense fund established for the Member's, officer's, or employee's benefit; (3) was an extension of personal hospitality; or (4) was attendance at a charity, conference, association dinner, or other widely-attended event. Lists items that are not considered to be gifts, including: (1) informational material; (2) receptions and food and refreshments of a nominal value; (3) products from the home State of the Member which are of nominal value; (4) objects of little intrinsic value; or (5) payments or reimbursements for reasonable expenses for travel, for a period not exceeding three days within the United States or seven days outside the United States, exclusive of travel time, to events related to the Member's, officer's, or employee's official duties, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to waive gift restrictions in unusual circumstances and to make such waivers public.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and of articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and George C. Marshall, its author. Directs the Secretary to pay surcharges received from coin sales to: (1) the George C. Marshall Foundation to be used to support its educational and outreach programs; and (2) the Friends of George C. Marshall to be used solely for the construction of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Vistor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Waterways Restoration Act of 1995 - Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to delete the requirement that each watershed improvement under such Act must contain benefits directly related to agriculture that account for at least 20 percent of the total project benefits. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and implement a Waterways Restoration Program which provides technical assistance and grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities for carrying out waterway restoration projects. Requires such projects to achieve ecological restoration or protection and one or more of the following objectives: (1) flood damage reduction; (2) erosion control; (3) stormwater management; or (4) water quality enhancement. Provides project descriptions and priorities, including the location of projects in low-income or economically depressed areas adversely affected by poor watershed management. Outlines other project requirements, including a cost-benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary to designate Program administrators for each participating State (including a State agency if approved by the Secretary). Requires program grants to be awarded on an annual basis. Provides project application and selection requirements, including the establishment in each participating State of an interdisciplinary team of specialists to assist in reviewing project applications under the Program. Outlines conditions for receiving assistance under the Program, with sponsor and cosponsor requirements. Requires a non-Federal share of 25 percent of project costs, with a waiver for economically depressed communities. Limits the administrative and technical assistance costs of the Program. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish a citizens oversight committee to evaluate management of the Program in that State. Requires program administrators to issue annual reports summarizing the Program evaluations of the oversight committees. Requires the Secretary to give a priority to waterways restoration projects in making funding decisions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Honors the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide. Calls for the United States to encourage the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge and commemorate the atrocity committed against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Newborn Infant HIV Notification Act - Requires a State, if it requires that the results of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of an infant be reported to it (or if the State conducts an HIV test of the infant), to disclose such results to: (1) the biological mother of the infant if the mother is the legal guardian; or (2) specified State agencies if the State is the legal guardian of the infant. Directs the State, in disclosing such results (other than to State agencies), to ensure that appropriate counseling on HIV is provided to the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1995
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government should not establish any policy restricting medical professionals from providing women full and accurate medical information on their reproductive health options, including the provision of nondirective abortion counseling.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Film Disclosure Act of 1995 - Amends the Lanham Act to require that any distributor or network that proposes to exploit a materially altered motion picture include in or affix to all copies of the motion picture a label which conspicuously discloses the fact of: (1) the film's material alteration from the form in which it was first released to the public; (2) the nature of such alteration; and (3) any objections raised by the artistic authors with reference to such alteration. Delineates the compliance procedure for distributors or networks that propose to exploit a materially altered film. Grants an artistic author the right to seek injunctive relief in U.S. district courts to prevent violation of his or her rights under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving Aid to Families with Dependent Children Title II: Making Work Pay Title III: Improving Child Support Enforcement Title IV: Reauthorization of Child Care and Development Block Grant Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code Title VI: Effective Date Family Stability and Work Act of 1995 - Title I: Improving Aid To Families With Dependent Children - Amends parts A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) and F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program) (JOBS) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make various specified changes with regard to AFDC benefits, including changes: (1) increasing the standard earned income disregard under AFDC and State flexibility regarding recipient participation in the JOBS program; (2) eliminating the different treatment of two-parent families; (3) extending the transitional child care guarantee under AFDC; (4) increasing the Federal matching rates for child care under AFDC; (5) increasing JOBS program funding; (6) adding requirements for State JOBS program participation rates; (7) increasing JOBS and transitional child care matching rates for States whose recipients leave AFDC for paid employment; (8) increasing at-risk child care funding; and (9) establishing a jobs creation and work experience program under JOBS. Title II: Making Work Pay - Amends Medicaid and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for transitional Medicaid benefits and the continuation of food stamps in order to make work pay for former AFDC recipients. (Sec. 202) Provides for the temporary exclusion of earned income for purposes of determining rent paid for units in federally assisted housing. Title III: Improving Child Support Enforcement - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to make various specified changes with regard to: (1) State obligations to provide paternity establishment and child support enforcement services; (2) distribution of payments; (3) due process rights; (4) privacy safeguards; (5) program administration and funding, including funding for Secretarial assistance to State programs; (6) locate and case tracking, including providing for centralized collection and disbursement of support payments and an expanded Federal Parent Locator Service; and (7) State law requirements, including interstate enforcement of child support orders, expedited administrative and judicial procedures, and paternity establishment. (Sec. 351) Establishes a National Child Support Guidelines Commission to develop a national child support guideline for consideration by the Congress that is based on a study of various guideline models, the benefits and deficiencies of such models, and any needed improvements. (Sec. 361) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a change in the order of refund distributions and make other specified changes with regard to the enforcement of support orders, including providing for the Internal Revenue Service to collect child support arrears and revising the authority for support collection with respect to Federal employees. (Sec. 364) Provides for the enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces through the establishment of a centralized personnel locator service. (Sec. 365) Makes other specified changes with regard to child support enforcement matters, including establishing State procedures for: (1) placing liens for arrears of child support on motor vehicle titles of individuals owing such arrears; (2) voiding fraudulent transfers in cases where a debtor transferred income or property to avoid payment of a child support creditor; (3) suspending driver's and other types of licenses in arrearage cases; and (4) charging for the collection of interest and penalties on arrearages. (Sec. 368) Modifies arrearage reporting to credit bureaus. (Sec. 389) Extends the statute of limitations for collection of arrearages. (Sec. 371) Provides for the denial of passports for nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 372) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Provides for the treatment of international child support cases as interstate cases. (Sec. 381) Makes a technical correction to the definition of medical child support order under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Title IV: Reauthorization of Child Care And Development Block Grant - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reauthorize the child care and development block grant program. Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 35 percent to 36.25 percent of a corporation's taxable income over $10 million the top marginal corporate tax rate. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing 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 · 7 March 1995
Recycling Information Clearinghouse Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a clearinghouse for information about the recycling of municipal solid waste to include: (1) a data base on the volume and rate of recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (2) an annual estimate of the balance of trade in recycled materials and products; (3) economic data comparing the costs and benefits of recycling various materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (4) a catalog of State and local laws that encourage or require the recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (5) a list of all purchases of recycled materials or products by the Federal Government; (6) a register announcing all solicitations by Federal agencies for the purchase of recycled materials or products; (7) information about state-of-the-art recycling methods, programs, and technologies; and (8) a register of all potential purchasers of recycled materials. Requires that a toll-free telephone hotline be made available to those seeking information from the clearinghouse. Makes a State ineligible for solid waste disposal assistance after December 31, 1996, unless the State maintains and publicizes a register of potential purchasers of recycled materials known to the State solid waste planning authorities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1995
Ocean Radioactive Dumping Ban Act of 1995 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to remove the definition for, and certain references to, "high-level radioactive waste" (thus expanding the current ban on dumping high-level radioactive waste to cover dumping of all radioactive waste). Removes provisions which prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing a permit for the disposal of radioactive waste in the ocean until the permit applicant prepares a Radioactive Material Disposal Impact Assessment. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect the transportation of material containing de minimis levels of radioactivity for purposes of dumping it into ocean waters under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 1995 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include certain service in the organized military forces of the Philippines and service as Philippine Scouts within the definition of active U.S. military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits for former active-duty military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency Title II: Combating Teenage Pregnancy Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Parental Responsibility Act - Title I: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency - Amends title IV part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangements for minors (and their children) as a condition of their receiving AFDC. (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to entitle each State to funds to establish, operate, and support adult-supervised group homes for custodial parents under age 19 and their children. Sets forth provisions for payments of allotments to States, payments to Indian tribes, receipt of payments by such homes, and submission of recommendations on usage of Government surplus properties for such homes. (Sec. 103) Requires completion of high school or other training for teenage parents as a condition of receiving AFDC. Allows a State the option of requiring some or all custodial parents and pregnant women who have not attained 19 years of age (or at the State's option, 21) and who are receiving AFDC to participate in a program of additional monetary incentives and penalties. (Sec. 104) Requires drug treatment and counseling as part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program under AFDC. Title II: Combating Teenage Pregnancy - Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) to allow each State agency to provide for eligible entities' operation of projects to reduce teen pregnancy. Allows Indian tribes and Alaska native entities to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to operate such projects. Directs the Secretary of HHS to study and report to the Congress annually on the effectiveness of different approaches used in such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Entitles each State to a specified payment of the Federal share of the cost of such projects. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretaries of Education and of HHS and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995
Amends part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within Medicare coverage the use of blood-testing strips for individuals with Type I or II diabetes. Requires such strips to be included within a payment methodology covering inexpensive and routinely purchased equipment.
![Official portrait of Rep. Beilenson, Anthony C. [D-CA-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000318_200.jpg)