United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Encryption Standards and Procedures Act of 1994 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to establish an Encryption Standards and Procedures Program to: (1) promote the development of an information infrastructure consistent with public welfare, national security, and the privacy and protection of personal property; (2) encourage the development and use of encryption standards; and (3) establish related Federal policies and standards.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act) to limit the grant program for emergency relief for areas with substantial need for services to eligible areas with a population of at least 500,000 individuals. Requires an HIV health services planning council (which advises on the distribution of such grants) to be reflective of the demographics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in an eligible area, with particular consideration given to disproportionately affected and historically underserved groups. Revises the method of distributing such grants and extends authorized appropriations for them until FY 2000. Revises the care grant program that makes funds available for individuals and families with the HIV disease. Authorizes the award of supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance community-based care, treatment, and supportive services through the development and operation of consortia and innovative approaches. Extends authorized appropriations for such grant program through FY 2000. Requires the establishment of grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs to facilitate the development of a complete continuum of HIV-related services for individuals with HIV disease and those at risk of such disease. Extends authorized appropriations for early intervention services until FY 2000. Extends authorized appropriations until FY 2000 for grants for coordinated services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families (formerly known as demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric patients regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Makes appropriations available for special projects of the national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from three years to five years the period during which Medicare select policies may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Insurance Tax Fairness Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining the limitation on the deduction of policyholder dividends by mutual life insurance companies. Exempts small life insurance companies from the required capitalization of certain policy acquisition expenses. Expresses the sense of the Congress that revenues resulting from this Act be dedicated to the funding of: (1) programs benefiting the nutrition, early education, housing, and family support of the Nation's children; and (2) additional health benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1994
George Washington Boyhood Home Commemorative Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of a profile of George Washington and a depiction of his xboyhood home. Declares that all surcharges received from coin sales shall be paid to the George Washington Boyhood Home Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1994
Pathogen Reduction Act of 1994 - Title I : Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish procedures to reduce foodborne pathogen related illnesses, including: (1) tracing and recall authority; (2) civil penalties; (3) pathogen standards; and (4) import requirements. Title II : Amends specified Federal laws with regard to related control of livestock or poultry disease, including quarantine, imports, and exports.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1994 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans (IRAs) by active participants in employer-maintained plans, thereby restoring the IRA deduction. Provides an inflation adjustment after 1995. Allows certain spouses a full deduction for contributions to an IRA. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus (IRA Plus) accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses, and assist certain unemployed individuals. Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1994
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for the transport or possession of a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution to support programming related to the 150th anniversary and general activities of the Smithsonian Institution; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hydrogen Energy Research Program Title II: Fusion Energy Research Program Title III: High Energy and Nuclear Physics Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Hydrogen, Fusion, and High Energy and Nuclear Physics Research Act of 1994 - Title I: Hydrogen Energy Research Program - Hydrogen Future Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to support specified hydrogen research, development, and demonstration programs in the areas of: (1) production; (2) storage; (3) use; (4) transportation; (5) innovative technologies; and (6) technology transfer. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Fusion Energy Research Program - Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a fusion energy research program; (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences for studies of fusion technologies and other energy sources; and (3) study the advantages and disadvantages of siting the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor within or outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the fusion energy research program; (2) the alternative fusion research program; and (3) the Tokamak physics experiment. Title III: High Energy and Nuclear Physics - Department of Energy High Energy and Nuclear Physics Authorization Act of 1994 - Authorizes appropriations for Department of Energy programs of: (1) high energy physics; and (2) nuclear physics. Limits related major construction projects. Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) concerning U.S. participation in the Large Hadron Collider project. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to combine the Nuclear Engineering Research and Education program, the University Research Reactor program, and the University Reactor Fuel Assistance program into a new University Radiation Science and Technology program as a separate part of the University and Science Education program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President is: (1) required to obtain the prior approval of the Congress before U.S. armed forces may undertake offensive military action against the military leadership of Haiti in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 940; and (2) recognized as having the inherent authority to use such forces to protect or evacuate U.S. citizens from imminent danger or for humanitarian purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a calling party from being charged for a call to, or information provided by, an 800 number by means of a charge included on, or transmitted with, a bill for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Policy Coordination and Technology Programs Subtitle A: Policy Coordination and Program Planning Subtitle B: Environmental Technology Innovation Initiative Subtitle C: Other Research Activities Title III: Performance Measurements Title IV: Department of Energy Environmental Technology Development Title V: Authorization of Appropriations Title I: General Provisions - Environmental Technologies Act of 1994 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes. Title II: Policy Coordination and Technology Programs - Subtitle A: Policy Coordination and Program Planning - Requires the President, acting through the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to develop an interagency strategy that: (1) ensures the coordinated, interagency promotion of the research, development, and demonstration of environmental technologies; and (2) develops priorities for Federal environmental technology efforts. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director to coordinate Federal activities and resources that are applied to life-cycle assessment and other design-for-environment resources in order to maximize the contribution of such assessments and resources to the efficient design, development, and use of such technologies and to sustainable economic development. (Sec. 203) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to include goals for sustainable economic development within technology innovation programs. Includes such goals in other existing programs under specified Acts. Subtitle B: Environmental Technology Innovation Initiative - Establishes an Environmental Innovation Initiative, to be administered by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to promote the research, development, and demonstration of technologies that will contribute to sustainable economic development. Includes programs established under this Act in the Initiative. Provides assistance to eligible entities. (Sec. 211) Requires the Administrator to encourage the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and entities located in economically depressed areas in carrying out the Initiative. (Sec. 212) Directs the Administrator to conduct an interagency innovative environmental technology program to develop or demonstrate advanced precommercial environmental technologies. Makes U.S. companies and partnerships eligible for financial assistance for projects, subject to certain conditions. Provides for recoupment of assistance in connection with projects which have led to the development of a marketed product or process. (Sec. 213) Establishes the President's Total Environmental Quality Award to be awarded periodically to companies and other organizations which have benefited the United States through environmental technologies. Establishes a National Environmentally Sound Technology Award for individuals who have pioneered the development and use of a highly innovative environmental technology. (Sec. 214) Directs the Administrator to use existing information network capabilities to provide access to data on environmental technologies developed, tested, verified, or certified by programs under this Act and by other appropriate sources. (Sec. 215) Requires the Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate the performance of environmental technologies at Federal laboratories and facilities. (Sec. 216) Directs the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council to study the influences on technological innovation in environmental technologies of economic, governmental, and other incentives and barriers. Subtitle C: Other Research Activities - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research activities that will advance the integration of engineering practices and environmental protection in the development of advanced technologies. Title III: Performance Measurements - Requires the Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to establish a program that provides for performance measurements for environmental technology products (excluding those primarily intended to improve the environment through pollution control, remediation, and monitoring). (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Administrator to designate entities to perform environmental technology verification. (Sec. 303) Requires the President to consider performance measurements for environmental technologies developed pursuant to this title in any program for evaluating and approving Federal purchases of environmental technologies. Title IV: Department of Energy Environmental Technology Development - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs of research, development, and demonstration on: (1) new and improved technologies for environmental restoration and waste management; (2) training for environmental technicians, engineers, and scientists; and (3) technologies for reducing worker exposure to radioactivity in association with site remediation. (Sec. 402) Requires the Secretary to establish a program to demonstrate the technological and economic feasibility of recycling and reusing radioactively uncontaminated and decontaminated metals and equipment and of other waste minimization techniques. Provides for the recycling and reuse of the metals and equipment at a minimum of three national laboratories or former nuclear weapons production facilities. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to incrementally increase the proportion of the annual budget request for the Environmental Restoration and Waste Management program that is attributable to research and development until such proportion is at least ten percent. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such increase does not affect other Department of Energy programs. Authorizes appropriations for nondefense research and development activities of the Office of Technology Development. Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1994
Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to add as an overall U.S. trade negotiating objective that the United States obtain increased compatibility of trade agreements with environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development. (Sec. 1) Declares principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives includes ensuring that dispute settlement mechanisms within trade agreements provide for more effective and expeditious resolution of disputes, improve transparency and public participation, and enable better enforcement of U.S. rights, including those relating to environment and conservation; (2) obtaining broader application of the principle of transparency through the observance of open and equitable procedures by GATT Contracting Parties to the GATT in trade matters related to environment and conservation; (3) taking into account the particular needs of developing countries in trade matters relating to environment and conservation; (4) improving the provisions of trade agreements to discipline unfair trade practices having adverse trade effects, including practices potentially harmful to the environment;(5) promoting compatibility of established standards of the World Trade Organization (WTO) relating to intellectual property with existing international biological diversity conventions; and (6) developing internationally agreed rules, including dispute settlement procedures, which will promote environmentally sensitive foreign investment and discourage countries from attracting or maintaining foreign investment by relaxing domestic health, safety, or environmental measures. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives: (1) regarding environment and conservation issues related to trade and foreign investment are, among other things, to promote compatibility between trade agreements and the protection of the environment and global resources; and (2) regarding trade in wood and wood products are to promote sustainable forestry practices, and to increase market access for value-added wood products and wood products that are produced from timber that is sustainably harvested. (Sec. 2) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include nongovernmental environmental and conservation organizations. Authorizes the President to establish individual general policy and sectoral or functional advisory committees for environment and conservation. Requires a specified report of the appropriate sectoral or functional committees concerning proposed trade agreements to include an advisory opinion as to the significant environmental effects of trade conducted within the sector or functional area. (Sec. 3) Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to declare that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding environment and conservation in the WTO and the Committee on Trade and Environment of the WTO are, among other things, to promote greater compatibility of the rules and agreements of the WTO with international agreements that rely upon trade sanctions for enforcement. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to bilateral trade accession to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are to establish for the country seeking accession minimum environmental safeguards that are not less than those contained in NAFTA and the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation form (APEC) are to develop a program relating to environment and conservation measures of relevance to member countries of APEC.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1994
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from transferring any national forest system lands in the Angeles National Forest in California for use as a solid waste landfill.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Department of Energy High Energy and Nuclear Physics Authorization Act of 1994 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for high energy physics and nuclear physics activities of the Department of Energy (DOE). Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) enter into negotiations with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) regarding U.S. participation in the planning and construction of the Large Hadron Collider project; (2) submit an operations plan to certain congressional committees subsequent to enactment of appropriations for DOE high energy or nuclear activities; (3) contract with an independent organization to review the governance of DOE high energy and nuclear physics programs; and (4) report to the Congress on a mandated long-range plan prepared jointly with the Director of the National Science Foundation regarding Federal high energy and nuclear physics programs based on current and projected funding levels. Mandates that each of the President's annual budget requests for DOE high energy and nuclear physics activities distinguish between the budget for capital expenditures and other activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1994 - Urges the President to seek agreement with governments that trade with the United States to secure an international ban on trade in products of child labor. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to identify foreign industries that: (1) do not comply with national laws prohibiting child labor; (2) utilize child labor in the export of products; and (3) have on a continuing basis exported such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary requesting that a particular foreign industry and its host country be identified. Requires the Secretary, before making such identification, to: (1) consult with the United States Trade Representative and the Secretaries of State, Commerce, and the Treasury; (2) hold at least one public hearing for public comment; and (3) publish notice in the Federal Register that such identification is being considered and the time and place for public comment. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor. (Sec. 6) Sets forth civil and criminal penalties. (Sec. 9) Authorizes approriations for a U.S. contribution to: (1) the International Labor Organization for activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor; and (2) the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for activities relating to bonded child labor that are carried out by the Subcommittee and Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Fair International Standards in Trade (FIST) Act - Authorizes the President to enter into a trade agreement only if it requires each country party to the agreement to: (1) adopt laws that afford internationally recognized worker rights to workers and that promote internationally recognized environmental standards in that country; and (2) treat as an actionable unfair trade practice the denial of such rights and standards as a means for such country to gain a competitive trade advantage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1994
Establishes a United States Design Council as an advisory committee within the Department of Commerce to promote excellence and innovation in the design of U.S. products and systems in order to enhance U.S. competitiveness, trade, and economic opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including employing authorities of the House of Representatives, employing offices of the Senate, and instrumentalities of the Congress. 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 and Federal immunity. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1994
Commends the United States Labor Attache Corps for its historic role during the past 50 years in nurturing freedom and assisting in the development of democratic values and processes throughout the world. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor to jointly: (1) review the mission of the United States Labor Attache Corps, and determine what reforms are necessary to redesign and assure continued relevance of the Corps in the post-cold war era and to implement them; (2) implement an interagency recruitment and training program to assure sufficient qualified personnel for the Corps, and to enhance the professional development of existing personnel, consistent with the continuing need for monitoring and reporting on the needs, interests, and aspirations of working people in foreign countries; (3) develop a plan to assure that a labor counselor, attache, or reporting officer is assigned to every United States Embassy abroad by January 1, 1997, and determine what additional resources are necessary to achieve this goal; and (4) report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations on the outcome of the review and the steps taken herein.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1994
GSP Renewal and Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise provisions for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). (Sec. 2) Grants the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the authority to extend preferences. (This authority currently belongs to the President.) (Sec. 3) Requires the USTR to certify that a country meets requirements for beneficiary developing country status before the President may make such a designation. Bars countries with free trade agreements with the United States from such designation. Includes compliance with internationally recognized worker rights and enforcement of environmental protection standards as conditions for such designation. (Sec. 4) Requires the USTR (rather than the President) to list articles to be considered for designation. Makes an article ineligible if it has been made under conditions that violate specified internationally recognized worker rights. (Sec. 5) Revises limitations on preferential treatment. Requires the USTR to withdraw or suspend duty-free treatment for any article that no longer meets specified requirements. Provides for petitions by any interested person alleging article or country noncompliance, USTR investigations, and judicial review of removal of articles or withdrawal of designations as beneficiary developing countries. Sets forth competitive need limitations. (Sec. 6) Extends to July 4, 2003, the termination date for GSP duty-free treatment. (Sec. 7) Requires general reports on GSP by the USTR, annual reports by the Secretary of Labor on the status of internationally recognized worker rights within each beneficiary developing country, and a special joint report by the USTR, the Secretaries of Commerce and of Labor, and the Comptroller General. (Sec. 8) Requires training on international labor standards for Labor Reporting Offices for U.S. Embassies and for members of certain special committees created by the USTR. (Sec. 9) Adds a fourth Deputy USTR. Establishes a Bureau of Trade-Related Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
Fusion Energy Research Authorization Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a Fusion Energy Research Program to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of producing safe, environmentally sound, and affordable energy from fusion. Prescribes program goals and elements. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review various magnetic fusion technologies and alternative fusion concepts with respect to their commercial viability. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) submit a comparisons study to the Congress regarding the siting of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER); (2) seek to reach an agreement with international partners to select a host country for ITER; (3) initiate a process to identify candidate sites for ITER within the United States; and (4) provide within a certain time period a detailed estimate to the Congress of final ITER project costs. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to the Congress on: (1) a parallel design effort on the Tokamak Physics Experiment; (2) the Fusion Energy Research Program; and (3) resource sharing with the Secretary of Defense to enhance the civilian energy applications of the Defense Inertial Confinement Fusion Program. Repeals the five-year fusion energy program established under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Directs the Secretary to form a new University Radiation Science and Technology Program comprised of: (1) the Nuclear Engineering Research and Education Program; (2) the University Research Reactor Program; and (3) the University Reactor Fuel Assistance Program. Directs the Secretary to establish a fee collection program for certain ITER purposes and the Tokamak Physics Experiment. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Alternative Fusion Research Program; (2) the Tokamak Physics Experiment; and (3) the University Radiation Science and Technology Program. Sets limitations upon funding for ITER construction and for magnetic fusion facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1994
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Compensation Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a uniform case assessment protocol to ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War (War) veterans suffering from illnesses the origins of which are currently unkown but which may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during such War; (2) develop case definitions or diagnoses for such illnesses; and (3) implement a comprehensive outreach program, including a newsletter and a toll-free telephone number, to inform War veterans and their families of the medical care and other benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of service in such War. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to a War veteran suffering from a disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness if such disability becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within three years of separation from active military service. Provides exceptions to the payment of such compensation (i.e., when there is a preponderance of evidence to show that the disability was not incurred during such service or occurred after such service). Allows the Secretary to cease such payments after providing specified congressional committees with a scientific report showing that such disabilities are not connected to service in the War. Directs the Secretary to enter into: (1) an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for access to all clinical data on War veterans who remain on active duty, and to continually compile such data (with a required annual report); and (2) a contract for the conduct of an epidemiological study designed to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in such War (with appropriate oversight, a status report, and annual and final reports). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 2000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1995 through 1998 for the conduct of research to advance the understanding of health risks and effects of service in the Gulf during such War and the means of treating such health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Insurance Tax Fairness Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining the limitation on the deduction of policyholder dividends by mutual life insurance companies. Exempts small life insurance companies from the required capitalization of certain policy acquisition expenses. Expresses the sense of the Congress that revenues resulting from this Act be dedicated to the funding of programs benefiting the nutrition, early education, housing, and family support of the Nation's children.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle A: Authorizations Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Revisions to Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 Title IV: Aeronautical Research and Technology National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1995 and 1996 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology, including facilities construction; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations,and special authorities. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of NASA to submit five-year development cost estimates for specified projects. (Sec. 202) Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Space Commerce. (Sec. 204) Provides for domestic procurement by NASA. (Sec. 205) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 206) Requires NASA to develop a Global Change Data and Information System to process, archive, and distribute data generated by the Global Change Research Program. (Sec. 207) Directs the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop an access plan for data from classified archives and systems for global change research. (Sec. 209) Directs NASA to study: (1) the differences between U.S. and foreign expendable space launch systems; and (2) the feasibility and potential implementation of a University Innovative Research Program. (Sec. 214) Directs the Administrator to study the convergency of: (1) the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) with commercial communications satellite systems; and (2) the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Altimetry mission with the Navy Geosat Follow-On program. Title III: Revisions to Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 - Amends the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 with respect to management and licensing of commercial remote sensing satellites. Title IV: Aeronautical Research and Technology - Directs NASA to develop an aeronautical basic research investment plan. (Sec. 406) Directs the President to develop an aeronautical test facilities initiative. (Sec. 407) Requires NASA and other appropriate Federal agencies to establish a joint aeronautical research and development program. (Sec. 408) Directs the Administrator of NASA to conduct an assessment of the hypersonic research plane.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate students who volunteer to perform community service. Mandates that all surcharges received from such coin sales be paid to the National Community Service Trust to fund innovative community service programs at American universities, including the service, research, and teaching activities of the faculty and students involved in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
Supports the efforts of the Government of Mexico and the major political parties and concerned members of civic society in Mexico (Government, parties, and members) to reform that country's political and electoral processes and to ensure free and fair elections. Urges the Government, parties, and members to implement fully, in advance of the August 1994 elections, the reforms enumerated in the Agreement for Peace, Democracy and Justice of January 1994, including: (1) establishment of impartial and autonomous electoral authorities; (2) guaranteed egalitarian access to the media; (3) assuring the reliability of the electoral register and voter identification lists; and (4) prohibition of the use of public resources for the benefit of any political party or electoral campaign. Endorses the invitation extended by the Government, parties, and members to representatives of the United Nations (UN) to provide technical assistance to domestic Mexican election observers. Supports the expansion of that invitation to include full scale international observation of the upcoming elections. Encourages UN representatives to work closely and directly with domestic Mexican observers during that process.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General Act - Prohibits the Postal Service from retaining the services of a paid confidential informant for purposes of investigations concerning the possible violation of laws relating to controlled substances unless the unlawful use of the mails is involved. Directs the Postal Service to render a semiannual report to the Congress concerning any investigation: (1) in which the Postal Service retains the services of a paid confidential informant; and (2) which results in the arrest of one or more individuals for violating any law relating to controlled substances. Creates a Chief Postal Inspector within the Postal Service. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to transfer internal audit and program review functions of the Postal Inspection Service to the Office of the Inspector General. Confers oversight responsibility for all activities of the Postal Inspection Service on the Inspector General of the Postal Service. Requires the Chief Postal Inspector to report significant activities being carried out by the Postal Inspection Service to the Inspector General. Applies all provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 to the Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Timber Fair Trade and Forest Conservation Act of 1994- Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to require the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), in order to determine whether a critical shortage exists of unprocessed timber, or of any species or grade of unprocessed timber, for domestic manufacturing, to monitor: (1) exports of, and contracts to export, unprocessed timber; and (2) domestic supplies of such unprocessed timber for domestic manufacturing purposes. Requires the Secretary to impose quantitative restrictions on the export of unprocessed timber in any State or region where a critical shortage exists. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress specified quarterly reports. Requires the Secretary, whenever such export restrictions are imposed, to give preference in the allocation of export licenses to persons who own or have ownership interests in fewer than 3,000 acres of forest land. Authorizes the President to suspend such export restrictions if a ruling is issued under the formal dispute resolution procedures of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) finding that they violate GATT Article XI prohibitions on export restrictions and are not allowable under such Article's exceptions. Directs the Secretary to impose quantitative restrictions on exports of unprocessed timber from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and expeditiously implement a uniform case assessment protocol that will ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses attributed to service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; (2) expedite efforts to develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with such service; and (3) develop and implement a comprehensive outreach program to inform such veterans and their families of health-care services, including comprehensive medical evaluations, that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness that became manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within one year after completion of active duty in the Gulf War, with exceptions. Terminates compensation payments three years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) FY 1995 through 1997 for conducting research of the health risk and effects of service during the Gulf War and the treatment of such effects; and (2) FY 1995 for a survey of Persian Gulf veterans as to the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in such veterans and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Calls on: (1) the Republic of Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabagh to cease all hostilities and begin peace negotiations under the framework established by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (2) the parties to the conflict to simultaneously lift all blockades in the region; and (3) the President to take an active role in promoting peace and in monitoring the human rights situation in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
Chile Free Trade Agreement Negotiating Act of 1994 - Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to authorize the President, before January 1, 1997, to enter into a trade agreement with Chile that provides for the elimination or reduction of duties imposed by the United States, or the elimination or reduction of barriers to, or other distortions of, international trade between Chile or the United States. Subjects the trade agreement to congressional "fast track" procedures only if the President certifies to the Congress, when submitting implementing legislation, that such agreement: (1) requires the parties to adhere to internationally recognized worker rights; (2) requires the enforcement of environmental laws and the adoption of higher environmental standards; and (3) includes dispute resolution mechanisms.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994
Risk Assessment Improvement Act of 1994 - Establishes a Risk Assessment Program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the Director of the Program to: (1) develop a process to conduct scientific peer review of all risk assessment guidelines developed by EPA; and (2) provide recommendations to the EPA Administrator on risk assessment, research needs, and development of guidelines. Directs the Director to regularly develop, issue, and, not less than every three years for each guideline, review the need to update guidelines that establish methods for conducting scientifically sound risk assessment. Sets forth contents of such guidelines. Requires the Director to oversee the use of risk assessment guidelines by EPA Program and Regional Offices and ensure consistency in the use of such guidelines as is appropriate in application to various environmental media or hazards. Permits departures from guidelines under specified conditions. Requires the Director to regularly develop, issue, and update guidance within EPA for any risk characterizations that may be conducted by EPA. Sets forth contents of such guidance. Requires the Director to: (1) promote open dialogue to improve the use of risk assessments by decisionmakers and to accurately and clearly communicate risk characterizations; and (2) regularly evaluate risk assessment research and training needs of EPA and develop a strategy and schedule for carrying out such research and training. Provides for, as part of the Program, a two-year pilot project using comparative risk analysis to rank dissimilar environmental risks and provide a common basis for evaluating strategies for reducing or preventing such risks. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) periodically survey the manner in which Federal agencies are conducting risk assessment; (2) provide recommendations to the President based on such surveys; and (3) establish interagency mechanisms to promote coordination of Federal risk assessment and mechanisms between Federal and State agencies to communicate state-of-the-art risk assessment practices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994
Labor Law Enforcement Act of 1994 - Increases, within the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor, the number of full-time positions assigned to investigate violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Amends the Service Contract Act to make applicable to contracts subject to liability for specified violations certain enforcement provisions of Federal law and regulations of the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase damages for violations of information and recordkeeping requirements. Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to increase damages for violations of information and recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Worker Rights and Labor Standards Trade Act of 1994 - Directs the President to seek the establishment of: (1) a working party within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to examine the relationship of fundamental internationally-recognized worker rights to specified articles of the GATT; and (2) a standing committee within the World Trade Organization to perform the functions of the working group.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000918_200.jpg)