Rep. Chapman, Jim [D-TX-1]

An amendment to earmark $50,000,000 for expenditure toward petroleum and gas research and development activities.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to authorize funds for the mitigation of fish and wildlife resource loss at Cooper Lake and Channels.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to allow employers to move an employee with a communicable or infectious disease of public health significance out of a food-handling position, provided that the employer offers the employee an alternative employment opportunity for which the employee is qualified and for which the employee would sustain no economic damage.

United States · United States Congress

Amendments en bloc provide $1.9 billion to NASA for funding the Space Station by freezing all of NASA's programs at the 1991 funding level and transferring $217 million from the HUD operating subsidies account.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment added language expressing as the sense of the Congress that: 1) pledges of financial support from the allied nations for the costs incurred as a result of Operation Desert Storm are appreciated; 2) nations that have made such pledges are urged to comply with them at the earliest possible time, with substantial compliance or an agreed upon payment schedule no later than April 15, 1991; 3) these commitments shall be upheld; and 4) if these commitments are not met, the Congress may consider appropriate action. \ As amended by the Dingell amendment (A010), the word "upheld" in the third sentence was changed to "fulfilled".

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to authorize $10.5 billion through FY 1999 for new grant programs for state prisons. Twentyfive percent of the funds would be reserved for states that increase the percentage of violent offenders sentenced to prison, increase the average time violent offenders serve, and increase the percentage of sentence served. The remaining 75% of funds available would be allocated among eligible states base on the rate of violent crime.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to add a new section which would require agencies to conduct a review as well as renewals of regulatory impact analyses of each major rule of the agencies.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to broaden the eligibility provisions for states so that states could apply for both general and "truth-in-sentencing" prison grants, rather than one or the other.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment (printed as amendment No. 18 in the Congressonal Record of February 8, 1995) to prohibit the expenditure of any prison grant funding until a minimum of 50% of the states meet the eligibility of requirements of the bill's "truth-in-sentencing" provisions.

United States · United States Congress

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1996

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging Establishment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging, headed by a Director, which shall conduct and support research, training, and dissemination of health information and other programs with respect to radiologic and other imaging modalities, imaging techniques, and imaging technologies with biomedical applications. Directs the Director of the Institute to: (1) establish a National Biomedical Imaging Program; and (2) prepare and transmit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the National Institutes of Health a plan to initiate, expand, intensify, and coordinate activities of the Institute respecting biomedical imaging. Authorizes appropriations.

Church Insurance Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996

Church Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits an insurer from canceling, declining to renew, or requiring a higher premium or contribution for fire insurance for a religious property based on: (1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of property users; (2) the status of the property as religious property; (3) any previous arson against the property; or (4) any perceived arson threat. Places authority and responsibility for investigating and enforcing this Act in the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to begin a civil action. Authorizes preventive relief and mandates civil monetary damages.

George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996

George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make a grant to assist in the establishment of the George Bush Fellowship Program, located at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service of the Texas A & M University. Authorizes appropriations.

ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996

ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2002 for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); and (3) the Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP), including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park highways. (Sec. 6) Modifies the definition of: (1) "Federal-aid system" to mean the NHS; and (2) NHS to mean the Federal-aid highway system established pursuant to Federal highway provisions. Defines: (1) "highest priority corridor" to mean (with exceptions) any NHS corridor that the Secretary determines has national and international significance, that directly accounts for at least 35 percent of the truck-borne traffic for Canadian and Mexican imports and exports, that has at least 20 percent truck traffic, that directly benefits impoverished areas, that provides multiple intermodal connections, and that connects to military bases; and (2) "highway funds" to mean the funds apportioned to a State for a fiscal year and the funds allocated to a State for the preceding fiscal year for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction (other than funds made available for the FLHP and for emergency relief). Modifies provisions regarding Federal-aid systems and the formula for apportionments of NHS funds. (Sec. 7) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) apportionments for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System (IS); and (2) the transfer of interstate construction apportionments, the transfer of funds for STP projects, and limits on new capacity. (Sec. 8) Modifies STP provisions regarding the location of projects and allocations of apportioned funds. Authorizes a State, in nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide, or for PM-10 resulting from transportation activities, or any combination thereof, to obligate STP funds for any congestion mitigation and air quality improvement project or program without regard to any Department of Transportation limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses. (Sec. 9) Directs that, for purposes of STP and IS provisions, population shall be determined based on the most recent decennial census for which data are available. (Sec. 10) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program; and (2) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. (Sec. 12) Replaces provisions regarding minimum allocations to States with an apportionment adjustment program to provide that the Secretary shall allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that the ratio of the highway funds of the State to those of all States for the fiscal year is not less than certain listed percentages for the State. Repeals existing apportionment adjustment programs.

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against damaging religious property applicable where: (1) the offense is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the amount of the loss resulting from the damage exceeds $5,000. (Currently such provisions apply where: (1) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $10,000.)

Temporary Emergency Livestock Drought Relief Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996

Temporary Emergency Livestock Drought Relief Act of 1996 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to provide temporary assistance for certain drought-affected livestock producers. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to obligate specified funds for 1996 livestock feed emergencies. Requires a report on the use of certain commodity reserves for livestock assistance.

Energy Independence Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Incentives for Oil and Gas Production Subtitle A: Production Credit Subtitle B: Modifications to Percentage Depletion Title II: Percentage Depletion Rate for Marginal Production Title III: Other Provisions Title IV: 6-Year Period of Limitation for Collection of Oil and Gas Royalties Energy Independence Act of 1996 - Title I: Tax Incentives for Oil and Gas Production - Subtitle A: Production Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for producing crude oil and natural gas from new wells and marginal wells. Provides: (1) a formula for reducing such credit in years in which oil and gas prices increase; and (2) an inflation adjustment for such formula. Allows such credit against the regular and minimum tax. Subtitle B: Modifications to Percentage Depletion - Repeals the net income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and gas properties. (Sec. 112) Makes all marginal production of domestic crude oil or domestic natural gas eligible for percentage depletion. Title II: Percentage Depletion Rate for Marginal Production - Revises the percentage depletion rate for such marginal production. Title III: Other Provisions - Allows the election to treat geological and geophysical expenses incurred in connection with the exploration for, or development of, domestic oil or gas as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. (Sec. 302) Makes the enhanced oil recovery credit applicable to secondary recovery methods. Allows such credit against the minimum tax. Title IV: 6-Year Period of Limitation for Collection of Oil and Gas Royalties - Establishes a six-year statute of limitations on actions commenced by the United States for recovery of royalties due under an oil and gas lease on Federal lands unless a lessee has made a false or fraudulent statement with the intent to evade the royalties due.

Drive Away From Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996

Drive Away from Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the credit for alcohol used to produce any ether. Limits other tax incentives to produce alcohol for use as fuel. Reduces the credit for any alcohol which is ethanol.

Drug and Biological Products Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996

Drug and Biological Products Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and mandate an annual report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 3) Modifies new drug requirements regarding: (1) clinical investigation commencement; (2) application contents and review; (3) effectiveness determinations; (4) the use of scientific advisory panels; and (5) marketing approval application review by accredited persons. (Sec. 8) Provides for the accreditation of persons to: (1) review applications for new drugs or for certification of insulin-containing drugs; and (2) conduct good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections. (Sec. 9) Allows applicants to declare an impasse in a review or a submission for an investigational use exemption and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 10) Adds references to accredited persons to provisions relating to GMP inspections. Imposes post-inspection requirements. Deems certain chemistry, manufacturing, and controls to comply with current GMP and prohibits actions to delay or prevent the manufacture or marketing of a drug for failure to conform to GMP, subject to exception. (Sec. 12) Allows a new drug manufactured in a small facility to be used to show safety and effectiveness. (Sec. 13) Regulates changes in the manufacture of a new drug, biological product, new animal drug, blood, or blood component. (Sec. 14) Repeals provisions relating to the certification of drugs containing insulin or antibiotics. (Sec. 15) Requires that applications or petitions requesting conversion from prescription to nonprescription status and all matters relating to nonprescription drugs be reviewed by a single office in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Allows a single scientific advisory panel to provide recommendations. (Sec. 16) Mandates an applicant-accessible information system to track applications and submissions to the FDA. (Sec. 17) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment. (Sec. 18) Regulates drugs compounded by a licensed pharmacist on the order of a licensed physician. (Sec. 19) Directs the Secretary to meet with foreign countries to discuss harmonization of regulatory requirements. (Sec. 20) Controls the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and other material. (Sec. 21) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 22) Mandates training for FDA employees on regulations and policies under the FDCA. (Sec. 23) Regulates: (1) the delegation of authority under the FDCA; (2) judicial review of decisions regarding investigational new drugs and new drugs; and (3) communication to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of an investigation. (Sec. 26) Defines "biological product" and "human tissue." Declares that blood, a blood component, an organ, milk, or human tissue is not a drug. Prohibits subjecting computer software developed or modified by, or used in, a human tissue establishment to any premarket clearance requirement. Requires such software to be validated to demonstrate that it achieves its intended purpose before use and subjects it to the GMP requirements of the FDCA. Requires licenses to introduce biological products, blood, and blood components into interstate commerce. Regulates licensing. Allows regulation of human tissue only if the Secretary demonstrates that voluntary regulation is inadequate to protect the public health. Provides for such regulation.

Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996

Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to apply prohibitions and penalties for aggravated sexual abuse of a person under age 12 and for sexual abuse of a person between the ages of 12 and 16 to any person who: (1) crosses a State line with intent to engage in a sexual act with such minor; or (2) knowingly engages, or attempts to engage, in such an act in interstate or foreign commerce. Authorizes imposition of the death penalty if the defendant kills the victim. Directs that a defendant previously convicted of another Federal offense of sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse of a minor or of a State offense that would have been such an offense had it occurred in a Federal prison be sentenced to life imprisonment, unless the death penalty is imposed. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to provide that, in order not to reduce the funds available under the drug control and system improvement grant program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by ten percent, a State shall have in effect a law which requires a court to sentence a defendant in a State prosecution who is convicted of an offense that would have been aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse of a minor if it occurred in a Federal prison, and who has previously been convicted for such an offense, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Revises VCCLEA provisions under subtitle A of title XVII (the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act) to: (1) provide for the transfer of information from the State law enforcement agency to the Federal Bureau of Information (FBI); (2) require the information collected under a State registration program to be transmitted to the FBI and to be released to law enforcement agencies and government agencies conducting background checks under specified circumstances; and (3) direct the FBI to maintain a separate data base for information submitted to it under this Act, to make such data base accessible to appropriate State law enforcement officials, and to inform appropriate local law enforcement officials on each occasion that a person registered changes registration to that locality.

Small Business Transport Correction Advancement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1996

Amends Federal law to exempt from hazardous material transportation regulation certain vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that the hazardous material involved poses a significant risk to health and safety or property.

Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996

Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996

Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1996 - Directs the President to impose certain economic sanctions against persons who with actual knowledge or reason to know: (1) export certain petroleum and natural gas-related goods or technology that would significantly and materially enhance Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; or (2) make an investment of $40 million or more in any 12-month period that directly contributes to Iran's development of such resources. Specifies exceptions to trade sanctions, among other things for certain defense-related articles or services essential to U.S. national security. Prohibits with respect to any sanctioned person: (1) extension of Export-Import Bank assistance; (2) licenses or permits for the exportation of goods or technology; (3) importation into the United States of products produced by such person; and (4) loans from U.S. financial institutions. Specifies sanctions against financial institutions. Authorizes the Secretary of State upon request to issue an advisory opinion to any person as to whether a proposed activity would be subject to sanctions. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or ballistic missiles and missile launch technology; and (2) been removed from the list of countries determined, under the Export Administration Act of 1979, to have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to persuade other countries to: (1) pressure Iran to cease its weapons of mass destruction programs and support of international terrorism; and (2) ask Iran to reduce the presence of Iranian diplomats and other personnel and withdraw any of them who participated in the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. Requires the President to ensure continued reports to the Congress on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support for acts of international terrorism. Applies the sanctions required under this Act to persons making investments for the development of petroleum resources in Libya. Declares that determinations to impose sanctions under this Act are not reviewable in any court.

Rent-To-Own Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996

Rent-To-Own Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to designate a new title X as the Rent-To-Own Protection Act to prohibit a seller in a rent-to-own transaction from taking, receiving, or assessing any interest, finance charge, or other fee for the transaction in excess of that which may be charged under State law which establishes in connection with a credit or retail installment sale for the same or a similar item: (1) a maximum rate or amount of interest, finance charge, or time-price differential that may be charged; (2) the types and maximum amount of fees that a seller may charge; or (3) the types of credit insurance and the maximum amount of premiums that can be charged for credit insurance. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) termination, recovery, and other fees; (2) the effect of termination; and (3) guarantees and warranties. Makes the following Federal laws applicable to rent-to-own transactions: (1) the Truth in Lending Act; (2) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; (3) the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; and (4) the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires a seller to include the following information on each item in the seller's place of business that is available for purchase pursuant to a rent-to-own transaction: (1) the cash price; (2) an itemization of services offered and the price of each service; (3) the annual percentage rate; (4) any applicable periodic payment and the number of payments; (5) the total number of payments required to acquire ownership; and (6) whether the item is new or used. Requires a seller to provide such information to a consumer in writing at the time the parties enter into the contract. Prohibits a seller under a rent-to-own contract with a consumer from taking specified actions, such as using threats or coercion to collect amounts alleged due, or unreasonably disclosing information to third parties regarding amounts owed by the consumer. Makes compliance with the requirements of this Act enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission. Deems a violation of this Act to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Subjects sellers who violate the requirements of this Act to civil liability.

To provide that if a member nation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Republic of Korea, or Japan does not agree, by the end of fiscal year 1997, to contribute to the United States for each fiscal year an amount equal to the full direct costs to the United States of United States military forces permanently stationed ashore in that country for that fiscal year, all such United States forces assigned in that country shall be withdrawn not later than the end of fiscal year 1999 and to provide that the amount of all such contributions and the amount of savings from such withdrawals shall be deposited in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Urges the President to enter into negotiations for the purpose of revising host-nation agreements with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, so that each country agrees to contribute to the United States for each fiscal year an amount equal to the total direct costs (including personnel costs) incurred by the United States owing to the presence of U.S. military personnel permanently stationed in each country. Directs the President to order the withdrawal of all U.S. armed forces in each country that does not enter into a revised host-nation agreement by September 30, 1997. Requires amounts received by the United States by reason of such agreement to be deposited in the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with regard to the amount that should be appropriated for fiscal year 1996 for federally assisted education programs and activities.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.

To designate the United States Post Office building located at 7980 FM 327, Elmendorf, Texas, as the "Amos F. Longoria Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

Designates the U.S. Post Office building located at 7980 FM 327, Elmendorf, Texas, as the Amos F. Longoria Post Office Building.

To revise the effective date for military retiree cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.

To award a congressional gold medal to Ruth and Billy Graham.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995

Extends the law making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996.

Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995

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 for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; 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.

To confirm the President's commitment that the social security trust funds will not be used other than for payment of benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995

Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from using amounts held in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, or any of the railroad retirement funds and accounts for any purpose other than paying benefits and related administrative expenses from such fund. Authorizes the Secretary to invest amounts credited to any such fund in accordance with normal operating procedures as otherwise provided by law.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995

Extends the law making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996.

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt from the solid waste designation all recoverable materials that are contained, collected, and returned to an industrial process.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exclude from the definition of "solid waste" any solid or dissolved materials contained, collected, and reused in an on-site production process that prevents releases to the environment.

Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995

Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or impose requirements regarding: (1) the transfer of distilled spirits between bonded premises and between importation and bonded premises; (2) operations as a bonded dealer conducted on the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant; (3) establishment and operation of such a plant by a bonded dealer; (4) election to be treated as a bonded dealer; (5) the time at which the tax on distilled spirits is determined; (6) distilled spirits lost or destroyed in bond or returned to bonded premises; (7) the time for tax payment and payment by electronic transfer; and (8) application to a plant used by a bonded dealer of provisions relating to sales by proprietors of controlled premises.

Natural Gas Competitiveness Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995

Natural Gas Competitiveness Act of 1995 - Permits independent natural gas producers to act together in associations to collectively produce, gather, transport, process, store, handle, and market natural gas in both domestic and foreign commerce. Requires the Attorney General to file an antitrust complaint against any such association which monopolizes or restrains trade to such an extent that the price of natural gas or natural gas liquid is unduly enhanced. Sets forth procedural guidelines for the filing of such a complaint. Provides for antitrust and market and price-discrimination actions against an association under the Sherman and the Clayton Acts, respectively.

Providing that consideration in the House of Representatives and its committees and subcommittees thereof of any legislation changing existing law with respect to medicare or medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1996 shall be preceded by adequate time for public examination of such legislation and public hearings thereon, and expressing the sense of the House that the Senate should similarly provide for such public examination and hearings.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995

Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.

Endangered Species Conservation and Management Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Private Property Rights and Voluntary Incentives for Private Property Owners Title II: Improving Ability to Comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 Title III: Improving Scientific Integrity of Listing Decisions and Procedures Title IV: Recognizing Other Federal Action, Laws, and Missions Title V: Better Management and Conservation of Listed Species Title VI: Habitat Protections Title VII: State Authority to Protect Endangered and Threatened Species Title VIII: Funding of Conservation Measures Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Endangered Species Conservation and Management Act of 1995 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to revise: (1) the findings and purposes of the Act to include consideration of economic impacts and property owners' rights while encouraging practices that protect species; and (2) the policy of the Act to prohibit the Federal Government from using or limiting the use of privately owned property when such action diminishes the value of such property without payment of fair market value to the owner of private property. Title I: Private Property Rights and Voluntary Incentives for Private Property Owners - Amends the Act to prohibit the Government from taking an agency action affecting privately or non-federally owned property under the Act which results in diminishment of value of any portion of that property by 20 percent or more unless compensation is offered in accordance with this title. Requires the Federal agency that takes an action that exceeds that amount to compensate the private property owner for the otherwise lawful use or limitation on such use in the amount of the diminution in value of the portion of that property resulting from such use or limitation. Specifies that, if the diminution in value of a portion of that property is greater than 50 percent, at the option of the owner, the agency shall buy that portion and pay fair market value based on the value of the property before the use or limitation was imposed. Directs that compensation paid reflect the duration of the use or limitation necessary to achieve the purposes of the Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) procedures for written requests for compensation by the owner; (2) agency negotiations with that owner to reach agreement; (3) choice of remedies; (4) arbitration; (5) civil actions (an owner who prevails in a civil action against the agency shall be entitled to the amount of compensation awarded plus reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs); (6) source of payments; (7) availability of appropriations (any U.S. obligation to make such a payment shall be subject to the availability of appropriations); and (8) duty of notice to owners of agency actions limiting the use of private property and of procedures for obtaining compensation. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), in carrying out the program authorized by the Act, to cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States and other non-Federal persons, including consultation before acquiring any land or water, or interest therein, for the purpose of conserving any endangered or threatened species. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative management agreement with any State or local government or non-Federal person for the management of a species listed as endangered or threatened, to be listed, or which is a candidate for listing, or for the management or acquisition of an area which provides habitat for a species, subject to specified limitations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) environmental assessments; (2) the effect of listing a species; and (3) violations of such agreements. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to certain non-Federal persons for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving habitat for any species that is determined to be an endangered or threatened species upon determining that: (1) the property for which the grant is provided contains habitat that significantly contributes to the protection of the population of the species and has been managed for species protection for a sufficient period of time to significantly contribute to the protection of the species population; and (2) the management of the habitat advances the interest of species protection. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to initiate a program to provide technical advice and assistance to non-Federal persons who wish to participate in achieving the conservation objective for a species for which a conservation goal has been adopted. (Sec. 105) Specifies that nothing in the Act shall be construed to supersede, abrogate, or otherwise impair any right or authority of a State to allocate or administer quantities of water. Title II: Improving Ability to Comply With the Endangered Species Act of 1973 - Amends the Act to provide that an activity of a non-Federal person is not a taking of a species if the activity: (1) is consistent with the provisions of a final conservation plan or conservation objective; (2) complies with the terms and conditions of an incidental take permit or a cooperative management agreement; (3) addresses a critical, imminent threat to public health or safety or a catastrophic natural event, or is mandated by any Federal, State, or local government agency for public health or safety purposes; or (4) is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity that occurs in an area of the territorial sea or exclusive economic zone that is not designated as critical habitat and the affected species is not a species of fish. Makes enforcement provisions and provisions regarding rewards and incidental expenses paid by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury applicable specifically to endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife (current law doesn't specify endangered or threatened species). Specifies that no interpretation, policy, guideline, finding, or other informal determination may be relied upon by the Secretary in the implementation and enforcement of the Act unless such determination has been the subject of a proposed rule, subject to specified requirements. Places the burden on the Secretary to show that a specimen belongs to a species which is determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Authorizes civil suits by persons who have suffered or are threatened with economic or other injury resulting from actions by Federal officials with respect to enforcement of the Act under specified circumstances. (Sec. 202) Defines, for purposes of the Act: (1) "take" to mean to harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in that conduct; and (2) "harm" to mean to take a direct action against any member of an endangered species of fish or wildlife that actually injures or kills a member of the species. (Sec. 203) Authorizes non-Federal persons to initiate consultation with the Secretary on any prospective activity: (1) to determine if the activity is consistent with a conservation plan or objective; or (2) if the person determines that the activity is inconsistent, to determine whether the activity is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of an endangered or threatened species or to destroy or adversely modify the designated critical habitat of the species in a manner that is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. (Sec. 204) Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) incidental take permit requirements; (2) general, research, and educational permits; (3) maintenance of aquatic habitats for listed species; (4) compliance with international requirements and treaties; and (5) incentives for protection of marine species. Title III: Improving Scientific Integrity of Listing Decisions and Procedures - Revises provisions of the Act regarding determinations that a species is endangered or threatened to direct the Secretary to make such determinations based on specified factors, including: (1) the present or threatened loss of its habitat; and (2) the inadequacy of existing Federal, State, and local government regulatory mechanisms. Requires the Secretary to make such determinations solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after conducting a review of the status of the species and after soliciting and fully considering the best scientific and commercial data available concerning the status of a species from any affected State or any interested non-Federal person, taking into account other specified factors. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) consideration of State recommendations; (2) listing of foreign species; (3) soliciting scientific information; (4) emergency listings; (5) use of the best scientific and commercial data; (6) identifying data used for decisions; (7) judicial review; (8) peer review; (9) making data public; (10) improving the petition and designation processes; (11) greater State involvement; (12) monitoring the status of species; and (13) petitions to delist species. Title IV: Recognizing Other Federal Action, Laws, and Missions - Amends the Act to direct: (1) the Secretary to review other programs administered by the Secretary and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of the Act; and (2) each Federal agency to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or destroy or adversely modify any habitat that is designated by the Secretary as critical habitat of the species in a manner that is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) involvement of applicants for Federal approvals; (2) conferring on candidate species; (3) limitations on modifications to land management; (4) resolving conflicts between Federal agencies; (5) procedures for consultation; and (6) activities prior to completion of consultation. (Sec. 402) Sets forth provisions regarding exemptions from consultation and conferencing requirements. Specifies that an agency action shall not constitute a taking of a species prohibited by the Act or any regulation thereunder if the action is consistent with those provided for in a final conservation plan or a conservation objective under this Act, or a cooperative management agreement or an incidental take permit. (Sec. 403) Eliminates the Endangered Species Committee and related provisions. Title V: Better Management and Conservation of Listed Species - Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to publish a conservation objective and a conservation plan for each species determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Requires the Secretary: (1) within 30 days after the listing determination, to appoint an assessment and planning team (which shall report to the Secretary within 180 days the assessment of specified biological, economic, and intergovernmental factors with respect to the listed species); and (2) within 210 days, to review the report to establish a conservation objective for the species and publish in the Federal Register the conservation objective, along with a statement of findings on which the objective was established. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary, in the development and implementation of a conservation plan, to accord specified priorities, including to: (1) the development of an integrated plan for two or more endangered or threatened species that are likely to benefit from an integrated conservation plan; and (2) nonregulatory, incentive-based conservation measures and commercial activities that provide a net benefit to the conservation of the species. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) publication of a draft plans; (2) contents of such plan; (3) plan preparation procedures; (4) publication of a final plan; (5) participation by other persons; (6) plan revision or amendment; and (7) lack of further procedures or requirements for actions consistent with the conservation plan. (Sec. 503) Delineates procedures regarding: (1) management prior to publication of a conservation plan; (2) emergency rulemaking protections; (3) suspension of conservation plans or objectives; (4) non-delegation of duties; and (5) review of conservation plans. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate critical habitat of a species determined to be an endangered or threatened species that meets specified requirements utilizing the National Biodiversity Reserve (see Title VI) as a first priority; and (2) revise a critical habitat designation on determining that such habitat does not meet such requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) deadlines for designation; (2) basis for designation (directs the Secretary to exclude any area from critical habitat which does not meet the definition as set forth in this Act, which is not necessary to achieve the conservation objective for the affected species, for which the Secretary determines that the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of designation (with exceptions), and in the case of property owned by a non-Federal person, where the owner has not given written consent to the designation or has not been compensated); (3) procedure for designation; and (4) judicial review of the critical habitat designation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the standard for judicial review of decisions regarding conservation objectives or plans; (2) conservation plans for foreign species; and (3) the definition of critical habitat. (Sec. 505) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) utilize captive propagation as a means of protecting or conserving an endangered or threatened species; and (2) provide annual grants to non-Federal persons to fund captive propagation programs if the Secretary determines that such a program contributes to enhancement of the population of such a species. (Sec. 506) Revises provisions regarding experimental populations to require the Secretary, before authorizing the release of a population of endangered or threatened species outside the current range of such species, to identify the precise boundaries of the geographic area for the release and determine whether the release is in the public interest. Provides that: (1) any member of an experimental population found outside the geographic area in which the population is released shall not be treated as a threatened species if the member poses a threat to the welfare of the public; and (2) critical habitat shall not be designated under the Act for any experimental population determined to be not essential to the continued existence of a species. Sets forth requirements for releases of such populations, including that the Secretary require that: (1) to the maximum extent practicable, the release occurs only in a unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System; (2) the regulations authorizing the release identify precisely the geographic area for the release; and (3) a release on non-Federal land occurs only with the written consent of the owner of the land. (Sec. 507) Revises provisions regarding regulations to protect threatened species to direct the Secretary to issue, concurrently with the regulation that provides for the listing of the species, such regulations as the Secretary deems necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of such species. Specifies that prohibitions applied to the threatened species shall address the specific circumstances of such species and may not be as restrictive as such prohibition for endangered species. Requires conservation guidelines to include a system for developing and implementing, on a priority basis, conservation objectives and conservation plans. Directs the Secretary to provide to the public notice of, and opportunity to submit written comments on, any guideline proposed to be established. Title VI: Habitat Protections - Establishes a National Biological Diversity Reserve, composed of units of Federal and State lands designated and managed in accordance with this title. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to designate to the Reserve by regulation those units of the national conservation systems which are within the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned and which the Secretary determines would contribute to the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of biological diversity. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate to the Reserve a unit of State-owned lands if such unit is nominated for designation by the Governor of the State and is managed under State law in accordance with this title; (2) designate to the Reserve privately owned land that is nominated for designation by the owner of the land, and remove such land from the Reserve if the owner requests removal; (3) remove from the Reserve a unit designated which the Secretary finds is not managed under State law in accordance with this title; and (4) remove from the Reserve any State-owned lands at the request of the Governor of that State. Requires: (1) each unit of the Reserve to have as an objective for the management thereof the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of biological diversity; and (2) within one year of the designation of a unit to the Reserve, the manager of such unit to complete, and the Secretary concerned to make available to the public by notice in the Federal Register, an inventory of the species composing the biological diversity within such unit. (Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary, and the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the National Forest System, to establish and implement a program to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants, including those which are determined to be endangered or threatened species. Provides that, to carry out such program, the appropriate Secretary: (1) shall utilize the land acquisition and other authority under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as appropriate; and (2) is authorized to acquire lands, waters, or interests therein (lands). (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage exchanges of lands within the jurisdiction of each Secretary (other than units of the National Park System and the National Wilderness Preservation System) for lands that are not in Federal ownership and that are affected by this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding the timing of exchanges, environmental assessment, expeditious exchange decisions, applicable law, and valuation of lands acquired. Title VII: State Authority to Protect Endangered and Threatened Species - Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to a State which establishes and maintains an adequate program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species the authority contained in this Act with respect to species of fish, wildlife, and plants that are residents in the State. Requires the Secretary, within 120 days after receiving a certified copy of a proposed State program, to determine whether such program will be adequate to provide protections to endangered and threatened species in such State, based on specified guidelines. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal financial assistance to a State which has received such delegation; (2) contents of a delegation agreement; (3) State compliance with this Act; (4) review of State programs; and (5) conflicts between Federal and State laws. (Sec. 702) Directs the Secretary, in any instance in which a State has a program for management of a native species which is the subject of a request for an export permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to act in accordance with the recommendation of the State unless the Secretary makes a finding and publishes a notice in the Federal Register that scientific evidence justifies a conclusion contrary to the advice of the State. Authorizes the State which is subject to such a finding, or any person in that State directly affected because of inability to obtain a permit, to appeal the finding to an administrative law judge or a court. Places the burden on the Secretary to show that the evidence supports a finding contrary to the recommendation of the State. Title VIII: Funding of Conservation Measures - Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture through FY 2001 to carry out the Act, including for cooperative management agreements, Convention implementation, non-Federal conservation planning, and habitat conservation grants. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary, for any non-Federal person or Federal power marketing administration, to pay half of any direct costs that result from the compliance by the person or administration mandated by a conservation plan or measure that provides protection to a listed species under a plan developed under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, including a plan that provides protection to a larger population unit of the same listed species. Sets forth provisions regarding consultation requirements, incidental take permits, cooperative management agreements, method of cost-sharing, existing cost-sharing agreements, and adjustments to the cost-sharing percentage. (Sec. 803) Establishes in the Treasury an Endangered Species and Threatened Species Conservation Trust Fund. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines or redefines the terms: (1) "non-Federal person"; and (2) "commercial activity." (Sec. 902) Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify those species which are listed under the Act as a result of being determined to be a population segment; and (2) review and determine whether or not it is in the national interest to continue to list each such segment. Requires those segments which the Secretary recommends for continued listing to be submitted to the Congress for approval, and that any segment not determined to be in the national interest to be delisted. (Sec. 903) Requires the Secretary to publish a list of all species that were determined to be endangered or threatened species for which no final recovery plans were issued, divided equally into three tiers of priority for preparation of conservation objectives and plans (with any species listed as an endangered or threatened species in more than one State being placed in the first tier of priority). Directs the Secretary to publish a conservation objective, draft conservation plan, and final conservation plan for each species within each tier of priority according to a specified timetable. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) priority for revision of existing plans (for listed species with recovery plans); (2) a schedule for revision of plans; (3) species for which no conservation plan is required; (4) a prohibition on additional requirements; and (5) existing biological opinions.

To provide that Members of Congress shall not be paid during Federal Government shutdowns.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995

Prohibits a Member of Congress from receiving basic pay for any period in which: (1) there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached. Provides that no pay forfeited in accordance with this Act may be paid retroactively.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the eligibility of veterans for mortgage revenue bond financing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to mortgage revenue bonds to modify the requirements to be a qualified veteran. Establishes State subcap and State overall cap restrictions.

To express the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of S. 4 (the Line Item Veto Act), as passed by the House, should apply to all fiscal year 1996 appropriation bills and to the reconciliation bill required by H. Con. Res. 67.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Speaker of the House should move to appoint conferees on S. 4 (granting the President legislative line item veto rescission authority) immediately so that the House and Senate may resolve their differences on this important legislation; and (2) no conference report on any appropriation bill or the reconciliation bill required by H. Con. Res. 67 (congressional budget for FY 1996 through 2002) should be considered by the House unless such conference report makes the provisions of S. 4, as passed by the House, applicable to that bill, or Congress has considered the conference report on S. 4.

Family Business Protection Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995

Family Business Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, for estate tax purposes, specified portions of the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent.

Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995

Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (FOGRMA) to set a six-year statute of limitations period for royalty underpayments owed by lessees of Federal lands to the United States, commencing the date on which the obligation becomes due. Declares that the running of such period shall not be suspended or tolled by any Federal action except the commencement of a judicial or administrative proceeding to collect the underpayment, or a written agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and a lessee to extend such period. Provides that a lessee's fraud or concealment in an attempt to defeat or evade payment of an obligation shall toll the statute of limitations. (Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the Minerals Management Service to issue a final decision in any administrative proceeding within one year from the date the proceeding commenced. Requires the Secretary to issue a final agency decision in any administrative proceeding within three years from its commencement. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) royalty obligations; (2) royalty overpayments, offsets and refunds; and (3) a six-year mandatory recordkeeping period. (Sec. 6) Modifies the guidelines for royalty interest, penalties, and payments to: (1) permit the Secretary to waive or forego interest; (2) restrict the billing for interest for any net underpayment to not less than one year following the subject reporting month; (3) use the Treasury Current Value of Funds Rate to compute interest due on late payments made by the Secretary and interest owed to lessee overpayment; (4) permit interest to be credited to lessee's net overpayment; and (5) provide a special payment arrangement for leases with minimal production. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to impose an assessment of up to $250 for inaccurate reporting of information. Restricts audit and collection requirements for specified minimal oil and gas well production to prohibit the Secretary from conducting: (1) royalty reporting compliance and enforcement activities, levy assessments, or bill for comparisons between royalty reporting and production information; or (2) audits on such leases unless the Secretary has reason to believe that the lessee has not complied with certain payment obligations. (Sec. 9) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to repeal the 60-day notice requirement placed upon commencement of an action by a private person to enforce compliance with the Act. (Sec. 10) Amends the OCSLA and the Mineral Leasing Act to permit any oil or gas royalty or net profit due the United States to be taken in kind at the Secretary's option. States that delivery of royalty in kind satisfies the lessee's royalty obligation and relieves the lessee of reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Amends OCSLA guidelines governing Federal gas sales to the public to permit the Secretary to sell gas by competitive bidding or private sale (removing the proscription against selling gas to the public at less than fair market value). (Sec. 11) Amends FOGRMA to restrict royalty payment and information requirements. Bars the Secretary from: (1) imposing additional data requirements, including data on allowances, payor information, selling arrangements, and revenue source; and (2) billing for, or collecting comparisons to productions, assessments, or interest on retroactive adjustments for de minimis production. (Sec. 12) Amends FOGRMA to repeal the current statute of limitations governing the recovery of penalties. Amends OCSLA to repeal the guidelines governing refunds or credit granted to a lessee for excess payments. (Sec. 13) Excludes Indian lands from the purview of this Act.

Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995

Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining the employment status of individuals as employees, a service provider shall not be treated as an employee, a service recipient shall not be treated as an employer, and a payor shall not be treated as an employer if: (1) a service provider has a significant investment in assets and training, incurs significant unreimbursed expenses, agrees to perform the service for a specified amount of time or to complete a specific result and is responsible for damages for early termination without cause, receives payment primarily on a commission basis, or has purchased resale products; (2) the service provider has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service in the service recipient's place of business, or pays a fair market rent for use of the recipient's place of business or does not have to perform service only for the service recipient and, in the current year or in the proceeding or subsequent years, has performed or has offered to perform a significant amount of service for other persons; and (3) the services by an individual are performed according to a written contract between the service recipient or payor which provides that the individual will not be treated as an employee.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that Social Security should be maintained and protected.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1995

Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) Social Security should be maintained; and (2) any changes to the program should be made only to preserve benefits and strengthen its long-term solvency and integrity.

United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Specific Coins Authorized Title II: General Provisions United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995 - Title I: Specific Coins Authorized - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue ten-dollar gold coins to commemorate the bicentennial of United States gold coinage. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman. Directs coin sale surcharge distribution to the Harry S. Truman Library Foundation and the U.N. Association. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue coins commemorating: (1) the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (2) the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C.; (3) the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the first U.S. National Park, Yellowstone National Park; and (4) the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety, with surcharge proceeds paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. Title II: General Provisions - Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.

Dolley Madison Commemorative Coin Act

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.

Regulatory Accounting Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1995

Regulatory Accounting Act of 1995 - Directs the President, after providing notice and opportunity for comment, to prepare and submit to the Congress: (1) a biennial accounting statement, covering at least the five fiscal years beginning on the first day of the fiscal year in which the report is submitted, that estimates the costs of Federal regulatory programs and corresponding benefits as outlined by this Act; and (2) an associated report analyzing program impacts on small business, State and local governments' ability to provide essential services, and other appropriate factors. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide guidance to agencies to standardize measures of costs and benefits in such accounting statements as well as their format. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after each accounting statement and associated report are submitted, to make recommendations to the President for improving such statements and reports.

Food Quality Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.

False Identification Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.

Open Markets and Fair Trade Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

Open Markets and Fair Trade Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to the Congress on selected countries in which U.S. goods or services, that would otherwise be competitive there, do not have market access. Requires the Secretary, in selecting such countries and sectors, to give priority to any country: (1) with which the United States has a trade deficit if access to such country's markets is likely to have significant potential to increase exports of U.S. goods and services; and (2) in which access to the markets will result in significant employment benefits for producers of U.S. goods and services. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with such countries for the purpose of obtaining access to their markets. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary, in making certain assessments, to monitor each country's compliance with such an agreement, or with any existing trade agreement with the United States. (Sec. 5) Requires, in instances where the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that the above-mentioned negotiations have not resulted in an agreement, each restriction on, or impediment to, access to the country's markets be considered, under the Trade Act of 1974, an act, policy, or practice that is unreasonable and discriminatory and restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR, in each case where the Secretary determines that a country is not in material compliance with an agreement for access to their markets to determine what trade relief action to take under a specified section of the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 6) Sets forth expedited procedures for implementation of legislation for presidential action against foreign countries that have unfair trade barriers, or that do not comply with the aforementioned agreements.