Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8]

Amendments en bloc that would strike Great Lakes from the definition of coastal states in the bill, and would limit coastal resources management block grants to those coastal states with outer Continental Shelf-related energy or mineral leasing, exploration, development or production within 250 miles of such state's territorial waters.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment changing the criteria for block grant eligibility of the states. The new criteria removes the requirement that states have a federally approved coastal zone management plan.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment clarifying that competitive bids submitted by foreign shipyards which receive direct or indirect government subsidies shall not be used in determining the "world free-market price" for the purpose of establishing a 25 percent cost advantage to domestic contractors on bids for building an icebreaking vessel provided for in the bill.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment: (1) extends from 1 to 2 years the amount of time an undocumented worker will have to obtain their merchant mariner documents; (2) exempts such workers from paying Coast Guard documentation fees; and (3) extends Privacy Act protections to those obtaining merchant mariner documentation.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment requires the Navy to transfer to the Maritime Administration two surplus naval vessels, the USS Chauvenet and the USS Harkness, to be used by the Maine and Texas State Maritime Academies.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment adding a new section to the bill relating to Merchant Marine benefits.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment requiring the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress a full accounting of all Coast Guard costs related to Haiti no later than 30 days after enactment of the act.

United States · United States Congress

An amenement to reduce the appropriation in the bill for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by $7 million. The intent of the amendment is to eliminate funding for a new international educational program sponsored by NOAA.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require the Director of the NBS to enter into a cooperative research agreement with Texas A+M University to assist in collecting and maintaining data concerning the distribution, abundance, health, and status of the fountain darter.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to establish and clarify criteria regarding the Merchant Mariner Qualified Service.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment prohibiting the use of funds appropriated in the bill to be used to provide assistance for the operation of death penalty resource centers.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment making technical and conforming changes to the bill.

United States · United States Congress

Budget Process Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose Title II: Binding Budget Law Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law Subtitle B: Line Item Reduction Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited Subtitle D: "Pay-as-You-Go" Requirement for New Spending Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism Title V: Protection of Social Security Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. (Sec. 202) Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law. Repeals authority for consideration of spending bills prior to adoption of the budget resolution. (Sec. 203) Prohibits baseline budgeting. Requires objective year- to-year comparisons under budget law, with the starting point for both Presidential and congressional budgets the levels of budget outlays for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 204) Amends the CBA to establish a rainy day fund for natural disasters. Requires budget law to include a major functional category for natural disasters, under specified conditions. (Sec. 205) Amends Federal law relating to the contents of the President's annual budget submission to the Congress to require the President to submit: (1) a budget of the U.S. Government for the following fiscal period on a single page, which sets forth specific budget ceilings in each major functional category, by the first Monday in February of each year before that in which a fiscal period commences; and (2) a detailed budget for that fiscal period, on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget for the following budget period is enacted. Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Amends CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of each spending bill before being voted on by the Senate or the House. (Sec. 301) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. (Sec. 302) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to exercise line-item reduction authority if the Congress exceeds the budget ceilings in the binding budget law or an automatic continuing resolution for a fiscal period. Declares that such authority shall permit the reduction of over-budget spending in a major functional category to the level established in the binding budget law or automatic continuing resolution. Sets forth procedures for congressional introductions of line-item bills after the President transmits a special message to rescind an item of budget authority. Prohibits amendments to such bills. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." (Sec. 306) Amends CBA to require fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except Social Security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. (Sec. 307) Requires Executive agencies to adjust expenditures, including program eligibility requirements and benefit levels, to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. (Sec. 308) Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Amends CBA to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or in the Senate to waive such prohibition. Sets forth special rules in the case of legislation that exceeds a budget ceiling for the natural disaster functional category. Repeals a CBA provision for an exemption in the House from pay-as- you-go rules. Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions - Amends CBA to: (1) establish "lock-box" procedures to ensure budget savings from House and Senate amendments to appropriations bills result in actual spending cuts; (2) require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports on such procedures; and (3) mandate reduction of spending allocations to House and Senate committees and subcommittees to meet "lock-box" levels. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. (Sec. 402) Provides for contingency regulations for automatic continuing resolutions. Grants each State the option of receiving an aggregate amount for the fiscal period for social safety net programs equal to the allocation to the State for such programs in the preceding fiscal period. (Sec. 403) Restricts consideration of legislation providing budget or spending authority to only that reported by the Committees on Appropriations. Makes such restriction inapplicable in the case of Social Security benefits. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or permit reductions in otherwise payable Social Security benefits. (Sec. 502) Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Changes the definition of budget authority to exclude offsetting receipts.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to restore the provisions of chapter 76 of that title (relating to missing persons) as in effect before the amendments made by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Restores Federal armed forces provisions relating to the status of missing persons as in effect before amendments made by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997.

FCC Modernization Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

FCC Modernization Act of 1996 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prepare a plan to: (1) adjust the allocation of FCC personnel to reflect competitive policies adopted by the United States; (2) propose the automation or privatization of routine FCC functions, as well as the termination of unnecessary functions; (3) reduce FCC management and overhead expenses; and (4) prepare the FCC for rapid response to changes in technologies and markets. (Sec. 3) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the FCC to delegate to advisory coordinating committees its authority to grant licenses and permits for stations in the private mobile communications services. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the FCC to require the filing by any carrier of any contract, agreement, or arrangement. (Currently, every such carrier is required to make such filings.) (Sec. 5) Repeals provisions of the Act: (1) prohibiting any person from holding the position of officer or director of more than one carrier subject to the Act, unless authorized by the FCC; and (2) authorizing the FCC to undertake valuations, and require inventories, of carrier property. (Sec. 7) Terminates the FCC's authority to prohibit the construction of a new line, or the extension of a line, of communications service by a carrier without such carrier first obtaining a certificate of permission from the FCC. Delays the effective date of such termination with respect to the construction, extension, or acquisition of any line for foreign communications. Provides that a common carrier's application for a waiver of specified regulations in connection with an acquisition of the lines of another carrier shall be deemed approved six months after submission unless the FCC finds that the application is not in the public interest. (Sec. 8) Repeals provisions of the Act: (1) requiring the FCC to examine common carrier transactions relating to the furnishing of equipment, supplies, and services in order to determine the effect of such transactions on fees charged by such carriers; and (2) authorizing the FCC to inquire into the management of the business of all carriers subject to the Act. (Sec. 10) Requires each telecommunications carrier to file annually with the FCC its financial report to shareholders, as well as related documents and information. (Currently, the FCC is authorized to require certain reports from such carriers.) (Sec. 11) Terminates the FCC's authority to provide preferential treatment in licensing procedures to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new telecommunication service or the development of new technologies that substantially enhance an existing service. (Sec. 12) Repeals provisions of the Act relating to: (1) the use of naval radio stations for broadcasting commercial messages; and (2) FCC allocation of very high frequency stations and AM radio stations. (Sec. 14) Provides for deposit into the Treasury of fees charged by Federal departments and agencies for use of property, rights-of-way, and easements. (Sec. 15) Prohibits the FCC Chairman, for two years after the enactment of this Act, from travelling more than 50 miles from the District of Columbia while on official business.

Kids, Homes, and Grandparents Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Kids, Homes, and Grandparents Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a tax credit for each qualifying child; (2) a tax deduction for taxpayers with whom a parent or grandparent resides; (3) a reduction in the capital gains rate applied to qualified principal residence gain; and (4) an indexed basis for primary residences.

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1996

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that any person who satisfies the requirements of the Constitution and demonstrates having suffered or being threatened with economic or other injury resulting from a violation of such Act or a failure of the Secretary of Commerce to act in accordance with it shall be deemed to be within the zone of protected interests of such Act and shall have standing to commence a civil suit on his or her own behalf.

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require witnesses at committee hearings to submit statements identifying Federal grants or contracts received during the current and previous two fiscal years.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1996

Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chairman of a House committee, whenever any hearing is to be conducted, to notify all prospective witnesses that written statements submitted to the committee should include the amount and source (by agency and program) of any Federal grant (including subgrants from other organizations or from a State pursuant to a Federal block grant) received, and contracts entered into, during the current and previous two fiscal years, by the witnesses and any organizations they represent. Requires all testimony of a witness who fails to make an accurate disclosure of such information to be expunged from the hearing record.

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.

Cleaner Government Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996

Cleaner Government Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law to prohibit an executive branch employee from accepting a gift that a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives is forbidden to accept. Mandates that the Director of the Office of Government Ethics report to the Congress and the public on violations that occurred during the previous calendar year not later than January 31 of each year.

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.

Crime Does Not Pay Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996

Crime Does Not Pay Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit community development block grants to a State or locality that permits recovery of damages for an injury suffered by a person committing a felony.

Internet Election Information Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1996

Internet Election Information Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to exempt: (1) donated interactive computer services from coverage; and (2) direct costs incurred by a donated interactive computer services from treatment as an expenditure if the service permits its facilities to be used for such purposes for all other candidates in the election for the same office.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a capital loss deduction with respect to the sale or exchange of a principal residence.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1996

Allows an individual to deduct losses arising from the sale or exchange of the taxpayer's principal residence.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to recent church burnings.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996

Condemns the burning of African-American churches. Sends condolences to affected individuals. Supports the activities of local law enforcement officials, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury in investigating these incidents. Urges: (1) the United States Attorney General and local prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty available under law to punish the perpetrators; and (2) the President to make the fullest possible use of all available law enforcement resources to bring the culprits to justice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) attacks on places of worship because of the race, color, denomination, or ethnicity of the congregation undermine fundamental American ideals; (2) these fires appear to be hate crimes and implicitly interfere with the First Amendment and other civil rights of the victims; (3) the arson of a place of worship is repulsive to us as a society; and (4) it is important that the Congress enact legislation to ensure that Federal law enforcement has the necessary tools to punish and deter such acts. Encourages: (1) the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American or any other house of worship; and (2) American citizens to observe a national week of prayer beginning June 16, and ending June 23, 1996, in their places of worship.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to recent church burnings.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996

Condemns the burning of African-American churches. Sends condolences to affected individuals. Supports the activities of local law enforcement officials, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury in investigating these incidents. Urges: (1) the United States Attorney General and local prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty available under law to punish the perpetrators; and (2) the President to make the fullest possible use of all available law enforcement resources to bring the culprits to justice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) attacks on places of worship because of the race, color, denomination, or ethnicity of the congregation undermine fundamental American ideals; (2) these fires appear to be hate crimes and implicitly interfere with the First Amendment and other civil rights of the victims; (3) the arson of a place of worship is repulsive to us as a society; and (4) it is important that the Congress enact legislation to ensure that Federal law enforcement has the necessary tools to punish and deter such acts. Encourages: (1) the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American or any other house of worship; and (2) the American people to use June 16th as a day of prayer concerning these tragedies.

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.

Telephone Number Ownership Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1996

Telephone Number Ownership Act of 1996 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Federal Communications Commission lacks legal authority to conduct auctions or other revenue raising activities in connection with the allocation of any telephone number within the North American Numbering Plan; and (2) if the Congress is to authorize such activities, procedures will be required to protect any value attaching to new toll-free numbers by reason of a private business investment in the advertisement or public awareness of the corresponding 800 number by measures designed to prevent speculation, hoarding, and other gaming of the allocation system, and to protect consumers from fraud and confusion by preventing the misrepresentation of established toll-free numbers. Calls for the Commission to submit a plan for the allocation of toll-free 888 numbers that contains such procedures, together with its recommendations for legislative authorization of such allocation.

Defense of Marriage Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996

Defense of Marriage Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife.

State Occupancy Standards Affirmation Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1996

State Occupancy Standards Affirmation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from establishing a national occupancy standard (as defined by this Act). Provides that: (1) a State standard shall be considered reasonable; and (2) the Secretary, in the absence of a State standard, shall take no action respecting a two-person per bedroom standard established by a housing provider.

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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the Federal income tax.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that three years after ratification of this amendment: (1) the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution is repealed; and (2) the Congress shall have no power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, except in time of war declared by the Congress.

Regulatory Accountability Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996

Regulatory Accountability Act of 1996 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 with regard to Federal mandates to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any new or reauthorized measure (controlled private regulatory legislation) imposing costs on the private sector of $100 million or more (controlled Federal private sector mandate) unless it specifies a regulatory cost authorization for each such mandate of the dollar amount of private sector costs authorized to result from implementing or enforcing regulations. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the costs of mandate compliance for each measure reported by an authorization committee. Prohibits the total amount of private sector compliance costs from exceeding the regulatory cost authorization for a covered law. Prohibits a proposed covered regulation from taking effect unless the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has certified in the Federal Register that its implementation will not violate the first prohibition. Exempts from such prohibitions any regulation which the President finds is necessary because of an emergency. Requires such estimates to be publicly available for each covered law.

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require improved disclosure of corporate charitable contributions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996

Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the issuer of a registered security to disclose to its shareholders the identity and amount of charitable contributions the issuer made during the preceding fiscal year and the identity of the recipients.

Small Business OSHA Relief Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996

Small Business OSHA Relief Act of 1996 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to require each OSHA standard promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to be based upon a cost-benefit assessment and a determination that the standard's benefits justify the costs it imposes. Directs the Secretary, in the case of any employer of 250 or fewer employees cited for a violation of specified requirements, standards, or rules, which is a significant threat to an employee's health or safety, but where the employer has made a good faith correction effort, to waive up to 100 percent of the penalty otherwise proposed for such violation: (1) if the employer corrects the violation within the time set for abatement; or (2), if the employer does not correct the violation within such time, to the extent that the employer uses the amount which would have been paid as the penalty for correction of the violation. Prohibits issuance of a citation for any posting requirement and any requirement to prepare and maintain injury and illness records or written plan or verification, unless: (1) the employer has willfully or repeatedly violated the requirement; or (2) the failure to meet such requirement has resulted in employee exposure to a hazard. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States for consultation to employers concerning the provision of safe and healthful working conditions. Requires the Secretary to reimburse States that enter into such agreements for 90 percent of costs and 100 percent of State staff training and specified out-of-State travel expenses. Prohibits the Secretary from establishing any performance measures for any subordinate within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (including any regional director, area director, supervisor, or inspector) with respect to the number of inspections conducted, citations issued, or penalties assessed.

Medical Device Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996

Medical Device Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mission. (Sec. 3) Allows device approval applicants to declare a review impasse and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 4) Revises requirements regarding: (1) investigational devise exemptions; (2) premarket approval requirements (mandating a device review priority); (3) humanitarian device exceptions; (4) safety and effectiveness performance standards (allowing consensus standards recognition); (5) effectiveness determinations (as used in classifying devices); (6) premarket notification; (7) classification panels; and (8) premarket approval application review (allowing review by accredited persons). (Sec. 12) Mandates procedures for accrediting parties that review premarket approval applications and conduct good manufacturing practice inspections. (Sec. 13) Mandates reclassification of certain devices. (Sec. 14) Modifies requirements regarding: (1) device tracking; (2) postmarket surveillance; and (3) good manufacturing practice regulations (including foreign harmonization) and inspections (including adding references to accredited entities and post-inspection procedural requirements). (Sec. 18) Regulates the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, displays at trade shows, and other material. (Sec. 19) Removes distributors from record keeping and reporting requirements. Declares that the failure of a device to perform as labeled or in an acceptable manner does not constitute a malfunction when caused by improper servicing. Repeals user reporting requirements. (Sec. 20) Prohibits subjecting a person to penalties if the person acted in good faith and had no reason to believe the acts violated the law. (Sec. 21) Allows using monetary penalties for violation correction. Entitles violators to reasonable discovery. (Sec. 22) Mandates an information system to track the status of each submission requesting FDA action. (Sec. 23) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the FDCA from requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement or assessment. (Sec. 24) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on any statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 25) Mandates training programs for FDA employees regarding FDCA regulations and policies. Allows the FDA to conduct or contract for scientific research only if directly related to FDCA implementation. (Sec. 26) Regulates communications to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of related investigations.

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.

Food Amendments and the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Amendments Title II: Animal Drugs Food Amendments and the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 - Title I: Food Amendments - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to state the mission of the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 102) Modifies requirements regarding label claims of a relationship between a nutritional ingredient and a health-related condition. (Sec. 104) Prohibits construing FDCA provisions relating to misbranding or food additives to require a separate disclosure of a method of production or an ingredient other than in the statement of ingredients, unless necessary to protect the public health. (Sec. 105) Allows certain labeling and additive (including color additive) petitions to be submitted to an accredited person and deems the person's recommendation to be a decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary makes certain findings. Provides for accreditation. (Sec. 107) Allows an additive in feed for food-producing animals, and allows approval of a new animal drug, if the additive or drug presents a small risk (currently, if the additive will not adversely affect the animals and if no residue will be found in food from the animal). (Sec. 108) Prohibits States and subdivisions from having any requirement for a human food, a drug or biological product, or a cosmetic of the type authorized or required under the adulteration, misbranding, or new drug provisions of the FDCA, subject to exception and waiver. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to regularly meet with other countries regarding reducing regulation and seeking reciprocal arrangements. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements that have not been promulgated in accordance with Federal rulemaking requirements to require any action to be taken to satisfy an FDCA requirement. (Sec. 111) Amends the FDCA and the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove or repeal provisions regulating the sale, public eating place serving, and advertising of colored oleomargarine or colored margarine. Repeals related definitions. Title II: Animal Drugs - Amends the FDCA to revise the definition (for new animal drug provisions) of "substantial evidence." Modifies requirements regarding approval of supplemental applications. Exempts use in a minor species and the minor use of a drug from provisions prohibiting approval if there is a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have its purported effect. Revises requirements regarding combination drugs. (Sec. 202) Reduces the period for approval of new animal drug applications. (Sec. 203) Empowers applicants to declare that a review impasse exists. Sets forth a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements regarding drug residues and tolerances. (Sec. 205) Regulates animal feed drugs that are limited by approved applications to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (veterinary feed directive drugs) (VFDDs). Deems animal feed with a new animal drug unsafe unless its labeling, distribution, holding, and use (currently, its labeling and use) conform to specified FDCA requirements. Allows withdrawal of approval for certain VFDD recordkeeping violations. Adds to the prohibited acts list the refusal to permit record access as required by VFDD provisions and the failure to maintain records or make reports as required by VFDD provisions.

To amend title 23, United States Code, to modify the minimum allocation formula under the Federal-aid highway program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996

Revises specified provisions regarding minimum allocations of Federal aid highway funds and provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) to direct the Secretary of Transportation, in FY 1998 and thereafter, to ensure that each State's percentage of the total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year from funds made available out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) is not less than the percentage of estimated tax payments to the HTF by highway users in the State in the latest fiscal year for which data are available. Repeals ISTEA provisions specifying the percentage of total apportioned and allocated funds to be allocated to each State for the surface transportation program.

Defend America Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996

Defend America Act of 1996 - Expresses U.S. policy to deploy by the end of 2003 a National Missile Defense (NMD) system that: (1) is capable of providing a highly effective defense of U.S. territory against limited, unauthorized, or accidental ballistic missile attack; (2) will be augmented over time to provide a layered defense against larger and more sophisticated ballistic missile threats; and (3) does not feature an offensive-only form of deterrence. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment an affordable and operationally effective NMD system which shall achieve an initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines system elements, including the use of missile interceptors on the ground, at sea, and in space. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to implement the NMD system development upon enactment of this Act, including the conduct of an integrated systems test by the end of 1998. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the Secretary's plans for the development and deployment of the NMD system. Urges the President to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year after enactment of this Act, to consider exercising the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.

Ward Valley Land Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1996

Ward Valley Land Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the California Department of Health Services specified lands in San Bernardino County, California, known as the Ward Valley Site, upon the tendering to: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury of $500,100 on behalf of California; and (2) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of a written commitment by California to carry out environmental monitoring and protection measures, based on recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences, subject to Federal oversight by the Commission.

National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Capital Markets Deregulation and Liberalization Title II: Investment Company Act Amendments Securities Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Capital Markets Deregulation and Liberalization - Capital Markets Deregulation and Liberalization Act of 1996 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to include among the prerequisites to registration as a national securities exchange or association that the rules of the organization will not impose an obligation upon a broker or dealer to form a belief as to the suitability of an investment recommendation made by a member for an institutional client unless an agreement in writing has been executed to that effect. (Sec. 102) Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a broker or dealer is not liable for the investment decisions of an institutional client. (Sec. 103) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt securities offerings from State law (including State restrictions upon any prospectus, sales literature, or sale based upon the merits of the offering or its issuer), with specified exceptions. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt persons registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with specified exceptions, from State law governing: (1) registration, licensing, or qualification requirements; or (2) broker or dealer capital, records, or financial reporting requirements that differ from SEC requirements. Permits State registration, licensing, and qualification requirements (including fees) if: (1) the State performs its procedures through a central registration depository system operated by a national securities association; and (2) the State's requirements are substantially similar to SEC registration requirements, and do not conflict with them. (Sec. 104) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal the statutory percentage formula for margin requirements. Exempts certain excluded accounts from margin requirements. Precludes a national securities exchange or association from imposing any limitation upon the extension of credit more restrictive than that imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board). Repeals the restrictions on borrowing placed upon a securities broker or dealer relating to the use of credit to finance securities transactions in the ordinary course of business. Repeals the exemption of mortgage and small business related securities whose delivery is delayed for bona fide reasons from the proscription against broker-dealer extensions of credit to purchase securities with which the broker-dealer has specified connections. Grants the SEC exemption authority with respect to credit restrictions governing securities transactions. (Sec. 105) Requires the SEC to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the burdens imposed upon institutional investors by certain disclosure requirements for five percent beneficial owners, large traders, and brokers and dealers; and (2) the extent to which the disclosure requirements affecting five percent beneficial owners redistribute income from active to passive investors. (Sec. 106) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) remove securities sale confirmations from the meaning of "prospectus"; and (2) modify the requirement that a prospectus be delivered to a purchaser or prospective purchaser of securities, to require delivery only if requested. Grants the SEC exemptive authority with respect to the prospectus delivery requirement. (Sec. 107) Specifies the SEC's general exemptive authority regarding registration requirements. (Sec. 108) Amends specified securities laws to direct the SEC to consider whether an action will promote efficiency, competition, and capital formation whenever it is required to consider the impact of an action upon consumer protection. (Sec. 109) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to reduce SEC membership from five to three commissioners. (Sec. 110) Directs the SEC to request, by public notice, proposals for the privatization of the EDGAR system. (Sec. 111) Instructs the SEC to designate a self-regulatory organization as its examining authority for each registered broker or dealer. Grants such organization exclusive authority for routine examinations and concomitant reports. (Sec. 112) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exclude from the definition of "offer to buy" and "prospectus" certain offshore press conferences, meetings with issuer representatives conducted offshore, press releases or other material released offshore in which an offshore offering is discussed, irrespective of whether journalists from the United States or journalists for publications (including on- line services) with circulation in the United States attend such press conferences or receive such materials. (Sec. 113) Directs the SEC to report to the Congress on the continuing need for, and options for modification or elimination of, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Title II: Investment Company Act Amendments - Investment Company Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt from certain acquisition prohibitions the securities of a registered open-end investment company acquired by another such company belonging to the same group of investment companies if specified circumstances apply. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the amendment of registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to securities issued by face-amount certificate companies, open-end management companies or unit investment trusts. Repeals provisions for an increase in the number of securities specified in a registration, and deems any such registration to be for an indefinite number of securities. Prescribes formulae for the determination of registration fees, including interest due on late payments. (Sec. 204) Directs the SEC to permit the use of a prospectus containing substantive information not included in the prospectus specified in the Securities Act, but which shall be deemed permitted under such Act. (Sec. 205) Prescribes guidelines for the sale of variable insurance contracts. (Sec. 206) Repeals the requirement that a registered investment company file quarterly or semi-annual reports with the SEC. Requires the SEC to take specified steps to avoid unnecessary reporting and minimize the compliance burdens upon registered investment companies and their affiliated persons when exercising its authority to require the filing of information on a basis more frequently than semi-annually, and in the maintenance and preservation of requisite records. (Sec. 207) Revises the guidelines for the: (1) maintenance and preservation of investment company records for the SEC; and (2) annual reports to the SEC and shareholders. (Sec. 208) Revises the strictures on deceptive or misleading investment company names to declare unlawful the adoption of a name which is materially deceptive or misleading (the current standard is "deceptive or misleading"). Repeals the SEC's authority to bring an action in a U.S. district court for injunctive relief against a violator of such prohibition. (Sec. 209) Modifies the guidelines that exempt investment companies from the Act. Instructs the SEC to prescribe rules: (1) implementing such modified guidelines; and (2) permitting ownership by knowledgeable employees of an issuer of the securities of that issuer without loss of the issuer's statutory exception from treatment as an investment company.

Public Broadcasting Self-Sufficiency Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Transition from Federal Funding Subtitle A: Public Broadcasting Station Opportunities Subtitle B: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Financial Flexibility Title II: Privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Public Broadcasting Self-Sufficiency Act of 1996 - Title I: Transition from Federal Funding - Subtitle A: Public Broadcasting Station Opportunities - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to state that a prohibition against a public broadcasting station (PBS) making or broadcasting advertisements shall not prohibit a PBS from broadcasting: (1) well-established corporate logos or slogans, even if they include a call to action by viewers or listeners; or (2) strictly quantifiable comparative descriptions of products or services or their providers. Allows a noncommercial educational broadcast station to broadcast programs produced or furnished by, or at the expense of, persons other than the licensee and to receive compensation for such broadcasts. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the licensees or permittees of a commercial and a public broadcast television (TV) station to jointly petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to request an exchange of TV channels. Requires the FCC to act on such petition within 90 days, taking into account specified considerations. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the licensees of two overlapping stations, subject to specified requirements and limitations, to operate one such station for remunerative purposes, including the transmission of commercial TV programming originated by such licensee or by another party and the transmission of subscription TV or pay-per-view services. Provides remunerative use conditions. Directs the FCC to approve the sale of an overlapping station to one of the parties, upon application, for the operation of such station as a commercial TV station, under specified conditions. Subtitle B: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Financial Flexibility - Sets forth purposes of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including promoting the delivery of local public telecommunications services which advance education, support culture, and foster American citizenship. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for the Public Broadcasting Fund, to be available on a fiscal year basis. Directs the Corporation, through September 30, 2000 (transition period), to establish an annual budget for use in allocating amounts from the Fund. Prohibits more than five percent of all amounts appropriated into the Fund for allocation for any fiscal year from being used for administrative expenses, with 75 percent of the remainder allocated for public TV broadcasting and 25 percent for public radio broadcasting. Requires during the transition period: (1) public meetings preceded by reasonable notice before the awarding of public television or radio grants; (2) public access to financial reports of a public telecommunications entity; and (3) the Corporation to ensure that financial support is given on a one-station-per-market basis. Limits the rates of pay of employees of the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio (PBS and NPR). Establishes the Public Broadcasting Satellite Interconnection Fund, requiring PBS and NPR to prepare a final report for the Congress on the status of the Fund. Title II: Privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting - Provides membership requirements for members of the Corporation's Board of Directors who are chosen during the transition period, including the required experience. Repeals, upon the termination of the transition period, various provisions relating to the organization and duties of the Corporation. (Sec. 202) Amends the Act to direct the Corporation to establish a trust fund for the investment and management of funds to support public broadcasting, with specified fund income requirements. Directs the Corporation to ensure that where more than one public television station serves a community, the total trust fund grants provided to those stations are not more than would be provided if such community was served by a single station. Authorizes the Corporation to expend up to 25 percent of trust fund income for TV and radio program production. Authorizes the FCC to allocate by means of competitive bidding the initial licenses and construction permits for the use of the electromagnetic spectrum reserved for noncommercial education TV stations as of the enactment of this Act and for which no application has been accepted. Outlines bidding requirements. Authorizes appropriations received from such bidding (not to exceed $1 billion) to the trust fund. Authorizes the FCC to compensate licensees relinquishing their stations for allocation by such bidding. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, before making any appropriated funds available to the Corporation, to take specified action to verify Corporation compliance with trust fund requirements. Directs the Corporation to submit to the Congress an annual statement on the financial condition of the trust fund.

Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996

Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1996 - Authorizes appropriations for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for FY 1997. (Sec. 4) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require the SEC to collect securities registration fees that are designed to recover the costs to the Government of the securities registration process, and costs related to such process, including enforcement activities, policy and rulemaking activities, administration, legal services, and international regulatory activities. Revises the registration fee formula, increasing the minimum fee from $100 to $200, with a reduction to $182 beginning FY 2002. States that such fee shall be the sum of a general revenue fee and an offsetting collection fee. Sets the general revenue fee at $200 for each $1 million of the maximum aggregate price at which the securities in question are sold (reduced to $182 per $1 million beginning FY 2002). Schedules the offsetting collection rate for each $1 million of the maximum aggregate sales price of the securities in question in declining specified levels from $103 in FY 1997 to $17 in FY 2000, and zero in each succeeding fiscal year. Declares: (1) that no offsetting collection fees shall be collected for any fiscal year except to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts; and (2) that such fees collected during any fiscal year shall be deposited and credited as offsetting collections in accordance with appropriations Acts. States that, if on the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the SEC has not been enacted, the SEC shall continue to collect offsetting collections fees at the preceding fiscal year rate, until such regular appropriation is enacted. (Sec. 5) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise annual transaction fees that national securities exchanges and registered brokers and dealers must pay the SEC. Requires the SEC to collect transaction fees that are designed to recover the costs to the Government of the supervision and regulation of securities markets and securities professionals, and costs related to such supervision and regulation, including enforcement activities, policy and rulemaking activities, administration, legal services, and international regulatory activities. Requires every national securities exchange to pay the SEC an annual exchange-traded securities fee at a rate of $33 for each $1 million (reduced in FY 2002 to $25 per $1 million) of the aggregate dollar amount of sales of securities (other than bonds, debentures, and other evidences of indebtedness) transacted on such exchange. Eliminates specific reference to registered brokers and dealers. Requires every national securities association to pay the SEC an annual off-exchange-trade fee at a rate of $33 for each $1 million (reduced in FY 2002 to $25 per $1 million) of the aggregate dollar amount of sales transacted by or through any member of such association otherwise than on a national securities exchange of securities registered on such an exchange (other than bonds, debentures, and other evidences of indebtedness). Requires every national securities association to pay the SEC an annual fee for off-exchange-trades of last-sale-reported securities at a specified rate (determined according to a certain schedule) for each $1 million of the aggregate dollar amount of sales transacted by or through any member of such association otherwise than on a national securities exchange of securities (other than bonds, debentures, and other evidences of indebtedness) subject to prompt last sale reporting under SEC rules or the rules of a registered national securities association. Excludes from such fee any sales for which a regular off-exchange-trade fee is paid. Schedules the rate per $1 million for fees for off-exchange-trades of last-sale-reported securities in specified rising levels from $12 in FY 1997 to $25 in FY 2002 and each succeeding fiscal year. Declares that no offsetting collection fees shall be collected for any fiscal year before FY 2002 except to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. States that any such fees collected during any fiscal year, except in excess of certain levels, shall be deposited and credited as offsetting collections to the account providing appropriations to the SEC. Requires deposit and crediting as general revenues of the Treasury of total annual amounts of fees for off-exchange-trades of last-sale-reported securities: (1) exceeding specified levels ranging from $20 million in FY 1997 up to $32 million in each of FY 1999 through 2001; and (2) any such amount collected for FY 2002 and succeeding fiscal years. States that, if on the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the SEC has not been enacted, the SEC shall continue to collect fees for off-exchange-trades of last-sale-reported securities (as offsetting collections) at the preceding fiscal year rate, until such regular appropriation is enacted. Sets forth annual due dates for all fees. Requires annual publication of fee rates in the Federal Register. (Sec. 6) Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) the fees authorized by this Act are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any other specified fees and charges for Government services and things of value that the Securities and Exchange Commission is authorized to impose or collect; and (2) in order to maintain the competitiveness of U.S. securities markets relative to foreign markets, no fee should be assessed on transactions involving portfolios of equity securities taking place at times of day characterized by low volume and during non-traditional trading hours.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require two-thirds majorities for bills increasing taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.

National Motor Vehicle Safety, Anti-Theft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996

National Motor Vehicle Safety, Anti-Theft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Authorizes States to use Federal highway safety funds to defray the costs of establishing new procedures to comply with such requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit customs officers from allowing the export of self-propelled vehicles from the United States by transport (current law permits the export of used self-propelled vehicles provided ownership information is given), unless the exporter presents proof of ownership to such officer. Sets forth a civil penalty for violations of this requirement.

Expressing the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the standards proposed by the National Center for History in the Schools for the teaching of United States history and world history.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996

Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the standards proposed by the National Center for History in the Schools for the teaching of U.S. and world history.

Temporary Duty Suspension Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995

Temporary Duty Suspension Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the administering authority to suspend for up to one year the imposition of antidumping or countervailing duties with respect to a product if such authority determines that prevailing market conditions relating to the availability of such product in the United States make the imposition of such duties inappropriate. Requires potentially affected parties to be given an opportunity to comment before a suspension takes effect. Authorizes the extension of such suspensions for additional periods of up to one year each. Allows the reinstatement of such duties upon a finding of an insufficient basis for continuance of their suspension.

Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995

Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1995 - Provides that where a professional sports league approves the relocation of a team from a community in which the team has been located for at least ten years: (1) the registered mark that is used to identify the team becomes the property of the league; (2) the league shall reserve the mark for use only by the community from which the team is relocating until the earlier of the mark's expiration or the date on which the community informs the league that a team will not be using the mark; and (3) the mark may not be used by another team in the same league. (Sec. 4) Requires a team owner seeking to relocate the team to provide notice to the local government for the community in which the team's stadium or arena is located, the owner or operator of such stadium or arena, and each team that is a member of the professional sports league not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the team is to play in the new community. (Sec. 5) Directs the league, within a year after the submission of the name of an investor to a league, to grant to the investor a new expansion professional sports team franchise at a fee no greater than 85 percent of the franchise fee charged for the last expansion team franchise granted. Makes such requirement applicable to a league in any case in which: (1) the league approves, on or after January 1, 1993, the relocation of a team from one community to another; (2) not later than three years after such relocation, the community in which the team was previously located submits the name of an investor to be granted a new team franchise in such community; and (3) the investor demonstrates that he is financially able to purchase and support a team by placing the prescribed amount, plus the sale price of the last team sale approved by the league, in an escrow account. Authorizes the league, for ten years after granting an expansion team franchise, to approve a resale of the team but not the team's relocation. Makes this section inapplicable to a team that relocates within 60 miles of the community. (Sec. 6) Permits under the antitrust laws a league to enforce rules or agreements authorizing its membership to decide whether a member team may relocate from one community to another. Requires a league, in determining whether to approve such a relocation, to make specific findings, including regarding fan loyalty, the extent to which the team received public financial support, and whether there is a bona fide investor offering fair market value that will retain the team in the current community. (Sec. 7) Sets forth penalties for failure to comply with this Act. Provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.

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.