United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
Urges the President, the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Commerce to take appropriate steps to: (1) eliminate, through international agreements, restrictive foreign shipping practices which restrain U.S.-flag carriers from equitable participation in the ocean transportation of imported motor vehicles into the United States from countries that export more than 50,000 motor vehicles to the United States; (2) increase the number of U.S.-flag vessels owned by U.S. citizens that transport such vehicles in foreign commerce; and (3) report to the Congress on the steps taken and progress made.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Panama Canal Amendments Act of 1994 - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to reestablish the Panama Canal Commission as a wholly owned government corporation within the executive branch.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Panama Canal Amendments Act of 1994 - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to reestablish the Panama Canal Commission as a wholly owned government corporation within the executive branch.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from determining a species as an endangered or threatened species, or from designating a critical habitat of a species, until such Act has been reauthorized.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals Title II: Reform of Exclusionary Rule Title III: Prisons Title IV: Enhanced Gun Penalties Title V: Death Penalty Title VI: Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act Title VII: Conditions of Confinement Victims' Rights Act of 1994 - Title I: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for Federal prisoners filing for collateral relief. (Sec. 106) Sets forth special habeas corpus procedures for cases brought by prisoners in State custody who are subject to a capital sentence, provided that: (1) a State establishes by rule of its court of last resort or by statute a mechanism for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable litigation expenses of competent counsel in State post-conviction proceedings brought by indigent prisoners whose capital convictions and sentences have been upheld on direct appeal to such court or have otherwise become final; and (2) such rule or statute provides standards of competency for the appointment of counsel. Provides for a mandatory stay of execution during the post-conviction review initiated pursuant to this title. Details conditions which will cause such stay to expire. Prohibits a Federal court from entering a stay of execution or granting relief in a capital case unless specified conditions are met. Sets forth time limits for determining petitions. Authorizes the State or Government to enforce such time limits by applying to the court of appeals or the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus. Title II: Reform of Exclusionary Rule - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure on the grounds that the search or seizure was in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution if the search or seizure was carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with such amendment. Makes the fact that evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant prima facie evidence of the existence of such circumstances. Prohibits the exclusion of evidence on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure unless expressly authorized by statute or rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Title III: Prisons - Requires the Attorney General to implement and enforce regulations which: (1) mandate prison work for all able-bodied inmates in Federal penal and correctional institutions; and (2) prohibit the Government provision in inmates' cells of television, radio, telephone, stereo, or similar amenities. (Sec. 302) Directs the Bureau of Prisons to take care that: (1) prisoners under its jurisdiction do not engage in any activities designed to increase both their physical strength and their fighting ability; and (2) all equipment designed for this purpose be removed from Federal correctional facilities. Title IV: Enhanced Gun Penalties - Enhances penalties for persons convicted of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a felony. Title V: Death Penalty - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise procedures involving jury findings in capital cases. Directs the jury or, if there is no jury, the court to: (1) consider whether aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors; (2) recommend a sentence of death if it unanimously finds at least one aggravating factor and no mitigating factor or if it finds one or more aggravating factors which outweigh any mitigating factors; and (3) not recommend such sentence in any other case. Requires the jury to be instructed that: (1) it must avoid any influence of sympathy, sentiment, passion, prejudice, or other arbitrary factors in its decision and should make such a recommendation as the information warrants; and (2) its recommendation concerning a sentence of death is to be based on the aggravating and mitigating factors found, but that the final decision concerning the balance of aggravating and mitigating factors is a matter for the jury's judgment. Title VI: Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act - Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to prohibit any civil action for deprivation of rights from being brought by an adult convicted of a crime confined in any correctional facility until available plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies are exhausted. Specifies that such exhaustion of administrative remedies may not be required unless the Attorney General has certified or the court has determined that such remedies are in substantial compliance with specified minimum acceptable standards (as under current law) or are otherwise fair and effective. (Sec. 602) Requires the court to dismiss any such action if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted or is frivolous or malicious. (Sec. 603) Repeals a provision requiring that the minimum standards provide for an advisory role for employees and inmates in the formulation, implementation, and operation of the system. (Sec. 604) Requires the Attorney General to develop a procedure for the prompt review and certification of systems for the resolution of grievances of adults confined in any correctional or pretrial detention facility if such systems are in substantial compliance with the minimum standards (current law) or are otherwise fair and effective. Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend or withdraw certification at any time he has reasonable cause to believe that such procedure is no longer in substantial compliance or is no longer fair and effective. (Sec. 605) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court to request an attorney to represent a person financially unable to employ counsel (current law) at any time. Requires (current law authorizes) the court to dismiss the case if the allegation of poverty is untrue, or if satisfied that the action is frivolous or malicious. Requires: (1) a prisoner in a correctional institution who files an affidavit of indigency to include a statement of all assets such prisoner possesses; and (2) the court to make inquiry of the institution for information relating to the extent of the prisoner's assets and to require full or partial payment of filing fees according to the prisoner's ability to pay. Title VII: Conditions of Confinement - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny the district court in any action challenging the constitutionality of conditions of confinement in any correctional institution housing persons accused or convicted of a crime or juveniles adjudicated delinquent, jurisdiction to issue or enforce any order that: (1) imposes a ceiling on the population of any institution or requires any adjustment of the release dates of inmates; or (2) prohibits the use of tents or prefabricated structures for housing inmates.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1994
Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to repeal the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from three years to five years the period during which Medicare select policies may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1994
George Washington Boyhood Home Commemorative Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of a profile of George Washington and a depiction of his xboyhood home. Declares that all surcharges received from coin sales shall be paid to the George Washington Boyhood Home Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
Amends the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act to remove from the definition of a "semiautomatic assault weapon" the manufacture, transfer, or possession of which, with exceptions, is prohibited: (1) certain semiautomatic rifles and pistols that have an ability to accept a detachable magazine; and (2) certain semiautomatic shotguns.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Grants for Correctional Facilities Title II: State and Local Law Enforcement Grants Title III: Protection Against Sexually Violent Predators Title IV: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals Title V: Reform of 'Exclusionary Rule' Title VI: Truth-In-Sentencing Title VII: Prison Work Required; Luxuries Abolished Title VIII: Improving Border Controls Title IX: Enhanced Gun Penalties Title X: Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund Title XI: Mandatory Life Imprisonment for Persons Convicted of Certain Felonies Back-To-Basics Crime Control Act of 1994 - Title I: Grants for Correctional Facilities - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to States to construct, expand, and improve prisons and jails. Authorizes specified sums to each State without conditions imposed by the Federal Government, except requirements to comply with this title and to use such funds exclusively for the construction of prisons and jails. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth formulas for the distribution of funds in FY 1995 and in FY 1996 through 1999 based on violent crimes reported by the States to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). (Sec. 102) Specifies that 25 percent of total funds appropriated under this title shall be allocated to each eligible State according to a formula which takes into account the percentage change in the time to be served by persons convicted of violent crimes. Directs that States which have achieved a truth in sentencing standard of violent criminals serving 85 percent of prison time assessed receive the incentive funds, subject to specified requirements. Title II: State and Local Law Enforcement Grants - Requires the Attorney General to make grants to States to increase the number of law enforcement officers in service. Authorizes specified funds, without conditions imposed by the Federal Government (except that the funds be used exclusively to increase the number of law enforcement officers in service). Requires States to allocate 80 percent of their grants to local government for use by local law enforcement, as nearly as possible in proportion to the populations served by such local law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Title III: Protection Against Sexually Violent Predators - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish guidelines for State programs to require a sexually violent predator to register a current address with a designated State LEA upon being released from prison or being placed on parole or supervised release; and (2) approve each State program that complies with the guidelines. Makes States that do not implement and maintain such programs ineligible to receive ten percent of the funds that would otherwise be allocated to the State in drug control and system improvement grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Requires: (1) the determination that a person is, or is no longer, a sexually violent predator to be made by the sentencing court after receiving a report by a board of experts on sexual offenses; and (2) each State to establish a board composed of experts in the field of the behavior and treatment of sexual offenders. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) notification regarding the duty of an offender to register and to provide any new address to a designated State LEA and of a State prison official to obtain specified information; (2) the transfer of information to the State LEA and to the FBI; (3) quarterly verification of the released offender's address; (4) penalties for failing to register and keep the registration current; (5) termination of the obligation to register; (6) community notification concerning a predator required to register; and (7) immunity for good faith conduct by LEAs, their employees, and State officials. Title IV: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for Federal prisoners filing for collateral relief. (Sec. 406) Sets forth special habeas corpus procedures in capital cases brought by prisoners in State custody who are subject to a capital sentence. Makes such procedures contingent upon: (1) a State establishing by rule of its court of last resort or by statute a mechanism for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable litigation expenses of competent counsel in State post convictions and sentences have been upheld on direct appeal to such court or have otherwise become final; and (2) such rule or statute providing standards of competency for the appointment of counsel. Provides for a mandatory stay of execution during the post-conviction review initiated pursuant to this title. Details conditions which will cause such stay to expire. Prohibits a Federal court from entering a stay of execution or granting relief in a capital case unless specified conditions are met. Sets forth lime limits for determining petitions. Authorizes the State or Government to enforce such time limits by applying to the court of appeals or the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus. Title V: Reform of 'Exclusionary Rule' - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure, in a proceeding in a court of the United States, on the grounds that the search or seizure was in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution if it was carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with such amendment. Makes the fact that evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant prima facie evidence of the existence of such circumstances. Prohibits the exclusion of evidence, in a proceeding in a U.S. court, on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure unless exclusion is expressly authorized by statute or by a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Title VI: Truth in Sentencing - Amends the Federal criminal code to permit the Bureau of Prisons to add, in its discretion, additional time to a prisoner's sentence of up to 15 percent of the prisoner's term for unsatisfactory behavior. Prohibits a sentence from being reduced for satisfactory behavior to a term less than the original sentence nominally imposed. Title VII: Prison Work Required; Luxuries Abolished - Directs the Attorney General to implement and enforce regulations which: (1) mandate prison work for all able-bodied inmates in Federal penal and correctional institutions; and (2) prohibit the Government provision in inmates' cells of television, radio, telephone, stereo, or similar amenities. (Sec. 702) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit awards of Pell grants to prisoners in Federal or State penal institutions. Title VIII: Improving Border Controls - Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes and directs the Attorney General to use such funds to permit the commander of the Border Patrol to increase by at least 6,000 the number of border patrol agent positions above the number of such positions as July 1, 1994. (Sec. 802) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for expedited deportation and exclusion of criminal aliens. Prohibits reentry of an alien into the United States during the minimum period of confinement to which the alien was sentenced. Authorizes the Attorney General to prescribe special regulations for the registration and fingerprinting of aliens on criminal probation or parole. Expands the definitions of "aggravated felony." (Sec. 805) Sets forth deportation procedures for certain criminal aliens who are not permanent residents. Grants a U.S. district court jurisdiction to enter a judicial order of deportation at the time of sentencing against an alien whose criminal conviction causes such alien to be deportable under provisions relating to conviction of an aggravated felony if requested prior to sentencing by the U.S. Attorney. (Sec. 807) Restricts defenses to deportation for certain criminal aliens. Enhances penalties for failing to depart or reentering after a final order of deportation. (Sec. 810) Authorizes appropriations for a criminal alien information system. Title IX: Enhanced Gun Penalties - Amends the Federal criminal code to enhance penalties imposed upon persons convicted of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a felony. (Sec. 902) Sets a mandatory minimum sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fugitive from justice, addict or unlawful user of a controlled substance, or transferor or receiver of a stolen firearm. (Sec. 903) Increases the general penalty for violation of Federal firearms laws. Title X: Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Establishes a Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund as a separate account in the Treasury into which shall be transferred savings realized from implementation of provisions of the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act of 1994. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) transfers into, and appropriations from, the Fund; (2) annual reporting requirements on the status of the Fund; and (3) allocation of sums in the Fund. Extends authorizations of appropriations for fiscal years for which the full amount authorized is not appropriated. Title XI: Mandatory Life Imprisonment for Persons Convicted of Certain Felonies - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for mandatory life imprisonment for persons convicted in Federal court of a serious violent felony if: (1) the person has been convicted (and the conviction has become final) on separate prior occasions in a Federal or State court of two or more serious violent felonies, or one or more serious violent felonies and one or more serious drug offenses; and (2) each serious violent felony or serious drug offense used as a basis for sentencing under this title, other than the first, was committed after the defendant's conviction of the preceding serious violent felony or serious drug offense. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) persons subject to the criminal jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government; and (2) resentencing upon the overturning of a prior conviction. (Sec. 1102) Prohibits the court from reducing the sentence of a defendant unless specified conditions are met, including that defendant is at least age 70, has served at least 30 years in prison for the offense or offenses for which the defendant is currently imprisoned, and a determination has been made by the Director of the Bureau of Prisons that the defendant is not a danger to the safety of any other person or the community.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1994
Declares that the Congress: (1) recognizes the need for and desirability of recreational hunting on national wildlife refuges; (2) recognizes both the financial and organizational support provided by recreational hunters to national wildlife refuges and other Federal lands; and (3) commends professional refuge managers who work to enhance wildlife resources.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1994 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans (IRAs) by active participants in employer-maintained plans, thereby restoring the IRA deduction. Provides an inflation adjustment after 1995. Allows certain spouses a full deduction for contributions to an IRA. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus (IRA Plus) accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses, and assist certain unemployed individuals. Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1994
Commends the U.S. rice industry for its decision to establish an industry organization. Recognizes the success such decision will have in promoting the interests of the rice industry and the rice-consuming public.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1994
Declares that any welfare reform legislation that passes the House of Representatives should: (1) result in net savings to the U.S. taxpayer within five years; (2) limit increases in aggregate spending for welfare programs to the rate of inflation; (3) not require any new taxes; (4) not increase the Federal deficit by more than the amount by which it would increase in the absence of the legislation; and (5) not require State or local governments to bear any administrative costs that would not be borne by such governments in the absence of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Maritime Regulatory Reform Act of 1994 - Amends Federal maritime law to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates, in order to implement the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention adopted by the International Maritime Organization and to establish alternative compliance programs, to: (1) prescribe regulations governing the U.S. merchant marine, merchant marine personnel, and shore-based management of vessels that affect the safety of vessels and personnel and marine pollution prevention; and (2) establish optional regulatory requirements commensurate with the level of quality control adopted by the shipowner or operator, provided that an equivalent level of safety is maintained. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary to utilize reports, documents, and certificates issued by persons who may be relied upon with regard to marine safety, security, and environmental protection. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to accept approvals of fire and life safety equipment and materials by foreign governments which utilize design and testing standards that meet the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, and its associated International Maritime Organization guidance documents. (Sec. 5) Requires each in service small passenger vessel carrying more than 12 passengers on an international voyage to be inspected annually. Requires any other vessel to be inspected at least once every five years (currently, every two years). Extends from two to five years the effective validation period of certificates of inspection issued to U.S. vessels that carry oil or hazardous material in bulk. (Sec. 6) Requires the owner or individual in charge of a vessel to submit certain inspection related notices to the Secretary at least 30 days (currently, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days) before the current certificate of inspection issued to a vessel expires. (Sec. 7) Revises provisions regarding the recognition of U.S. classification societies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Condemns anti-Christian bigotry and all other forms of religious intolerance. Condemns individuals and organizations that foster intolerance, suspicion, hatred, or fear of individuals who: (1) hold values rooted in religious tenets; (2) participate in the political process to ensure that the laws of the Nation reflect such values; and (3) advocate public policies that are respectful of such values. Declares it to be the policy of the House of Representatives to seek to ensure that the rights of individuals to participate in the political process of the Nation are not infringed on the basis of their religious belief or affiliations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Immigrants and Refugees Title II: Border Control Title III: Interior Enforcement Title IV: Document Reform Title V: State and Local Responsibilities Title VI: Public Benefits Abuse Title VII: Strengthening Citizenship Title VIII: Immigration and Naturalization Service Immigration Reduction Act of 1994 - Title I: Immigrants and Refugees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise immigration levels with respect to: (1) the worldwide level of backlogged family-sponsored immigrants; and (2) allocations for priority-worker immigrants. (Sec. 102) Limits the number of refugees who may be admitted to the United States for special humanitarian concerns. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the granting of asylum to aliens who will be threatened in their country based upon race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Prohibits such persons from receiving any preference or priority or from being discriminated against in the granting or termination of asylum based on race, sex, religion, or nationality. (Sec. 104) Repeals the authority to grant temporary protected status to aliens. Prohibits an alien who is excludable or deportable from remaining in the United States or engaging in employment in the United States. (Sec. 105) Prohibits the Attorney General from paroling into the United States groups or classes of aliens. Prohibits such aliens from being authorized to work in the United States. Limits the number of such parolees. Title II: Border Control - Increases the number of full-time border patrol personnel in the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 1999. (Sec. 202) Imposes a land border and port of entry user fee on persons entering the United States. Title III: Interior Enforcement - Increases the number of full-time investigative personnel in INS. (Sec. 302) Restores the authority of immigration officers and employees to conduct searches without warrants. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make available to the Attorney General defense facilities suitable for the detention of aliens. (Sec. 304) Grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction over immigration cases. (Sec. 305) Imposes a penalty on aliens for unlawful presence in the United States. Authorizes the seizure of certain property of deportable aliens. (Sec. 308) Requires the Attorney General to inform an alien who is departing voluntarily of the date and time such departure must be accomplished. Title IV: Document Reform - Revises provisions concerning the examination of work eligibility documents of aliens, including social security cards and identification cards issued by INS. (Sec. 402) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify the Social Security data base to provide for an electronic verification system of information on aliens. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to establish a national electronic network linking the vital statistics records of State agencies. (Sec. 404) Requires aliens who have not lawfully immigrated to the United States to be employed to obtain a visa for nonimmigrant status that explicitly contemplates employment. Title V: State and Local Responsibilities - Makes a State or local government or agency that does not cooperate with Federal immigration authorities ineligible for any Federal funds or assistance relating to law enforcement, education, public health, transportation, or public works. (Sec. 502) Requires State law enforcement agencies to notify the appropriate INS district office of alien arrests. (Sec. 503) Requires confidentiality of immigration-related communications. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Attorney General to deputize state law enforcement officers to assist Federal officers in the apprehension of aliens in violation of immigration laws. Title VI: Public Benefits Abuse - Prohibits the payment of: (1) direct Federal financial or social insurance benefits to illegal aliens; or (2) unemployment benefits to aliens without employment authorization. (Sec. 603) Revises the requirements for immigrant sponsors with respect to their financial responsibilities. Title VII: Strengthening Citizenship - Prohibits automatic citizenship to persons born in the United States of parents who are not citizens. (Sec. 702) Restricts the voting privilege to citizens of the United States. (Sec. 703) Increases from 50 years to 60 years the age for which elderly aliens are exempt from English language requirements for naturalization. Declares that the commission of a fraud upon the INS shall be conclusive evidence that an alien lacks good moral character for purposes of naturalization requirements. (Sec. 704) Authorizes a State to commence a civil suit against the head of a Federal agency for immigration law violations. Title VIII: Immigration and Naturalization Service - Establishes INS as an agency of the Federal government outside of the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1994
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to provide financial assistance for conservation of rhinoceros and tiger projects. Authorizes the Convention of International Trade Endangered Species on Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat, or any other person, to submit to the Secretary a project proposal for the conservation of such animals. Establishes in the Treasury the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit donated and appropriated funds into such fund. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President is: (1) required to obtain the prior approval of the Congress before U.S. armed forces may undertake offensive military action against the military leadership of Haiti in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 940; and (2) recognized as having the inherent authority to use such forces to protect or evacuate U.S. citizens from imminent danger or for humanitarian purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1994
Small Business Incentive Act of 1993 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5 million to $10 million the size of small business offerings that are exempt from the registration requirements of the Act. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exclude from its definition of "investment company" any issuer all of whose securities are held by certain investors whom the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has determined possess such financial sophistication, net worth, and other specified factors as not to need the protections of such Act. Empowers the SEC to define such "qualified purchasers." Sets forth conditions under which certain business and industrial development companies that are already subject to regulation by the State in which they are organized are exempt from the regulatory constraints of such Act. Increases to $10 million the maximum aggregate amount of proceeds that certain interstate closed-end investment companies may receive from the sale of their outstanding securities and still retain their exempt status under such Act. Expands the definition of "eligible portfolio company" to include any company which does not have total assets in excess of $4 million and capital and surpluses in excess of $2 million. Declares that a "business development company" is not required to make available significant managerial assistance with respect to any eligible portfolio company or any other company that meets certain SEC criteria. Permits a business development company to acquire the securities of an eligible portfolio company from persons other than such portfolio company itself. Requires a business development company to file with the SEC a written evaluation of the risk factors involved in investment due to the nature of the company's capital structure.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress disapproving of the Japanese Food Agency's decision not to fulfill its commitment to purchase 75,000 metric tons of U.S. rice.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1994
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the exclusion of evidence in a proceeding in a U.S. court on the ground that the search and seizure was in violation of the Fourth Amendment if carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with such amendment. Specifies that the fact that evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant constitutes prima facie evidence of the existence of such circumstances. Prohibits the exclusion of evidence in such a proceeding on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure unless exclusion is expressly authorized by statute or rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1994
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1994 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of specified prostate cancer screening services and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such screening and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for certain public health programs related to prostate cancer research and education. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support prostate cancer health services and screening and treatment procedures; and (2) provide for the development, periodic review, and updating of clinically relevant guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that neither the President nor any other entity in the executive branch should attempt to impose a racially based quota system to challenge death penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Federal Reform of Health Care Malpractice Title III: Requirements for ADR Medical Malpractice Fairness Act of 1994 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding definitions and the period of applicability of this Act. Title II: Federal Reform of Health Care Malpractice - Prohibits a health care malpractice action from being brought in any: (1) State court unless the claim that is the subject of the action has been initially resolved under an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or, in the case of a State in which such a system is not in effect, under the alternative Federal system established under this Act); and (2) Federal court based on diversity of citizenship unless the claim has been initially resolved under the system that applied in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for the resolution of tort claims consisting of such claims brought against the United States. Prohibits an action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under such process. Sets forth procedures for filing actions. Makes each defendant in such an action severally but not jointly liable. Directs that each defendant's fault be determined on the basis of the defendant's percentage of responsibility. Limits to $250,000 the total of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and the claimant's family for losses resulting from the injury, regardless of the number of parties or actions brought with respect to the injury. Prohibits the award of punitive damages except in cases of gross or criminal negligence. Limits such awards against the manufacturer or seller of a medical product causing injury. Directs that any punitive damages awarded be: (1) paid to the State in which the action is brought or, in a case brought in Federal court, the State in which the health care services that caused the injury were provided; and (2) used for activities to assure the safety and quality of health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reductions for contributions from collateral sources; (2) periodic payment of damages for future expenses; (3) a uniform statute of limitations; (4) attorney's fees and costs; (5) expert witness qualifications; (6) preemption; and (7) sovereign immunity and choice of law or venue. Title III: Requirements for ADR - Sets requirements for State ADR systems. Provides for the certification of State systems and the applicability of the alternative Federal system, as well as the treatment of States with an alternative system already in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should refrain from signing the seabed mining agreement relating to the Law of the Sea Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not undertake any military action against Haiti unless the President first certifies to the Congress that there exists a clear and present danger to the citizens of the United States and that U.S. interests require such action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1994
Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act to authorize reduced appropriations for FY 1995 through 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994
Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1994 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States and political subdivisions to require the movement of municipal solid waste generated, and recyclable material voluntarily relinquished by its owner, within their jurisdictions to waste management or recycling facilities if such requirement: (1) is imposed pursuant to a law, ordinance, or other official act of the State or political subdivision in effect on January 1, 1994; and (2) has been implemented by designating before such date the particular management facilities in operation as of such date to which the municipal solid waste and recyclables must be moved. Makes such authority effective for the remaining life of a contract between the State or political subdivision and any other person regarding the movement or delivery of such waste or recyclable materials as in effect on January 1, 1994, or until completion of the schedule for payment of capital costs of the facility concerned, as in effect on such date, whichever is longer.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1994
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize a State in which all or part of a Severe ozone nonattainment area is located to submit a plan revision requiring employers in such area to implement programs to reduce work-related vehicle trips and miles by employees. (Current law requires such States to submit such revision within two years of the enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990). Authorizes such revision to require employers in such areas to increase average passenger occupancy per vehicle in commuting trips between home and workplace during peak travel periods. (Current law requires specified increases in average passenger occupancy.) Authorizes (currently, requires) the revision to require employers subject to a vehicle occupancy requirement to submit a compliance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission for FY 1995. Derives a portion of the sum of such appropriations in each fiscal year in an amount determined from the establishment and adjustment of regulatory fees under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that for purposes of issuing final guidelines under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relating to unlawful harassment in employment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should exclude harassment based on religion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Juvenile Criminal Act of 1994 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to include among the Act's: (1) findings that emphasis should be placed on identifying hardcore youths who should be transferred from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system; and (2) purposes to assist State and local governments in improving the identification of hardcore juvenile offenders and the removal of such offenders from the juvenile justice system. Requires State plans under the Act to provide: (1) specified funding for the establishment and maintenance of an effective system that requires the prosecution of at least those juveniles who are 14 years of age and older as adults, rather than in juvenile proceedings, for listed offenses (murder or attempted murder; robbery, battery, or rape while armed with a firearm; any other crime the State deems appropriate; and the fourth or subsequent occasion on which such juveniles engage in an activity for which adults could be imprisoned for a term exceeding one year) unless, on a case-by-case basis, the transfer of such juveniles for disposition in the juvenile justice system is determined under State law to be in the interest of justice; and (2) that the State ensure that whenever a juvenile is adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding to have engaged in such offenses that a record be kept relating to that adjudication, the juvenile be fingerprinted and photographed (with such fingerprints and photograph sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), and the court in which the adjudication takes place transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and disposition. Provides for a reduction of sums allotted to a State for a fiscal year by 16 2/3 percent for each of specified paragraphs of the Act with respect to which noncompliance occurs. (Current law provides for a reduction by 25 percent and doesn't include the requirements added by this Act in determining noncompliance.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to increase the amounts transferred from State fish restoration and management project appropriations for grants for recreational boating safety programs. Revises funding from the same appropriations for grants to coastal and inland States for: (1) the construction and renovation of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities; and (2) education of recreational boaters about the problems of human body waste discharges from vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Designates September 16, 1994, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at: (1) all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1994 (Memorial Day), September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1994 (Veterans Day); and (2) the White House and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Selective Service System on September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Personnel Management Improvement Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1994 - Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 1995 for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors relating to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission in support of specified activities; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (5) alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States constituting obstructions to navigation, and personnel and administrative costs associated with the Bridge Alteration Program; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities. (Sec. 102) Authorizes: (1) an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 39,000 as of September 30, 1995; (2) specified military training student loads for FY 1995; and (3) appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for operation and maintenance expenses of Coast Guard drug interdiction activities for FY 1995. Title II: Personnel Management Improvement - Makes provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1993 regarding homeowners assistance for certain individuals affected by Hurricane Andrew applicable to the military personnel of the Coast Guard who were assigned to, or employed at or in connection with, any Federal facility or installation in the vicinity of Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, subject to specified limitations. (Sec. 202) Repeals a requirement that, upon approval by the President, the names of officers selected by a board for continuation on active duty shall be promptly disseminated to the Coast Guard at large. (Sec. 203) Specifies that reserve members ordered to active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces shall not be counted in computing the authorized strength of members on active duty or members in grade under any law. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to conduct informal investigations of marine casualties, but does not require the Secretary to hold an informal investigation open to the public. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) make child development services available to members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard, and, as remaining space is available, to members of the armed forces and Federal civilian employees; (2) require that fees for such services at Coast Guard child development centers be used only for compensation of center employees directly involved in providing child care, with exceptions; (3) use Department of Defense or other training programs to insure that all child development services providers meet minimum standards; and (4) provide assistance to members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard for obtaining services of qualified family home child development services providers. Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management - Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to collect and pay to the Treasury the same fees for the inspection of foreign vessels carrying passengers from the United States that a foreign country charges U.S. vessels trading to the ports of that country. (Sec. 302) Increases civil penalties for violations of provisions regarding documentation of vessels. Revises Federal provisions to make a vessel and its equipment liable to seizure by, and forfeiture to, the U.S. Government if: (1) the owner of the vessel or a representative or agent of the owner knowingly falsifies or conceals a material fact or makes a false statement or representation about the documentation or in applying for documentation of the vessel; (2) a certificate of documentation is knowingly and fraudulently used for the vessel; (3) the vessel is operated after its endorsement has been denied or revoked; (4) the vessel is employed in a trade without an appropriate trade endorsement; or (5) in the case of a documented vessel with only a recreational endorsement, the vessel is operated other than for pleasure. Removes specified limitations on the operation of recreational vessels. (Sec. 304) Directs the Commandant to operate a rescue and patrol vessel on the Mississippi River in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to support Coast Guard rescue, law enforcement, marine safety, marine environmental protection, and port security missions. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary, for purposes of altering the Florida Avenue Bridge in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to treat the drainage siphon that is adjacent to the bridge as an appurtenance of the bridge. (Sec. 306) Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 to terminate the Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee and the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Advisory Committee on October 1, 1999. (Sec. 307) Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from consolidating the Coast Guard Marine Safety Offices in Galveston and Houston, Texas. (Sec. 308) Directs the Coast Guard to: (1) transfer to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy $500,000 to continue the oil spill simulator activities at the Academy; and (2) designate the Center for Marine Environmental Protection and Safety at the Massachusetts Marine Academy as a regional facility for the conduct and evaluation of annual response area management team exercises for two response areas in the East Coast.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of Congress should have the opportunity to offer, debate, and vote on an amendment striking any employer mandate in any legislation to reform our health care system.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
Library of Congress Book Protection Act of 1994 - Requires the Librarian of Congress to promulgate regulations to: (1) establish a schedule of late fines for any borrower who has a book on loan for more than 70 days; (2) assess a late fine on such borrower; (3) suspend his or her loan privileges and that of all borrowers on his or her office loan account if the borrower has not returned a book after such period; (4) reinstate the loan privileges of any borrower after the return of the book and the payment of all late fines; and (5) provide for waivers, at the discretion of the Librarian, with regard to all or any part of an assessed late fine and the suspension of all or any part of the borrower's loan privileges. Requires the Librarian to establish a Late Book Fine Fund to be available to the Librarian without fiscal year limitation for general operating expenses of the Library of Congress and the replacement of lost or stolen books. Prohibits Federal funds from being used to pay the assessed late fine. Imposes a fine for such violation. Requires the Librarian to include in the annual report submitted to the Congress: (1) the estimated number of books that are missing from the Library due to borrowers who have had loan privileges suspended; (2) the name of any office with an office loan account that includes any borrower who has had loan privileges suspended and has been assessed late fines that have not been paid for more than one month; (3) the total amount of such fines assessed to each named office; (4) all monies deposited in the Fund; and (5) the amounts and uses of expenditures from the Fund.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000111_200.jpg)