United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
Capital Budget Commission Act of 1994 - Establishes the Capital Budget Commission to study and report to the Congress on capital budgeting, including an evaluation of what should be included in a capital budget for the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to: (1) focus on growth-sustaining investments; and (2) establish a process encouraging long-term investment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1994
Declares that the Congress: (1) recognizes October 2, 1994, as the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi; (2) commends his unique role in establishing the state of India and its democratic institutions; and (3) congratulates his leadership, which has enhanced the friendship between the United States and India.
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 · 22 September 1994
Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act - Establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission to commemorate the first manned airplane flight by the Wright brothers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Condemns the involvement of Pakistan in acts of terrorism in other countries and any involvement by Pakistan in the illegal manufacture, sale, transportation, or distribution of any narcotic substance. Urges Pakistan to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement authorities to reduce and eliminate the growing heroin trade in Pakistan. Urges the Administration to review the 1993 State Department decision to drop Pakistan from the watch list of nations suspected of supporting terrorism. Reaffirms the validity and wisdom of the Pressler Amendment prohibiting foreign assistance to Pakistan in light of Prime Minister Sharif's public admission that Pakistan has possessed nuclear weapons for several years despite repeated assurances to the contrary to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Title V: Bramwell National Historic District Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments American Heritage Areas Act of 1994 - Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program - American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 - Establishes the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program within the Department of the Interior, consisting of such Areas designated by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) evaluate nominated Areas; (2) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; and (3) consider any designated Heritage Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if the Area meets the nomination qualifications. Provides that an area may be designated as an American Heritage Area only by an Act of the Congress or by the means provided in title II. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of an Area feasibility study and compact. (Sec. 106) Sets forth provisions regarding compacts (relating to the objectives and management of Areas proposed for designation) and management plans (which shall present comprehensive recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of such Areas). Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for early actions that are important to the theme of an Area and that protect resources that would be in imminent danger of irreversible damage otherwise. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the management entities named in the compacts for American Heritage Areas to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plans and otherwise perform the functions contemplated in this title. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) withdrawal of the designation of an Area; (2) matching grants; (3) technical and other assistance; (4) spending Federal funds on non-federally owned property; (5) reporting requirements; (6) duties of Federal entities conducting Area activities; and (7) the lack of effect of this Act on other land use regulation. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations. Specifies funding limitations. Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas - Designates the following areas, subject to specified requirements, as part of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program: (1) American Coal Heritage Area, West Virginia and Virginia; (2) Augusta Canal American Heritage Area, Georgia; (3) Cane River American Heritage Area, Louisiana; (4) Essex American Heritage Area, Massachusetts; (5) Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area, New York; (6) Ohio & Erie Canal American Heritage Area, Ohio; (7) Shenandoah Valley Battlefields American Heritage Area, Virginia; (8) Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Pennsylvania; (9) Vancouver American Heritage Area, Washington; and (10) Wheeling American Heritage Area, West Virginia. Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas - Directs the Secretary to complete a study on the suitability and feasibility of designating the following as American Heritage Areas: (1) Ohio River corridor, from its headwaters in Pennsylvania to its confluence with the Mississippi River; (2) Fox and Lower Wisconsin River corridors, Wisconsin; (3) a corridor formed by Oconee and other specified counties, South Carolina; and (4) Tryon County, in the Mohawk Valley of New York State, and the Country of the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy). Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments - Amends the Act establishing the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to make changes with respect to boundaries, membership and termination of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, and plan revision and implementation. Directs the Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan and submit the revised plan to the Secretary and the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for approval. Specifies that the revision shall address any change in the boundaries of the Corridor that occurs after submission of the plan and shall include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, or managed because of the natural and cultural significance of the areas or features. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds for projects in the Corridor that exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, environmental, educational, or interpretive opportunities, without regard to whether the projects are in public or private ownership. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application procedures; and (2) funding and funding limitations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Bramwell National Historic District - Designates the Bramwell National Historic District, West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of West Virginia, or any political subdivision thereof, to further the purposes of the Historic District. Sets forth provisions regarding the ration of non-Federal funds and agreements regarding payments. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments - Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Amendments Act - Amends the Act establishing in the Department of the Interior the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission (the Act) to designate the Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area. Specifies that such Area shall not be considered an American Heritage Area for purposes of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 or the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program. (Sec. 604) Directs the Commission to revise: (1) the management plan developed before the date of enactment of this title to provide for limited Federal involvement; and (2) the scope and cost document developed before such date to reflect the total cost of each project proposed for approval and the Federal portion of such cost. Specifies that both the management plan and the scope and cost document shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval. Bars the Commission from making loans or grants involving Federal funds except as provided in this title. Limits specified funds available for the preservation or restoration of historic properties in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each project so assisted. Specifies that Federal funds available under the Act with respect to projects may be made available only for projects that are consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Historic Properties promulgated by the Secretary. Sets forth additional funding limitations. (Sec. 606) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Secretary to provide signs, interpretive materials, and other informational devices for a vehicular tour route known as the Path of Progress Heritage Route.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1994
Commends the work of private voluntary organizations that have made life more bearable for Romanian children infected with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus. Calls for the continuation of current measures to assist children infected with the AIDS virus in the Constanta region of Romania and elsewhere, and for the implementation by the Government of Romania of a nationwide AIDS-awareness campaign to lessen the possibility of the spread of infection. Urges the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to use its authority under the Support for East European Democracy Act of 1989 to provide assistance for the extension of AIDS treatment programs to other areas of Romania. Calls on USAID to: (1) report to specified congressional committees on the extent of human immunodeficiency virus infection among children in Romania and on efforts to provide assistance to address this problem and prevent further infection; and (2) offer assistance to the Romanian Ministry of Health in the collection and analysis of relevant statistics regarding AIDS. Calls on the Government of Romania to provide all appropriate assistance to address the AIDS problem, in particular, statistical and other analyses on the spread of infection by the AIDS virus.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Overseas Private Investment Corporation Title II: Trade and Development Agency Title III: Export Promotion Programs Within the International Trade Administration Title IV: Promotion of United States Environmental Exports Title V: International Protection of Intellectual Property Jobs Through Trade Expansion Act of 1994 - Title I: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1994 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). (Sec. 102) Authorizes OPIC to operate its program in a country or an area within a country only if: (1) the United States maintains diplomatic relations with the country; (2) the country or area is a developing country or area, or a country in transition from a nonmarket to market economy; and (3) programs in that country are not prohibited due to human rights violations. Permits OPIC to continue to operate programs in a country which ceases to meet such criteria if the President determines that the operation of such programs would be in the national interest. Raises the ceiling on the per capita income levels of countries established for purposes of granting preferential consideration for, or restricting, OPIC investment projects. Authorizes OPIC to acquire equity securities for purposes of providing capital for projects, subject to limitations on aggregate amounts of equity investment. Requires OPIC to endeavor to dispose of any acquired equity interest within ten years of the date of acquisition. Raises the ceiling on the maximum contingent liability allowed for OPIC insurance and outstanding financing. Authorizes OPIC to transfer amounts from noncredit activities to pay subsidy costs of program levels for the direct loan and guarantee programs. Continues OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees through FY 1997. Eliminates OPIC's exemption from Federal taxation. Title II: Trade and Development Agency - Revises provisions regarding the Trade and Development Agency. (Sec. 201) Permits the Agency to provide funding for environmental assessments. Authorizes appropriations for the Agency for FY 1995 and 1996. Title III: Export Promotion Programs Within the International Trade Administration - Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations for Department of Commerce export promotion programs for FY 1995 and 1996. Title IV: Promotion of United States Environmental Exports - Environmental Export Promotion Act of 1994 - Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to remove provisions relating to Environmental Export Assistance Officers. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee to provide guidance on programs to expand U.S. exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services. Requires the Environmental Trade Promotion Working Group, a subcommittee of the Trade Promotion Coordination Committee (TPCC), to: (1) select five priority countries with the greatest potential for the application of U.S. Government export promotion resources related to environmental exports; and (2) create a plan annually for each such country that sets forth ways to increase such exports to such country. Directs the Secretary to assign a specialist in environmental technologies to the office of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in each of the priority countries. Requires the TPCC to establish international regional initiatives to coordinate the activities of Federal agencies in order to build environmental partnerships between the United States and the geographic regions outside the United States for which such initiatives are established. Provides that such partnerships shall enhance environmental protection and promote sustainable development by using the technical expertise and financial resources of Federal agencies that provide foreign assistance and by expanding U.S. exports of environmental technologies, goods, and services to such regions. Directs the Working Group to maintain a calendar of significant opportunities for U.S. environmental businesses in foreign markets and trade promotion events to be made available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to provide matching funds for the establishment in the United States of regional environmental business and technology cooperation centers to provide export promotion assistance related to environmental technologies, goods, and services. Title V: International Protection of Intellectual Property - Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, to establish a program of training and technical assistance to assist foreign countries in: (1) developing and strengthening laws and regulations to protect intellectual property; and (2) developing the infrastructure necessary to implement and enforce such laws and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Administrative Procedure Reform Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to require a Federal agency head to publish in the Federal Register a notice of intent to engage in major rulemaking which contains a Regulatory Impact Analysis. Requires a final Regulatory Impact Analysis for any final proposal for a major rule. Specifies the contents of such an Analysis, as well as hearing and comment period requirements. Defines major rule as any proposed regulatory action: (1) which affects more than 100 persons; or (2) compliance with which will require the expenditure of over $1 million by any person which is not a Federal agency. Prohibits an agency from adopting a major rule unless its final Regulatory Impact Analysis is approved by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Sets forth a standard of clarity for major rules. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to report to the Congress an analysis of the rulemaking procedures of Federal agencies and their impact on the regulated public and regulatory process.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
War Crimes Disclosure Act - Requires disclosure under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of any matter that relates to any individual who is listed in a Watch List as a participant in Nazi war crimes. Provides disclosure exceptions, such as for the protection of intelligence agents and informants or for compelling national security reasons. Requires disclosure of information that can be reasonably separated from excepted information. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to provide that the exemption from public disclosure authorized under such Act for operational files of the Central Intelligence Agency shall not apply to information regarding Nazi war crimes participants.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Urges the Secretary of State to: (1) apply consistent criteria in determining whether to restrict the use of U.S. passports in any country; and (2) in deciding whether to extend the ban on the use of such passports in Lebanon, give paramount consideration to the need to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and full consideration to the improved security situation in Lebanon, the effect of the ban on opportunities for American businesses, to the impact of the ban on American interests in Lebanon and the Middle East, and to whether U.S. interests would be more effectively served by removing the ban and instituting a travel advisory for Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. embassy and the residence of the U.S. ambassador in Israel should be moved to Jerusalem at the earliest possible date.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1994
Reduces discretionary spending limits for new budget authority for FY 1995. Reduces adjusted discretionary spending limits for outlays for FY 1995 through 1998. Sets forth programmatic assumptions for such reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1994
Electronic Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to: (1) direct agencies to publish electronically by computer telecommunications (or by other electronic means if computer telecommunications means are unavailable) all information required to be published in the Federal Register, and make certain items available for public inspection and copying by such electronic means as well (including a list of all records made available to any person); (2) include among such required information an index of all information stored in an electronic form by the agency, a description of any new database, and a list of all statutes authorizing the agency to withhold information under such Act; (3) enable requesters to receive records in the format in which such records are maintained; (4) require reasonable efforts by the agency to provide records in an electronic format even when such records are not usually maintained in such format; (5) credit to agencies which have been found to be responsive to FOIA requests a percentage of the fees collected from such requests to offset compliance costs, at an agency's request; (6) provide for Government payment of the requester's out-of-pocket expenses in any case in which the agency has failed to comply with the FOIA request within prescribed time limits; (7) lengthen from ten to 20 days the period for agency decision to comply with a request for information; (8) preclude treatment of predictable workload (including any ongoing agency backlog) as unusual circumstances warranting extension of time limits; (9) require denial notifications to specify the total number of denied records and pages considered in responding to the FOIA request; (10) mandate agency regulations governing FOIA requests for expedited access, including a multitrack first-in, first-out processing policy for simple and complex requests); (11) require the extent of deletions to be indicated on the released portion of the record where they were made; and (12) define "record" to include all information or documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics, and "search" to include an automated examination to locate records.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994
Condemns, and conveys condolences to the families of the victims of, the bombings: (1) of the Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires, Argentina; (2) targeted against the Israeli embassy and a building housing a Jewish charity in London, England; and (3) of a commuter aircraft in Panama. Reaffirms support for the Middle East peace process. Condemns the effort to undermine such process through terrorist acts. Urges all countries and peoples to work actively to bring peace to the region. Urges the President to: (1) unilaterally take action to strengthen sanctions against countries which support international terrorism and to strengthen U.S. efforts against radical Islamic groups which engage in terrorist acts; (2) work to place the issue of international terrorism on the agenda for the next summit meeting of the leaders of the G-7 group of nations; and (3) convene a conference on international terrorism and intensify and coordinate an effective international response and sanctions against countries which support international terrorism. Requests the President to work to bring the issue of international terrorism before the Organization of American States as a priority issue and to provide technical support and assistance to the countries of the Americas to improve their intelligence and investigative capacity to counter threats and acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1994
Congressional Accountability Act - Applies, by a specified conditional date, provisions of the following laws to the legislative branch: (1) the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (2) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (3) the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; (4) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (5) the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (6) the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (7) provisions relating to Federal labor management relations; (8) the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988; (9) the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; (10) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (11) the Freedom of Information Act; and (12) the Privacy Act. (Sec. 4) Establishes in the legislative branch an Office of Compliance to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the application of such laws to the legislative branch; (2) an examination of the procedures used by the instrumentalities to enforce the application of such laws; and (3) a determination as to whether such procedures may be used in lieu of those specified in this Act. Requires the Office's Director to issue regulations governing such applicability which shall be subject to congressional approval. Makes applicable to the legislative branch any provision of Federal law to the extent that it relates to: (1) the terms and conditions of employment; (2) protection from discrimination in personnel actions; and (3) health and safety of employees. Directs the Office, on an ongoing basis, to: (1) determine which of such laws should apply to the legislative branch; (2) study the application to the legislative branch of laws enacted after enactment of this Act; and (3) issue regulations to apply such laws to the legislative branch subject to congressional approval. (Sec. 5) Sets forth House and Senate procedures for bills to implement such regulations. (Sec. 6) Requires the Office to carry out: (1) an education program for Members of Congress and other employing authorities of the legislative branch respecting the laws made applicable to them; and (2) a program to inform individuals of their rights under such laws and this Act. (Sec. 7) Sets forth procedures for consideration of alleged violations of such laws consisting of the following steps: (1) counseling through the Office; (2) mediation with the office; (3) formal complaint and hearing by a hearing board; and (4) judicial review if a congressional employee is aggrieved by a dismissal, final decision, or an order by the hearing board or if a Member of Congress is aggrieved by a final decision or would be subject to an order issued by such board. (Sec. 13) Declares that any intimidation of, or reprisal against, any employee because of the exercise of a right under this Act constitutes an unlawful employment practice that may be remedied in the same manner under this Act as is a violation of law made applicable to the legislative branch. (Sec. 14) Permits the records and decisions of hearing boards to be made public if required for judicial review. Authorizes the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to have access to the hearings, deliberations, and decisions of the hearing board only after the board has made a decision with respect to the matter. (Sec. 16) Limits a congressional employee to the judicial proceeding provided by this Act to redress prohibited practices.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
Reduces the amount required to be transferred from funds to a State for the National Highway System and for congestion mitigation, air quality, and surface transportation programs to funds for highway safety programs if the State has a safety belt use law in effect. (Currently, a State is penalized by having a certain percentage of funds transferred from such programs to highway safety programs if the State does not have motorcycle helmet and safety belt use laws in effect.)
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should seek an international agreement prohibiting the production, possession, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines; and (2) a moratorium by the United States on the purchase and production of antipersonnel landmines would encourage other nations to adopt similar measures. Prohibits the U.S. Government from purchasing or producing such landmines effective 90 days after this Act's enactment date. Continues such moratorium for one year from this Act's enactment date. Urges the President to encourage other nations which are major producers of such landmines to adopt similar moratoria. Authorizes the President to extend the moratorium if other nations have adopted similar moratoria. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense for: (1) humanitarian activities relating to the clearing and disarming of landmines and the protection of civilians from landmines; and (2) contributions to United Nations funds and nongovernmental organizations to support such activities. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and the Secretary of State to submit to the Congress a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the social, economic, and environmental costs and effects of antipersonnel landmines. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the total number of members of the armed forces killed or wounded by antipersonnel landmines during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Persian Gulf War.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1994 - Urges the President to seek agreement with governments that trade with the United States to secure an international ban on trade in products of child labor. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to identify foreign industries that: (1) do not comply with national laws prohibiting child labor; (2) utilize child labor in the export of products; and (3) have on a continuing basis exported such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary requesting that a particular foreign industry and its host country be identified. Requires the Secretary, before making such identification, to: (1) consult with the United States Trade Representative and the Secretaries of State, Commerce, and the Treasury; (2) hold at least one public hearing for public comment; and (3) publish notice in the Federal Register that such identification is being considered and the time and place for public comment. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor. (Sec. 6) Sets forth civil and criminal penalties. (Sec. 9) Authorizes approriations for a U.S. contribution to: (1) the International Labor Organization for activities of the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor; and (2) the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for activities relating to bonded child labor that are carried out by the Subcommittee and Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a need for a national campaign to heighten awareness about domestic battery and to end the silence that surrounds this type of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: State and Local Welfare-To-Work Demonstration Projects Title II: Expansion of State Authority Title III: Individual Development Accounts Title IV: Other Asset Reforms Welfare Innovation and Empowerment Act of 1994 - Title I: State and Local Welfare-To-Work Demonstration Projects - Establishes an Interagency Waiver Request Board for expediting Federal approval of State demonstration projects for getting welfare recipients off welfare and to work through such Federal programs as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, and food stamp program as modified by the State to incorporate such measures as time-limited benefits for moving recipients towards economic self-sufficiency. Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on such projects; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make specified payments to States for each project participant in the State who gets off AFDC or SSI and obtains unsubsidized private employment. Title II: Expansion of State Authority - Amends part A (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for expanded State authority with regard to: (1) contracting for case management and job training services; (2) benefit determinations for children conceived by AFDC recipients; and (3) treatment of families based on the number of parents in the home. Title III: Individual Development Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for individual development accounts (IDAs), that are generally tax-exempt, for low-income individuals to use for keeping their savings and other contributions up to a certain limit for educational, first-home purchase, and other specified purposes. Title IV: Other Asset Reforms - Amends SSA title IV to make various specified changes with regard to asset (including automobile equity) limits and dependent child income, resource, and IDA disregards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude certain income from consideration for purposes of public housing rent determinations. Provides that amounts in IDAs shall be disregarded in determining eligibility for and amount of benefits under Federal welfare programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including employing authorities of the House of Representatives, employing offices of the Senate, and instrumentalities of the Congress. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State and Federal immunity. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) June 21, 1994, is designated as Freedom Summer Remembrance Day; and (2) it reaffirms the goal of removing remaining barriers to full voter participation in this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1994
Official Travel Reform Resolution - Requires any travel award that accrues by reason of official travel of a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives to be used only with respect to official travel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1994
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Compensation Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a uniform case assessment protocol to ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War (War) veterans suffering from illnesses the origins of which are currently unkown but which may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during such War; (2) develop case definitions or diagnoses for such illnesses; and (3) implement a comprehensive outreach program, including a newsletter and a toll-free telephone number, to inform War veterans and their families of the medical care and other benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of service in such War. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to a War veteran suffering from a disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness if such disability becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within three years of separation from active military service. Provides exceptions to the payment of such compensation (i.e., when there is a preponderance of evidence to show that the disability was not incurred during such service or occurred after such service). Allows the Secretary to cease such payments after providing specified congressional committees with a scientific report showing that such disabilities are not connected to service in the War. Directs the Secretary to enter into: (1) an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for access to all clinical data on War veterans who remain on active duty, and to continually compile such data (with a required annual report); and (2) a contract for the conduct of an epidemiological study designed to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in such War (with appropriate oversight, a status report, and annual and final reports). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 2000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1995 through 1998 for the conduct of research to advance the understanding of health risks and effects of service in the Gulf during such War and the means of treating such health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Social Security Access to Information Act of 1994 - Amends title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act to require annual social security account statements to: (1) express wages, contributions, and benefits in terms of actual dollars and in terms of current dollars; and (2) contain the total amount of benefits paid to date to the eligible individual as well as the total paid to date to all beneficiaries on the basis of the individual's wages and self-employment income, expressed in terms of actual dollars and in terms of current dollars. Requires the Secretary to provide such annual statements to all eligible individuals who have attained age 60, regardless of whether they are receiving old age, survivors and disability insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Newborn Infant HIV Notification Act - Requires a State, if it requires that the results of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of an infant be reported to it (or if the State conducts an HIV test of the infant), to disclose such results to: (1) the biological mother of the infant if the mother is the legal guardian; or (2) specified State agencies if the State is the legal guardian of the infant. Directs the State, in disclosing such results (other than to State agencies), to ensure that appropriate counseling on HIV is provided to the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Amends Federal law to require the President's budget submission to set forth all budget aggregates (including receipts, disbursements, and deficits) as follows: (1) one set of aggregates shall relate solely to activities of the Federal budget which are within the unified budget; and (2) one set of aggregates shall relate solely to activities of the Federal budget which are off-budget.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3266 (providing for automatic downward adjustments in the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994).
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, to the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity. States that no appropriations are authorized to implement this Act. Declares that the medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals.
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 · 23 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any law enacted pertaining to the reform of our Nation's health care system should apply to Members of Congress and all Federal employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, including any individual who is appointed or elected to a position in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1994
Requires the House of Representatives, when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of the Amendment as a part of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending Common Cents Budget Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to the baseline to remove requirements for inflation adjustments, except for purposes of adjusting discretionary spending limits. Removes the requirement that adjustments made for expiring housing contracts be sequential and cumulative. Requires the President's budget to include: (1) estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year; (2) new budget authority in budget outlay comparisons; and (3) a certain comparison of levels of estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations that includes the proposed increase or decrease in spending in percentage terms. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make conforming changes to the development of the concurrent resolution on the budget. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to include in reports to budget committees certain current year comparisons and a table on sources of spending growth under current law in total mandatory spending for the budget year and the ensuing four fiscal years. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report annually to the Congress on all programs and activities with permanent or indefinite spending authority or those programs for which budget authority is not provided for in advance by appropriation Acts. Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits - Reduces discretionary spending limits for new budget authority for any fiscal year by the amount in the Deficit Reduction Account. Requires each appropriation or rescission bill to contain a Deficit Reduction Account containing amounts resulting from reduced spending. Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for the expedited consideration of proposed rescissions of budget authority or repeals of targeted tax benefits. Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending - Limits emergency appropriations and legislation to the matter of emergency. Allows such a statute to contain other offsetting provisions that reduce spending or non-emergency appropriations for the designated emergency. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution containing an emergency designation, if the legislation provides an appropriation for any other item or matter.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Condemns the death sentence issued against Salman Rushdie. Calls for the immediate withdrawal of such sentence and any associated reward. Calls upon the President to: (1) request that the United Nations Security Council condemn Iran for issuing the edict against Rushdie; (2) call upon the Government of Iran to respect international principles of human rights and lift such sentence; and (3) inform such Government that the House of Representatives has adopted this resolution, that the Iranian Government will be held liable in case an attempt is made on Rushdie's life, and that such Government should attempt to prevent the spread of propaganda promoting Rushdie's assassination. Commends those people of all nations who have firmly stood for freedom of expression despite threats and intimidation. Reaffirms: (1) the commitment of the Congress to the promotion and protection of the right of freedom of expression; and (2) congressional support for basic human rights in the world community.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and expeditiously implement a uniform case assessment protocol that will ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses attributed to service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; (2) expedite efforts to develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with such service; and (3) develop and implement a comprehensive outreach program to inform such veterans and their families of health-care services, including comprehensive medical evaluations, that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness that became manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within one year after completion of active duty in the Gulf War, with exceptions. Terminates compensation payments three years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) FY 1995 through 1997 for conducting research of the health risk and effects of service during the Gulf War and the treatment of such effects; and (2) FY 1995 for a survey of Persian Gulf veterans as to the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in such veterans and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Calls on: (1) the Republic of Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabagh to cease all hostilities and begin peace negotiations under the framework established by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (2) the parties to the conflict to simultaneously lift all blockades in the region; and (3) the President to take an active role in promoting peace and in monitoring the human rights situation in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1994
Charitable Contributions Encouragement Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to deduct a portion of their charitable contributions. Excludes the deduction for charitable contributions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1994
Restricted Explosives Control Act of 1994 - Prohibits the distribution or receipt of restricted explosives without a Federal permit. Defines "restricted explosives" to mean high explosives, blasting agents, detonators, and more than 50 pounds of black powder. Requires applications for such permits to include the applicant's photograph and fingerprints, which shall be taken and transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury by the chief law enforcement officer of the applicant's place of residence.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fingerhut, Eric D. [D-OH-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000128_200.jpg)