United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1994
Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a minority graduate mentor program under which a small business concern that is a graduate of the small business and capital ownership development program (graduate concern) may serve as a mentor to small business concerns that are in the developmental stage of such program (developmental stage concern). Makes a participating graduate concern eligible to receive certain contracts upon agreeing to subcontract between 20 and 49 percent of the value of the contract to one or more developmental stage concerns. Requires program regulations to contain, at a minimum: (1) application requirements; (2) selection criteria; (3) procedures for establishing partnerships between graduate concerns and developmental stage concerns; (4) a description of the types of assistance that a graduate concern will provide to a developmental stage concern; (5) monitoring methods to be used by the Administrator to prevent abuse, including a requirement that all participants submit a financial capability statement at least every two years; and (6) procedures to permit a graduate concern and a developmental stage concern to terminate their partnership upon the completion of a contract.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
National Security Budgeting and Deficit Control Act of 1994 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings) to extend the caps on defense and nondefense discretionary spending through FY 1998. Requires the special budget authority adjustment required in the final sequestration report for FY 1995 under such Act to be equally divided between the defense and nondefense categories for each applicable fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) continued Federal commitment to the railroad retirement system is essential to assure the integrity of railroad retirees' benefits; and (2) preservation of such system's present structure, including the administrative framework of the Railroad Retirement Board, is necessary to fulfill the Federal Government's time-honored responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
Requires the establishment of a budget reserve account for the funding for natural disasters and national security emergencies. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to include such funding in the budget process. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to repeal provisions relating to emergency appropriations. Requires annual reports to the Congress on expenditures from such account.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
United States Botanic Garden Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the United States Botanic Garden; and (2) pay all surcharges received from such coin sales to the National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1994
Prohibits any person from taking (or threatening to take) an unfavorable personnel action or withholding (or threatening to withhold) a favorable personnel action as a reprisal against a member of the armed forces for making or preparing a communication alleging sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination against such member. Requires the Inspector General of either the Department of Defense or the Department of Transportation (for Coast Guard members when such service is not operating as a service in the Navy) to expeditiously investigate such allegations and report results to the Secretary of Defense or Transportation, as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1994
Abolishes the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank established under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on how to achieve the former objectives of such entity in the most cost-effective manner.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold and silver coins emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Establishes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior for Memorial-related purposes and to provide educational scholarships to the immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty whose names appear on the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
Deficit Reduction Lock Box Act of 1994 - Establishes the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund consisting of amounts contained in deficit reduction lock box provisions of appropriations Acts. Reduces discretionary spending limits by amounts transferred to the Fund. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that amounts resulting from reduced spending under general appropriations bills be placed in the Fund. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to score all general appropriations measures as passed by the House and Senate and to publish such scorecard in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1994
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to extend the compliance date for certain provisions of the worker protection standard relating to pesticide safety requirements to October 23, 1995. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop and distribute pesticide safety training materials that convey, at a minimum, specified information set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations; and (2) assist the appropriate State, Federal, and tribal agencies in implementing pesticide safety training programs. Extends the compliance date for meeting a requirement for worker protection labeling statements on certain pesticide products from April 21, 1994, to October 23, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law Title III: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADE) Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health Title VI: Antitrust Provisions Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Health Reform Consensus Act of 1994 - Title I: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a standard plan and a catastrophic plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. (Sec. 1011) Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, failure to maintain minimum participation rates (in the case of a small employer) misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. (Sec. 1021) Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Imposes a civil penalty ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements of sections 1011 through 1013, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a standard plan and a catastrophic plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a standard or catastrophic plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "health plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing or only catastrophic coverage; (2) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; (3) meets specified consumer protection standards; and (4) meets any participation requirements with respect to an applicable reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism. States that standard coverage includes: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physicians' services; (3) diagnostic tests; (4) specified preventive services; and (5) specified inpatient hospital care for mental disorders. Sets forth coverage scope, including that there be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of items number one, two, and three in the preceding sentence. Sets forth exceptions. Sets forth limitations on deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Defines a catastrophic benefits package. Provides for the determination of target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available health plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of health plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases; and (5) for standard and catastrophic coverage. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of health plan standards and consumer protection standards by the States; (2) the Federal role; and (3) consumer protection standards. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, health plans; (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. (Sec. 1211) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. (Sec. 1231) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1241) Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals. Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control health care fraud and abuse; (2) conduct investigations, audits, and inspections relating to the delivery of payment for health care; and (3) facilitate enforcement of provisions of the Social Security and other Acts applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary. (Sec. 2003) Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Excludes from participation in Medicare and State health care programs any individual or entity convicted of: (1) fraud in connection the delivery of a health care item or service; or (2) a felony related to a controlled substance. (Sec. 2103) Subjects to a civil monetary penalty any individual or entity offering inducements to individuals to receive any service or supply from a particular provider. (Sec. 2104) Permits the imposition of intermediate sanctions in addition to the current option of termination, for Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. Requires each government agency and health care plan to report to the Secretary any final adverse action taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner. Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law - Establishes a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment for knowingly: (1) defrauding any health care plan; or (2) fraudulently obtaining money or property in connection with the delivery of health care items, benefits, or services. Permits a payment of up to $10,000 to any person furnishing information relating to any such crime. Title III: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth, for this title, findings, purposes, and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Makes this subtitle applicable to any medical malpractice liability action brought in a Federal or State court and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system. (Sec. 3102) Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice liability action in either a State or Federal court unless there has been an initial resolution of the action under an alternative dispute resolution system. Directs the Attorney General to establish an alternative dispute resolution process for medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States. (Sec. 3104) Sets limits on both noneconomic damages and punitive damages. (Sec. 3105) Provides for the periodic payment of future losses. (Sec. 3106) Limits attorney's fees. (Sec. 3108) Sets forth special provisions for certain obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution System (ADR) -Requires a State's alternative dispute resolution system, among other things to: (1) apply to all medical malpractice liability claims within the jurisdiction of the State's courts; (2) issue a written opinion resolving the dispute within six months of a defendant receiving notice; (3) qualify individuals who hear and resolve claims under the system; and (4) notify the appropriate State agency if there is a finding of malpractice, unless the provider contests the ADR decision. (Sec. 3202) Directs the Secretary to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Board in order to advise the Secretary regarding the establishment of State and Federal ADR systems. Provides for the certification of State ADR systems by the Board. Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. (Sec. 4102) Provides for the confidentiality of electronic health care information. (Sec. 4003) Directs the Secretary to establish national goals for the health care industry concerning: (1) standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information; (2) use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (3) priority of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (4) availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two more plans. Requires the Secretary to promulgate requirements if the industry does not meet the goals. Provides for monetary penalties on any health plan that does not meet the Secretary's requirements. Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care - Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary to operate a program under which States establish projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of various innovative health care delivery approaches through the operation of community health authorities. Requires a community health authority to be a nonprofit entity that: (1) serves a geographic area that includes those designated by the Public Health Service Act as medically underserved or as being in a health professions shortage area; (2) enrolls the Medicaid eligible; and (3) provides for the provision of at least preventive services, primary care services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and other services. (Sec. 5002) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to migrant and community health centers for the development of health service networks to serve high impact areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1999. Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health - Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for the following: (1) immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases; (2) prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers; (5) the Office of Minority Health Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; and (6) the Office of Minority Health; and (7) the preventive health and health services block grant. Title VI: Antitrust Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans; and (2) establish a review process under which the administrator or sponsor of a health plan may submit a request to the Attorney General to obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice on the plan's conformity with Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the issuance of a certificate of public advantage by the Attorney General to each eligible health care collaborative activity if there is a finding that the benefits that are likely to result from carrying out the activity outweigh any reduction in competition that is likely to result and such reduction is reasonably necessary. Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants - Requires certain executive branch agencies to prefund government health benefits contributors for their annuitants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude from coverage any fire fighters or rescue squad members during the period in which they volunteer their services at a location where they are not employed. Waives overtime compensation requirements when fire fighters or rescue squad members volunteer their services to their employer and sign a legally binding waiver. Prohibits employer coercion of such volunteering.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Tax Fairness for Agriculture Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit agricultural or horticultural organizations from treating member dues (limited to a specified amount) as unrelated business taxable income.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Designates March 23, 1994, the 92d birthday of the Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement), as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Honors James Norman Hall for his outstanding contributions to the United States, France, Tahiti, and the South Pacific. Requests the President to provide for the presentation of a copy of this concurrent resolution to the President of Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia) to be publicly displayed at the James Norman Hall Museum in Tahiti.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make technical corrections to provisions added by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 in order to allow children and pregnant women to receive Medicaid services from osteopathic physicians.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Prison Management Relief Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a Federal court from holding prison or jail crowding unconstitutional under the eighth amendment except to the extent that an individual plaintiff inmate proves that the crowding causes the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment of that inmate. Specifies that the relief in such a case shall not extend further than necessary to remove the conditions that are causing the cruel and unusual punishment of the plaintiff inmate. Prohibits a Federal court from placing a ceiling on the inmate population of any Federal, State, or local detention facility as an equitable remedial measure for conditions that violate the eighth amendment unless crowding is inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on particular identified prisoners. Specifies that such provision shall not be construed to have any effect on Federal judicial power to issue equitable relief other than that so described, including the requirement of improved medical or health care and the imposition of civil contempt fines or damages, where such relief is appropriate. Requires that each Federal court order or consent decree seeking to remedy an eighth amendment violation be reopened at the behest of a defendant for recommended modification at a minimum of two-year intervals. Makes the preceding provisions applicable to all outstanding court orders on the date of this Act's enactment. Entitles any State or municipality to seek modification of any outstanding eighth amendment decree pursuant to such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
Private Property Owners Bill of Rights - Requires Federal agency heads to: (1) comply with applicable State and tribal government laws in implementing and enforcing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and the permitting program for dredged or filled material under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA); (2) administer and implement the Acts in a manner that least affects the private property owners' constitutional and other legal rights; (3) develop and implement rules and regulations for ensuring that such rights are protected when making any final decision that restricts the use of private property; (4) obtain the consent of the property owner and provide appropriate notice before entering privately-owned property in order to collect information on it; and (5) give the property owner an opportunity to review and dispute the data collected before using it to implement or enforce any of the Acts. Amends ESA and FWPCA to provide for administrative appeals of certain actions, including those related to the denial of permits and the imposition of administrative penalties. Entitles a private property owner deprived of 50 percent or more of the fair market value or the economically viable use of a portion of property as a consequence of a final qualified agency action to receive compensation upon request in accordance with specified guidelines. Amends ESA to require the Secretary of the Interior to notify all private property owners or lessees of property subject to a management agreement and provide an appropriate opportunity for their participation in such an agreement when the Secretary enters into it with any non-Federal person establishing restrictions on property use.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Mandates that the surcharges collected from the sale of such coins be paid to the 1995 Special Olympics World Games Organizing Committee, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1994
Criminal Aliens Federal Responsibility Act of 1994 - Requires the Federal Government to incarcerate or to reimburse State and local governments for the cost of incarcerating specified criminal aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Designates the Federal building located at 100 East Houston Street in Marshall, Texas, as the Sam B. Hall, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
Rural Community Wastewater Treatment Affordability Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make activities involving the acquisition of lands, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for construction of publicly owned treatment works eligible for assistance from State revolving loan funds (SRFs). Makes certain nonprofit associations and other entities eligible for wastewater treatment and supply services under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act eligible for SRF assistance as well. Adds to the list of conditions that a State must meet to receive a capitalization grant that the State will encourage the use of innovative and cost-effective technologies in the construction of treatment works financed with SRF assistance. Requires loans made from SRFs to be made to rural and disadvantaged communities at or below market interest rates for terms of up to 40 years or the useful life of the project being financed, whichever is earlier. Permits up to 15 percent of all loans made from an SRF to be used for negative-interest loans to rural and disadvantaged communities. Allows SRFs to be used to make grants to such communities for up to 75 percent of planning and predevelopment costs incurred with respect to construction or improvement of treatment works without regard to whether actual construction is carried out. Limits amounts available for grants per fiscal year. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the National Rural Water Association, the Rural Community Assistance Program, the Small Flows Clearinghouse, and other qualified organizations to provide training and technical assistance to rural and disadvantaged communities with respect to the planning, construction, and operation of treatment works. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
World War II Peace Accords Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri should not go unrecognized at the national level; and (2) the United States should recognize such anniversary by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Sets forth specifications for half dollar clad coins. Mandates that the surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation for the purpose of preserving the Pacific War heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Prohibits the Department of Transportation or any other Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from requiring any State or political subdivision to convert highway signs to metric units.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1994
Capital Formation and Jobs Creation Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 50 percent income tax deduction for the net capital gain of both corporate and noncorporate taxpayers. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset or property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Allows an itemized deduction for losses arising from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Targeting Habitual Repeat and Violent Criminal Offenders Subtitle A: Expanding the Capacity of State Correctional Facilities Subtitle B: Major Offenders Programs and Felony Parole Violators Title II: Ending the Double Victimization of Society Subtitle A: Denial of Federal Benefits Subtitle B: Prison Work Programs Title III: Repeal of Supervised Release Program Title IV: Drug Paraphernalia Tax Title V: Financing Subtitle A: National Security Subtitle B: Physical Capital, Natural Resources, and Science Subtitle C: Government Management Subtite D: Human Resources Subtitle E: Social Services and Retirement Violent and Repeat Offenders Act of 1994 - Title I: Targeting Habitual Repeat and Violent Criminal Offenders - Subtitle A: Expanding the Capacity of State Correctional Facilities - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States to construct additional correctional facilities for the purpose of increasing prison capacity to make habitual and violent criminal offenders serve the full term of their sentences. Specifies that such construction should aim to provide sufficient capacity to incarcerate such offenders who exhibit a high risk for continued or violent criminal activity for such terms, including individuals: (1) with three or more arrests by age 18; (2) with a history of violent criminal offenses; and (3) exhibiting a pattern of crimes of premeditation and deliberation for whom a prison stay may have a significant deterrent value. Authorizes the Director to make such grants to States to operate prison facilities including costs for administration and staff. (Sec. 102) Sets forth application requirements. Directs that each State application include a comprehensive plan containing: (1) a description of the correctional facility needs in the State, including relevant supporting data; (2) a description of the resources available to build additional correctional facility capacity, together with an account of the expenses involved that cannot be met with existing resources at the State and local levels; (3) an explanation of how the State will be able to sustain the increased operation and maintenance costs of expanded correctional facility capacity; and (4) an evaluation component, including quantifiable data, that measures progress toward meeting the prison capacity goals under this subtitle. (Sec. 103) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) fund allocation; (2) grant renewal and limitations; and (3) grant approval and disapproval procedures. Subtitle B: Major Offenders Programs and Felony Parole Violators - Authorizes the Director to make grants to States, for use by the States and units of local government, for purposes of developing and increasing the capacity and the effectiveness of major offenders programs that prioritize the arrest and prosecution of habitual and violent criminal offenders. Specifies that such programs shall include: (1) establishment or expansion of specialized major offender units in law enforcement and criminal prosecutor offices to identify, monitor, arrest, and prosecute major offenders; and (2) establishment or expansion of a State crime information center computer database to include the complete arrest histories of major offenders and parole violator units and other relevant information for use by law enforcement officers and criminal prosecutors. (Sec. 113) Sets forth application requirements. Directs that each State application include a comprehensive plan containing: (1) a description, with supporting data, of the crime problems attributable to major offenders and parole violators that improved law enforcement and prosecution programs may be able to decrease; (2) a description of the resources available to implement or expand major offenders and parole violators programs; and (3) an evaluation component. (Sec. 114) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) local applications; (2) fund allocation; (3) grant renewal and limitations; and (4) grant approval and disapproval procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Ending the Double Victimization of Society - Subtitle A: Denial of Federal Benefits - Makes any individual who is convicted of three Federal or State felony offenses ineligible for any Federal benefits. (Sec. 212) Requires: (1) State and Federal courts to send information, as determined necessary by the Director of the Office of Justice Assistance, regarding the conviction of third-time felons to such Office in a timely manner; (2) such Office to maintain a computer listing of individuals convicted of a third Federal or State felony offense and update such list in a timely manner; (3) such Office to transfer the names of such individuals to the General Services Administration for inclusion in the publication "Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Nonprocurement Programs"; and (4) representatives of a Government agency that is responsible for the distribution of a Federal benefit to consult such publication before granting such benefit. (Sec. 214) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Prison Work Programs - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require a State, in order to avoid a reduction of available funds by 25 percent (for redistribution to other participating States), to implement or continue a prison workfare program that requires an inmate who is physically able (as determined by the State Director of Corrections) to work a portion of each day. Title III: Repeal of Supervised Release Program - Repeals provisions authorizing the court to include a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Title IV: Drug Paraphernalia Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax, equal to 100 percent of the price for which sold, on taxable smoking paraphernalia manufactured in or imported into the United States. Increases the tax on cigarette papers. Title V: Financing - Subtitle A: National Security - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate with member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and any other foreign nation with which the United States has a bilateral or multilateral defense agreement, with certain exceptions, to seek an agreement that provides for such nation to pay at least 50 percent of the overseas basing costs incurred by the United States for stationing its members and civilian personnel in that nation. Limits the U.S. share of overseas basing coats for FY 1995 and thereafter, lowering such percentage from 84 percent of such costs for FY 1995 to 50 percent of such costs for FY 1998 and thereafter. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of the Army to reorganize and reduce offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to achieve at least $50 million in net annual savings by FY 1998. (Sec. 503) Rescinds specified military construction and defense procurement funds during FY 1994, as well as specified funds for the MK-19 grenade launcher program. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretary of Defense to cancel the C-26 aircraft program and the Mobile In-Shore Undersea Warfare Vans program. (Sec. 507) Rescinds or reduces: (1) FY 1994 defense operation and maintenance funds; (2) funding for the Food for Peace program under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (with a modification of loan terms); (3) funds for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; (4) funding for the International Development Association under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1994; (5) funds for foreign military financing under the same Act; and (6) funds for the Agency for International Development, Department of State, and the United States Information Agency. Subtitle B: Physical Capital, Natural Resources, and Science - Terminates the spacelifter program. (Sec. 522) Department of Science, Space, Energy, and Technology Organization Act of 1993 - Establishes the Department of Science, Space, Energy, and Technology (Department). Transfers the following entities to the Department: (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (3) the National Science Foundation; (4) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (5) the Patent and Trademark Office; (6) the Department of Energy, renamed the National Energy Administration, except for specified facilities to be transferred to the Department of Defense; and (7) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (Sec. 523) Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to eliminate and rescind funding for the magnetic levitation prototype development program. (Sec. 524) Rescinds funding from specified National Institutes of Health, independent agencies, and Department of Defense accounts for federally sponsored university research and development programs. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretaries of Energy and Commerce to establish procedures for recoupment of certain grants undertaken by their respective Departments. Authorizes the Secretaries to require recoupment as necessary. (Sec. 526) Eliminates the competitive contracting exclusion for contracts involving federally funded research and development centers and Federal executive agencies or the Department of Defense. (Sec. 527) Terminates (and rescinds funding for) the Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor program. (Sec. 528) Establishes the Department of Energy Facilities Closure and Reconfiguration Commission which shall review and recommend (based upon the Secretary of Energy's recommendations) closures and reconfigurations for Department of Energy facilities. Appropriates Commission funds. Terminates the Commission not later than 20 months after enactment of this Act. Sets forth the procedures for facilities closure and reconfiguration, including presidential and congressional review. Establishes in the Treasury a Department of Energy Facility Closure Account. (Sec. 529) Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project to the Alaska Power Authority (now known as the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority) or its successor; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to the Municipality of Anchorage, doing business as Municipal Light and Power, the Chugach Electric Association, Inc., and the Matanuska Electric Association. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Energy to assess alternative options before making such sales. (Sec. 531) Rescinds funding for the SPR petroleum account. (Sec. 532) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the termination of the helium subsidy. (Sec. 533) Rescinds funding for certain water projects. (Sec. 534) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act to establish a preference for interim measures rather than permanent treatment technologies in Superfund response actions. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for the Superfund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit funds from the Superfund to such authorization amounts. (Sec. 535) Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury a Disaster Relief Account. Rescinds specified disaster relief funding under the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 536) Repeals title VII (weather office closure procedures) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992. Rescinds specified National Weather Service funding under the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 537) Rescinds specified funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research fleet and certain other activities under the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 539) Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Army to jointly study the feasibility of merging the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. (Sec. 540) Rescinds specified Cooperative State Research Service facilities funding under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 541) Repeals authority for the: (1) airway science program; (2) collegiate training initiative; and (3) air carrier maintenance technician training facility grant program. Rescinds specified funding for Federal Aviation Administration operations and facilities and equipment. (Sec. 542) Repeals the Symms National Recreational Trails Act of 1991. (Sec. 543) Repeals specified Economic Development Administration funding under the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 544) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to eliminate funding for public telecommunications facilities. Rescinds specified telecommunications funding under the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. (Sec. 545) Establishes a moratorium on construction or acquisition of new Federal buildings. Subtitle C: Government Management - Transfers the position of Public Printer (PP) and all associated functions (except those of the Superintendent of Documents (SD)) to the executive branch. (Sec. 551) Transfers the SD position and all associated functions to the Library of Congress where they will be carried out by the SD under the direction of the Librarian of Congress (LC). Requires the SD to be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the LC. Revokes all existing authorized printing plant charters. Requires all Government publications to be available throughout the Government to any department, agency, or entity of the Government for use or redissemination. Requires Government entities to: (1) establish and maintain a comprehensive inventory of their publications; (2) make such inventory available through the electronic directory; and (3) furnish their publications to the SD in the prescribed form and manner. Imposes additional specified responsibilities on: (1) the PP with respect to the executive and judicial branches, including using all necessary measures to remedy duplication and waste in public printing and prescribing publishing standards and procurement requirements; and (2) the SD with respect to dissemination of Government publications, including making publications available to designated depository and State libraries. (Sec. 552) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs should be reorganized as specified; and (2) such reorganization should be pursued in coordination with the Task Force on Bureau of Indian Affairs reorganization. (Sec. 553) Makes specified rescissions of various executive agencies' FY 1994 funding for printing and reproduction and for supplies and materials. (Sec. 554) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to streamline HUD, including eliminating a specified number of employee positions and consolidating various offices. (Sec. 555) Terminates the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), transfers all associated functions to the Secretary of Transportation, and rescinds specified FY 1994 ICC funding, and transfers other ICC funding to the Department of Transportation. (Sec. 556) Makes specified rescissions of Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission funds. (Sec. 558) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to implement a prospective payment system for the Veterans Health Administration. (Sec. 559) Makes a specified rescission of FY 1994 funding for the Legal Services Corporation. (Sec. 560) Repeals the State Justice Institute Act of 1984, thereby abolishing the State Justice Institute (SJI), and rescinds a specified amount of FY 1994 SJI funding. (Sec. 561) Reorganizes the U.S. Marshals Service. (Sec. 562) Makes specified rescissions of FY 1994 funds for: (1) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (2) construction of Federal offices and courthouses; (3) the Executive Office of the President and the legislative branch (except the Senate); (4) House of Representative franking; and (5) certain official Government travel. (Sec. 568) Eliminates the 1994 calendar year cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Members of Congress, and limits future adjustments for Members to the same percentages as those for Federal employees. (Sec. 569) Ends unlimited accumulation of annual leave for members of the Senior Executive Service and rescinds a specified amount of FY 1994 funds for executive agency accrued leave payments. (Sec. 570) Sets specified limits on the total number of full-time equivalent executive agency positions each fiscal year through FY 1998. Gives the Office of Management and Budget enforcement authority over such limits, and, provides for waivers from such limits under certain conditions. Rescinds a specified amount of FY 1994 funds for executive agency employee compensation. (Sec. 572) Terminates specified Federal advisory committees. (Sec. 573) Increases the threshold for application of the Davis-Bacon Act. Rescinds a specified amount of FY 1994 executive agency funds for construction activities under Davis-Bacon. (Sec. 574) Amends Federal law commonly known as the Copeland Act to require employers on contracts covered by Davis-Bacon to certify compliance with applicable labor law standards at least once a month to the Department of Labor, instead of submitting weekly payroll records. Rescinds a specified amount of FY 1994 funds for executive agency construction activities under Copeland. (Sec. 575) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program requiring user fees for applications for alcohol labeling and formula reviews. (Sec. 576) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to increase registration fees. Requires the amounts collected as registration fees to be deposited into the Treasury for use towards the salaries and expenses of Securities and Exchange Commission employees. (Sec. 577) Requires States participating in marketing activities or tourism promotion abroad through the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration to pay user fees to fund the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program requiring the payment of user fees for all services provided to all non-Federal entities by the International Trade Administration in carrying out its export promotion programs. Subtitle D: Human Resources - Terminates Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance for public housing construction, other than Indian public housing. Reallocates specified rescinded funding to the Section 8 housing voucher program. (Sec. 582) Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to revise provisions regarding the management and disposition of HUD-held multifamily properties and mortgages. (Sec. 583) Terminates specified annual grant assistance to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as of September 30, 1993. Subtitle E: Social Services and Retirement - Amends Federal civil service law to add special rules for certain post-1993 new employees and Members of Congress. (Sec. 592) Makes changes with regard to Government contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan. (Sec. 593) Defers until age 62 COLAs for military retirees who first entered military service on or after January 1, 1994. (Sec. 594) Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to consolidate into a single block grant program various specified social services programs, including the at-risk child care program under SSA title VI part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children). (Sec. 595) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit the award of Pell grants to prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from coverage under such Act inmates of penal or other correctional institutions who participate in correctional work programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a police or fire department chaplain within the definition of a public safety officer for purposes of death benefit provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Organ Donation Insert Card Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to include organ donation information with individual income tax refund payments.
![Official portrait of Rep. Geren, Pete [D-TX-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000134_200.jpg)