United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Amateur Radio Volunteer Services Act of 1996 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that an individual licensee in the amateur radio service who provides volunteer services to the Federal Communications Commission shall be deemed to be a Federal employee only for purposes of Federal tort claims procedure (the adjudication of claims against Federal employees for damages or injuries caused by the employee while acting within the scope of employment).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
ERISA Clarification Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue guidance on the application of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to insurance company general accounts. Requires such guidance to: (1) be for purposes of determining, in cases where an insurer issues one or more policies to or for the benefit of an employee benefit plan, which assets of the insurer (other than plan assets held in its separate accounts) constitute assets of the plan for purposes of specified provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code; and (2) provide that assets not treated as plan assets under certain provisions not be treated as plan assets under other provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any assets of the insurer with respect to its operations, products, or services from treatment as plan assets.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require the Social Security Administration to disclose the social security account number or any other pertinent information maintained by it relating to an individual pursuant to any judgment, decree, or order requiring such a disclosure issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Availability and Portability of Health Insurance Coverage Subtitle A: Coverage Under Group Health Plans Subtitle B: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Preventing Health Care Fraud and Abuse; Administrative Simplification Subtitle A: Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Data Collection Subtitle D: Civil Monetary Penalties Subtitle E: Revisions to Criminal Law Subtitle F: Administrative Simplification Title III: Tax-Related Health Provisions Subtitle A: Medical Savings Accounts Subtitle B: Increase in Deduction for Health Insurance Costs of Self-Employed Individuals Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Services and Contracts Subtitle D: Treatment of Accelerated Death Benefits Subtitle E: High-Risk Pools Title IV: Revenue Offsets Subtitle A: Repeal of Bad Debt Reserve Method for Thrift Savings Associations Subtitle B: Reform of the Earned Income Credit Health Coverage Availability and Affordability Act of 1996 - Title I: Improved Availability and Portability of Health Insurance Coverage - Subtitle A: Coverage Under Group Health Plans - Requires a group health plan and an insurer or health maintenance organization (HMO) offering health insurance in connection with a group health plan to: (1) reduce any preexisting condition period by the aggregate period of prior coverage; and (2) limit any preexisting condition period to not more than 12 months. Prohibits: (1) preexisting condition periods for newborns and regarding certain adoptions; and (2) treating pregnancy as a preexisting condition. Allows an HMO that does not use preexisting condition limitations to impose an eligibility period. (Sec. 103) Prohibits coverage exclusion on the basis of health status. Requires a plan to allow an otherwise-eligible employee to enroll if the employee previously declined enrollment because of other coverage and subsequently lost the other coverage. Prohibits, if a plan offers family coverage, a waiting period for a newborn, certain adopted children, or a spouse. (Sec. 104) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on any failure of a group health plan to meet certain requirements of this Act. Deems sections 101 through 103 of this Act to be provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Provides for civil money penalties for failure to meet a requirement of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Definitions; General Provisions - Sets forth definitions and general provisions, including: (1) excluding church plans from the requirements of this title; and (2) requiring treatment of State Medicaid (unless a State elects otherwise) and Medicare plans as a group health plan for individual coverage certification purposes. Title II: Preventing Health Care Fraud and Abuse; Administrative Simplification - Subtitle A: Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Department of HHS Office of Inspector General (IG), and 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 and payment for health care; (3) facilitate enforcement of certain provisions of title XI and other Acts applicable to health care fraud and abuse; (4) provide for the modification and establishment of safe harbors and to issue advisory opinions and special fraud alerts; and (5) provide for the reporting and disclosure of certain final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners pursuant to the data collection system established below. (Sec. 201) Establishes the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account (Account) in Medicare's Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold the criminal fines and civil monetary penalties and assessments obtained from Federal health care cases, as well as property forfeiture proceeds resulting from such cases, and other specified amounts for financing the program above and the Medicare Integrity Program established by this title. Makes certain appropriations to the Trust Fund and Account, earmarking certain amounts for activities of the Department of HHS Office of the IG with respect to the Medicare and Medicaid programs under SSA titles XVIII and XIX. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Medicare Integrity Program under which the HHS Secretary shall promote the integrity of the Medicare program by entering into contracts with certain eligible private entities to: (1) review the activities of Medicare service providers and audit cost reports to determine whether payment should not have been made; (2) educate service providers, beneficiaries, and other persons with respect to payment and benefit issues; and (3) develop and periodically update a list of items of durable medical equipment subject to prior authorization. Prohibits fiscal intermediaries under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and carriers under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) from carrying out certain activities under Medicare to the extent the activity is carried out pursuant to a contract under the Medicare Integrity Program. (Sec. 203) Directs the HHS Secretary to provide an explanation of Medicare benefits with respect to each furnished item or service for which payment may be made to an individual without regard to whether or not a deductible or coinsurance may be imposed. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish a program for encouraging individuals to: (1) report information on fraud and abuse under Medicare or other Federal or State health care programs; and (2) submit suggestions on methods to improve the efficiency of the Medicare program. Provides for the payment to such individuals of a portion of: (1) any amounts collected due to any such reports; or (2) any savings resulting from any such suggestions which are adopted. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title XI to require application of criminal penalties for acts involving the Medicare program to similar violations of any plan or program that provides health benefits, whether directly, through insurance, or otherwise, which is funded directly, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government, except the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program (Federal care health programs). (Sec. 205) Directs the HHS Secretary to periodically publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for: (1) modifications to existing safe harbors issued under the Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1987; (2) additional safe harbors specifying payment practices that shall not be treated as a criminal offense or serve as the basis for an exclusion; (3) advisory opinions by the HHS IG with regard to prohibited remuneration constituting grounds for the imposition of a sanction; and (4) special fraud alerts by the HHS IG, upon request, with regard to suspect practices under the Medicare program or a State health care program. Requires the Secretary to issue appropriate implementing regulations. 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 after the enactment of this Act of a felony related to: (1) fraud in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service; or (2) a controlled substance. (Sec. 212) Revises specified current sanctions involving exclusion for fraud and abuse under Medicare and State health care programs, among other changes establishing minimum periods of exclusion for: (1) certain individuals and entities subject to permissive exclusion from Medicare and State health care programs; and (2) practitioners and persons failing to meet certain statutory obligations with regard to services or items. Repeals the prerequisite that a health care practitioner or person be determined "unwilling or unable" to comply substantially with a corrective action plan before sanctions may be imposed (thus permitting the Secretary to exclude such practitioner or person from eligibility to provide services for failure to comply with a corrective action plan, regardless of circumstances). (Sec. 215) Permits the imposition of intermediate sanctions on Medicare health maintenance organizations in addition to the current option of termination. Provides additional intermediate sanctions for miscellaneous program violations. (Sec. 216) Provides an additional specified exception to anti- kickback penalties for discounting and managed care arrangements. (Sec. 217) Creates a criminal penalty under SSA title XI for fraudulent disposition of assets in order to obtain Medicaid benefits. Subtitle C: Data Collection - Directs the HHS Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for reporting final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. Requires each Government agency and health plan to report to the Secretary any final adverse action taken against such provider, supplier, or practitioner. (Sec. 221) Allows the HHS Secretary, under the system for unique identifiers for Medicare physicians, to impose appropriate fees on such physicians to cover the costs of investigation and recertification activities with respect to the issuance of the identifiers. Subtitle D: Civil Monetary Penalties - Revises civil monetary penalties, providing among other changes for: (1) the exclusion from participation in Federal and State health care programs of persons subject to penalties and assessments for applicable program violations; (2) modifications in the amounts of various specified penalties and assessments, including the sanctions against health care practitioners who violate their statutory obligations with regard to the services or items ordered or provided by them to a covered beneficiary or recipient; (3) a prohibition against offering inducements to individuals enrolled under Medicare or a State health care program; (4) subjecting to civil money penalties certain excluded individuals retaining an ownership or control interest in a participating entity if they knew or should have known of the action constituting the basis for the exclusion of such entity at the time of violation; (5) a specific definition, for such penalty purposes, for remuneration which includes the waiver of coinsurance and deductible amounts and transfers of items or services for free or for other than fair market value; and (6) a penalty for false certification for home health services. Subtitle E: Revisions to Criminal Law - Amends the Federal criminal code to define a Federal health care offense and cover within its general purview, and provide sanctions for, the commission of health care fraud, theft or embezzlement in connection with health care, obstruction of criminal investigations of Federal health care offenses, and other specified matters related to health care, such as the laundering of monetary instruments in connection with a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 247) Provides for injunctive relief relating to covered Federal health care offenses, as well as for property forfeitures. Subtitle F: Administrative Simplification - Amends SSA title XI to add a new part C (Administrative Simplification) for development of an electronic system for: (1) processing health care information consistent with the goal of improving the operation of the health care system; and (2) reducing related administrative costs through the HHS Secretary's adoption of certain standards for information transactions (including enrollment, disenrollment, claims attachments, and coordination of benefits) and data elements as well as standards relating to security and privacy, and performance of tasks pursuant to specified requirements, assisted by the newly established Health Information Advisory Committee. (Sec. 251) Provides penalties for violations of provisions of this subtitle, including for the wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. (Sec. 261) Directs the HHS Secretary to adopt uniform coverage, administration, and payment policies for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) in accordance with a specified process. Provides that, effective for claims submitted after the expiration of a specified 90-day period, an independent laboratory may select a single carrier for the processing of all of its claims for payment under Medicare part B without regard to the location where the laboratory or the patient or provider involved resides or conducts business. Requires such election of a single carrier to be made by the clinical laboratory, and an agreement between the carrier and laboratory to be forwarded to the HHS Secretary. Title III: Tax-Related Health Provisions - Subtitle A: Medical Savings Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for limited amounts paid to a medical savings account (MSA). Defines "medical savings account" as a trust for paying the account holder's medical expenses. Exempts an MSA from taxation unless it has ceased being an MSA. Provides for the treatment of distributions. Allows the MSA deduction to be taken whether or not the individual itemizes deductions. Excludes limited employer MSA contributions from employee gross income. Excludes employer MSA contributions from provisions relating to social security, railroad retirement, unemployment, and withholding taxes. Makes MSA contributions unavailable under cafeteria plans. Excludes MSAs from the value of taxable estates. Imposes a tax on excess MSA contributions. Exempts an MSA holder from prohibited transactions taxes if the MSA ceases to be an MSA. Imposes a penalty on MSA reporting failure. Exempts MSAs from the definition of "specified insurance contract" for provisions relating to capitalization of certain policy acquisition expenses. Subtitle B: Increase in Deduction for Health Insurance Costs of Self-Employed Individuals - Allows self-employed individuals to deduct a portion of their expenditures for medical insurance for the individual, spouse, and dependents. Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Services and Contracts - Requires treating: (1) a long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance and associated amounts received as received for personal injuries and sickness and as reimbursement for medical care expenses actually incurred; (2) an employer's plan providing long-term care as an accident and health plan; (3) limited amounts paid for such insurance as payments for medical care; and (4) such insurance as guaranteed renewable under specified provisions. Provides for the treatment of: (1) excess aggregate long-term care payments; and (2) long-term care coverage provided in conjunction with life insurance. Excludes long-term care from cafeteria plans. Includes in an employee's gross income employer-provided long-term care overage provided through a flexible spending arrangement. Declares that a group health plan does not fail to meet continuation requirements solely because it fails to provide long-term coverage. (Sec. 323) Imposes reporting requirements on long-term care benefit payors. (Sec. 325) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the model regulation and model Act promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; and (2) certain disclosure and nonforfeitability requirements. (Sec. 326) Imposes a tax the failure to meet requirements regarding: (1) the model regulation and model Act; (2) policy or certificate delivery; and (3) claims denials information. Subtitle D: Treatment of Accelerated Death Benefits - Treats life insurance amounts paid as an amount paid because of death if the insured is terminally or chronically ill and the amount is received under a provision that is treated as long-term care insurance. Treats the amount paid by a viatical settlement provider for a life insurance contract as an amount paid by reason of the death of the insured. (Sec. 332) Treats, for life insurance company provisions, references to life insurance contracts as including references to accelerated death benefit riders (unless a rider is treated as a long- term care contract). Subtitle E: High-Risk Pools - Exempts from taxation a State- established membership organization providing nonprofit medical care coverage to high risk individuals. Title IV: Revenue Offsets - Subtitle A: Repeal of Bad Debt Reserve Method for Thrift Savings Associations - Declares that bad debt reserve banking provisions shall not apply after a specified date. Provides for the resulting accounting method change. Subtitle B: Reform of the Earned Income Credit - Requires, in order to be eligible for the earned income credit (EIC), that a taxpayer include on the return the taxpayer's (and, if married, the spouse's) social security number (SSN). Adds to the definition of "mathematical or clerical error" references to omission of a SSN required by EIC provisions. (Sec. 412) Increases preparer penalties for certain failures or actions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Comstock Cleanup Act of 1996 - Amends the Comstock Act to repeal a ban on the importation, transportation, or mailing (including through use of a computer) of any material intended for producing abortion or for any indecent or immoral use.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Working Families Health Access Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on a health insurance policy issuer (or, in the case of a self-insured plan, the sponsor) equal to a specified percentage of premiums received (or, in the case of a self-insured plan, of expenditures) under the policy or plan during the calendar year for failure to meet the standards specified in this Act. Prohibits the establishment or imposition by group health plans or carriers offering health insurance coverage in connection with a plan, or for individuals with qualifying previous coverage, of eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or contribution requirements based on factors directly related to health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, disability, or evidence of insurability. Requires the use of preexisting condition limitations or exclusions to be limited to a three-month period before the date of enrollment during which the condition was diagnosed or treated. Limits the period of limitation or exclusion relating to treatment of the condition to no more than six months and credits periods of qualifying previous coverage to reduce that period. Makes exceptions to the limitation or exclusion period for treatment related to pregnancy, newborns, and adopted children. Permits an individual to waive the three-month limitation or six-month exclusion period. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to renew health insurance coverage except for specified reasons, including premium nonpayment or fraud by the insured. Details allowable nondiscriminatory conditions for discontinuation of coverage, geographic limitations, and minimum participation requirements. Allows States to establish, implement, or continue in effect health insurance coverage standards that are at least as stringent as those established by this Act. Directs that nothing shall be construed to preempt State laws that: (1) impose a shorter look-back period; (2) impose a limitation or exclusion of benefits for the treatment of a preexisting condition for a shorter period; or (3) allow certain individuals to be considered to be previously covered. Treats, with certain exceptions, divorce (or annulment) or separation of a covered employee from the employee's spouse, if the employee disenrolls a qualified beneficiary within the 12-month period preceding the date of such divorce or separation, as a qualifying event (allowing the election of continuation coverage) and the loss of coverage a result (and by reason) of such event. Permits the termination of COBRA continuation coverage in the case of an individual eligible for coverage as an employee for group health coverage which does not impose a preexisting condition exclusion or limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Condemns: (1) the visit of Louis Farrakhan to Libya, Iran, and Iraq; and (2) his statements made during those visits which support the governments of these countries (all of which have been designated by the Secretary of State as state sponsors of terrorism). Calls upon the President to direct appropriate Government agencies to determine if Farrakhan violated any Federal laws by such visits or by actions resulting from agreements or understandings reached during these visits and to vigorously prosecute any such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the People's Republic of China should: (1) reaffirm its commitment to conduct relations with Taiwan by peaceful means; (2) engage in diplomatic negotiations to discuss any disagreement with Taiwan without any threat of military or economic coercion against Taiwan; and (3) immediately live up to its commitment to work for a peaceful resolution of any disagreements with Taiwan and desist from military actions designed to intimidate Taiwan. Calls on Taiwan to adhere to its commitment to negotiate its future relations with the mainland by mutual, not unilateral, decision. Calls for the United States: (1) to maintain its commitment to resist any resort to force or use other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan, consistent with its undertakings in the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) to maintain a naval presence sufficient to keep open the sea lanes in and near the Taiwan Straits; (3) in the face of the several overt military threats by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan, and consistent with the commitment of the United States under the Taiwan Relations Act, to supply Taiwan with defensive weapons systems; and (4) to assist in defending the people of Taiwan against invasion, missile attack, or blockade by the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Condemns the terror attacks in Jerusalem, Ashkelon, and Tel Aviv. Extends condolences to the victims' families and to the Government and people of Israel. Reaffirms full support for Israel in its efforts to combat terrorism as it attempts to pursue peace with its neighbors in the region. Calls upon the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Council, and Chairman Arafat to: (1) apprehend and punish the perpetrators of terror attacks, prevent such acts in the future, confiscate all unauthorized weapons, and avoid and condemn all statements and gestures which signal tolerance for such acts and their perpetrators; (2) eliminate the terrorist structure and terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and all other terror groups; and (3) adopt legislative and executive measures to ban the existence and operations of all terrorist organizations resident in the Palestinian autonomous areas. Insists that Chairman Arafat ensure the timely inauguration of the Council so that the Palestinian National Covenant will be amended of vile references to Israel within 60 days thereafter. Reaffirms that the Covenant must be amended in order for the peace process to succeed. Calls upon the Palestinian people to support the deletion of anti-Israel language from the Covenant, to express their revulsion for terrorism against Israel, and to condemn and isolate those elements of Palestinian society that employ and support such terrorist acts. Urges: (1) all parties to the peace process to bring to justice the perpetrators of acts of terrorism and to cease harboring, financing, and arming terror groups; and (2) the Clinton Administration to act against those who continue to harbor, arm, or finance terror groups seeking to undermine the peace process. Calls upon: (1) those Arab states that have failed to condemn these acts of terrorism to do so immediately and to support all efforts in the region to combat terrorism; and (2) the international community to cooperate with the United States in isolating states which engage in international terrorism. Insists that Iran and Syria cease all support for all terrorist groups operating in areas under their control and refrain from all activities in opposition to the Middle East peace process. Expresses the intent to reconsider U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority in light of the steps that must be taken by the Authority against terrorist infrastructures and operations. Praises efforts to provide Israel with all appropriate antiterrorism resources to eliminate the tide of terrorist incidents against Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1996
Fiscal Year 1996 Disaster Recovery Flexibility Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by any recipient of any funds or loan guarantees appropriated or made available to HUD for FY 1996, but only upon a finding that: (1) such waiver is required to facilitate the obligation or use of such funds or guarantees for activities in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; and (2) such waiver would not be inconsistent with the overall purposes of the statute or regulation. Limits the application of any such waiver only to funds or guarantees used for activities in such a disaster area. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving or specifying alternative requirements under this Act for any statutory or regulatory requirements relating to fair housing or nondiscrimination, the environment, or labor standards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to decrease the targeted jobs credit from 40 to 35 percent of the amount of qualified first-year wages. Revises targeted group membership provisions. Excludes from the definition of wages any wages paid after: (1) December 31, 1994, and before the 60th day after enactment; or (2) December 31, 1997. Redesignates such credit the "work opportunity credit." Extends to December 31, 1997, the: (1) exclusion from gross income of employer-provided educational assistance; (2) credit for increasing research activities; (3) orphan drug tax credit; (4) special rule concerning deductions for contributions of stock for which market quotations are readily available; and (5) exclusion from gross income of employer contributions to qualified group legal services plans. Extends the binding contract date for biomass and coal facilities to July 1, 1997. Extends permanently the Federal Unemployment Tax Act exemption for alien agricultural workers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Antitrust Health Care Advancement Act of 1996 - Provides that the following activities shall not be deemed illegal per se in any action under the Federal antitrust laws or similar State law, but shall be judged based on reasonableness: (1) the exchange of information relating to costs, sales, profitability, marketing, prices, or fees of any health care service health care providers solely for, and reasonably required for, establishing a health care provider network (HCPN); (2) the conduct of an HCPN in negotiating, making, or performing a contract for providing health care services to individuals under the terms of a health benefit plan; and (3) the conduct of any HCPN member for the purpose of providing such services under such contract. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to jointly issue guidelines specifying the enforcement policies and analytical principles that will be applied by the Department of Justice and the Commission with respect to the operation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Charitable Medical Care Act of 1996 - Exempts health care professionals from liability for negligence in the provision of health care services without charge in (or on referral from) a free medical clinic, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Makes this Act applicable only if such professional, before furnishing the service: (1) agrees to furnish such service voluntarily and without charge to the recipient or to any health insurance plan or program under which the recipient is covered; and (2) provides the recipient with adequate notice, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of the professional's limited liability for that service. Preempts any inconsistent State law. Specifies that this Act shall not preempt any State law that provides greater incentives or protections to a health care professional rendering such service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Repeals the amendments enacted under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 that require any member of the armed forces who is determined to be HIV-positive (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1) to be separated within six months after such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Travelgate Victims Restitution Act - Provides for payment of the legal defense expenses incurred by the seven individuals who were terminated from employment with the White House Travel Office on May 19, 1993, in connection with any investigation of the operations of the Office out of funds appropriated before this Act's enactment for use by the Executive Office of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the respective party conference or caucus to each nominate to the House at the beginning of each Congress five members to serve on the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Limits an individual's membership on the Committee to two Congresses (currently, three Congresses in any period of five successive Congresses). Provides that of the Members nominated to serve on the Committee in the 105th Congress, two designated by the party conference and two designated by the party caucus shall only serve on the Committee during that Congress. Requires the senior majority and minority party members of the Committee to serve as its chairman and ranking minority member. Provides that if a complaint is filed with the Committee against a Member, officer, or employee of the House, the Committee shall determine if the complaint is properly filed and, if so, whether a preliminary investigation is warranted. Conditions such investigation on the approval of the Committee's members by an affirmative vote of the majority. Sets forth procedures for selecting members (excluding members of the Committee or any Member deemed by the conference or caucus to be exempt) to serve on an investigative panel with respect to the complaint. Requires the Committee to adopt rules providing for staff, funding, reports, proceedings, disbanding, and the disposition of the recommendations of investigative panels. Allows the Committee, at any time and by a majority vote, to determine that a complaint is frivolous if: (1) it deems that the complaint has no basis in fact; (2) the alleged violation is of such a minor and technical nature that it does not reflect discredit upon the House or its Members; (3) the complaint was filed for purely partisan reasons and not out of concern for maintaining the ethical standards of the House; or (4) the complaint is part of a pattern of abuse and misuse of the Committee. Requires the Committee, in the case of any complaint deemed frivolous, to determine the costs of its inquiry and report such costs to the House Committee on House Oversight, the Clerk of the House, and the public. Authorizes the Committee, by majority vote, to recommend to the House that any Member who has filed a frivolous complaint repay the costs of the inquiry over a period of greater than one year or be fined an appropriate amount.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1996
Prohibits the President, Vice-President, members of the President's Cabinet, and Members of Congress from receiving: (1) basic pay for any period in which there is a lapse in pay for Federal employees because of a lack of appropriations; or (2) such withheld pay until legislation is enacted restoring pay for all Federal employees for such period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1995
Youth Development Community Block Grant Act of 1995 - Establishes a youth development block grant program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Sets forth formulae for allocation of funds to States for distribution to local boards for community-based youth development services. Sets forth requirements relating to distribution: (1) of State allotments; (2) of local allocations; (3) to other entities (Native American, including Native Hawaiian, organizations); and (4) to grant recipients. Provides for reallotments and reallocations. (Sec. 11) Requires establishment of county or multicounty Community Youth Development Boards to receive such assistance and make grants for youth development programs. Requires such Boards to submit community strategic plans and to carry out certain monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and reporting activities. (Sec. 13) Requires, as a condition for any entity within a State to receive such assistance, establishment or designation of a State entity to receive youth development input, review community youth development plans, monitor operations of community boards, provide technical assistance in developing and implementing community plans, and provide annual reports and audits. (Sec. 14) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish and implement a mechanism to receive youth development advice and input; (2) develop and issue national policy goals and a national strategic plan for youth development; (3) establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded under this Act; (4) coordinate programs funded under this Act with other Federal programs serving youth and families; and (5) establish a system for providing training and technical assistance to States and local communities to increase their capacity to provide quality youth development services. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to provide financial assistance to appropriate entities to carry out time-limited, research-based youth development demonstration programs designed to improve the knowledge base of the youth development and youth prevention fields. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) report biennially to the President and the Congress; and (2) correct instances of noncompliance by providing training and technical assistance first and then, if necessary, terminating funding. (Sec. 15) Repeals specified provisions under: (1) certain Federal law relating to the Local Partnership Act; (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 relating to crime prevention programs and to urban recreation and at-risk youth; (3) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) relating to school dropout demonstration assistance and to drug free schools and communities; (4) the Public Health Service Act relating to grants for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among high-risk youth; (5) the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 relating to gang-free schools and communities, to mentoring, and to local delinquency programs; (6) the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to demonstration partnership agreements; (7) the Community Services Block Grant Act relating to the National Youth Sports Program; and (8) the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 relating to drug abuse prevention relating to youth gangs and runaway and homeless youth. (Sec. 17) Provides for transfer of a limited amount of funds from such repealed programs to the program under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a seller who has reacquired real property to elect to treat indebtedness secured by such property as an overpayment of tax in lieu of a basis increase if: (1) such debt has original issue discount; and (2) the seller used the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Designates the nursing care center at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, as the H. John Heinz, III Department of Veterans Affairs Nursing Care Center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Restoration of Natural Resources Laws on the Public Lands Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to repeal the emergency salvage timber sale program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to suspend respective activities until they have determined that any such activity complies with applicable environmental and natural resource laws.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age. Retains the current limit on substantial gainful activity earnings applicable to individuals under age 65 who are eligible for disability benefits based on blindness. (Sec. 3) Establishes a Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account for OASDI disability benefits in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to estimate annually the present value of savings to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund which will accrue for all years as a result of cessation of benefit payments resulting from continuing disability reviews carried out pursuant to specified requirements during the fiscal year. Directs the Managing Trustee to: (1) transfer to the Account from amounts otherwise in the Trust Fund an amount equal to the estimated savings certified by the Chief Actuary; and (2) make available to the Commissioner of Social Security from funds in the Account an amount certified by the Chief Actuary as currently required to meet expenditures necessary to provide for required continuing disability reviews (including expenditures for the cost of staffing, training, purchase of medical and other evidence, and processing related to appeals and overpayments and related indirect costs). Includes under required information in a specified annual report a final accounting of amounts transferred to the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund during the year, the amount made available from such Account during such year pursuant to certifications made by the Chief Actuary of the SSA and expenditures made by the Commissioner of Social Security for the specified purposes during the year, including a comparison of the number of continuing disability reviews conducted during the year with the estimated number of continuing disability reviews upon which the estimate of such expenditures was made. Terminates the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account at the end of FY 2002, and provides that any balance in such Account shall revert to funds otherwise available in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Provides for appointment by the Commissioner of a Chief Actuary in the SSA. (Sec. 4) Bases entitlement of stepchildren to child's insurance benefits solely on their actual dependency on stepparent support. Repeals the requirement that the stepchild actually be living with the stepparent. Requires termination of any child's insurance benefits based on the wages and self-employment income of the stepparent six months after the Commissioner is formally notified of the natural parent's divorce from the stepparent. (Sec. 5) Extends the length of time required for recomputation of benefits after normal retirement age. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the role of the SSA in processing attorney's fees. Prohibits any person, agent, or attorney from charging in excess of $4,000 (or, if the Commissioner approves, a higher fee) for services performed in connection with any claim before the Commissioner. Directs a court, in determining a reasonable fee, to take into consideration the amount of the fee, if any, that an attorney may charge the claimant for services (eliminating the current limitation of such fee to 25 percent of the total past-due benefits to which a judgment entitles the claimant). (Sec. 7) Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be disabled for OASDI purposes, or for supplemental security income (SSI) purposes under title XVI of the Act (thus denying them benefits), if alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. (Continues disability benefits based on a separate disabling condition to individuals also disabled by drug addiction or alcoholism.) Requires the payment of OASDI or SSI benefits based on disability to a representative payee if such payment would serve the interest of an individual who also has an alcoholism or drug addiction condition that prevents the individual from managing such benefits. Requires the Commissioner to refer such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the approved State plan for substance abuse treatment services. Appropriates additional specified amounts to supplement State and Tribal alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs funded under the Public Health Service Act. Requires State or Tribal governments receiving such an allotment to consider as priorities activities relating to the treatment of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. (Sec. 8) Permits members of the clergy to file to revoke their exemption from social security tax coverage under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1995
Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt any qualified small issue bond from the restrictions on the deduction by financial institutions for interest. Disregards $10 million of capital expenditures in applying the $10 million limitation on the face amount of qualified small issue bonds. Excludes any qualified small issue bond from the limitation on use for land acquisition. Repeals the percentage limitation on directly related and ancillary facilities which may be financed by qualified small issue bonds. Repeals the de minimis limitation applicable to financing of office space by qualified small issue bonds and specifies that an office shall not be treated as manufacturing property unless: (1) the office is located on the premises of a manufacturing facility; and (2) not more than a de minimis amount of the functions performed at such office is not directly related to the day-to-day operations at such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Older Americans Amendments of 1995 - Revises the Older American Community Service Employment Act (OACSE) and the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA-65): (1) renaming them, respectively, the Older American Community Service Employment Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (OACSE-96) and the Older Americans Act of 1995 (OAA-95); (2) reauthorizing and extending the former OACSE program as a modified OACSE-96 program only through FY 1996 at levels lower than those specified for it in FY 1992; and (3) reauthorizing and extending certain OAA-65 programs as modified OAA-95 programs through FY 2001 at levels for FY 1997 generally lower than those specified for such programs in FY 1992, with levels for the remaining authorization period left unspecified. Details new program modifications: (1) eliminating various special offices within the Administration on Aging and giving the Assistant Secretary for Aging responsibility for administering all OAA-95 programs, including a newly added community service employment component under a separate "Older American Community Service Employment Act of 1995" included in OAA-95; (2) revising State and local government authority in designing and operating programs and projects for the aged; (3) combining OAA-related programs, such as the previous congregate and home delivered nutrition services programs, into one single program with associated funding provisions combined as well; (4) eliminating OAA's Title IV Training, Research, and Discretionary Programs component; (5) consolidating OAA's Title VII Elder Rights Protection Program into OAA-95's new supportive service component; and (6) relocating and expanding multipurpose senior center and national volunteer components. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: House of Representatives Election Spending Limits and Benefits Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Bipartisan Clean Congress Act of 1995 - Title I: House of Representatives Election Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make candidates for election to the House of Representatives eligible to receive benefits under this Act if they declare that they will not exceed expenditure or contribution limits. Sets forth expenditure limits of $600,000 by a candidate and authorized committees, allowing additional expenditures for runoffs and contested primaries. Provides for complying candidates running against noncomplying candidates. Entitles eligible candidates to receive certain broadcast media rates and reduced postage rates. Provides for Federal Election Commission certification of whether a candidate is eligible. Mandates repayment of benefits not used as required and civil penalties for excessive expenditures. (Sec. 102) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) modify broadcast media candidate rate requirements; and (2) regulate rates for eligible House candidates. Regulates preemption. Changes the circumstances in which a station license may be revoked for failure to allow candidate access. Conditions new licenses and renewal on agreement to abide by these provisions. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal law to require postal rates for third class mail sent by eligible House candidates to be the same as for qualified nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 104) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set contribution limits for eligible House candidates. (Sec. 105) Sets forth expenditure reporting requirements. Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, any person other than an individual or a political committee from making contributions, soliciting or receiving contributions, or making expenditures to influence a Federal office election. Defines "political committee" to mean: (1) a candidate's principal campaign committee; (2) any national, State, or district political party committee; (3) certain local political party committees; and (4) combinations of a candidate's and a party's committees. Removes provisions that currently include in the definition of "contribution or expenditure" the establishment, administration, and solicitation of contributions to a separate political fund by a corporation, labor organization, membership organization, cooperative, or corporation without capital stock. Modifies the circumstances in which a political committee that has supported more than one candidate may be designated as an authorized committee. Restricts the political committees that may be financed or controlled by any Federal office holder or candidate. Repeals provisions limiting multicandidate political committee contributions to candidates and their authorized political committees. (Sec. 202) Limits the aggregate amount of large contributions to congressional campaigns. (Sec. 203) Limits to $100 the aggregate contributions by a lobbyist with respect to any Federal office election. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Prohibits political party national committees and any entity established, financed, or controlled by them from soliciting or receiving contributions or spending funds not subject to this Act. Requires amounts spent by a political party committee that might affect a Federal election (including voter registration, get-out-the- vote activity, generic campaign activity, and communications that identify a Federal candidate) to be made from funds subject to this Act. Prohibits political party committees from soliciting funds for or making donations to any organization that is tax exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits any Federal office holder or candidate and their agents from soliciting or receiving funds: (1) in connection with a Federal election unless the funds are subject to this Act; or (2) to be spent in connection with a non-Federal election unless the funds are not in excess of amounts permitted to Federal candidates and committees under provisions of this Act and are not from sources prohibited by this Act for Federal elections. Prohibits Federal office holders or candidates from having certain relationships with or taking certain actions regarding any organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 212) Imposes or modifies political committee reporting requirements. (Sec. 213) Removes the exclusion of office facility construction or purchase contributions from the definition of "contribution." Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Imposes reporting requirements on disbursements over $2,000 by a person other than a political party committee or a candidate. Subtitle D: Contributions - Revises requirements regarding contributions made through an intermediary or conduit. Subtitle E: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions - Requires that 60 percent of contributions to a congressional campaign from individuals come from individuals legally residing in the candidate's State. Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures - Revises the definition of "independent expenditure." Declares that any expenditure that contains express advocacy and does not qualify as an independent expenditure is a contribution. (Sec. 252) Imposes reporting requirements relating to independent expenditures. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Modifies or creates requirements regarding: (1) the use of contributions for campaign vs. personal expenses; (2) campaign advertising disclosures regarding who paid for and authorized the advertising; (3) the filing of designations, statements, and reports in electronic form and by facsimile machine; (4) random audits and investigations; (5) the filing of certain reports for the election cycle rather than for the calendar year; (6) reporting and recordkeeping regarding personal or consulting service expenditures; (7) the use of candidates' names by authorized, unauthorized, and party committees; (8) the monthly filing of certain reports, "best efforts" by a treasurer to comply with requirements, and Commission waiver of requirements; (9) filing of statements of organization; (10) the Commission's authority to appear in actions related to its duties or powers; (11) exclusive Commission action on committee insolvency; (12) promulgation of regulations to prohibit devices or arrangements to undermine or evade certain provisions of the Act; (13) limiting Commission members to one term; (14) the authority of the Commission to seek injunctions; and (15) administrative and judicial procedures. (Sec. 316) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to replace House of Representatives mass mailings provisions with provisions establishing an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Modifies Member mail allowance requirements and prohibits certain transfers from other Member accounts. (Sec. 318) Declares that it is the intent of the Congress that any funds realized by provisions of this Act establishing the Mass Mailing Allowance shall be designated to pay for benefits provided by provisions of this Act relating to postal rates for third class mail sent by eligible House candidates. (Sec. 320) Provides for expedited and mandatory Supreme Court review of any appeal of any interlocutory order or final court action on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and overtime compensation provisions employees of nonprofit institutions who: (1) are employed to serve as houseparents for abused, neglected, delinquent, homeless, or emotionally impaired children residing at facilities of such institutions; (2) reside with such children at such facilities for at least 72 hours a week; (3) receive free board and lodging from such enterprises; and (4) are compensated at an annual rate of at least $8,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Animal Drug Availability Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more scientifically sound studies including, as appropriate, in vitro studies, studies in laboratory animals, bioequivalence studies, and any studies voluntarily undertaken by or for the applicant that provide some assurance that the drug will have the intended effect. Excludes a claim for the use of a drug in a minor species or a minor use of a drug from disapproval, if there is an application filed for the drug which is approved prior to the submission of the claim. Allows consideration, when a new animal drug contains more than one active ingredient or its labeling suggests use of the drug in combination with another animal drug, only of whether any of the active ingredients or any of the drugs in the combination, at the longest withdrawal time of any of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination, exceeds its established tolerance or interferes with the methods of analysis for another of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination. Requires the Secretary to issue proposed regulations implementing the provisions of this section which: (1) further define "substantial evidence;" (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute; and (3) provide for the opportunity for a conference to make a decision establishing a submission or an investigational requirement. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within 90 (currently 180) days of receipt of the application. (Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the Secretary to refer disputed issues received in writing from an applicant to an advisory committee or to a special Government employee; and (2) the committee or employee to submit a report containing recommendations regarding the matter. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to refuse approval of an application if information submitted with respect to the drug indicates that any use suggested in labeling proposed for that drug will result in a unsafe amount of residue. (Sec. 7) Permits the export of an unsafe (as defined in the Act) new animal drug, if it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is exported. (Currently, such export is prohibited.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1995
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that an employer is not required to allow access to its business property to employees or nonemployees for purposes of union organizing, solicitation, distribution, picketing, or other union advocacy or activities, even if the employer allows such access to organizations for charitable, civic, or religious purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XV (sic): Medicare Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program Subtitle B: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Regulatory Relief Subtitle D: Medical Liability Reform Subtitle E: Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part A Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part B Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Medicare Parts A and B Subtitle I: Clinical Laboratories Subtitle J: Lock-Box Provisions for Medicare Part B Savings from Growth Reductions Title XV (sic): Medicare - Medicare Preservation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program - Amends titles XI and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and related Internal Revenue Code provisions, restructuring the current Medicare program, creating a new MedicarePlus program within it, with certain organizational changes involving the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) as well, while also providing for corresponding tax treatments involving MedicarePlus medical savings accounts (MSAs) (created for paying the qualified medical expanses of the account holder) and distributions, and other specified MedicarePlus-related matters, such as the tax treatment of hospitals participating in provider-sponsored organizations and associated penalties with regard to such tax-related matters. Includes chiefly among such restructuring measures the following items. (Sec. 15001) Gives individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) the opportunity to elect Medicare coverage annually during specified periods under either the new MedicarePlus benefit package or through the existing fee-for-service system under such parts. Describes the former package as comprising various specified products and services, including contributions to newly provided for MedicarePlus MSAs as well as a separate fee-for-service component, offered under certain provider- and union-sponsored plans by qualified MedicarePlus organizations: (1) certified as meeting certain applicable standards pursuant to respective State or Federal certification process; and (2) under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in accordance with various specified contract requirements with respect to the items and services offered. (Sec. 15002) Outlines special election rules relevant to choice of coverage, including coverage elected through the MedicarePlus package under the newly added Medicare part C (MedicarePlus Organizations and High Deductible/Medisave Products) as well as through existing fee-for-service packages in which unenrolled individuals who initially fail to make an election during the appropriate period are deemed to have enrolled. Includes among special rules under this subtitle those specifically relevant under new Medicare part C to: (1) MedicarePlus organization licensing, payment, periodic certification, and other specified organization-related matters involving, among other things, product standards, premiums, and cost-sharing, physician and other provider participation, coverage determinations, advance directives, and quality assurance programs; (2) MedicarePlus MSA and Medicare part B premium discount rebate tax treatment; (3) MedicarePlus high deductible/Medisave products, including with regard to the individuals electing such products and the benefits covered; (4) coordinated acute and long-term care benefits under a MedicarePlus product; and (5) provider service network antitrust measures. Directs the Secretary to provide for demonstration projects permitting MediGrant programs under SSA title XXI to be treated as MedicarePlus organizations for qualified MediGrant-eligible individuals in order to demonstrate primary, acute, and long-term care delivery via integrated delivery networks emphasizing noninstitutional care. (Sec. 15003) Revises Medicare supplemental health insurance policy certification provisions concerned with the unlawful duplication of health benefits coverage. Requires a report by the Secretary to the Congress on certain duplication issues. (Sec. 15004) Sets forth transition rules for current Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) programs, eliminating the "50/50" enrollment rule. (Sec. 15031) Establishes the Medicare Payment Review Commission under the Medicare program (replacing the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission and the Physician Payment Review Commission which are hereby abolished). Requires such Commission to review program payment policies (including those under the new MedicarePlus program) for appropriate recommendations to the Congress concerning such policies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15032) Creates the Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program to: (1) examine the financial impact on the Medicare program of the significant increase in the number of Medicare-eligible individuals which will occur beginning about 2010 and lasting for approximately 25 years; and (2) make specific recommendations to the Congress respecting a comprehensive approach to preserve Medicare for the period during which such individuals are Medicare-eligible. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15033) Makes the HCFA Administrator a secretarial, as opposed to a presidential, appointee as currently provided for under SSA title XI. Subtitle B: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Outlines various specified measures designed for preventing fraud and abuse under Medicare, including among them: (1) special outreach and other efforts by the Secretary which include establishing a beneficiary incentive program for collecting information on fraud and abuse under Medicare and a voluntary disclosure program for Medicare violators to disclose wrongdoing; (2) revisions to current sanctions which include new intermediate sanctions for Medicare HMO violations; (3) establishment of the Medicare Integrity Program and an associated Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund (trust Fund) in the Treasury for specified anti-fraud and abuse activities under Medicare; (4) permitting carriers to carry out prior authorization for certain items of durable medical equipment; (5) establishment by the Attorney General of a national health care anti-fraud task force, including representatives of various specified Federal departments, agencies, and offices, for coordination of Federal law enforcement activities relating to health care fraud and abuse; (6) an HCFA-sponsored study of the adequacy of quality assurance and consumer protection programs under Medicare part C for a report to the Congress; and (7) establishment of civil monetary penalties under SSA title XI for false home health services certifications by physicians, as well as sanctions under such title for offenses involving fraud, false statement, theft, or embezzlement under Medicare or a State health care program. Provides: (1) appropriations from such trust fund to carry out the Medicare Integrity Program; and (2) appropriations from the trust funds supporting the Medicare program for the HHS Inspector General for Medicare-related anti-fraud and abuse matters. (Sec. 1511) Directs the Secretary to establish and operate certain pilot projects for implementing innovative approaches to monitor claims payment under Medicare. Subtitle C: Regulatory Relief - Outlines various specified revisions to Medicare physician referral prohibitions and SSA title XI anti-kickback and other penalties, among other such revisions made under SSA and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 designed for Medicare regulatory relief. Includes among such revisions: (1) repeal of physician referral prohibitions based on compensation arrangements; (2) new exceptions to physician referral prohibitions for shared facility and other specified services; (3) repeal of the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank; (4) various specified miscellaneous technical changes with regard to such matters as the imposition of civil monetary penalties and the level of knowledge required and the application of anti-kickback penalties to certain actions involving referrals; and (5) issuance of advisory opinions under SSA title XI. (Sec. 15214) Directs the Secretary to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for: (1) modifications to existing safe harbors; (2) additional safe harbors; and (3) special fraud alerts. Requires publication of such proposals in the Register and issuance of final implementing rules by the Secretary as appropriate after consideration of any public comments received. (Sec. 15216) Provides for prior notice of changes in billing and claims processing requirements for physicians' services. (Sec. 15221) Outlines various specified measures designed for promoting physician self-policing, including an exemption from Federal antitrust and similar State laws for certain activities of medical self-regulated entities. Subtitle D: Medical Liability Reform - Outlines various specified measures designed for addressing health care liability issues, including changes establishing: (1) a statute of limitations for health care liability actions; (2) a limitation on noneconomic damages; and (3) standards for alternative dispute resolution used to resolve such an action or claim. Subtitle E: Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education - Outlines a new SSA title XXII (Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund): (1) establishing in the Treasury the Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund consisting of the Indirect-Costs Medical Education Account, the Medicare Direct-Costs Medical Education Account, and the General Direct-Costs Medical Education Account; (2) governing payments from such trust fund to teaching hospitals, with certain adjustments as prescribed, in accordance with various special rules for the costs of operating approved medical residency training programs; and (3) providing for a certain temporary advisory panel for developing recommendations for the Congress with regard to such matters as teaching hospital and graduate medical education financing, Federal policies on international medical graduates, and medical school dependence on service-generated income. Makes various specified appropriations to the trust fund, with certain individual trust fund component allocations, including certain transfers to such components out of the Medicare trust funds, for medical education direct and indirect costs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15412) Modifies current payment policies under Medicare regarding graduate medical education, including setting a limitation on the number of full-time equivalent residents for certain fiscal years and reducing payments for alien residents with regard to the direct costs of graduate medical education. Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part A - Outlines various specified technical revisions in Medicare Part A rural and urban hospital and skilled nursing facility payment provisions, providing for various reductions in payment updates and other adjustments and payment-related changes. Includes chiefly among such technical revisions: (1) a reduction in payments to hospitals for enrollees' bad debts; (2) the establishment of the rural emergency access care hospital program; (3) the establishment of a program of incentives for cost-effective management of covered non-routine services of skilled nursing facilities; and (4) standards for the certification of skilled nursing facilities. (Sec. 15508) Makes certain conforming amendments with regard to the certification of Christian Science providers. (Sec. 15511) Requires the Medicare Payment Review Commission established by this title to study and report to the Congress on the impact of the designation of hospitals as sole community hospitals under the Medicare program on the delivery of health care services to individuals in rural areas. (Sec. 15527) States that, in order to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are furnished appropriate extended care services, the Secretary shall establish and implement a medical review process to examine the effect of the amendments made by this subtitle on the quality of extended care services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 15528) Requires the Medicare Payment Review Commission to report to the Congress on the system under which payment is made under Medicare for extended care services of skilled nursing facilities. (Sec. 15531) Makes specified changes under the Social Security Amendments of 1983 with regard to the amount of certain taxes credited to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part B - Outlines various specified technical revisions to physician, certain outpatient hospital, and clinical diagnostic laboratory services payment provisions, chief among them: (1) replacing the volume performance standard with sustainable growth rate and establishing a single conversion factor for 1996; (2) eliminating formula-driven overpayments; and (3) reducing updates to payment amounts for laboratory tests. Makes other similar specified payment changes with regard to items of durable medical equipment, while also providing for a freeze in any inflation updates in payment amounts for ambulatory surgical center services. (Sec. 15607) Bases payment to rural emergency access care hospitals on the payment for outpatient rural primary care hospital services. (Sec. 15608) Provides for ensuring payment for physician and nurse jointly furnished anesthesia services for a single case. (Sec. 15609) Directs the Secretary to treat the State of Wisconsin as a single fee schedule area for physicians' services while ensuring budget neutrality. (Sec. 15609A) Provides for the payment of ambulance services in accordance with a certain fee schedule to be established by the Secretary pursuant to specified considerations. (Sec. 15609B) Applies the standards for physical or occupational therapy services furnished by traditional providers to such services furnished by physicians in an outpatient setting. (Sec. 15611) Provides for extension of and other specified changes with regard to the Medicare part B premium. (Sec. 15612) Details additions to Medicare part B premium requirements concerning part B premium amounts to provide for certain premium increases for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes for a taxable year in excess of certain described threshold amounts. Provides for the disclosure under the Internal Revenue Code of certain tax return information for purposes related to such income-related reduction in Medicare subsidy. (Sec. 15621) Addresses administration, coverage, and billing policies for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests by requiring adoption of uniform policies concerning such matters in accordance with a specifically outlined process. (Sec. 15622) Places restrictions on direct billing for laboratory services, with appropriate sanctions for enforcement. (Sec. 15631) Requires the Secretary to establish a certain task force to recommend quality standards for durable medical equipment. Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Medicare Parts A and B - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare payment for home health services in accordance with various specified guidelines. (Sec. 15701) Includes payment for prosthetics and orthotics along with payment for durable medical equipment under Medicare part A. (Sec. 15702) Provides for maintaining savings resulting from a temporary freeze on payment increases for home health services. (Sec. 15703) Provides for an extension under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 of the waiver of presumption of lack of knowledge of exclusion from coverage for home health agencies. (Sec. 15704) Requires the Secretary to submit recommendations to the Congress regarding an appropriate methodology for making payments under Medicare for home health services furnished by Christian Science providers meeting certification and other applicable requirements to be providers under Medicare. (Sec. 15705) Extends the period for home health agency certification. (Sec. 15711) Revises provisions with regard to Medicare as secondary payer. (Sec. 15721) Provides for a "failsafe budget mechanism" under Medicare as outlined for adjusting payments under that program for certain applicable items and services in order to achieve various specified Medicare budget targets beginning in FY 1996. Requires a report by the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund on the growth in Medicare part A expenditures. (Sec. 15731) Establishes the Medicare Information Advisory Committee, and directs the Secretary, with its help, to adopt standards for Medicare information transactions and data elements and modifications to existing standards in order to reduce the administrative costs of providing and paying for health care, and to make Medicare information uniformly available for electronic exchange. Sets out penalties for standards violations. (Sec. 15741) Provides that: (1) nothing in Medicare may be construed to prohibit part A or B coverage of items and services associated with a medical device used in furnishing inpatient hospital services solely because it is unapproved, if it is an investigational device used instead of an approved one; and (2) the amount of Medicare payment for any item or service associated with an investigational device used in furnishing such hospital services may not exceed the payment amount which would have been made under Medicare for the item or service if it were associated with the use of an approved device. (Sec. 15742) Excludes from Medicare coverage items or services used for euthanasia. (Sec. 15743) Outlines certain competitive bidding demonstration requirements for selected Medicare items and services. (Sec. 15744) Provides for the disclosure under Medicare of criminal convictions relating to the provision of home health services to any person upon request. (Sec. 15745) Requires renal dialysis facilities to make services available on a 24-hour basis. Subtitle I: Clinical Laboratories - Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt clinical laboratories in physician offices not performing pap smear analysis from certification requirements under such Act. Subtitle J: Lock-Box Provisions for Medicare Part B Savings from Growth Reductions - Creates in the Treasury the Federal Medicare Growth Reduction Trust Fund for savings in Medicare part B resulting from this Act for expenditure after a certain period to carry out the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XV (sic): Medicare Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program Subtitle B: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Regulatory Relief Subtitle D: Medical Liability Reform Subtitle E: Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part A Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part B Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Medicare Parts A and B Subtitle I: Clinical Laboratories Title XV (sic): Medicare - Medicare Preservation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: MedicarePlus Program - Amends titles XI and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Code, restructuring the current Medicare program, creating a new MedicarePlus program within it, with certain organizational changes involving the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) as well, while also providing for corresponding tax treatments involving MedicarePlus medical savings accounts (MSAs) and other MedicarePlus- related matters. (Sec. 15001) Gives individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) the opportunity to elect Medicare coverage during annual, coordinated election periods under either the new MedicarePlus benefit package or through the existing fee-for- service system under such parts. Includes in the MedicarePlus benefit package a high ($10,000) deductible-medisave product plus contributions to MedicarePlus MSAs, as well as separate fee-for- service products and products offered under certain provider- and union-sponsored plans by qualified MedicarePlus organizations. Directs the Secretary to provide for a nationally coordinated educational and publicity campaign to inform individuals who are eligible to elect MedicarePlus products about them and the election processes provided under this subtitle. (Sec. 15002) Requires qualified MedicarePlus organizations (except those with union sponsors, Taft-Hartley sponsors, or provider sponsors) to be licensed under State law in each State in which they offer a MedicarePlus product. Requires such organizations to assume full financial risk on a prospective basis for the provision of health care services (other than hospice care). Allows an organization to obtain insurance in specified circumstances. Sets forth requirements relating to benefits, provision of services (including limited physician incentive plans), enrollment, and premiums. Specifies patient protection standards, including those for information disclosure, access to services, out-of-network services, mandatory quality assurance programs, coverage determinations, grievances, appeals, and fair marketing procedures. Prescribes policy for payments to MedicarePlus organizations, including monthly adjusted capitation rates, and payments to the MedicarePlus MSAs of individuals electing high deductible-medisave products. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop proposed standards consistent with this Act for Medicareplus organizations (other than union-sponsored, Taft-Hartley-sponsored, and provider- sponsored organizations) and their MedicarePlus products. Requires the Secretary to review and promulgate such standards, with any appropriate modifications. Requires the Secretary to develop standards for union sponsors, Taft-Hartley sponsors, and provider- sponsored organizations. Mandates State certification processes, subject to the Secretary's approval, for State-regulated organizations. Requires the Secretary to establish a certification process for union sponsors, Taft-Hartley sponsors, and provider-sponsored organizations. Requires MedicarePlus organizations to contract with the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 15003) Revises Medicare supplemental health insurance policy certification requirements concerned with the unlawful duplication of health benefits coverage, adding appropriate references to MedicarePlus products and making such provisions effective as if enacted as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, among other changes. Requires a report by the Secretary to the Congress on certain duplication issues. (Sec. 15004) Sets forth transition rules for current Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) programs. (Sec. 15011) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income any Federal payment to his or her MedicarePlus MSA, but include any MSA distribution not used to pay the account holder's qualified medical expenses. Excludes the value of such an MSA from the account holder's gross estate. Exempts an account holder from the excise tax on prohibited transactions even if an MSA ceases to be a MedicarePlus MSA because a distribution was not used to pay qualified medical expenses. (Sec. 15012) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any Medicare Part B premium discount rebate. (Sec. 15021) Declares that, in any Federal or State antitrust action, to conduct of a provider service network (and any member of such network) in negotiating, making, or performing a contract, to the extent such contract is for providing services under a MedicarePlus provider-sponsored organization (PSO) contract, shall not be illegal per se. Subjects such conduct to the antitrust rule of reason standard. (Sec. 15031) Amends SSA title XVIII to establish the Medicare Payment Review Commission (replacing the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC) and the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC), hereby abolished) which shall, among other things, review program payment policies (including those under the new MedicarePlus program) for appropriate recommendations to the Congress concerning such policies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15032) Creates the Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program to: (1) examine the financial impact on the Medicare program of the significant increase in the number of Medicare-eligible individuals which will occur beginning approximately 2010 and last for approximately 25 years; and (2) make specific recommendations to the Congress about a comprehensive approach to preserve Medicare for the period during which such individuals are Medicare-eligible. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15033) Amends SSA title XI to make the appointment of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Administrator a secretarial, as opposed to a presidential, appointee. Subtitle B: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Outlines various specified measures designed for preventing fraud and abuse under the Medicare program, including among them: (1) special outreach and other efforts by the Secretary which include establishing a beneficiary incentive program for collecting information on fraud and abuse under Medicare and a voluntary disclosure program for Medicare violators to disclose wrongdoing (for which sanctions may then be waived or otherwise mitigated); (2) revisions to current sanctions which include new intermediate sanctions for Medicare HMO violations; (3) establishment of the Medicare Integrity Program and associated Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund for contracting out to private entities specified anti-fraud and abuse activities; (4) permitting carriers to carry out prior authorization for certain items of durable medical equipment; (5) establishment by the Attorney General of a Health Care Anti-Fraud Task Force within the Department of Justice to prosecute health care fraud offenses; and (6) an HCFA-sponsored study of the adequacy of quality assurance and consumer protection programs under MedicarePlus for a report to the Congress. Provides appropriations from the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund to carry out the Medicare Integrity Program. Subtitle C: Regulatory Relief - Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII, as well as the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, to outline various specified revisions to Medicare physician referral prohibitions and anti-kickback and other penalties for the purpose of achieving Medicare regulatory relief. (Sec. 15201) Includes among such revisions: (1) removal of compensation arrangements from the proscribed financial arrangements between a physician and any entity to which he or she may refer a Medicare beneficiary (thus limiting proscribed financial arrangements to an ownership or investment interest in the entity); (2) limitation of the designated health services subject to such prohibition to items and services furnished by a community pharmacy, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography services, and outpatient physical therapy services; (3) repeal of mandate for the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank; and (4) the issuance of advisory opinions under SSA title XI. (Sec. 15204) Revises exceptions to the prohibition against physician referrals to an entity in which the referring physician has an ownership or investment relationship to: (1) repeal the site-of- service requirement for excepted in-office ancillary services; (2) revise the exceptions for services furnished in a rural area and for pre-paid plans; and (3) add new exceptions for shared facility services and services furnished in communities with no alternative providers, in ambulatory surgical centers, in renal dialysis facilities, in a hospice, or in a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility. (Sec. 15214) Directs the Secretary to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for: (1) modifications to existing safe harbors; (2) additional safe harbors; and (3) special fraud alerts. Requires publication of such proposals in the Federal Register and issuance of final implementing rules by the Secretary as appropriate after consideration of any public comments received. (Sec. 15216) Provides for prior notice of changes in billing and claims processing requirements for physicians' services. (Sec. 15221) Outlines various specified measures designed to promote physician self-policing, including antitrust exemption for certain activities of medical self-regulatory entities. Subtitle D: Medical Liability Reform - Outlines various specified measures with respect to health care liability, including, among other things, changes establishing: (1) a statute of limitations for health care liability actions; (2) a limitation on noneconomic damages; and (3) standards for alternative dispute resolution used to resolve such an action or claim. (Sec. 15301) Exempts from this subtitle an action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that the Public Health Service Act applies. Subtitle E: Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education - Adds a new SSA title XXII (Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund) establishing in the Treasury the Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund, consisting of the Indirect-Costs Medical Education Account, the Medicare Direct-Costs Medical Education Account, and the General Direct-Costs Medical Education Account. Prescribes requirements: (1) governing payments from such trust fund to teaching hospitals; and (2) providing for a temporary advisory panel which shall develop recommendations to the Congress with regard to the financing of teaching hospitals and graduate medical education, Federal policies regarding international medical graduates, and the dependence of medical schools on service- generated income. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15412) Modifies payment policies under Medicare regarding graduate medical education. Subtitle F: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part A - Outlines various specified technical revisions in Medicare Part A rural and urban hospital and skilled nursing facility payment requirements, providing for various reductions in payment updates, disproportionate share payment adjustments, and other specified adjustments and payment-related changes. Includes chiefly among such technical revisions: (1) a reduction in payments to hospitals for enrollees' bad debts; (2) establishment of the rural emergency access care hospital program; (3) establishment of a program of incentives for cost-effective management of covered non-routine services of skilled nursing facilities; and (4) standards for the certification of skilled nursing facilities. (Sec. 15507) Makes permanent the pass-through payment to hospitals with respect to the costs of administering blood-clotting factors to hemophilia inpatients. (Sec. 15508) Provides for coverage as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities of Christian Science sanatoria certified by the Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations-Facilities, Inc. (Sec. 15511) Requires the Medicare Payment Review Commission established by this Act to study and report to the Congress on the impact of the designation of hospitals as sole community hospitals under the Medicare program on the delivery of health care services to individuals in rural areas. (Sec. 15527) States that, in order to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are furnished appropriate extended care services, the Secretary shall establish and implement a medical review process to examine the effects of the amendments made by this subtitle on the quality of extended care services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 15528) Requires the Medicare Payment Review Commission to report to the Congress on the system under which payment is made under Medicare for extended care services of skilled nursing facilities. Subtitle G: Provisions Relating to Medicare Part B - Revises specified Medicare Part B requirements, among other things: (1) replacing the volume performance standard for payments for physicians' services with a sustainable growth rate; (2) eliminating formula- driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services; and (3) reducing updates to payment amounts for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Makes other specified payment changes similar in nature with regard to durable medical equipment, while also providing for a seven- year freeze in inflation updates in payments for ambulatory surgical center services. (Sec. 15607) Provides for payments for up to 80 percent of the reasonable costs of rural emergency access care hospital services. (Sec. 15611) Provides for permanent extension of the Medicare part B premium, with a new formula for monthly premiums higher than 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate. (Sec. 15612) Provides for certain part B premium increases for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes for a taxable year in excess of certain threshold amounts, or decreases if the actual modified adjusted gross income is less than the initially determined amount. Subtitle H: Provisions Relating to Medicare Parts A and B - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare payment for home health services in accordance with various specified guidelines. (Sec. 15701) Includes payment for prosthetics and orthotics along with payment for durable medical equipment under Medicare part A. (Sec. 15702) Provides for maintaining savings resulting from a temporary freeze on payment increases for home health services, basing updates to per visit cost limits on the limits for FY 1993. (Sec. 15703) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 to extend through FY 1996 the waiver of presumption of lack of knowledge of exclusion from coverage for home health agencies. (Sec. 15711) Provides, with regard to Medicare as secondary payer, for: (1) extension and expansion of existing requirements; (2) recovery against third party administrators of primary plans; and (3) prohibition of retroactive application (before April 24, 1995) of a certain policy directive regarding end stage renal disease beneficiaries enrolled in primary plans. (Sec. 15721) Specifies Medicare budget targets for FY 1997 through 2002, with a formula for determination of such targets in subsequent fiscal years. Requires adjustment in applicable payment rates or payments for items and services in a sector of Medicare services for a fiscal year if the fee-for-service expenditures for that sector will exceed its allotment ("failsafe budget mechanism"). Requires such adjustment to result in a reduction by 133 1/3 percent of the amount of such excess. Specifies the sectors of Medicare services, as well as the formula for determining each sector's fiscal year allotment. Requires an annual report by the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund on the growth in Medicare part A expenditures. Establishes the Medicare Information Advisory Committee, and requires the Secretary, with the Committee's assistance, to adopt standards for Medicare information transactions and data elements in order to reduce the administrative costs of providing and paying for health care, and to make Medicare information uniformly available for electronic exchange. (Sec. 15741) Provides that nothing in SSA title XVIII may be construed to prohibit coverage under Medicare part A or B of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient or outpatient hospital services (including outpatient diagnostic imaging services) solely on the grounds that the device is not an approved device, if it is an investigational device and is used instead of either an approved device or a covered procedure. States that the amount of Medicare payment for any item or service associated with the use of an investigational device may not exceed the amount of the payment which would have been made for the item or service if it were associated with the use of an approved device or covered procedure. (Sec. 15742) Excludes from Medicare coverage items or services used for euthanasia. Subtitle I: Clinical Laboratories - Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt from certification requirements under such Act clinical laboratories in physician offices (except when performing pap smear analysis).
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit nonparty multicandidate political committees from making contributions to congressional candidates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1995
Open Campus Police Logs Act of 1995 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require any higher education institution which participates in any student aid program under HEA title IV, and which maintains a police or security department, to keep a daily log of specified information about crimes which is open to public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1995
Compensatory Time for All Workers Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for all employees. Allows an employee to receive, in lieu of monetary overtime compensation, compensatory time off at a rate not less than one and one-half hours for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required under the Act. Limits to not more than 240 hours the amount of compensatory time an employee may accrue (with specified exceptions for public agency employees). Requires payment of overtime compensation for: (1) compensatory time accrued but not used in a calendar year or other designated 12-month period; and (2) unused compensatory time upon termination of employment. Requires employers to permit employees to use compensatory time within a reasonable period after employees request its use if such use does not unduly disrupt employers' operations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1995
Endangered Natural Legacy Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a voluntary conservation agreement for up to five years with any State, Indian tribe, or local government, upon request, to prevent endangerment and to promote the conservation of: (1) an endangered or threatened species (candidate species); (2) other declining species which are dependent on the same ecosystem or located within the same habitat as a candidate species; or (3) other species, rare habitats, or regional biological diversity, as appropriate. Authorizes: (1) consideration of a conservation agreement to be initiated by the Secretary or a State, Indian tribe, or local government; and (2) the Secretary to provide technical or other appropriate assistance for the development of such an agreement. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) contents of such agreements; (2) determinations whether the agreement will achieve the required goals; (3) return of proposed agreements for modification; (4) amendments to conservation agreements; and (5) annual reports and review. Directs the Secretary to establish a Conservation Planning Fund from which the Secretary may make interest-free advances to States, Indian tribes, or local governments to assist in the development of plans. (Sec. 6) Amends the Act to require the Secretary, upon receipt of a petition or specified information, to promptly determine whether any species is no longer endangered or threatened due to: (1) a significant change in the factor or factors upon which the original determination was based; (2) the identification of new scientific information regarding population size or other relevant data; (3) the achievement of certain criteria as identified in the recovery plan for that species; or (4) a change in the appendix of the Convention under which that species is listed. Requires the Secretary: (1) concurrently with making a determination that a species is endangered or threatened, to publish in the Federal Register and local newspapers a list of those specific acts which are prohibited and to hold at least one public hearing in each State affected by such prohibitions; and (2) as part of the recovery plan for a threatened or endangered species, to designate critical habitat for that species, if appropriate. Authorizes the Secretary to make available any additional information through the Community Assistance Program. Revises or sets forth provisions regarding: (1) State, tribal, and foreign government participation; (2) peer review; (3) listing priorities; and (4) petitions to list, delist, or downlist. (Sec. 7) Revises provisions of the Act to require the Secretary, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, to develop and implement recovery plans for the timely conservation of endangered and threatened species. Specifies that the goals of a recovery plan shall be to eliminate or reduce the factors that resulted in a determination that the species is threatened or endangered and to achieve recovery for that species. Directs the Secretary: (1) and each affected State to jointly appoint a Recovery Team to develop the recovery plan; (2) to seek to minimize adverse social and economic consequences that may result from implementation of recovery plans; and (3) to give priority to the development and implementation of recovery plans which are integrated, multispecies recovery plans, which would preserve regional or local biodiversity, or which are for those species that are most likely to benefit from recovery plans. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the contents of recovery plans; (2) recovery plan consistency with the goals of the Act; (3) public review, comment, and reporting requirements; (4) monitoring the status of species; and (5) existing recovery plans. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to seek to work cooperatively with private landowners in the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to minimize adverse social and economic consequences that may result from efforts to conserve such species. Sets forth priorities in developing recovery plans. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Community Assistance Program; (2) a private landowner cooperative agreement program; and (3) voluntary incentive programs for conserving species on private lands. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary to develop and propose regulations that will ensure timely conclusion of consultations under the Act regarding interagency cooperation. (Sec. 10) Authorizes: (1) habitat conservation plans to cover multiple species or habitats; (2) any State, Indian tribe, local government, or other person to develop and submit to the Secretary a habitat conservation plan to conserve and manage multiple species or habitats. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue standards and guidelines for the development and approval of habitat conservation plans; and (2) approve a permit application for a multiple species conservation plan if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to provide for payments to State and local prisons for monthly reports on the identities of inmates ineligible for benefits, especially those erroneously paid such a benefit. Denies SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained such benefits while in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interstate Waste Title II: Flow Control State and Local Government Interstate Waste Control Act of 1995 - Title I: Interstate Waste - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste (OSW) for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new (entered into on or after enactment of this Act) or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the State, as provided in this Act). Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding the landfill or incinerator (facility) available prior to seeking authorization from an affected local government to receive such waste pursuant to a new host community agreement. Sets forth other formal requirements for the authorization process, including those for notification of the State, contiguous local governments, and contiguous Indian tribes. Requires, for an exemption, that the owner or operator provide either information establishing that: (1) the owner or operator of the facility received before enactment of this Act a State permit specifically authorizing acceptance of the waste; or (2) the facility received shipments of such waste during 1993, and such information is in such documented form as would result in criminal penalties under State law in case of false or misleading information. Authorizes States to establish limits on the amount of OSW received annually for disposal at each facility pursuant to an exemption for documented shipments (under paragraph (2), above) and affected local governments to limit the amount received at a particular facility pursuant to such an exemption. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented OSW before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993. Authorizes States that imported more than 750,000 tons of such waste in 1993, in lieu of this freeze, to establish limits for calendar years after 1996 that are percentages of the waste received during 1993, beginning with 85 percent in 1997 and declining to 50 percent after 2000. Allows any comprehensive solid waste management plan approved under Federal or State law and any implementation of such plan through the State permitting process to take into account local regional needs for solid waste disposal capacity. Allows an affected local government to determine that there is no need for a new landfill or incinerator or major modification at an existing facility under its jurisdiction, but prohibits a plan from expressly prohibiting importation of solid waste from out of State. Declares that prohibitions, limitations, and the planning and permitting processes under, and laws and regulations implementing, this Act shall not be considered to impose an undue burden on or to otherwise impair, restrain, or discriminate against interstate commerce. Requires owners or operators of facilities to annually report to Governors of the States in which the facilities are located the amount of OSW received during the preceding year. Title II: Flow Control - Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables), directing such waste and materials to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated and in operation on May 15, 1994, if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of May 15, 1994; and (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act of the State or subdivision that was in effect on May 15, 1994, or would have been in effect on such date but for the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Permits the exercise of such authority for only the classes or categories of waste or recyclables to which flow control authority was applicable on May 15, 1994, or immediately before the effective date of an injunction or other court order referred to above and only if the facility received municipal solid waste in those classes or categories prior to May 15, 1994, or the effective date of the injunction or court order. Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise such authority with respect to facilities other than those designated and in operation on May 15, 1994, if, in addition, the State or subdivision has taken one or more of specified actions (relating to permits, execution of contracts and agreements, and presentation of revenue bonds) prior to such date to commit to the designation of such facilities. Sets limits on the duration of flow control authority. Permits States or political subdivisions, upon the request of a municipal solid waste or recyclables generator, to authorize the diversion of waste generated by such generator to a solid waste facility other than the designated facility. Prohibits a State or local government from requiring any generator or transporter to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any site listed on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the generator or transporter has been indemnified by the government against all liability under that Act with respect to such materials. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which the Supreme Court decision in C & A Carbone v. Clarkstown, New York has affected the ability of public and private entities to secure or retain financing for solid waste management facilities or services and is likely to interfere with the implementation of State solid waste management plans, recycling, or composting.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border Subtitle B: Pilot Programs Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States Subtitle D: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1995 - Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A: Improved Border Enforcement - Increases: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) border enforcement and related personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for barrier and road improvements at U.S. border areas of high illegal entry, including San Diego, California. Authorizes appropriations for San Diego area improvements. (Sec. 103) Provides for improved border equipment and technology. (Sec. 104) Provides for biometric identifiers to be included in border crossing identification cards. (Sec. 105) Establishes civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for detention and prosecution of aliens who have unlawfully entered the United States at least twice. (Sec. 107) Provides for inservice Border Patrol training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Pilot Programs - Establishes pilot programs for: (1) deterrence of multiple unauthorized U.S. entries, which may include interior or third party repatriation; (2) use of closed military bases as INS detention centers; and (3) collection of alien departure records. Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement - Provides for increased INS interior investigative and enforcement personnel. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize wiretaps in alien smuggling investigations; and (2) include alien smuggling within racketeering offenses. (Sec. 203) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to revise and increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 204) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. (Sec. 205) Authorizes and provides for INS undercover investigations. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses, including false citizenship claims. Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for asset forfeiture for passport and visa offenses. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal and penalty provisions. (Sec. 309) Sets forth transition provisions with respect to: (1) the Attorney General's option to apply current or revised procedures; (2) judicial review; (3) suspension of deportation; and (4) certain family unity aliens. Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists - Part 1: Removal Procedures for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to establish a special removal procedure for alien terrorists, including establishment of a special removal court and a panel of special attorneys with access to classified information. (Sec. 322) Authorizes additional appropriations for INS detention and removal of alien terrorists. Part 2: Inadmissibility and Denial of Relief for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to make membership in a terrorist organization grounds for U.S. exclusion. (Sec. 332) Denies alien terrorists status adjustment and deportation relief. Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States - Amends the Act with regard to vessel and aircraft transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle D: Additional Provisions - Authorizes Federal retirees to be used in the Institutional Hearing Program. (Sec. 358) Authorizes additional appropriations to the Attorney General for removing inadmissible or deportable aliens. (Sec. 359) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Enforcement Account. (Sec. 360) Declares that Congress advises the President to negotiate prisoner transfer treaties, which may include compensation provisions. (Sec. 361) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to direct INS to operate a criminal alien identification system. (Sec 363) Authorizes special registration of aliens on criminal probation or parole. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Increases full-time employee positions in: (1) the Investigations Division of INS; and (2) the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. (Sec. 403) Amends the Act to revise the employer sanctions program. Provides for an employment eligibility confirmation mechanism. Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System - Amends the Act to restructure current legal immigration categories and levels into the following: (1) family-sponsored immigrants; (2) employment-based immigrants; and (3) humanitarian immigrants. Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits - Amends the Act to establish fiscal year worldwide limits for such immigrant categories. (Sec. 504) Requires periodic congressional review and reauthorization of worldwide immigration levels. Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System - Amends the Act to limit immediate relatives to spouses and children of U.S. citizens. (Sec. 512) Limits preference allocation for family-sponsored immigrants to: (1) spouses and children of lawful permanent resident aliens; and (2) qualifying parents of U.S. citizens. Requires parents to have adequate health coverage. (Sec. 513) Revises preference allocations for employment-based immigrants. Establishes: (1) a pilot program for smaller alien job creation investors; and (2) conditional permanent resident status for certain foreign language teachers. (Sec. 515) Revises special immigrant status provisions, including: (1) inclusion of certain NATO civilian employees; and (2) extension of status for religious workers. (Sec. 517) Makes specified family and employment-based amendments. Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions - Amends the Act to limit annual refugee admissions to 75,000 in FY 1997 or 50,000 in succeeding years unless the Congress provides for additional entries. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the temporary employment of certain retirees to help reduce asylum application backlogs. (Sec. 524) Limits parole entry to a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. (Sec. 525) Provides for the admission of humanitarian immigrants. (Sec. 526) Revises asylum provisions. Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition provisions for specified classification status petitions. Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits - Part 1: Public Benefits Generally - Makes illegal aliens ineligible for unemployment benefits and Federal and State assistance, contracts, and licenses, with exceptions for emergency medical services, public health immunizations, and short-term emergency disaster relief. Requires proof of identify for Federal contracts, grants, loans, licenses, and specified public assistance programs. Authorizes States to establish similar requirements. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report on the disqualification of illegal aliens from housing assistance programs. Part 2: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge - Amends the Act to revise public charge grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits programs. (Sec. 632) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Provides for: (1) increased numbers of land border inspectors; and (2) border infrastructure improvements. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to provide for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." Amends the Act with regard to: (1) definitions of "child" and "parent"; (2) visa processing procedure; (3) waiver authority concerning notice of visa application denial; (4) Canadian landed immigrants; (5) H-1B nonimmigrants; (6) visa extensions; (7) status adjustment; (8) access to certain confidential INS files; (9) nonimmigrant status for spouses and children of members of the armed forces; (10) fraudulent birth certificates; (11) visa "shopping"; and (12) specified miscellaneous and technical provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act - Prohibits an individual or his or her survivor or beneficiary from being paid annuity or retired pay on the basis of the individual's creditable service if the individual is convicted of committing, while an employee or Member of Congress, one of specified offenses relating to his or her duties of office which is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, including bribery of public officials, representing others in claims against the Government, and making or receiving expenditures to influence voting. Applies the same prohibition to such an individual who: (1) is under indictment after the enactment of this Act for one of the offenses; or (2) willfully remains outside the United States or its territories and possessions for more than one year with knowledge of the indictment or charge. Prohibits interest from being computed on an individual's refund of contributions and deposits paid toward annuity or retired pay if such individual was convicted of such an offense in this Act for the period after the conviction of the violation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a three-fifths majority of the whole number of each House of the Congress to pass any bill to levy a new tax or increase the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive the requirement when a declaration of war is in effect and when the United States is engaged in military conflict that causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of the whole number of each House, that becomes law. Makes a bill passed under waiver effective for no longer than two years. Requires all votes under this amendment to be by roll call.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
Wamp Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) place equal ($2000) contribution limits on multicandidate political committees and other persons generally; and (2) limit House of Representatives election contributions from persons other than in-State individual residents.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to manage the cash position of the U.S. Government by making payments to meet the needs of the Government if sufficient funds cannot be borrowed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
Amends the National School Lunch Act to permit schools to use any reasonable approach to meet certain dietary guidelines under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Prohibits schools from being required to use or conduct nutrient analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the National Institutes of Health, the Office for Rare Disease Research.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide information on the proper handling and disposal of used regulated batteries and rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Defines a "regulated battery" as a rechargeable battery that contains a cadmium or lead electrode or contains other electrode chemistries and is the subject of a specified determination by the Administrator. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements and establishes access authorities for the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Prohibits any person from selling for use in the United States a regulated battery or a rechargeable consumer product ready for retail sale and manufactured on or after 12 months after this Act's enactment date unless the battery is easily removable from the product or is sold separately. Sets forth labeling requirements, including that the label contain a statement that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that other rechargeable batteries having electrode chemistries different from regulated batteries are toxic and may cause substantial harm if discarded for land disposal or incineration, to promulgate requirements for: (1) labeling such batteries and related products; and (2) easy removability of regulated batteries from rechargeable consumer products designed to contain such batteries. Provides for exemptions from this Act's requirements under certain conditions. Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Prohibits the sale or offering for sale or promotional purposes of: (1) alkaline-manganese batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced (limits the content in alkaline-manganese button cells to 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell); (2) zinc carbon batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, that contain mercury that was intentionally introduced; (3) button cell mercuric-oxide batteries for use in the United States on or after January 1, 1996; and (4) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after January 1, 1996, unless the manufacturer identifies a collection site that has all required Federal, State, and local government approvals, to which persons may send such batteries for recycling or disposal and informs its purchasers of such site and of a telephone number to get information about sending such batteries for recycling or disposal. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the petition of a person that proposes a new use for a battery technology or the use of a battery described in this title in a new product, to exempt such new use or product from this title if there exist safeguards to ensure that the battery or product will not be disposed of in an incinerator, composting facility, or landfill (other than a facility regulated under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act).
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Farm Freedom Act of 1995 - Extends and reduces target prices for wheat, feed grains (corn, oats, grain sorghums, barley), rice, and cotton. Eliminates deficiency payments and marketing loans for such crops beginning with crop year 2001. Eliminates acreage reduction programs and 0-85 and 50-85 programs beginning with crop year 1999. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) impose specified income limitations on price support program participation; and (2) reduce producer deficiency and acreage diversion payments. Sets forth Commodity Credit Corporation deficiency payment budgetary limitations. Expresses the sense of the Congress against the use of U.S. agricultural commodities in trade embargoes, except for cases of state-supported terrorism. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report on the feasibility of agricultural producer private revenue insurance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000439_200.jpg)