United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
SSI Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1995 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require periodic reapplications with respect to continued receipt of SSI benefits by reason of disability; (2) strike certain restrictions regarding determination of SSI ineligibility; and (3) modify criteria regarding mental impairments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining the employment status of individuals as employees, a service provider shall not be treated as an employee, a service recipient shall not be treated as an employer, and a payor shall not be treated as an employer if: (1) a service provider has a significant investment in assets and training, incurs significant unreimbursed expenses, agrees to perform the service for a specified amount of time or to complete a specific result and is responsible for damages for early termination without cause, receives payment primarily on a commission basis, or has purchased resale products; (2) the service provider has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service in the service recipient's place of business, or pays a fair market rent for use of the recipient's place of business or does not have to perform service only for the service recipient and, in the current year or in the proceeding or subsequent years, has performed or has offered to perform a significant amount of service for other persons; and (3) the services by an individual are performed according to a written contract between the service recipient or payor which provides that the individual will not be treated as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Middle East Peace Compliance Act of 1995 - Declares that the Congress has determined that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) continues to disregard the commitments it has made under specified agreements with Israel. Prohibits U.S. assistance to Palestinians living under the administrative control of the PLO or the Palestinian Authority until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the PLO and the Palestinian Authority have complied with the requirements of such agreements; (2) a financial audit has been made by the General Accounting Office (GAO) which provides a full accounting of all U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority; (3) the GAO has accounted for all U.S. and international assistance that it believes may have been misused by such entities; (4) the PLO has taken steps to provide information leading to the arrest and extradition to the United States for prosecution of PLO-connected individuals alleged to be responsible for terrorist attacks on specified American citizens or property since 1964; (5) full and fair compensation is provided by the PLO to U.S. victims of PLO terrorism; and (6) equipment and technology for security examination of cargo and vehicles have been made available to Israel. Directs the President to disclose in a classified manner to certain congressional committees the substance of any secret agreements, understandings, or promises, either formal or informal, between the United States and Israel, and the United States and the PLO, connected with the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, that commits the United States to certain courses of action or provisions of assistance. Authorizes the President to suspend specified provisions of Federal law until May 31, 1996, subject to prior approval of the Chairmen of certain congressional committees. Directs the President to request both the PLO and the Palestinian Authority to provide a financial statement of their assets and income for the year before enactment of this Act. Prohibits funds to the Palestinian Authority until the President reports such information to the relevant congressional committees. Prohibits the President from making any commitments or providing funds for any activity for the establishment of a U.S. diplomatic post in any area under the administrative control of the PLO or the Palestinian Authority.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits any Federal, State, or local government or any official of such a government from interfering with or usurping the right of a parent to govern the upbringing of a child of the parent. Disallows any exception to this Act unless the government or official is able to demonstrate, by appropriate evidence, that such interference or usurpation is valid to accomplish a compelling government interest, in which case only the least amount of interference may be used.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Medical Training Nondiscrimination Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government, and any State that receives Federal financial assistance, from discriminating against any health care entity because: (1) the entity refuses to undergo training in the performance of induced abortions, to provide such training, to perform such abortions, or to provide referral for such abortions; (2) the entity refuses to make arrangements for any such activities; or (3) the entity attends a post-graduate physician training program that does not require or provide training in the performance of induced abortions or make arrangements for the provision of such training.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Defense Subtitle A: Restore Defense Spending Subtitle B: Rescission of Funding for Programs Not Requested by the Department of Defense Subtitle C: Limitations on Funding for Certain Programs for Fiscal Year 1996 Subtitle D: Department of Defense Administrative Reforms Subtitle E: Department of Defense Program Reforms Title II: International Affairs Subtitle A: Reduce Multilateral Development Bank Credit Assistance Subtitle B: Reduce Foreign Aid Direct Assistance Subtitle C: Reduce Humanitarian Assistance Programs Subtitle D: Department Reforms Subtitle E: State Department Reforms Title III: Science, Space, and Technology Subtitle A: Administrative and Research Savings Subtitle B: Specific Program Reforms Title IV: Energy Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Energy Subtitle B: Reform Federal Petroleum Reserve Programs Subtitle C: Reform Fossil Fuel and Mineral Research Development Programs Subtitle D: Reform Energy Conservation Programs Title V: Environment Subtitle A: Public Land Use and Purchase Reforms Subtitle B: Environmental Conservation, Cleanup, and Research Reforms Subtitle C: Restructuring of Department of the Interior Subtitle D: Administrative Reform Subtitle E: National Marine Program Reforms Subtitle F: Corps of Engineers Reform Title VI: Agriculture Subtitle A: Agriculture Research and Extension Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade Subtitle C: Department of Agriculture Overhead Reduction Subtitle D: Loan Reform Subtitle F: Crop Commodity Reform Title VII: Commerce and Housing Credit Subtitle A: Small Business Administration Reform Subtitle B: Housing Credit Reform Subtitle C: Abolition of Department of Commerce and Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies Subtitle D: Banking and Insurance Reforms Subtitle E: Specific Commerce and Housing Program Reforms Title VIII: Transportation Subtitle A: Air Transportation Program Reform Subtitle B: Highway Transportation Program Reform Subtitle C: Rail Transportation Program Reform Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Transportation Program Reform Subtitle E: Administrative Reform Title IX: Community and Regional Development Subtitle A: Housing Program Reforms Subtitle B: Community and Regional Development Program Reforms Subtitle C: Administrative Reforms Title X: Education and Training Subtitle A: Job Training Reform Subtitle B: Department Reform Subtitle C: Elementary and Secondary Education Reforms Subtitle D: Community Program Reforms Subtitle E: Employment Program Reform Title XI: Health Subtitle A: Administrative Reform Subtitle B: University Research Regarding Health and Other Matters Subtitle C: Medicaid Reforms Subtitle D: Reforms in Health Care Block Grants Subtitle E: Health Care Program Reforms Subtitle F: Federal Employee Health Care Reform Title XII: Medicare Subtitle A: Copayment Reform Subtitle B: Part B Premium Subtitle C: Part A Deductible Subtitle D: Medicare Payments to Hospitals Subtitle E: Selected Presidential Medicare Reforms Title XIII: Income Security Subtitle A: Administrative Reform Subtitle B: Housing Program Reforms Subtitle C: Supplemental Security Income Reforms Subtitle D: Civil Service Reforms Subtitle E: Assistance Program Reforms Title XIV: Personal Responsibility and Family Preservation Subtitle A: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Subtitle B: Child Protection Block Grant Program Subtitle C: Block Grants for Child Care and for Nutrition Assistance Subtitle D: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle E: Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Subtitle F: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle G: Child Support Title XV: Veterans' Benefits and Services Subtitle A: Administrative Reforms Subtitle B: Extension of Certain Veterans Programs Subtitle C: Home Loan Guarantee Program Reforms Subtitle D: Medical Program Reforms Subtitle E: Other Veterans Programs Reforms Title XVI: Administration of Justice Subtitle A: Administration of Appropriations Subtitle B: Prison Reforms Subtitle C: Justice Assistance Program Reforms Subtitle D: Federal Bureau of Investigation Reforms Subtitle E: Other Justice Program Reforms Title XVII: General Government Subtitle A: Administrative Reforms Subtitle B: Legislative Branch Reductions Subtitle C: Executive Branch Reductions Subtitle D: Specific Program Reforms Restructuring a Limited Government Act - Title I: National Defense - Subtitle A: Restore Defense Spending - States that it is Congress' intent that military readiness and other specified defense-related programs be increased over proposed levels through a specified combination of defense-related increases and reductions, including increases already budgeted by the President. Subtitle B: Rescission of Funding for Programs Not Requested by the Department of Defense - Rescinds unobligated funds for various specified defense-related programs not requested by the Department of Defense (DOD), including the general purpose bomb program, the C-12F aircraft program, and the P-3 upgrade program. Subtitle C: Limitations on Funding for Certain Programs for Fiscal Year 1996 - Sets limitations on funding for specified DOD environmental and cooperative threat reduction programs with states of the former Soviet Union for FY 1996. Subtitle D: Department of Defense Administrative Reforms - Amends Federal law with respect to military severance and aviation career incentive pay. (Sec. 1313) Directs the Secretary of Defense to cancel DOD's learning resource center program for Department personnel. Subtitle E: Department of Defense Program Reforms - Directs the President to reorganize the Intelligence Community to reduce redundancy and overlapping jurisdiction and centralize responsibility and authority for intelligence activities. Includes specified personnel reductions as part of such reorganization over a five year period. (Sec. 1412) Limits: (1) Navy Seawolf (SSN-21) attack submarine procurements to one such vessel; and (2) funds already appropriated for additional vessel procurements to use only in terminating vessel contracts. (Sec. 1413) Directs the President to dispose of certain obsolete and excess materials in the National Defense Stockpile over a ten-year period, in specified quantities, with certain exceptions and a special rule for silver. Requires all proceeds from the sale of materials required to be disposed of to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury to reduce the budget deficit. Terminates various specified authorities currently in effect relating to stockpile material disposal. Title II: International Affairs - Subtitle A: Reduce Multilateral Development Bank Credit Assistance - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to limit the authorization of FY 1996 through 2000 appropriations in order to reduce credit assistance by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. (Sec. 2002) Terminates capital contributions to specified multilateral development institutions. (Sec. 2003) Directs the President at the beginning of each fiscal year to deobligate, and return to the Treasury, according to certain guidelines, any foreign economic assistance funds that, as of the end of the preceding fiscal year, have been obligated for a period of more than three years but have not been expended. (Sec. 2004) Provides for various specified reductions over a five year period in U.S. contributions to the International Development Association, and in Economic Support Fund and bilateral development assistance. (Sec. 2007) Limits U.S. contributions to the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated agencies after 1996 according to a specified formula. Subtitle B: Reduce Foreign Aid Direct Assistance - Outlines various specified reductions in, and restrictions on, foreign assistance, including assistance to Russia. Conditions such assistance, among other things, upon presidential certifications to the Congress of: (1) limited Russian intelligence activities in the United States; and (2) Russian withholding of military assistance to combatants in the Yugoslav conflict and of weapons to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and any other terrorist country. Requires certain annual reports by the President and Comptroller General to the Congress on foreign assistance to Russia. Subtitle C: Reduce Humanitarian Assistance Programs - Outlines various specified reductions in cultural exchange and humanitarian assistance programs, including the Peace Corps program. (Sec. 2203) Sets assistance for Israel and Egypt at specified minimum levels from amounts already made available under current law for foreign economic support and military financing. (Sec. 2204) Eliminates the congressional sales program and the food for development program under the Agricultural Trade Development Assistance Act of 1954. (Sec. 2205) Abolishes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission and transfers its functions to the Secretary of State. Subtitle D: Department Reforms - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of the Export-Import Bank. (Sec. 2302) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the repayment of amounts appropriated to the exchange stabilization fund, along with the net earnings of that fund. Subtitle D: State Department Reforms - Provides for comprehensive reorganization of the Department of State and Foreign Service, with changes eliminating the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, United States Information Agency, Agency for International Development (AID), International Development Cooperation Agency, and other specified Department components, as well as certain previously created Assistant Secretary positions. Revises various specified program authorities, consolidating administrative services, and transferring them to the Department under the Secretary of State. Sets funding levels for radio broadcasts to Cuba. Limits the term of the Inspector General, redesignated as the Inspector General for Foreign Affairs. Prescribes end strength personnel levels for the Department and Foreign Service. Requires a specified report to the Congress by the President and other officials on the unification of the Foreign Service with other foreign service components in the Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture. Title III: Science, Space, and Technology - Subtitle A: Administrative and Research Savings - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Energy's nuclear energy research and development (R&D) activities. (Sec. 3002) Imposes a fee for National Science Foundation grant applications. (Sec. 3003) Limits total appropriations for activities under the high performance computing program. Subtitle B: Specific Program Reforms - Authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation. (Sec. 3012) Prohibits the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from entering into any contract in furtherance of a space station program until FY 2000. (Sec. 3013) Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of NASA to cancel the National Aerospace Plane program. Title IV: Energy - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Abolishes the Department of Energy (DOE) as such, but redesignates it as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency, an independent executive agency headed by an Administrator appointed by the President to wind-up the affairs of the former Department before its own termination three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 4017) Requires a Comptroller General report to the Congress recommending the most efficient means for achieving the complete abolishment of the former Department and the termination or transfer of its functions. (Sec. 4021) Establishes an independent Energy Laboratory Facilities Commission to make recommendations for reducing the number of energy laboratories and terminating laboratory programs through closure, privatization, and reconfiguration in order to eliminate duplication, reduce overhead, and achieve cost savings while preserving their role in national defense. Authorizes appropriations. Details specific procedures for making and implementing Commission recommendations, allowing for public comment in the process, unless such recommendations are disapproved by the Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account for use in conjunction with recommendations implemented above. Requires certain congressional reports on such implementations. (Sec. 4031) Federal Power Asset Privatization Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell, at the highest possible price and with appropriate private sector advice, all Federal electric power generation and transmission facilities supervised by, or coordinated with, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations (FPMA) in accordance with a specified graduated deadline. Restricts such sales to domestic entities or U.S. citizens. Requires the Secretary to terminate FPMA operations upon sales completion. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purchaser of any such facilities should offer to employ former FPMA personnel where possible. Mandates deposit of sales proceeds in the Treasury. Limits rate increases by facility purchasers to a maximum of ten percent above the baseline price annually. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue to the purchaser of a hydroelectric generation facility a ten-year original license under the Federal Power Act to insure that the project will continue operations under the same conditions as were applicable before the sale. Grants FERC Federal Power Act jurisdiction over any such facility sold. Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the proscription on use of appropriated funds for studies regarding a changeover from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or other noncost-based methodology for pricing hydroelectric power. (Sec. 4041) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all functions of DOE with respect to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, requiring disposal of certain Louisiana reserves and appointment of an advisory board to monitor the disposal process and recommend whether the entire reserve should be maintained or disposed of. Outlines requirements for the transfer of the naval petroleum reserves to the Department of the Interior for sale, subject to certain conditions, including a sales price not less than fair market value. Establishes in DOD the Defense Nuclear Programs Agency, headed by an Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs, to carry out various specified nuclear weapons-related functions of certain defense agencies as well as transferred DOE national security functions and certain nondefense-related functions as well at various specified Federal laboratories. Gives the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Secretaries of Defense and of the Navy the authority to wind-up any outstanding affairs associated with the respective functions transferred above. (Sec. 4059) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to add a new title IV governing environmental restoration activities at defense nuclear facilities. (Sec. 4061) Provides for termination of specified miscellaneous DOE energy supply R&D programs and all clean coal technology, fossil energy, and energy conservation R&D activities. Transfers: (1) all functions of the Energy Information Administration to the Department of the Treasury; and (2) all international regulatory functions of the Energy Regulatory Administration (ERA) to the Secretary of Agriculture, and all ERA functions with respect to pending litigation to the Attorney General. (Sec. 4071) Terminates waste site work under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. (Sec. 4072) Abolishes the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and transfers its functions with respect to a radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel repository to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Sec. 4073) Directs the Corps of Engineers to design, construct, and operate a facility with sufficient capacity for interim storage of high-level nuclear waste from civilian power plants at a site chosen by the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board under the jurisdiction of DOE, until the Corps is able to transfer such waste and spent fuel. Requires the facility to be licensed in accordance with applicable regulations. Exempts Corps actions from judicial review (Sec. 41101) Mandates sale of the naval petroleum reserves at fair market value, with sales proceeds going toward Federal deficit reduction and Department environmental costs associated with the petroleum interests sold. (Sec. 4102) Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from obligating any funds for the acquisition of petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Subtitle C: Reform Fossil Fuel and Mineral Research Development Programs - Provides for the privatization of the U.S. Enrichment Corporation, including establishment by the Corporation of a private corporation to which some or all of its assets and liabilities may be transferred. (Sec. 4202) Authorizes diminishing appropriations from FY 1996 through 2000 for fossil fuel, energy conservation, magnetic fusion, solar and renewable energy, and nuclear energy R&D. (Sec. 4203) Prohibits obligation of funds for the Clean Coal Technology program (except to a specified extent) as well as the atomic vapor laser isotope separation program. Subtitle D: Reform Energy Conservation Programs - Repeals weatherization, State energy conservation, and institutional conservation programs under the Energy Conservation and Production Act. Title V: Environment - Subtitle A: Public Land Use and Purchase Reforms - Places a five-year moratorium on certain land acquisitions by Federal agencies with respect to lands to be administered by the Forest Service and other Federal environmental agencies with certain exceptions pertaining to national security interests. Sets restrictions on land exchanges during such period. (Sec. 5002) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit certain below-cost timber sale programs in units of the National Forest System. (Sec. 5003) Amends various specified Federal laws to set permanent limitations on amounts authorized to be appropriated each fiscal year for the National Forest System and related agriculture conservation and forestry programs. (Sec. 5004) Provides that in accordance with the discretionary authority provided under the Raker Act, certain annual amounts paid to the United States shall be increased to the amount determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be equal to the fair market value of the electric power generated within a described area. (Sec. 5005) Amends the Alaska National Interest Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against mineral leasing of lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Requires deposit of leasing revenues in the Treasury. (Sec. 5006) Requires the charging of admission and other specified user fees at National Park System units for crediting to various special funds for conservation- and park-related uses. Allows donations of money, property, and services for national park use. Subtitle B: Environmental Conservation, Cleanup, and Research Reforms - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to direct the President to give a preference to certain interim measures in Superfund response actions, and report to the Congress on their use. (Sec. 5101) Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize appropriations from the Superfund. (Sec. 5102) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to eliminate the conservation reserve program. (Sec. 5103) Eliminates Federal funding for State water pollution control revolving funds under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as well as for certain watershed and flood prevention operations. (Sec. 5105) Sets obligation limitations for certain flood control (particularly for the Mississippi River and tributaries) and coastal emergency operations by the Corps of Engineers. Subtitle C: Restructuring of Department of the Interior - Provides for a restructuring of the Department of the Interior, including changes: (1) establishing the Bureau of Land Management Sale and Acquisition (BLMSA) Fund; (2) prohibiting acquisition of lands for the Bureau of Land Management, except by exchange, donation, or with amounts from the BLMSA Fund; (3) abolishing the Bureau of Mines and all of its functions, positions, and offices; (4) mandating cessation of production, refining, and marketing of refined helium by the Department, and the sale of crude helium from helium reserves owned by the United States; (5) transferring to the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of all basic research and of all stream monitoring functions, respectively, of the U.S. Geological Survey, abolishing the Survey and all its other functions; (6) requiring transfer to a Department officer of the functions of certain Outer Continental Shelf Regional Offices of the Minerals Management Service, and termination of such regional offices; (7) setting reductions in appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation; (8) requiring consolidation of Bureau of Indian Affairs area service offices; and (9) abolishing the Office of Territorial and International Affairs and the National Biological Survey. Outlines hardrock mining royalty requirements pertaining to payments, recordkeeping, and other specified matters. Subtitle D: Administrative Reform - Provides for a reduction in EPA overhead expenses. Subtitle E: National Marine Program Reforms - Terminates National Coastal Zone Management Grants and National Sea Grant College Program Grants. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to dispose of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet. Rescinds specified FY 1995 funds for NOAA procurement, modernization, and construction. Subtitle F: Corps of Engineers Reform - Directs the Secretary of the Army to reorganize the Corps of Engineers. Imposes obligational limitations for various specified Corps activities, including general investigations. Title VI: Agriculture - Subtitle A: Agriculture Research and Extension - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) consolidate specified agricultural research agencies, with associated personnel reductions; (2) terminate certain cooperative agricultural extension work; and (3) impose specified agricultural- and extension-related program caps. Repeals rural technology grant authority. Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade - Makes various specified changes concerning agricultural trade. Mandates phase-out of the Foreign Agricultural Service's co-operator market development program. Eliminates export enhancement and market promotion programs. Reduces the loan guarantee program under the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978. Subtitle C: Department of Agriculture Overhead Reduction - Provides for a Department overhead reduction. Subtitle D: Loan Reform - Terminates the grant program under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to assist State mediation programs. Subtitle F: Crop Commodity Reform - Eliminates various specified price support programs for agricultural commodities except for milk, emergency livestock feed assistance, and other specified program components and related marketing quotas. (Sec. 6402) Terminates Federal price supports for honey. Title VII: Commerce and Housing Credit - Subtitle A: Small Business Administration Reform - Eliminates the Small Business Administration (SBA), transferring to the OMB Director and other specified officials its respective functions, powers, and duties. Establishes in its place an Office of Small Business Advocacy, in the Executive Office of the President, to carry out functions formerly vested in the SBA Chief Counsel of Advocacy. Provides for winding-up the affairs of SBA, including the transfer of its previously owned financial obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. (Sec. 7010) Repeals the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 while leaving in effect certain Small Business Act provisions relating to the definition of "small business concern", among other specified provisions that include those on penalties for prohibited acts. Subtitle B: Housing Credit Reform - Makes specified changes with regard to housing credit under the National Housing Act and the Housing Act of 1949, including increased fees for Farmers Home Administration (FMHA) single family housing loan guarantees, and delegation of single family mortgage insuring authority to mortgagees and secondary market entities. Subtitle C: Abolition of Department of Commerce and Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as an independent but temporary Commerce Programs Resolution Agency for winding-up outstanding Department affairs not included in the various specified former Department entities and functions either transferred to other specified departments, agencies, and entities of the Federal Government, or terminated in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires a report by the Comptroller General to the Congress recommending the most efficient means of achieving the complete abolishment of the former Department. (Sec. 7232) Transfers specified export control functions to the Secretary of State. Provides for the transfer to certain departments and agencies of: (1) the Secretary of Commerce's national security, international trade, and spectrum management functions; (2) the Patent and Trademark Office; (3) the Bureau of the Census; and (4) the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Terminates NOAA, the Minority Business Development Administration, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Advanced Technology Program, and the Manufacturing Extension Programs. (Sec. 7244) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the head of each agency that performs a function vested in it by this title should, wherever feasible, explore and implement user fees for the provision of services in the performance of that function in order to offset operating costs. (Sec. 7260) Limits annual expenditures for continued former Department functions. Subtitle D: Banking and Insurance Reforms - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Reserve Act with respect to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Federal Reserve Board bank examination fees. (Sec. 7311) Establishes an independent Federal Banking Agency, governed by a board of directors, to receive the current regulatory authority of the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors and other specified banking agencies, including the FDIC, the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision, which are abolished. (Sec. 7325) Amends the National Housing Act with respect to mortgage refinancing. (Sec. 7326) Prescribes a penalty for early redemption of savings bonds. (Sec. 7328) Terminates issuance of one dollar notes, providing instead for one dollar coins. Subtitle E: Specific Commerce and Housing Program Reforms - Limits FY 1996 obligations for the Minority Business Development Agency. Terminates the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration. Limits funds for carrying out the Export Administration Act of 1979. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal the public telecommunications facilities and telecommunications demonstration grant programs. (Sec. 7405) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to abolish the advanced technology program. (Sec. 7406) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to collect each fiscal year fees, calculated according to specified formulae, from each Government-sponsored enterprise, including the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae), and the College Construction Loan Insurance Association (Connie Lee). Amends the National Housing Act to increase from six basis points to ten basis points during FY 1997, and to 15 basis points for succeeding fiscal years, the guaranty fee the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) must charge. (Sec. 7407) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the spectrum auction authority of the Federal Communications Commission. (Sec. 7408) Limits amounts made available for salaries and expenses for the Bureau of the Census and the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress. Title VIII: Transportation - Subtitle A: Air Transportation Program Reform - Air Traffic Control Service Privatization and Improvement Act of 1995 - Establishes a non-profit Airways Corporation to operate the civil air traffic control system without Federal funding after its transfer by the Secretary of Transportation in accordance with specified guidelines. Provides for a reduction in tax on transportation of persons by air. (Sec. 8002) Makes various specified changes with regard to air transportation, imposing obligation limits for airport improvement program and Federal Aviation Administration operations, as well as termination of the essential air service program and funding for the airway science, collegiate training initiative, and air carrier maintenance technician training facility grant programs. (Sec. 8006) Mandates fees for use of slots at high density airports in an amount sufficient to collect $300 million per fiscal year. Subtitle B: Highway Transportation Program Reform - Terminates the Interstate Commerce Commission, transferring its functions to the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 8102) Increases customs tonnage fees. (Sec. 8103) Directs the Secretary to establish fees for operation of foreign repair stations. (Sec. 8104) Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to eliminate funding for highway demonstration projects. Subtitle C: Rail Transportation Program Reform - Amends Federal law to set authorization levels for Amtrak for capital expenditures and other expenses through FY 2000. (Sec. 8202) Eliminates funding for magnetic levitation (Maglev) prototype development under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. (Sec. 8204) Makes various specified changes with regard to local rail freight assistance and State boating safety grants. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Transportation Program Reform - Amends Federal law to reduce the Federal Government's share of funding for mass transit and makes other miscellaneous modifications in transportation provisions, including those eliminating operating assistance. Subtitle E: Administrative Reform - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of the Department of Transportation. Title IX: Community and Regional Development - Subtitle A: Housing Program Reforms - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit new rural rental housing program loans. Subtitle B: Community and Regional Development Program Reforms - Eliminates funding for environmental research programs of the Tennessee Valley Authority. (Sec. 9102) Eliminates the community development block grant (CDBG) program under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. (Sec. 9103) Terminates the Economic Development Administration. Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976, continuing the Economic Development Revolving Fund established under the first named Act to finish up certain business under it. (Sec. 9104) Terminates the Appalachian Regional Commission and repeals the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (Sec. 9105) Repeals the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and various rural development loan and grant programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, the Food Security Act of 1985, and other specified Federal agricultural law. Provides for sale of outstanding rural development loans. Subtitle C: Administrative Reforms - Sets specified limits on amounts made available for Indian program operations and Bureau of Indian Affairs construction. Title X: Education and Training - Subtitle A: Job Training Reform - Employment Enhancement Reform Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide block grants to States for employment assistance to eligible residents in accordance with specified guidelines to help prepare individuals for employment by increasing their occupational and educational skills, resulting in improved long-term employability, increased employment and earnings, and reduced welfare dependency. Outlines provisions for grants to Indian tribes and migrant and seasonal farmworker organizations under the program. Provides for a reduction or termination of payments to participating States unsuccessful in making employment placements under the program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10031) Provides for consolidation and repeal of various specified Federal employment assistance programs under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Sec. 10041) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal certain higher education programs for students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families. (Sec. 10042) Amends Federal law to eliminate various specified homeless and disabled veterans programs. (Sec. 10043) Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to eliminate the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs, as well as the Older American Community Service Employment Program under the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 10044) Repeals the Job Training Partnership Act, except certain provisions relating to the Job Corps, which is reauthorized at specified levels. (Sec. 10045) Discontinues certain vocational and other education facilities and operations programs under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (Sec. 10046) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the targeted jobs credit. (Sec. 10047) Repeals the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, the National Literacy Act of 1991, the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and portions of the Social Security Act (SSA) relating to Indian tribes and of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 authorizing the Literacy Corps. (Sec. 10054) Amends other specified Federal law to repeal various other specified programs. Subtitle B: Department Reform - Back to Basics Education Reform Act - Abolishes the Department of Education and redefines the Federal role in education. Establishes, in its place, (and sunsets) an Office of Economic Opportunities in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to which current Department of Education functions are transferred. (Sec. 10115) Authorizes the HHS Secretary, as is necessary or appropriate, to: (1) allocate or reallocate any function of the Office among its officers; and (2) consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Office any organizational entities that were entities of the Department of Education. Prohibits transfer of any function or personnel of the Office to any agency outside of the Office. (Sec. 10116) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan for winding-up the affairs of the Department of Education in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 10117) Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a report with recommendations for the most efficient means of achieving, in accordance with this Act: (1) the complete abolition of the Department; and (2) the termination, transfer, or other continuation of Department functions. (Sec. 10120) Limits Federal expenditures in each fiscal year for the administration of a function transferred by this Act to not more than 70 percent of the total amount expended for the administration of that function during fiscal year 1995. (Sec. 10131) Authorizes the Director of the Office to provide an elementary and secondary education block grant to the Governor of each State that complies with specified requirements. (Sec. 10132) Authorizes such block grant program, and sets forth provisions for State eligibility, general State requirements, amount of State allotment, local fiscal accountability, and participation of children enrolled in private schools. (Sec. 10139) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10141) Repeals: (1) titles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and parts B and C of title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) the Goals 200: Educate America Act; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; (4) specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act; and (5) the National Education Statistics Act of 1994. Amends ESEA provisions relating to impact aid. Requires that impact aid programs provided under title VIII of ESEA be administered by DOD through the Assistant Secretary for Force Management Policy. Provides that Indian education programs under part A of title IX of ESEA shall be administered by the Department of the Interior through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. (Sec. 10142) Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to transfer authority from the Department and Secretary of Education to the Department and HHS Secretary. (Sec. 10143) Amends IDEA definitions of excess costs and of native language. (Sec. 10144) Transfers IDEA administering authority to the Office. (Sec. 10145) Revises IDEA provisions on outreach services for certain institutions of higher education. (Sec. 10151) Repeals the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), with exceptions for its short title and provisions relating to Pell Grants, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Perkins Loans, needs analysis, certain general provisions, definitions, and the program integrity triad. Provides that such repeal of HEA provisions shall not affect Federal authority to collect loans. Discontinues Federal contributions for FY 1997 or any succeeding year to student loan funds established under Perkins Loans provisions of HEA. Limits Federal funds for Howard University under specified Federal law and the Howard University Endowment Act to: (1) specified maximum amounts and uses in fiscal years through FY 2000; and (2) nothing after FY 2000. (Sec. 10152) Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise the Federal Credit Reform Act with respect to defining the cost of a direct loan. (Sec. 10153) Amends HEA to provide for the sale of Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) loan portfolios. (Sec. 10154) Makes a statement of policy that the Federal student loan programs should be reviewed to evaluate whether reforms need to be made based on the principles of risk sharing, market-based orientation, privatization, and deregulation. (Sec. 10155) Eliminates in-school interest subsidies under HEA guaranteed loan programs. (Sec. 10161) Authorizes block grants to States to assist institutions of higher education to improve access to higher education and the quality of educational programs. (Sec. 10162) Sets forth such block grant program provisions for distribution of funds, State assurances, use of funds, and public disclosure. (Sec. 10167) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10173) Directs the HHS Secretary to provide for a consolidated application for elementary and secondary education block grants and higher education block grants. Requires that consolidated applications also be permitted at the local level. (Sec. 10174) Limits the amount that is authorized to be appropriated for specified programs to not more than the amount appropriated for such programs for FY 1995. Requires that such programs be authorized through FY 2000. (Sec. 10175) Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the applicability of civil rights laws relating to any program established, transferred, or consolidated under this Act. Sets forth education-related civil rights enforcement and reporting duties of the HHS Secretary, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights of HHS, and the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. (Sec. 10181) Sets forth requirements relating to certain references, exercise of authorities, savings provisions, transfer of assets, delegation and assignment, authority of OMB with respect to functions transferred, and proposed changes in law. (Sec. 10191) Sets forth statements of policy regarding: (1) Federal education funding (review and evaluation as to the feasibility of further enhancing the ability of States and local communities to fund education by reducing the Federal tax burden and commensurately eliminating Federal Government involvement in providing grants for education programs); (2) job training programs (review and transfer all those under jurisdiction of the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and consolidate them into one or more block grants); and (3) Indian education (review programs transferred to the Department of the Interior to ensure that they benefit Native American children who live on reservations). Subtitle C: Elementary and Secondary Education Reforms - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to eliminate impact aid and the Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia program. (Sec. 10203) Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to limit the authorization of appropriations for individuals with disabilities to the same amount for the period between FY 1996 and 2000. (Sec. 10204) Sets a limit on the amount of funds which may be made available annually to carry out the Eisenhower Professional Development State Grant program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Outlines similar annual limitations with regard to other specified programs under such Act, such as the education infrastructure and magnet school assistance programs, as well as the Education Department's Christa McAuliffe Scholarship program. (Sec. 10212) Continues annual funding limitations under such Act for dropout demonstrations and other specified programs and activities, as well as with certain described programs and services under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and Civil Rights Act, respectively, while totally eliminating other specified programs under such Acts, including those involving immigrant education and education for Native Hawaiians. (Sec. 10224) Abolishes programs under the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 relating to public library construction and national assessment of educational progress. Subtitle D: Community Program Reforms - Repeals the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, the National and Community Service Act of 1990, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, and related provisions. (Sec. 10303) Repeals the Museum Services Act. (Sec. 10304) Terminates funding for the Kennedy Center. (Sec. 10305) Repeals the Older Americans Community Service Employment Act. (Sec. 10306) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to consolidate services under various specified Federal Acts relating to community services, child care, and dependent care within the block grant program under SSA. (Sec. 10307) Makes numerous amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965, detailing various specified changes reauthorizing and extending various programs, activities, and services under it at lower levels of funding. (Sec. 10308) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to terminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Subtitle E: Employment Program Reform - Terminates general trade adjustment assistance extension under the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 10402) Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to preempt State laws reducing periodic benefits by reason of entitlement to disability insurance benefits, thus extending to all States the rule providing for reduction of social security disability insurance benefits upon receipt of worker's compensation benefits. (Sec. 10403) Repeals the Service Contract Act of 1965. (Sec. 10404) Specifies a reduction in overhead expenses of the Department of Labor. Title XI: Health - Subtitle A: Administrative Reform - Specifies a reduction in overhead expenses of HHS. Subtitle B: University Research Regarding Health and Other Matters - Provides for a reduction in rates for the indirect costs of federally-supported university research. (Sec. 11102) Amends the Public Health Service Act to specify a reduction in budget of the National Institutes of Health and provide for a reduction in health professions budget, as well as authorize appropriations for programs for minority and economically disadvantaged students. (Sec. 11104) Provides for closure of the uniformed services University of the Health Sciences. Subtitle C: Medicaid Reforms - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for: (1) a reduction in Federal payments for disproportionate share hospitals; (2) imposition of State limits on approved nursing facility beds; and (3) a reduction to 50 percent in the matching rate for administrative costs under Medicaid. Subtitle D: Reforms in Health Care Block Grants - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a consolidation of specified health-related block grants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 11302) Specifies a reduction in budget for immunization programs. Prohibits warehousing vaccines. Subtitle E: Health Care Program Reforms - Specifies reductions in agency and program budgets under the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 11403) Abolishes the Office of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service. Subtitle F: Federal Employee Health Care Reform - Amends Federal civil service law to change the Government contribution to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program from a percentage of the average subscription charge for a particular program to a uniform dollar amount (adjusted annually according to a specified price index) for all such programs. Title XII: Medicare - Subtitle A: Copayment Reform - Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to impose a 20 percent copayment for home health services and clinical laboratory services under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Subtitle B: Part B Premium - Provides for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for certain high-income individuals, and associated beneficiary reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, upon request by the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, to make certain tax return-related disclosures to the Administrator for use in determining whether a beneficiary is subject to such a premium increase. (Sec. 12103) Sets the monthly part B premium at 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the succeeding calendar year. Subtitle C: Part A Deductible - Provides for an increase in the Medicare Hospital Insurance deductible for certain high-income individuals. Subtitle D: Medicare Payments to Hospitals - Makes various specified changes with regard to Medicare payments to hospitals, including elimination of payments to hospitals for enrollees' bad debts and reduction in payments for indirect costs of medical education. Subtitle E: Selected Presidential Medicare Reforms - Requires the HHS Secretary to use a competitive process for contracting with centers of excellence for cataract surgery, coronary artery by-pass surgery, and other appropriate services. Sets payment for services subject to such contracts on the basis of specified negotiated or all- inclusive rates. Provides payment rebates of a portion of the resulting savings for individuals receiving services under such a demonstration project. (Sec. 12402) Provides for application of a competitive acquisition process for Medicare part B items and services as well as a reduction in payment amounts to the area involved if such acquisition fails to achieve a specified minimum reduction in payments. Provides for a similar application with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 12404) Makes various specified changes with regard to Medicare as secondary payer. (Sec. 12405) Provides under Medicare part B for limitations on payment for physicians' services furnished by high-cost hospital medical staffs. (Sec. 12406) Delineates various specified update reductions and expenditure goals with regard to inpatient hospital services and physician services, respectively. (Sec. 12408) Reduces from 112 percent to 100 percent (adjusted to preserve certain savings) the payment for the routine service costs of skilled nursing facilities. (Sec. 12409) Provides for a reduction in routine cost limits for home health services and elimination of formula-driven overpayments for certain outpatient hospital services. Title XIII: Income Security - Subtitle A: Administrative Reform - Repeals the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Makes various other specified administrative changes with regard to housing programs and the transfer of Department functions, including providing for their consolidation into a block grant program and privatization of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Subtitle B: Housing Programs Reforms - Eliminates operating subsidies for vacant public housing and provides for an increase of certain tenant contributions under the United States Housing Act of 1937, along with other specified changes under such Act. Subtitle C: Supplemental Security Income Reforms - Modifies the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program under SSA title XVI concerning: (1) reporting of admissions of SSI recipients to nursing homes; (2) limiting SSI benefits for recipients in nursing homes if Medicaid pays certain care costs; (3) unearned income exclusion under the program; and (4) recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Subtitle D: Civil Service Reforms - Increases the retirement age under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to 65 for certain post-1993 new employees and Members of Congress. (Sec. 13302) Defers until age 62 the cost-of-living adjustments for military retirees who first entered military service on or after January 1, 1996. (Sec. 13303) Amends Federal law to eliminate a portion of the Government contribution to the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees hired, or Members of Congress first elected, after December 31, 1994. Subtitle E: Assistance Program Reforms - Makes various specified changes with regard to low-income home energy assistance programs, setting annual authorization limits under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, and establishing additional requirements for unemployment benefits. (Sec. 13403) Denies unemployment benefits to individuals who voluntarily leave military service. (Sec. 13404) Provides for an increase in the variable rate premium charged by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to single-employer plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Title XIV: Personal Responsibility and Family Preservation - Personal Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance For Needy Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress with regard to: (1) the importance of marriage and negative consequences of out-of-wedlock births; and (2) the reduction of such births as an important government interest. (Sec. 14101) Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of SSA title IV to convert the current AFDC program into a block grant program with specified work, job search, and education and training requirements designed to increase State flexibility in providing time-limited assistance and support services (including birth control and child care services) to needy families in order to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient. Prohibits such assistance, generally, to: (1) certain aliens; (2) families without a minor child; (3) families not cooperating in paternity establishment or child support; (4) children born out-of-wedlock to a minor parent (or the parent until such parent turns age 18); (5) families not assigning support rights to the State; (6) minor children born to benefit recipients (except that vouchers in lieu of certain child care cash benefits shall not be denied); (7) a person convicted of fraudulently misrepresenting residence in order to receive welfare benefits; (8) fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; and (9) minor children absent from the home for specified periods of time. Requires the withholding of a portion of assistance from families which include a child whose paternity is not established. Provides that in order to be eligible for block grants under such program a State must submit to the HHS Secretary a plan that includes: (1) an outline of the assistance the State intends on providing to needy families with children; and (2) certifications that the State will operate revised SSA title IV part B (Child-Welfare Services) and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) programs in accordance with this Act. Allows States to use grants for: (1) providing low-income household heating and cooling assistance; (2) implementing an electronic benefit transfer system for providing assistance to needy families with children; and (3) carrying out a State program pursuant to specified provisions of Federal law, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Gives States the authority to treat families moving interstate under the former State program rules if they reside in their new State of residence for less than 12 months. Increases the amount of such grants for States which have reduced their out-of-wedlock births. Prescribes penalties for violations of grant uses and mandatory work requirements. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving loan fund known as the Federal Rainy Day Fund for making loans to, and receiving payments of principal and interest on such loans from, qualified States under the new State block grant program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that States: (1) should require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents who have not attained 18 years of age to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school; and (2) operating block grant programs are encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring families that include older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in work activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) research the costs and benefits of State activities under this title; (2) evaluate innovative approaches to employing program recipients; (3) rank States in order of their success under the grant program; and (4) review the most and least successful State work programs. Sets forth requirements for: (1) State data collection and reporting; and (2) a Census Bureau study obtaining information for evaluating the impact of this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State block grant programs. Appropriates funds for the latter. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct research on the effects, costs, and benefits of State block grant programs under this title; (2) assist States in development and evaluation of innovative approaches to employing welfare recipients; and (3) conduct studies of the caseloads of States operating programs under this title. Directs the Secretary to develop innovative methods of disseminating information on any research, evaluations, and studies conducted under this title. (Sec. 14102) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on automated data processing systems under State block grant programs and the modifications necessary for tracking public program participants and checking case records to prohibit participants from participating in public programs of two or more States. (Sec. 14106) Provides for the continued application of current AFDC standards under Medicaid. Subtitle B: Child Protection Block Grant Program - Revises SSA title IV part B's Child-Welfare Services program, converting it also into a program of block grants to the States, in this case, for the protection of children in accordance with specified standards. (Sec. 14201) Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State eligibility plans with appropriate certifications; (2) grant uses; (3) penalties; (4) data collection and reporting; (5) research; (6) a national random sample study of at-risk children; and (7) continued application of current standards under Medicaid. Allows grant-receiving States to consider establishing kinship care foster care placement programs with a preferred placement option for adult relatives (who meet all relevant child protection standards) of children separated from their parents. Adds requirements for: (1) citizen review panels for examining specific cases to ensure that State and local agencies are doing their job properly to protect children; (2) a clearinghouse and telephone hotline on missing and runaway children; (3) decreasing the time children wait for adoption; and (4) preventing discrimination in multiethnic placements of children. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 14205) Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding timely adoption of children. Subtitle C: Block Grants for Child Care and for Nutrition Assistance - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to add the following as goals for such Act: (1) to allow each State maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs of children and parents within such State; (2) to promote parental choice to empower working parents to make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their family's needs; (3) to encourage States to provide consumer education information to help parents make informed choices about child care; (4) to assist States to provide child care to parents trying to achieve independence from public assistance; and (5) to assist States in implementing the health, safety, licensing, and registration standards established in State regulations. (Sec. 14301) Reauthorizes and extends such Act through 2000. Makes various specified technical and other changes to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with regard to lead State agency designation, State application and plan, and limitations on State allotments. Repeals earmarked required expenditures. Requires each State to report a plan for annual evaluations of the extent to which the State has achieved each goal established by this Act. Authorizes a State to transfer funds to carry out other State programs operated under specified provisions of Federal law, including AFDC and child-welfare programs. (Sec. 14302) Repeals certain child care assistance authorized by specified Acts other than SSA, including Native Hawaiian Family-Based Education Centers under the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Revises the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, among other changes, converting the current child nutrition program under it into a State family nutrition block grant program with goals that include the following: (1) to provide nutritional risk assessment, food assistance based on such risk assessment, and nutrition education and counseling to economically disadvantaged pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and young children at nutritional risk; and (2) to provide food assistance, including nutritious meal supplements, to such women in order to reduce incidences of low- birthweight babies and babies born with birth defects as a result of nutritional deficiencies. (Sec. 14321) Sets forth the formula for allotting appropriations among the States. Specifies the use of grant amounts, including specified additional requirements with respect to: (1) assistance for economically disadvantaged pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and young children; and (2) child care assistance on military installations. Establishes penalties for misuse of funds. Requires the appropriate State agency to determine that sufficient grant amounts will remain available during a fiscal year to carry out this subtitle before using any such amounts for the fiscal year. Sets out State reporting requirements. Directs the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to develop, and report to specified congressional committees, model nutrition standards for food assistance provided to economically disadvantaged pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and young children. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 14341) Amends the National School Lunch Act, among other changes, converting the current school lunch program into a program of school-based nutrition block grants to States to provide assistance to schools to establish and carry out nutritious food service programs that provide affordable meals and supplements to students. Requires the appropriate State agency to determine that sufficient grant amounts will remain available during a fiscal year to carry out this subtitle before using any such amounts for the fiscal year. Prohibits a State from requiring a school district, private nonprofit school, or DOD domestic dependents' school to accept commodities, except on request, for use in its food service program. Directs the States to ensure that schools provided State assistance in establishing and carrying out nutritious food service programs do not: (1) physically segregate children eligible to receive free or low cost meals or supplements on the basis of such eligibility; (2) provide for overt identification of such children by special means; or (3) otherwise discriminate against them. Provides that if, by reason of any other provision of law, a State is prohibited from providing assistance received from a grant under such Act to private nonprofit schools or DOD domestic dependents' schools, or if the State has substantially failed or is unwilling to provide such assistance, the Secretary of Agriculture shall arrange for its provision to such schools in accordance with the requirements of such Act. Directs the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to develop, and report to specified congressional committees, model nutrition standards for meals provided to students under such Act. Eliminates other current school lunch programs, including the summer food service programs for children in service institutions, the child and adult care food program, meal supplements for children in afterschool care, specified pilot projects, as well as the current publication entitled "Nutrition Guidance for Child Nutrition Programs." Retains the current program for nutritious food service programs in DOD overseas dependents' schools. (Sec. 14361) Repeals the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 and the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 1989. (Sec. 14371) Repeals the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988, with conforming amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. Repeals the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (with conforming amendments to the Victims of Crime Act of 1984), as well as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978. Makes technical amendments to the Temporary Child Care for Children with Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986, eliminating the crisis nursery demonstration program, among other changes. Repeals: (1) the Missing Children's Assistance Act; (2) the family center support provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (3) certain investigatory and prosecutory provisions of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990; and (4) the family unification program provisions of the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Sec. 14381) Directs the Secretary to produce and publish data on the incidence of poverty for each State, county, and local government for which data have been compiled, as well as for each school district. Requires a report to the Congress, if such data cannot be produced, enumerating each government or school district excluded and giving the reasons for the exclusion. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 14382) Requires the Secretary to produce data relating to participation in programs authorized by this Act by families and children. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 14400) Declares that: (1) it is a compelling government interest to enact new rules for eligibility and sponsorship agreements in order to assure that aliens be self-reliant in accordance with national immigration policy; and (2) it is a compelling government interest to remove the incentive for illegal immigration provided by the availability of public benefits. (Sec. 14401) Makes illegal and lawful nonimmigrant aliens ineligible for any Federal means-tested public benefits program, with certain exceptions. (Sec. 14403) Makes aliens lawfully present in the United States ineligible for SSI, block grant temporary and social services assistance, Medicaid, and consolidated food assistance. Exempts from such eligibility restrictions on lawful aliens: (1) refugees until five years after their arrival in the United States; (2) all eligible resident aliens until one year after enactment of this Act; (3) all lawful permanent residents over 75 years of age who have resided in the United States for at least five years; and (4) all lawful permanent residents unable because of physical or developmental disability or mental impairment (including Alzheimer's disease) to comply with certain naturalization requirements. (Sec. 14411) Requires each Federal agency administering a program covered by this title to post information and provide general notification to the public and program recipients, either directly or through the States, of the requirements concerning alien eligibility for any such program pursuant to this title. (Sec. 14412) Makes illegal and nonimmigrant aliens ineligible for any State or local means-tested public benefits programs, with certain exceptions including those for non-cash, in-kind emergency services, aliens granted asylum, and temporary agricultural workers. (Sec. 14413) Authorizes States to determine eligibility requirements for aliens lawfully present in the United States (other than as nonimmigrants) for any State or local means-tested public assistance program except non-cash, in-kind emergency assistance. Exempts from such eligibility restrictions on lawful aliens: (1) refugees until five years after their arrival in the United States; (2) all eligible resident aliens until one year after enactment of this Act; and (3) all lawful permanent residents over 75 years of age who have resided in the United States for at least five years. (Sec. 14421) Provides that in determining the eligibility and the amount of benefits of any alien for any means-tested public benefits program (except those for certain housing-related assistance), the income and resources of the alien shall be deemed to include: (1) the income and resources of any person who executed an affidavit of support on the alien's behalf; and (2) the income and resources of the person's spouse (if any). Applies such requirement with respect to an alien until such time as the alien achieves U.S. citizenship through naturalization. (Sec. 14422) Sets forth requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support. (Sec. 14431) Sets forth definitions and provides for the determination of lawful presence. Subtitle E: Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution - Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Act - Commodity Distribution Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase and distribute food assistance commodities. (Sec. 14513) Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for supplemental State, local, and private commodity donations. (Sec. 14514) Requires a State seeking commodity assistance to submit an administrative plan every four years to the Secretary. (Sec. 14515) Establishes program allocation guidelines. Requires States to make emergency feeding organizations their first priority. (Sec. 14517) Authorizes the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to pay initial commodity processing and packaging costs. (Sec. 14519) Authorizes program appropriations, including separate authorization of appropriations for administrative costs. (Sec. 14520) Obligates specified funds for a commodity supplemental food program for women, infants, and children or the elderly. Requires the CCC to donate specified amounts of cheese and nonfat dry milk to such program. (Sec. 14521) States that commodities received under this title shall not be considered income or resources for any Federal, State, or local means-tested program. (Sec. 14522) Provides that whenever a commodity is made available without charge or credit under this chapter by the Secretary for distribution within the States to eligible recipient agencies, the State may not charge recipient agencies any amount that is in excess of the State's direct costs of storing and transporting to recipient agencies the commodities, minus any amount the Secretary provides the State for the costs of storing and transporting such commodities. (Sec. 14528) Repeals specified food and commodity distribution programs. (Sec. 14541) Directs the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to States to provide food assistance to economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 14542) Directs the Secretary to issue, and make available for purchase by States, coupons for the retail purchase of food from retail food stores that are approved in accordance with specified criteria and are redeemable at face value by the Secretary through the facilities of the Treasury. (Sec. 14544) Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1977. (Sec. 14592) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States that operate electronic benefit systems to transfer benefits provided under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 should operate electronic benefit systems that are compatible with each other. (Sec. 14593) Expresses the sense of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives that reductions in outlays resulting from subtitle B shall not be taken into account for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm- Rudman-Hollings). Subtitle F: Supplemental Security Income - Amends SSI to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) place restrictions on eligibility for cash benefits for disabled children; and (3) establish a program of block grants to States for children with disabilities. (Sec. 14601) Provides funding for the: (1) Federal Capacity Expansion Program for drug treatment; and (2) medication development project to improve drug abuse and treatment research. (Sec. 14603) Amends the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 to provide for the examination of certain mental disorder listings in determining the eligibility of children for SSI benefits by reason of disability. (Sec. 14604) Amends SSA title XI to limit the total amount payable under SSA titles I (Old Age Assistance), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), and XVI to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. (Sec. 14605) Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. (Sec. 14606) Provides for denial of SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States. (Sec. 14607) Provides for denial of SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. (Sec. 14608) Prescribes reapplication requirements for adults receiving SSI benefits by reason of disability. (Sec. 14609) Repeals certain restrictions regarding determination of ineligibility. (Sec. 14610) Requires the HHS Secretary to revise certain regulations in order to narrow SSI eligibility on the basis of mental impairment. Subtitle G: Child Support - Revises SSA title IV part D's child support and paternity establishment program to make various specified changes with regard to: (1) case registries; (2) State obligation to provide child support enforcement services; (3) distribution of child support collections; and (4) privacy safeguards. (Sec. 14711) Modifies such program further to make various additional specified changes with regard to: (1) automated State case registries and new hire directories for tracking cases, exchanging and comparing information, handling locate requests, and other specified matters; (2) collection and disbursement of support payments through State disbursement units; (3) income withholding; (4) locate information from interstate networks and the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS); (5) reimbursement for information from Federal agencies and for reports by State agencies; (6) an expanded FPLS containing the automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and the National Directory of New Hires; and (7) collection and use of social security numbers for use in child support enforcement. (Sec. 14721) Requires each State to have in effect the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August 1992, and modified by this Act, and the procedures required to implement such Act. Requires such law to be applied to any case involving an order which is established or modified in a State and which is sought to be modified or enforced in another State. (Sec. 14722) Amends the Federal judicial code to modify provisions concerning the full faith and credit for child support orders. (Sec. 14723) Requires each State to have in effect laws: (1) requiring the use of procedures for administrative enforcement in interstate cases; and (2) providing expedited procedures for establishing paternity and for establishing, modifying, and enforcing support obligations using automated means. (Sec. 14731) Modifies State law procedures for paternity establishment, among other changes, providing for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. (Sec. 14732) Provides for outreach for voluntary paternity establishment. (Sec. 14733) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to provide for the cooperation by applicants for and recipients of temporary family assistance in establishing the paternity of, and in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order for, any child of the individual. (Sec. 14741) Makes various specified changes to State payment provisions, including incentive payment requirements. Revises State plan and other provisions with respect to, among other items, Federal and State reviews and audits and State procedures for collecting and reporting information required by SSA title IV part D. (Sec. 14745) Revises automated data processing requirements. (Sec. 14746) Provides funding for technical assistance to States for improving their SSA title IV part D programs and for operating FPLS. (Sec. 14747) Makes changes with regard to annual congressional reports and data collection by the Secretary. (Sec. 14751) Modifies the process for the review and adjustment of child support orders. (Sec. 14761) Amends the Internal Revenue Code and SSA title IV part D with regard to enforcement of child support orders, among other changes: (1) providing for changed order of refund distribution; (2) eliminating the disparities in treatment of assigned and non-assigned arrearages; (3) consolidating and revising authorities for collecting support from Federal employees; (4) providing for laws voiding fraudulent transfers; (5) providing for procedures to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or have a plan for payment of such support; and (6) defining the term "support order." (Sec. 14763) Provides for enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 14765) Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should suspend any driver's, business, or occupational license issued to any person owing past-due child support. Requires States to have procedures under which: (1) liens arise by operation of law against real and personal property for over due support (and liens arising in other States are accorded full faith and credit); and (2) the State has authority to withhold, suspend, or restrict the use of driver's, professional and occupations, and recreational licenses of individuals owing overdue support or failing, after due notice, to comply with subpoenas or warrants relating to paternity or child support proceedings. (Sec. 14771) Amends ERISA to make a technical correction to its definition of medical child support order. (Sec. 14781) Amends SSA title IV part D to require the Administration for Children and Families to make grants to enable States to establish and administer programs to support and facilitate absent parents' access to and visitation of their children. Amends the Gramm-Rudman Hollings Act to provide for adjustments for discretionary programs resulting under this Act. (Sec. 14802) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to encourage electronic benefit transfer systems. Title XV: Veterans' Benefits and Services - Subtitle A: Administrative Reforms - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Subtitle B: Extension of Certain Veterans Programs - Extends permanently various specified veterans programs, including those providing authority for medical care cost recovery. Subtitle C: Home Loan Guarantee Program Reforms - Makes various specified changes with regard to the home loan guarantee program. Subtitle D: Medical Program Reforms - Mandates certain Department medical care system savings through establishment of a Prospective Payment System for hospital care within it. Provides for specified expenditure reductions for major construction and closure of inefficient veterans' hospitals. Subtitle E: Other Veterans Programs Reforms - Delineates modifications in other veterans' programs as well, including elimination of certain sunset dates and third-party reimbursement changes. Title XVI: Administration of Justice - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Reauthorizes and extends various specified activities and entities of the Department of Justice through FY 2000, providing for a reduction in Department overhead expenses as well. (Sec. 16011) Authorizes appropriations for the Customs and Secret Service as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms through FY 2000. Authorizes appropriations for certain defender services. (Sec. 16021) Reorganizes the U.S. Marshals Service, among other specified changes, phasing out political appointees. Subtitle B: Prison Reforms - Provides for privatization of Federal correctional institutions, and for priority payments to public safety officers under the Victims of Crime Fund. Subtitle C: Justice Assistance Program Reforms - Repeals the Legal Services Corporation Act to abolish the Legal Services Corporation, and amends other specified Federal law to eliminate the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the State Justice Institute. Increases the surcharge on debts collected by the United States. Subtitle D: Federal Bureau of Investigation Reforms - Rescinds the unobligated balance of specified funds for the Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting laboratory in West Virginia. Subtitle E: Other Justice Program Reforms - Authorizes appropriations for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Sec. 16502) Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to harbor maintenance fees. Title XVII: General Government - Subtitle A: Administrative Reforms - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of certain foreign operations activities, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Personnel Management, and various independent agencies. Terminates the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, other specified miscellaneous advisory committees, and Federal Information Centers. Subtitle B: Legislative Branch Reductions - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of the Executive Office of the President (sic). (Sec. 17102) Alters the formula for determining official mail allowances under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991, and prohibits certain mail-related fund transfers under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1993. (Sec. 17104) Provides for temporary suspension of automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Subtitle C: Executive Branch Reductions - Provides for a reduction in overhead expenses of the Executive Office of the President. (Sec. 17202) Repeals unlimited annual leave accumulation for the Senior Executive Service and limits the number of executive branch political appointees. Subtitle D: Specific Program Reforms - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a decrease in the presidential election campaign fund check-off. (Sec. 17302) Provides for a moratorium on construction and acquisition of new Federal buildings. (Sec. 17303) Terminates annual direct assistance to the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 17304) Transfers the position of Public Printer and related functions to the legislative branch and likewise switches the position of Superintendent of Documents and related functions to the Library of Congress, to be carried out by such official under the Librarian of Congress' direction. Requires Government publications to be available throughout the Government. Sets forth requirements related to department and agency inventories of Government publications and the availability of such inventory available through a certain electronic directory. Adds additional specified responsibilities for the Public Printer and Superintendent of Documents. (Sec. 17305) Repeals transitional appropriations authorizations for the Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to deferred compensation plans to treat length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers as not providing for the deferral of compensation. Specifies such volunteers as those providing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services. Exempts such deferred amounts from social security taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolition of Department of Education Title II: Education Program Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Statements of Policy Back to Basics Education Reform Act - Eliminates the Department of Education and redefines the Federal role in education. Title I: Abolition of Department of Education - Abolishes the Department of Education. (Sec. 102) Establishes (and sunsets) an Office of Economic Opportunities in the Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that the Office shall be: (1) headed by a Director for Economic Opportunities, who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (2) administered under the supervision and direction of the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Families and Children. Transfers Department of Education functions to the Office. Abolishes the Office and all of its functions upon the expiration of the authorization for the programs under its jurisdiction. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint as principal officers of the Office: (1) an Assistant Director of Childhood Schooling; and (2) an Assistant Director of Advanced Schooling. (Sec. 104) Allows the Secretary of Education to serve as Director of the Office until an individual is appointed to such position or until the end of a 120-day period, whichever is earlier. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as is necessary or appropriate, to: (1) allocate or reallocate any function of the Office among its officers; and (2) consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Office any organizational entities that were entities of the Department of Education. Prohibits transfer of any function or personnel of the Office to any agency outside of the Office. (Sec. 106) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan for winding up the affairs of the Department of Education in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 107) Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a report with recommendations for the most efficient means of achieving, in accordance with this Act: (1) the complete abolition of the Department of Education; and (2) the termination, transfer, or other continuation of functions of the Department of Education. (Sec. 110) Limits Federal expenditures in each fiscal year for the administration of a function transferred by this Act to not more than 70 percent of the total amount expended for the administration of that function during fiscal year 1995. Title II: Education Programs - Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education - Chapter 1: Elementary and Secondary Education Block Grant - Authorizes the Director of the Office to provide an elementary and secondary education block grant to the Governor of each State that complies with specified requirements. (Sec. 202) Authorizes such block grant program, and sets forth provisions for State eligibility, general State requirements, amount of State allotment, local fiscal accountability, and participation of children enrolled in private schools. (Sec. 209) Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Other Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Repeals: (1) titles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and parts B and C of title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; (4) specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act; and (5) the National Education Statistics Act of 1994. Amends ESEA provisions relating to impact aid. Requires that impact aid programs provided under title VIII of ESEA be administered by the Department of Defense through the Assistant Secretary for Force Management Policy. Provides that Indian education programs under part A of title IX of ESEA shall be administered by the Department of the Interior through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to transfer authority from the Department and Secretary of Education to the Department and Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 212) Amends IDEA definitions of excess costs and of native language. (Sec. 213) Transfers of IDEA administering authority to the Office. (Sec. 214) Revises IDEA provisions relating to outreach services for certain institutions of higher education. Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs - Chapter 1: Elimination and Reduction of Programs - Repeals the Higher Education Act of 1965, with exceptions for its short title and provisions relating to Pell Grants, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Perkins Loans, needs analysis, certain general provisions, definitions, and the program integrity triad. (Sec. 221) Provides that such repeal of HEA provisions shall not affect Federal authority to collect loans. Discontinues Federal contributions for FY 1997 or any succeeding year to student loan funds established under Perkins Loans provisions of HEA. Limits Federal funds for Howard University under specified Federal law and the Howard University Endowment Act to: (1) specified maximum amounts and uses in fiscal years through FY 2000; and (2) nothing for FY 2001 and thereafter. (Sec. 222) Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise the Federal Credit Reform Act with respect to defining the cost of a direct loan. (Sec. 223) Amends HEA to provide for the sale of Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) loan portfolios. (Sec. 224) Makes a statement of policy that the Federal student loan programs should be reviewed to evaluate whether reforms need to be made based on the principles of risk sharing, market-based orientation, privatization, and deregulation. (Sec. 225) Eliminates in-school interest subsidies under HEA guaranteed loan programs. Chapter 2: Higher Education Block Grant - Authorizes block grants to States to assist institutions of higher education to improve access to higher education and the quality of educational programs. (Sec. 232) Sets forth such block grant program provisions for distribution of funds, State assurances, use of funds, and public disclosure. (Sec. 236) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect continued funding for Gallaudet University, the American Printing House for the Blind, or the National Institute for the Deaf at FY 1995 levels through FY 2000. (Sec. 242) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) consult with the Congress before issuing regulations regarding the grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title; and (2) issue only regulations necessary for the timely distribution of such funds to the States. (Sec. 243) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a consolidated application for grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title. Requires that consolidated applications also be permitted at the local level. (Sec. 244) Limits the amount that is authorized to be appropriated for programs under chapter 2 of subtitle A, subtitle B, and chapter 1 of subtitle C to not more than the amount appropriated for such programs for FY 1995. Requires that such programs be authorized through FY 2000. (Sec. 245) Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the applicability of civil rights laws relating to any program established, transferred, or consolidated under this Act. Sets forth education-related civil rights enforcement and reporting duties of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements relating to certain references, exercise of authorities, savings provisions, transfer of assets, delegation and assignment, authority of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to functions transferred, and proposed changes in law. Title IV: Statements of Policy - Sets forth statements of policy regarding: (1) Federal education funding (review and evaluation as to the feasibility of further enhancing the ability of States and local communities to fund education by reducing the Federal tax burden and commensurately eliminating Federal Government involvement in providing grants for education programs); (2) job training programs (review and transfer all those under jurisdiction of the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and consolidate them into one or more block grants); and (3) Indian education (review programs transferred to the Department of the Interior to ensure that they benefit Native American children who live on reservations).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 - Subjects anyone who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to a fine or imprisonment for not more than two years or both. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as partial, vaginal delivery of the fetus prior to killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Permits the parents or the maternal grandparents (if the mother has not attained the age of 18 at the time of the abortion) through a civil action to obtain relief which would include money damages for all injuries and statutory damages equal to three times the cost of the partial-birth abortion, even if any party consented to an abortion. Permits the affirmative defense to a prosecution or a civil action, which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, that the physician reasonably believed: (1) the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life; and (2) no other form of abortion would have sufficed for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Federal Agency Sunset Act of 1995 - Requires congressional review of executive agencies and programs every seven years to determine if they are needed, with subsequent agency and program funding after the first review conditioned upon completion of the scheduled review.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Replaces the Department of Commerce (DOC) with the Commerce Programs Resolution Agency (CPRA), which is limited to three years to wind up and terminate the functions and obligations of the DOC before the CPRA itself is abolished. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the most efficient means of abolishing the DOC, and transferring or terminating its functions. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations, liabilities, and related rights owned by DOC under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all DOC grants made under such Act in FY 1995. (Sec. 202) Transfers all export control functions of the DOC under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to the Secretary of State, the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General. Authorizes transfer of a limited number of specified DOC special agents to the Customs Service. Abolishes the Office of Foreign Availability and the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, and provides for the appointment of an Industries Board to advise the Secretary of State. (Sec. 203) Transfers specified national security functions: (1) granted by the Trade Expansion Act to the International Trade Commission (ITC); and (2) granted by the Defense Production Act to the Secretaries of Defense and of the Treasury. Directs the President to appoint committees of industry representatives to advise the National Security Council. (Sec. 204) Transfers to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the functions of the DOC's International Trade Administration, and powers granted by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to make the Secretary of the Treasury chairman and executive officer of the Foreign Trade Zones Board. Renames the United States and Foreign Commercial Service the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service), abolishes specified functions, and transfers it to the USTR. Conveys all export promotion functions of the DOC to the USTR, authorizing the USTR to require private entities to pay for promotion services. Transfers the authority to collect and evaluate information on international investment and trade services to the Secretary of the Treasury. Abolishes the international economic policy analysis functions of the DOC. Terminates the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), and divides CITA's tasks among the USTR, the ITC, the Commercial Service, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Transfers all DOC functions under the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to the ITC. Requires the appointment of industry boards to advise the Secretary of the Treasury and the USTR regarding their new powers. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal authorities for trade adjustment assistance to firms injured by import competition. (Sec. 205) Transfers the Patent and Trademark Office to the Department of Justice, and requires that the activities of that Office be funded solely by fees. (Sec. 206) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Transfers the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the National Science Foundation, and transfers its laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. Eliminates funding for, and requires the sale of assets of, the National Technical Information Service. (Sec. 207) Transfers the Bureau of the Census to the Department of the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such Bureau should: (1) implement the Census Address List Improvement Act of 1994 in a timely fashion; and (2) streamline census questionnaires to promote savings in the collection and tabulation of data. (Sec. 208) Transfers the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Reserve System, requiring the director of that Bureau to report to the Congress on: (1) the availability of private resources capable of handling a portion or all of the Bureau's assigned tasks; and (2) the feasibility of a fee system to defray costs. (Sec. 209) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). (Sec. 210) Transfers specified functions under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. (Sec. 211) Terminates: (1) funding of specified fishery assistance programs; (2) the fisheries trade promotion program; (3) the authority to guarantee obligations for fishing vessels and facilities; (4) future compensation for damage, loss, or destruction of fishing vessels or fishing gear; and (5) funding of specified Federal fishery research projects. Eliminates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and conveys specified functions of both to the National Weather Service. Transfers the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System Data Centers in part to the CPRA to be sold, and in part to the National Weather Service. Terminates certain functions of the National Weather Service, and transfers it to the Department of the Interior. Reallocates specified functions of the National Marine Fisheries Services to the Secretary of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Agriculture. Conveys specified functions of the National Ocean Service to the United States Geological Survey and the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers certain NOAA environmental research laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. (Sec. 212) Abolishes the following DOC agencies and programs: (1) Economic Development Administration; (2) Minority Business Development Administration; (3) United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (4) National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (5) Advanced Technology Program; and (6) Manufacturing Extension Programs. (Sec. 214) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the head of each agency performing a function vested by this Act should, wherever feasible, explore and implement user fees for services provided in the performance of such function, to offset operating costs. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1994 expenditures for the performance of such function.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Advanced Medical Devices Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Permits coverage under the Medicare program of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient hospital services, even if the device is not approved, as long as it is an investigational device used instead of an approved device. States that a payment made under the Medicare program for any such item or service may not exceed the amount which would have been paid if the item or service were associated with the use of an approved device.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Small Business Tax Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow partnerships or S corporations (electing small business corporations) to elect to have a taxable year other than the required taxable year, in which case the entity shall pay estimated tax in quarterly installments (determined under one of three methods) at the applicable rate on behalf of the owners (partners or shareholders). Exempts entities with an aggregate liability of less than $5,000 from such estimated payment requirements. Imposes a penalty for underpayment of any required quarterly installment. Allows a tax credit for an owner's allocable share of estimated tax payments made by an entity. Prohibits elections of a different taxable year under existing provisions by entities whose first taxable year under such election would begin after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Sets forth the congressional budget for FY 1996, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 1997 through 2002. Sets forth recommended budgetary levels for Federal revenues, total new budget authority, total budget outlays, budget deficits, public debt, and Federal credit activity. (Sec. 3) Sets forth for each major functional category the appropriate levels of new budget authority, budget outlays, new direct loan obligations, new primary loan guarantee commitments, and new secondary loan guarantee commitments for FY 1996 through 2002. (Sec. 4) Requires House committees to submit their recommendations on the budget to the House Budget Committee which shall then report a reconciliation measure to the House of Representatives which shall carry out such recommendations without substantive revisions. (Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that legislation should be enacted that: (1) prohibits surplus social security payroll taxes from being used to balance the budget or reduce the deficit; (2) sets aside such surplus funds to protect and preserve the social security system; (3) establishes a bipartisan commission to oversee the protection of these funds; and (4) provides that social security funds that are now part of the public debt be repaid. (Sec. 6) Declares that Congress should enact a plan that balances the budget and pays off the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that economically targeted investments violate specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to a fiduciary's responsibility to serve the interests of employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries exclusively. Requires that the application of such ERISA provisions to employee benefit plan asset investments be determined without regard to a specified Department of Labor (DOL) interpretive bulletin or any other similar directive regarding economically targeted investments. Prohibits DOL officers or employees from traveling, lecturing, or otherwise expending DOL resources to promote, directly or indirectly, economically targeted investments. Amends ERISA to prohibit Federal agencies or instrumentalities from establishing or maintaining any clearinghouse or other database relating to economically targeted investments for employee benefit plans. Directs Federal agencies and instrumentalities to immediately terminate contracts or other arrangements which violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the special treatment of livestock sold or involuntarily converted on account of drought conditions also to livestock sold or converted because of flood or other weather-related conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan Privatization Act of 1995 - Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise its Federal Credit Reform Act provisions relating to budget accuracy of accounting for Federal costs associated with the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to phase-out the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSL) in a specified manner. Eliminates related requirements involving loan volume limits and administrative expenses for such program. Repeals HEA authority for such program as of the end of FY 1997. Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program - Amends HEA to revise provisions under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) relating to: (1) recovery of guaranty agency reserves; and (2) return to the Treasury of reserve funds returned or recovered by the Secretary. Terminates FDSL consolidation loan authority. Consolidates FDSL program loans under the FFEL program. Prohibits certain administrative funds from being expended to support public relations activities (by Department of Education employees or pursuant to contracts with the Department) or marketing of institutions to encourage participation in the FDSL program. Provides for sale of FDSL loan portfolios. Directs the Secretary to provide a copy of all reports and analyses prepared in connection with auctions, for purposes of such sales, to the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office and of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires all proceeds received as a result of such auctions to be returned to the Department of the Treasury after deduction of connected expenses incurred by the Department of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Citizens' Protection From Violent Crime Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set mandatory prison terms for possessing, brandishing, or discharging a firearm or destructive device during a Federal or State crime that is a serious violent felony or serious drug offense, with exceptions involving defense of person or property during the course of a crime committed by another person. Sets forth penalties for second or subsequent convictions. Bars the court from imposing probation or a concurrent term of imprisonment for offenses under this Act. Prohibits releasing any such individual for any reason during a term of imprisonment imposed under this Act. Requires the court to sentence a person convicted of transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to not less than five years in prison if the person has a prior conviction for a serious violent felony and not less than ten years in prison if the person has two such prior convictions. Makes certain serious juvenile drug offenses predicate offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Includes within the definition of "crime of violence" specified offenses relating to the possession of explosives and firearms by convicted felons. Directs the Attorney General to establish an armed violent criminal apprehension program. Declares that a person not prohibited by Federal law from receiving a firearm shall have the right to use firearms within a home in defense of self or other persons against a reasonably perceived threat of imminent and unlawful infliction of serious bodily injury. Authorizes a person whose right is violated to bring an action in U.S. district court against a person or government. Sets forth provisions regarding attorney's fees and the statute of limitations. Repeals the ban on semiautomatic firearms and on large capacity ammunition feeding devices under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in: (1) any landfill or incinerator subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the local government; and (2) landfill cells that do not meet the State's design and location standards and leachate collection and groundwater monitoring requirements for new landfills. Permits such Governors, without the request of such entities, to limit the quantity of out-of-State municipal waste received for disposal, or the disposal of such waste, at landfills covered by exceptions under this Act. Authorizes States to ban imports from large exporting States if the volumes of municipal solid waste exported by such States did not meet reduction targets. Prohibits discrimination against any particular landfill and against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. Exempts from a Governor's authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State waste: (1) landfills that received documented shipments of such waste in 1993 and are in compliance with State laws relating to design and location standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; (2) proposed landfills that, prior to January 1, 1993, received an authorization as part of a host community agreement from the affected local government to receive municipal waste generated out-of-State and a State notice of decision to grant a construction permit; or (3) incinerators that received documented shipments of such waste during 1993 and are in compliance with performance standards under the Clean Air Act and State laws relating to facility design and operations. Authorizes States to deny permits for the construction or operation of a new landfill or incinerator or a major modification of an existing landfill or incinerator if: (1) the State has approved a State or local comprehensive solid waste management plan developed under Federal or State law; and (2) the denial is based on the State's determination that there is not a local or regional need of the landfill or incinerator in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1995
Prohibits (until enactment of a law that is a successor to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990) the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Army, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from delineating wetlands to carry out subtitle C (Wetland Conservation) of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 and provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to permits for dredged or fill material.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the harbor maintenance rate of tax for 1996 through 1998. Provides further reductions after 1998, but only if the balance in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund exceeds $100 million.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995
Medical Procedures Innovation and Affordability Act - Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any invention or discovery of a technique, method, or process for performing a surgical or medical procedure, administering a surgical or medical therapy, or making a medical diagnosis. Provides that if a technique, method, or process is performed by or as a necessary component of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or improvement which is itself patentable subject matter, the patent on such machine, manufacture, or composition may claim the technique, method, or process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
Provides that, in the administration of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, minors under age 18 shall be permitted to load materials into balers or compactors that meet specified safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle A: Block Grants to States Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle C: Effective Dates Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit Title III: Repeal of Temporary Futa Surtax Employment Enhancement Reform Act - Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Block Grants to States - Establishes a block grant program to prepare individuals for employment by increasing their occupational and educational skills. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make such grants, for up to five-year periods subject to annual approval and availability of appropriations, to States to provide employment assistance to eligible individuals. Reserves funds for grants to Indian tribes and migrant and seasonal farmworker organizations. (Sec. 103) Allocates such grants to States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) unemployed in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) excess unemployed; and (3) economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Sets forth requirements for applications, use of grants, and conduct of State programs. Requires State programs to provide employment assistance to the following types of eligible individuals: (1) economically disadvantaged and 14 years or older; (2) certain types of dislocated workers; (3) individuals with disabilities; (4) Armed Forces members being separated under other than adverse conditions; (5) unemployed veterans; and (6) displaced homemakers. Requires States to: (1) profile and evaluate individuals to determine the employment assistance services to be provided; (2) notify individuals of other sources of supportive services; (3) provide appropriate employment assistance, within specified limits; (4) monitor rates of individuals successfully obtaining employment after separation from the program, according to specified criteria; and (5) establish one-stop-shop centers throughout the State for program information and profiling and evaluation. Authorizes certain discretionary activities under State programs. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to make biennial determinations of State success in placing individuals in employment. Authorizes reduction or termination of payments when a State has not been successful, and reinstatement or increase of payments when a State implements appropriate modifications of its program. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Chapter 1: Consolidation of Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to eliminate community mental health services demonstration projects for homeless individuals who are chronically mentally ill. (Sec. 112) Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to add requirements for State collaborative programs of supported employment services for individuals with the most severe disabilities, special recreation activities and services, and projects with industry. Repeals other provisions for special project grants for supported employment programs, special recreational programs, projects with industry, and supported employment services for individuals with severe disabilities. Chapter 2: Repeal of Programs - Repeals Higher Education Act of 1965 provisions for special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work. (Sec. 122) Repeals: (1) the disabled veterans outreach program and the local veterans employment representative program under Federal law relating to veterans; and (2) the homeless veterans reintegration project under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 123) Repeals: (1) the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act; (2) employment and training program provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (but allowing college students who are parents responsible for care of a dependent child under age six to be eligible for the food stamp program); and (3) the older American community service employment program under the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 124) Repeals the Job Training Partnership Act, except those provisions relating to the Job Corps. Authorizes appropriations for the Job Corps. (Sec. 125) Repeals the Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations program under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (Sec. 126) Repeals certain provisions relating to rules for computing the targeted jobs credit under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 127) Repeals the JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills training) program provisions for recipients of AFDC (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 128) Repeals: (1) the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991; and (5) the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 133) Repeals special programs relating to adult education for Indians, under the Indian Education Act of 1988. (Sec. 134) Repeals special Social Security Act provisions relating to Indian tribes and JOBS training programs. (Sec. 135) Repeals provisions for the VISTA Literacy Corps under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 136) Repeals: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment agencies); (2) the adult education for the homeless grants program and the job training for the homeless demonstration grants program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (3) the trade adjustment assistance for workers program under the Trade Act of 1974; (4) FY 1993 and 1994 authorizations of appropriations for certain grants, as well as certain technical assistance conditions, under the Homeownership and Opportunity through HOPE Act; and (5) the State legalization impact-assistance grants program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Subtitle C: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates. Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit - Amends the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require that notice of availability of the earned income tax credit be provided to applicants for and former recipients of AFDC, Medicaid, or food stamps. (Sec. 202) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to require printing of a notice of the availability of the earned income tax credit and the dependent care tax credit on W-4 forms for employee withholding exemptions. Title III: Repeal of Temporary FUTA Surtax - Repeals the temporary FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) surtax under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
ROTC Campus Access Act - Prohibits the availability of Federal funds by contract or grant to any institution of higher education that has an anti-ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) policy and at which the Secretary of Defense would otherwise seek to either establish a unit of the Senior ROTC or enroll students in such program. Requires notice of the anti-ROTC policy determination to be: (1) transmitted to the Secretary of Education and specified congressional committees; and (2) published in the Federal Register (along with a list of each institution currently ineligible for Federal funds due to such determination).
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1995
Transfers entities and functions under the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives (including the House Barber and Beauty Shops and Information Systems) and those of the Architect of the Capitol (with respect to the House) to private sector providers by the end of the 104th Congress. Amends rule VII of the Rules of the House to require a visiting chaplain designated by a Member chosen by the Speaker of the House, on a rotating basis, to attend the commencement of each day's sitting of the House and open the same with prayer. (Currently, such duty is assigned to the chaplain.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Family Reinvestment Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the retirement savings deduction and the maximum individual retirement account contribution from $2,000 to $2,500. Raises income phase-out limits. Allows such a deduction for nonemployed spouses. Provides an inflation adjustment for retirement savings deductions. Excludes from gross income qualified distributions from certain retirement plans for first-time homebuyers and higher education expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or child. Requires the repayment of such amounts with interest.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Authorizes and directs standing committees of the House of Representatives with subject matter jurisdiction over laws under which Federal agencies prescribe rules and regulations to report legislation during this congressional session which would cause those agencies to amend or repeal rules or regulations in order to: (1) reduce the cost of regulatory compliance to State and local governments and the private sector; (2) reduce or eliminate unfunded or partially funded Federal mandates; (3) streamline administrative processes; (4) require cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments; and (5) require periodic assessment of those rules and regulations. Requires the reporting of legislation to eliminate or consolidate Federal entities as well.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to increase the allowable deduction from 25 percent to 100 percent (50 percent beginning in 1997 or 1998 and 75 percent beginning in 1999 or 2000). Declares amounts paid into tax-exempt multiple employer health plans as amounts paid for medical care insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995 - Requires the military commander of the unit, facility, or area to which the following persons are assigned to conduct an investigation as to their whereabouts after receiving factual information that their status is uncertain: (1) military personnel who disappear during a period of war, national emergency, or hostilities; and (2) any civilian Federal employee (including an employee of a Federal contractor) who serves with or accompanies an armed force in the field during such a period. Requires such persons to be placed in a missing status and requires notification of such status to either the officer having general court-martial authority over the person (for military personnel) or the Secretary of the military department employing such person (for civilian and contractor employees). Requires such officials to be kept informed (specifies deadlines) as to all information and inquiries concerning efforts to locate such missing personnel. Requires such officials to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into the whereabouts and status of such persons. Provides for: (1) board composition, activities, and access to information; (2) inquiry proceedings (requiring the appointment of counsel, with specified duties, to represent the missing person); (3) a board recommendation as to the official status of a person following such an inquiry; (4) board reports to the officials involved as to board conclusions (prohibiting public availability of such reports for a one-year period); (5) report review by the official; (6) a report from such official to interested persons; and (7) an additional investigation and inquiry by an additional board upon receipt of new information within one year after the date of the first official notice of a person's disappearance. Allows interested persons (family members, dependents, next of kin) to participate at the proceedings of the board during such additional inquiry. Provides for the availability of appropriate information to board personnel conducting investigations and inquiries. Provides similar procedures for the second board with respect to meetings (open to the public, with exceptions), recommendations, reports, review by the Secretary of the military department concerned, and reports to interested persons. Directs the Secretary concerned: (1) if information becomes available on the whereabouts or status of a missing person within three years after the first official notice of the person's disappearance, to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into such information; and (2) to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the status of any missing person on or about three years after the first official notice of the disappearance of such person and not later than every three years thereafter until a total of 12 years after the first official notice. Allows certain interested persons to request the Secretary to appoint a board to review the status of a person declared dead before five years after the enactment of this Act. Limits the review subjects to those whose deaths were declared to have occurred on or after December 7, 1941. Provides for the conditions under which an appointed board may recommend that a person be declared dead. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that the personnel file of each person covered contains all information in possession of the Government relating to the disappearance and whereabouts or status of such person. Provides for judicial review of a person's declared status under this Act. Requires a person in a missing status or previously declared dead who is subsequently found alive to be paid for the full time of their absence. Requires the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment of a person in an armed force, to require such person to specify in writing the individual(s) to whom information on their whereabouts or status shall be provided in the event of an investigation under this Act. Allows for revision of such choice by the enlisting individual.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide for the retroactive award of the Navy Combat Ribbon with respect to participation in ground or surface combat during any period after July 4, 1943, and before March 1, 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995
Helium Privatization Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the Helium Operations of the Bureau of Mines.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995
Office of Surgeon General Termination Act - Transfers all authorities and personnel of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services. Rescinds all unobligated portions of budget authority allocated for the Office. Terminates the Office and the position of such Surgeon General.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995
Clean Government Resolution of 1995 - Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit Members, officers, or employees of the House from accepting a gift from anyone. (Currently, such individuals are permitted to accept gifts of $100 or less and other gifts of greater value, subject to certain conditions.) Lists exceptions to such prohibition, including: (1) gifts motivated by a personal friendship rather than the position of the Member, officer, or employee (gifts over $250 are subject to a waiver by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct); (2) items that are not used and are returned to the donor; (3) items of little intrinsic value; (4) bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death; (5) political contributions reported as required by law; (6) food, lodging, transportation, and entertainment provided on an official basis by Federal, State, and local governments; (7) informational materials sent to a Member's office; (8) nonmonetary awards, trophies, mementos, or honorary degrees; (8) consumable products provided to a Member's office by a home-State business which are primarily intended for consumption by persons other than the Member or staff; (9) awards and prizes given in events open to the public; (10) opportunities and benefits available to the public or Federal employees; (11) opportunities and benefits offered to members of a group in which membership is unrelated to congressional employment; and (12) opportunities and benefits based on outside business or employment activities when it is clear that such opportunities and benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of an individual's official status. Prohibits House Members, officers, or employees from accepting payments or reimbursements for: (1) meals or entertainment, with exceptions for meals or entertainment provided by a relative or friend or at widely attended gatherings; and (2) travel expenses from anyone (including a foreign government) other than a relative or friend. Subjects Members, officers, or employees who violate such gift restrictions to disciplinary action by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995
Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being included in either the Federal budget as submitted by the President or in the congressional budget. Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget limitation. (Sec. 3) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year: (1) the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the amount by which unfunded aviation authorizations does or does not exceed net aviation receipts; and (2) make appropriate adjustments to amounts authorized to be appropriated and the amounts available for obligation from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund based on the difference. (Sec. 4) Sets forth similar provisions with respect to the Inland Waterways and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Funds.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995
Agricultural Lands Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Food Security Act of 1985 to exempt from certain conservation requirements privately-owned crop, range, or pasture lands that have been used for crop production or livestock grazing for at least five of the preceding ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Declaration of Official Language Act of 1995 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that English is the preferred language of communication among U.S. citizens. Requires the U.S. Government to promote and support the use of English for communications among U.S. citizens. Requires communications by officers and employees of the U.S. Government with U.S. citizens to be in English. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to : (1) enforce the established English language proficiency standard for all applicants for U.S. citizenship; and (2) conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English. Allows anyone injured by a violation of such provisions to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Authorizes the court in any such action to allow a prevailing party, other than the U.S. Government, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs. Repeals the Bilingual Education Act (title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual election ballot requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Bartlett-Chapman-Stockman Assault Weapon Ban Repeal Act - Amends the Federal criminal code and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to repeal prohibitions relating to semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
A to Z Spending Cuts Plan - Reduces discretionary spending limits for FY 1995 in amounts equal to rescissions under this Act. Declares that reductions in outlays shall not be taken into account for sequestration purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Reduces discretionary spending limits for FY 1995 through 1998 by the amount of rescissions and additional savings under this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each reduction in the discretionary spending caps caused by the spending cuts of this Act shall result in reduction in future spending for that particular program only.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1995 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the deduction for individual retirement plans (IRAs). Provides a phase-up of income limits (from 1995 through 1998) with respect to the limitation on the deductibility of contributions to IRAs by active participants in employer-maintained plans. Removes the spousal rule from such limitation. Terminates income limits after December 31, 1998. Provides an inflation adjustment for deductible amounts after 1995. Allows certain spouses a full deduction for contributions to an IRA. Makes certain coins and bullion ineligible as collectible investments for purposes of distributions from an IRA. Coordinates the limit on such deduction with the elective deferral limit under other pension provisions. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus (IRA plus) accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Excludes distributions from such accounts from the gross income of the distributee, if the assets remain in such accounts for at least five years. Allows qualified transfers to be made to such accounts. Establishes penalties for early withdrawals and excess contributions. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to: (1) purchase first homes; (2) pay higher education expenses; (3) pay long-term care insurance premiums; (4) pay financially devastating medical expenses; and (5) assist certain unemployed individuals. Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to specified congressional committees on the use of qualified asset accounts. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1995
Declares that, for the purposes of any constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget, the appropriate committees of the House and the Senate shall report to their respective Houses implementing legislation to achieve a balanced budget without increasing the receipts or reducing the disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to achieve that goal.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
States Rights Empowerment Act of 1995 - Repeals provisions requiring the withholding of certain Federal aid highway funds for noncompliance by States with: (1) a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets; (2) national maximum speed limit provisions; and (3) a minimum drinking age of 21 requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the current limit amount under the special estate tax valuation rules for certain farm property and other real property.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1995
Farm Estate Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to estate tax valuation to allow a qualified heir to rent the property to a member of the heir's family on a net cash basis.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hostettler, John N. [R-IN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000807_200.jpg)