United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose Title II: Binding Budget Law Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law Subtitle B: Line Item Reduction Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited Subtitle D: "Pay-as-You-Go" Requirement for New Spending Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism Title V: Protection of Social Security Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. (Sec. 202) Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law. Repeals authority for consideration of spending bills prior to adoption of the budget resolution. (Sec. 203) Prohibits baseline budgeting. Requires objective year- to-year comparisons under budget law, with the starting point for both Presidential and congressional budgets the levels of budget outlays for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 204) Amends the CBA to establish a rainy day fund for natural disasters. Requires budget law to include a major functional category for natural disasters, under specified conditions. (Sec. 205) Amends Federal law relating to the contents of the President's annual budget submission to the Congress to require the President to submit: (1) a budget of the U.S. Government for the following fiscal period on a single page, which sets forth specific budget ceilings in each major functional category, by the first Monday in February of each year before that in which a fiscal period commences; and (2) a detailed budget for that fiscal period, on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget for the following budget period is enacted. Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Amends CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of each spending bill before being voted on by the Senate or the House. (Sec. 301) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. (Sec. 302) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to exercise line-item reduction authority if the Congress exceeds the budget ceilings in the binding budget law or an automatic continuing resolution for a fiscal period. Declares that such authority shall permit the reduction of over-budget spending in a major functional category to the level established in the binding budget law or automatic continuing resolution. Sets forth procedures for congressional introductions of line-item bills after the President transmits a special message to rescind an item of budget authority. Prohibits amendments to such bills. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." (Sec. 306) Amends CBA to require fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except Social Security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. (Sec. 307) Requires Executive agencies to adjust expenditures, including program eligibility requirements and benefit levels, to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. (Sec. 308) Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Amends CBA to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or in the Senate to waive such prohibition. Sets forth special rules in the case of legislation that exceeds a budget ceiling for the natural disaster functional category. Repeals a CBA provision for an exemption in the House from pay-as- you-go rules. Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions - Amends CBA to: (1) establish "lock-box" procedures to ensure budget savings from House and Senate amendments to appropriations bills result in actual spending cuts; (2) require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports on such procedures; and (3) mandate reduction of spending allocations to House and Senate committees and subcommittees to meet "lock-box" levels. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. (Sec. 402) Provides for contingency regulations for automatic continuing resolutions. Grants each State the option of receiving an aggregate amount for the fiscal period for social safety net programs equal to the allocation to the State for such programs in the preceding fiscal period. (Sec. 403) Restricts consideration of legislation providing budget or spending authority to only that reported by the Committees on Appropriations. Makes such restriction inapplicable in the case of Social Security benefits. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or permit reductions in otherwise payable Social Security benefits. (Sec. 502) Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Changes the definition of budget authority to exclude offsetting receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a model curriculum should be developed which is designed to educate elementary and secondary school-aged children about the famine in Ireland in the mid-19th century and its effects.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1996
Drug Importer Death Penalty Act of 1996 - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to direct the court to sentence a person convicted of bringing into the United States a proscribed quantity of a mixture or substance containing a controlled substance in an amount the Attorney General has determined is equal to 100 usual dosage amounts to life imprisonment without possibility of release (or, if the defendant has violated such provision on more than one occasion and if certain requirements under the Federal criminal code are met, to death). Makes conforming amendments to the code.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to impose penalties of a fine and up to 15 years' imprisonment (20 years' imprisonment if the victim is age 14 or under) for possession of a mixture or substance (mixture) containing a detectable amount of a controlled substance, with intent to administer such mixture to another person to facilitate a crime of violence (including a sexual assault) against that person. Enhances penalties for certain activities involving flunitrazepam under: (1) the CSA, including manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute specified quantities of flunitrazepam; and (2) the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, including possessing, manufacturing, and distributing for purposes of unlawful importation of such quantities. Directs: (1) the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines for offenses involving flunitrazepam and to ensure that such guidelines reflect the serious nature of such offenses; and (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to conduct a study on the appropriateness of rescheduling flunitrazepam as a Schedule I controlled substance. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General to create educational materials regarding the use of controlled substances in the furtherance of rapes and sexual assaults for dissemination to police departments throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1996
Bi-State Aircraft Noise Correction Act of 1996 - Declares that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should remedy the problem it has created by formulating and implementing plans to mitigate aircraft noise over certain areas of New Jersey and Staten Island. Instructs the FAA Administrator to: (1) develop and publish a plan to reduce aircraft-generated noise in New Jersey by six decibels for at least 80 percent of the people residing within 18 nautical miles of Newark International Airport; (2) investigate and test southbound departure procedures from Newark International Airport runway 22 that will result in a minimum 25 percent decrease in aircraft noise on the ground in northwestern Staten Island; (3) investigate a straight-out southbound departure from runway 22; and (4) undertake remediation efforts to mitigate aircraft noise within a specified sound level contour. Confers standing in Federal district court upon the New Jersey Citizens for Environmental Research (and a group to be designated by the Staten Island Borough President) to compel the Administrator to comply with this Act. Sets deadlines for FAA implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law to provide that any service as a Member of Congress of an individual convicted of a felony committed while a Member during the 105th Congress or later shall not be taken into account as creditable service for purposes of annuity or retirement provisions. Entitles such individual (or his or her beneficiary or estate, if applicable) to be paid so much of such individual's lump-sum credit as is attributable to such service. Prohibits: (1) the individual, while serving as a Member after the date of the conviction, from being eligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee's Retirement System; and (2) interest from being computed on such lump-sum payment for the period after the conviction or commission of the violation, or after September 26, 1961, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Restores Federal armed forces provisions relating to the status of missing persons as in effect before amendments made by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Snowbasin Ski Area Title II: Sterling Forest Title I: Snowbasin Ski Area - 2002 Winter Olympic Games Facilitation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange specified federally owned lands within the Cache National Forest in Utah for lands of approximately equal value that are owned by the Sun Valley Company and that are located within the boundaries of the Forest Sets forth provisions regarding substitution of offered lands, valuation and appraisals of exchanged lands, and other terms and conditions of the exchange. Prescribes deadlines by which the Secretary shall: (1) review (with the Company) the Phase 1 facilities (for the 2002 Olympics) to be operated on National Forest System lands retained by the Secretary under the Snowbasin Ski Area Master Development Plan dated October 1995 (Master Plan); (2) submit the reviewed Master Plan with any modifications to specified congressional committees; and (3) authorize, after a request from and in consultation with the Company, construction and operation of such facilities. Exempts all determinations, authorizations, and actions taken by the Secretary pursuant to this title regarding Phase I facilities on National Forest System lands from administrative or judicial review. Title II: Sterling Forest - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide funding to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands within the Sterling Forest Reserve. Authorizes appropriations. Bars using such funds for acquisition of any land without the owner's consent. Authorizes such Secretary to exchange unreserved unappropriated Federal lands under the Secretary's administrative jurisdiction for specified lands in Sterling Forest. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Governor of any State in which such unreserved unappropriated lands are located prior to carrying out such exchange. Requires the land acquired by the Secretary to be transferred to the Commission for inclusion within the Reserve. Requires the lands exchanged to be of equal value.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Full Cost Recovery and Market Rates Title II: Privatization of PMA and TVA Assets Power Marketing Administration Privatization and Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Full Cost Recovery and Market Rates - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and implement interim and final rates for power sales by Federal Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) designed to recover all power related operations and maintenance expenses, including project investment costs pertaining to power production. (Sec. 102) Cites conditions under which the Secretary may price power sold by PMAs at market rates if the transition to full cost recovery rates would result in rates that exceed market rates. Instructs the Secretary to establish: (1) procedures to assure that all power sold by PMAs is sold at prices set by demand and supply within the relevant bulk power supply market; and (2) bid and auction procedures to implement market-based pricing for power marketing. Grants public bodies and cooperatives rights of first refusal with respect to future Federal power allocations or reallocations. Instructs the Secretary to require each PMA to implement: (1) program management in order to assign personnel and incur expenses exclusively for authorized power marketing, reclamation, and flood control activities; and (2) annual public disclosures of PMA activities, including the full costs of power projects and power marketing programs. Limits PMA power marketing contracts five year terms. Subjects a PMA (except the Bonneville Power Administration) to the facility construction restrictions imposed by the Flood Control Act of 1944. (Sec. 103) Grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): (1) ratemaking jurisdiction over transmission service provided by the PMAs and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA); and (2) review, rejection, and revision authority over rate schedules for PMA power sales, and over rate schedule determinations made by the Secretary until a full transition is made to market-based rates for power sold by the PMAs. (Sec. 105) Makes conforming amendments to the Department of Energy Organization Act and other specified Federal law. Title II: Privatization of PMA and TVA Assets - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell the hydroelectric power generation facilities used to generate the electric power marketed by the PMAs, together with all PMA contracts, interests and obligations, and all federally-owned electric power transmission facilities operated by a PMA. Directs TVA to sell its hydroelectric power generation facilities. Prescribes guidelines for such sales. Terminates the PMAs and TVA following the sale of all facilities and assets. (Sec. 202) Confers jurisdiction upon FERC for: (1) all rates and charges established for the wholesale sale of electric power from such sold facilities; and (2) licensing the privatized facilities and operations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Aircraft Repair Station Safety Act of 1996 - Terminates the effectiveness of certain November 22, 1988, amendments to the foreign repair station rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Declares that certain standards issued by the FAA that apply to domestic repair stations shall apply in the same manner to foreign repair stations. Amends Federal aviation safety law to require the FAA Administrator to issue an order revoking a repair station certificate if it is determined that the station knowingly used an uncertified or substandard airframe, engine, propeller, appliance, or any other part in the repair or overhaul of an aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996
Demands that Syria: (1) declare its commitment to completely withdraw its armed forces from Lebanon and to set a firm timetable for such withdrawal to be completed by December 31, 1997; and (2) prevent Hizbollah and other terrorist groups from launching attacks on Israel from Lebanese areas under its occupation. Recognizes the public Israeli commitment to withdraw its armed forces from the "security zone" in southern Lebanon once security conditions permit. Declares that the Congress will not accept Syria's continued hegemony over Lebanon and rejects linking the Syrian presence there to Israeli-Syrian negotiations or to an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement. Urges the President to withhold U.S. assistance to Syria and to direct U.S. executive directors of all international financial institutions to oppose loans or assistance to Syria until Syria withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon. Calls for Syria to cooperate with ongoing international efforts to curb terrorism and holds it responsible for all terrorist acts planned, trained for, financed, or initiated in Syrian or Lebanese territories under its occupation. Calls on Lebanon to: (1) initiate negotiations with Syria for the withdrawal of Syrian armed forces from Lebanon, the disarming of all remaining nongovernment paramilitary groups, and the redeployment of Lebanese armed forces to all Lebanese areas in order to assert the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all of its territory; (2) enter into bilateral negotiations with Israel in order to agree on mutual security arrangements and realize a full and permanent peace; (3) prosecute all individuals responsible for crimes against U.S. or foreign diplomats and citizens; and (4) hold the parliamentary elections on time and take specified measures to ensure that such elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. Requires the Secretary of State to report to congressional committees on the results of the Lebanese elections and, every six months thereafter, on Syrian efforts to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Social Security Preservation Act of 1996 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance)(OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (trust funds) to ensure that the annual surplus of the trust funds is invested in: (1) marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed by the United States; or (2) certificates of deposit in insured depository institutions. Prescribes a formula for determining the annual surplus of the trust funds. Prohibits disinvestment of trust fund amounts from public debt obligations, any refraining from making such investments, or any delay in making normal deposits in such trust funds for public debt limit-related purposes. Authorizes the sale of trust fund public debt obligations for the payment of OASDI cash benefits and administrative expenses, with conditions, including notification to each House of Congress and the Comptroller General at least three days in advance of such sale.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Mail Fraud Prevention Act - Prohibits the Postal Service from accepting a change-of-address order unless appropriate photographic evidence of the addressee's identity is presented at the time of submission. Requires regulations to carry out this Act to: (1) include provisions under which this Act may be waived in the case of persons who are homebound (requires alternative measures to be implemented to carry out this Act with respect to such persons); and (2) provide for such other exclusions or modifications as the Postal Service considers appropriate, consistent with this Act's purpose and considerations of practicability.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - Declares that it should be the policy of the United States to: (1) assist the transition to full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe; and (2) work to construct a political and security relationship between an enlarged NATO and the Russian Federation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to promote security in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine: (1) the United States should support the full and active participation of these countries in activities that will qualify them for NATO membership; (2) the U.S. Government should press the European Union to admit as soon as possible any country qualifying for membership; and (3) the United States and NATO should support military and peacekeeping initiatives between and among such countries, NATO countries, and Russia. Designates Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic as eligible to receive certain assistance for transition to full membership in NATO. Requires the President to designate as eligible for such assistance other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe that meet specified criteria. Authorizes appropriations for NATO enlargement assistance. Declares that the transfer of excess defense articles to countries intending to participate in NATO (including countries of NATO's southern flank) shall be given priority, to the maximum extent feasible, over the delivery of such articles to other countries, except certain countries specified under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1995. Declares that the Congress endorses U.S. efforts to modernize the defense capability of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and any other countries the President designates under the NATO Participation Act of 1994, by exploring options for the sale or lease to such countries of weapons systems compatible with those used by NATO members, including air defense systems, advanced fighter aircraft, and telecommunications infrastructure. Amends the NATO Participation Act of 1994 to establish a presidential and congressional procedure for termination of eligibility for assistance for Partnership for Peace countries which: (1) no longer meet certain eligibility criteria; (2) are hostile to the NATO alliance; or (3) pose a national security threat to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Tax Provisions Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities Saving Our Children: The American Community Renewal Act of 1996 - Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas as RCs if: (1) the areas have pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress and meet other requirements; and (2) State and local governments agree to take actions such as tax reduction, crime reduction strategies, and reducing, repealing, or not enforcing within the area certain governmental requirements such as licensing, zoning, and permits. Sets forth special rules for empowerment zones and enterprise communities designated as RCs. Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. Allows a deduction for the purchase of RC stock. Allows a deduction to any qualified individual or other person for amounts paid in cash to a family development account for the individual's benefit. Allows family development account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes family development accounts from taxation. Requires that the individual resided in an RC and was allowed an earned income credit for the preceding taxable year. Authorizes designation of not more than 25 RCs as FDA matching demonstration areas. Mandates, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, depositing into each individual's account the amount deposited into that individual's family development account during the year. Sets the commercial revitalization credit (established below) at 20 to 50 percent of the revitalization expenditures regarding a revitalization building. Increases, for an RC business, the dollar limit on expensing certain depreciable business assets. (Sec. 105) Requires that any: (1) reduction in taxes regarding any RC be disregarded in determining the eligibility of a State or local government for, or the amount of, any assistance or benefits under any U.S. law other than the subchapter created by this title; and (2) RC be treated for all Federal law purposes as a labor surplus area. (Sec. 106) Allows a deduction for deposits to family development accounts and a credit for commercial revitalization expenditures. Title II: Additional Tax Provisions - Decreases the targeted jobs credit percentage and revises the list of targeted groups and related definitions. Renames the credit as the work opportunity credit. (Sec. 202) Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions to an organization: (1) described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations); (2) primarily assisting poor individuals; and (3) meeting other requirements, including limitations on political activity. (Sec. 203) Allows a charitable contribution deduction to an individual who does not itemize deductions. Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1996 - Requires an RC to establish and operate a Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship program to: (1) provide RC families a choice of schools; and (2) provide assistance for attending public and private elementary and secondary schools, including religious schools. (Sec. 408) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 409) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 410) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school or institution. Prohibits deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. Requires, if a State law or constitution does not allow the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. (Sec. 415) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried immediately in U.S. District Court and provides for a right of immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 417) Authorizes appropriations. Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that these provisions apply to each program under the PHSA that makes Federal awards to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization (RO) to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes ROs eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization so long as activities are implemented consistent with the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that an RO, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires an RO to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the RO. Allows an RO to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by ROs, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. Requires giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the RO has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to allow the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider the institution's ventures with any community development organization in an RC. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to waive certain human drug application or supplement fees for drugs developed in an RC.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit persons under indictment for, or convicted of, any crime involving domestic violence from owning or possessing, or engaging in other specified activities with respect to, firearms. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations providing for the effective receipt and secure storage of firearms relinquished by or seized from such persons. Exempts persons convicted of a crime of domestic violence from certain provisions regarding: (1) restoration of civil rights after a conviction; and (2) administrative relief from firearm prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
Commuter Rail Safety Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to revise hours of duty limitations for train employees to prohibit them, among other things, from remaining or going on duty: (1) after having completed a tour of duty, unless having had at least eight consecutive hours of undisturbed rest; and (2) unless such employee has received at least eight hours notice before the time for reporting for duty, except in the event of an emergency, in which case the employee may not work for more than eight hours after reporting for duty. Prohibits a railroad carrier from requiring or allowing a commuter rail train employee to operate a split shift unless it begins between 4 o'clock a.m. and 8 o'clock a.m. Prohibits a railroad carrier and a railroad carrier employer from discharging or in any way discriminating against an employee (whistleblower) who has furnished railroad accident or injury information to the railroad carrier, the Federal Railroad Administration, or other Federal or State agency. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1996
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund should submit to the Congress without further delay its annual report due on April 1, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Child Pilot Safety Act - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit a pilot in command of an aircraft from allowing an individual who does not hold a valid private pilot's certificate, and an appropriate medical certificate, to manipulate the controls of an aircraft if the pilot knows or should have known that the individual is attempting to set a record or engage in an aeronautical competition or aeronautical feat. Mandates revocation of the Federal certificate of any airman who, while acting as a pilot in command of an aircraft, permits another individual to manipulate the aircraft's controls in violation of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study of the impacts of children flying aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1996
Minimum Wage Increase Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage rate under such Act from the current $4.25 per hour to: (1) $4.75 per hour for one year beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act; and (2) $5.25 per hour after that year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Medical Device Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mission. (Sec. 3) Allows device approval applicants to declare a review impasse and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 4) Revises requirements regarding: (1) investigational devise exemptions; (2) premarket approval requirements (mandating a device review priority); (3) humanitarian device exceptions; (4) safety and effectiveness performance standards (allowing consensus standards recognition); (5) effectiveness determinations (as used in classifying devices); (6) premarket notification; (7) classification panels; and (8) premarket approval application review (allowing review by accredited persons). (Sec. 12) Mandates procedures for accrediting parties that review premarket approval applications and conduct good manufacturing practice inspections. (Sec. 13) Mandates reclassification of certain devices. (Sec. 14) Modifies requirements regarding: (1) device tracking; (2) postmarket surveillance; and (3) good manufacturing practice regulations (including foreign harmonization) and inspections (including adding references to accredited entities and post-inspection procedural requirements). (Sec. 18) Regulates the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, displays at trade shows, and other material. (Sec. 19) Removes distributors from record keeping and reporting requirements. Declares that the failure of a device to perform as labeled or in an acceptable manner does not constitute a malfunction when caused by improper servicing. Repeals user reporting requirements. (Sec. 20) Prohibits subjecting a person to penalties if the person acted in good faith and had no reason to believe the acts violated the law. (Sec. 21) Allows using monetary penalties for violation correction. Entitles violators to reasonable discovery. (Sec. 22) Mandates an information system to track the status of each submission requesting FDA action. (Sec. 23) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the FDCA from requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement or assessment. (Sec. 24) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on any statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 25) Mandates training programs for FDA employees regarding FDCA regulations and policies. Allows the FDA to conduct or contract for scientific research only if directly related to FDCA implementation. (Sec. 26) Regulates communications to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of related investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Drug and Biological Products Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and mandate an annual report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 3) Modifies new drug requirements regarding: (1) clinical investigation commencement; (2) application contents and review; (3) effectiveness determinations; (4) the use of scientific advisory panels; and (5) marketing approval application review by accredited persons. (Sec. 8) Provides for the accreditation of persons to: (1) review applications for new drugs or for certification of insulin-containing drugs; and (2) conduct good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections. (Sec. 9) Allows applicants to declare an impasse in a review or a submission for an investigational use exemption and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 10) Adds references to accredited persons to provisions relating to GMP inspections. Imposes post-inspection requirements. Deems certain chemistry, manufacturing, and controls to comply with current GMP and prohibits actions to delay or prevent the manufacture or marketing of a drug for failure to conform to GMP, subject to exception. (Sec. 12) Allows a new drug manufactured in a small facility to be used to show safety and effectiveness. (Sec. 13) Regulates changes in the manufacture of a new drug, biological product, new animal drug, blood, or blood component. (Sec. 14) Repeals provisions relating to the certification of drugs containing insulin or antibiotics. (Sec. 15) Requires that applications or petitions requesting conversion from prescription to nonprescription status and all matters relating to nonprescription drugs be reviewed by a single office in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Allows a single scientific advisory panel to provide recommendations. (Sec. 16) Mandates an applicant-accessible information system to track applications and submissions to the FDA. (Sec. 17) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment. (Sec. 18) Regulates drugs compounded by a licensed pharmacist on the order of a licensed physician. (Sec. 19) Directs the Secretary to meet with foreign countries to discuss harmonization of regulatory requirements. (Sec. 20) Controls the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and other material. (Sec. 21) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 22) Mandates training for FDA employees on regulations and policies under the FDCA. (Sec. 23) Regulates: (1) the delegation of authority under the FDCA; (2) judicial review of decisions regarding investigational new drugs and new drugs; and (3) communication to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of an investigation. (Sec. 26) Defines "biological product" and "human tissue." Declares that blood, a blood component, an organ, milk, or human tissue is not a drug. Prohibits subjecting computer software developed or modified by, or used in, a human tissue establishment to any premarket clearance requirement. Requires such software to be validated to demonstrate that it achieves its intended purpose before use and subjects it to the GMP requirements of the FDCA. Requires licenses to introduce biological products, blood, and blood components into interstate commerce. Regulates licensing. Allows regulation of human tissue only if the Secretary demonstrates that voluntary regulation is inadequate to protect the public health. Provides for such regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Amendments Title II: Animal Drugs Food Amendments and the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 - Title I: Food Amendments - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to state the mission of the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 102) Modifies requirements regarding label claims of a relationship between a nutritional ingredient and a health-related condition. (Sec. 104) Prohibits construing FDCA provisions relating to misbranding or food additives to require a separate disclosure of a method of production or an ingredient other than in the statement of ingredients, unless necessary to protect the public health. (Sec. 105) Allows certain labeling and additive (including color additive) petitions to be submitted to an accredited person and deems the person's recommendation to be a decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary makes certain findings. Provides for accreditation. (Sec. 107) Allows an additive in feed for food-producing animals, and allows approval of a new animal drug, if the additive or drug presents a small risk (currently, if the additive will not adversely affect the animals and if no residue will be found in food from the animal). (Sec. 108) Prohibits States and subdivisions from having any requirement for a human food, a drug or biological product, or a cosmetic of the type authorized or required under the adulteration, misbranding, or new drug provisions of the FDCA, subject to exception and waiver. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to regularly meet with other countries regarding reducing regulation and seeking reciprocal arrangements. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements that have not been promulgated in accordance with Federal rulemaking requirements to require any action to be taken to satisfy an FDCA requirement. (Sec. 111) Amends the FDCA and the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove or repeal provisions regulating the sale, public eating place serving, and advertising of colored oleomargarine or colored margarine. Repeals related definitions. Title II: Animal Drugs - Amends the FDCA to revise the definition (for new animal drug provisions) of "substantial evidence." Modifies requirements regarding approval of supplemental applications. Exempts use in a minor species and the minor use of a drug from provisions prohibiting approval if there is a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have its purported effect. Revises requirements regarding combination drugs. (Sec. 202) Reduces the period for approval of new animal drug applications. (Sec. 203) Empowers applicants to declare that a review impasse exists. Sets forth a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements regarding drug residues and tolerances. (Sec. 205) Regulates animal feed drugs that are limited by approved applications to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (veterinary feed directive drugs) (VFDDs). Deems animal feed with a new animal drug unsafe unless its labeling, distribution, holding, and use (currently, its labeling and use) conform to specified FDCA requirements. Allows withdrawal of approval for certain VFDD recordkeeping violations. Adds to the prohibited acts list the refusal to permit record access as required by VFDD provisions and the failure to maintain records or make reports as required by VFDD provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Government Accountability Act of 1996 - Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding fraud and false statements to impose penalties upon whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the U.S. Government, knowingly and willfully: (1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; (2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or (3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry. Makes such provision inapplicable to a party to a judicial proceeding, or that party's counsel, for statements, representations, writings, or documents submitted by such party or counsel to a judge in that proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Port Revitalization Act of 1996 - Provides that the cost of providing land-based and confined aquatic dredged material disposal facilities (facilities) associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of any Federal navigation project for any harbor or other federally maintained waterway shall be considered a general navigation feature (thereby allowing the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to be used to cover such dredging and disposal activities). Provides for the determination of the Federal share of the costs of operation and maintenance (O&M) of such disposal facilities, as well as eligible O&M costs related to such facilities. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds until the Secretary of the Army determines that such funds are not otherwise required to cover other eligible O&M costs assigned to commercial navigation. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a non-Federal project sponsor, to provide additional capacity at a facility constructed by the Army beyond that which would be required for project purposes if the non-Federal sponsor agrees to pay all costs associated with the construction of the additional capacity. Allows such costs to be recovered through the assessment of user fees from third parties whose dredged materials are deposited in such facilities and who enter into agreements for the use of such facilities. Requires all user fees collected to be used by the Secretary for O&M costs associated with the facility. Authorizes the Secretary to participate in the construction and use of facilities developed by non-Federal interests if such facilities are necessary to the construction or O&M of a Federal navigation project. Authorizes the Secretary to pay disposal fees associated with the use of such facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to use management techniques to extend the useful life of all land-based and confined dredged material disposal facilities constructed and managed by the Secretary after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower, effective on January 1, 1997, the tax imposed on the use of any U.S. port to 0.085 (currently, 0.125) percent of the value of the commercial cargo involved. Directs the Secretary, in each calendar year, to conduct an assessment of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to determine whether such tax should be reduced or increased to ensure that such Fund remains at a sufficient level to pay the eligible O&M costs under this Act and the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on such determination. (Sec. 5) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to add as a purpose of a pilot project under such Act the development of one or more sediment decontamination technologies on a pilot scale demonstrating a capacity of at least 500,000 cubic yards per year. Extends permanently the authorization of appropriations for such pilot project. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report annually to the Congress on the results of the project, including the development of decontamination technologies. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain a dredged material containment facility for the Port of New York-New Jersey substantially in accordance with a final report of the Army Chief of Engineers. Requires the Secretary to maintain the facility for the public benefit after it has been filled to capacity with dredged material.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1996 - Directs the President to impose certain economic sanctions against persons who with actual knowledge or reason to know: (1) export certain petroleum and natural gas-related goods or technology that would significantly and materially enhance Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; or (2) make an investment of $40 million or more in any 12-month period that directly contributes to Iran's development of such resources. Specifies exceptions to trade sanctions, among other things for certain defense-related articles or services essential to U.S. national security. Prohibits with respect to any sanctioned person: (1) extension of Export-Import Bank assistance; (2) licenses or permits for the exportation of goods or technology; (3) importation into the United States of products produced by such person; and (4) loans from U.S. financial institutions. Specifies sanctions against financial institutions. Authorizes the Secretary of State upon request to issue an advisory opinion to any person as to whether a proposed activity would be subject to sanctions. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or ballistic missiles and missile launch technology; and (2) been removed from the list of countries determined, under the Export Administration Act of 1979, to have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to persuade other countries to: (1) pressure Iran to cease its weapons of mass destruction programs and support of international terrorism; and (2) ask Iran to reduce the presence of Iranian diplomats and other personnel and withdraw any of them who participated in the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. Requires the President to ensure continued reports to the Congress on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support for acts of international terrorism. Applies the sanctions required under this Act to persons making investments for the development of petroleum resources in Libya. Declares that determinations to impose sanctions under this Act are not reviewable in any court.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Condemns: (1) the visit of Louis Farrakhan to Libya, Iran, and Iraq; and (2) his statements made during those visits which support the governments of these countries (all of which have been designated by the Secretary of State as state sponsors of terrorism). Calls upon the President to direct appropriate Government agencies to determine if Farrakhan violated any Federal laws by such visits or by actions resulting from agreements or understandings reached during these visits and to vigorously prosecute any such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Alu-O'Hara Public Safety Officers Health Benefits Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require a 33 percent reduction in Federal assistance to a State under the justice system improvement grant program unless public safety officers who retire as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty continue to receive at least the same level of health insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1996
International Dolphin Protection and Consumer Information Act of 1995 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow authorizations for the incidental taking of marine mammals during commercial yellowfin tuna fishing. Removes provisions requiring that, for purse seine yellowfin fishing, the goal of reducing incidental kill or serious injury to insignificant levels approaching zero be satisfied by the best safety techniques and equipment economically and technologically practicable. Modifies requirements regarding export by another nation to the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested with purse seine nets in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Exempts a U.S. citizen from the Act in specified circumstances. Changes requirements regarding the issuance of general permits for the taking of marine mammals. Amends the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act regarding the circumstances in which tuna products may be labeled "Dolphin Safe," including allowing such labeling if (among other qualifying circumstances), with regard to harvesting outside the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the vessel's captain (or in certain circumstances the captain and an observer) state that no purse seine net was intentionally deployed on or to encircle dolphins during the voyage. Mandates implementing regulations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to declare that it is U.S. policy to support the International Dolphin Conservation Program and to ensure that the U.S. market does not act as an incentive to tuna harvesting that is not in compliance with the Program. Mandates regulations to authorize and govern the incidental taking of marine mammals in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Authorizes emergency regulations in certain circumstances. Authorizes undertaking or supporting scientific research to further the Program's goals. Mandates specified other research. Authorizes appropriations for the mandated research. Repeals existing research program provisions. Repeals provisions relating to bans on imports from countries failing to implement a moratorium on purse seine harvesting of tuna. Replaces provisions concerning permits for taking dolphins with provisions mandating issuance of a permit to a U.S. vessel authorizing participation in the Program. Prohibits U.S. vessels from encircling dolphins with purse seine nets while fishing for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean without such a permit. Authorizes permit sanctions for violations of prohibited acts provisions of the Act. Modifies the list of prohibited acts. (Sec. 6) Amends the Tuna Conventions Act to modify the composition of the U.S. representation on the International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Modifies requirements regarding a related advisory committee.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1996
Prohibits the President, Vice-President, members of the President's Cabinet, and Members of Congress from receiving: (1) basic pay for any period in which there is a lapse in pay for Federal employees because of a lack of appropriations; or (2) such withheld pay until legislation is enacted restoring pay for all Federal employees for such period.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to transfer the Eastern Regional field office of the FAA to a municipality in Union County, New Jersey, with a population of under 55,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1995
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that: (1) in any case during FY 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for programs, projects, and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, payments of existing veterans' benefits and payments to contractors of the Veterans Health Administration for patient health and safety services are still made; and (2) in any case during FY 1996 in which certain Government functions are delayed, deferred, or canceled due to a limitation on the ability to borrow funds, payments of existing veterans' benefits are still made.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1995
Youth Development Community Block Grant Act of 1995 - Establishes a youth development block grant program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Sets forth formulae for allocation of funds to States for distribution to local boards for community-based youth development services. Sets forth requirements relating to distribution: (1) of State allotments; (2) of local allocations; (3) to other entities (Native American, including Native Hawaiian, organizations); and (4) to grant recipients. Provides for reallotments and reallocations. (Sec. 11) Requires establishment of county or multicounty Community Youth Development Boards to receive such assistance and make grants for youth development programs. Requires such Boards to submit community strategic plans and to carry out certain monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and reporting activities. (Sec. 13) Requires, as a condition for any entity within a State to receive such assistance, establishment or designation of a State entity to receive youth development input, review community youth development plans, monitor operations of community boards, provide technical assistance in developing and implementing community plans, and provide annual reports and audits. (Sec. 14) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish and implement a mechanism to receive youth development advice and input; (2) develop and issue national policy goals and a national strategic plan for youth development; (3) establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded under this Act; (4) coordinate programs funded under this Act with other Federal programs serving youth and families; and (5) establish a system for providing training and technical assistance to States and local communities to increase their capacity to provide quality youth development services. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to provide financial assistance to appropriate entities to carry out time-limited, research-based youth development demonstration programs designed to improve the knowledge base of the youth development and youth prevention fields. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) report biennially to the President and the Congress; and (2) correct instances of noncompliance by providing training and technical assistance first and then, if necessary, terminating funding. (Sec. 15) Repeals specified provisions under: (1) certain Federal law relating to the Local Partnership Act; (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 relating to crime prevention programs and to urban recreation and at-risk youth; (3) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) relating to school dropout demonstration assistance and to drug free schools and communities; (4) the Public Health Service Act relating to grants for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among high-risk youth; (5) the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 relating to gang-free schools and communities, to mentoring, and to local delinquency programs; (6) the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to demonstration partnership agreements; (7) the Community Services Block Grant Act relating to the National Youth Sports Program; and (8) the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 relating to drug abuse prevention relating to youth gangs and runaway and homeless youth. (Sec. 17) Provides for transfer of a limited amount of funds from such repealed programs to the program under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Provides that any individual who performs Operation Joint Endeavor services (United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina) shall be entitled to the same tax benefits under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are provided to U.S. military personnel who perform service in an area designated by the President as a combat zone. Makes this Act effective for periods beginning on or after December 4, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Sterling Forest Title II: Disposal of Lands in Oklahoma Title III: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Federal Lands Prioritization Act of 1995 - Mandates establishment of a special account in the Treasury for the acquisition of lands under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Sterling Forest - Sterling Forest Reserve Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the Sterling Forest Reserve in New York State on certification that the Palisades Interstate Park Commission has acquired all 17,500 acres of the Sterling Forest property. Title II: Disposal of Lands in Oklahoma - Mandates the offering for sale to the public at fair market value portions of the Cibola National Forest described as the Black Kettle National Grasslands and the Rita Blanca National Grasslands, Oklahoma. Requires that: (1) any sale proceeds be deposited in the account established under this Act; (2) the sale not be subject to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949; and (3) the purchaser agree to a 20-year public access easement for hunting and fishing. Mandates, on request of the State of Oklahoma, the transfer without consideration to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation of Skipout Lake, Dead Indian Lake, and Spring Creek Lake in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma. Deauthorizes the project for flood control, Optima Lake, North Canadian River Basin, Oklahoma, previously authorized by a specified Act. Mandates transfer to Oklahoma without consideration of real property generally depicted on a specified map as the Optima Lake Public Hunting Area. Title III: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site - Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1995 - Establishes the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Oklahoma. Authorizes: (1) cooperative agreements with the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe to further the purposes of this title; and (2) acquisition, within the boundaries of the site, of lands by donation, purchase, or exchange. Mandates a general management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Water Supply Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for establishing water supply infrastructure accounts in State water pollution control revolving loan fund programs to provide assistance for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply systems. Sets forth specific requirements for grant agreements. Applies certain provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act regarding authorized uses of water pollution control revolving funds, corrective action, and auditing, reporting, and fiscal controls to water supply construction accounts. Sets forth amounts to be allotted to States and U.S. territories. Reserves a specified amount for grants to Indian tribes. Directs the Administrator to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) an estimate of the cost of needed construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply systems in all States; and (2) a study of the economic impact on affected units of government of the cost of installation of water supply systems. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a recipient of assistance under this Act should purchase American-made equipment and products. Directs the Administrator to provide to each recipient of assistance a notice describing such sense of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Restoration of Natural Resources Laws on the Public Lands Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to repeal the emergency salvage timber sale program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to suspend respective activities until they have determined that any such activity complies with applicable environmental and natural resource laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Tax Incentives Title II: Regulatory Flexibility Title III: Resident Management and Homeownership Incentives Enhanced Enterprise Zones Act of 1995 - Title I: Federal Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any qualified capital gain recognized on the sale or exchange of a qualified zone asset held for more than five years. Includes as a zone asset: (1) stock in an enterprise zone business; (2) business property used in an empowerment zone or enterprise community; or (3) a partnership interest in an enterprize zone business. Allows a taxpayer to elect to deduct the amount paid for the purchase of enterprise zone stock. (Sec. 102) Allows a credit for a portion of qualified rehabilitation expenditures for buildings meeting certain requirements, including being in an empowerment zone or enterprise community. Title II: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law relating to Government organization and employees to modify the definition of "small entity" (for purposes of provisions concerning the analysis of regulatory functions) with regard to enterprise zone businesses, governmental units that nominate areas as empowerment zones or enterprise communities, and certain not-for-profit enterprises operating in such zones or communities. (Sec. 202) Authorizes an agency to waive or modify rules as the rules pertain to activities in such zones or communities. Title III: Resident Management and Homeownership Incentives - Amends Federal law to authorize grants to nonprofit organizations for: (1) enterprise zone homeownership opportunity programs to promote homeownership in enterprise zones; and (2) the development of resident management corporations in enterprise zones. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Domestic Violence Community Response Team Act of 1995 - Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to award: (1) grants of up to $500,000 each for community response teams to help prevent domestic violence; and (2) award a contract to an eligible entity to serve as a technical assistance center. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations. Reduces appropriations authorized for the Energy Information Administration. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress whether it would be practicable for the Administration to provide for some or all its funding by imposing a charge for services or materials that it provides to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Atlantic Striped Bass Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to authorize the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to prepare and submit a fishery management plan governing fishing for Atlantic striped bass in the exclusive economic zone in the Council's area. Declares that the prohibitions relating to such bass under specified Federal regulations shall be in effect until the later of: (1) January 1, 2001; or (2) the date on which such a plan takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. travel and tourism. Establishes the National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal non-profit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy. Directs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to: (1) place priority on implementing recommendations by the National Tourism Board; and (2) cooperate with the National Tourism Organization. Authorizes the President to transfer up to 25 staff members of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration to the Foreign Service or the Commercial Service for two years to assist the Organization in its start-up activities. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee's (TPCC) Federal trade promotion plan to reflect, among other things, recommendations by the National Tourism Board. Makes the President of the National Tourism Organization a member of the TPCC.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to designate a specified portion (but not less than $1) of any income tax overpayment and any cash contributions to be used for the benefit of units of the National Park System. Establishes a National Parks Trust Fund into which appropriated or credited amounts are received. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay, not less often than quarterly, specified expenditures from the Trust Fund to the Director of the National Park Service. Requires that expenditures from such Fund be used only for operations, maintenance, and construction within the units of the National Park System. Prohibits the use of such expenditures for the purposes of land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service Title III: Transfers of Functions and Offices Title IV: Administrative Provisions Subtitle A: Personnel Provisions Subtitle B: General Administrative Provisions Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions Statistical Consolidation Act of 1995 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth congressional findings and expresses the sense of the Congress with regard to the Chief Statistician of the Office of Management and Budget, confidentiality provisions of statistical agencies, and budget and functions of the Bureau of the Census relating to decennial population censuses. Title II: Establishment of the Federal Statistical Service - Establishes an independent Federal Statistical Service (FSS) in the executive branch, headed by an Administrator, and made up of the Bureaus transferred to it by title III. Establishes within the FSS the Federal Council on Statistical Policy, which shall: (1) serve as an advisory body to the Chief Statistician on confidentiality issues; (2) set forth a Governmentwide statistical policy; and (3) study and report to the Congress on certain economic- and census-related matters. Title III: Transfers of Functions and Offices - Transfers the following entities to the Service along with all of their functions and offices: (1) the Bureau of Census of the Department of Commerce; (2) the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce; and (3) the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Subtitle A: Personnel Provisions - Specifies authorities with respect to Service officers and employees, experts and consultants, and acceptance of voluntary services. Subtitle B: General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth general administrative authorities pertaining to various specified Service matters. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth transitional, savings, conforming, and other specified miscellaneous provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Amends Federal employment provisions to provide veterans' hiring preference status to members of the armed forces who served on active duty in connection with Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm, whether or not such service took place in the Persian Gulf theater of operations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Designates the Federal Triangle Project under construction at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, in the District of Columbia, as the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
![Official portrait of Rep. Martini, William J. [R-NJ-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000207_200.jpg)